May 2013 Great Lakes Edition by Autobody News

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I-CAR Responds to Associations’ Questions on Repair Standards, Clarifies Stance on OEM Procedures Gaps I-CAR responded to questions posed by repairer associations regarding the training organization’s position on repair standards, as they relate to OEM repair procedures, and I-CAR’s ultimate decision not to take an active role in the identification of gaps in OEM repair procedures and forming a council to foster closing those gaps, something the association’s had requested of ICAR in 2011. In an April 12 letter to I-CAR, the three repairer organizations had questioned I-CAR’s reasons for not accepting this expanded role in the development of repair standards, and

questioned statements made by I-CAR that “seem to suggest a belief within ICAR that not all industry segments support using OEM repair procedures as a standard of repair.” I-CAR responded in the form of a letter addressed to representatives of the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers (AASP), the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS), and the Assured Performance Network. In the latest official response, ICAR reiterated its position that it “firmly believes that OEM collision repair procedures are the industry stanSee I-CAR Clarifies, Page 23

VOL. 1 ISSUE 9 MAY 2013

Repairer-Only Meeting Focuses on Shops’ Response to Key Industry Issues at April CIC Phoenix Meeting by John Yoswick

Insurer-mandated parts procurement systems, and I-CAR’s decision not to follow through with its plans to work with automakers to identify and close the gaps in existing collision repair procedures, dominated discussion at a repairer-only meeting held in Phoenix in April. Aaron Schulenburg, executive director of the Society of Collision Repair Specialists, led the “Repairer Roundtable” meeting, but said it was less tied to any one organization than to an over-arching goal of providing

PAINT AND REFINISH TECHNOLOGIES Second of 2 Issues

IABA Hosts Several May Industry Meetings With Ed Mayer, I-CAR Regional Manager one in New Albany from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. and the second meeting from 6:30–9:30 p.m. in Bloomington. Special guest at these meetings will be Ed Mayer, the new I-CAR Regional Manager, who will present the latest information about the I-CAR Professional Development Program, how the new process allows shops to See IABA and I-CAR, Page 14

Change Service Requested

P.O. BOX 1516, CARLSBAD, CA 92018

In May, the Indiana Autobody Association will host several industry meetings. The first will be held May 14 in Fort Wayne from 6:30–9:30 p.m. The second will be held May 16 in Merrillville from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. with another meeting the same date in Indianapolis from 6:30–9:30 p.m. On May 15, two meetings will be held,

repairers a place to discuss and establish objectives without the influence of other industry segments. “I think our industry has become well-informed,” Schulenburg said. “There is a great network of information going in and out of the associations, and from the trade I-CAR Board member press. But just Dusty Womble being informed did not support board decision isn’t enough. We See Repairer Roundtable, Page 31

• Custom Painter Stories, p. 18, 30, 34, 40 • Training and News, p. 4, 7, 20, 29

Suit Filed Against Safelite and Toyota After DoubleFatality Rollover, Safelite Says Not Repairer of Record A Houston, Texas-based personal injury attorney has filed suit against Safelite and Toyota on behalf a Montana woman who he says lost both her husband and young daughter in a rollover crash, in which the windshield allegedly separated from the vehicle. The attorney, Rob Ammons, contends Safelite had replaced the windshield on the vehicle involved, while Safelite argues its claims division processed the claim on behalf of another glass shop. “While traveling on a North Dakota highway one December afternoon, the family’s 2005 Toyota Tundra contacted an icy patch and went out of control. The pickup crossed the highway’s median and rolled over,” Rob Ammons said in a news release. “Safelite, who had installed a windshield on the Tundra, was also named as a defendant,” the document

continues. “According to the lawsuit, the windshield separated from the pickup in this crash and exacerbated the movement of the roof’s pillars. As a result, the driver and rear seat passenger were partially ejected from the pickup, despite the fact that they were wearing their seatbelts.” Ammons listed Safelite as a defendant because he contends the company installed the windshield on the pickup, according to the release. Safelite’s senior corporate counsel has another take: “Safelite typically does not comment on pending litigation. However, in this tragic case, after a preliminary investigation we determined that Safelite AutoGlass did not perform the windshield replacement,” says Brian DiMasi, Safelite’s senior corporate counsel. “Rather, Safelite Solutions, the claims management business, processed See Safelite and Toyota, Page 36

Presorted Standard US Postage PAID San Bernardino, CA Permit #2244

2 MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

COLUMNISTS Attanasio: Is ‘Reactionary’ Marketing Too Little, Too Late? Maybe Not. . . . . . 32 Franklin: Using Signage to be Unique in the Digital Age . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Hey Toby!: Glass and Windshield Installs Must Be Handled by the Book . . . . . . . 39 Insider: Shops Should Be Able to Offer Whatever Discounts They Want . . . . . . 37

NATIONAL 1940 Ford Coupe Wins Ridler Award in Detroit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Aaron Clark Named VP at Assured Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 ABRA Auto Body & Glass Expands in Utah. 22 ASA Appoints Risley as Interim Executive Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Automaker, OEM and Recall News . . . . . . 26 Axalta Coating Systems Holds Fleet Council Meeting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Axalta Offers Courses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Boyd Group Acquires Four Repair Centers in NC and FL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Car Theft Drops by 88% in Massachusetts. 46 CCC Donates $25,000 to Education Foundation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Chicago Pneumatic Gives $10,000 in Tool Grants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Collision Education Makeover School Grant Applications Due by May 31 . . . . 36 David Brunori Promoted to Division President at Matrix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Foundation Says 91 Cents of Every Buck Went to Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Hoffman Auto Body Fined $54K for OSHA Violations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 I-CAR Declines Facilitation of OEM Repair Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 I-CAR Makes Milestone $200,000 Donation to Collision Repair Education Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 I-CAR Responds to Associations’ Questions on Repair Standards, Clarifies Stance on OEM Procedures Gaps . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Kadel’s Wins Regional Award. . . . . . . . . . 23 Malco’s TurboShears Quickly Becoming Tech’s Go-To Cutter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Martin Senour Color Manual Features Actual Paint Chips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Most & Least Expensive States for Car Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 NABC’s Operation Comfort Fundraising Kit Available. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 NADA Says Rising New-Vehicle Sales Lifted Dealer Profits for a Record Year in 2012 . 38 New TV Pilot, “Auto Body Avengers” Coming to Spike . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Nissan Names O’Hara Director. . . . . . . . . 14 Northern California Man Pleads No Contest to Selling Counterfeit ALLDATA Products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 PPG Appoints Frank Sklarsky as VP of Finance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Pro-Spray Launches YouTube Channel . . . 28 Refinish Distributors Alliance Adds New Member . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Repairer-Only Meeting Focuses on Shops’ Response to Key Industry Issues at April CIC Phoenix Meeting . . . 1 SEMA Board Candidates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Service King’s Bonner to Speak at PBES Conference. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Suit Filed Against Safelite and Toyota After Double- Fatality Rollover, Safelite Says Not Repairer of Record . . . . . . . . . 1 VT Couple Charged With Arson . . . . . . . . 36

ASA Appoints Risley as Interim Executive Director The Automotive Service Association (ASA) appointed Dan Risley as interim executive director. The announcement comes following Ron Pyle’s decision to step down as president and chief staff executive. Pyle joined the national staff in July 2002 and assumed the role of president in November 2002. Risley, who joined ASA in March as executive vice president, said, “I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve an association with the storied history of ASA. The ASA board of directors is committed to strengthening the association through open communication and collaboration. I intend on helping them fulfill that commitment.” “Dan’s leadership and presence within the auto repair industry are just a few of the underlying reasons we believe he is a perfect complement to ASA,” said Darrell Amberson,

PAINT SPECIAL Crazy Painter Mitch Kelly, Father & Son Keep on Truckin’ in SoCal . . . . . . . . . . 40 Custom Shop Masters Pro-Spray to Make an Artistic Statement . . . . . . . . . 18 Glasurit Introduces Comprehensive, 2-Clears Solution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Herkules Introduces FastTrack Paint Gun Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 KBS Coatings Adds ‘Safety Blue’ Color to Line-Up of Non-Porous Colors for Rust Prevention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 RDA’s First Collision Solutions Training Seminar Gets Excellent Reviews. . . . . . 29 Renowned Painter Mickey Harris Co-Designed the SATAgraph 4 . . . . . . . 30 Six Tips to Finding Success in Process Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Third Generation Custom Painter Was Born Into the Business. . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

AAM, ASA chairman and vice president of operations at LaMettry’s Collision in Minneapolis. “The board looks forward to collaborating with him and leveraging his strengths to better the association and the value our membership receives.” Risley, who has served the industry in many roles throughout his career, came to ASA after six years at Allstate Insurance Co. where he was a market claims manager. Prior to that, he served as executive director of the Society of Collision Repair Specialists for seven years, from 20012008. Pyle will continue to work with ASA in an advisory role until the end of the year. “This transition of executive leadership has been in process for several months. I am very pleased that Dan Risley was willing and ready to assume his new role,” said Pyle.

Publisher & Editor: Jeremy Hayhurst General Manager: Barbara Davies Assistant Editor: Melanie Anderson Contributing Writers: Tom Franklin, John Yoswick, Janet Chaney, Toby Chess, David Brown, Rich Evans, Ed Attanasio, Chasidy Sisk Advertising Sales: Joe Momber, Sean Hartman, Jay Lukes (800) 699-8251 Sales Assistant: Louise Tedesco Art Director: Rodolfo Garcia

Great Lakes

REGIONAL AASP-MN Held 2013 Annual Meeting, Convention in April. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 AASP-MN Names New Board of Directors. 17 ABRA Auto Body Opens in MN . . . . . . . . . . 4 ABRA Buys 5 Indiana Shops . . . . . . . . . . 17 ABRA Opens Another New Facility in MN . . 4 ASA MI Hosted April Webinars . . . . . . . . . . 4 ASA Michigan Wants Action on SB 249 . . . 6 Business of the Year, Ohio Pike’s CARSTAR Celebrates 30 Years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Drew Industries Relocates HQ from NY to IN . 13 Father Hands Yorkville, IL, CARSTAR Shop Over to Son . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Ford’s Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan, Pumps $1.8B into Michigan’s Economy . 8 Forest Preserve Closes Illinois Auto Body Shop After 110 Years. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Former Detroit City Councilwoman Works at Auto Body Shop While Serving Federal Prison Term . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Gefran Names Overhulse Great Lakes Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Great Lakes Event Set for Sept. . . . . . . . . . 4 IABA “Shop You Can Trust” Webinar Set for May 22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 IABA Hosts Several May Industry Meetings With Ed Mayer, I-CAR Regional Manager. 1 IL Shop Happy After Six Months with PPG Envirobase. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Indianapolis Repair Center Hosts Pet Food Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 MI Body Shop Educates How Snow Affects Floormats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Michigan Approves Bills Banning MFN Clauses; ASA Says This is Good News for Repairers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 New Laws in Michigan for How Insurers Use Credit Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Newly Closed Indianapolis Body Shop Catches Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Paul’s Quality Collision in MI Wins Small Business of Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Spanesi Americas Opens US Location in Naperville. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Superior CARSTAR in Tipp City, OH, Added to MSO Network . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Team PRP Expands in Ohio with Westwood . 8 WMBA Hosted Car-Diologist at April Meeting in Grand Rapids . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Indexof Advertisers

Contents

Correction: Terre Haute Shop Opening Inaccurately Reported

Last month, an article in this spot described the future opening of MC2 Collision in Terre Haut, IN. We regret that the story was reported to us with several major inaccuracies including the opening date of the shop, which opened in November of 2012. Autobody News regrets the error and suggests readers disregard the story.

Serving Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin and adjacent metro areas, Autobody News is a monthly publication for the autobody industry. Permission to reproduce in any form the material published in Autobody News must be obtained in writing from the publisher. ©2013 Adamantine Media LLC.

Autobody News

Box 1516, Carlsbad, CA 92018; (800) 699-8251 (760) 721-0253 Fax www.autobodynews.com Email: news@autobodynews.com

Autobody Supply Co., Inc . . . . . . . 18 BMW Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . 37 Brunswick Auto Mart. . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Car-Part Pro. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Chief Automotive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Classifieds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 CSS USA, Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Equalizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Erhard BMW of Bloomfield Hills . . . 33 Erhard BMW of Farmington Hills . . 33 Ford Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . 41 Ganley Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge-Ram . 17 Garmat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 GM Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . 35 Graham Auto Mall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Herkules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Honda-Acura Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-25 Hyundai Wholesale Parts Dealers . 30 Infiniti of Naperville . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Jake Sweeney BMW . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Jake Sweeney Chevrolet . . . . . . . . 16 KBS Coatings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

K & M Northfield Dodge-Ram . . . . . . 9 Laurel Auto Group of Westmont . . . 15 Lexus Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . 45 Malco. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Mazda Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . 38 Milosch’s Palace Chrysler-JeepDodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 MOPAR Wholesale Parts Dealers . . 21 Nissan/Infiniti Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 PPG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 PreFab Ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Pro-Spray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Rare Parts, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 SATA Spray Equipment . . . . . . . . . 23 Subaru Wholesale Parts Dealers . . 36 Toyota of Grand Rapids . . . . . . . . . 31 Toyota Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . 39 Urethane Supply Company . . . . . . 13 VIM Tools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Volkswagen Wholesale Parts Dealers. 34 Walcom USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

www.autobodynews.com | MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS 3

WMBA Hosted Car-Diologist at April Meeting in Grand Rapids

DJ Harrington the Automotive Car-Diologist

tive Car-Diologist.

The West Michigan Body Shop Association, located in Grand Rapids, MI, held its April 16 meeting at Railside Golf Club with guest speaker D.J. Harrington, known as The Automo-

ABRA Auto Body Opens in MN

ABRA Auto Body & Glass recently opened a new franchise location in Brainerd, MN. The new shop is located at 7548 Industrial Park Road. The addition of this new location brings the total number of independently-owned franchises to 49. ABRA also has 95 companyowned shops nationwide, for a total of 144 locations in 16 states.

ASA MI Hosted April Webinars

ASA Michigan hosted two April webinars. The April 10 webinar focused on â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Collisionâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;More Work and Retention Through Customer Communicationâ&#x20AC;? with Dan Henderson from AutoWatch. The second webinar on April 24 discussed MIOSHA and updates on new communication requirements with Gregg Grubb, senior industrial hygienist with MIOSHA. For more information about AAS Michigan, contact Ray Fisher at rfisher@asamichigan.com.

Great Lakes Event Set for Sept.

Mark your calendar for â&#x20AC;&#x153;the GREAT LAKES EVENTâ&#x20AC;? coming to Lansing Community College West Campus Sept. 28 in Lansing Charter Township, MI. â&#x20AC;&#x153;the GREAT LAKES EVENTâ&#x20AC;? will be hosted by ASA Michigan and is an automotive collision and mechanical industry event that includes technical training, management training, networking, hands on, vendors, displays and more. Technicians, advisors, managers, owners and vendors are invited to this one-day event. For more information, go to www.thegreatlakesevent.com.

New Laws in Michigan for How Insurers Use Credit Information On March 28, new laws took effect in Michigan in regards to how insurance companies can use credit information. Under one of the measures, insurers canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t use peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s credit information to deny, cancel or refuse to renew their car, home or other personal insurance policies. Insurers will also be required to notify a person if they raise charges or reduce coverage based on the customerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s credit information. The use of credit scores by insurers to set rates has long been a debate in Michigan.

ABRA Opens Another New Facility in Minnesota

ABRA Body & Glass recently opened a new franchise collision repair facility in Baxter, MN. ABRA is based in Brooklyn Center, MN. The new franchise is independently-owned and operated by D. J. Dondelinger of Dondelinger Chevrolet Cadillac. ABRA now operates 32 collision repair facilities in Minnesota. The company operates a total of 144 corporate and franchise shops throughout 16 U.S. states.

AASP-MN Held 2013 Annual Meeting, Convention in April

The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Minnesota (AASPMN) held its Annual Meeting & Convention April 11-12 at the Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West in Plymouth. The line-up included 16 different programs for mechanical and collision repair shop owners, managers and technicians, as well as industry suppliers. In addition to the seminars, AASP-MN provided several opportunities for attendees to network and socialize with their peers. Thursday evening featured industry vendors displaying their new products and services and a dinner at Plymouth Playhouse, where attendees enjoyed the show â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ring of Fire,â&#x20AC;? the Music of Johnny Cash. Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Minnesota (AASPMN) is an association of independently-owned automotive service businesses and industry suppliers dedicated to improving the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s automotive service industry and the success of its members.

www.autobodynews.com CHECK IT OUT!

KBS Coatings Adds â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Safety Blueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Color to Line-Up of Non-Porous Colors for Rust Prevention

Rust is caused by moisture coming in contact with bare metal, producing a chemical reaction known as oxidation. The effect is to significantly weaken the metal and cause blistering underneath paint or primer. KBS Coatings offers its customers the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top rated rust preventive coatings but now KBS Coatings has raised the bar even higher with the addition of Safety Blue to the ten color line-up of RustSeal colors, according to Ben Bonkoski, Operations Manager of KBS Coatings. People battling rust problems with their cars, farm equipment, industrial equipment, and in so many other places, now have 10 choices of color, all of which are completely nonporous. Rust is one dilemma everyone seems to understand. Corrosion protection is really only as good as the products you choose. The power to protect lies in the details of a stop rust paint. KBS Coatingsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 3-Step system of KBS Klean (an industrial strength water-based cleaner & degreaser), KBS RustBlast (a powerful rust remover and metal etch) and RustSeal (an exclusive rust preventive coating) is the newest

and most effective rust prevention system available today. KBS preparation products of KBS Klean and RustBlast are specifically enhanced with a revolutionary Oxygen-Block Technology that offers unique metal corrosion protection. RustSeal is a single-component, high-solid content, moisture-curing urethane. These exceptional properties make RustSeal the ideal stop rust paint choice for chemically bonding to metal for the purpose of stopping and encapsulating existing rust and corrosion caused by the damaging effects of water penetration. RustSeal protects and seals bare metal from moisture with a permanent coating that is actually strengthened by continued exposure to moisture. This non-porous, flexible coating that now comes in Safety Blue is also incredibly tough and extremely resistant to abrasion and impact. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s technology thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s simply unbeatable. For more information, visit www.SHOPKBS.com or call 877548-9323.

4 MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

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facebook.com/prospray youtube.com/prosprayautofinishes www.autobodynews.com | MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS 5

ASA Michigan Wants Action on SB 249

ASA Michigan is asking its members to take action regarding Senate Bill 249 to update aftermarket parts language. Recently, ASA Michigan informed its members about SB 249, which will add language to the current requirement notifying consumers about the use of aftermarket parts. The current law requires that the following statement be on estimates using a bold font not less than 10 point: “This estimate has been prepared based on the use of aftermarket crash parts supplied by a source other than the manufacturer of your motor vehicle. Warranties that apply to these replacement parts are provided by the manufacturer, distributor, or insurer of these parts.” The requested language would continue with “These replacement parts are not covered by the vehicle manufacturer’s warranty.” ASA Michigan, along with ASA national, has provided an easy way for industry members to write their Senator in a ‘pre-drafted’ letter on TakingTheHill.org that will go to your Senator’s office upon completion.

Paul’s Quality Collision in MI Wins Small Business of Year Paul’s Quality Collision in Monroe Charter Township, MI, was recently awarded “Small Business of the Year” by the Monroe County Chamber of Commerce. Owners are Paul and Tammi Van Aken. The award acknowledges businesses that epitomize entrepreneurship and community service. The business was founded in 1982 and initially called Paul’s Body Shop and located on W. 7th Street. The shop moved to its present location on S. Telegraph Rd. in 1991. It operated as a franchise called Paul’s CARSTAR Collision from 1992-2006 until the shop left the CARSTAR organization and began operating as Paul’s Quality Collision. The business prides itself on teamwork and emphasis on quality work and customer service. Tami serves as office manager and one of their children, Ryan, serves as production manager. The business employs 12 people. The company's community involvement includes sponsoring area recreation teams and discourages testing and driving by sponsoring programs in schools and distributing t-shirts that say, ‘Plz dnt txt n drive.’

The humidity is coming! The humidity is coming!

Newly Closed Indianapolis Body Shop Catches Fire

Indianapolis firefighters are investigating a fire that broke out at Deluxe Auto Shop in Indianapolis, IN, in mid April. The shop had recently closed. Crews were called to the area of 38th Street and Hillside Avenue shortly before 2:30 p.m. to the fire at the former body shop. They arrived and found heavy black smoke pouring out of the building. The shop closed down a few weeks ago. Former employees were cleaning when they noticed the fire. Fire crews say the former paint and body shop had just closed on the first of the month. Lt. Larry Tracy, from Indianapolis Fire Department said, “They were cleaning it out. They did have a paint booth inside the building but it was inactive and they were in the process of tearing it out as well.” The fire spread to the roof. Crews had a hard time getting to the flames, but were able to break through a wall and gain access to the roof. Firefighters were able to get the fire under control. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, however it does not appear to be suspicious at this time. There were no injuries reported.

Gefran Names Overhulse Great Lakes Manager

Gefran Inc. has named Matt Overhulse as Great Lakes Regional Sales Manager Industrial Sensor and Automation Products for North America. Overhulse will be responsible for all customer relationships, OEM and distributor sales for Gefran’s Industrial Sensor and Automation products in the Great Lakes region. His territory includes Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan, West Virginia, Western Pennsylvania, and Western New York. Prior to joining Gefran, Overhulse held positions with Findlay Machine Inc., Omron Scientific Technologies and Wenglor Sensors Inc. He has over 10 years of experience in OEM, Channel Sales, and Direct Sales. Eric Kirleis, Gefran’s Managing Director, said, “We are excited to have Matt Overhulse on our North American team. Matt’s extensive experience in Industrial Sensors and Automation products with a focus on plastics, fluid power, metal processing, power control and packaging Automation Product Solutions will increase both the visibility and sales for Gefran, Inc.”

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MI Body Shop Educates on How Snow Affects Floormats

Snow on the bottom of shoes can cause double-duty damage if moisture inside a vehicle is allowed to accumulate. “We’ve seen, over the years, massive amounts of corrosion caused by too much moisture being left on the carpet,” said Steve Bartanen from Bartanen’s Auto Body in Ishpeming, MI. “It not only damages the appearance, but it actually damages the integrity of the automobile.” Bartanen has worked on a lot of older cars and says that one of the first places he looks for rust is on the floor of the driver’s side. “Having rubber mats, especially on the driver’s side, that you can actually pull out of the car, shake it out, and put back in the car will eliminate a lot of that problem. And it’s going to make your spring cleanup job a lot easier,” Bartanen said. “The best thing to do for that moisture situation is to allow yourself a little more time in the morning to put the defrosters on a mix of defrost and heat because if you put the defrost and heat on, you will be drying the floor,” Bartanen explained.

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Indianapolis Repair Center Hosts Pet Food Drive

Church Brothers Collision Repair in Indianapolis, IN, held their annual pet food drive to benefit the dogs and cats sheltered by Indianapolis Animal Care & Control. The pet food drive collected over 3,400 pounds of food and topped last year’s results by more than 1,000 pounds. The 3,400 pounds of bagged and canned food were collected at the recent “Stock the Pantry” Night during the Butler vs. Duquesne men’s basketball game at Hinkle Fieldhouse. The food was contributed by fans attending the game and animal welfare advocates. “Stock the Pantry” is sponsored by Butler Basketball, mascots Blue II & Blue III, Holistic Select Pet Foods, and Church Brothers Collision Repair, a Butler Athletics’ sponsor. Again this year, Holistic Select provided a significant kick-start to the campaign by donating nearly 1,400 pounds. Holistic Select is the Butler Blues’ cuisine of choice. Church Brothers Collision Repair is a family-owned and operated collision repair company founded in Indianapolis in 1929. The firm has six state-of-the-art shops in metro Indianapolis.

Herkules Introduces FastTrack Paint Gun Washer

Herkules Equipment Corporation recently introduced a new paint gun washer called the FastTrack that speeds up the paint gun cleaning process anywhere in the shop. The FastTrack (model #G45) paint gun washer is inexpensive, lightweight, only 10 inches wide, and is designed to work with Herkules Sparkle Clean Blast aerosol can cleaner. Blast cleans both waterborne and solvent paints. The Blast can is fastened, upside down, to the top of the FastTrack. The cleaning process begins when the FastTrack’s nozzle is pushed up with the paint gun. The Blast’s cleaner is then released down into the gun’s paint channel with just the right amount of pressure to clean the inside of the gun. The outside tip of the gun is easily cleaned with the attached brush. Herkules Sparkle Clean Blast contains the exact same low VOC cleaning formula as Herkules Sparkle Clean aerosol can cleaner. It’s very effective for cleaning both waterborne and solvent paint. The Blast can is

equipped with a special valve that hooks up to the FastTrack gun washer for effective release of the cleaner. The FastTrack’s mounting holes and light weight make it easy to mount anywhere in the shop or in a mobile work station to keep projects moving quickly through the repair process. Herkules Equipment Corporation, established in 1984, is a leading manufacturer for the Automotive Paint & Body Repair industry, having designed, manufactured, and patented the first Paint Gun Washer. We have been manufacturing quality vehicle lifts and scissor lift tables for close to 30 years, providing many different industries ergonomic solutions for countless applications. Herkules also supplies Air Jacks, Handling Equipment, and Crushing Equipment. For more product information, please contact Herkules at 800-4444351, or at info@herkules.us or visit our website at www.herkules.us/guncleanerG45.php.

www.autobodynews.com | MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS 7

Former Detroit City Councilwoman Works at Auto Body Shop While Serving Federal Prison Term

Former Detroit City Council member Monica Conyers is working at an auto body shop while serving the remainder of her federal prison sentence for corruption. The wife of U.S. Rep. John Conyers now works for Metrotech Collision in Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood, according to owner Sam Hussein. Federal authorities allowed Conyers move to a halfway house in Detroit on Jan. 25 while she finishes a 37-month prison sentence that ends May 16. She pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery in 2009 and entered prison the next year. Conyers was sentenced to Alderman Federal Prison Camp—also known as ‘Camp Cupcake’—after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery. Conyers admitted taking bribes from Houston-based Synagro Technologies in exchange for her vote on a $47 million sludge hauling contract. The council voted 5-4 in favor of the Synagro contract with Conyers’ support. Getting a job was a condition of her release. She works about 30 hours a week at the collision shop answering phones, doing administrative

work and working with insurance providers. “She’s been here for about 2 1/2 months,” Hussein told The Detroit News. “She’s doing a great job.” “She applied for the job. We asked her to submit her resume, which she did, and we saw she had great credentials,” said Hussein. Conyers is forbidden to speak to the news media as a condition of her release, Hussein said. He said the Detroit corruption case did give him pause, but that he ultimately decided to give Conyers a chance. “Those charges are always a concern, but when I thought about what she’s doing to put the past behind her, I realized I can only judge her based on what she’s doing for us,” he said. Conyers, 48, served as president of the Detroit City Council between September 2008 and May 2009. She was sentenced in March 2010. The continuing federal probe of corruption in Detroit City Hall led to recent convictions of ex-Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, his father Bernard and city contractor Bobby Ferguson on a range of charges related to bribetaking and paying.

Ford’s Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan, Pumps $1.8B into Michigan’s Economy Ford Motor Co.’s revamped Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, seen as a model for auto factories in the future, supports 24,000 statewide jobs and injects $1.8 billion annually into Michigan's economy, according to analysis from the Center for Automotive Research, the Detroit News recently reported. The plant, dubbed by CAR as “the new global standard for flexible manufacturing” after a $770 million investment, produces five different Ford models, including a hybrid, plug-in hybrid and an all-electric, and will manufacture 350,000 vehicles this year. CAR’s analysis was introduced at a supplier matchmaking event at Ford’s Dearborn campus to highlight Michigan’s automotive supplier base, which includes 2,600 facilities that work with Ford. CAR’s analysis also found that opportunities for Tier 2 and Tier 3 auto suppliers in Michigan are growing. “Michigan has a wealth of businesses that can help Ford continue growing as a global automotive leader,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford’s president of the Americas.

CAR’s findings show there are still many parts for Michigan Assembly Plant that are sourced from outside the U.S. and Canada, including approximately $500 million in supplier spending from outside North America. Sourcing those parts closer to the assembly plant in Wayne could bring financial benefits for both Ford and the supplier, though would not result in any real increase in employment or economic activity, CAR said. The Michigan Assembly plant, home to about 5,000 workers on three shifts, manufactures the Ford Focus, Focus Electric, Focus ST, C-Max Hybrid and C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid.

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Team PRP Expands in Ohio with Westwood

Team PRP’s nationwide network of independent automobile recyclers expanded with its newest member, Westwood Auto Parts, located in Toledo, OH. The addition of Westwood brings the partnership total of Team PRP to 133 members. Brothers Gary and Zale Reinstein founded and opened Westwood Auto Parts in 1977. With the intention of developing a used auto parts facility that offered readily available parts in stock, operating more like a new parts store, the brothers purchased a 150,000-square-foot abandoned foundry building on 19 acres of property and later expanded to 21 acres. Though Zale passed away in 2002, Gary remains active in the business during summer months. Edward Reinstein, son of Gary Reinstein, is the current owner of Westwood. As one of the first employees, Edward experienced a full variety of positions including dismantling, delivery, inventory and warehouse work. He is also a past president and current board member of the Ohio Auto and Truck Recyclers Association, as well as a past member of the Government Affairs Committee for the Automotive

Recyclers Association. Jim Stone, Zale Reinstein’s sonin-law, is also an original employee who had worked as a dismantler and warehouse worker, and is Westwood’s leading salesperson today. Currently, Westwood has 12 employees. Long before “being green” became a fad, Westwood adopted environmentally-friendly practices throughout their operations. Every vehicle ever disassembled was handled inside their building, with all fluids captured and recycled. Westwood dismantles approximately 750 vehicles annually. “We are very excited to be part of Team PRP,” said Edward Reinstein. “We believe that Team PRP’s philosophy and Westwood’s are identical.” Kent Rothwell, chairman of the Team PRP national board of directors, said, “We feel confident that Westwood’s business vision and commitment to the very best in customer service, which has been in evidence throughout their many years in business, meshes perfectly with the vision of Team PRP. We certainly look forward to working with them.”

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www.autobodynews.com | MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS 9

Malco’s TurboShears Quickly Becoming Tech’s Go-To Cutter by Ed Attanasio

Don’t be fooled by their sleek, stylish appearance and be sure not to be confused by their attractive price. Malco’s TurboShears metal-cutting tools are easy on the eyes, but their high carbon steel blades are not easy on 20-gauge steel. For that reason and many others, the TurboShear by Malco is quickly becoming the body repair technicians’ go-to metal cutting tool. Four years ago, Malco entered the automotive tools market and has already made a significant impact, led by top reviews from body shops all over the country. With a selection of dent removal tools (known as the Raditap Rapid Dent Removal System); door skin tools (TurboX Tools Door Hemming and Door Skin Removal Tools); hole punches/flange air tools, the aforementioned TurboShears (with five models); pliers, riveters, scratch awls, tube benders, slicers, seamers, snips, socket-drive Torx Bits, sockets and related accessories, Malco’s line of auto body tools is impressive for the three big reasons every collision tech wants—cost, performance and

durability. And the fact that they look good while performing their respective jobs surely doesn’t hurt either. Mike Janey, Malco’s Creative Services Specialist, discussed the manufacturer’s emergence into the collision repair field. “The TurboShears really took us

Malco’s TurboShears cut easily through auto body panels and profiles, including layered metal, rocker panels and plastic bumpers

into the automotive market, because we saw a need for this tool back in 2003 and saw how it could help body techs and companies or individuals

IL Shop Happy After Six Months with PPG Envirobase Restoration House Auto Body in East Alton, IL, a 9,000 square-foot, 20-bay full-service collision center, started using eco-friendly PPG Envirobase paints and coatings six months ago. “We’ve went green,” said Bob Ruby, owner of Restoration House Auto Body. “The new paint matches a lot better and customers have been very satisfied with their paint jobs.”

Pete Brooks, of Restoration House Auto Body in East Alton, cleans up a Chevrolet 1968 Camaro Rally Sport SS, as the final work is done after the historic car was rear-ended. The Telegraph/MARGIE M. BARNES

PPG Envirobase contains water as its primary ingredient instead of harmful solvents and volatile organic compounds, which are hazardous to air quality in the work environment and community. By choosing this alternative, Restoration House Auto Body can reduce volatile emissions by up to 80%.

“I made the decision to look into it for environmental reasons,” Ruby said. “It’s also state-of-the-art. All new cars are painted with water-based paints, and it will eventually be mandatory.” Ruby established Restoration House Auto Body in January 1980. At the time, he worked alone and did only restoration work. Today, he employs a staff of 10 and, in addition to painting, offers collision and restoration work on all types of cars and trucks, full-service storm damage, towing, alignment and full-frame or unibody repairs. “I started on my own doing only restorations. But that work is limited because it is so expensive, so I switched primarily to collisions,” Ruby said. “Around 15 years ago, though, we got back into restoring older cars. We are one of the few shops in the area that still do restoration work. Last year, we restored six cars, two of them fully.” In 2012, Ruby saw profits grow by 20%, which he partially attributed to the April hailstorm that damaged and even totaled many vehicles. “We got an overflow of cars from all the hail damage,” Ruby said. “There were around 30 to 35 of them in here just from the storm, a lot of them totaled. When this year started, we were still very busy, but things have slowed down a little lately.”

10 MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

that restore vehicles. But the huge attraction is the maneuverability and versatility it offers. It’s easy to control and operate and it won’t fatigue the user’s hands, wrists and arms, because it doesn’t require a lot of force to operate. Starting at $99, while other comparable tools retailing normally around $300, the TurboShear offers a double whammy—quality and price.” Available as a drill attachment and in air models, Malco’s TurboShear metal-cutting device can perform highly accurate straight cuts and left circular or square cuts in automotive steel. The TurboShears’ wide jaw opening allows the tool to easily make cuts in auto body panels, rocker panels and plastic bumpers effortlessly. Malco Products, Inc. in Annandale, MN, was founded 1950 when a young steel supply salesman, Mark W. Keymer, decided to manufacture and market a pipe crimper he had invented for use in sheet metal ductwork used with forced air heating systems. More tools soon followed and the business that started in a garage soon became a national enterprise. Sixtythree years later, the name Malco is

still associated with quality and reliability, as well as being known for regularly introducing exciting new hand tool designs and modifications for the various industries it serves. Malco’s website (www.malco-

Malco’s 18-gauge Heavy Duty Metal-Cutting TurboShear that can make straight cuts as well as left circular or square cuts in automotive steel

products.com) is packed with useful information about its automotive tools, complete with easy-to-use intuitive videos, a useful blog (Tool Talk) and a dealer locator. In the United States, Malco’s auto body tools can also be purchased through two main online distributors, Summit Racing Equipment and Auto Body ToolMart.

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Business of the Year, Ohio Pike’s CARSTAR Celebrates 30 Years In March, Pike’s CARSTAR celebrated its 30th year in business in Madison, OH. The shop is also celebrating its 24th year as a CARSTAR franchise. Happily for the shop, on March 14, the Madison/Perry Area Chamber of Commerce honored the small locally-owned business as its 2013 Business of the Year. The honor came as a surprise to CARSTAR owners Doug and Tamara Pike. “I was very pleased,” Doug Pike said. “I hadn’t given it much thought, so it definitely came as a surprise.” “I was overwhelmed,” Tamara Pike said. “It was quite an honor. We may have to devote an entire wall space to all of the plaques and awards.” The Madison/Perry Area Chamber of Commerce used three criteria to name the 2013 Business of the Year. One was that the business had proven to be successful. The second criterion was that the business relied on other local businesses for part of its work. CARSTAR in Madison acquires used parts and other gear from

munity. Pike’s CARSTAR has been involved in sponsorship and donations for scores of local organizations and community events since 1985. “It started when my daughter Elena asked us to sponsor her softball team,” Doug Pike said. “Since then we’ve sponsored a lot of local team and athletes.” He said every year since then CARSTAR in Madison has sponsored youth organizations like the

Madison Softball Association, the Madison Little League, the Madison Soccer League, the Madison Mustangs Girls’ travel soccer team and Madison Youth Basketball. It sponsors coach pitch and t-ball. It also sponsors Madison Adult League softball. “We’ve been doing this for long enough that I’m fixing cars for the sons and daughters of customers we had during the early days of youth sports sponsorship,” he said. Pike’s CARSTAR in Madison also sponsors events for the social benefit of the community. Pike named the ‘SoapsIt-Up’ car wash benefit held yearly for the Madison Food Bank and the Make-A-Wish Foundation as extremely successful. The Madison Boy Scouts troop helps with this event. With 140 cars washed, the benefit received recognition in the Guinness Book of World Records. Many other CARSTAR franchises around the country are following CARSTAR in Madison’s lead

in the ‘Soaps-It-Up’ program. Also noteworthy is ‘Military Month,’ which supports local servicemen and women. This year 120 ‘care boxes’ of goods were sent to them. CARSTAR also sponsors a dinner for veterans at the American Legion. The list of community events Pike’s CARSTAR in Madison supports is long. These are just a few examples. “We don’t do these things for recognition,” Pike said. “We’re just people doing our bit to help people.” Tamara Pike said the list of government entities and organizations honoring CARSTAR of Madison as 2013 Business of the Year was amazing. “There were so many,” she said. “They included recognition from the Lake County commissioners, the Ohio Senate, Madison Schools, Madison Township, the Village of North Perry and many others.” Doug and Tamara Pike said Pike’s CARSTAR in Madison will continue to help the community as long as it’s in business.

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Michigan Approves Bills Banning MFN Clauses; ASA Says This is Good News for Repairers Michigan’s governor recently signed off on Senate Bill (SB) 61 and 62, effectively striking down most favored nation (MFN) clauses by health care corporations and insurers in the state. Though the legislation did not address property and casualty insurers, the Automotive Service Association says this is good news for automotive repairers. MFN clauses appear in a number of agreements offered by major national insurance companies and allow insurance companies to negotiate that they get the absolute best price available on services. The text of SB 61 says: “Beginning January 1, 2014, a health care corporation shall not use a most favored nation clause in any provider contract, including a provider contract in effect on January 1, 2014.” Ron Pyle, ASA president and chief staff executive, responds, “Although this legislation does not include property and casualty insurers, it supports ASA’s position that MFN clauses can harm consumers. “We are going to continue to work with the Department of Justice as well as state legislators to educate them on the negative impact they

(MFN) have upon the consumer and the entire collision repair industry,” he said. ASA officials participated in a 2012 U.S. Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission workshop related to MFN clauses. Following the workshop, ASA sent a letter to the assistant attorney general for the Antitrust Division at the U.S. Department of Justice requesting a review of the MFN clauses used in many property and casualty direct repair agreements. This letter centered in on the “potentially harmful, anti-competitive impact of these clauses on consumers and collision repair shops,” according to an ASA release. More specifically, the letter states, “ASA’s collision repair members have raised a significant concern regarding insurer-repairer direct repair agreements. An increasing number of our collision repair shop owners are faced with direct repair agreements offered by insurance companies, which include most favored nation or most favored customer clauses.” The letter continues, “For the large majority of collision repairers, not participating in insurer direct repair programs is not a viable option.”

Drew Industries Inc. has announced plans to relocate its headquarters from White Plains, NY, to Indiana. It will also expand its manufacturing operations, creating up to 800 new jobs by 2017. Founded in 1962, Drew Industries, through its wholly-owned operating subsidiaries, Lippert Components and Kinro, is a supplier of components for RVs and manufactured homes. In addition, Drew Industries manufactures components for adjacent industries including buses, trailers used to haul boats, livestock, equipment and other cargo, truck caps, modular housing and factory-built mobile office units. Drew Industries, parent company of Elkhart County-based Lippert Components, Inc. and Kinro Inc., plans to invest $12.75 million to renovate and equip four manufacturing facilities in Goshen and Elkhart. As part of the project, Drew Industries will install new manufacturing and production lines, which are expected to be operational this year. With more than 5,200 full-time employees across the country, Drew Industries currently has approximately 3,400 employees in Indiana.

The company has already begun hiring additional engineers, furniture assemblers, general laborers, drivers and welders in Elkhart County. “We have experienced significant growth over the past three years,” said Jason D. Lippert, chairman and CEO of Lippert Components and Kinro. “When looking to relocate our corporate headquarters, Indiana made the most sense due to its talented workforce, and because most of the RVs produced in the United States are produced in Elkhart County. We greatly appreciate the support provided to us by the state of Indiana, Elkhart County and the cities of Goshen and Elkhart and we look forward to continued growth and future success here.” From 30 factories located throughout the United States, the company’s products include chassis, fabricated steel chassis parts, slide-out mechanisms, axles, upholstered furniture, mattresses, windows, doors, leveling and stabilization equipment, suspension enhancement products, electronics, thermoformed products and aluminum extrusion products.

Drew Industries Relocates HQ from NY to IN

www.autobodynews.com CHECK IT OUT! www.autobodynews.com | MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS 13

Forest Preserve Closes Illinois Auto Body Shop After 110 Years An auto body shop in Libertyville, IL, recently closed after 110 years in business because the shop is located on the border of a forest preserve. Rehm’s Auto Body Shop, known for its dent removals, custom work and paint jobs, serviced well-to-do families, local municipalities and gearheads from throughout Northern Illinois for a century, the Libertyville Review recently reported. The shop is known for working on a car formerly owned by Al Capone. “Our paint jobs were known statewide,” Al Rehm said. “There was always someone we didn’t know from some from some far-off place who would show up asking for work on their cars.” The 4.1-acre lot near Buckley Road and River Road once held two houses, a barn and a car shop that were home to five generations of the Rehm family, and was visited by countless auto enthusiasts. Al and Jeff Rehm are brothers and members of the fourth generation. “As I drive through Libertyville, I don’t see any building with a familiar name,” Jeff said. “It’s a sign of the times. I guess that happens after 50, 75, 100 years.” The legacy started in the early 1900s. Henrick Rehm arrived in the United States in 1880 and was a wagon builder in Chicago until he decided to move to the area now known as Libertyville in 1902. Henrick had two homes in Chicago and slowly dismantled one of them and transported it piece-by-piece to his new property off Buckley Road and River Road. The house was then reassembled, and one of the exterior doors became a family favorite after they realized the frame had rubbed Continued from Cover

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become Gold Class, and what new programs are becoming available. In addition, the meetings will discuss how ‘steering’ or deceptive referrals affect body shops, how businesses can create stronger customer loyalty, and the latest news on parts procurement. To register, go to IABAmeetings.com. For more information, contact Tony Passwater at (317) 290-0611.

against a wagon wheel during the trip. Jeff said his great grandfather (Henrick) wanted to be a grape farmer initially, but customers from Chicago continued to write him and appear at the property asking for work on wagons. “He was too well-known to retire,” Jeff said. “He built a shop next to the house and that’s when it started. Every Rehm boy worked there at one point or another.” Al Rehm, of Round Henrick died Lake, and Jeff Rehm, of Indiana, reminisce in 1915 and his about 110 years of only son Henry Rehm’s Autobody took over the Shop and all the genfamily business. erations that lived on As automobiles the land before it closed in January. Joe became more Shuman~For Sunpopular, the Times Media same oven Henrick used to heat and expand steel rims on wagon wheels became the oven Henry used to bake the enamel on car parts after they were painted. Henry died in 1960 and his sons Henry (Hank), Albert (Bert), and Ed (Doc) took over the shop and lived on the land. Jeff and Al are Bert’s sons. Jeff moved to Indiana and works in computers and Al and his sons, Richard and Ross, stayed and worked the shop until its closure in January. Some of the family’s fond memories include a time when Al and Jeff’s father was hired to paint fire trucks in the 1930s. “Our dad finished the job and had an extra can of the paint,” Jeff said. “Fire trucks are painted with a special tint of red, so he painted his Buick with the extra paint. He was the talk of the town.”

Nissan Names O’Hara Director

Nissan North America named Kent O’Hara as senior director of after sales for the U.S. and Canada, and parts and service (P&S) projects and strategy for the Americas. O’Hara previously served as Nissan’s director of P&S and marketing and sales. His new role will include oversight of after sales for Canada, and a focus on the revenue growth of the company’s overall P&S strategy. O’Hara’s new position took effect April 1.

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14 MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Jeff and Al say an old Model-T car is rumored to be buried somewhere on the land. Jeff said the most commonly told story involves a dropoff job that nobody came back for and his uncles and grandfather worried it was a mob-stolen car. Rehm’s Auto Body Shop also did work on a car formerly owned by Al Capone. Jeff said a nearby wealthy car collector asked the family to “give it the works” after acquiring the relic some time after Capone’s death. But a controversial life estate with the Lake County Forest Preserve District ended the family’s run. Their shop is on the border of Independence Grove Forest Preserve, a highly visited venue. Al and Jeff say the forest preserve wanted the land and threatened to use eminent domain in 1976 unless their father and uncles would sign the $29,400 life estate. Hank Rehm was last of the three uncles listed on the estate, and he died in December after an accident in his nursing home. The forest preserve has given Al and Jeff until the end of April

to remove all possessions from the land. “It’s really sad because after the woods grow out, you’d never know a family lived there for 100 years,” Jeff said. “It’s not like a corner of downtown everybody drives past and would point out.” Mike Tully is the director of Hank and Bert Rehm operations and in 1985. The brothers public safety for were part of the third generation to work in the Lake County Rehm's Auto Body Forest Preserve Shop. Photo courtesy District. He conof Jeff Rehm firmed the life estate and found a record saying the district considered condemning the land in 1975, one year prior to the life estate. “I cannot confirm or deny any intentions made back then,” Tully said. “The Rehm property has not been a point of contention aside from a few isolated complaints regarding junked cars near the garage. We’re more than willing to work with the family on properly removing anything of sentimental value.”

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Father Hands Yorkville, IL, CARSTAR Shop Over to Son Dean Fisher, owner of CARSTAR Yorkville in Yorkville, IL, is transitioning his business to his son Justin through an 18-month plan to teach him the ropes of running a successful collision repair company. On April 1, Justin opened the doors of CARSTAR Yorkville as the new owner. “It’s an incredible feeling to see your son take over your business, not only as a parent but as a business owner,” said Dean Fisher, who joined the CARSTAR family in 1990, and is widely recognized as a top operator in the CARSTAR network. “He brings an entirely new perspective to a pretty traditional business model, and I’m excited to see how he applies his experience in information technology, analytics and operations to the company. I know he’s not going to do everything the same way I did—and that’s great. We have built a successful family business on providing that personal touch with our customers and delivering the highest quality repairs, and I know that will continue. Justin is a diamond in the rough, and I look forward to seeing him become a great owner in the CARSTAR network.”

For Justin Fisher, following in his father’s footsteps is an honor—one with big shoes to fill. A graduate of Northern Illinois University in 2005 with a B.S. in Business Administration, he has honed his skills in business operations, sales, project management and team leadership through previous positions with Axis Designs, Press One/Circulation Services and Results Companies. But the younger Fisher would not characterize himself as the “car guy” his father is. “He started in the back end of the shop and is a guy who can restore or repair anything. Over the years he has combined those skills with the business management skills needed to run a successful shop,” Justin Fisher said. “I’m more focused on the front end of the shop where I can use my experience in IT, data analysis and financial operations to help us continue to grow our company. Today’s collision repair shop has evolved to the point where it is tough for one person to be the repair expert and the business expert both,” he added. “We have an incredible team of body repair profes-

sionals who deliver the highest quality repairs. I want to let them continue to do great work. I just want to bring the resources and guidance to helping us continue to achieve strong operating standards and customer satisfaction levels as we expand our business.” Dean Fisher noted that the keys to a successful transition are respect, communication and openness to doing things differently. “The number one factor is respect for each other and the strengths and weaknesses we both have,” said Dean Fisher. “You have a business relationship and the father-son relationship, so you have to respect both. You also need to be open to accepting new ways of doing things. I know it’s not going to always be done the way I’ve always done things. That can be tough for an entrepreneur to handle! “It’s also important to listen and learn when you’re transitioning your business to your son or daughter,” he added. “They’re going to have fresh thinking and look at things from a different vantage point, and that’s what any business needs to stay alive and thrive.”

Dean Fisher has owned multiple automotive-related companies for 37 years. He has served as chairman of the Chicagoland Business Group twice and has been a board member for 16 years. He has served on CARSTAR’s operation, insurance and marketing committees, and has been a member of the CARSTAR Advisory Board twice, including serving as vice-chair in 2011. Fisher and CARSTAR Yorkville have received numerous awards for their service excellence and professional image in the industry including the 2012 CARSTAR Franchisee of the Year. Their commitment to improving the business through ongoing staff education and I-CAR Gold class certification has helped them deliver excellent customer service for nearly four decades.

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ABRA Buys 5 Indiana Shops

ABRA Auto Body & Glass acquired all five Hubler Express Collision repair centers located in and near Indianapolis, IN. The new ABRA centers are located in the cities of Greenwood, Indianapolis, Carmel, Fishers, and Plainfield. The acquisition nearly doubles ABRA’s presence in Indiana. The company entered the Indiana market in 2012 with the opening of a repair center in Kokomo, IN, and the acquisition of all five Collision Solutions locations in Indianapolis. The latest acquisition brings the total number of ABRA repair centers in the state to 11 and increases ABRA’s corporate and franchise repair centers to 149 in 16 states. Hubler Express Collision’s owners John Dompier and Rob Wilson will join forces with ABRA’s staff and assume leadership roles in the company to help maintain and manage operations in the Indianapolis market. “We've been exploring new markets and growth opportunities across the country,” said ABRA Duane Rouse, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Hubler Express Collision’s strong position in the market made it a natural fit for ABRA.”

AASP-MN Names New Board of Directors

April marks the beginning of service for the 2013–2014 Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Minnesota (AASP-MN) Board of Directors. The new additions to the board are: Joyce Weinhandl, Northfield & Twin City Auto Body, Bloomington; and Greg Kasel, Downtown Tire & Auto, Hastings.

Outgoing President John Ritter Jr. (right), turns over the gavel to incoming President Dan Sjolseth

The new officers are President Dan Sjolseth, Superior Service Center, Eagan, and Secretary-Treasurer Jerald Stiele, Hopkins Auto Body, Hopkins. John Ritter, Jr., Highland Autostar Collision in St. Paul continues on the board as immediate past president and will be joined by: Mechanical Division Director Tom Gleason, ProTech Auto Repair, Corcoran; Collision Division Director Mike Cox, Ed’s Col-

lision & Glass, Maple Grove; Associ- service businesses and industry supate Division Director Kevin Martin, pliers dedicated to improving MinPPG Automotive Finishes, Edina; and Mechanical Seat Scott McClure, St. Paul Automotive, St. Paul. AASP-MN extends is sincere appreciation to outgoing Board members Tom Aldridge, Dale Feste Automotive, Hopkins; AASP-MN Board members (l to r): Outgoing immediate past Patrick McKinney, President Tom Aldridge, Dale Feste Automotive, Hopkins; Collision aaa Auto Parts, Rose- Division Director, Mike Cox, Ed’s Collision & Glass, Maple Grove; mount; and Bruce Secretary/Treasurer, Jerald Stiele, Hopkins Auto Body, Hopkins; Tschida, Lake Marion President, Dan Sjolseth, Superior Service Center, Eagan; Collision, Lakeville. Mechanical Seat, Greg Kasel, Downtown Tire & Auto, Hastings; All of these Mechanical Seat, Scott McClure, St. Paul Automotive, St. Paul ; members are to be Immediate Past President, John Ritter, Jr., Highland Autostar, St. commended for their Paul; Collision Seat, Joyce Weinhandl, Twin City Auto Body, dedicated service to Bloomington; Outgoing Associate Division Director, Patrick AASP-MN and Min- McKinney, aaa Auto Salvage, Rosemount; and Executive Director, nesota’s automotive Judell Anderson. Not pictured: Incoming Associate Division Director, Kevin Martin, PPG Automotive Finishes, Edina; Incoming service industry. The 2013-2014 Mechanical Division Director, Tom Gleason, Pro-Tech Auto Repair, Board was installed Corcoran; and Outgoing Collision Seat, Bruce Tschida, Lake during the AASP- Marion Collision MN Annual Meeting & Convention, nesota’s automotive service industry April 12, at the Crowne Plaza Min- and the success of its nearly 650 members. neapolis West, Plymouth. AASP-MN is an association of For more information, visit: independently-owned automotive www.aaspmn.org.

www.autobodynews.com | MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS 17

Custom Shop Masters Pro-Spray to Make an Artistic Statement right after high school but I couldn’t afford to do it full-time. In 1988, I While most teenagers were playing took a job working the night shift at a Little League and going to summer printing company producing full-color camp, John Wargo, the owner of The magazine covers and then I opened Custom Shop in Flanagan, IL, spent my shop during the day. It worked out his spare time restoring and painting very well, because I learned a lot cars. Now 43 and a highly-acclaimed about PMS colors, as well as tinting car fabricator, builder and painter, and mixing and blending them Wargo uses Pro-Spray paint on all his through my exposure to the printing creations, many of which appear at processes we used. I wasn’t planning major car shows nationwide and sell it like that, but it just worked out that for as much as $80,000. way.” Wargo switched over to ProSpray seven years ago and he’s happy he did. “Pro-Spray gives us our best bang for the buck, and that’s why we changed over in 2006. With all the primers, sealers, hardeners, reducers—it can really add up. With Pro-Spray I am getting a real value per every sprayable pint, because we use less and the coverage is exceptional.” John Wargo, the owner of The Custom Shop With six vehicles and three moin Flanagan, IL, uses Pro-Spray on most of torcycles in different stages of comhis award-winning vehicles pletion currently sitting in his 12,000 Every year, he wins an average of square-foot shop that includes a mod25 best paint awards for his show cars. est showroom, Wargo is passionate And even though he’s worked on lit- and driven to build amazing creerally hundreds of cars and motorcyations. cles during his highly successful But, he’s also passionate about career, Wargo still vividly remembers customer service as well. To get a the first vehicle he ever painted. large project ready for this year’s De“It was a 1975 Firebird and I was troit Auto Rama, Wargo worked 16 15, so I couldn’t even drive it,” Wargo hours every day for an entire month to said. “I worked on it for about six deliver a spectacular 1967 Karmann months and that’s where it all started. Ghia with a Viper V-10 motor to his I wanted to have a nice car when I was customer just in time for the show. old enough to drive, so I did all the With a crew consisting of three body work myself and then did a two- multi-talented techs, The Custom tone paint job on it. It wasn’t anything Shop builds roughly a dozen vehicles spectacular, but I thought it was pretty and 15-20 motorcycles every year, cool when I was 15.” including one show-class car done in-house annually. Wargo’s signature style has been described in many ways, but the one word most associated with his work is simply, “Wow!” His love of colors is evident in everyWargo named this creation “SSAWD”— a play on words because he thing he paints and chopped the vehicle and it’s an SS model— a 1969 Camaro Roadhe isn’t afraid to ster, with all-wheel drive and a wide body air ride use as many as it’s After completing two years of vo- required in order to fulfill his vision. cational training and learning the ba- In fact, one of his creations (a Ford sics of mechanical repair, Wargo pickup) was painted using 53 colors! turned down a college football scholTo achieve that wow factor each arship and pursued his passion for time on every car or motorcycle he customizing cars. “I got involved in it paints, Wargo uses Pro-Spray’s Solby Ed Attanasio

18 MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

vent Basecoat System. And even though it’s a British product, Wargo paints American cars with it all day long and is always ecstatic with the finished product. As his #1 critic and a true artist, Wargo is always searching for that perfect paint job and ProSpray has been answering the call time and again. As a painter who covets new, exciting custom colors, Wargo was

like me who does custom paint work. I originally found the company when I discovered their line of ‘Outrageous Custom Finishes,’ and used a few of them on some cars I was painting. From there I decided to go with the Pro-Spray and it has worked out great ever since. “I also really appreciate the atomization I get with the Pro-Spray,” Wargo said. “In a perfect world, the solvent is supposed to evaporate in the air, so that it doesn’t get trapped into the paint job. That prevents us from getting that die back. With the ProSpray, it’s easy to go back and make a repair on the car Named “Project Grand Sport,” this 1968 Convertible Camaro Grand or on the paint job Sport is a custom monster that has received a ton of awards for The down the road, beCustom Shop at major shows cause it’s easy to immediately attracted by the color match up and simple to blend into, library Pro-Spray features, he ex- which many painters don’t think plained. about until two years later when “Pro-Spray’s custom line is ex- they have to go back and fix someceptional, which is ideal for someone thing.”

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www.brunswickautomart.com www.autobodynews.com | MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS 19

Glasurit Introduces Comprehensive, 2-Clears Solution Redefining an entire category in an industry is a rare thing, but the next generation of clears has certainly arrived with the new Glasurit® MultiPurpose Gloss and Rapid Repair Clears. Together, they form a streamlined clearcoat system you can use to perform any size repair while increasing quality, productivity and customer satisfaction.

Multi-Purpose Gloss Clear 923460 for non-regulated areas and low VOC 923-220 Multi-Purpose Gloss Clear have been formulated by Glasurit chemists to improve on their highly regarded predecessors. According to BASF Market Segment Manager Tony Dyach, they reflect the latest advances in coatings technology. “These new clears overcome the typical trade-off between appearance, performance and ease of application,” said Dyach. “They are better in every way that matters to our customers, and will delight their customers with superior gloss and durability.” The Multi-Purpose Gloss Clears join the equally ground-breaking nobake Rapid Repair Clears to give you a comprehensive clearcoat system that covers everything from small panel and tight-space applications to large areas and overalls. Just when you thought the most stunning finish had been achieved, Glasurit has once again raised the bar with these next-generation clears, deliv-

ering the ultimate European wet look.

New gold standard for premium clears Since being introduced by Glasurit in 2011, innovative Rapid Repair Clear 923-140 for non-regulated areas and low VOC 923-240 Rapid Repair Clear have redefined small panel repair performance with no fuss, no-bake convenience. After months of extensive, in-market testing, the Multi-Purpose Gloss Clears have also proven themselves. Together, they offer a new gold standard for shop managers, paint technicians and owners: • Glasurit Multi-Purpose Gloss and Rapid Repair Clears meet or exceed all OEM standards, and are fully approved for your warranty work over 90-Line waterborne or 55-Line solventborne basecoats. • Spraying is effortless with the same great flow and distinctness of image; while cure, ease of application, and polishing have been significantly enhanced. • The “Multi-Purpose” moniker is well deserved as the new formulations are designed for large areas and overalls, while also flexible enough to handle smaller areas or blend panels.

Put to the test The Glasurit MultiPurpose Gloss

and Rapid Repair Clears have been put to the test by your peers and the results have exceeded BASF’s high expectations. Here are some of the comments we heard from our customers: (Regarding Multi-Purpose Gloss Clear) “Our customers love the high gloss, and our painters love how easy it is to apply and to buff. We were up

and running in no time since the new clears work seamlessly within our existing Glasurit system.” “Glasurit Rapid Repair works great. It’s the perfect choice for small individual parts like fenders and moldings.”

A clear revolution As customers become more demanding, BASF and its premium Glasurit® brand continue to build on over 120 years of meaningful innovation. The new MultiPurpose Gloss and Rapid Repair Clears are the latest example of the company’s focus on continuous improvement of its products through the latest science and technology. These next-generation clearcoats offer the superior performance and appearance expected by the most demanding collision repair centers, along with custom builders and elite restoration specialists. BASF encourages shops to consider these revolutionary clears as an easy-to-implement competitive advantage that will enhance quality, productivity and customer satisfaction. For more information, contact a BASF representative at 1-800-758-2273 or visit www.basfrefinish.com/glasurit.

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Superior CARSTAR in Tipp City, OH, Added to MSO Network CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts has added Superior CARSTAR Paint and Body Shop in Tipp City, OH, to its network. Owned by Greg Arnett, Superior CARSTAR Paint and Body Shop is located at 125 W. Broadway and has been serving the region since 1980. They specialize in paint and body restoration on American and foreign cars, trucks and vans. “By teaming up with CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts, we are able to acquire new resources that allow us to improve our customer service, cycle times and relationships with insurance

ideal choice for small panel repairs, door jams and other tight-space applications. • The no-bake Rapid Repair Clears allow you to buff and polish in just 30 minutes at 68°F, while also giving you the option to bake at 120°F for 15 minutes, if added speed is needed.

companies,” said Arnett, owner of Superior CARSTAR Paint and Body Shop. “And, all the while still keeping our hometown characteristics.” The CARSTAR Management System provides stores resources to improve key business metrics such as cycle time, participation in CARSTAR’s 19 corporately managed DRP programs, and improved purchasing power from 45 corporately managed purchasing programs. “We are excited to have Greg Arnett join the CARSTAR network,” said David Byers, CEO of CARSTAR.

20 MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

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www.autobodynews.com | MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS 21

On Creative Marketing

Tom Franklin has been a sales and marketing consultant for fifty years. He has written numerous books and provides marketing solutions and services for many businesses. He can be reached at (323) 871-6862 or at tbfranklin@aol.com. See Tom’s columns at www.autobodynews.com under Columnists > Franklin

Using Signage to be Unique in the Digital Age with Thomas Franklin

Are signs still relevant in this digital age of websites, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and more? The U.S. Census Bureau says 18% of households relocate every year. It’s well known that many people choose a place of business by the attractiveness of its appearance and signs. People who move into the vicinity of a collision repair facility are likely to only know of the shop if they see a sign and like it. The Small Business Agency reports that businesses that add, improve or enlarge signage enjoy an average revenue increase of about 5%. Signs in this digital age should also have a broader focus. In addition to the usual location and services message, today’s sign should also drive viewers to the shop’s website, Facebook page, and other on-line locations like Twitter, Pinterest and YouTube. This is especially true of signs not on the shop’s physical property. Shop vehicles with printed information, or a magnetic sign, should definitely emphasize on-line connections in larger type. The same is true if the shop invests in bus bench ads, bus ads, taxicab ads or billboards. All of the signs and ads should have the same look and feel with a prominent logo and any other images used. Some shops like to use a photo of the shop but this space could be much better used. Signs with an emotional appeal always do better. Charities use photos of handicapped children or handi-

capped older people to reach viewers emotionally. Sympathy may work for them but fear is a much better target emotion for body shop sign messages. One survey found 9% of vehicle drivers text or talk on a cell phone while driving. A dramatic photo of an inverted crashed vehicle could capture attention with a message like, “This could be you. Don’t text and drive or you might be paying us a visit,” or “Don’t read this sign if we’re interrupting your text message. We’ll see you at the shop.” One key to an effective sign is uniqueness. Check out your competition’s signs to see what you shouldn’t do. You don’t want to be sending a “me too” message. It’s pointless to emphasize quality. Everyone expects that. Emphasizing cost for self-pay prospects is fine, but is unlikely to motivate those who expect insurance to pay. One approach that isn’t often used is the collision prevention emphasis. It takes a tip from dentists who emphasize tooth care but know they’ll be fixing the teeth anyway. A shop with an adequate facility to hold a small weekly or monthly class could provide information on collision aversion and prevention. Insurance agents would be glad to speak to young drivers or students just for the exposure to new potential customers. The sign invitation message would be truly unique. The size and location of a sign generally determines how many people see and read it. Today’s huge, dig-

ABRA Auto Body & Glass Expands in Utah

ABRA Auto Body & Glass continued its national expansion with the opening of a new location in American Fork, UT. The new location increases the total number of corporate ABRA repairs centers in the state to eight. With this recent opening, ABRA now operates 101 corporate and 49 franchises nationwide in 16 states. “We’ve reached a substantial milestone with the opening of our 150th repair center,” said Duane Rouse, President and Chief Executive Officer of ABRA. “Our uncompromising commitment to superior processes and operational excellence

consistently rates us high in customer satisfaction. We’re serious about being the best and leading the way in the industry. We have every intention of not only continuing our growth, but accelerating it.” The company celebrates its 30th anniversary next year. Tim Adelmann, Executive Vice President said, “We’re all very proud of the hard work, dedication to excellence, and loyalty we’ve built with our customers and business partners over the years. We look forward to pursuing our mission of being the best auto body and glass company in America.”

22 MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

ital moving signs are astonishing but also very expensive. Ten years ago I priced out a Las Vegas style moving neon sign for a shop. The cost was over $500,000. It’s probably much less today but still prohibitive for any regular sized shop. But this type of sign is worth checking out. In a location by heavy street or highway traffic this kind of sign would capture continual viewers. A while back one group of shops in the same general area pooled their resources and invested in large signage. They called themselves “Gold Class Collision Shops” and listed all locations on the signs. I was surprised by the cooperation of shop owners who were actually competing for business in that area. There is one final concern about the message on signs and related media. Any shop with a website would like to have their site appear on Google’s or Yahoo’s first page when someone searches for a collision re-

pair facility in their area. The search engine that weighs and evaluates the site determines in what order their site appears. My web-savvy sources tell me content on a site is very important and the keywords used in that content may determine the fate of the site when it is evaluated. If a shop has done its homework, the best keywords that people look for are known and used frequently in the site’s content. The problem is that all of the other shops doing a professional site will be using most of the same key words. Here is where a shop seeking uniqueness in signs and ads can multiply the benefit by incorporating key words and images that most other shops wouldn’t use. By approaching the content for a sign using the same basic keyword and image idea used to attract search engine recognition, it is also likely to attract a sign’s viewer and drive that viewer to look for the shop’s website.

Spanesi Americas Opens US Location in Naperville

Spanesi SpA Host Company Founder at U.S. Grand Opening Spanesi SpA, an Italy-based manufacturer of automotive repair equipment, hosted company founder, Orazio Spanesi for the U.S. grand opening in Naperville, IL, near Chicago. From the time Orazio repaired his first car, at the age of 14, he knew he wanted to be a collision repair technician. In 1969, he opened his first repair center based on a passion

for the craft and customer. That same commitment to collision repair and its technicians is what led to the creation of Spanesi SpA, 20 years later. “My passion for this work has never changed. We are dedicated to finding new solutions and new technologies to make collision repair

faster and safer for the technician, “Orazio Spanesi, Founder. Leaders from the various segments of the industry and government joined in the days events. Attendees were given tours of the new facility and demonstrations of the product lines while enjoying live music and an assortment of catered foods. “Today is an exciting day for not only myself, but the industry as a whole,” Timothy Morgan, Managing Director. “Not only does Spanesi offer the best products for our industry, but a commitment to family business and business practices that mirror those of the repairers in the U.S.” Spanesi SpA’s U.S. Subsidiary, Spanesi Americas, includes corporate offices, a training center and product showroom. The company’s product lines include straightening benches, mini-benches, touch electronic measuring systems, vacuum systems, welding machines, infrared lamps, vehicle lifts, painting tools, spray booth equipment, pneumatic tools, electric tools and hydraulic tools. For more information regarding Spanesi SpA products, please visit spanesi.com.

Kadel’s Wins Regional Award

Farmers Insurance has presented Kadel’s Auto Body with the 2012 North American Regional MSO Group of the Year award. The award recognizes Kadel’s commitment to service and excellence. “As in the past, Kadel’s continues to provide outstanding customer service and timely, quality vehicle repairs,” said Pete Hickey, national MSO claims manager for Farmers. “Congratulations to everyone at Kadel’s Auto Body for their outstanding efforts and the well-deserved recognition.”

www.autobodynews.com Continued from Cover

I-CAR Clarifies

dard for complete and safe repairs” while acknowledging that, “Unfortunately, not all OEMs offer collision repair procedures in the U.S. market, nor do all OEMs offer consistent levels of collision repair information,” and that “I-CAR is committed to helping the industry close these gaps by working closely with the industry and the OEMs to research, develop, and de-

IABA “Shop You Can Trust” Webinar Set for May 22

The Indiana Autobody Association will present a webinar called “A Shop You Can Trust Program—The Overview” on May 22. The IABA recently introduced a consumerbased loyalty program for members that will ensure that their consumers are not steered away from their businesses. This free one-hour webinar explains the program and its features and benefits. Tune in on May 22 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. To register, go to: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/ register/678566336.

liver collision repair procedures where none exist.” I-CAR also acknowledged that work in these areas must be performed “from a perspective of neutrality with an uncompromising priority on complete and safe repairs for the consumer.” In an email, I-CAR stressed that its focus is on “complete and safe repairs for the ultimate benefit of the consumer,” and said, “We believe the position and intentions stated in this letter, which complement those conveyed speak directly to this.”

www.autobodynews.com | MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS 23

24 MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

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Dept. Hours: M-F 7-9; Sat 8-4 wildehondaparts@gmail.com

Dept. Hours: M-F 7-5 hondaparts@auto-plaza.com

Bosak Honda Hi g h lan d

800-542-6725 219-922-3102 Dept. Hours: M 8-5; Tue 8-8 W, Thu, F 8-5; Sat 8-4 davepropeck@bosakmail.com

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Dept. Hours: M-W 7:30-7:30; Thu-F 7:30-5:30; Sat 8-3 aaip.partsmgr@rohrman.com

Dept. Hours: M-F 7-5:30; Sat 8-4 bobw@conacura.com

Muller’s Woodfield Acura Hof fm an Es t ates

McGrath Acura of Morton Grove M or to n Grove

847-470-2309 Dept. Hours: M-F 7-9; Sat 8-6 acparts@mcgrathag.com

www.autobodynews.com | MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS 25

AUTOMAKER, AU A UTO OM MA M AK AK ER OEM OEM AUTOMAKER KE R,, OEM, M,, AND AND RECALL RE R E C AL CA ALL LL EC Autobody News

Volvo Recall for ID Labels

Volvo recalled only seven model-year 2013 S60 sedans and XC60 crossovers due to identification labels with an incorrect manufacture year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Affected vehicles were manufactured on Jan. 7. An incorrect date of manufacture on the certification label means the vehicles are noncompliant with regulation requirements, and owners may not be able to determine whether their vehicles are affected by future recalls. Volvo quarantined the affected vehicles and will install correct labels before sale.

Toyota Recalls 209,000 FJs for Seatbelt Flaws

Toyota Motor Corp. is recalling 209,000 certain FJ Cruiser sport-utility vehicles from the 2007 through 2013 model years due to a problem with the driver and front passenger seat belts. The retractors for the vehicles’ front driver and passenger seat belts are mounted in rear-door panels, where cracks can form if the rear doors are forcefully closed repeatedly over a long period. If this happens, the seat belt retractor could detach, which would increase the risk of injury in a crash. The car maker said it is developing a remedy for the problem and will begin the recall as soon as it decides on the necessary repairs.

2012 Subaru Outback, Legacy Recall for Wipers

Subaru is recalling 16 2012 versions of the Outback and Legacy due to a problem with the windshield wiper motor, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It’s an expansion of an earlier recall that affected 2010-11 versions of the cars. The affected vehicles were manufactured from April 6 through May 12, 2011 and use a wiper motor cover that may overheat. This could lead to a fire.

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Honda Wins Best Brand Image Award

Honda Motor Co. has the best brand image of any major auto maker, according to a study released by Kelley Blue Book. The study takes results from 12,000 people who were shopping for a new car and using its Web page to do research. The 2013 Brand Image Awards say Honda was the most trusted brand and considered the best value of all car brands in the survey. Honda’s U.S. sales rose 24% in 2012 and have risen a modest 4.4% in the first two months of the year. Its redesigned Accord sedan is selling well and the company is investing heavily in plants in the U.S. and Mexico to meet anticipated demand.

Japanese OEMs Recall 3.4 Million Vehicles for Airbags

Japanese automakers, including Toyota, Nissan and Honda, are recalling about 3.4 million vehicles worldwide due to defective airbags supplied by Takata Corp. Toyota is recalling about 1.73 million vehicles produced between November 2000 and March 2004. Honda is recalling about 1.14 million vehicles, while Nissan said it may call back 480,000 vehicles. Mazda said it recalled 45,463 units. This recall underscores the risk of huge global supply chain problems as automakers increasingly rely on a handful of suppliers for common or similar parts to cut costs. Some airbags at the front passenger seat may not inflate correctly because of a problem with the propellant used in the airbag inflator, Toyota spokesman Ryo Sakai said. Takata has also supplied the faulty airbags to non-Japanese carmakers, said Toyohiro Hishikawa, spokesman for the components maker, declining to identify them. Tokyo-based Takata supplies airbags and seatbelts to major automakers including Ford Motor Co. and Daimler, as well as the Japanese brands. No injuries or deaths have been reported as a result of the faulty airbags, Toyota said.

26 MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Chrysler Issued 6 Separate Recalls for 215,000 Vehicles

According to the automaker, the recalls stem from a variety of different problems involving the tunnel shield, parking brake, fuel-tank transfer tube, warning light, rear brake calipers and engine cover. The recall includes 78,500 older-model 4x2 SUVs for a heat shield that can loosen and contact the driveshaft, causing wear and possible breakage over time. Officials explained the action follows fewer than 40 complaints of broken driveshafts on the 2007 and 2008 Dodge Nitro, Jeep Liberty and the Liberty’s sister model sold outside NAFTA. Chrysler will recall approximately 9,300 trucks, more than half of which are in currently in dealer inventory, to inspect their parking brakes and, if necessary, reset them according to specification. A routine internal audit of 2013 Ram 1500 pickups discovered a small number of vehicles whose parking brakes did not comply with mandated performance standards. Chrysler also will recall approximately 30,000 model-year 2012 SUVs to improve fuel flow when the vehicles are subject to certain driving conditions. Affected are Jeep Compass and Patriot models assembled between Oct. 18, 2011 and May 7, 2012. Chrysler will recall approximately 139,000 sedans to prevent improper warning-light illumination for model-year 2011 and 2012 Chrysler 300s, Dodge Chargers and Dodge Challengers assembled between April 11, 2011 and Dec. 14, 2011. Chrysler will recall 52 compacts to correct an issue that may compromise parking brake function. Affected are model-year 2013 Dodge Dart models built over 24hour period in November with brake calipers that do not meet specification. Chrysler will recall approximately 7,000 model-year 2013 heavyduty pickups — almost all of which are still in dealer inventory — to replace their engine covers. Affected are Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups.

www.autobodynews.com

May 2013

2013 Dodge Challenger Recall for Wiring Issue

Chrysler is telling owners of certain V-6-equipped Dodge Challengers to stop driving their cars until a wiring issue can be fixed. The automaker is voluntarily recalling approximately 2,500 of the 2013 vehicle models to address possible short circuiting. “This condition could cause a wire harness to overheat and possibly lead to fire. Chrysler Group is aware of seven such incidents. None caused injury,” the automaker said. The automaker also advises owners not to park affected vehicles in or near any structure. According to Chrysler, a total of 4,459 vehicles are affected, but 1,900 are at dealerships. The Challengers that are part of the recall were built during an eight-week period ending Jan. 24, 2013.

Hyundai, Kia Recalls 1.7 Million Vehicles for Switch

Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Motors Corp. are recalling about 1.7 million vehicles in the United States to replace a faulty switch that can prevent brake lights from illuminating and trigger other problems. When a driver presses the brake, the switch is supposed to turn on the brake lights and turn off the cruise control. A defective stop lamp switch could cause the brake lights not to illuminate, the cruise control not to deactivate or the push-button start to work erratically, Hyundai and Kia said. As many as 1,059,824 Hyundai models could be affected. The recall covers the 2007 to 2009 Accent and Tucson; the 2007 to 2010 Elantra; the 2007 to 2011 Santa Fe; the 2008 to 2009 Veracruz; the 2010 to 2011 Genesis Coupe; and the 2011 Sonata. The Kia vehicles with potentially faulty switches are the 2007 to 2010 Rondo and Sportage; the 2007 to 2011 Sorento; the 2007 Sedona; the 2010 to 2011 Soul; and the 2011 Optima. As many as 623,658 of those models could be affected.

Ford Focus Outsells Corolla

182,800 Honda, Acura Vehicles Recalled

Ford said it sold more than one million copies of its Focus for the first time last year. More than 1.02 million compact Focus cars were sold worldwide in 2012, outpacing Toyota’s Corolla, of which close to 873,000 were sold, according to data compiled by Polk. China accounts for one-quarter of all sales, and the Focus was the best-selling passenger car in China in 2012 for the first time ever. Ford’s F-Series pickup truck, which has been the top-ranked U.S. pickup for close to four decades, rounded out the top three with 785,630 sales. The Fiesta, with more than 723,000 sold, came in sixth on the list, making it the world’s best-selling subcompact car. Honda’s Civic and CR-V rounded out the top 10 with 651,000 and 625,000, respectively.

Honda is voluntarily recalling 182,800 vehicles due to an electronic stability system malfunction, according to a statement from the automaker. Affected vehicles are 101,000 Honda Pilot crossovers, 60,000 Acura MDX SUVs and 21,000 Acura RL sedans, all from model-year 2005; 800 model-year 2006 Acura MDX SUVs are also affected. According to Honda, if an electrical capacitor on the system’s control unit was damaged during the manufacturing process, the system could malfunction and apply a small amount of brake force for a fraction of a second outside the driver’s control. If the driver applies the brakes during a system malfunction, a crash could result.

Mitsubishi is issuing two recalls for its 2013 Outlander Sport compact crossover, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The first is to address a fuel pump problem that affects 3,724 all-wheeldrive-equipped Outlander Sports manufactured from June 11- Dec. 11, 2012. These vehicles may be missing a fuel sending unit harness, which could re-

sult in a false fuel tank level reading. The second recall affects 4,539 Outlander Sports with faulty brake stop lamps manufactured June 11- Sept. 11, 2012. NHTSA reports that the brake lights may illuminate intermittently and the shift lever could also be moved out of park without pushing the brake pedal. This condition could cause a crash.

Mitsubishi Issues 2 Recalls for Outlander Sport Crossover

Ford Recalls 3,500 Cars for Possible Fuel Tank Leaks

Ford Motor Co. is recalling about 3,500 Taurus and Lincoln MKS sedans and Explorer SUVs. The Dearborn automaker said it is recalling 2,537 of its 2012 Ford Taurus sedans, 968 of its 2012 Lincoln MKS sedans and 30 of its 2013 Ford Explorer SUVs because their fuel tanks may leak at the seam in the event of a severe accident. About 3,000 of the vehicles were sold in the U.S. Others were sold in Canada, Mexico, Europe and other markets. The vehicles are all built at Ford’s Chicago Assembly Plant.

2013 Buick LaCross, Cadillac SRX Recalled

General Motors recalled 26,582 of the 2013 Buick LaCrosse sedans and Cadillac SRX crossovers due to a transmission problem, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Affected are LaCrosses manufactured April 25, 2012-March 6, 2013, and SRXs built May 29, 2012- Feb. 18, 2013. A software problem could cause the transmission to inadvertently shift to Sport mode.

2012 Subaru Outback, Legacy Recall for Moonroof

Subaru is recalling just 14 2012 Outback wagons and Legacy sedans due to a problem with the moonroof glass that could cause it to detach, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Affected vehicles were manufactured between April 6 and May 12, 2011. An inadequate amount and position of adhesive between the glass and retainer of the moonroof could cause the glass to loosen and detach while driving, creating a potential road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash, according to NHTSA.

2013 Buick Encore Recalled

General Motors is recalling 144 of the 2013 Buick Encore compact crossovers because of a steering wheel malfunction, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The affected vehicles were manufactured Dec. 9 to Dec. 28, 2012, and are equipped with a heated steering wheel. NHTSA reports that in these vehicles, the steering-wheel fastener may not have been installed properly, causing the steering wheel to become loose and separate from the steering column.

www.autobodynews.com | MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS 27

Martin Senour Color Manual Features Actual Paint Chips

The Martin Senour Company has introduced its new 2013 Global Color Manual. The new manual offers color compatibility guides as well as larger paint chips—actual chips, not ink—which include larger viewing holes making for easier color identification. The new Martin Senour manual enables painters to improve their efficiency, accuracy, and speed in the color-selection process. The manual also provides color chips and detailed information for exterior body colors, accent, interior, and even those available underhood colors. The 2013 guide’s new layout is also more user-friendly in that it includes larger and bolder type fonts, comes on thicker and more durable printed pages, and features paint chips that are twice as large as those in previous manuals. Presenting information on more manufacturers than in previously published manuals, the comprehensive Martin Senour 2013 Global Color Manual is available at a cost that is 36% less than last year’s edition. When ordering, please use part number: MA5289.

Refinish Distributors Alliance Adds New Member

The Refinish Distributors Alliance (RDA) has added new member Redshaw Paint Supply, Inc., with headquarters in Omaha, NE. Redshaw Paint Supply, Inc. is owned by four individuals with Andy Weissinger as principal owner. Redshaw has four locations in Nebraska—two in Omaha, one in Lincoln and one in Fremont. The company has been in existence since 1954 and is a single line Axalta Coating Systems (formerly DuPont) distributor. They carry the DuPont, Spies, Nason, DIC and Aviation lines of paint. Robert McKenzie Jr., Executive Director of RDA, said, “We are excited to have Redshaw Paint Supply as part of the RDA/IMPACT group and know they are a great fit with our organization.” RDA/IMPACT is the largest national group of refinish jobbers dedicated to providing quality services and products to their collision shops. RDA has 16 members, which represents 180 locations and cover 27 states. Members service over 3,500 collision centers throughout the United States and represent a crosssection of all major refinish brands.

Pro-Spray Launches YouTube Channel Pro-Spray Automotive Finishes recently released a branded YouTube channel to help Pro-Spray users improve the quality and efficiency of their jobs. The URL is http://www.youtube.com/prosprayautofinishes.

Pro-Spray YouTube Home Page

Visitors to the site can view a library of resourceful, high-quality videos featuring veteran Pro-Spray technical trainer and instructor Bill Warner. The channel’s current playlist includes: • Pro-Spray in Action: Awesome rides with Pro-Spray paint • Basecoat Tips and How To’s: Best practices to improve your paint job and bottom line • Bumper Repair and Refinishing: Review of the six simple steps • Spray Gun Essentials and Tips: Simplifying the process • Tech Tips and How To’s: Application tips from the pros

“Pro-Spray’s passion for our industry, product and people drives our content decisions,” explains Laura Yerkey, Pro-Spray marketing manager. “With the Pro-Spray YouTube channel in place, we now have the opportunity to share our knowledge and expertise with refinishers around the world.” YouTube is the leading online video community that allows people to discover, watch and share originally created videos. The video-sharing website allows people to easily upload and share video clips on youtube.com and across the Internet through websites, blogs and e-mail. Future plans for the Pro-Spray YouTube channel include regularly delivered original content focused on tech tips, how-to’s and FAQs, as well as introductions to new Pro-Spray products and discussions of industry events and trends. To stay abreast of all the latest news and content, viewers can become a youtube.com/prosprayautofinishes subscriber. The Pro-Spray product line delivers a comprehensive, versatile, and high performance waterborne and solvent intermix color system supported by a full range of primers, clearcoats, hardeners, thinners and support products to body shops worldwide.

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RDA’s First Collision Solutions Training Seminar Gets Excellent Reviews by Melissa Jolls, Marketing Director

On March 16 in Dallas, TX, Bernie Blickenstaff, President and CEO of Pro Finishes Plus, presented an electrifying training seminar to 105 RDA members, their sales people and key employees.

Blickenstaff gave an engaging presentation on understanding the need to continually differentiate ourselves to remain successful and competitive. He stressed the importance of setting ourselves apart not by selling price, but by using the value added programs we offer. This was an opportunity to demonstrate “it’s not just the deal” that sells in the collision market today. Value added programs distinguish us against our competition.

Adam Duersch of Industrial Finishes & Systems summed it up by saying, “Bernie gets it.” Everyone came away with valuable information and new programs they can use with their customers. The objectives at this meeting were to explain and show first-hand to the individuals who directly interact with the end user how to implement and make these programs work for them. These are the individuals who execute sales and marketing strategies at the shop level. We would like to thank our sponsors: Evercoat, Saint Gobain and PPC for helping to make this event the success it was. The only question left unanswered at the end of the day was, when is the next training seminar? Everyone will be there!! For more information on RDA/IMPACT visit their website at www.impactcollisionsolutions.com or contact Melisa Jolls at 908-251-5713 or email: meljolls@earthlink.net.

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www.autobodynews.com | MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS 29

Renowned Painter Mickey Harris Co-Designed the SATAgraph 4 by Ed Attanasio

If you know anything at all about airbrush art, you’re familiar with Mickey Harris. He’s a household name in the airbrush world, known most for his military art, but also renowned for his realistic style, his patriotic zeal and his willing to use his art to raise money for charity and just makes people happy. By teaching other fledgling artists about airbrush techniques and creating breathtaking scenes that have appeared at car shows all over the globe, Harris is enjoying his busy life as a painter, consultant, artist, teacher, inventor and mentor.

Legendary airbrush artist Mickey Harris uses the SATAgraph 4 on all of his creations. In this photo, Harris is painting a scene from the Vietnam War on a motorcycle

Harris, 56, has been painting for 34 years and has produced thousands of murals on metal, including cars, trucks, motorcycles and assorted mediums. He embarked on a career as an airbrush artist at the age of 19, in Ft. Walton Beach, FL, painting on tshirts to learn the trade. After absorbing as much as he possibly could about airbrush art and refining his skills, Harris made a significant impact on the car paint art industry and today he is considered one of the finest airbrush artists in the entire world. As a publisher, Mickey founded Airbrush Magazine in 1994, and as a respected industry leader he was elected President of the International Airbrush Association twice in the 1990s. Mickey’s work has appeared in more than 100 publications, including on the covers of King of the Road magazine, Truckin’ and Airbrush magazine, just to name a few. Mickey has also appeared on a wide range of TV shows including appearances on Overhaulin’, Gearz, Car Crazy, Drag Race High and is currently working with an investment group for his own television show

and has also been a guest on numerous talk shows and news broadcasts over the years. He was featured on the Travel Channel’s show called King of the Road, in which he was shown painting the world’s most detailed 18-wheeler, with more than 2,000 man-hours, and over a million strokes of the airbrush in 1999. One of Mickey’s show trucks captured 22 “Best of Show” awards and he also won the prestigious “DuPont Top Gun” award four times. Harris’ images can sell for as much as $100,000 and celebrities such as Jay Leno covet his work. Traveling to shows, seminars and public appearances year-round, Harris doesn’t have a retail store or a studio where people can see his work. He works out of body shops in different parts of the country to complete his ongoing list of projects. “I have a home in Tennessee and another one in South Dakota, so I work out of body shops in each area. I do 2-3 large projects every year, which are basically complete vehicles, but I also do 10-12 smaller projects every month—primarily motorcycles, tanks and hoods, for example.” Mickey’s painting style is heralded for its incredible depth and detail, complemented by his knowledge of color, form and perspective. In addition to his artwork, Mickey has been teaching the art of airbrushing for over 20 years, through seminars for the United States Sign Council, Airbrush Magazine, SATA, the International Airbrush Association, Airbrush Action Magazine, BASF and Sign Business Magazine. Mickey has also painted numerous murals for the United States Air Force and painted nose art on nine B-1 Bombers. Mickey Harris is known for many things, but his seven aviationrelated paintings currently hanging in the Pentagon are probably some of his best-known, he said. “I’ve got two new paintings for the Pentagon—they’re ready to go. But I’ve really made my career doing the automotive stuff I do. That’s what I pursue and that’s where I really make my living. I’m an artist, but in the end it’s also a business, so I pursue the projects where I can make money and feed my family. The rest of the things I do, such as donating my art for fundraising charity efforts for the

30 MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

military, are also very important and meaningful to me.” In 2002, Mickey’s Heroes truck gained a lot of media attention and that’s when he started being known for doing amazing, real-life military scenes on cars and motorcycles, he said.

Mickey’s Tribute to the Heroes of 9/11 is known as his First Responder Tribute Silverado

“The Heroes truck was a tribute to 9/11 and it got a ton of exposure. So after that, people who were looking for that type of art started finding me on the Internet. All of a sudden, I received a lot of referrals for more memorial type stuff. There wasn’t any conscious effort to get into the military art, but it just happened after the Heroes truck. Don’t get me wrong, I love doing this

type of work. My father was a fighter pilot, so I was an Air Force brat and that’s why I have a close bond to the military and appreciate the sacrifices that our soldiers make.” Harris greatly values his decadelong relationship with SATA, he explained. “I started working with SATA back in 2003, when I met the Dan-Am Company people from Spring Valley, MN, and immediately liked Tony Larimer at SATA. I was doing seminar programs and we started a relationship and Tony and I eventually became very good friends. Dan-Am has really good people there and I like working with them because their word is gold, and that’s hard to find. SATA and Dan-Am invited me to go to Germany for the SATA 100th anniversary and I did a painting demonstration there at the SATA factory in 2006. They had a James Bond theme at the party, so I dressed up like Bond and walked out with a couple of mini-jet guns under my jacket and painted on a canvas to the James Bond theme song. It was a blast!” Hooking up with SATA to develop a new airbrush has been an ex-

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citing and fulfilling experience, he said. “I sat down with the people from SATA to develop the SATAgraph 4. It took two years of development to get it where it needed to be. It was introduced at this year’s SEMA Show and people immediately liked it. We wanted to come up with an affordable airbrush that was a good airbrush that can work well in the trenches. I call this the AK-47

One of Mickey’s most celebrated vehicles is this 100th GM Anniversary Chevrolet Suburban that was unveiled at SEMA 2011

of airbrush guns, because you can beat the hell out of it, throw it in the mud and it keeps working. It retails for $149, so it’s absolutely competitive. It’s got good German engineering in it, but one of the things I like the most about it is we’re able to make it here in the good old USA. I tell people it’s German engineered

and American made.” Harris uses SATA airbrushes almost exclusively for many reasons, he explained. “I really like all of SATA’s airbrushes, but the SATAgraph 4 has some great features. It’s got a tip protection cap that’s reversible, so you’ll never lose the cap, which can be a problem with other airbrushes out there. We believe it’s going to be the #1 selling airbrush within the next four years, because it’s a better product.” Passionate about every aspect of his life, Harris describes himself as someone who is “old, but still running around like I’m 20 year-old.” He added, “I love what I do, but I’m starting to realize that it’s a little harder now to operate at a high level. I just hope I can live long enough to do everything I want to do. Right now, I’m very happy, because I’m really enjoying my life; working harder now and producing better stuff than ever. So it’s a good time!”

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Continued from Cover

Repairer Roundtable

need to be able to strategize as an industry and have a plan. Being informed without having a plan won’t get us there. That’s part of what this meeting is, to formulate our voice.” I-CAR’s decision, announced just the week prior to the meeting, was widely criticized by those in attendance. In late 2011, three national trade associations (later endorsed by more than two dozen state and regional groups) asked I-CAR to take on the task of communicating Aaron Schulenburg with the automakers in an effort to increase the amount and availability of OEM repair procedures. As recently as late January, ICAR CEO John Van Alstyne said his organization was moving forward with a planned roll-out this summer of a 5-pronged approach to the issue, but the members of I-CAR’s board in attendance at a March meeting voted unanimously to halt the program. The request from the trade groups had indicated such an effort would support their statement that OEM repair procedures are the industry “standard” for repairs. Meeting attendee Tony Passwater, executive director of the Indiana Auto Body Association, said based on his past involvement with ICAR, he believes it was the word “standards,” more than the concept of expanding the availability of OEM procedures, that led to the decision. “That’s where they all cringe, especially on the insurance side,” Passwater said. Meeting attendee Dusty Womble, an I-CAR board member and an operating partner in Roger Beasley Collision Center in Austin, TX, said the I-CAR vote would not have been unanimous had it not taken place at the first board meeting he’d missed in four years. Meeting attendee Barry Dorn, a Virginia shop owner, said he felt it was important that people ask ICAR what led to the decision. “I implore all of you to talk to the Barry Dorn folks at I-CAR

about what happened, ask them to explain why they voted the way they did,” Dorn said. “To me this is inexcusable. In my opinion, I-CAR has been hijacked by special interests.” But meeting attendee Scott Biggs of the Assured Performance Network, which joined the national associations in their 2011 request to I-CAR, noted that it was a decision made by the ICAR board, not staff. “It should be noted that the staff did a huge amount of work in the last 18 months to address a lot of the things that we wanted them to do,” Biggs said. “Most of those things they’re going to continue to do.” What won’t continue, Biggs said, is I-CAR’s planned creation of a “council” to help facilitate and Scott Biggs filter the communication between automakers and the industry. Biggs and Schulenburg each said the conceptual solutions for the council was one aspect of I-CAR’s plan they hadn’t been “entirely comfortable with.” “I-CAR seemed like a good fit at the time. But any organization that isn’t willing to publicly and clearly state that the OEM repair procedures are the standard for repair probably isn’t a good partner for what we’re looking to accomplish here,” Schulenburg said. “So while there’s not a lot of detail I can give, what I can share is a large subset of the original requesters do intend to create an industry council to address collision repair procedural standards. The primary mission of this council will Dan Risley be to gather feedback and provide input to the OEMs to address deficiencies in the library of procedures and issues or question that arise form the industry dialog. It’s about communication.” Meeting attendee Dan Risley of the Automotive Service Association, which also was among the organizations requesting I-CAR’s involvement in 2011, said communication will be important because there “are some instances where the OEM repair procedure probably may not apply.” He noted, for instance, that Honda calls See Repairer Roundtable, Page 42

www.autobodynews.com | MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS 31

Social Media for Shops

Ed Attanasio is an automotive journalist based in San Francisco, California. He can be reached at era39@aol.com.

Is ‘Reactionary’ Marketing Too Little, Too Late? Maybe Not. with Ed Attanasio

by Ed Attanasio

A body shop owner came up to me at a California Autobody Association meeting recently and shared his tale of woe. A Multi-Shop Operator (MSO) had opened a location in his hometown, where he had been doing business since the 1970s. The presence of the MSO caused him concern, especially when he lost a DRP to his new neighbor and several of his top techs as well. His first instinct, he said, was to step up his marketing, social media and advertising efforts. When he then told me that he had borrowed $50,000 for marketing and wanted my opinion on where the money should be spent, I was a little flabbergasted. My first quesAlan Suftin had to tion for him was, implement some “Why did you wait marketing strategies quickly so long?” It surely when an MSO wasn’t what he with a similar name wanted to hear at moved into his the time and he cerhometown and tainly didn’t like threatened the survival of his what I told him 23-year-old shop next. “It might be a little too late.” I always tell people that marketing is a churn—an ongoing endeavor. You need to do several forms of marketing all the time to some degree. I ask body shops how many hours are you or your staff willing to dedicate to marketing, which includes social media, public relations, advertising and the Internet? I explain to them that marketing is not something you do when your car count drops or when you have a couple slow months in a row. The biggest mistake body shops make with marketing is having unrealistic expectations. I have heard these

statements from body shop owners more than once. “We did some cable advertising, but it didn’t work.” (It turns out he tried it for one month and when the phone wasn’t ringing off the hook, he got out of his contract.) “We didn’t get any new customers from our radio advertising.” But when I asked him how did you track the results (or lack of them) he didn’t have an answer. But, fear not. If you’re in a tight situation and want to fast track your marketing, you can still save the day if you work smart and jump in with both feet immediately. It’s not the best way to do it because the majority of any marketing won’t probably show any significant positive returns until you’ve been plugging away for six months to a year. When you embark on a marketing plan, it’s like planting a little seedling. It’s going to take some time before it will grow roots and eventually produce fruit. Here is a scenario where a body shop owner moved quickly and did all the right things to save his 23-year-old shop from folding when an MSO came to town. Allen Sutfin, 54, the owner of Golden Valley Auto Body, was surprised when a shop with a name similar to his moved into his hometown of Yuba City, CA. Only a couple miles apart, the two shops were immediately being confused with each other. (The name of the MSO is being withheld). Suftin quickly realized he had a problem on his hands. “People started coming in here asking me When did you open the new shop?” Suftin said. “I told them it’s not my shop! Right then and there I knew I was in trouble, especially when I learned that some of my customers mistakenly brought their cars to be fixed there, thinking it was my shop.” Suftin has built a strong foundation and a large customer base in Yuba City, where he was born, so when he

main advantage over this new shop was my longevity in town,” Suftin said. “We’re a locally-owned and operated business and we’ve been here since 1990. We have second-generation customers coming here. Hey, competition is always going to be present and it can get pretty intense in this industry. But in this case, I was losing cars not for my reputation, but because of a mistaken identity. We lost a few jobs right off the bat and that’s when I asked myself, what can I do?” Rather than taking the time to carefully contemplate his next move, Suftin acted definitively and started making things happen literally overnight. “I started doing larger ads in our local newspaper, the Yuba City Appeal Democrat,” he said. “We only have one newspaper here, so I wanted to be in there as often as I could. We’ve been picked as the best body shop in town for the past three years by this publication, so we starting leveraging that. In all of our ads, we began incorporating the phrase ‘locally owned and operated’ and started emphasizing our location, to avoid further confusion.”

Autorama, held March 8-10 in Detroit. This is the third time in six years that a PPG-finished entry has won the award. The coupe, named “Checkered Past,” is owned by Ron and Deb Cizek of Bennington, NE, and was built by Andy Leach of Cal Automotive Cre-

ations in Omaha, NE. Hutton, a noted painter in the custom car world, did the paint work at his shop, Charley Hutton’s Color Studio, in Nampa, ID, where he created and mixed the red and gold custom colors using PPG waterborne Envirobase products.

1940 Ford Coupe Wins Ridler Award in Detroit

A 1940 Ford Coupe featuring PPG paint and custom painted by Charley Hutton won the 2013 Ridler Award at the Detroit Autorama. The Ridler Award is presented to the most outstanding car or truck making its debut appearance at the Detroit

32 MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

saw what was happening to his business, he didn’t get mad—he got even. “I came to the conclusion that my

As part of his ongoing community outreach efforts, Suftin has helped his hometown wherever and whenever he can. When the Yuba City Fire Department’s Dalmatian statue was vandalized, the staff at Golden Valley Auto Body got the mascot looking doggone good once again

Ramping up his community outreach also became a priority, Suftin explained. “We’ve always been involved in our chamber of commerce and have hosted charity fundraisers here at the shop over the years. But now, these efforts took on a whole new importance. Charity events are a win-win, because we’re helping those in need and getting a lot of free publicity in the process, from the Appeal Democrat and the local radio stations here in Yuba City.” To complement all his other marketing efforts, Suftin devised a broadcast plan that involved both local radio and cable TV advertising. “We got on the air and made a statement,” he said. “It was our way of telling the community that we’re not retreating and things are still the same. We kept stressing we’re Golden Valley Auto Body and you know us—we’ve been here for more than two decades and there’s a good chance that you or someone you know has had their car repaired here.” By pushing his exemplary track record and the quality of his work, coupled with an avalanche of marketing, Golden Valley Auto Body was able to stay busy, while most of the name confusion was alleviated. Suftin is looking at a profitable 2013 and his role in the business community is stronger than ever. What advice can he offer to other body shops all over the country whose business is threatened for one reason or another? “Fight it, any way you can,” Suftin said. “Marketing was the key for us, because it was our way of telling our story and clarifying who we are. Now the message is out there, and the advertising we’re doing today is simply supporting that. Any company is going to run into competition and adversity, but by using your resources and not panicking, you can survive and keep your good name intact.”

I-CAR Declines Facilitation of OEM Repair Standards by I-CAR staff

During the Collision Industry Conference meeting in November 2011, I-CAR received a joint request signed by representatives from SCRS, ASA, AASP and Assured Performance Network, requesting that I-CAR support various OEM repair procedure initiatives in connection with the requesting organization’s associated position statement that OEM repair procedures are the recognized industry repair standard. Over the past seventeen months, I-CAR has worked towards defining processes, capabilities and resources to enable the organization to support the request in a manner that aligns with the organization’s vision, mission and duty to represent the interests of the InterIndustry with neutrality, and for the collective unbiased benefit of the InterIndustry. Despite the significant effort put forth by the I-CAR Board and Staff, given the organization’s duty to the Inter-Industry, and the reality that there are open disagreements on the related topic of standards across the Inter-Industry, the I-CAR Board of Directors decided that I-CAR will not proceed with implementation of a solution in response to this request as originally presented. The I-CAR Board of Direc-

tors enacted this decision at its March 7, 2013 I-CAR Board of Directors Meeting by unanimous consent of those board members in attendance at the meeting. In terms of the organization’s duty to the Inter-Industry, on the basis of neutrality, the following three points were important in the Board’s decision: ● The need for I-CAR to represent the best interests of the industry in an unbiased manner, avoiding the possible perception that I-CAR may be catering to the interests of any particular industry sub-segment(s) to the possible disadvantage of others. ● Potential difficulties constructing and managing the requested “Council” that met both the needs of the requestors and I-CAR’s Inter-Industry charter. ● The fact that although OEM procedures are widely recognized as the industry baseline for repairs, and I-CAR points to OEM procedures as such, there are opportunities to define recommended repair processes that would support and/or supplement OEM procedures given the span of possible repairs, consumer and insurer interests; while maintaining an unwavering commitment to complete & safe repairs. The I-CAR Board of Directors thanks the requesting organizations for

bringing forth the request. As I-CAR identified early on, much of the proposed solution that was developed builds on work that I-CAR already does to serve the industry. And certain elements of the solution are closely linked to I-CAR’s strategic initiatives for 2013 and beyond. Thus, seeing value in certain elements of the proposed solution that would benefit the Inter-Industry, the I-CAR Board will work with staff to reframe and evaluate these elements as independent projects for implementation as follows: ● I-CAR recognizes an opportunity to expand its technical processes and resources to better support the industry’s interest to improve repair procedures and related repair process definition, and to provide real-time repairability technical support for the industry. This was a key part of our proposed solution and remains under consideration. ● OE Linking Pin—I-CAR maintains technical relations with OEM’s today. Our plan was to further expand this activity linked to expansion of our technical processes and resources, and this remains under consideration. ● Technical ISAC’s—I-CAR runs ISAC’s (Industry Segment Advisory Councils) today, our plan was to expand these to include an OEM Techni-

cal ISAC and various technology focused ISAC’s, and this remains under consideration. ● Repairability Summits – I-CAR runs Repairability Summits today, our plan was to expand these, and this remains under consideration. ● Knowledge Portal—The primary goal with the knowledge portal was to provide enhanced Inter-Industry accessibility to the knowledge required to perform complete and safe repairs. There were 5 key elements to the knowledge portal, each adding unique value; therefore, each element will be considered on its own merit. ● All related initiatives will be subject to further Board review considering alignment with I-CAR’s charter, impact versus Inter-Industry defined needs, prioritization versus other ICAR initiatives, and funding requirements. I-CAR’s goal is to be of greater service to the Inter-Industry while being true to its Inter-Industry charter. The Board and Staff of I-CAR remains confident that these initiatives hold great promise as steps forward for both I CAR and the Inter-Industry. See John Yoswick’s article on the cover of this issue for reaction from collision industry participants at CIC.

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(888) 834-8635 (248) 699-3003 www.autobodynews.com | MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS 33

Third Generation Custom Painter Was Born Into the Business by Melanie Anderson

Darryl Hollenbeck, 45, of Vintage Color Studio in Concord, CA, is a third generation custom painter and car restorer. His grandfather owned one of the first body shops in Oakland back in the late ‘30s and early ‘40s

Custom painter Darryl Hollenbeck pictured here in the rearview mirror

and later sold his shop to Hollenbeck’s uncle. Darryl’s father worked in the shop as well, with Darryl joining the family business at age 21. With 25 years experience, Hollenbeck has owned Vintage Color Studio restoring hot rods and custom cars

for painting John Mumford’s 27 T Roadster, built by Roy Brizio Street Rods, which won “America’s Most Beautiful Roadster” at the recent 2013 Grand National Roadster Show in Pomona, CA. He’s won that award twice. The first time he won the award was in 2005 for painting Paul Hansen’s Moal Built 1932 Roadster called ‘Seduced.’ Over the course of his career, Hollenbeck has custom painted well over 100 cars, many of which have graced the covers of hot rod and custom car magazines. Several of those magazine covers are featured on his website at www.vintagecolorstudio.com. He owns three hot rods himself—a 1950 Mercury from his late father, a 1957 Chevy Wagon and a 1932 Roadster that he’s still working on. Some of Hollenbeck’s favorite projects include restoring historical cars that were originally customized back in the ‘30s and ‘40s. For example, Hollenbeck restored a 1949 Mercury that belonged to Sam Barris (George Barris’ brother). Hollenbeck said this car was the first Mercury to be chopped and customized and it was a new car when Sam Barris did it in 1949. Hollenbeck also restored the 1936 Ford Jack Calori Coupe, which was the November 1949 Hot Rod

Pickup and cost $15,000 to build. Peters and Gejeian built the undercarriage. It won the prestigious “America’s Most Beautiful Roadster” award at the Oak-

paint and body work on the car with Art Himsl doing the graphics. Another favorite project Hollenbeck worked on was Vic Edelbrock’s

This 1932 Roadster was owned by Vic Edelbrock Sr

land Roadster Show two years in a row in 1958 and 1959. The Ala Kart is known for being the first show rod that turned into a model car kit. The Ala Kart was restored by Roy Brizio Street Rods in 2011 and Hollenbeck did the

father’s 1932 Roadster that was restored by Roy Brizio Street Rods in 2004. Otis Victor Edelbrock, who died in 1962, was an American automotive aftermarket performance parts engineer, racer and is considered one

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S TER L ING HEIG HTS Hollenbeck painted this 1949 Chevy truck for Eric Clapton

for the past 10 years. Most of the vintage cars he works on date back to the ‘30s, ‘40s and ‘50s, with the ‘newest’ car he’s ever worked on being a 1966 Shelby Mustang. “I love cars. I was born into it,” said Hollenbeck. “I love the challenge of taking something old and rusty and turning it into something beautiful and award-winning.” Hollenbeck has won several awards, including the award he won

Magazine Cover Car, and was Best in Class Winner at Pebble Beach in 2005. Another famous historical car that Hollenbeck has worked on is the Ala Kart, originally customized by George Barris and owned by Richard Peters. The car survived a fire that destroyed Barris’ shop in 1957. The car, named from a menu at the time George Barris, Richard Peters and friend Blackie Gejeian met at a local coffee shop to discuss the car, is based on a 1929 Ford

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of the founders of the hot rod movement. The 1932 Roadster was the personal car of Edelbrock Sr. and was also as a test vehicle back in the ‘40s at the El Mirage Dry Lakes in southern California. Hollenbeck said the average project takes about three months, from start to finish, with the paint work itself taking about 10 days. Some of Hollenbeck’s famous customers include English rock guitarist Jeff Beck, singer Eric Clapton, and James Hetfield of Metallica. The recent change from solvents to waterborne paint isn’t something Hollenbeck is thrilled about. Like

many painters, he appreciates routine and using the new water-based products has changed up the way he’s used to doing things.

1936 Ford coupe

“Now we gotta try to make water base work for what we do, and it’s geared more toward the collision in-

The famous Ala Kart originally customized by George Barris won “America’s Most Beautiful Roadster” in 1958 and 1959

dustry,” he said. “It does have its advantages in what we do, but you get used to doing something a certain way, then all the sudden the EPA changes everything on you.” He says waterborne is easier to use, but takes longer to dry between coats. For example, he said it used to take him eight hours to paint a Roadster with solvent and now that same size car takes

According to Cindy Schauer, Segment Communications Manager with PPG, the company is not launching a new waterborne platform for the custom painter, but over the last few years, PPG has made some products that work well with their current waterborne brands, Envirobase High Performance and Aquabase Plus, that make it easier to use in a custom finishing situation.

Hollenbeck restored this 1932 Roadster

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1932 Ford 5 window coupe

about 12 hours to paint using waterbase. He also acknowledges that the water-based paint colors are more vibrant, but adds that a custom line of water-base products for custom work doesn’t exist yet. Hollenbeck has been using PPG for nearly 30 years, since he was “in high school and just starting to mess around with paint,” and says the PPG brand is very user-friendly. “There isn’t a custom line of water base,” he said. “For instance, Candy Apple Red isn’t available in water base so you have to figure out how to make it and that takes more time.”

Darryl Hollenbeck’s Vintage Color Studio, 2330 Bates Ave, Suite B-1 Concord CA 94520 Phone : 925.671.7773 www.vintagecolorstudio.com

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Collision Education Makeover School Grant Applications Due by May 31 The Collision Repair Education Foundation is encouraging collision industry businesses to take an active part in their local collision school programs by assisting them in applying for the 2013 Ultimate Collision Education Makeover $50,000 school grant. Two $50,000 grants (one secondary, one post-secondary) will be awarded this year, as well as several secondary prizes of $10,000. Below are the top 3 reasons why industry members should be working together with their local collision school programs on the 2013 Ultimate Collision Education Makeover grant application: #3. Establish connection with local collision school, instructor, administration, and students. Now is the opportune time for industry businesses to become fully engaged with their local collision school programs. By meeting with school administration, the collision instructor(s), and their students, local businesses can view firsthand what their collision program needs are and coach them on what skill sets collision students should have by graduation to ensure for the most efficient and capable professional possible. #2. Makeover applicant schools at the top of Education Foundation’s

Continued from Cover

Safelite and Toyota

the plaintiff’s vehicle glass claim on behalf of another glass shop who performed the replacement,” he adds. “We are hopeful that we will be voluntarily dismissed from the case.” When asked about how “The Safelite Advantage” warranty comes into play, Melina Metzger, the company’s public relations manager says, “Safelite’s warranty is for Safelite AutoGlass. Safelite Solutions doesn’t warranty other shops’ work.” Ammons and his law firm have successfully sued Ford, GM, Continental Tire and Cooper Tire in rollover cases in the past year.

VT Couple Charged With Arson

A Vermont couple have been charged with burning down their own auto dealership business. Ed and Tammy Davis of Fair Haven, VT, were charged with arson following the fire at Ed Davis Auto and RV. Investigators determined the fire was set deliberately and alleges the Davises were responsible. Ed Davis, 49 and Tammy Davis, 46, are scheduled to appear in court May 20

support list in 2013. The schools that apply for 2013 Makeover grant receive top priority for support by the Collision Repair Education Foundation in the coming year. Since the Makeover grant’s inception in 2009, the non-winning schools have received over $1 million (total) in donations and support. Makeover applicant instructors are also provided exclusive opportunities to attend technical training and receive other donations from industry supporters. #1. Congrats, your local school has won and their $50,000 collision wish list will be fulfilled. There will be at least two selected Makeover winning schools this fall and local industry members taking an active part in the application process can help enhance a school’s application. Many collision schools are facing severely reduced budgets and this grant will transform the winning collision programs for many years to come. An industry member’s guidance and support of helping a local school apply for the Makeover grant could lead to that school being selected as one of the winners. Instructors are advised to begin the application early which is available online at CollisionEducation-

Foundation.org. The Makeover grant is available to secondary and post-secondary collision school programs nationwide, with priority going to not-for-profit/public schools. The application is due May 31, 2013 and the winning schools will be announced during an industry reception to be held at SEMA 2013. As part of the Makeover grant application, schools provide their own itemized wish list, which can include any tools, supplies, and equipment that are needed by the collision program. Each of the winning schools will have their $50,000 wish list fulfilled through the Collision Repair Education Foundation and industry donors/supporters. The goal of the Ultimate Collision Education Makeover grant is to honor a school that has been doing an outstanding job in educating students in collision repair, but needs some financial assistance to improve their program’s teaching materials and equipment. With strained school budgets, the Education Foundation and industry supporters have the opportunity to bridge the program’s financial gap and to make a difference in the lives of the students studying collision repair.

Axalta Offers Courses

Axalta Coating Systems is offering new damage analysis and production management courses for the heavy duty truck market. The HDT Damage Analysis course provides a standard damage analysis approach to write more complete estimates and increase consistency of estimates to raise repair center’s gross profit and increase the percentage of closed repair orders. This one-day class includes numerous hands-on exercises related to the commercial vehicle collision industry, which emphasize the principles taught during the course. HDT Production Management course focuses to assist implementation of lean principles relating to blueprinting, proper parts management and production controls in a commercial vehicle repair center. Key techniques to improve technician efficiency, reduce cycle time and improve customer satisfaction are examined in this one-day course. Industry experts from Team Marketing Group are the main content contributors and will provide the primary instructors for these courses. For additional information or to register, contact your local Axalta Coating Systems representative or call 1.800.438.3876.

Aaron Clark Named VP at Assured Performance

Aaron Clark has been named Assured Performance Co-Op Network’s vice president of national certification and network development and will be based at corporate headquarters in Irvine, CA. “We are thrilled to have Aaron joining our executive team to work closely with our staff and member shops driving the Certification program. He has the perfect background to help expand the impact and value of body shop Certification for all involved,” said Scott Biggs, CEO of Assured Performance. Clark has worked in the automotive and collision repair industry for more than 25 years as a body shop owner. Clark previously operated five body shop operations in the Indianapolis area, which he sold to ABRA Auto Body & Glass. Clark founded the Indiana Auto Body Association (IABA), served as chairman of the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) for the past two years, and served on Assurance Performance’s board of directors for four years. “This new position fully leverages my knowledge as a former shop owner, and interests in the well-being of the collision industry,” said Clark.

36 MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

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The Insider is a corporate-level executive with a Top 10 auto insurer in the U.S.. Got a comment or question you’d like to see him address in a future column? Email him at Auto.Insurance.Insider@gmail.com

Inside Insurance

Shops Should Be Able to Offer Whatever Discounts They Want with The Insurance Insider

There is enough controversy in the in- expense.” Shops would attract and asdustry today to write three or four dif- sist their customers by paying a tow bill ferent stories on the hot topics. I will or a portion of their rental car expense. Chasidy Rae Sisk shops went further and decided not contribute towith the proliferation of Some propaganda and conspiracy theories to cover the customer’s deductible. How was this possible? It was by discussing parts or insurance company direct repair programs. I have because there weren’t a lot of laws and another controversy for shops to rally regulations strictly prohibiting the behavior of cost-shifting. Insurance around. knew about it, although we Due to my executive position and with Chasidy Rae companies Sisk the company I am employed by, I didn’t take direct action to address it. It was easy to cost-shift 40 years have not been able to share my views publicly or within the confines of my ago because OEM sheet metal parts corporation. Don’t feel bad for me. were very expensive. Parts were three That’s why I write these articles. I can times the price they are today. They share my thoughts and experience were also three times the size and without placing my job in jeopardy. I weight. OEM parts were expensive can only imagine what would happen because there wasn’t any real compeif I decided to challenge “The Institu- tition. (The aftermarket parts industry tion” and talk about what is widely was still only in its infancy.) If you considered heresy amongst insurance had to replace a fender, you ordered a genuine OEM part from the dealerexecutives. ship. Because parts were expensive, Several decades ago, it was comshops could write for a new part and mon practice for shops to help customers with their “out-of-pocket repair the old one. This allowed shops

Northeast News

to make a lot of money on labor, save the customer money and still do a safe repair.

that it is impossible for a shop to offer a significantly discounted deductible without cost-shifting.

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Life was much easier for body shops back then. Direct repair proNorth County BMW grams didn’t exist, which facilitated the body shop industry accepting the widespread adoption of cost-shift(800) 564-8222 ing. Now, because of legislation, cost-shifting is considered frauduNorth County BMW lent. What about deductibles? There is legislation in many states that pro(800) 564-8222 hibits a shop from “saving” or “reimbursing” the customer’s deductible. Here is where I am going to stray from the herd: I believe shops should be North County BMW able to advertise and implement deductible saving programs. Shops should be able to decide whether or (800) 564-8222 not they want to offer incentives to their consumers as a means of gaining North County BMW business. I think we refer to that as competition in the marketplace. I do not believe I would find a (800) 564-8222 colleague here in the insurance industry to support my ideology. The problem is trust. I suppose this cunning old wily insurance veteran still believes that shops have some integrity. But every piece of legislation ever proposed or enacted was put in place because generally my industry doesn’t trust shops to do the right thing. Nobody will publicly make that statement, but it is fact. Insurers believe www.ncountybmw.com

www.ncountybmw.com

I agree to some extent because the profit margins in the shops are certainly not what they were in the 70s or 80s. But if a shop decided they wanted to reduce their profit margin to gain a customer, why should it be illegal? Isn’t that the true definition of a direct repair program? I am not sure how providing a discounted deductible is any different. After all, shops agree to provide a parts discount or reduced labor rate in exchange for being on a direct repair program in order to gain business. I am not advocating for “costshifting” or committing fraud. I am not supporting shops writing all OEM parts so they can repair them or replace them with aftermarket parts. I am suggesting that shops should be able to offer whatever discount they want to customers, up to and including reduced deductibles. Considering today’s economy, customers may be more apt to have their vehicle repaired rather than cashing out. If it was up to me, I would trust you to do the right thing. You should also know that I do not employ enough adjusters to reinspect every vehicle we insure, thus rendering my opinion moot. But I trust you.

www.autobodynews.com | MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS 37

PPG Appoints Frank Sklarsky as VP of Finance

PPG Industries announced Frank S. Sklarsky will join the company as executive vice president, finance, effective April 15, reporting to Chairman and CEO Charles E. Bunch. “David’s detailed understanding of PPG’s global businesses and deep financial management expertise are invaluable, as demonstrated recently in his role supporting our strategic initiatives to separate PPG’s commodity chemicals business and to acquire AkzoNobel’s North American architectural coatings business,” said Bunch. Also, effective August 1, Sklarsky will be named PPG executive vice president and chief financial officer. David B. Navikas, currently PPG senior vice president, finance and chief financial officer, will continue in his current role until August 1, and will then continue as senior vice president in a senior leadership role that will be announced later. “We are pleased to welcome Frank to PPG. His deep financial management expertise and executive leadership experience guiding strategy and operations with large, global enterprises will be an asset to PPG as we continue to grow and expand our

Boyd Group Acquires Four Repair Centers in NC and FL

The Boyd Group recently acquired and opened four new collision repair centers: In North Carolina, the three centers are Wilmington Paint & Body Works, Factory Finish Collision Center and CBS Quality Cars. The company also acquired Express Auto Body in Lakeland, FL. Each of the shop locations will operate under the Gerber Collision & Glass trade name. With these additions, The Boyd Group now operates 22 shop locations in North Carolina and 38 in Florida. The company has a total of 185 collision repair locations throughout 14 U.S. states. “The opening of these new locations is in line with our stated growth strategy of achieving 6-10% of growth in number of centers through single location additions,” said Tim O’Day, president and chief operations officer of The Boyd Group. “These centers allow us to better serve customers and insurance partners in these markets and we plan to continue to focus on expanding our presence in similar attractive U.S. markets.”

positions around the world,” Bunch said. “Frank, David and I will work closely together with PPG’s global finance organization and the entire leadership team as we carry out this important senior leadership succession,” Bunch said. Most recently, Sklarsky was executive vice president and chief financial officer of Tyco International, Ltd., a global provider of security, fire protection and flow control solutions with revenues that exceeded $17 billion. Prior to joining Tyco, Sklarsky served as executive vice president and chief financial officer at both Eastman Kodak Co. and ConAgra Foods, Inc. Previously, he spent 20 years with Chrysler in a series of senior financial leadership roles. He also held finance positions with Dell, Inc., after beginning his career with Ernst & Young. Sklarsky is a member of the board of directors of Harman International Industries, Inc., and of Rochester Institute of Technology. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Rochester Institute of Technology and an MBA from Harvard Business School, and he is a certified public accountant.

New TV Pilot, “Auto Body Avengers” Coming to Spike

Cable’s Spike TV is planning the development of several nonscripted pilot shows, including one about investigating body shops. “Auto Body Avengers” from Matador, an independent media company best known for travel-related productions, features a group of operatives who go undercover to spotlight auto body garages suspected of fraud. The pilot description explains the show’s premise: “With over 200 million registered vehicles in the United States, it’s no surprise that auto repair shops are a booming business. Unfortunately, you don’t always get what you pay for. While the majority of auto body shops are fair and honest businesses, there are unscrupulous ones who seek to rip off unrespecting car owners by charging them for unnecessary or shoddy repairs. In “Autobody Avengers,” a team of operatives go undercover to spotlight the garages suspected of fraud. Matador Network produced the presentation.”

NADA Says Rising New-Vehicle Sales Lifted Dealer Profits for a Record Year in 2012 Rising new-vehicle sales lifted average dealership pre-tax profit to a record $843,697 last year, a National Automobile Dealers Association survey shows. The average store’s 2012 profit rose 6% from the previous record set in 2011. NADA began the annual survey in 1970. Dealers’ average return on sales held steady at 2%, but profit rose because of a sharp increase in demand for new and used vehicles. Total revenue rose 9% at the average store to $38,359,930, Automotive News reported. The rising profit has given dealers a reason to cheer this tax season, said John Bachle, an accountant at Sartain Fischbein & Co. in Tulsa, OK. “They’re always fun to deal with, but they’re much more fun if they’re making money,” said Bachle, whose firm has about 50 dealer clients. The new-car department provided 56% of the average dealer’s revenue in 2012, up from 54% in 2011. The used-car department provided 32% of revenue last year, unchanged from 2011. Parts and service business fell from 13% of the average dealer’s revenue to 12%.

In 2007, the last full year before the economic downturn, new cars provided 59% of the average dealer’s revenue, while used cars provided 29% and the parts and service business provided 12%. Dealers again benefited in 2012 from low interest rates and factory floorplan assistance programs. Last year, the average dealer made money on floorplanning: a $72 credit per new car sold, according to the NADA data. That was up from $48 per vehicle in 2011, accounting for nearly half of the total increase in pretax profits. Typically, the interest paid to keep cars and trucks on the lot has been a major expense. In 2007, the average dealer paid $103,708 for floorplan interest, or $167 for every car sold. Last year, dealers made money because they took advantage of programs in which factories repay them for interest. Brisk sales left dealers with tighter-than-usual inventories, so cars and trucks did not sit on lots very long and dealers profited from the incentives, said Carl Woodward, a dealer accountant at Woodward & Associates Inc. in Bloomington, IL.

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Toby Chess is an I-CAR program instructor, Training specialist, and former salvage yard operator. Toby is universally known in the collision industry for his work with first responders and advocacy for body shops and consumers. He can be reached at tcspeedster@yahoo.com

Hey Toby! with Toby Chess

Glass and Windshield Installs Must Be Handled by the Book

The other day I heard about a lawsuit engage another’s service doesn’t exthat I would like to share with you empt you and your company from lia(see article starting on the cover). bilities that may arise from a tragic A Toyota dealer contacted Safe- loss such as this. Even recommending lite to install a windshield into a 2005 another service could land you in Toyota Tundra. The vehicle was in- enough trouble to cost you tens of volved in a rollover accident and the thousands in dollars proving you have windshield allegedly from no liability!” with“separated David McClune Let’s take a look at the basics of the pickup” resulting in two fatalities. Safelite contends that they only han- glass and windshields in particular. dled the claim and contracted with a 1) What is the function of a windindependent class company to handle shield? the installation and they should not be The main function of today’s windnamed in the multi million-dollar law- shield is suit. I’m not going to comment on the ■ It is part of the vehicle structure merits of the case but it reminds us of ■ It is part of the frontal air bag systhe importance of correct windshield tem ■ It restrains the passengers in vehicle and glass installs. ■ Barrett Smith, President of Auto with John Yoswick And yes, it keeps the bugs off your Damage Experts wrote: “This is why face. One reason rollovers are so danit is so very import to be very careful and selective when choosing a sublet gerous is that, when a vehicle rolls glass replacement company and other over, its roof can crush down on the outside vendors to provide services occupants, causing head injuries, for your business. Just because you paraplegia and death. Today’s vehicles

70% light transmission.) AS3 is also known as Privacy Glass.”

California Autobody Association

Year in Quotes

are engineered so that the windshield provides much of the stiffness necessary to keep the roof from collapsing. In fact, some experts say that the windshield accounts for up to 60% of the cabin’s structural integrity in a rollover.

Collision Repair Association of CA. with Richard Steffen

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Shop Showcase

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Some vehicles, the passenger’s side frontal air bag is deflected off of the windshield and is aimed at the front passenger seat. Just these two examples should serve to remind us that installing a windshield takes more than a phone call to your local vendor and you are finished. Not by a long shot. 2) Before going any further, let’s look at how glass is categorized. All windshields are marked with two letters: AS stands for American Standard. The number indicates the position in the vehicle where the glass may be used, based on its optical quality. AS1 is the clearest glass (at least 70% light transmission), is laminated, and can be used anywhere in a motor vehicle (typically just the windshield). AS2 is tempered, with at least 70% light transmission, and can be used anywhere except the windshield, and— AS3 can be used in certain locations in certain vehicles (it can be laminated or tempered, and has less than

We deal with 2 types of glass: laminated and tempered. Laminated glass is a type of safety glass that holds together when shattered. In the event of breaking, it is held in place by an interlayer, typically of polyvinyl butyral (PVB), between its two or more layers of glass. The bonding process takes place under heat and pressure. When laminated under these conditions, the PVB interlayer becomes optically clear and binds the two panes of glass together. Once sealed together, the glass “sandwich” (i.e., laminate) behaves as a single unit and looks like any other glass. Tempered glass is a type of safety glass processed by controlled thermal or chemical treatments to increase its strength compared with normal glass. Tempering creates balanced internal stresses which cause the glass, when broken, to crumble into small granular chunks instead of splintering into jagged shards. These two pictures and examples of the marking on the glass. They are known as “bugs” and will be found on all automotive glass and to identify

See Windshield Installs, Page 43

www.autobodynews.com | MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS 39

Crazy Painter Mitch Kelly, Father & Son Keep on Truckin’ in SoCal by Melanie Anderson

Crazy Painters Mitch Kelly, 53, his father Tom Kelly, 73, and son Thomas Kelly, 22, might be a little crazy with the schedule they keep. Based out of Bellflower, CA, the three-generation trio don’t have much free time between painting custom hot rods, Harleys, semi tractor trailers, race haulers, motor homes and, recently, even a plane. Owners of Kelly & Son The Crazy Painters, Mitch and his dad Tom still have yet to add “& Grandson” to the sign, but the younger gen-

Heaven’ and since then the car has won several awards. In November, it was selected as Goodguys Builder’s Choice Top 10 at the Goodguys 2nd Fall Del Mar Nationals in Del Mar, CA. In December it won ‘Best in Show’ at the 15th Annual John Force Holiday Car Show in Yorba Linda amongst approximately 3,000 cars in the show. In January, Blue Heaven came home with the ‘Best Paint’ award in their division from the Grand National Roadster Show in Pomona, CA, and in March, the car was selected as a Vintage Air Custom Rod of the Year Finalist at the

“Rock My RV” Mitch, Tom and Thomas Kelly also have been busy taping episodes of a new TV show called “Rock My RV” which will begin airing on the Travel

Kawasaki team trailer painted by Mitch Kelly

Mitch Kelly’s 1957 Bel Air Chevy, called “Blue Heaven” has won several awards

eration is holding his own with his Goodguys 4th Spring Nationals in computer-generated design and logo Scottsdale, AZ. work. Upcoming shows include the You might say painting is in their Long Beach Grand Prix and Cruising blood. Mitch’s great great grandfather for the Cure in Orange County. The was striping horse-drawn wagons on car will also be featured in an upcomthe Ford line before motors were even ing issue of Hot Rod Magazine. invented. Tom Kelly’s grandfather did pinstriping back in the ‘40s, and Tom, who started in the business at age 13, is well-known for working with Von Dutch as well as Ed ‘Big Daddy’ Roth. Mitch also started in the business at age 13, painting wheels for his dad. Mitch says his dad and grandfather named the shop “Crazy A slice of heaven Painters” because of the airbrush work they did back in the ‘50s Despite the car’s popularity and involved a lot of monsters, flames and award-winning looks, Mitch says it’s ‘crazy’ graphics and lettering. time for the car to go and he is looking for a buyer. Mitch is eager to start his next street rod project and has a ‘61 Blue Heaven At SEMA 2012, Mitch unveiled his Impala and ‘57 Chevy Bel Air con1957 Bel Air Chevy called ‘Blue vertible awaiting his attention.

40 MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Midwest family black with gold stripes and red candy with graphics in a three-layer design in red and gold with drop shadowing done in stages. Three sets of graphics lay on top of

Channel in May. Legendary rocker each other. Tom finished it off with a Bret Michaels, a long-time RV devo- custom 3D mural painted in the back tee, will host the all-new “Rock My of the motor home to commemorate RV” series. According to their web- the wild and scenic California coastsite, Michaels leads a team of skilled, line that the traveling family loves to custom RV designers and fabricators visit. to transform ordinary RVs into “outrageous, badass, hooked-up mobile Kawasaki Motocross Race Trailer mansions on the road.” Another recent project the Kelly men The Kelly’s have recently painted have worked on includes a Kawasaki two motor homes for the show, a Volvo tractor with a race trailer. GMC for a gourmet sausage entrepre- Painting extravagant tractor-trailer neur and a Fleetwood for a Midwest rigs is a Kelly specialty. Clients infamily who travels the California clude professional motocross and sucoast. percross teams and manufacturers. The GMC, Mitch said, looked These jobs are great calling cards for like it had been in a hurricane with the Kellys as the trucks travel across broken fiberglass and rusted screws, the country on nationwide tours with nuts and bolts. Kelly and crew re- riders giving TV interviews and paired the fiberglass, replaced all doing commercials in front of the hinges, sanded, base coated with his Kelly custom-painted trucks. all-time favorite red—PPG’s Hot What’s different about this new Red—and then added a black and gold project is that Thomas is solely repearl belly stripe while son Thomas sponsible for creating all the design created an awesome 3D logo for the owner’s business. “This was a three-Kelly effort,” said Mitch. Thomas did the design and logo work, Mitch did the mask off, and base painting and stencil graphics, and Tom Kelly, with his phenomenal airbrushing talents, added depth and shine with candies and Brian Deegan’s truck pearls and created a 3D affect. work. Proud Papa Mitch says his son Mitch painted the 30-foot Fleetpresented his design ideas to the corwood motor home belonging to the porate Kawasaki race team decision

makers who loved his work and agreed to the concept within five minutes. The semi is painted black with white and lime green and a heavy metallic blue, with a green and blue pearl for sparkle. Mitch says you can’t see the glitter until the sunlight hits it just right and then the paint job “winks at you.” Mitch is able to paint semis in a huge 63’x19’x19’ paint booth, but he didn’t start in a fancy, monster-size paint booth. He got his first semitruck custom paint job back in 1992 from the Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP). They wanted an image of a 30-foot volleyball player diving for the ball on the side of the truck. Mitch said yes before he even knew they could do it. Mitch recalls they set up a projector in the driveway and parked the truck on the street. They projected the image they wanted on side of the truck to sketch it out. Out of hundreds of custom paint jobs completed over four decades, this job turned out to be his all-time favorite. Today, custom paint jobs on a semi run about $50,000. It takes about a week of prepping and another four days to paint a semi, Mitch said. Truck for Brian Deegan

Mitch completed another recent tractor-trailer project for Brian Deegan who races off-road trucks. Thomas created the designs, incorporating all the sponsors’ logos and Mitch painted the rig using his favorite PPG Hot Red, Titanium Silver and created a bright yellow to match the “Rock Star” yellow. Mitch completed the black, red, silver and yellow look with red and gold micro sequence flakes. Deegan of Temecula, CA, is a former freestyle motocross racer who founded Metal Mulisha, a freestyle motocross FMX team, and is a Rally Car Gold Medalist and winner of ten X-Games medals.

And a Plane Motorcycles, custom vehicles, motor homes, semi trucks. So, why not a plane? Mitch’s friend Dana Pontious lives on an airport in the Mojave Desert and owns a 1955 Cessna 172, the second oldest Cessna 172 still flying today. Dana has owned the plane for a few years and she’s been flying it bare aluminum. The plane needed a paint job. Who better than her good friend Mitch? The father of Dana’s fiance, Adam, happens to be a mechanic and rated with FAA to work on planes, so they tore the plane apart and they

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hauled it in a trailer in 104 pieces to “I have waited a very long time to Mitch’s Bellflower shop. get this paint job,” Dana said. “As I sit Mitch met Dana years ago as a back and look at it now, it was well fellow dirt bike rider. “Dana is the worth the wait. It is better than I could kind of girl who hooks up a trailer to the motor home by herself, hauls it out to the desert, gets out her bike and rides with the boys at the same speed we did,” Mitch said. Mitch recently spent a long weekend prepping, sealing and painting the Cessna. He used PPG’s base colors, a titanium silver and white, to create a light gray with slight Mitch Kelly and son Thomas Kelly pearl metallic sheen. Of course, he added his favorite Hot Red have ever imagined. I can’t believe and then they covered the plane in this is my airplane!” black and silver graphics. Mitch said his son went a bit crazy on the graph- Can’t Move Without It ics and after three long days of adding One of the products that Mitch finds color and graphics all over the body, invaluable in his shop is his mobile car dolly built by DJS Fabrications tail and wings, Mitch was completely Inc. The dollies can be bolted to disk brakes, tires aren’t necessary, and it allows a tech to work beneath the car and works well for low-sitting cars that can be put right on the dolly. “They are invaluable for pushing a dead car around the shop,” said Mitch. “Currently, we have a 1982 low-rider Cadillac getting customized and it wouldn’t push anywhere, so we have it on one 1955 Cessna 172 before paint job of Doug’s dollies. We can worn out. Adam put the plane back to- move it wherever we want to work on gether and Dana made immediate it. If you can’t move it, you can’t work plans to fly to Florida to pick up her on it. They are vital to getting the job sister to go to an air show and have done.”

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1955 Cessna 172 (after paint job) won “Grand Champion” in a recent air show

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some fun girl time. Dana’s plans included showing the plane and flying in a showcase.

For more information about Mitch and Tom Kelly Crazy Painters, go to: www.kellyandsoncrazypainters.com.

www.autobodynews.com | MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS 41

Continued from Page 31

Repairer Roundtable

for replacement of sun visors after airbag deployment. “And you can’t even use the same screws. You’re supposed to have brand new screws, otherwise you’ve just deviated from the standard procedures from Honda,” Risley said. Similarly, he said, Toyota calls for the complete replacement of some seats after airbag deployment. “And if you meet with Toyota and you ask them, ‘Why can’t I just replace a seat back,’ which was the procedure at one time, their response is a little bit different than you might think,” Risley said. “Most people assume it’s a safety issue. In this particular case, the reason they want you to replace the full seat is the impact on customer service. The material on the seat back wouldn’t match the seat bottom and customers were dissatisfied.” Schulenburg acknowledged that the goal is not to give “automakers carte blanche” in terms of procedures but to have two-way communication with them and to have mechanisms in place to ensure it is a collaborative in-

dustry effort. “I think the key take-away is that the industry can be assured that there will be solutions for you,” he said. “Where we go is predicated only on the needs of the repairers who are using these procedures.” The discussion of insurer-mandated parts procurement system also focused on potential ways to address what one Arizona shop owner termed “the death knell of the industry.” Several attendees discussed existing or proposed state legislation that could limit such programs. A bill introduced earlier this year in Maryland, for example, would prohibit an insurer from requiring a shop to use a specific vendor or process for the procurement of parts or materials necessary for repair of a vehicle. A number of attendees also discussed the importance of shops educating their local parts vendors. Although several attendees said that based on their conversations with State Farm they felt it was now inevitable that the insurer will move ahead with PartsTrader, Schulenburg said he’s not so sure. “I think ‘resistance is futile’ would be a position I would want to take, too,

Northern California Man Pleads No Contest to Selling Counterfeit ALLDATA Products

ALLDATA LLC, a provider of manufacturers’ automotive repair information and solutions for the professional automotive service and collision repair industries, recently announced the successful arrest and prosecution of a software counterfeiting operation. The company has a long-standing program dedicated to tracking down illegal sales of ALLDATA products, an effort which routinely results in prosecution. In the most recent case, William Edwin White, III, was arrested in December 2012, following a fivemonth investigation by the Stanislaus County Sheriff Department and Sacramento Valley Hi-Tech Crimes Task Force. The two law enforcement agencies worked with the ALLDATA Antipiracy team to investigate the illegally copied ALLDATA products that White had advertised for sale. “We aggressively pursue software piracy,” said ALLDATA President Jeff Lagges. “It’s theft, and it hurts our customers by driving up costs. But it’s not the same as downloading a pirated song—it’s potentially a consumer safety issue because counterfeiters don’t care if the infor-

mation is correct. We do care, because incorrect information should never be used to repair vehicles. People who don’t realize they bought pirated software often call us to complain that the product isn’t working correctly, which is why it’s so important to purchase ALLDATA Repair through our sales team or our company website.” ALLDATA licenses vehicle repair, diagnostic and maintenance information directly from manufacturers and provides it to customers through a secure, Web-based portal. “Manufacturers often add, remove and change information,” said Lagges. “Offering our products through online subscriptions allows us to get changes to our customers quickly. So buying counterfeit ALLDATA products not only wastes money, it’s a risky business that we’re working hard to stop.” Following the investigation and December arrest, White was found guilty, sentenced and ordered to pay restitution to ALLDATA.

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if I wanted to get people who were resisting to stop resisting,” Schulenburg said. “‘We’re moving forward with it regardless…’ is a great approach to encourage people to stop questioning it. I just don’t know that that’s true. I would caution anyone hearing those messaging points to take it with a grain of salt.” Schulenburg ended the meeting by saying he looks forward to eventually having hundred of repairers in the room for future meetings. “I see the discussion in the industry moving to more proactive strategy versus just a reiteration of war stories and gripes and complaints,” he said. “That’s really healthy for our industry to make that transition.”

John Yoswick, a freelance writer based in Portland, Oregon, who has been writing about the automotive industry since 1988, is also the editor of the weekly CRASH Network (for a free 4-week trial subscription, visit www.CrashNetwork.com). He can be contacted by email at: jyoswick@SpiritOne.com.

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CCC Donates $25,000 to Education Foundation

CCC Information Services recently donated $25,000 to the Collision Repair Education Foundation to help support collision school programs and collision students. The funding will allow for four collision student scholarships, which will be given away in May 2013 as part of the $300,000 in awards the Collision Repair Education Foundation is offering. CCC information Services will also award a collision program with a $10,000 “Classroom Makeover Grant” in order for the school to be able to purchase needed classroom material such as curriculum, computers, audio-visual equipment, or other related items needed for a school’s collision classroom area. The winning school will be selected from the schools that apply for the 2013 Collision Repair Education Foundation Ultimate Collision Education Makeover grant. The application for the Makeover grant is available at www.CollisionEducationFoundation.org is due on on Give us yourand opinion May 31. Schools who apply will be eligible for one of two $50,000 Makeover grants, and an additional six $10,000 awards.

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Continued from Page 39

Windshield Installs

what type of glass it is. Vehicle manufacturers must meet Federal Motor Safety Standards 208, 212, 216 & 219 for glass and vehicle occupant safety. Aftermarket installers use urethane and primers that are manufactured and tested to meet federal and industry standards, but they are not regulated by the government, which means that you better do your due diligence when subletting your glass. (See form on page 45.) If you are not familiar with the safety standards here they are:

FMVSS and Autoglass FMVSS205, FMVSS212, FMVSS216, FMVSS219 See below for a look at a few of the popular Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards pertaining to auto glass, including a brief summary of each standard.

571.205 Standard No. 205; Glazing Materials Scope. This standard specifies requirements for glazing materials for use in motor vehicles and motor vehicle equipment. Purpose. The purpose of this standard is to reduce injuries resulting from impact to glazing surfaces, to ensure a necessary degree of transparency in motor vehicle windows for driver visibility, and to minimize the possibility of occupants being thrown through the vehicle windows in collisions.

the crushing of the roof into the occupant compartment in rollover crashes.

571.219 Standard No. 219; Windshield Zone Intrusion Scope. This standard specifies limits for the displacement into the windshield area of motor vehicle components during a crash. Purpose. The purpose of this standard is to reduce crash injuries and fatalities that result from occupants contacting vehicle components displaced near or through the windshield.

Do you know what the black strip in the photo is called and what’s it for? It’s called a Frit and it serves two roles on the glass. First, as a cosmetic feature that is used to hide interior trim and pinchweld details. Second, the frit inhibits UV degradation of urethane adhesives. While the frit will not completely block the UV rays from passing through the glass, it does significantly reduce UV light transmission. Most urethanes are not UV stable. If urethane is left exposed to sunlight for prolonged periods of time, it will yellow and turn chalky. Presence of the frit will extend the lifetime of the urethane adhesive system.

571.212 Standard No. 212; Windshield Mounting Scope. This standard establishes windshield retention requirements for motor vehicles during crashes. Purpose. The purpose of this standard is to reduce crash injuries and fatalities by providing for retention of the vehicle windshield during a crash, thereby utilizing fully the penetrationresistance and injury-avoidance properties of the windshield glazing material and preventing the ejection of occupants from the vehicle.

571.216 Standard No. 216; Roof Crush Resistance Scope. This standard establishes strength requirements for the passenger compartment roof. Purpose. The purpose of this standard is to reduce deaths and injuries due to

special, high-modulus polyurethane (PUR) adhesives to bond the windshield to these specific vehicles. Relying on the windshield as a structural member, the high-modulus adhesive also allows the OEM to minimize the thickness of the steel used to build the car, thus reducing weight and costs. The high modulus urethane is more rigid when completely cured, and the properties of the non conductive urethane do not interfere with the newer sophisticated electronics in vehicles Each urethane has its unique set of primers which are an integral part of the bonding process. Each urethane also has a cure time (the time that it takes for the urethane to harden) before it is safe to drive the vehicle. It is important for the collision repair facility to know what that cure time is. If the urethane is not cured, the safety of the vehicle will not have been restored. The pinch weld that has been repaired or replaced, needs am epoxy primer or a similar product applied to the bare metal surface. Some vehicle manufacturers allow refinishing the surface, while others want only epoxy primer applied. All OEMs state that there should be no body filler applied to the pinchweld where urethane is used due the fact that the urethane will not adhere to the substrate. Let’s take a quick look at adhesion failure.

Adhesive failure: The inability of an adhesive to stick to a surface. During adhesive failure, the adhesive cannot bind two surfaces together and separates from the substrate. Cohesive failure: The inability of an adhesive to resist internal sepaMany of today’s vehicles have been specifically designed to utilize the windshield as a structural component of the vehicle body by providing increased torsional stiffness. Vehicle manufacturers are careful to select

ration. During cohesive failure, the adhesive sticks to both surfaces, but can not hold them together. Many windshields and backlites have antennas and defroster grids embedded in the glass. A non-conductive adhesive should be used if the adhesive will contact the antenna or defroster lines when the part is installed. Non-conductive adhesives prevent interference with antenna systems and heated defroster systems that are contained in the glass. Many new glass parts have the antenna, defroster connections or buss bars around the edge of the glass in the same area that the adhesive is applied to install a glass part. Using a conductive adhesive will affect the performance of the electrical system. Several adhesive manufacturers offer a non-conductive product for these glass applications. A broken heated grid line on a backlite will affect the operation of the antenna. Many new radio and cellular phone antenna designs are incorporated into the heated grid design in the backlite. If a heated grid line is broken it will affect the performance of the antenna. The line break will become more noticeable with the general public as diversity antennas gain popularity and reduce the need for traditional mast antennas. There are aftermarket grid line repair systems available which can restore both the heating and the antenna characteristics of the grid line. Does the rain sensor module come on the replacement windshield? No. At this time, none of the rain sensor designs require the sensor to be applied by the manufacturer on the replacement windshields. The electronic sensor that is on the existing windshield in the car must be removed and remounted onto the replacement windshield. How is the rain sensor attached to the replacement windshield? There are special re-attachment kits for the replacement industry, available through your local dealer, which can be used to re-attach the electronic rain sensor to the new windshield. The Cadillac kit consists of tape, cleaners and primers for replacing the Cadillac module. The Mercedes/BMW kit contains the tape and a new lens. Instructions for application are included in all See Windshield Installs, Page 45

www.autobodynews.com | MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS 43

Six Tips to Finding Success in Process Analysis

stantly see ways to improve allows us versation leads to solutions. To set up has increased both profitability and to adapt to an ever-changing indus- new processes and implement productivity. With FinishMaster’s try.” Even if a process is documented, change, there has to be buy-in from unique KPI tracking methods we Audit is a scary word—tax audits, fi- review it using the Process Analysis all participants. monitor our progress to ensure the nancial audits, and process audits plan, there might be additional opMatch changes/Standard Op- procedures are followed and the often conjure images of mounds of portunity for improvement. erating Procedures (SOPs) to ma- changes are positive,” said Shrewspaperwork. There are different apKeep it simple. Smith said he terial movement. Think back to the bury of Ferman Acura and Chevrolet. proaches to running an audit, many of starts with one area that needs im- color match issue reviewed during Step 2 is to monitor performance. which are cumbersome, completed provement, such as color match. the Process Analysis. Once the curAgain, everyone has KPIs and one time and forgotten, or too com- Having a “road map of questions” in rent process is understood through spreadsheets with more numbers than plicated from the first step. advance and asking more that come questions and photo documentation, most can digest. Keep it simple. Have to mind while walking digging through the data is the next only pertinent KPIs and build a custhrough the process allows step. Identify areas that the smallest tom tracking calculator that can monyou to uncover opportuni- changes will have the greatest im- itor the effectiveness of the changes ties for improvement. Smith pact. For example, with color match a implemented. This takes some crecontinued, “It is important suggested improvement is to com- ativity and some help from Finishto take pictures while you plete the initial spray out when jamb- Master, but when you sit down to are conducting the process ing parts. review KPIs it will include very speanalysis. This is not only a When implementing a small cific measures of implemented great reminder of each step, change, this is the perfect opportunity change that show profitability and but it is also an important to set up SOPs. productivity results. visual aid when compiling “During the SOP setup, we use Understand that the process the analytics. Here are some the data collected to match all matenever ends. The continuous imChris Shrewsbury, Ferman Acura and Chevrolet with of the basic questions sperials, storage, and distribution to the provement model is a key component Jeff Smith, FinishMaster cific to color match asked technicians so there is comSimplifying the process and during a Process Analysis. plete compliance. When you moving away from a process audit to • When is color matching done? can match procedures to maa Process Analysis will help you with • Is it done in the spray booth? terials with no options to step continuous improvement. FinishMas- • Do you use all color documentation outside the defined SOPs, ter has built a system to help shop including variant chips? you have a very high success owners improve processes by getting • When do you do spray outs? rate on both profitability and the entire team involved, applying Keeping it simple and walking productivity,” said Smith. small changes, and monitoring suc- through one process from start to finMonitor for success. cess over time. ish, rather than tackling an entire list, Smith reinforced, “Making Jeff Smith, FinishMaster District enables the group to more easily major changes is why we see Sales Manager in West Central identify points of opportunity for other audits fail. Focusing on Larry Lampinen, Nu Finish Collision with Jeff Smith Florida, discusses shop audits he has change. small changes has the most seen in the past. “I have seen audits Gain more input from Man- impact, and monitoring those of making the Process Analysis sucthat are 30 pages long with 100+ agement and Technicians. Focusing changes is the only way to be successful. By removing blinders, all boxes to check off. People are ready on the questions and answers gath- cessful.” areas in the shop can be reviewed to be done before they start. Our ex- ered during the Process Analysis is There are two simple steps once over time and check lists can be upperience shows that less is better and the best opportunity to gain insight you have identified an opportunity dated if better process ideas are idenit is more about observing and asking about current process and ideas for and set new SOPs. tified. Larry Lampinen, Owner of questions than checking boxes.” change. If you ask the right questions, Step 1 is to build a follow-up Nu Finish Collision in Brandon, FL, Smith said they have built a process check list. Basically, this is a discusses his experience with Finishfocused around six key points that small analysis custom built Master’s Process Analysis. lead to an effective and successful to monitor compliance on all “Most companies claim to have Process Analysis. the agreed changes and new a lot of tools to help you, but you Take off the blinders. Look at SOPs with key performance rarely see them used. To my surprise, the shop from a fresh perspective and indicators (KPIs). Most of FinishMaster came in day one doing do not assume that anything is perthe time audits are pera Process Analysis and has not fect. FinishMaster helps remove the formed, the results go in the stopped bringing me ideas for imblinders by tailoring the process back of the desk drawer and provement. The data the Process analysis to what each shops needs. implementation is rare. With Analysis provides ties material usage Chris Shrewsbury, Collision a follow-up check list perto an individual technician in correDirector for Ferman Acura and formed at preset intervals, lation to their hours produced. This Chris Shrewsbury, Ferman Acura and Chevrolet with Chevrolet in Tampa, FL, talks about the same issues will not gives us a very precise way to see Jose Bezares, FinishMaster Account Manager his experience with audits. “Instead come up six months or a profitability by technician so we can of one size fits all, FinishMaster’s in most cases, both the management year later. A check list has to be cus- identify opportunities for improveProcess Analysis really looks at our and the technicians will give you tom built with each Process Analysis ment right down to a technician. facilities for ways to improve on an more than enough opportunities for conducted at the shop. Their implementation of best pracindividual basis and they help imple- improvement. Building the Process “Setting up procedures that tices has been a benefit to my overall ment the changes. Being able to con- Analysis through documented con- match only materials in our facility performance.” by Susan Guyer Finishmaster Marketing Manager

44 MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Most & Least Expensive States for Car Insurance

Louisiana has the highest average car insurance rates in the nation, followed by Michigan and Georgia, according to Insure.com’s annual state-by-state comparison of insurance premiums. Maine enjoys the least expensive car insurance rates, followed by Iowa. Georgia rose from the No. 10 position in 2012 to this year’s third-place spot.

2013 state rankings of car insurance rates Avg. annual premium* 1 Louisiana $ 2,699 2 Michigan $ 2,520 3 Georgia $ 2,155 4 Oklahoma $ 2,074 5 Washington, D.C. $ 2,006 6 Montana $ 1,914 7 California $ 1,819 8 West Virginia $ 1,816 9 Rhode Island $ 1,735 10 Kentucky $ 1,725 11 Connecticut $ 1,723 12 New Jersey $ 1,697 13 Alabama $ 1,667 14 Missouri $ 1,638 15 Massachusetts $ 1,625 16 Pennsylvania $ 1,604 17 Delaware $ 1,586 18 Hawaii $ 1,583 19 Texas $ 1,545 20 Arkansas $ 1,545 21 Maryland $ 1,528

National average 22 North Dakota 23 Wyoming 24 Alaska 25 Utah 26 Kansas 27 Minnesota 28 New Mexico 29 Tennessee 30 South Dakota 31 Oregon 32 Nebraska 33 New York 34 Florida 35 Mississippi 36 Nevada 37 Virginia 38 Illinois 39 South Carolina 40 Colorado 41 Wisconsin 42 Arizona 43 Washington 44 Indiana 45 Vermont 46 Idaho 47 New Hampshire 48 Ohio 49 North Carolina 50 Iowa 51 Maine Source: Insure.com.

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

1,510 1,501 1,496 1,455 1,438 1,435 1,432 1,431 1,408 1,397 1,387 1,384 1,369 1,364 1,345 1,341 1,322 1,322 1,288 1,271 1,228 1,227 1,226 1,183 1,176 1,133 1,112 1,106 1,085 1,028 934

Continued from Page 43

Windshield Installs

the kits. Encapsulated Glass has the molding permanently attached to the glass. Most of the time when the glass is removed, the molding is damaged and a new glass and molding is necessary.

As I promised earlier, here is my idea of a release form: Date and Time of Install __________________________________ Repair Order # _______________________________ Make of Vehicle _________________ Model___________________ Name of Company that is supplying the glass ___________________ Name of Installer__________________________________________ Brand Name of Adhesive and number _________________________ Expiration Date ____________________________________ Primer Applied and Type ____________________________________ Drive Time _______________________________________________ Type of Glass Installed _______________________________ Location on Vehicle of Glass Installed _________________________ Remarks ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________

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Axalta Coating Systems (formerly DuPont Performance Coatings) held its 9th Fleet Business Council meeting in Paterson, NJ, on April 5-6 to provide fleet business owners and managers with the leadership skills to improve shop efficiency, enhance profitability and grow their business. The Fleet Business Council is the first forum of its kind in the U.S. Established in 2009 with a group of 10 fleet customers from across the U.S., the Council brings together specialists in heavy-duty truck, RV, bus and commercial equipment repair and refinishing. The goal of the Council is to promote an environment where owners and managers can interact with other professionals, share best practices and further develop their business management skills. Led by industry expert Mike Anderson of Collision Advice and hosted by Axalta Coating Systems, the meetings are scheduled on a quarterly basis and are structured to include a discussion of financial management principles, member shop tours and critiques, as well as guest speakers who provide industry information. Valtek, Inc., located in Paterson,

hosted a tour of its shop that focuses on repair of heavyduty truck and equipment, fire apparatus, RVs and buses. A representative from Reliable Equipment presented an overview of new tools, equipment, and processes for bonding and riveting on vehicles. Kirsten Klabunde, a certified CPA with Collision Advice, provided a detailed look into the benefits of using the statement of cash flows to analyze business operations. “Participating in the Axalta Fleet Business Council has significantly improved the direction and profitability of our business,” said Joel Forte, one of the owners of Final Touch Coach Works in Valencia, CA, who has been a Council member for one year. “The networking opportunity to address real-world business concerns has proven to be extremely valuable.” For additional information or to become a member of the Axalta Fleet Business Council, contact your local Axalta Coating Systems representative or call 1.800.438.3876.

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www.autobodynews.com | MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS 45

CHECK IT OUT!

David Brunori Promoted to Division President at Matrix

Matrix System recently promoted David Brunori to division president of Quest Automotive Products (QAP). Brunori has 30 years of experience in the collision repair and restoration market and has been with Matrix System Automotive Finishes for 20 years. Brunori currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the Collision Repair Education Foundation, the Oakland Schools Education Foundation, and as an adviser for the Oakland Schools' Technical Campus–Southwest. He holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and a graduate degree in business management. “Being named division president is an honor and a major accomplishment in my professional career,” said Brunori. “I have always tried to follow very simple guidelines: have a vision, lead people and stay focused. I am looking forward to see what the future has in store.”

Car Theft Drops by 88% in Massachusetts

Car thefts in Massachusetts have dropped by 88% since the mid-1970s, when the state had the dubious distinction of being the country’s car theft capital, the Claims Journal recently reported. Insurance experts and law enforcement officials credit the dramatic drop to anti-theft features, from transponder keys and immobilizing devices and vehicle tracking systems, and to vigorous enforcement by police. The Boston Globe reports that there were 1,575 reports of stolen vehicles in Boston last year, compared with 28,000 in 1975. In Massachusetts, car thefts have dropped every year since 2001. The state now ranks near the middle of the pack nationally, a drop that has helped stabilize insurance rates. The bad news is that these days stolen vehicles are less likely to be found. Many are shipped overseas or are driven to Mexico.

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Service King’s Bonner to Speak at PBES Conference

Cathy Bonner, chairman of the board at Service King Collision Repair Centers, will be a featured speaker at the 2013 Paint, Body & Equipment Specialists (PBES) Spring Conference, May 14–16 at the Embassy Suites Phoenix-Scottsdale. Bonner will present “Service King’s Vision for Expansion and Outlook for the Industry.” In addition, she will share her view of the Carlyle Group’s entry into the industry and her outlook on multishop consolidation. Bonner is a business entrepreneur with more than 35 years’ experience in leading a variety of multi-million dollar organizations in both the public and private sector. Fortune Magazine named Bonner one of the 25 most influential women entrepreneurs in America, calling her “…smart, gutsy, and innovative—as interested in making a difference as in making money.” In 2010, Bonner was hired as Service King’s president to develop a strategic growth plan for the commatters affecting the the industry. pany. In August 2012, Carlyle Group, an investment firm, purchased Service King.

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Chicago Pneumatic Gives $10,000 in Tool Grants

Chicago Pneumatic has announced that it is providing ten $1,000 tool grants to the Collision Repair Education Foundation. These grants will allow students entering the workforce to have the best pneumatic tools available to enhance their new skill sets. Secondary and post-secondary collision students attending career and technical schools and colleges have the opportunity to apply for more than $300,000 in available scholarships and tool grants available through the Collision Repair Education Foundation and its industry supporters. Other sponsored awards include: • 3M Hire Our Heroes Veteran Scholarships & Tool Grants • Alliance of Automotive Service Providers Massachusetts (AASPMA) Tool Grants • ABRA Auto Body & Glass Tool Grants • Alcoa Foundation Aluminum Training Grants • CCC Michael Salvatore Memorial Want to Contribute Student Repair Technician Scholarship.

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AUTOBODY MARKETPLACE Foundation Says 91 Cents of matters affecting the industry. Want to Contribute to Schools to this Southwest Edition? Went Every Buck The following slate of eight candiPromote your busines The Collision Repair Education dates are vying for four open seats HIGHLY PROFITABLE HI LE Foundation recently announced that on the SEMA Board of Directors. an exclusive article fe Auto repair and auto body shop for 91 cents out of every dollar donated your products or serv went towards assisting publisher@autobodynews.com the future proutobodynews.com Chairman-Elect Category To advertise sale. 30 years in business and over To advertise To advertise The source for timely fessionals of the industry. 1. call Doug Evans, Source Interlink Advertising Sales at: Joe Momber $1,000,000 incall annual sales. Owner at: call Advertising Sales at: information that every Charity Navigator, America’s Media retiring. Located in New Haven 800-699-8251 800-699-8251 leading independent charity needs! evalua2. Tim800-699-8251 Martin, K&N Engineering body shop county, Connecticut. tor, advises that “the most efficient Manufacturers Category Promote your business with Promote your business with e-mail: e-mail: e-mail: charities spend 75% or more of their 3. Al Azadi, Omix-ADA, Inc./Rugged CALL: Joe Momber for advertising@autobodynews.com advertising@autobodynews.com jmomber@autobodynews.com an exclusive article featuring an exclusive article featuring CALL 800-699-8251 No reasonable offer refused. budget on their programs and servRidge ices and less than 25%products on fundrais4.www.autobodynews.com Kyle Fickler, Weld Racing www.autobodynews.com www.autobodynews.com your or services. your products or services. 800-699-825 Start Your FREE To advertise Call Greg at 860-796-4399 ing and administrative fees.” Inc. y 5. Steve Matusek, Aeromotive, Joe Momber The Mail CollisionSubscription. Repair Education Tim Watts,call Superlift Suspensionat: or e-mail at gregdguay@gmail.com ry 6. Foundation having a 91-9% giving Systems CHECK IT OUT!

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ratio displays its’ commitment to the Manufacturer’s Representative Looking for Good e-mail: industry’s future, while staying lean Category See the N See the NEW Register Your Email for Our CALL: Joe Momber for details! Call for details! jmomber@autobodynews.com in its’ operational expenses. Collision Personnel? 7. Jeff Bates, Bob Cook Sales www.rustbullet.com Collision Repair Education 8. Greg Bernheisel, Considine Sales •1,262 Collision Techs resumes online and watch our videos www.autobodynews.com 800-699-8251 •1,295 Painters resumes online Foundation Director 800-699-8251 of Development & Marketing or scan this code •1,177 Estimators & Mgs resumes online Brandon Eckenrode noted, “It is This year the voting will take Special Pricing for Shop •11,256 Mechanical Tech resumes online important for charities to be accountplace online between May 15–June www.autobodyn www.autobodynews.com at www.autobodynews.com Owners Enter “autonews20” at Checkout. ACTautostaffing.com or 727-733-5600 able and transparent to their donors. 11, 2013. Voting is open to current We are grateful to our 175 donors in SEMA member companies and 2012 for record breaking $4.9 votes must be castRegister by the member’s Your Email fortheir Our Register Your Email for Our million in giving, and it is our redesignated primary contact. sponsibility as a not-for-profit organWinners will be announced in ization to ensure that the industry’s June, and formally inducted in July. support reaches those in the most For more information at SEMA www.autobodynews.com at www.autobodynews.com need. On behalf of the organization’s about the To 2013-2016 Board To advertise advertise staff and Board of Trustees, we thank of Directors election, contact Arlene call Sean Hartman at: call Sean Hartman at: our supporters and look forward to Wood at arlenew@sema.org or call making 2013 a year to remember.” 909-978-6678. 800-699-8251 Call or e-mail now for rates: 800-699-8251 or 800-699-8251 ltedesco@autobodynews.com

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Hoffman Auto Body Fined $54K for OSHA Violations

An body shop in East Hartford, CT, is facing federal fines totaling $54,300 for repeated workplace safety violations, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The Hoffman Auto Group includes three dealerships and two auto body shops. The violations are specific to the company’s auto body repair facility at its East Hartford location. The shop was cited for unsafe storage of chemicals and flammable materials. The auto body shop was cited after an inspection that began on Dec. 6 to “verify correction of hazards cited during a 2011 inspection,” according to the statement. The inspection revealed that hazards identified during the 2011 inspection were still present a year later, including storage of flammable equipment and materials near paint spraying booths and electric panels. The stored materials “limited access to extinguish potential fires, presented fire and shock hazards and impeded cleaning around the booths, which allows potentially combustible materials to accumulate,” according to the statement.

Two citations, carrying $40,000 in proposed fines, were issued due to the repeat violations. Three other “serious violations” resulted in $14,300 in proposed fines, according to the statement. The statement went on to say that serious violations occur when “there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.” Those violations stemmed from improper storage, disposal and cleanup of combustible materials, as well as unlabeled containers of hazardous chemicals and an improperly located electrical outlet. OSHA said Hoffman had 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply or contest the findings. The company is not contesting the citations. “The Hoffman family considers the safety of our employees a top priority and all issues identified by OSHA regulators in December of 2012 at the East Hartford body shop were rectified immediately and completely,” the company said in a statement. “Additionally, we will make whatever changes are appropriate to continue to ensure a safe workplace for our employees.”

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NABC’s Operation Comfort Fundraising Kit Available The National Auto Body Council recently announced that an Operation Comfort Fundraising Kit—complete with camera-ready artwork for posters, flyers, donation cards and envelopes—is now available on its website to make it easier for collision industry related companies to participate in the NABC’s $1.5 million Operation Comfort Capital Campaign. The NABC is spearheading industry-wide efforts to raise funds to purchase, renovate and equip a 30,000-sq-ft. training facility in San Antonio, TX, for Operation Comfort’s AutoMotivation program. Wounded soldiers in the AutoMotivation program benefit from occupational and rehabilitative therapies as they work on automotive projects. NABC-led efforts take the program to the next level by providing opportunities for disabled soldiers to learn new job skills and acquire certified I-CAR curriculum-based training for new career paths in the automotive industry. “Our industry also benefits in the long-run because the outcome will be an increased pool of skilled, trained technicians,” said Chuck Sulkala, NABC Executive Director. Suggested fundraisers that com-

panies could implement include: • Donating a specified dollar amount for each repair or product sold. • Matching each dollar donated by customers and the local community, and • Offering a special promotion with proceeds to benefit Operation Comfort. Creative development of the Operation Comfort Fundraising Kit was donated by Enterprise Rent-A-Car, which is also sponsoring a grand prize trip to Walt Disney World® Resort for the local shop that raises the most funds. “We wanted to offer a fun incentive and challenge to encourage as many companies as possible to join in our fundraising efforts for Operation Comfort,” said Mary Mahoney, Vice President for Enterprise. The Operation Comfort Fundraising Kit can be accessed via the NABC website at www.autobodycouncil.org. The Enterprise-sponsored contest runs to June 30. The awarding of the grand prize will be based on funds received by July 4, 2013. The winner will be announced at the NABC Board meeting July 23 in Boston. For more information about the Operation Comfort Fundraising Kit, contact Mary.F.Mahoney@ehi.com.

I-CAR Makes Milestone $200,000 Donation to Collision Repair Education Foundation I-CAR®, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, recently donated $200,000 to the Collision Repair Education Foundation. The donation made by I-CAR is the largest monetary donation that the Collision Repair Education Foundation has received since its founding in 1991 and it will support the organization’s commitment to philanthropic and collision repair education activities that promote and enhance career opportunities in the industry. In 2012, I-CAR committed to set aside $1 for every I-CAR class attended in 2012. In effect, this donation was made possible by the Inter-Industry that trained with I-CAR throughout 2012. In 2012, I-CAR delivered just under 2,000 “student units,” which equates to just under 600,000 credit hours of training. Due to the goodness of the cause, the I-CAR Board made the decision to round the donation to $200,000. John Van Alstyne, I-CAR CEO & President said, “Thank you, InterIndustry. Without your commitment to training, I-CAR would not have been able to provide this level of support to the Collision Repair Education

Foundation! Together, I-CAR and the Collision Repair Education Foundation are working closely to reinforce the future sustainability of the industry.” The Collision Repair Education Foundation and I-CAR foster a partnership that supports education for the entire Inter-Industry. I-CAR serves as a provider of technical training curriculum to the education sector, whereas the Collision Repair Education Foundation’s objective is to advance Collision Repair secondary and post-secondary education by supporting funding for both schools and students. “Our collective goals are to help effectively equip secondary and postsecondary schools. We aim to help them attract aspiring students and to properly prepare graduates to add immediate value as future employees of our industry. Independently and together, we have a number of initiatives under way to accomplish this goal. This donation on behalf of the Inter-Industry will greatly help the Collision Repair Education Foundation advance its mission,” Van Alstyne said.

www.autobodynews.com | MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS 47

48 MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com