June 2022 Shop & Product Showcase

E

SHOP AND PRODUCT

SHOWCASE TOOLS l TECHNIQUES l TESTIMONIALS

AkzoNobel 2-3

Dave Mungenast Collision Assistance Center St. Louis, MO

Anest Iwata USA 4-5 Valhalla Restoration & Fabrication Port Murray, NJ

asTech 6-7

Tom Wood Collision Indianapolis, IN

Autel 8-9

Alpha Collision & Car Care Garden City, NY

Axalta Coating 10-11 Systems Kendrick Paint & Body Augusta, GA

June 2022 l autobodynews.com

CCC Intelligent 14-15 Solutions

Industrial 24-25 Finishes & Systems

Plymouth, MA

Victorville, CA

Cape Auto Body

Valley Collision Center

Equalizer 16-17

Launch Tech USA 26-27

Queen Creek, AZ

Modesto, CA

Moreno Auto Glass

The Calibration Station

Goliath Carts 18-19 Painters Collision Centers Queen Creek, AZ

LKQ 28-29 Corporation

Auto Collision Experts Palestine, TX

Hunter 20-21 Engineering

Thomas E. Brown Auto Body Werks Mechanicsburg, PA

Szott M-59 Collision Centers

Frank's Collision Repair Greater Houston, TX

White Lake & Waterford, MI

Fix Auto Santee Santee, CA

Blowtherm 12-13 USA

553 Auto Body & Collision/ Super Car Restoration Penn Run, PA

Sherwin- 36-37 Williams Top Shop Collision Tonawanda, NY

Spanesi 38-39 Americas Coach Works

PPG 30-31

Pro Spot 32-33

I-CAR 22-23

SATA Dan-Am 34-35 Company

Mesa, AZ

USI of North 40-41 America

Best Management Services Englewood, NJ

Valspar 42-43 Collision Pros.

Norton, OH

Monroe’s Collision Center, Inc. Portsmouth, Chillicothe & Jackson, OH

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2 June 2022 Autobody News / SHOP AND PRODUCT SHOWCASE

AkzoNobel’s Autowave Waterborne Produces Pristine Results for Dave Mungenast Collision Dave Mungenast Collision Assistance Center

by Autobody News Staff

When you fix 175 to 180 vehicles every month, your paint department does not have the luxury of making mistakes, because comebacks can cripple you.

Years ago, the average consumer didn’t know the difference between solvent and waterborne.

But now customers are savvier, and many know about waterborne products, like the Sikkens Autowave waterborne system by AkzoNobel. They’re aware of the fact their car was originally painted with a waterborne product and it’s better than solvent for the environment.

Manager Thor Burner at Dave Mungenast Collision Assistance Center is a former Platinum I-CAR technician who loves working for Dave Mungenast Jr., the shop’s owner.

“He has a passion for this industry, and it rubs off on all of us here,” Burner said. “I left here and worked for other shops over the years, but I always returned because I want to work for a company that cares about the customers and its employees.”

Burner has always known he is only as good as the professionals he works with, and ongoing education and training is paramount.

“I was a tech for 25 years before entering management, so I know what my people are thinking and what keeps them motivated,” he said. “I want to know the most that I can in this industry, so that I can be as effective as possible.

That’s why imparting my knowledge is a big deal. Proactively mentoring our junior techs is a priority here and everyone is willing to help, which is ideal.”

The Mungenast Automotive Family opened its first dealership in 1965, when the most popular cars on the market were Chevy Impalas and Ford Mustangs. To expand its service portfolio, in 1966, the company opened the Mungenast Automotive Family Collision Assistance Centers as a joint effort with Wayne’s Auto Body.

In 1999, the Mungenast Automotive Family acquired Wayne’s Auto Body, and changed its name to Dave Mungenast Collision Assistance Center. They built a cutting-edge 25,000-square foot facility that features all new tools and equipment, high-tech lighting and

Location: St. Louis, MO (314) 743-3998 www.davemungenastcollision.com Company At A Glance...

Type: Collision Repair Facility Employees: 26 In Business Since: 1966 Number of Locations: One Production Space: 25,000 square feet Dave Mungenast Collision Assistance Center exceeds its customers’ expectations and AkzoNobel plays an integral role.

four paint booths. Burner’s paint crew consists of three painters and two helpers who are busy as soon as they hit the shop floor every weekday.

Fourteen years ago, while most of their competitors were still spraying solvent, Dave Mungenast Collision Assistance Center switched to the Sikkens Autowave waterborne system by AkzoNobel, a product that’s been praised for its coverage and sprayability, and lauded worldwide for its capacity to create breathtaking finishes.

“We wanted to be greener, and get a better finished product while cutting down on waste, and we have achieved all of these things with Sikkens Autowave waterborne system by AkzoNobel,” Burner said.

For highly precise color matches, the paint crew at Dave Mungenast Collision Assistance Center uses MIXIT, a digital color matching tool made by AkzoNobel.

“We are saving a ton of time because we can dial these colors in quickly and the accuracy is incredible,” Burner said. “There are certain colors like Pearl White that will always require a little extra work to get them dead-on, but by using MIXIT, our lives have been a lot easier.”

With the high average humidity in Missouri at around 70% to 80% every day, Burner and his paint crew need to focus intently on curing every vehicle thoroughly and within a reasonable amount of time, he said.

“Yes, it’s a challenge at times, but we’re able to dry them using a flash cycle and by applying the

techniques AkzoNobel taught us during their training,” he said.

“This product covers better, which means we use less of it on each car, which also makes the curing process easier.”

The training offered by AkzoNobel is world-class, Burner said, and every one of his paint crew has benefitted by accessing it.

“Dave Mungenast Jr. shares my passion for training, so we never hesitate to pursue it, and that is why we’ve sent our painters to AkzoNobel’s training centers in Chicago and Dallas. They come back excited and ready to use the skills they learn from the experts at AkzoNobel.”

Being a member of AkzoNobel’s shop community has also helped Burner on many levels.

“I’m in a 20 group and I think I am the only person who is not a shop owner,” he said.

“Most of these people are highly successful individuals with tons of experience, and by tapping into their knowledge, it’s invaluable.”

Top-notch customer support from both his AkzoNobel rep and his jobber have also enabled Burner and his crew to produce exemplary results.

“Our AkzoNobel Account Manager Scott Ahlemeyer is amazing and we also get excellent support from our jobber, Performance Auto Color in Fenton, MO, and its owner, Larry Kelso,” he said. “If we have any questions or need some product quickly to finish a job, we never have to worry, because we know they’ll always come through for us.”

The painters at Dave Mungenast Collision Assistance Center get precise color matches using the AkzoNobel MIXIT colormatching system.

They love spraying an exceptional product like Sikkens Autowave as they paint 175-180 vehicles every month.

AkzoNobel 1845 Maxwell Drive Troy, MI 48084 www.akzonobel.com Facebook: @AkzoNobelVRNA Twitter: @AkzoNobel_AACNA Instagram: @akzonobelrefinish YouTube: @AkzoNobel Refinish

SHOP AND PRODUCT SHOWCASE / Autobody News June 2022 3

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4 June 2022 Autobody News / SHOP AND PRODUCT SHOWCASE

Head Painter Uses ANEST IWATA Spray Guns to Bring Customers’ Visions to Life Valhalla Restoration & Fabrication

by Autobody News Staff

Juan “Munch” Gonzalez has been the head painter at Valhalla Restoration & Fabrication in Port Murray, NJ, for 10 years.

“It’s fun,” Gonzalez said.

“There are days where it’s work, but there are a lot of good days where you feel accomplished when it’s done.”

Valhalla is a nearly full-service automotive restoration shop – they do everything in-house other than upholstery – with a team of five, creating custom works of art out of everything from classic restorations to muscle cars.

“These are cars that have sentimental value,” Gonzalez said. “Childhood car, first car, father’s car. We build a relationship with the customer, build a bond and a connection. I still talk to some whose cars I did 10 years ago.”

Gonzalez, 46, got into the industry as a teenager, hanging around family members who did “anything automotive.”

“I love cars, so that was really the push point,” he said.

When he was 17, he got his first job in a shop, sweeping floors and prepping parts. That was also where he started learning how to paint cars.

A couple of years later, he got a job at a more extensive shop. After his boss got into an accident, Gonzalez had to step up and paint.

“I messed up a lot of cars,” he said with a laugh. “It wasn’t easy, but I could see the progression. It taught me a lot.”

Soon, he met a mentor, who started teaching him the art of restoration work.

“He taught me graphics,” Gonzalez said. “We would work on cars at night.”

Through his mentor, he met AJ Biancone, who was just getting started in the restoration industry. Biancone was opening Valhalla Restoration & Fabrication, but he didn’t have a painter yet. He hired Gonzalez.

“It’s a lot more challenging,” Gonzalez said of working in cus-

Location: Port Murray, NJ (908) 223-1136 www.valhallakustom.com

Juan “Munch” Gonzalez, head painter at Valhalla Restoration & Fabrication in Port Murray, NJ, exclusively uses ANEST IWATA spray guns.

tom restorations as opposed to the dealership and mom-andpop collision repair shops where he worked before. “Every car is different, with a different line and flow to it.”

Instead of just painting a single body panel to match the rest of a car, “we’re full-on doing a whole job, which makes it a lot more entertaining.”

Gonzalez said Valhalla Restoration & Fabrication typically delivers four to six restored cars per year. Some of the cars that come in can need up to three years to complete, depending on the car’s condition and what the customer wants to do.

There can be as many as 12 vehicles in the shop at once since some are there for smaller mechanical jobs.

While custom paint jobs let Gonzalez be more creative – he shows off his work on Facebook and Instagram under the handle @Juanmunchgonzalez—they also come with a higher level of expectations from the customer.

Gonzalez has relied on ANEST IWATA spray guns and equipment to meet and even exceed customer expectations since he was introduced to the company’s products about six years ago by airbrush artist and friend Javier Soto.

“Once I dialed those guns in, it was like, ‘Woah, this is incredible,’” he said. “All my guns are ANEST IWATA now. From primer to base coats to clear. I got rid of everything else I had.”

Gonzalez said he particularly likes the WS and LS Supernovas and LPH-80 for graphics jobs, praising the guns’ transfer rates.

“Our production rate has gotten so much better because clear coats and base coats lay down so much smoother,” Gonzalez said. “We can make the job look extremely good with a lot less buffing, sanding and polishing at the end.”

Gonzalez appreciates the guns’ superior atomization.

“You don’t lose a lot of material in the air,” he said.

He said the guns are also comfortable, and the service from his ANEST IWATA representative is fantastic.

The guns are so well built, Gonzalez said, he has only had one break after a drop, but all it took was a quick call to ANEST IWATA to find how to fix it and get parts to the shop.

“It’s very rare that I’m fixing a gun,” Gonzalez said. “Just the one gun in six years and it was my fault. When you’re in a rush, sometimes you drop things.”

In addition to the spray guns, Gonzalez also uses ANEST IWATA’s spray suits, which he said are breathable and comfortable, and Multi Sprayer, which has metal internals and is “practically bulletproof,” allowing him to use gun cleaners and other harsh chemicals.

“There’s nothing I don’t like,” Gonzalez said. “I’ve stuck to all ANEST IWATA. If it’s working great, why change it?”

Company At A Glance...

Type: Automotive Restoration Facility Employees: Five In Business Since: 2010 Number of Locations: One Production Space: 11,000 square feet

Gonzalez said his ANEST IWATA guns lay down base and clear coats so smoothly, it takes less sanding, buffing and polishing to make a paint job gleam.

Valhalla Restoration & Fabrication has been bringing to life everything from classic restorations to muscle cars since 2010.

ANEST IWATA USA, Inc. 10148 Commerce Park Drive Cincinnati, OH 25246 (513) 755-3100 www.anestiwata.com Facebook: @AnestIwataUSA Twitter: @anestiwatausa Instagram: @anest_iwata LinkedIn: @anest-iwata YouTube: @Anest Iwata USA Inc

SHOP AND PRODUCT SHOWCASE / Autobody News June 2022 5

Complex repairs, simplified.

Perform remote OEM & local OEM compatible scans from one device Identify and perform ADAS calibrations with confidence End-to-end support from 400+ ASE and I-CAR certified technicians Seamless integration with leading estimate providers (Now including CCC® and Mitchell) Streamline your workflow with cost-effective repairs and shortened repair time

Learn more at www.astech.com Copyright © 2022 Repairify, Inc. All rights reserved. asTech is a registered trademark of Repairify, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

The powerful all-in-one solution for all your scanning, diagnostic, and calibration needs.

6 June 2022 Autobody News / SHOP AND PRODUCT SHOWCASE

asTech Helps Collision Centers Keep Repairs Under One Roof, Never Leaving Home Tom Wood Collision

by Autobody News Staff

General Manager Jon McCord at Tom Wood Collision doesn’t have to rely on scheduling with service centers for diagnosis and calibration, because Tom Wood IS the calibration center.

Breaking the chains of current industry practices, McCord’s team partnered with asTech, a Repairify company that delivers on all vehicle diagnostic and calibration needs. asTech’s ability to perform pre/post scans and calibrations is key to efficiency in daily practices.

Tom Wood Collision is definitely all-in when it comes to asTech, converting part of its office space into dedicated calibration bays including an alignment rack.

The asTech team solidifies the relationship by providing a calibration tech and a diagnostic coordinator on-site full time.

McCord began in the collision repair industry like many others, with a broom in his hand at a fourshop MSO in Indiana. Taking out the trash and moving vehicles, McCord absorbed as much knowledge as he could from the people around him.

Fortunately, McCord’s mentors carved a path to success with his training by having him experience every aspect of the shop.

“It was a great experience. I became acclimated to the shop environment, learning the opportunities and deciding my path,” McCord said. “So, I became an estimator and began working my way to being a GM of a facility for the Indiana MSO. By getting a taste of everything, I was able to see the big picture, which helped me to be successful while wearing multiple hats.”

Some of the other hats McCord has donned during his career include a licensed insurance appraiser, managing a claims service center for a major insurance company, managing production for a large dealer owned collision center, GM of two locations for a major MSO, sales manager for a national paint distributor, and regional manager for a major MSO. As a result, McCord accepted a top-level management position at the Tom Wood Dealership Group with open arms, known for supporting 13 dealerships with one collision center.

Repairing 350 to 450 vehicles monthly might be daunting for

Location: Indianapolis, IN (317) 848-6707 www.tomwoodcollision.com

Tom Wood Collision’s relationship with asTech includes amazing product support coupled with the services of a calibration tech and a diagnostics coordinator.

some, but McCord has been there and done it all during his three-decade career, so he isn’t easily discouraged or surprised by much.

The fact he and his crew use asTech for their diagnostics makes everyone’s lives much easier.

Relying on scheduling diagnostics with a third-party can be a recipe for disaster, allowing outside influences to negatively impact the cycle time and the customer experience.

“Once a vehicle leaves your facility, you lose control of the process,” McCord said. “You’re at their mercy and if they’re busy, you wait. With our workload, delays can kill you, so keeping everything in-house is imperative.” Customer updates become challenging and disappointing when using a third party.

To accommodate its ever-increasing need for vehicle calibrations, Tom Wood Collision created its very own ADAS Center, 100% dedicated to performing pre/postscans and calibrations with two asTech technicians on-site during business hours. It was a major remodel to build this department, with asTech the star of the show, McCord said.

“We saw a need and a solution and put it together. It was a significant investment, but worth every penny. Our volume made this a no-brainer and it’s proven to be a triple win, with our customers, crew and insurance partners benefitting from our ADAS Center.”

With so many certifications on its masthead, Tom Wood Collision relies on asTech for the latest OE updates—including Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Volvo, Tesla, Porsche, Audi, Lexus, VW, Subaru, Honda, Kia, Hyundai and FCA.

“asTech has the targets and software for all these makes, with all of the proper OE equipment,” McCord said. “If we had to purchase them, it would be a huge expense. With asTech, we have access to everything we need and when the data changes, they’re right there to stay up to date.”

Another advantage of working with asTech is the support and guidance of fully-dedicated and highly knowledgeable Market Area Manager Larry Mulka.

“Larry is fantastic,” McCord said. “He’s extremely responsive and forward-thinking. We have a unique relationship with asTech and it has worked out very well. At all times, we have two calibration techs here, fully-trained and ready to perform. If one can’t be here for whatever reason, which is rare, they have backups to fill the void.”

By having two asTech employees working at Tom Wood Collision, things such as training and system updates don’t have to be concerns. “asTech hired them and trained them, and it has worked very well for us,” McCord said.

“Our business is growing every week, with more cars requiring diagnostics. It used to be that 20% of all the cars that came through our doors needed calibrations.

But now it’s more like 30% and we envision it getting up to half soon. With our two calibration techs and Larry Mulka’s support, we never encounter hiccups or issues. Our biggest fear is downtime—something we’ve avoided through our relationship with asTech. We are working on more and more high-end vehicles and ready to accommodate more, thanks to asTech!”

Company At A Glance...

Type: Collision Repair Facility Employees: 46 In Business Since: 2010 Number of Locations: Four Combined Production Space: 75,000 square feet

To accommodate their ever-increasing need for vehicle calibrations, Tom Wood Collision created its very own ADAS Center about a year ago.

Tom Wood Collision is now working on more and more high-end vehicles and is ready to accommodate more, thanks to asTech.

asTech, a Repairify company 2600 Technology Drive, Suite 900 Plano, TX 75074 Customer Service 1-888-486-1166 www.astech.com www.repairify.com Facebook: @asTechDrivenByRepairify Instagram: @astech_official LinkedIn: @company/astechdrivenbyrepairify Twitter: @astech_official

SHOP AND PRODUCT SHOWCASE / Autobody News June 2022 7

IA800

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STEERING WHEEL LOCK I 24V POWER ADAPTER I CAMERA UNIT (3 PCS) I WHEEL CLAMPS (4 PCS) I TARGETS (4 PCS) | DISTANCE TARGET I WHEEL CHOCKS (2 PCS) I TABLET SUPPORT

This Expansion Pack Does NOT Include the Autel ADAS Standard Calibration Frame or MaxiSYS Tablet.

TEL: 1.855.288.3587 I WEB: WWW.AUTEL.COM EMAIL: USSUPPORT@AUTEL.COM FOLLOW US @AUTELTOOLS ©2022 Autel U.S. Inc., All Rights Reserved

8 June 2022 Autobody News / SHOP AND PRODUCT SHOWCASE

SCAN TO WATCH

TRAINING VIDEOS

YOUTUBE

Moving Diagnostics In-House by Investing in Autel is a Brilliant Move Alpha Collision & Car Care

by Autobody News Staff

If you ask anyone on Long Island about Alpha Collision & Car Care in Garden City, NY, they will tell you this fourth-generation family business runs a shop that does it all and does it well.

Their extensive menu of services includes full collision and mechanical repair, glass work, some restoration work, fleet services, towing and in-house diagnostics, with the help of Autel and its industry-leading ADAS Calibration Package.

Shop Manager Vinny Sinigalli Jr. is only 24, but he is already a seasoned pro. He runs a crew of 17 and repairs 150 to 200 vehicles every month. He’s proud of what his grandfather, father and uncle have achieved over the years and is driven to continue their legacy.

Much of their success can be credited to over-the-top customer service and using OE repair procedures to fix many of today’s cars that are packed with more computers than were in the original NASA landing module.

Back when Sinigalli’s father, Vinny Sr., entered the industry, ADAS was just a dream and autonomous transportation was something out of a sci-fi movie.

“I remember one time, my dad got frustrated trying to scan a new vehicle with ADAS and he said, ‘We didn’t have to deal with this (blank) back in the 1970s and 1980s!’” Sinigalli said.

For several years, the shop relied on local car dealerships for the lion’s share of their diagnostics. But when pre- and post-calibrations became a bigger part of the picture, the Sinigallis knew taking their diagnostics in-house was going to be a smart investment.

With a large number of 2021 and 2022 vehicles coming into Alpha Collision & Car Care every month, the Autel tech support team has been working with Sinigalli and his crew to confirm calibration issue solutions if and when they happen. Working with newer model systems means his team needs access to the latest vehicle coverage and system diagnostics to properly repair and accurately calibrate every vehicle.

Autel is more than just another vendor for Alpha Collision Car

Location: Garden City, NY (516) 294-0852 www.alphacollision.com

Alpha Collision & Car Care in Garden City, NY, is a fourth-generation family business that performs its in-house diagnostics with the help of Autel’s industry-leading ADAS Calibration Package.

Care, Sinigalli said.

“Use of their powerful diagnostics software has increased our business,” he said. “The AutoScan feature with ADAS module identification has helped team members easily confirm which vehicles are equipped with sensors or not, before completing the pre-scan and more accurately outlining blueprinting estimate costs.”

Alpha Collision Car Care is now known in its community as the area’s ADAS experts, with other shops and even dealerships reaching out for help.

“Many of the collision repairers in our area are still trying to job out their diagnostics,” Sinigalli said. “They’re competitors, but we don’t mind helping them. In the end, it all comes down to safety, which is more important than dollars and cents.”

The Autel MaxiSys ADAS Calibration Tool has become the backbone of Sinigalli’s diagnostics. He and his crew can rely on the fact all of their tools from Autel provide them with complete diagnostic functionality and enable them to perform comprehensive and precise ADAS calibrations.

With software that’s updated constantly in order to work on every car they fix, Autel MaxiSys ADAS tools are ideal for shops like Alpha Collision that perform every aspect of collision and mechanical repair.

If the crew at Alpha Collision needs to take their diagnostics on the road, they also have an Autel MaxiSys ADAS Portable Calibration Tool—MA600. The frame can be easily folded and disassembled quickly, and both of their systems

work in conjunction with their MaxiSys diagnostic scanner. It’s a high-powered 8-inch advanced diagnostic tablet featuring expanded software and cloud-based data and repair services.

Sinigalli is delighted to be associated with Autel for several reasons, with training and customer support a big part of the overall equation, he said.

“At this point, myself and two of my techs can use the equipment and we’re in the process of training one more person to do the diagnostics,” he said. “Maybe the best part of the whole thing is that we don’t have to take vehicles to the dealerships. If we ever encounter a problem, we contact Autel and get next-day answers.

Their responsiveness is refreshing and the hardware is well-made, so we rarely have issues.

“We also get great product support from our local exclusive distributor of Autel systems, Autopart International in Hempstead, NY. They’re very knowledgeable about the equipment and are extremely willing to do whatever we need to keep us up and running at all times.”

When Vinny Jr. hits retirement age, it will be 2063 and autonomous vehicles will be the norm rather than the exception.

Will Sinigalli and his crew be able to stay up on all of the new vehicles, some of which will likely fly or swim into his shop?

“I’m happy to be in this industry and excited about what the future will hold,” he said. “But as long as we have a partner like Autel, we will be able to diagnose any type of vehicle—self-driving or not!”

Company At A Glance...

Type: Collision & Mechanical Repair Facility Employees: 17 In Business Since: 2013 Number of Locations: One Production Space: 25,000 square feet

The shop values Autel’s amazing products and customer service support.

Alpha Collision & Car Care is now known in its community as the area’s ADAS experts.

Autel 175 Central Avenue Farmingdale, NY 11735 (855) 288-3587 www.Autel.com Facebook: @auteltools YouTube: @AutelTools Instagram: @auteltools Twitter: @autel_tools

SHOP AND PRODUCT SHOWCASE / Autobody News June 2022 9

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www.axalta.us Copyright © 2022 Axalta Coating Systems, LLC and all affiliates. All rights reserved.

10 June 2022 Autobody News / SHOP AND PRODUCT SHOWCASE

70-Year Auto Body Shop Still Growing with Axalta Kendrick Paint & Body

by Autobody News Staff

Kendrick Paint & Body was founded in 1952 by James Kendrick, as a single-stall repair shop in Augusta, GA. Seventy years later, it has grown to eight auto body shops – four in Augusta, where its corporate headquarters are also located, one each in the neighboring towns of Evans and Martinez and two more in Aiken, SC—repairing an average total of 850 vehicles per month.

The business also has locations to specifically handle glass, ceramics, frames and mechanics, so it can do all work in-house instead of subletting specialties.

All Kendrick shops are I-CAR Gold Class certified, and several employees have achieved Platinum certification. The business also has five DRPS and 10 OEM certifications, including Nissan/ Infiniti, Ford, Fiat Chrysler, Kia, Hyundai, Volvo, Volkswagen and Subaru, and is currently working on two more.

Keeping up with OEM certifications and I-CAR training and investing in new equipment and procedures has been a priority for Kendrick as the amount of technology in all cars – not just high-end luxury vehicles – has skyrocketed, making repairs more complicated.

The company grew along with Augusta, now home to industries ranging from health care to the military and federal government, which all bring in a lot of people—who drive vehicles and get into accidents.

James’ sons, Jimmy and Steve Sr., grew up in the shop, helping out on afternoons and weekends. When it was time for James to retire, Steve Sr. and Jimmy took the reins.

Now, Steve Jr.—son of Steve Sr. grandson of James—is running the show, having also practically grown up in the shop, doing everything from sweeping floors to writing estimates. He still steps up wherever he is needed. When several employees were out due to COVID, he washed customers’ vehicles.

“We are fortunate to have an owner that knows every position in the company,” said Carson McLaughlin, a 13-year employee

Location: Augusta, GA (706) 724-4071 www.kendrickbodyshop.com Company At A Glance...

Type: Collision Repair Facility Employees: 175 In Business Since: 1952 Number of Locations: Eight Combined Production Space: 200,000 square feet Since 1952, Kendrick Paint & Body has grown from a single-stall repair shop in Augusta, GA, to eight shops in Georgia and South Carolina.

who handles marketing, accounting and recruiting. “There are not a lot of owners who will roll their sleeves up and pitch in where it’s needed. It’s great that he is always feet on the ground and ready to help.

“It helps employees to know we have someone who has been where they are,” she added.

Steve Jr. has also successfully led Kendrick through the pandemic. While the state and local area did not institute the extensive shutdowns that led to decreases in traffic congestion and, as a result, cars in need of repair in other parts of the country, the shops have still had to weather supply chain issues that have lengthened cycle times by weeks in some cases.

Steve Jr.’s daughter, Ansley Kendrick, is about to graduate from college and has been learning the ins and outs of the industry to one day step up and become the fourth generation to run it.

Relationships are important to a business like Kendrick—not only with its employees and customers, but also with trusted vendors.

That’s why the business has used Axalta paint for 50 of its 70 years.

“Axalta is a valued partner,” McLaughlin said. “They help keep us at the forefront of change in the industry with the refinish process.”

In 2017, all Kendrick locations started using Axalta’s Spies Hecker Permahyd Hi-TEC.

“The product aligns with our goals to produce at a high quality and also be environmentally friendly, since it’s water-based,” said David Clark, COO of Kendrick.

Axalta says Spies Hecker Permahyd Hi-TEC is a very productive basecoat and helps collision centers increase productivity and capacity with higher spray booth throughput.

McLaughlin said the painters at Kendrick agree with that assessment.

“Our painters love the paint system,” she said. “They rave about the application process and the color match.

“It used to take 10 coats to achieve the same thing they’re doing in two or three passes now. It cuts down on the amount of work that goes into finishing a job; the curing time is better too.”

McLaughlin stressed that when Kendrick switched to Spies Hecker products, they were a completely new line to the shops’ painters.

A team from Axalta came to the Kendrick shops for two weeks to train its painters on how to use them efficiently and effectively.

“We’ve always had Axalta’s support for training,” she said.

The painters at Kendrick are so in love with the Spies Hecker line, Axalta featured them in a testimonial video about their experience using the system.

“Axalta has been able to grow with us,” McLaughlin said.

In 2017, all Kendrick Paint & Body locations switched to Axalta’s Spies Hecker Permahyd Hi-TEC, a water-based refinish system that is both environmentally friendly and high-quality.

Steve Kendrick Jr., left, third-generation owner of Kendrick Paint & Body, will one day hand over the reins to the fourth generation, his daughter, Ansley Kendrick, right.

Axalta Coating Systems Company Contact: Heidi Stilwell heidi.stilwell@axaltacs.com (610) 358-5353 www.axaltacs.com

Facebook: @AxaltaNArefinish Instagram: @axaltarefinish Twitter: @axalta LinkedIn: @axalta YouTube: @axalta

SHOP AND PRODUCT SHOWCASE / Autobody News June 2022 11

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12 June 2022 Autobody News / SHOP AND PRODUCT SHOWCASE

Blowtherm USA is Helping Several Ohio Shops Paint 12-15 More Cars Daily—Add It Up! Monroe’s Collision Center, Inc.

by Autobody News Staff

At Monroe’s Collision Center, Inc., with four shops in Ohio, the company has been built around the concept that “family and employees come first.” It’s a mantra that has worked well for Owner Kevin Monroe, General Manager Robert Muck and the 65 collision repair professionals in their crew.

Another part of the company’s success story includes Blowtherm USA paint booths and mixing rooms in all of its three collision-only locations, with booths in two of them and double-heated prep areas in two.

The production at Monroe’s Collision Center, Inc., is impressive, fixing 600 vehicles every month. All within close proximity to each other, their locations are strategically situated, which enables the company to share work to hit their numbers without deviation.

Monroe’s Collision has been able to paint 12-15 more vehicles monthly since acquiring its Blowtherm booths, thanks to their amazing capabilities when it comes to curing cars.

“These booths are making our lives much easier because their flash-off times are better than I’ve ever seen,” Muck said. “We never require additional air movement and the finished product is consistently top-notch. We have 10 painters and all of them have told us that the Blowtherm USA booths have helped them to do a better job, which is what you always want from any piece of equipment.”

With so many vehicles coming through their facilities day after day, there is no margin for error, so precision and reliability are key at Monroe’s Collision Center. “We’re getting outstanding productivity from a premium product,” Monroe said. “In this business, comebacks can cripple you and by using these booths, it’s never a concern.”

Monroe has nothing but good things to share about the level of service and follow-through that he has received from his Blowtherm USA distributor, Ron and Carol Baylor of Tri-State Spray Booths.

“When it comes to a paint booth, you need someone who is available all the time because you nev-

Locations: Portsmouth, OH—(740) 354-5572 Chillicothe, OH—(740) 774-1036 Jackson, OH—(740) 288-1313 www.monroescollision.com

Painter Luke Rucker and Paint Assistant Tyler Barrett masterfully prep and paint nearly two dozen vehicles daily in Monroe’s Blowtherm Double Downdraft Prep Booth.

er know what can come along to slow down the process. But, with these Blowtherm booths, we haven’t had any issues, to be honest. You turn them on and they perform—what more can anyone ask?”

Blowtherm USA and Tri-State Spray Booths both played an integral role in helping Monroe’s Collision Center, Inc., when it comes to their development process by assisting them during some critical decision points along the way. “We updated all of our paint departments with new spaces to accommodate our growth and Blowtherm USA has been an important partner in the overall layout and set up. Our system works seamlessly and we credit much of it to the people at Blowtherm USA and Tri-State Spray Booths.”

The training that’s involved with their Blowtherm USA booths has also set up Monroe’s paint crew to excel, Muck said. “Our crew is all cross-trained, which means we have preppers who are also painters and vice versa, so that when a guy is sick or working on something else, they can all step in without slowing things down. The training they received from Blowtherm USA gave them all of the information they needed and that’s why we’re so efficient, I believe. They learned the basics and refined their skills as well, and we have all benefitted from it.”

When it was time for installing their booths, the process was easy, without any customization or unforeseen issues, Monroe

said. “We didn’t have to purchase anything additional and all of the installations went like clockwork.

They did what they said and we didn’t have to do anything special to get them done. They took it off our plate and set us up perfectly.

At our Portsmouth location, we have our heated prep area in the front of our booths, which accommodates our volume and our flow flawlessly.”

When it comes to acquiring a major piece of equipment like a spray booth, the people at Monroe’s Collision Center, Inc., expect durability, longevity and reliability.

“There are basic three elements with any booth—electricity, air and gas—and our booths from Blowtherm USA check all three boxes neatly,” Muck said. “We are confident that we are going to be able to use these booths for at least the next 30 years, and when we start to expand, Blowtherm USA booths will be part of the plan.”

The company is truly a family business, with a lot of people who are related working for the shops. Kevin’s daughter Erin Strickland and her husband Michael run one of their locations, and many of the company’s top managers have relatives working in the business.

Expansion is definitely in their future plans, Monroe said proudly.

“We do have growth in mind and Blowtherm USA will be with us.

Rather than acquiring new shops, we want to add space to all of our locations to fix more cars.”

Company At A Glance...

Type: Collision Repair Facility Employees: 65 In Business Since: 1994 Number of Locations: Four Combined Production Space: 50,000 square feet

Great finishes start in the prep area with the skills of painters Lee Poplin and Andy Avery, at Monroe’s Chillicothe.

Blowtherm mix rooms are equipped with lighting, ventilation, one-wing personnel door with window and thrust door handle.

Blowtherm USA & Training Center 810 No. Grove Road Richardson, TX 75081 (855) 463-9872 or (262) 269-6265 sales@blowtherm-usa.com www.blowtherm-usa.com

SHOP AND PRODUCT SHOWCASE / Autobody News June 2022 13

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Write better estimates faster with CCC ONE® For more information, visit www.ccciis.com/ccc-one CCC ONE, CCC and the CCC logo are registered service marks of CCC Intelligent Solutions Inc. ©2022 CCC Intelligent Solutions Inc. All rights reserved.

14 June 2022 Autobody News / SHOP AND PRODUCT SHOWCASE

Cape Auto Collision Streamlines Repairs With Web-Based Estimating from CCC ONE® Cape Auto Body

by Autobody News Staff

Kevin Gallerani and his father, Dave, owners of Cape Auto Collision Center, often tell customers, “You’re driving home our reputation!” The phrase was inspired by Dave’s father, Ruez, who stressed hard work and quality.

“He believed if you worked hard and delivered a great job, customers would return and spread the good word about Cape Auto,” said Dave, president of Cape Auto in Plymouth, MA. “I watched my father toil long and hard hours and it prepared me for a similar approach. A family business is like an heirloom; you don’t want to tarnish or lose it.”

Kevin, company vice president, said the family business provides customers with the best automotive repair experience. Cape Auto operates two locations about a mile apart, a collision repair facility and a mechanical shop where ADAS calibration work is done.

“Expertise in both collision and mechanical work is a rare find,” noted Kevin.

The business was established by Kevin’s great grandfather, Alphonso, who emigrated to the U.S. from Italy in 1927 and began working on vehicles in Kingston, MA. He opened Alphonso’s Auto Body in 1946. His son-in-law, Ruez, took it over in 1952 and renamed it Cape Auto. Kevin started working in the shop in high school during the late 1990s while his father was running it.

The fourth-generation body shop owner said the company prides itself on meeting customers’ needs and repairing vehicles to their pre-accident condition.

They have 17 OEM certifications.

“Every year, we try to add one or two because I feel that’s the way the industry is going,” said Kevin. “The more certifications you have, the easier it is to access information.”

Cape Auto has used CCC ONE® software for more than 20 years to write most of the shop’s estimates. A new feature is the ability to use CCC ONE Estimating on any web-enabled tablet or computer at cccone.com. Kevin has found the web-based interface allows the team to write estimates from anywhere and add estimate lines faster. The soft-

Location: Plymouth, MA (508) 747-0316 www.capeautorepairs.com Company At A Glance...

Type: Collision Repair and Service Facility Employees: 35 In Business Since: 1952 Number of Locations: Two Combined Production Space: 30,000 square feet The team at Cape Auto Collision Center has found that CCC products help the shop to be more efficient and streamlined. Pictured is Mike Stetson, a licensed appraiser.

ware recommends estimate lines based on the point of impact and provides hints for materials that might otherwise be overlooked.

CCC ONE Estimating has made an abundance of information easily available.

A key benefit is the ability to source parts as the estimate is being written and connect to thousands of parts suppliers to quickly learn about availability and pricing. The shop can also access OEM repair methods and insurer guidelines, which accelerates the review process and supplement requests.

“This has helped reduce errors in the shop and improve cycle time,” he added.

As CCC has developed new capabilities, Cape Auto has incorporated them into the business, including estimating, digital customer engagement tools, diagnostics integrations, parts procurement and shop workflow.

This allows them to write estimates, order parts, communicate with customers, schedule appointments and repairs, obtain customer reviews, access repair procedures and communicate with insurance companies.

Kevin said the products allow the shop to be more efficient.

“CCC does many things well and it’s nice to have everything under one house rather than multiple subscriptions,” said Kevin. “If you own a business, you want to turn on your computer and have everything work, so it doesn’t hinder my business and slow everything down. I feel like CCC is easy

to use and always dependable.”

With current parts supply issues, Kevin said communicating with customers is paramount.

“We’re doing our best but there are issues with some parts we can’t get,” he said. “CCC® Update Plus helps us reach out to customers and make sure they stay informed.”

He has been impressed with the support the shop receives from CCC. As an industry advocate, Kevin has been on the AASP-MA Board of Directors for a decade and took on a two-year term as president in 2021.

“My father was always involved and brought me to meetings,” he said. “As I became active in the business, I wanted to learn more and help improve the industry.”

In addition to getting involved in the industry, Kevin and his family support the community.

They sit on local boards and are part of Lion’s Club, Boys and Girls Club, Chamber of Commerce and Business International Network groups.

“If you are a business thriving in the community, you should get involved and give back,” he said.

Kevin also enjoys assisting local shops.

“Some shops don’t want to talk to other shops and feel like competitors, but we need to band together,” he said. “The local shop up the street shouldn’t be your enemy. We can learn from each other and work together to improve the industry.”

Cape Auto operates two locations about a mile apart, a collision repair facility as well as a mechanical shop.

Cape Auto has a dedicated area at its mechanical shop for ADAS calibration work.

CCC Intelligent Solutions Company Contact: Mark Fincher (877) 208-6155 www.cccis.com

SHOP AND PRODUCT SHOWCASE / Autobody News June 2022 15

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WWW.EQUALIZER.COM •SALES@EQUALIZER.COM • 512.388.7715 16 June 2022 Autobody News / SHOP AND PRODUCT SHOWCASE

Equalizer Provides Training, Tools and Support to Help New Glass Repair Business Hit the Ground Running Moreno Auto Glass

by Autobody News Staff

Jesse and Nadine Moreno opened Moreno Auto Glass, a mobile auto glass repair and replacement service, in 2021, serving the East Valley region of the Phoenix Metro Area.

The husband-and-wife team combined their skillsets—his in auto mechanics and hers in business management—to successfully launch their own company, which they run with the help of their two teenage sons, Giovanni and Vince.

Jesse started working on cars when he was a teenager himself, rebuilding a ’75 Chevy Nova on his own. After working as a mechanic for repair shops and dealerships, he started working on cars out of the family’s home in 2018, but that was not an ideal fit.

“Running an auto repair shop out of your house is expensive,” Nadine said.

Nadine worked as a contract office manager for a couple of companies, but she wanted to work for herself. She opened a home tutoring business for children with special needs in early 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic tanked it.

Nadine said the couple prayed about what they should be doing instead.

“Auto glass kept coming up,” she said.

Nadine looked into training courses for Jesse, whose experience at that point went as far as fixing windshield chips. She found schools in Texas, Florida and California, but nothing closer to home.

One day, Nadine was searching online again for courses, when she found out Equalizer—whose Auto Glass Academy is based in Round Rock, TX—would be hosting a class in Tempe, AZ, a month later.

“I reached out to [Education Program Director] Shannon Kern to confirm the location and submitted his application and payment that day,” Nadine said.

Jesse said he went into the five-day, 40-hour course with zero knowledge of auto glass replacement. The other students’ experience ranged from also having never replaced glass to more than 25 years in the industry. “[Global Education Director] Gilbert [Gutierrez] asked on the first day how long I had been in [glass replacement], and I said 28

Location: Queen Creek, AZ (480) 742-8999 www.morenoautoglass.com

Jesse Moreno learned how to repair and replace auto glass through Equalizer, and now he uses the company’s tools to run the family’s mobile auto glass business, Moreno Auto Glass, in Arizona.

minutes,” Jesse said.

Jesse said the weeklong class was a “bit of a crash course,” but the instructors answered every question, and he came out of it confident enough to start a business with Nadine, rather than going to work for another company.

“It helped me make up my mind that yes, I can do this myself,” he said. “It was money well spent.”

Nadine said the class also allowed the fledgling business owners to make invaluable connections in the industry, both with Equalizer employees and other people in the class.

“Jesse got the education out of it, but we also got a community out of it, and that was really a blessing,” Nadine said.

In April 2021, Moreno Auto Glass officially opened, offering mobile-only, low- or no-contact glass replacement, chip repair, window regulator replacement, headlight restoration and mirror replacement.

One of the perks of completing Equalizer’s training course was a tuition credit on tools.

“That’s what I learned with, that’s what I was comfortable with,” Jesse said. “I never had an issue with the tools, and everything has been working. So far everything I’ve gotten from Equalizer, I just really like, and it’s been easy to use.”

Jesse said he uses Equalizer’s ZipKnife cold knife to cut out windshields, and the Raptor cord and wire auto glass removal device to break tight seals.

He also uses Equalizer’s visual vacuum plunger cups, super-size vacuum cups, heavy duty windshield stand, hook and pick set,

sharpening stone and BTB Winged Pinchweld prep kit, and the deluxe windshield repair kit. He purchased his DeWalt caulking gun and reciprocating tool from Equalizer as well.

The Morenos said the support they continue to get from Equalizer is second to none.

“I was considering two setting tools,” Jesse said. “Shannon sent me both tools and only asked us to cover the shipping to send back the one we didn’t want.

“Whenever I’ve had a question on how to use a tool, they’ve been very helpful,” he said.

“Equalizer has gone above and beyond,” Nadine added.

Coming up on the one-year anniversary of opening Moreno Auto Glass, Jesse and Nadine said things are going well, despite having to deal with the same supply chain issues—at times, having to wait three months for OEM replacement glass—and increases in prices as any other business.

Most of their first customers were people they knew through their local church, but as Nadine worked on getting the company’s name out there through social media and Google, their customer base has grown. They are getting repeat customers and word-ofmouth referrals as time goes on, too.

“Our customers tell us often that they appreciate that we are family owned and operated,” Nadine said. “They like seeing the whole family involved.”

The Morenos put integrity first in everything they do, staying active in their community, sponsoring their son’s high school hockey team and supporting other local, small, family-run businesses.

Company At A Glance...

Type: Mobile Glass Replacement Facility Employees: Four In Business Since: 2021 Number of Locations: One

The Morenos—left to right, Vince, Nadine, Giovanni and Jesse—put integrity first in everything they do.

“So far everything I’ve gotten from Equalizer, I just really like, and it’s been easy to use,” said Jesse.

Equalizer® Industries, Inc. 2611 Oakmont Drive, Round Rock, TX 78665 (512) 388-7715 www.Equalizer.com Facebook: @equalizertools Twitter: @equalizertools Instagram: @equalizertools YouTube: @equalizervideo

SHOP AND PRODUCT SHOWCASE / Autobody News June 2022 17

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(866) 694-2278

The Crew at Painters Collision Uses Goliath Carts for Multiple Applications Every Day Painters Collision Centers

by Autobody News Staff

Jim and Kelly Huard, owners of Painters Collision Centers with two locations in Arizona, make a formidable duo as they relentlessly strive to achieve their goal of establishing 10 locations within the next two years.

Jim said he wouldn’t be as successful as he is without his wife running almost every aspect of the front side of the business, as CFO and human resources manager.

It’s a relationship that has worked tremendously well over the years, and a big reason why Painters Collision will soon be Arizona’s newest significant mini-MSO. The Huard family knows their ongoing success is closely related to how they fix cars. Lean processes performed by top collision repair professionals while using the finest tools, products and equipment are the biggest pieces of the puzzle.

Every day, the Huards’ crews rely on their Goliath Carts to keep themselves organized and on top of their game. The shops use Goliath’s Bumper Stands, Painters Toolboxes, Mobile Detailer Workstations and Secure Series cabinets, and are in the process of acquiring several ADAS Calibration and Scanning Carts.

Jim, 54, is well-known as a collision repairer, MSO operator and partner who grew up in the industry working at his father’s shop as a teenager. His employees like him because he’s fair and honest, and his insurance partners respect him for his high standards, accountability and integrity.

Painters Collision Centers represents a new era for the Huards in Queen Creek, AZ, a burgeoning area a 15-minute drive from Phoenix.

“I believe in loyalty and instill that in all of my teams,” Jim said.

A proven formula for expansion Jim has used with great success includes acquiring existing shops that need an infusion of energy.

“Our model is working, so the goal is to duplicate what we’re doing,” he said. “This includes everything—from our signage out front, as well as using all of same tools, equipment and lean processes.”

The design concept behind Goliath’s Secure Series is the only way to control tools and valuable resources is to contain them in a safe central location.

The Secure Series cabinets

Location: Queen Creek, AZ (480) 725-6036 www.painterscollision.com Company At A Glance...

Type: Collision Repair Facility Employees: 27 In Business Since: 2021 Number of Locations: Two Combined Production Space: 22,000 square feet The crew at Painters Collision Centers calls upon Goliath Carts for almost every task they perform at these busy shops.

use an electronic touch pad to enable computer access, and provide a clean, protected environment for a technician’s most valuable assets—their tools.

To keep their paint department organized and productive, the Huards rely on Goliath’s Painters Toolbox, a cart that has revolutionized and streamlined the workflow while managing inventory of paint and associated supplies. Built on Goliath’s “closed” philosophy, the Goliath’s Painters Toolbox has all of the tools any painter will ever need in a safe and secure location.

Jim has a long and mutually beneficial relationship with the owner of Goliath Carts, Dito Diez.

“Dito was my go-to guy for many years when he worked for Michell, until one day he told me he was going start a company that makes bunch carts, racks and mobile cabinets for body shops and other applications, such as military and manufacturing,” Jim said. “He was 100% right and we’re delighted with his success, because we love using his products and the customer service is always excellent.”

With five-day repair cycles that include eight hours of touch time daily on every car, Painters Collision relies heavily on Goliath’s “desks on wheels.”

“We’re all about empowering our people and that is why we continually stress productivity and accuracy,” Jim said. “Goliath has a product for everything we do here, from detailing a vehicle to writing an estimate, performing parts inventory and moving cars safely and efficiently through our facilities. Nobody is walking around here aimlessly and wasting time

and our Goliath Carts are a big part of that.”

Next on Jim’s wish list is Goliath’s ADAS Calibration and Scanning Cart that Dito and his team unveiled at last year’s SEMA Show.

It’s a rugged tri-screen mobile powered workstation designed for estimating, calibration, scanning and diagnostics in a collision repair environment.

Available in three different configurations, every version is self-powered and can run for up to four days on a single charge, allowing the user to maintain productivity levels for long periods without losing power. The electronics include a laptop, monitors, inkjet printer, a USB hub, wireless mouse and accessory kit.

“Literally 99% of all the vehicles that come into our shops contain ADAS,” Jim said. “We have heard amazing things about Goliath’s ADAS Calibration and Scanning Cart, so we’re anxious to try them out. With everything that Dito makes, it’s a one-stop solution that offer all of the tools needed to perform every aspect of automotive diagnostics.”

With expansion on his mind, Jim has to make significant decisions every day. In a busy collision repair world with multiple moving parts, it can be an overwhelming experience. But, working with Goliath Carts is a no-brainer and one of the smartest—and easiest— moves he’s ever made.

“A good piece of equipment should provide real solutions and make us look good, and Goliath does exactly that. Great tools represent an investment in our future and right now the future looks awesome!”

Owner Jim Huard, left, and Head Painter Roberto Lopez use Goliath’s quality products to improve almost every process performed at Painters Collision Centers.

Next on Huard’s wish list is Goliath’s ADAS Calibration and Scanning Cart that Dito and his team unveiled at last year’s SEMA Show.

Goliath Carts Company Contact: Dito Diez (866) 694-2278 www.goliathcarts.com Facebook: @GoliathCarts

SHOP AND PRODUCT SHOWCASE / Autobody News June 2022 19

Think inside the box.

ADAS calibrations take a lot less space than you think.

Most can be done right in your alignment bay with Hunter ADASLink® and DAS 3000.

Scan or visit hunter.com/adas

20 June 2022 Autobody News / SHOP AND PRODUCT SHOWCASE

Hunter ADAS Equipment Enables PA Auto Body Shop to Calibrate Vehicles Accurately In-House Thomas E. Brown Auto Body Werks

by Autobody News Staff

When repairing today’s vehicles, high-tech repair methods and tools are a requirement, according to Eric Shaffer, owner of Thomas E. Brown Auto Body Werks in Mechanicsburg, PA. “Our mission is to serve customers with the highest level of integrity, workmanship and understanding as possible,” said Shaffer.

“We strive to meet every customer’s unique needs, concerns and requests.”

Thomas E. Brown Auto Body Werks opened in Harrisburg, PA, in 1960. The business moved several times over the years and relocated to Mechanicsburg in 2009 to expand operations and better serve a growing clientele. As a previous employee, Shaffer had the opportunity to purchase the business six years ago.

Shaffer said his team takes pride in their reputation as a premier repair facility. He attributes this to being a certified shop and ensuring vehicles are repaired to their pre-existing condition. The business currently has two OEM certifications, Subaru and Volvo.

“By looking up OEM repair information, ensuring we are doing a proper and correct repair and the safety of our customers is No. 1, it helps us get better every day,” said Shaffer.

He said the quality of work at their facility is enhanced by having trained employees and using leading-edge, state-of-the-art tools and equipment that meet manufacturers’ repair standards.

“I like to buy equipment one time and not multiple times,” said Shaffer. “We lean toward anything that is proven in the industry.”

Although it might be a larger investment up front, he said it is worth having dependable products with longevity.

As more vehicles incorporate ADAS features, Shaffer recognizes the importance of scanning and calibration. Since proper alignment is essential for ADAS to work as intended, Shaffer was searching for an alignment system so technicians could do the work in-house and ensure the thrust and steering angles are properly aligned. He found many manufac-

Location: Mechanicsburg, PA (717) 691-3679 www.thomasebrowninc.com Company At A Glance...

Type: Collision Repair Facility Employees: 10 In Business Since: 1960 Number of Locations: One Production Space: 10,000 square feet Chase Bond, a shop apprentice at Thomas E. Brown Auto Body Werks in Mechanicsburg, PA, uses the Hunter DAS 3000, powered by Bosch.

turers require aligning the ADAS electronically when making mechanical alignment adjustments.

“We wanted to keep as much of the work in-house so we could control it,” he said. “We want to repair it back to its pre-loss condition and make sure customers and their families are safe.”

He learned about the Hunter ADAS equipment in 2021 and placed an order for the DAS 3000 ADAS Fixture, powered by Bosch.

“Hunter and Bosch did a nice collaboration to make almost a one-stop shop for ADAS,” said Shaffer.

The shop also uses Hunter’s ADASLink diagnostics scan tool, which was designed for shops to conduct ADAS calibrations in-house. ADASLink performs dynamic calibrations and can be paired with the DAS 3000 for static calibrations, providing onscreen guidance for set up and positioning.

Since using the equipment, the team has been impressed with its ease of use.

Shaffer said there are a lot of younger employees who like working with computers and measuring.

“You can take a younger tech who is computer savvy and explain to them how to do that process, which is laid out step-bystep with ADASLink,” explained Shaffer.

Rather than asking an apprentice to disassemble a vehicle or perform a technical repair, Shaf-

fer said you can have them use a computer to calibrate a vehicle.

“That makes them feel a little better and gives them more worth,” he said.

Shaffer said the business’s motto is “Control what we can control within the shop.”

By using DAS 3000 and ADASLink, Shaffer said the shop has been able to control the environment, process cars more efficiently, and keep more repairs in-house.

“There are going to be times that you just can’t do it and it has to be sent to the dealer, which is fine,” he said.

However, Shaffer has recognized that having the DAS 3000 has helped the shop repair vehicles more efficiently because they can be scanned and calibrated inhouse rather than being taken to a dealer. This not only saves time, but Shaffer said they can ensure vehicles are calibrated properly and don’t have to worry about something happening outside their control.

“A dealer may not be able to get you in for two weeks for calibration,” said Shaffer. “That adds to the time the car has to be gone.”

Shaffer said his technicians have received first-rate training and support from Hunter and they are very knowledgeable about ADAS equipment.

“100% customer satisfaction is our end goal,” said Shaffer.

“Hunter equipment is helping us achieve this every day.”

DAS 3000 has helped the shop repair vehicles more efficiently because they can be scanned and calibrated in-house.

Technicians have received firstrate training and support from the Hunter team and have found they are very knowledgeable about ADAS equipment.

Hunter Engineering Co. 11250 Hunter Drive Bridgeton, MO 63044 (314) 731-0000 www.hunter.com

SHOP AND PRODUCT SHOWCASE / Autobody News June 2022 21

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22 June 2022 Autobody News / SHOP AND PRODUCT SHOWCASE

Large Collision Centers Prioritize I-CAR Training to Stay Ahead of the Game Szott M-59 Collision Centers

by Autobody News Staff

With today’s cars loaded with new technology, and diagnostics and OE repair procedures playing a larger role every year, I-CAR training is undoubtedly more important now than ever.

At Szott M-59 Collision Centers in White Lake and Waterford, MI, every customer can rest assured the entire crew at this mega-busy auto body shop is trained.

The company achieved I-CAR’s Gold Class recognition in November 2021, an achievement made more attainable with the all-inclusive Get to Gold Class training package.

While other collision repairers stress I-CAR training but don’t make it mandatory, this company’s Body Shop Director Kyle Kuzdek makes it a priority. And that helps all Szott M-59 Collision Center locations maintain top CSI numbers and consistently get a plethora of five-star reviews online year after year.

To make sure the crew of 24 employees continues their education and are poised to perform consistently at a high level, Szott M-59 Collision Centers acquired an I-CAR training subscription, upon completion of the Get to Gold Class package. The annual subscription provides unlimited training to every employee in both the shop and office. Employees also benefit from full access to Repairability Technical Support (RTS) and Ask I-CAR as part of their Gold Class shop benefits.

In charge of three locations and with a new one opening soon, Kuzdek, 45, entered the industry selling paint jobs for a retailer when he was 19. By relentlessly pursuing training and education during his entire career, Kuzdek has been able to refine his customer service skills and set himself up for success.

“If I want to be a good leader, I feel like I have to be able to know as much as I can,” he said.

“That way, I can show my crew how to do things, instead of just telling them. Training has been instrumental in my career because through I-CAR I’ve learned how to write estimates, perform diagnostics, blueprinting, job management—everything I need to be an effective manager is available from I-CAR.” The subscription is available

Location: White Lake & Waterford, MI (888) 427-9407 www.szottm59collision.com Company At A Glance...

Type: Collision Repair Facility Employees: 24 In Business Since: 1994 Number of Locations: Three Combined Production Space: 66,000 square feet The crew at Szott M-59 Collision Centers is a highly knowledgeable and skilled team that continually pursues ongoing education through its I-CAR subscription.

to Szott M-59 Collision Centers as a Gold Class business. Another Gold Class benefit is an assigned I-CAR customer care representative who works with the shops on a continuing basis.

“Having someone working with us is a big plus,” Kuzdek said.

“Everyone we’ve worked with at I-CAR has been very responsive and proactive about helping us and answering questions, and being there if we need them. We get unlimited access to all of I-CAR’s online training for everyone here, regardless if they’re a veteran or a new hire. We’ve taken advantage of all their classes, including their Intro Series, where we can train our front office personnel about the basics of collision repair with an emphasis on customer service.”

Kuzdek leverages his company’s Gold Class achievement and I-CAR subscription to motivate his people and maintain a company culture that focuses on continual self-improvement.

“I tell them to learn a little more every day because if you’re not moving forward, you’re moving back,” he said. “I also encourage them to share the information we get from I-CAR with the rest of the crew because we’re only as good as the team. We hold meetings all the time to disseminate what we know with each other. I-CAR is perfect for people who want to develop new skills or those who want to refine and refresh their existing ones.”

With more than 300 online classes available to his estimators, production managers and

non-structural, structural, refinish, electrical/diagnostics and mechanical techs, Kuzdek knows he can check all of his boxes when it comes to top-notch training.

“The curriculum is so comprehensive, it’s really impressive,” he said. “They also offer in-person skills courses—handson development courses—and a welding training and certification, all included in the Get to Gold Class package. You can learn every theory in the book, but some things are best learned by doing them yourself. The instructors at I-CAR are some of the most knowledgeable people in this industry, but their real talent is knowing how to distill the information and communicate it effectively to my employees.”

To help body shops keep up with diagnostics, ADAS and new OE procedures, I-CAR updates its curriculum on an ongoing basis.

In October 2019, it did a major overhaul of its curriculum and systems, and now it’s all about an occasional tune-up.

“This industry is changing every day, and the shops that aren’t ahead of the game will be left behind,” Kuzdek said. “We value our Gold Class recognition and I think the insurance companies and our customers feel the same way.

We have an obligation to fix these cars based on OE procedures and return them back to their owners in safe and pre-accident condition. Our ongoing commitment to training illustrates our dedication to doing things right, and our crew can see it every day.”

Body Shop Director Kyle Kuzdek motivates his team to pursue training through I-CAR, which contributes to consistently high CSI numbers.

The crew at Szott M-59 Collision Centers recently captured first place at this year’s Detroit Motorama with this customized Dodge Magnum hot rod.

I-CAR (800) I-CAR-USA www.I-CAR.com/GTGC Facebook: @icareducation Twitter: @I_CAR_Education Instagram: @icareducation LinkedIn: @company/i-car YouTube: @I-CAR

SHOP AND PRODUCT SHOWCASE / Autobody News June 2022 23

GAS-CATALYTIC INFRARED CURING FROM US AUTOCURE IS HERE. DON’T GET LEFT BEHIND.

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US Autocure systems are designed by body shop owners to meet the need to handle more repair orders without adding additional spray booths or labor. Leading edge engineering and incredible return on investment make US Autocure a must for leading collision repair centers.

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Contact Industrial Finishes & Systems for more information

800-531-1305 • WWW.INDUSTRIALFINISHES.COM

24 June 2022 Autobody News / SHOP AND PRODUCT SHOWCASE

Innovative Shop Benefits from Value-Added Services from Industrial Finishes Valley Collision Center

by Autobody News Staff

When you sign on the dotted line with any paint distributor you expect its products to perform at a high level and you anticipate the availability of a wide range of value-added options.

When Valley Collision Center in Victorville, CA, switched to Sikkens waterborne paint made

by AkzoNobel late last year, it was only the beginning of a wonderful relationship.

The products and services provided by Industrial Finishes and Systems have been exceptional, and the auto body shop’s owner, Danny Fowler, is equally impressed and delighted about all of the bells and whistles that came along with the deal.

In 1968, Industrial Finishes opened an automotive paint store in Portland, OR, and another branch in Roseburg, OR, in the early 1970s. In 1990, the Bend, OR, store was opened, followed by the acquisition of two more Oregon stores in Gresham and Medford.

Today, the company owns 30-plus locations in Oregon, Utah, California, Idaho and Nevada.

After working for his dad for nearly two decades, Fowler, 60, decided to start his own shop in 2000. Although he will never completely retire, Fowler is excited because his daughter, Kaylee Peterson, and her husband, Johnny, will eventually be taking over the business. With his brother Terry, 55, running the family’s shop, Sunset Paint & Body in Hesperia, CA, collision repair is truly in the Fowler family’s DNA. Always looking for a better way to repair cars, Danny is constantly searching for technology that will make him better than the shop down the street. He was initially interested in finding a better paint system that would offer him improved coverage and more accurate color matches. He discovered rather quickly that with Industrial Finishes and Systems, he also found a whole lot more.

He’s delighted with the Sikkens waterborne product his crew uses to paint more than 200 cars every month, but the other things Fowler is getting have him smiling from ear to ear every day.

One of the pleasant surprises Fowler and his crew have taken full advantage of is their use of U.S. AutoCure’s infrared curing system that has enabled them to increase production without expanding the facility or adding a spray booth.

Location: Victorville, CA (760) 241-7715 www.valleycollisioncenter.net Company At A Glance...

Type: Collision Repair Facility Employees: 29 In Business Since: 2000 Number of Locations: One Production Space: 20,000 square feet

U.S. AutoCure’s infrared curing system has enabled the crew at Valley Collision Center to increase production without expanding its facility or adding a spray booth.

“Curing these vehicles used to take 90 minutes and now we can do it in 20 minutes with this system,” he said. “When the car comes out, it’s good to go. In the past, we would have to wait until the next morning, but now the vehicles are ready to go home. Mark D’Angelo at Industrial Finishes and Systems is a big believer of this system and his strong recommendation led to acquiring one.

Now we’re believers too—my paint crew loves it and it is saving us a ton of time and money.”

AkzoNobel’s Carbeat gives users full access to innovative, dependable workflow software from the cloud and it’s quickly become a favorite for Fowler’s crew.

It features a powerful production analysis dashboard that allows shop personnel to deliver deep insights into all of the operations performed daily at Valley Collision Center.

“We have everything displayed on a 75-inch monitor that works as a production scheduler in many ways,” he said. “It helps us to keep track of all our KPIs and we are relying on it more and more.”

Another added benefit of being 100% onboard with Industrial Finishes and Systems is Fowler’s participation in Acoat Selected, AkzoNobel’s global network of quality repair businesses. He’s taken full advantage of all the consulting services, management training, financial benchmarking, coaching and networking through this program, and uses much of it to become a business owner and leader.

“The folks in Acoat are some of the best people in this industry and picking their brains has been instrumental to our success,” Fowler said. “These are top performers and just to be associated with them is a huge deal for us. I have been in this industry for more than 40 years and by interacting with these shop owners, I learn something new all the time.”

Another great part of his relationship with Industrial Finishes and Systems is the Shark App, a scrubbing program allowing Fowler and his crew to capture more revenue on every repair.

“For many years, we couldn’t get paid for things like seam sealers, clips and other materials by the insurance companies,” he said. “This app has enabled us to get an additional $105 per repair, which equals approximately $21,000 per month (based on 200 cars). The insurance companies are accustomed to it now and don’t fight it, so it’s been a significant thing for us.”

When he compares Industrial Finishes and Systems to his former jobber, it’s like going back in time, he said.

“Their approach and services were like something out of the 1970s and now we feel like we’re in 2022 and ready for the future. We are delighted with all of the different things that they’ve brought to the table, and we know it’s just going to get better and better. Industrial Finishes and Systems is more like a member of our crew—a very valuable and important member of our team!”

Valley Collision Center values its multi-faceted relationship with Industrial Finishes and Systems and all of the benefits that come along with it.

When Valley Collision Center in Victorville, CA switched to Sikkens waterborne paint made

by AkzoNobel late last year, it was only the beginning of a wonderful relationship.

Industrial Finishes & Systems (800) 531-1305 www.industrialfinishes.com Facebook: @industrialfinishes Twitter: @indfinishes Instagram: @industrialfinishesandsystems LinkedIn: @Industrial Finishes and Systems, Inc. YouTube: @IndustrialFinishesTV

SHOP AND PRODUCT SHOWCASE / Autobody News June 2022 25

26 June 2022 Autobody News / SHOP AND PRODUCT SHOWCASE

The Calibration Station Tackles ADAS Using Launch Tech USA Products The Calibration Station

by Autobody News Staff

The Calibration Station, with four locations in California’s Central Valley, features a quartet of purpose-built facilities 100% dedicated to diagnosing cars with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

The company provides bumperto-bumper—“tire to roof”—inspections, and performs calibrations and recalibrations, as well as basic diagnostics on every vehicle featuring ADAS. Part of the company’s success story revolves around its relationship with Launch Tech USA, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of diagnostic tools and equipment.

Technical Director Jacques Navant and his team of expert diagnosticians are delighted to be working with Launch Tech because their tools and equipment are worldclass, and backed by exceptional customer service and outstanding product support.

By building facilities designed specifically for diagnostics, The Calibration Station is breaking new ground and setting itself up for ongoing success.

“We decided to go with these types of facilities because we feel that the best place to do calibrations is in a purpose-built situation,” Navant said. “This way, anything that requires a static/stationary calibration/recalibration can be performed in a controlled environment, as opposed to doing it on the road or in a crowded, bustling body shop.”

When it comes to diagnostics, Navant is the ideal person to lead the technical development of the company. The sitting chairman of the ADAS Committee and board member for the Auto Safety Glass Council™ (ASGS AGSC™), Navant also invented tools in his role as technical director for Don’s Mobile Glass, Inc., in Modesto, CA, and is currently devising a certification program and a series of tests for the industry.

The Calibration Station is creating great careers for people who have the right stuff, Navant said.

“Our thought process is that this industry is so new—the paint isn’t even dry yet—so we hire only people who have little or no experience,” he said. “Then we train them in-house with an eight-week training course. They shadow ei-

Location: Modesto, CA (209) 497-6710 www.autocalibrationstation.com

The Calibration Station provides bumper-to-bumper inspections, and performs calibrations and recalibrations on every vehicle featuring ADAS for body shops in California’s Central Valley.

ther myself or one of my master techs for about six months before they’re released into the wild. Then they have to do 50 successful calibrations and then take a written test.

“For a master certification, they have to do 500 successful calibrations with a very extensive written test taken in-house. We try really hard and strive to be the best out there, and I think we have some of the finest people in the industry working here.”

Navant’s first step in 2017, when he was working out the best way to get the company involved in ADAS, was to find the best diagnostics equipment on the market.

This meant he and his team had to try them all, he said.

“I’ve always been fascinated with tools. So, when we decided that we were going to go full bore with calibrations, we collected a lot of the tools that were available out there,” he said. “And the relationship I have built with Launch Tech was extremely robust from the getgo. They were very supportive and very willing to send equipment out, and the feedback we gave them was surprisingly well-received.”

After performing his due diligence, partnering with Launch Tech was an easy decision, he said.

“There’s a lot of mutual respect between our team and the Launch Tech team and they move rather quickly, which is great.

If we need a new target, for example, they stay right on top of it, which means we can work on every make and every model that we encounter.”

By finding the best products they could, The Calibration Station

is getting five-star reviews from body shops and mechanical shops.

“We love their throttle tablets, and they have a new one that’s exceptional,” Navant said. “The standard throttle blew our minds and then they came out with the Launch Tech USA X-431 Throttle III, which in my opinion is one of the best diagnostic tools out there currently on the market—if not the best. And then they have a new product called the ADAS Pro Plus Unit®, which works in tandem with the Throttle Unit, and hands down, it’s the best calibration stand we’ve used throughout our business.”

Launch Tech provides Navant and his team with great customer support across the board, he said.

“We have a full-time rep who is always ready to assist us. I don’t want to jinx us, but we honestly don’t run into problems,” he said.

“The throttle tools themselves have a very nice feature that when we get a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC), it allows us to go into that trouble code. And if it can’t find the reason, it will let you search for it in a search engine to find it. It’s pretty slick, but thankfully that doesn’t really happen that often.”

Launch Tech’s products are extremely durable and by having a backup, Navant never has to slow down or stop his diagnoses altogether.

“They’re extremely well-built, so if something goes wrong or something wears out or has issues, then we can move to a backup frame. We have two of everything at each location, so we would recommend to anybody starting out that you have some form of backup.”

Company At A Glance...

Type: Collision Repair Facility Employees: 10 In Business Since: 2017 Number of Locations: Four Combined Production Space: 30,000 square feet

Technical Director Jacques Navant at The Calibration Station and his team of expert diagnosticians are flourishing using Launch Tech’s tools and equipment.

By building facilities designed specifically for diagnostics, The Calibration Station relies on Launch Tech exclusively.

Launch Tech USA Ontario, CA (562) 463-1580 www.launchtechusa.com Facebook: @LaunchTechUSA Twitter: @launchtechusa LinkedIn: Launch Tech USA YouTube: @LaunchTechUSA

SHOP AND PRODUCT SHOWCASE / Autobody News June 2022 27

At LKQ, a passion for “better” is what drives us.

For LKQ, the world’s “good enough” isn’t good enough. We believe better is the reward for those who keep striving.

We bring this passion for better to our work every day.

Since our founding, we’ve poured this passion into a better way to process and re-use parts, all with the strong desire to improve the world “one part at a time”.

Today, LKQ is the auto industry’s largest recycler of vehicles. Our salvage vehicle operations recycle more than 90% of the materials from end-of-life vehicles that would otherwise end up in a landfill.

New Aftermarket | Recycled OE | HD Truck Parts Remanufactured Engines & Transmissions | Paint Products

Call Us : 866-LKQ-CORP Visit Us Online : www.LKQCorp.com

28 June 2022 Autobody News / SHOP AND PRODUCT SHOWCASE

East Texas Shop Doing Things Right Since Day One with Help from LKQ Auto Collision Experts

by Autobody News Staff

Some collision repair lifers open auto body shops by accident or fate, while others plan for decades before they make the move.

In this case, Scott Lucas and his wife, Jean, always had an eye on starting their own shop, and began making plans many years ago. Today they’re the owners of Auto Collision Experts in Palestine, TX, with one location in East Texas, and getting ready to break ground on their second location, set to open in 2023.

By establishing strong business partnerships and keeping his eye on local talent, Scott was ready to hit the ground running when he opened his doors. He had 12 cars lined up to fix the very first day, in a beautiful brand new 12,000-square foot facility packed with all of the newest, high-tech tools and equipment.

The Lucas family opened their doors April 1, 2020, and quickly realized the pandemic was not just an April Fool’s Day prank. With their life savings invested in the business, it was a scary moment.

The timing couldn’t have been worse, but the business has flourished despite the odds, and using LKQ for its paint and supplies has sure helped.

With more than 35 years of experience working within different capacities in the collision repair industry, Scott, 52, was poised and prepared when he began dreaming about having his own shop. He worked for 23 years as a painter and an auto body/frame repair technician and proudly maintains a Platinum I-CAR Individual certification.

In 2008, Scott became a licensed Texas insurance adjuster for a Fortune 100 company.

During his nine years as a field adjuster, he was in charge of 12 staff adjusters and 20 direct repair shops in the East Texas market.

In 2017, Scott was hired as a general manager for a large repair facility producing sales of $2.2 million, which, under his direction, surpassed that number in 2018 by producing $3.8 million.

This combination of experience has been part of the reason why no one was shocked when

Location: Palestine, TX (903) 727-5695 www.aceeasttx.com

Auto Collision Experts in Palestine, TX, has one location in East Texas, with a second one scheduled to open next year.

the Lucas family opened Auto Collision Experts.

“Since I have been on both sides of this industry, I can speak both languages and that has definitely helped us,” Scott said. “As a former combo tech, I can relate to what our painters and techs go through every day. There’s also another advantage and that’s the fact that I know these vehicles inside and out and if my team has questions, I have answers. Plus, I can jump in and help them, something a lot of owners and managers in the industry can’t do.”

Part of Scott’s master plan was to spray Spies Hecker’s waterborne paint, an Axalta brand, with LKQ as his distributor. It just made sense on several levels, making it a no-brainer.

“I asked myself, what do we really need in a paint jobber because I had worked with many of them,” Scott said. “It came down to inventory, delivery, flexibility and product knowledge. We need a company that can help our production and enable us to be more efficient, and that’s exactly what we get from LKQ. “We went with a waterborne product because it’s better for the environment, it’s a superior product and the color matching is consistently dead-on.”

When it comes to his inventory, Scott always needs his paint and supplies on-hand and, often, in a pinch. Waiting can be a cycle time killer, but Scott also doesn’t want an excess of product sitting around clogging up his system.

“Our LKQ Area Rep William

Patrick is top-notch and he does an excellent job of helping us to control our inventory,” Scott said.

“Our technical guy is Wesley and he is pretty impressive. If we have a question about color matches or anything related to the Spies Hecker product, Wesley is available and very willing to help us.”

Being in East Texas and not close to any major cities, Auto Collision Experts is happy LKQ is able to meet its delivery needs day to day.

“We are in a rural area—three hours from Dallas and four hours from Houston,” Scott said. “We looked at LKQ’s delivery system and logistically, it’s brilliant. We never worry with LKQ because we know we can get pretty much anything we need within 24 hours from their warehouse in Tyler, TX. If I order it today, I’ll get it tomorrow, and that’s a major deal.”

In addition to his paint and materials, Scott also gets parts from LKQ promptly and accurately on a consistent basis, he said.

“We occasionally order sheet metal and used parts from them and 95% of the time, we can get it next day,” he said.

When it comes to any business relationship, accountability and transparency are non-negotiable, Scott said.

“The people at LKQ do what they say, and that’s why we’re delighted to be working with them.

They have definitely played a major role in getting us to where we are, and that’s why we would never even consider working with anyone else.”

Company At A Glance...

Type: Collision Repair Facility Employees: 12 In Business Since: 2020 Number of Locations: One Production Space: 12,000 square feet

Part of the shop’s master plan was to spray Spies Hecker’s waterborne paint, an Axalta brand, with LKQ as its distributor.

In addition to his paint and materials, Scott Lucas also gets many of his parts from LKQ and appreciates their promptness and accuracy.

LKQ (866) LKQ-CORP | (866) 557-2677 5846 Crossings Blvd, Antioch, TN 37013 www.LKQCorp.com Facebook: @lkqcorp Instagram: @lkqcorp Twitter: @LKQCorp LinkedIn: @lkq-corporation YouTube: @LKQ Corporation

SHOP AND PRODUCT SHOWCASE / Autobody News June 2022 29

ONLY ONE THING LASTS LONGER THAN OUR COATINGS. OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU. As the world leader in coatings, our long-term commitment to our customers is reflected in the numbers.

3,500,000+ COLOR FORMULA GLOBAL DATABASE 38,000+ NORTH AMERICAN CUSTOMERS USING PPG REFINISH PAINT

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Bottom line? As long as there are vehicles to paint, PPG will be there to help you paint them.

ppgrefinish.com

The PPG Logo and We protect and beautify the world are registered trademarks of PPG Industries Ohio, Inc. ©2022 PPG Industries, Inc. All rights reserved.

30 June 2022 Autobody News / SHOP AND PRODUCT SHOWCASE

Forward-Thinking Shop Embraces MoonWalk, PPG’s Revolution in Automotive Refinish Frank’s Collision Repair

by Autobody News Staff

With six locations in the Houston, TX, area, Frank’s Collision Repair repaired more than 8,500 vehicles last year. While many auto body shops were struggling during the pandemic, this mini-MSO was reporting major numbers month after month.

By making a transition from PPG’s solvent paint to ENVIROBASE® High Performance waterborne in all of his shops, and acquiring PPG’s new MOONWALK™ paint mixing system, owner Frank McClosky and his head painter, Darrell Hebert, are stepping into a new era and already reaping the benefits.

McClosky, 52, broke into the collision repair industry in 1992 as a painter, a job he held while attending the University of Houston-Clear Lake.

“I was a painter, but I had aspirations to do more,” McClosky said. “I’ve always seen myself as an entrepreneur and by wearing different hats, I was able to experience a lot about every aspect of the industry firsthand. Over the years, I sprayed all of the brands, which eventually led me to PPG.” One of the hats McClosky wore for six years was as a territory manager for PPG Industries, Inc. This role enabled him to learn a lot about shops’ financials and gain valuable insights from top collision repairers throughout Southeastern Texas. By learning as much as he could every step of the way, McClosky was able to open six locations, including his new hard-hit location, which recently unveiled PPG’s MoonWalk paint mixing system.

The first moon walk changed the world of space exploration more than five decades ago, and PPG’s new MoonWalk system has marked a similar “giant leap” for the collision repair industry.

Never afraid to pursue cutting-edge technology, Frank’s Collision Repair was one of the very first companies to make this automated paint mixing system a part of its life. The MoonWalk system has already transformed Frank’s Collision Repair’s mixing process into a cleaner, safer and more efficient operation since it was integrated into daily production.

The MoonWalk mixing machine

Location: (Greater Houston) Baytown, Dayton, Crosby, La Porte, Webster, TX (281) 427-8508

Frank’s Collision Repair’s new MOONWALK™ paint mixing system from PPG has already transformed their paint department into a cleaner, safer and more efficient operation.

replaces manual mixing processes with a splash-free, self-contained system that eliminates spills and achieves extreme mixing accuracy. The system’s computer uses a smart, intuitive interface that connects to the integrated mixing system and color management software.

In addition to increasing productivity, the automated system limits the potential for human error, and improves quality and consistency. This state-of-the-art system will also help to attract and retain many of the best painters in the business because they like using the latest and greatest.

Hebert, 47, entered the world of automotive painting in 1994 by prepping bumpers for $5 an hour, he said. In 2007, he went to work at Frank’s Collision Repair, where he and McClosky created a paint process they still use today.

“In 2008, I wrote a detailed list of procedures that outlines every stage of prep and painting,” Hebert said. “They hang on the walls of all of our locations, and they’ve become a guide for every painter that works for us. We call them our ‘paint process boards’ and often refer to them when anyone has questions. You can’t skip a step if you want predictable results.”

One major thing that has changed at Frank’s Collision Repair is the switchover from PPG solvent to its waterborne product, Envirobase High Performance.

First, it was installed in Frank’s newest location, a 28,000-square foot facility with all the newest equipment and tools, before

introducing PPG’s waterborne product to the rest of the shops.

“The first vehicles we painted with the Envirobase were a white Ford F-150 followed by another in Black Pearl to get a feel for the product,” Hebert said. “It sprayed out real flat and when we laid down the clear, it was incredible.

I haven’t used the solvent since then—we are now all-in with the waterborne and soon the entire paint crew will be spraying it.”

Hebert also appreciates the MoonWalk for a wide range of reasons, he said.

“It’s so much more accurate, it’s crazy. This system is so precise—down to the hundredths of a gram—as opposed to the tenths with our former color matching and mixing system. It provides the perfect mixing scenario every time and we haven’t over-poured any product yet. We used to have issues with the paint drying near the rim and around the spout, but with this system, we won’t ever encounter that again. We’re getting a highly accurate mix and dead-on color matches every time with MoonWalk.”

McClosky is delighted with both of the most recent changes that have happened at Frank’s Collision Repair, and ready for the next part of the story.

“I have seen this industry change in so many ways,” he said. “The shops that will be able to adapt and evolve will succeed and by changing over to PPG Envirobase and acquiring the MoonWalk mixing system, We’re getting ready for the future.”

Company At A Glance...

Type: Collision Repair Facility Employees: 120 In Business Since: 2003 Number of Locations: Six Combined Production Space: 128,000 square feet

Frank’s Collision Repair is preparing for the future by switching to PPG Envirobase and acquiring the MOONWALK™ paint mixing system.

Head Painter Darrell Hebert at Frank’s Collision Repair is integral to the company’s switchover from PPG solvent to its waterborne product at all of its locations.

PPG Company Contact: Cathy Rusnak (440) 572-2800 rusnak@ppg.com www.ppgrefinish.com

SHOP AND PRODUCT SHOWCASE / Autobody News June 2022 31

KEEP YOUR SHOP CLEAN AND TECHNICIANS SAFE with Pro Spot Dust-Free Sanding Systems

OEM Approved • Aluminum Safe • Air Powered • Mobile • Low Airflow www.prospot.com info@prospot.com 877-PRO-SPOT

32 June 2022 Autobody News / SHOP AND PRODUCT SHOWCASE

Pro Spot International, Inc. 5932 Sea Otter Place, Carlsbad, CA 92010

Shop Breathes Easier by Using Pro Spot’s Dust-Free Sanding System Fix Auto Santee

by Autobody News Staff

Alex Doria, co-owner of Fix Auto Santee, is a veteran of the collision repair industry with a core skillset that include networking with insurance companies, business development and marketing.

He credits much of his success to Greg Carter, who owned the very first Fix Auto shop in San Diego, CA, and eventually opened five locations in the San Diego area.

“Greg taught me everything I know,” he said. “I learned how to connect with the insurers and eventually I started my own company, AD Auto Service. I discovered quickly that I have a knack for being a liaison between the insurance companies and body shops.

Working with adjusters and local brokers became my bread and butter for seven years and my main job was filtering referrals and coordinating repairs for other shops.”

When he had an opportunity to become a shop owner under the banner of Fix Auto, Doria didn’t hesitate for a second. He knew the company would enable him to make money and perform OE repairs at a high level, so he jumped in and Fix Auto Santee became his life.

Doria loves the advantages associated with being a Fix Auto shop and taps into them every day, he said.

“They have approximately 160 shops in their network, but every store gets individual attention,” he said. “If I ever have any questions about accounting, human resources, OE certifications, supply chain issues—some of the finest people in this industry are in the Fix Auto community. Having full access to them is a real advantage. I have some great DRPs that make up more than 85% of my business and without the power of Fix Auto, I wouldn’t have them today.”

Doria always swings for the fences and his longstanding relationship with Pro Spot has been an unprecedented success, he said.

“Our distributor is Joe Carrier from Automotive Equipment Solutions (AES), and he’s excellent,” he said. “Their support is outstanding.

“Pro Spot works closely with every carmaker, so they know the specific tools we need for each nameplate,” Doria said. “When we told them we wanted to pursue a

Location: Santee, CA (619) 312-1990 www.fixautoUSA.com/santee Company At A Glance...

Type: Collision Repair Facility Employees: 38 In Business Since: 1971 Number of Locations: One

Technician Paulino Conde uses Pro Spot’s Dust-Free Sanding System every day at Fix Auto Santee.

Tesla certification, they knew exactly what we needed with equipment, tools, products, training and processes. They provided us with a ton of value-added services and their knowledge and experience was invaluable.”

One piece of equipment Doria’s crew uses daily is their Pro Spot Dust-Free Sanding System.

Doria knows much of the equipment he uses and the processes he employs can create hazardous air pollutants, dust particles and other chemicals. Once they go airborne, they can easily compromise the health and safety of his crew, and that’s why air filtration and ventilation are vital to a safe and healthy work environment at Fix Auto Santee.

Dust is one of the top offenders in any facility, because inhaling it can lead to an increased risk of respiratory and sinus disorders, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and can occur in different sizes, shapes, types and patterns.

Pro Spot’s Dust-Free Sanding System is a patented, unique system that safely and quickly extracts dust from sanding and collects it directly into a disposable bag before it has a chance to become airborne.

“This system has been huge for us,” Doria said. “Our approach has always been to run a shop that’s lean, mean and clean, and my guys know cleanliness is important to us. Everything my techs need is contained in the unit and it creates zero dust. It’s more effi-

cient too and we can tell that we’re saving time and money with this piece of equipment.”

One important feature of Pro Spot’s Dust-Free Sanding System is it does not contain any electrical motors or parts that might lead to explosions caused by heat and potential sparks. The patented air improvement module increases vacuum performance and operates on an extremely low air flow at 5-7 CFM, compared to competitor systems that use 40-50 CFM. The low airflow keeps noise levels low while allowing savings on air compressor needs and energy costs.

Doria loves showing off his cutting-edge shop full of today’s leading technology and his Pro Spot Dust-Free Sanding System is an integral part of the big picture.

“People say wow—this is a clean shop—and I love hearing that,” he said. “It was night and day when we first started using it and the feedback we’ve received by our crew is five stars across the board!”

The future is looking good for Doria, and without dust impeding his vision it’s looking even brighter.

“My goal is to eventually have three to five Fix Auto locations in the San Diego area within the next five years. Acquiring top-of-theline tools and equipment will help us, and the kind of support and training that we get from Pro Spot will allow us to stay on top. This system has already paid for itself and the equipment is designed to last so we know that it will last us for the next 20 years.”

Owner Alex Doria at Fix Auto Santee loves his Pro Spot DustFree Sanding System because it safely and quickly extracts dust from sanding and collects it into a disposable bag before it has a chance to become airborne.

By attaining the right tools, training and equipment, Fix Auto Santee is poised to grow and Pro Spot is playing a role.

Pro Spot 5932 Sea Otter Place Carlsbad, CA 92010 (877) PRO-SPOT www.prospot.com Facebook: @prospotinternational Twitter: @prospotwelding Instagram: @prospotwelding YouTube: @Pro Spot International

SHOP AND PRODUCT SHOWCASE / Autobody News June 2022 33

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SATA, SATAjet and/or other SATA products referenced herein are either registered trademarks or trademarks of SATA GmbH & Co. KG in the U.S. and/or other countries.

34 June 2022 Autobody News / SHOP AND PRODUCT SHOWCASE

SATA Spray Guns Help Shop Achieve High-End Concours Level Restorations 553 Auto Body & Collision/ Super Car Restoration

by Autobody News Staff

Located on Route 553, a 20-mile state highway in Indiana and Cambria counties in Pennsylvania, 553 Auto Body & Collision and its sibling company, Super Car Restoration, operate side-by-side in the same facility.

In 2014, Jamie Cooper and his partner Joe Griffith opened their doors with the initial intention of doing strictly Concours restorations. Several things have changed for the company in the last eight years, but many have stayed the same, including their dedication to quality and the fact they paint every vehicle using SATA spray guns, exclusively distributed by Dan-Am Company.

The plan was to do a little collision repair but focus on restoring classic American cars. But when Cooper and Griffith’s friends started getting into accidents, the collision repair side of their business blew up. Now the company does a mix of half restoration and half collision repair work, a combination that works well for Cooper and his team, he said.

Located in a former bus garage, 553 Auto Body & Collision and Super Car Restoration originally operated out of a 3,000-square foot building. But as the company grew, Cooper and Griffith kept adding space. Today, the facility is 13,000 square feet, with a downdraft paint booth, parts department, fabrication department, offices and an area where they can dismantle and reassemble hot rods for their discerning restoration customers.

Cooper is a hands-on owner and not afraid to jump in and help his crew in any way. “I’m at the shop by 5:30 am to prepare the production schedule for the 7:00 production meeting and try to close the shop down by 5:30 or 6:00 pm,” he said. “A lot of our people are cross-trained and willing to step in when needed. That’s why we didn’t miss a beat when COVID hit us.”

Back in 1987, Cooper landed a job sweeping floors at a shop owned by Gary Goss from his church. Years later, when he painted his first car—a 1977 Monte Carlo—he wasn’t even old enough to

Location: Penn Run, PA (724) 254-0553 www.553autobody.com

553 Auto Body & Collision/Super Car Restoration has been doing both collision repair and vehicle restoration since 2014.

drive it.

“My older brother Shawn drove it and got sideswiped by a tractor trailer, and now he is my production manager,” he said.

To learn as much as he could about the industry and develop skills he could use every day, Cooper graduated from Vale Technical Institute in Blairsville, PA. He was an excellent student and was honored as the valedictorian in his class.

After working for a handful of shops over the next three decades, Cooper decided to start his own shop completely from scratch and be active by giving time to vocational programs.

Proud of his crew and the work they do, Cooper decided long ago the best way to do things is to hire people based on their attitudes and personalities as opposed to their skillsets or certifications.

“Everyone here works really well together and that’s because they love what they’re doing,” he said. “I would rather hire someone green and develop them our way because we have enough skills and experience in this building to train them. We have two young people working here [Jared, 23, and James, 21] and we’re all mentoring them. Their passion and enthusiasm for this industry rubs off on all of us.”

When Jared began painting cars, he also learned from Cooper the only spray guns to use are SATA guns.

“It’s the only gun we use; I have never even owned anything

other than a SATA,” Cooper said.

“My attitude is if it works, why change? Their products are the best in the industry and the support is world-class.”

The safety of his employees is also important to Cooper and that is why he uses SATA’s Fresh Air system, he said.

“The SATA Air Vision 5000 offers a completely redesigned way of supplied breathing air. The respiratory hood not only ensures high breathing air quality but also a low noise level. The modern, ergonomic design fits with almost any head shape and can be individually adjusted in size, height and position.”

When you buy a SATA gun, you always get a company rep who is very knowledgeable and willing to share their expertise.

“Our area SATA rep is Jim Kvatek, and he handles the eastern part of the country for the company. His title is U.S. sales and technical support, and we have called upon him time and time again,” Cooper said. “He worked as a technical trainer for a large paint company for many years, so he knows what we need from our guns and how they can impact our production.”

“In the end, the true value of any tool or piece of equipment is obviously the quality. But without solid support, all of the other stuff really doesn’t matter.

Investing in SATA guns means you also get a person like Jim on your side, which is a major deal and a real plus for us and our paint crew.”

Company At A Glance...

Type: Collision Repair/ Vehicle Restoration Facility Employees: Nine In Business Since: 2014 Number of Locations: One Production Space: 13,000 square feet

Painter Jared Turner applies epoxy to a 1969 Camaro with his SATA spray gun. That’s Jamie Cooper instructing Turner in the background.

Jamie Cooper, right, and his partner Joe Griffith from 553 Auto Body & Collision/Super Car Restoration at the 2019 Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals in Chicago, IL. Dan-Am Company One Sata Drive P.O. Box 46 Spring Valley, MN 55975 (800) 533-8016 www.satausa.com Facebook: @SATAUSA Twitter: @SATA_DanAm Instagram: @sata_by_dan_am YouTube: SATA by DanAm Company

SHOP AND PRODUCT SHOWCASE / Autobody News June 2022 35

ONE SOLUTION ONE PARTNER

A hardworking refinish system, complete with basecoat and single stage options, as well as pigmentrich toners and pearls for brilliance and effect, and an unbeatable selection of primers/sealers and surfacers, and tough clears. This system is for the customer that wants one solution, one partner. Your System is Sunfire PRO™. Your Partner is Sherwin-Williams®.

It is time to convert. www.sherwin-automotive.com/sunfirepro

36 June 2022 Autobody News / SHOP AND PRODUCT SHOWCASE

Sherwin-Williams New Sunfire PRO Refinish System Wows Veteran Auto Body Shop Owner Top Shop Collision

by Autobody News Staff

Jim Cavalleri has seen it all in his decades in the collision repair industry, first as a technician and now as the owner of Top Shop Collision in Tonowanda, NY, which lends some weight to his assessment of Sherwin-Williams® new Sunfire PRO™ complete refinish system.

“Overall, it’s unbelievable how well it works,” Cavalleri said. “I have used a lot of different paint systems at dealerships, and I’m telling you, it’s just tremendous.”

Cavalleri said he first took an interest in the collision repair industry at 16, working out of a back yard.

“I always thought it was very gratifying when you saw a car that was totally demolished and then when you finished it, it’s pre-accident condition,” he said. “It always just intrigued me.”

He was having trouble getting his foot in the door at any local auto body shops, so he attended and graduated from Nashville Auto Diesel College, now a Lincoln College of Technology.

He then landed a job and became a combination technician.

“I did the car from start to finish—collision work, painted it, reassembled it, buffed it and got it ready,” Cavalleri said. “No one else touched a car but me. Nowadays, they don’t want you doing that, it’s faster production to have a collision tech, someone else is a painter and the two don’t mix.”

Cavalleri worked in dealership collision repair centers for 30 years. In the early 1990s, he started working split shifts, which gave him four days off a week – time he used to start and run his own shop on the side.

“More and more guys started working for me, and I had a business partner,” Cavalleri said.

In 2012, he bought out his partner and became the sole owner of Top Shop Collision, which he runs with the help of his wife, Patty, and son, James, 24, who is poised to one day take it over.

“This has always been a family business,” Cavalleri said. “That’s more important to me than anything.”

Location: Tonawanda, NY (716) 743-1761 Company At A Glance...

Type: Collision Repair Facility Employees: Nine In Business Since: 1990 Number of Locations: Two Combined Production Space: 9,000 square feet

Jim Cavalleri owns Top Shop Collision, which now has two locations in North Tonowanda and Tonawanda, NY.

Since then, the business has grown to the point Cavalleri invested in a second location. His company started doing work at the new building about a year ago. An expansion there is nearly complete.

Cavalleri said his shops have nearly 100 five-star Google reviews, which have netted them even more work.

“The reviews have been very kind,” he said. “That might be an understatement.”

Top Shop repairs all makes and models, averaging about 150 to 200 vehicles per month.

“We do everything from Teslas to Rolls Royces to the most basic economical car,” Cavalleri said. “There’s nothing too big or too small.”

Both locations are I-CAR Gold Class, staffed by Platinum Certified technicians. Cavalleri said keeping up with training, through both I-CAR and manufacturers, is a priority.

“Right now, everything is changing rapidly, especially with electric vehicles,” he said.

One of those changes for Top Shop turned out to be a new refinish system. Sunfire PRO features basecoat and single stage options, pigment-rich toners and pearls for effect, and an unbeatable selection of primers and sealers, and tough clears. According to Sherwin-Williams, it’s “designed for the shop that wants one solution and one partner.”

Cavalleri agreed, saying it’s simply a great product. “The paint color matches are superior and the coverage too,” he said.

Sunfire PRO has improved cycle times “massively,” Cavalleri said.

“It’s simplistic and uses less toners,” he said. “It’s pretty much spot-on.”

Any paint system will have trouble perfectly matching a color from time to time, Cavalleri said, but those issues have been minimal in the year Top Shop has been using Sunfire PRO. “With Sunfire PRO, we have way more solutions and way less problems,” he said.

When there has been an issue, Cavalleri said, the shops’ Sherwin-Williams representative has made it easy to get answers.

“That’s a big deal,” he said.

“People will sell you something, and it’s great, but can they back it up and help you when you run into a problem?

“It’s just been a fantastic product,” he said. “Economically speaking, it’s been more profitable than previous systems. The paint match is fantastic. The service, I promise, is second to none.”

Cavalleri said the paint job on a repaired car is the first thing a customer sees.

“It doesn’t matter who it is or where you are, if you paint something for somebody, they have to touch the surface,” he said. “It just draws you into it.”

Cavalleri said Sherwin-Williams’ Sunfire PRO refinish system is simply a great product: “The paint color matches are superior and the coverage too.”

Sunfire PRO features basecoat and single stage options, pigment-rich toners and pearls for effect, and an unbeatable selection of primers and sealers, and tough clears.

Sherwin-Williams® Automotive Finishes 4440 Warrensville Center Road Warrensville Hts., OH 44124 (800) 798-5872 www.sherwin-automotive.com Facebook: @SherwinWilliamsAutomotive YouTube: @SWAFC Instagram: @swrefinish LinkedIn: @Sherwin-WilliamsAutomotiveFinishes

SHOP AND PRODUCT SHOWCASE / Autobody News June 2022 37

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38 June 2022 Autobody News / SHOP AND PRODUCT SHOWCASE

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3/28/22 2:23 PM

Coach Works Uses Spanesi Equipment to Ensure a Safe and Proper Repair for Customers Coach Works

by Autobody News Staff

Matt Radman’s early memories of his mother Marina’s body shop in Mesa, AZ, include taking apart an electric motor and a motorcycle engine as a child. Marina opened Coach Works Auto Body in 1986.

“Instead of daycare, my siblings and I were at the shop,” Radman recalled. “Marina is not only a fantastic industry leader but one of few women body shop owners taking the reins and passing them on.”

Since they were teens, Radman and his sister, Nicole, the office manager, have worked at the facility. As shop manager, Radman wears multiple hats.

“I have done everything from sweeping floors to the removal and replacement of a full rear quarter frame rail, to being a post-repair inspection expert to battling insurance companies,” he said.

The family business prides itself on offering personalized customer service.

“We’re like a custom-tailored suit,” described Radman. “We address customers on an individual basis and meet the needs that suit them.”

Radman said the team guarantees everything will be done so correctly on a customer’s vehicle that he would put his mother, sister, wife or daughter in that vehicle.

Six years ago, Radman researched structural measuring equipment and realized its critical role in evaluating and diagnosing damage. With vehicle technology, he said it’s essential to scan a car and structurally measure it with OEM-approved equipment. However, he found the cost of some equipment steep to afford.

While attending SEMA, he learned about the Spanesi Touch electronic measuring system and met Tim Morgan, Spanesi Americas’ COO. “When customers are worried about investing in equipment due to cost, you need to show the business case of the typical ROI (return on investment) and ROTI (return on time investment) as how many hours you can add or recover by utilizing equipment,” said Morgan.

The shop demoed the Touch, which assesses frame and structural items, mechanical parts,

Location: Mesa, AZ (480) 890-2500 www.coachworksautobody.com

Pictured, left to right, are Marina, Matt and Nicole Radman at Coach Works Auto Body in Mesa, AZ.

wheel and tire alignment and suspension parts. In addition, it offers post-repair documents to return the vehicle to OEM specifications. Radman said it is extremely user-friendly.

“My daughter, Georgia, who was 5 at the time, used it to structurally measure the front end of a 2019 Ford F-250 Platinum after a few minutes of learning what to do,” said Radman.“She used a line at the end of a video I took of her, saying, ‘It’s so easy, it’s Spanesi.’”

Radman said the Touch is an exceptional and respected measuring system and has since utilized additional Spanesi equipment.

These include the 14,500A Smart Inverter Spot Welder and the Q5.2 Inverter multi-function welding machine with three torches: steel, silicon bronze and aluminum.

Coach Works added the 106 EXT Structural Straightening Bench for large and commercial vehicles. The 106EXT provides approvals for almost all OEM certification programs. Coach Works also added the Spanesi PULL UP! repair system, capable of pulling up to five tons while performing light-, medium- and heavy-damage glue-based repairs.

Radman said one of their employees, Jeff, is very bright and learned to use Spanesi products quickly, especially the 106 EXT bench.

“He never worked on a frame machine or a bench before and picked it up easily,” said Radman.

“He told me that it was like playing with LEGOs or an Erector set.”

Radman has been impressed

with the company’s support, which is part of Spanesi’s 360 Degree Concept of providing shops with training, connecting with vendors and setting up production processes as well as coaching them on accountability documentation and charging for repairs.

“I have become a coach, taking companies off the bench and putting them into the game,” said Morgan.

“Tim is the biggest help,” said Radman. “What he has done to support businesses to get this critical equipment so we can succeed and fix vehicles safely and properly is amazing. He is a true advocate of a safe and proper repair.”

Spanesi also has an online portal with information for shops.

Radman said repairs have become more complicated. “You cannot deviate with anything being off even a millimeter,” he said.

“It needs to be perfect just as designed. The point is to return the vehicle to its pre-loss condition.

There are no excuses.”

Marina said Spanesi equipment has allowed them to repair vehicles to the manufacturers’ standards.

“It’s fulfilling as a mom and business owner to watch your children and employees take the business to another level with these great Spanesi products that are putting a safe vehicle back on the road,” said Marina.

“We sleep well at night because we know repairs are being done properly.”

“Having Spanesi’s top-ofthe-line equipment allows Coach Works to properly repair a vehicle we can be proud of,” said Radman.

Company At A Glance...

Type: Collision Repair Facility Employees: Seven In Business Since: 1986 Number of Locations: One Production Space: 12,000 square feet

Jeff Goodman, left, entry-level technician, with Bret Runyon, right, sales and training specialist at Spanesi Americas, Inc.

Matt Radman, left, and Jeff Ross, right, lead paint and body technician, at Coach Works.

Spanesi Americas Inc. Timothy W. Morgan (224) SPANESI (224-772-6374) www.spanesi-americas.com Facebook: @spanesiamericas LinkedIn: @spanesi-americas Twitter: @spanesiamericas Instagram: @spanesiamericas

SHOP AND PRODUCT SHOWCASE / Autobody News June 2022 39

40 June 2022 Autobody News / SHOP AND PRODUCT SHOWCASE

Shop Co-Owners Have Big Plans for the Future with USI North America Part of the Plan Best Management Services

by Autobody News Staff

Painters know a well-designed and well-built spray booth will set them up for ongoing success.

“You’re only as good as your equipment,” a veteran refinisher said once, and it’s true.

A good paint booth will enable any painter to do a solid job, but a great piece of equipment is like a really smart and extremely talented painter’s helper on your crew. USI North America makes paint booths that allow painters to excel and create waterborne masterpieces that would impress even Leonardo da Vinci himself.

Sal Ferraro came from the dealership side to become the co-owner of three body shops— D&C Auto Body, Englewood Best and Paramus Best, all in New Jersey. He and his partner, James Best, have big plans to expand, but only when the situation is right on several levels. They have devised a strategic plan for finding shops to acquire and their formula is working well.

“We look for good shops that are in under-served locations and want a minimum of six bays, two prep bays and a paint booth,” Ferraro said. “We have great DRP relationships already in place, and we’re able to emulate our repair processes, customer service and overall approach. We have been able to double and triple revenues with every shop we acquire.”

To hit their numbers and build their business, Ferraro and Best bought several USI Chronotech paint booths, with plans to buy two more as they continue to expand. By painting a total of more than 300 cars every month out of the three locations, Best knows his USI booths need to be workhorses day in and day out.

“Other than changing the filters, we don’t have to think about our booths,” Best said. “Our painters love them and they’ve really helped our production because we can produce at least two additional vehicles every day. We can ride them hard and we know they’ll never let us down.”

Ferraro is also enamored with his Chronotechs.

Location: Englewood, NJ (888) 585-8785 www.dandcautobody.com Company At A Glance...

Type: Collision Repair Facility Employees: 44 In Business Since: 1988 Number of Locations: Three Combined Production Space: 45,000 square feet USI North America makes paint booths that allow painters to excel and create waterborne masterpieces at D&C Auto Body, Englewood Best and Paramus Best in New Jersey.

“We love the waterborne feature of the USI North America booths, because we spray waterborne in all of our locations,” he said. “With these booths, we’re getting the shortest flash-off and curing times in the industry by far—it’s not even close. You push a button and it ramps up to cure the waterborne so fast; it is pretty amazing. With the Chronotechs, you don’t need all of the fans to cure these vehicles. Plus, it saves us a ton on energy and we’re keeping contaminants out of the paint.”

With USI’s Easy Paint System (EPS), the booth sets the working rhythm and parameters for each job, instead of it being performed by the painter.

“It’s actually a button on the touch screen that we use in conjunction with the booth and it’s a totally automated function,” Best said. “It gives you the proper temperature, fan speed, duration, purge and proper bake and all you do is simply follow the instructions. You push the button and it tells you what to do—you really don’t have to even think about it!

“They give you complete control with this feature, so that we can constantly have access to all of the data and parameters available about our energy consumption in real-time for each job, including time reports for the single cycles, operators and pieces,” Best said. “This way, we’re not guessing; we’re knowing.”

Training for the USI spray booths was comprehensive and in-depth, with the help of Centerline Spraybooths, a jobber wellknown for installing paint booths in body shops throughout New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Massachusetts.

“The people from USI and John Chafair Jr. from Centerline came in here and taught our painters how to use their system effectively and efficiently,” Best said.

At the end of the day, it all comes down to airflow, he said.

“We never need blowers or any additional air to cure these cars,” Best said. “The fans in these Chronotechs are extraordinary because they feature variable speeds, so we can switch depending on the parameters of each job.

Our painters are producing a remarkable product day after day, so these booths are saving us both time and money.”

Any issues Ferraro and Best have encountered with their USI booths have been easily solved.

The co-owners feel good knowing if called upon, USI North America and Centerline Spraybooths will respond with solutions promptly and succinctly.

“If you do your scheduled maintenance and keep everything clean, these booths will last you 30 years and maybe even longer,” Ferraro said. “They’re an excellent investment and as we expand, we’ll be looking to get more USI booths.”

Best Management runs shops that produce consistently high numbers while repairing 300-plus vehicles every month.

The bays at D&C Auto Body, Englewood Best and Paramus Best are always filled with highend luxury vehicles, all painted in booths made by USI North America.

USI of North America Company Contact: Stefano Moretto (201) 405-7760 s.moretto@usius.com www.usius.com Facebook: @USI-of-North-America Instagram: @usi_refinish

SHOP AND PRODUCT SHOWCASE / Autobody News June 2022 41

THE DIFFERENCE IS DEBEER SIMPLICITY The BeroBase 500 Series solvent system is both comprehensive with 60+ toners and versatile with everything from primers to clears. Built for ease of use with a 1:1 mixing ratio, this system is designed for simplicity and with universal thinners to minimize stocking requirements—smart. Suited for a variety of conditions, the BeroBase 500 Series system delivers great color match, great coverage and ultimately, a great finish.

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42 June 2022 Autobody News / SHOP AND PRODUCT SHOWCASE

Ohio Auto Body Shop Finds a Complete Package with DeBeer Refinish Collision Pros.

by Autobody News Staff

Jack Mills’ interest in collision repair started at a young age, when he would accompany his dad, a maintenance employee for the local school system in Ohio, on middle-of-the-night jobs to clear snow from parking lots before teachers arrived the next morning.

“The main reason I went was because they parked the plow trucks in the auto body shop at the vocational school,” Mills said.

“I looked forward to going in there and seeing all the wrecked cars.”

Later, Mills became a student in that same automotive technologies program at Norton High School.

Not long after graduating, Mills and his wife found out they were expecting their first baby, and he put his skills to work.

“I had to make it work; I had a baby on the way,” he said.

Mills got a job with a momand-pop auto body shop, where he learned a lot working with a more experienced technician.

Later, he got a job at a Ford dealership, and then at an Akron-area mega dealership, where he worked for 12 years.

After that dealership lost one of its DRPs, and with it much of its work, Mills and his wife moved to Austin, TX, where he got a job with Penske Auto Center.

“I loved it,” Mills said about life in Austin. “Great money, great weather.”

But he and his wife had five kids by that point, and not all of them wanted to move from Ohio to Texas. So they came back to Ohio – with one stipulation.

“I said if we’re going home, I’m doing it on my own, sink or swim,” Mills said. “So, we took a leap of faith.”

Mills opened Collision Pros. in his hometown of Norton in December 2019. For the first several months, he was his only employee.

The work was piling up, so he hired his future son-in-law, who worked hard and fit right in. Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and several of Mills’ former coworkers at local shops and dealerships were getting furloughed or laid off.

“They asked if I could keep them busy,” Mills said. “I was like,

Location: Norton, OH (234) 678-8437 www.collisionprosoh.com Company At A Glance...

Type: Collision Repair Facility Employees: 10 In Business Since: 2019 Number of Locations: One Production Space: 12,000 square feet Jack Mills opened Collision Pros. in Norton, OH, in 2019, with a single employee – himself. Now the business employs 10, plus an office manager, and is preparing to open a second location.

well, we’ve got work.”

Soon, Collision Pros. had grown from one employee to 10, plus an office manager, Amanda, whom Mills said took the business “to the next level.”

“In the beginning, I didn’t know if I can afford a manager; now I can’t imagine our life without her here,” he said. “She’s taken the reins and ran with it.

“We couldn’t be where we’re at without everybody; we have a great crew,” he said.

The shop’s sales grew too – from about $350,000 its first year to $2.2 million its third – and it is getting ready to open a second location, a 20,000-square foot Toyota-certified repair center attached to Summit Toyota in Akron.

“I never thought we’d be where we’re at today,” Mills said.

“I just wanted to pay my bills. I feel like we’ve been blessed.”

Mills said when he first opened his own shop, he was watching every penny, so he used a cheaper paint line.

A representative from Shop Owners Warehouse in nearby Rittman, OH, cold-called Mills, asked what colors Mills was spraying that day and sent over samples to paint test panels.

“I was looking at these colors and it’s almost a dead match, where with our previous line, we were having issues,” Mills said.

Collision Pros. switched to DeBeer Refinish® BeroBase 500 Series, a compact and complete solvent system by Valspar®; with

25% fewer mixing colors, the BeroBase 500 Series product line requires less investment and overall less stock.

Mills said the cost per ounce is only a few bucks more than his previous refinish system, but the time savings more than makes up for it.

“We realized we’re so much more productive when we don’t have to spend a bunch of time tinting and messing around with colors,” Mills said.

Not only are the colors easy to match, the results last too.

“I look at something we painted two or three years ago, and it looks as good as the day it left,” Mills said. “It’s a high quality product.”

Mills also praised the service he gets from Shop Owners Warehouse and Valspar.

“A couple of the guys who work for Valspar, I’ve known them over 25 years, I’ve worked with them, and I’m already felt comfortable with them,” Mills said. “I know they’re not going to feed me a line of bologna.”

Mills is thrilled with every aspect of the DeBeer Refinish BeroBase 500 Series solvent system.

“It’s a great product, the price is in line. We’re making money on materials and if I have an issue, I pick up the phone and they handle it. I know everybody there on a personal level,” he said. “I just don’t see how you could lose out with any of that.”

“We couldn’t be where we’re at without everybody; we have a great crew,” Mills said.

Mills said switching to DeBeer Refinish® BeroBase 500 Series was a smart move because his team saves so much time thanks to how quick and easy it is to match colors.

Valspar® 4440 Warrensville Center Rd. Warrensville Hts., OH 44128 (800) 321-0672 valsparauto.com Facebook: @ValsparAutomotive Instagram: @valsparauto YouTube: @valsparauto

SHOP AND PRODUCT SHOWCASE / Autobody News June 2022 43

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