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American Honda Releases Consumer-Oriented Video Describing Hazards with Substandard Repairs American Honda Motor Company Inc. has launched on a consumer-oriented educational video titled “ProFirst—Quality Collision Repair.” The
See the video at http://collision.honda.com/ profirst-collision#.VztXZuSrF6I
video can be seen at American Honda’s consumer web site, collision.honda .com. The 4:14 minute video compares two Acura MDX vehicles and stresses reducing the uncertainty of collision repair. One is a normal production vehicle while the other is a vehicle that was previously damaged and repaired incorrectly. The two vehicles were crashed according to IIHS protocols, and the video explores the differences between the two collisions as well as the deliberately substandard repairs. The difference between how each veSee American Honda, Page 28
Aftermarket Parts Disclosure Legislation Passes NH Legislature, Bill is Before Governor for Signature
quiring the use of aftermarket parts. Specifically, the bill states: No insurer shall require or specify the use of after market parts on: I. A leased motor vehicle if the lease provides that such parts will cause a diminution of the residual value of such vehicle; or II. A motor vehicle that has been placed in service within the immediately preceding 5 years or has fewer than 50,000 miles recorded on the odometer. 2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect January 1, 2017. The Automotive Service AssociSee Legislation Passes, Page 17
Change Service Requested
P.O. BOX 1516, CARLSBAD, CA 92018
New Hampshire Senate Bill 436, introduced by State Senator Nancy Stiles, R-24, passed the New Hampshire House of Representatives on May 11th. It had passed the Senate on March 3, 2016. This bill prohibits an insurer from requiring or specifying the use of after market parts on certain leased vehicles or vehicles less than 5 years old or with fewer than 50,000 miles. S.B. 436 requires an insurer to disclose whether or not an estimate has been prepared based on the use of aftermarket parts. Any insurer that fails to provide the disclosure would be prohibited from requesting or re-
VOL. 5 ISSUE 9 JUNE 2016
Homeland Security’s Bruce Foucart Talks to ABN about Counterfeit OEM Parts by Stacey Phillips, Assistant Editor
With the number of OEM counterfeit parts cases on the rise, Autobody News talked to Bruce Foucart to learn more about where these parts are coming from and what collision repair shops should be aware of. Foucart is the director of the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center for Homeland Security Investigations in Arlington, VA. He has 30 years of experience as a leader and manager at both the headquarters and field activities of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and its predecessor agency, U.S. Customs Service.
What types of counterfeit parts Q: have you seen during your investigations?
Bruce Foucart,director of the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center for Homeland Security Investigations
What we have found is that every part that goes into a car, A: whether it is interior or exterior, it’s all being counterfeited now—smart keys, air bags, fuel filters, window shields See Counterfeit Parts, Page 19
CIC Finds More Questions Than Answers as it Begins Look at the “alt-OE” Parts Category
livering those brand new parts to the body shops as ‘alt-OE’ or in some Preliminary discussion at the recent cases as used parts,” Stabler said. Collision Industry Confer“They are brand new in a ence (CIC) held in Seattle, box from the dealer. I think Wash., seemed to indicate that is a worthy item to have there are more questions than as a discussion point. I know answers when it comes to the I get confused when an aftertopic of “alt-OE” or opt-OE” market part supplier deliver parts. a brand new OEM part in an “Have we reached a OEM box to our shop.” Chris Northup point where we need an imStabler said he believes proved definition of what these parts some dealers who sell some of those are?” Chris Northup, chairman of the parts are then applying for the priceCIC Parts Committee, said, in asking matching rebates some automakers CIC participants if it was a topic woroffer to help dealers compete with althy of more work by the committee. ternative part suppliers. For his part, CIC Chairman and “Quite frankly, as an OEM, I’d California shop owner Randy Stabler be feeling a little violated, because supported the committee digging into I’m basically helping an aftermarket the topic. parts supplier or used parts supplier to “There are aftermarket and used make margin,” Stabler said. parts providers purchasing brand new Representatives of a number of See alt-OE Parts Debate, Page 30 OEM parts from the dealer then deby John Yoswick
Presorted Standard US Postage PAID San Bernardino, CA Permit #2244
2 JUNE 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
COLUMNISTS Attanasio - Indoor Advertising Engages Consumers in Prime Locations . . . . . . . . . 46 Attanasio - New CAA State President Ted Stein Discusses Industry and its Future . . . . . . . 38 Luehr - Quality Control in 6 Easy Steps . . . . . 34 Phillips - CA Body Shop Owners Recognized for Achievements After Risking Everything . 48 Phillips - CO Shop Manager Shares Thoughts on Aluminum Repair, OEM Certifications & DRPs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Phillips - Florida Body Shops Help Make Box Car Racing a Reality for Special Needs Children. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Yoswick - Northern NACE, Risley Hired by SCRS, Collapse of M2, Insurance Advertising. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 NATIONAL 1Collision Network Hosts Conference . . . . . . . 6 3M Kicks-Starts CREF Drive for Donations . . 30 ABRA Auto Body & Glass Announces Succession Plan, Commences CEO Search. . . . . . . . . 63 Aftermarket Parts Disclosure Legislation Passes NH Legislature, Bill is Before Governor for Signature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 American Honda Releases Consumer-Oriented Video Describing Hazards with Substandard Repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 ARA Members Discuss Legislative Issues at State Legislative Summit & Hill . . . . . . . . 28 ASA Collision Leaders Hold Meetings on Capitol Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Audatex and Driven Brands Announce Strategic Relationship. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 AutoBodyguard Obtains Exclusive Rights to Zavada Odor Elimination Technology. . . . . 61 Autonomous Trucks Conference in Las Vegas . 4 Axalta Announces 2016 “Paint Outside the Can” Contest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 BASF Names Employee & Salesperson of the Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 BASF Wins OH Chemistry Technology Council Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 BASF’s Automotive Color Trends 2016/17 . . 25 Blackburn OEM Wheel Solutions New Employee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 CAA San Diego Meeting: “We Don’t Pay For That” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 CAPA to Form Foundation of Chinese Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Chief’s 30th Anniversary as SkillsUSA
Sponsor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 CIC Finds More Questions Than Answers as it Begins Look at the “alt-OE” Parts Category . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Collision Repair Industry Mourns Loss of James Moy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 David Luehr Presents Twice at WIN Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 ECS Cautions Collision Repair Shops About Use of Non-Licensed VIN Certification Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Environmental Initiatives at CA Body Shop Lead to Cost Savings & Recognition . . . . . 26 Equalizer Hires Market Development Manager . 63 ETI Congratulates New Officers and Board Members for 2016-2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Europe Plans Autonomous License Tests for Cars. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 FinishMaster’s Michelle Sullivan Honored as WIN’s 2016 Most Influential Woman. . . . . 56 Florida Judge Dismisses “Price Fixing Claims” in MDL Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Ford Approves Two U-POL Aerosols for Shops. 59 GFS’s REVO Systems Included in Ford Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 GM Manager Addresses State of Collision Repair Business; Considering Certification Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Google, Uber & Others Form Coalition for Self-Driving Cars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Homeland Security’s Bruce Foucart Talks to ABN About Counterfeit OEM Parts . . . . . 1 House of Kolor Announces New Products for Spring 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Jeff Peevy Recounts History of Training in the Industry at WIN Conference . . . . . . . . 20 June 3 Deadline for CREF & AkzoNobel Grants . 60 Mike’s Auto Body in CA Participates in Every 15 Minutes Program . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Mitchell Appoints Debbie Day as General Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Most Decorated Olympic Gymnast Presents Keynote ‘Gold Medal Mindset’ at 2016 WIN Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Motor Guard Introduces Aluminum Spot Repair Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 MSO Symposium Reveals Latest Industry Insights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 New PartsTrader/CollisionLink Integration . . . 30 New SATA Dry Jet 2 Introduced . . . . . . . . . . 55 OSHA’s Final Rule to ‘Nudge’ Employers to Prevent Workplace Injuries, Illnesses . . . . 42 Police Officer Found Guilty of Accepting Kickbacks from Local Repair Shop in MD. . 60 Poor Road Maintenance Baffles Driverless Cars. 4 Power of the Past, Force of the Future: WIN’s 2016 Educational Conference. . . . . 50 Steck Manufacturing’s Antenna Wrench II . . . 59 Team Penske’s Simon Pagenaud Races PPGPainted Chevy to Victory in Alabama. . . . . 55 Ultravent: INDASA’s New Multi-Hole System . 59 Vehicle Repair Installment Plans For Sales Growth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Vice Chair Named for CAPA’s Technical Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 WIN© Honors 2016 Scholarship Recipients at Gala Awards Ceremony . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Young Consumers Much More Trusting in Automotive Technology, Driverless Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Google has joined forces with Ford, Uber, Lyft and Volvo to help speed autonomous cars to the market. The companies announced the new coalition in April, which will be known as the Self-Driving Coalition for Safer Streets. David Strickland, formerly of the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), will be the coalition’s spokesman. The group will work with regulators and the public to realize the safety and societal benefits of autonomous vehicles, according to a statement released. The market acceptance of semi-autonomous vehicles has been growing in recent years, and this is causing a surge in demand for related products like automotive sensors. These sensors will aid the autonomous vehicles in making appropriate driving decisions, and the market for sensors is expected to grow at a rate of 6.92% by 2020. The connected car market is also growing significantly, with a raft of deals between car manufacturers and tech companies. There is a rising demand from consumers for smart-
phone features such as making and receiving calls, music on demand, voice messages and infotainment in vehicles. The value of this market is estimated to reach 95.75 billion by 2020. Uber and Lyft said they are keen to get involved in the ride-hailing market by introducing semi and fully autonomous vehicles. The radio taxi services market in the US is forecast to grow 6.6% in value over the next five years, with e-hailing and ridesharing apps transforming the taxi industry. In 2014, NHTSA says about 94 percent of all traffic crashes were caused by human error and this is leading to them seriously considering autonomous technology. They hope to release guidance to states, policymakers and companies on the subject by July. It has previously said that AI system piloting a Google self-driving car could be considered a driver under federal law. For information, visit the Telematics and Vehicle Electronics section at http://www.researchandmarkets.com /rm/OHNJ.
Publisher & Editor: Jeremy Hayhurst General Manager: Barbara Davies Assistant Editor: Stacey Phillips Online Editor: Victoria Antonelli Contributing Writers: Tom Franklin, John Yoswick, Janet Chaney, Toby Chess, David Brown, Rich Evans, Ed Attanasio, Chasidy Sisk, David Luehr Advertising Sales: Joe Momber, Sean Hartman, Bill Doyle, Norman Morano (800) 699-8251 Office Manager: Louise Tedesco Content/Social Media Specialist: Cass Heckel Art Director: Rodolfo Garcia
Audi Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . 54 Axalta Coating Systems . . . . . . . . . . 2 Blue Springs Ford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 BMW Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . 61 Bob Hook Chevrolet . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Car-Part.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Carcoon America Airflow Systems . 34 Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA) . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Charles Gabus Ford . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 ChemSpec USA, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Chief Automotive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Classic Chevrolet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Classifieds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Courtesy Subaru . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Dent Magic Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Eco Repair Systems of North America, LLC . . . . . . . . . . 28 ECS Automotive Concepts . . . . . . . . 4 Equalizer Industries, Inc. . . . . . . . . 29 Erhard BMW of Bloomfield Hills . . . 25 Erhard BMW of Farmington Hills . . 25 FBS Distribution Co., Inc. . . . . . . . . 24 Ganley Westside Hyundai . . . . . . . 22 Ganley Westside Subaru . . . . . . . . 49 GM Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . 57 Graham Auto Mall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Hall Volkswagen-Mazda . . . . . . . . . 51 Herkules Equipment Corporation. . 19 Honda-Acura Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32, 33 Hyundai Wholesale Parts Dealers . 52 Jake Sweeney Chevrolet . . . . . . . . 36 Kelly BMW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Kia of Des Moines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Kia Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . . . . 53
Serving Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, 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. ©2016 Adamantine Media LLC. Autobody News Box 1516, Carlsbad, CA 92018; (800) 699-8251 (760) 603-3229 Fax www.autobodynews.com Email: news@autobodynews.com
Midwest
REGIONAL AASP-MN 2016-2017 Board of Directors . . . . 9 AASP-MN Annual Meeting & Leadership Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 AASP-MN to Host “Night Out with St. Paul Saints” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Auto Firms Come Together in Grand Forks, ND . 6 CARSTAR Expands Into Yankton, South Dakota . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Gerber Opens Repair Location in Hudson, Ohio . 6 IABA April Meetings Focus on Post-Repair Inspections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Iowa Collision Repair Association Update . . . 13 Nebraska Auto Body Association Update . . . 14 Sullivan’s Equipment Sales and Service Opens Training Center in IN. . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Tom’s Auto Center in WI Celebrates Three Decades. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Google, Uber & Others Form Coalition for Self-Driving Cars
Indexof Advertisers
Contents
Laurel Auto Group of Westmont . . . 45 Luther Bloomington Acura-Subaru. 12 Luther Hopkins Honda . . . . . . . . . . 26 Maplewood Toyota-Scion . . . . . . . . 46 Mazda Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . 60 Midwest Parts Group . . . . . . . . . 10-11 Miracle System / Equipment Gateway, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Mitsubishi Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 MOPAR Wholesale Parts Dealers . . 37 Morrison’s Auto Parts . . . . . . . . . . . 44 NACE / CARS Trade Show . . . . . . . 23 Nissan of South Holland . . . . . . . . . 48 Nissan Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . 58 O’Reilly Auto Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Orio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Polyvance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Richfield-Bloomington Honda . . . . 40 Russ Darrow Automotive Group. . . 16 SATA Spray Equipment . . . . . . . . . . 5 Subaru Wholesale Parts Dealers . . 59 The Sharpe Collection of Automobiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Tom O’Brien Chrysler-JeepDodge-Ram. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Toyota of Des Moines . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Toyota of Grand Rapids . . . . . . . . . 50 Toyota Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . 56 U-POL US . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 VanDevere Kia-GM . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Volkswagen Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 West Bend Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Zimmer Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram . 64
www.autobodynews.com | JUNE 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 3
Poor Road Maintenance Baffles Driverless Cars
Volvo’s North American CEO Lex Kerssemakers reportedly lost his cool as the automaker’s semi-autonomous prototype occasionally refused to drive itself during a press event at the Los Angeles Auto Show writes Alexandria Sage for Claims Journal. “It can’t find the lane markings!” Kerssemakers complained to Mayor Eric Garcetti, who was at the wheel. “You need to paint the bloody roads here!” Decaying infrastructure has become a roadblock to the development of self-driving cars, vexing engineers and adding time and cost. Poor markings and uneven signage on the 3 million miles of paved roads in the United States are forcing automakers to develop more sophisticated sensors and maps to compensate, industry executives say. Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently called the mundane issue of faded lane markings “crazy,” complaining they confused his semi-autonomous cars. An estimated 65 percent of U.S. roads are in poor condition, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, with the transportation infrastructure system rated 12th in the World Economic Forum’s 20142015 global competitiveness report. Tesla, Volvo, Mercedes, Audi and others are fielding vehicles that can drive on highways, change lanes and park without human help. But they are easily flummoxed by faded lane markers, damaged or
noncompliant signs or lights, and the many quirks of a roadway infrastructure managed by thousands of state and local bureaucracies. In other developed countries, greater standardization of road signs and markings makes it easier for robot cars to navigate. In the U.S., however, traffic lights can be aligned vertically, horizontally or “doghouse” style in two columns. Pavement markings use paint with different degrees of reflectivity—or don’t exist at all. “If the lane fades, all hell breaks loose,” said Christoph Mertz, a research scientist at Carnegie Mellon University. “But cars have to handle these weird circumstances and have three different ways of doing things in case one fails.” To make up for roadway aberrations, carmakers and their suppliers are incorporating multiple sensors, maps and data into their cars, all of which adds cost. Mercedes says its “drive pilot” system works even with no lane markings. The system—which incorporates 23 sensors— takes into account guard rails, barriers, and other cars to keep cars in their lanes up to 84 miles (135km) per hour, under “suitable circumstances.” Estimates are that initial semi-autonomous features add $4,000 to a car’s price and that carmakers will have to spend more than $1 billion over the next decade in research investment for even more sophisticated autonomous features.
The European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) has used a new report to urge for an upgrade of the European Union’s safety homologation standards for new cars to include a driver’s license test for autonomous vehicles. While automated and fully autonomous cars are increasingly headline news, the ETSC has argued that EU legislation is a long way from where it needs to be to allow them to be widely used. “Automated vehicles are already starting to appear on Europe’s roads, but regulators are still stuck in the slow lane,” the ETSC’s Executive Director, Antonio Avenoso, said. “It is crucial that we get a much greater understanding of what the realworld safety benefits would be and what new risks would be introduced before these vehicles are put on sale,” he concluded. The report, “Prioritising the Safety Potential of Automated Driving in Europe,” admits the theoretical benefits of autonomous cars are huge, but cautions. “Other road users, such as cyclists and pedestrians, will not become automated – how will they manage in a world where they can no longer establish eye contact with drivers before crossing the road?”
An autonomous trucks conference was held in Las Vegas, NV May 16-18. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about the upcoming regulations, technologies and hear from states that have fully adopted the idea. With the potential cost-saving opportunities with autonomous technology, commercial trucks are now looking into advancing their systems to autonomous driving or semi-automated technology. Commercial trucks include fleets, OEMs, and Tier 1/2 companies researching and developing the technology to completely take the driver out of the car or at least provide an alternative to a human driver in the vehicle. This is done through a number of technologies installed in the truck using: sensors, cameras, “platooning,” LiDAR, RADAR, connectivity, hardware, software, and of course, security. For more information, visit www.autonomoustrucksevent.com.
Europe Plans Autonomous License Tests for Cars
Autonomous Trucks Conference in Las Vegas
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4 JUNE 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
Celphy Deals with Bad Road Maintenance
www.autobodynews.com | JUNE 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 5
Sullivan’s Equipment Sales and Service Opens Training Center in IN Car-O-Liner® announced on April 25 that a company distributor, Sullivan’s Equipment Sales and Service in Danville, IN, has opened an onsite training center.
The 13,000-square-foot warehouse includes a remodeled training area
The 13,000-square-foot warehouse includes a remodeled training area that will feature live repairs, OEM training, proper sectioning processes and more, said Craig Sullivan, owner and president of Sullivan’s Equipment. “Rather than telling a technician that there is a book or website they can go to in order to find this information, we are going to show them how to actually do the repairs,” Sullivan said. “The industry is changing so quickly that we need to make sure these cars
Auto Firms Come Together in Grand Forks, ND by John Hageman, Grand Forks Herald
Grand Forks’ Rossten Auto purchased a DeMers Avenue repair shop last week, which its owner said will create a unique offering of auto body and repair services under one roof. Rossten had a body shop on North 43rd Street to compliment its sales lot on Gateway Drive, owner Ross Huebner said. But in seeking more space and a bigger market share, it purchased A Transmission City at 2115 DeMers Ave. “As our business continued to grow and service more customers, we needed more space,” Huebner said. “They’re still going to be here, so we’re still going to do general auto repair and transmissions, but we’re also going to run a full-service collision center out of here, too.” Rossten is “revamping and repurposing” the A Transmission City building, which Huebner hopes to have done in July. The new business will be called Rossten Collision and Repair, he said. “We’re going to be a collision center and a mechanic shop, all combined into one,” Huebner said. We would like to thank Grand Forks Herald for reprint permission.
are repaired correctly so we can benefit the user and get a better, safer product back into the community.” The center features training inline with I-CAR training programs, he said. The training center also focuses on OEM training—how OEs expect vehicles to be repaired. The training center has been remodeled to support Car-O-Liner products and guidelines, he said. “It’s important to repair a vehicle back to OEM standards,” Sullivan said. “For example, if the bumper reinforcement bar doesn’t collapse correctly, it will affect how the airbag deploys which could harm the occupants. It is vital that we promote education in this business to make sure we repair these advanced cars appropriately.” Sullivan’s Equipment Sales and Service has been in business for 25 years and in their current location for 16 years. For more information on Sullivan’s Equipment Sales and Service, visit www.sullivansequipment.com For more information on CarO-Liner, visit www.car-o-liner.com or connect with the company on social media.
1Collision Network Hosts Conference
The 1Collision Network held its fourth annual conference May 24-25 at the Abbey Resort and Spa in Lake Geneva WI. This year’s theme, Thriving with Repair Planning and Marketing Technology, focused on technologydriven solutions designed to assist collision repairers in increasing their business revenue, performance and profits. Special presentations included: ● Using Technology to Connect with the Consumer – Frank Terlep, CEO of e-Marketing Sherpas. ● OE Material Trends presented by 3M ● Procurement Technology – Mike Stacy, Parts Trader ● OE Data Solutions in Repair Planning – Bill Bauer, Alldata ● Measuring Technology in Repair Planning – Tom McGee, Spanesi ● Aluminum, Advanced Materials and Refinish Drying Technology – Don Putney, Collision Equipment Experts ● Claim Processing Technology – Brian Sinnett, CCC ● Industry Trends and Forecast – Special Guest Panelists Visit 1collisionnetwork.net or contact info@1Collision.net.
6 JUNE 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
Gerber Opens Repair Location in Hudson, Ohio
The Boyd Group Inc. announced the April acquisition and opening of a collision repair center in Hudson, Ohio, previously operated as Clarke Collision Center. “This location will complement our centers in Akron and Mayfield Heights and help us serve our customers and insurance partners with an increased presence in the Cleveland region,” said Tim O’Day, president and COO of the Boyd Group’s U.S. operations. “We look forward to becoming part of the Hudson community and welcome John Heater to the Gerber family.” “We are thrilled to be joining the Gerber team,” added Heater. “We can assure our customers that they will continue to receive the best service and the highest quality of repairs, using the latest innovations in processes and technology that Gerber is known for.” Repair owners interested in joining, are asked to contact Stephen Boyd (204) 594-1776, stephen.boyd @boydgroup.com; or Kim Allen (847) 410-6003, kim.allen@gerber collision.com. For information, visit www.boydautobody.com.
BASF Names Employee & Salesperson of the Year
BASF’s Automotive Refinish Business named Richard Oster the 2015 North America Employee of the Year and Robert Alvarado as 2015 North America Salesperson of the Year. The awards were presented at the Coatings Impact Awards presentation in Whitehouse, OH.
Richard Oster (left) and Robert Alvarado (right) receive their awards from Paul Whittleston
“In order for our business to exceed we need to perform on the highest level in every function,” said Paul Whittleston, BASF VP, Automotive Refinish in North America. “Both Rich and Robert are the epitome of high performing employees.” For information, contact Mary Ann Short (248) 948-2253 or maryann .short@ basf.com.
www.autobodynews.com | JUNE 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 7
Vice Chair Named for CAPA’s Technical Committee
The Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA) announced the election of Nick Scheid of LNS & Associates located in Ray, Michigan as vice-chair of CAPA’s Technical Committee. He has over 30 years of experience in the automotive parts manufacturing and distribution industry. Scheid began his career as a vice president of sales and operations with Auto Tech Plastics (formerly Innovative Designs Inc.) He then became vice president of North American operations for Cornerstone Auto Parts, a subsidiary of Auto Parts Industrial Ltd. Scheid is currently president of LNS & Associate, a consulting business he launched in 2015 to help the independent distributors and industry stakeholders navigate the complexities of aftermarket parts procurement and distribution. “CAPA is fortunate to have such a broad range of industry expertise represented on our Technical Committee,” stated Jack Gillis, CAPA’s executive director. “The committee members’ insight into issues facing the repair parts industry and guidance with the program are extremely important to CAPA’s continuing success, said Debbie Klouser, CAPA’s director of operations.”
IABA April Meetings Focus on Post-Repair Inspections by Chasidy Rae Sisk
During the week of April 11-14, the five chapters of the Indiana Auto Body Association (IABA) held their quarterly meetings focused on post-repair inspections. According to IABA Director Tony Passwater, “The special presentation topic this quarter was ‘PostRepair Vehicle Inspections: Is This an Opportunity or Threat to Your Business’s
The Bloomington Chapter met at the Crazy Horse Food & Drink Emporium
Future?’ The IABA update included Who Pays for What - Refinishing and a discussion on doing this month’s Body Procedure Survey. In addition, we covered the VRS Labor Rate Survey for IN and the growing threats from consolidators stealing employees. The events went very well.” Although post-repair inspections aren’t a new concept, the demand is higher than ever in the collision repair
8 JUNE 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
industry. During IABA’s VLive presentation, association members took an indepth look at this process and its impact on the industry, discussing how it will affect their businesses and how the post-repair inspection process should be conducted. The meeting also covered how to ensure technicians, managers and estimators are prepared for post-repair inspections and which internal processes should be implemented to protect a shop owner’s business. IABA members who attended the association’s quarterly meetings were “pleased with the continued value the IABA brings to the industry, especially the educational content;” yet, Passwater “always hopes for more attendees, and I wish those in the industry would somehow realize there are solutions for the issues they face, and they do not have to face them alone.” The New Albany chapter met on April 11 at Tuckers, while the Bloomington chapter’s meeting was held the next day at Crazy Horse Food and Drink Emporium. The Fort Wayne chapter met at the Lucky Moose on April 13. On Thursday morning, the Indiana Northwest chapter met at Gino’s Steakhouse for a lunch meeting, and the Indianapolis chapter met that evening at
Rick’s Boatyard and Cafe. The complete program for this quarter’s IABA week is available to members for free by logging into the Members’ Portal to obtain the access code. Non-members may visit www .IABAlive.com to access the complete program for $99. The quarterly IABA week serves to provide members with up-to-date industry information and special edu-
On April 11, the New Albany Chapter hosted their meeting at Tuckers
cational presentations, plus these meetings provide an opportunity for shop owners to network with their peers. Passwater believes these meetings are “invaluable to listen and hear how other shop owners are faced with the same issues every day and how to possibly work together to fix them.” Visit www.iaba.info
AASP-MN 2016–2017 Board of Directors
April marked the beginning of service for the 2016–’17 Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Minnesota (AASP-MN) Board of Directors. The Association welcomed Carl Thomas, Lancer Service Auto Care; Bruce Tschida, Lake Marion Collision; and Dave Bock, Auto Value Parts Stores/APH; to the Board of Directors.
Other members include: Greg Kasel, Downtown Tire & Auto – President; Tom Gleason, Pro-Tech Auto Repair – Immediate Past President; Wayne Watson, Autoworks Automotive Service Center – Secretary/Treasurer; Will Latuff, Latuff Bros. – Collision Division Director; Mars Overlee, Rick’s 36 Automotive Services – Mechanical Division Director; and Jim Siegfried, Crystal Lake Automotive – Collision Seat. AASP-MN extended a thank you to this year’s outgoing board members: Kevin Martin, PPG Automotive Finishes; Jerald Stiele, Hopkins Auto Body; Joyce Weinhandl, Twin City Auto Body; and Northfield Auto Body.
AASP-MN to Host “Night Out with St. Paul Saints”
The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers – Minnesota (AASP-MN) announced it will host “A Night Out with the Saints” again this year. “Last year’s event was so well attended and so much fun, we had to do it again,” said Executive Director Judell Anderson.
The game is at 7:05 p.m., Wednesday, August 24, at CHS Field and will feature the St. Paul Saints vs. the Wichita Wingnuts. Prior to the game, AASP-MN member, Carl Thomas, of Lancer Service Auto Care, St. Paul, will host a tailgate party for those who attend. “This event is a great way to get AASP-MN members, their employees and families together in a fun and relaxing environment,” said Anderson. “I’m sure it will be a hit!” For additional information, contact the AASP-MN office at (612) 623-1110 or 800-852-9071 or visit www.aaspmn.org.
AASP-MN Annual Meeting & Leadership Conference
The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Minnesota (AASP-MN) held its 2016 Annual Meeting and Leadership Conference, April 14, at the Ramada Plaza, Minneapolis. The event, with the theme “Lead the Way,” offered seminars covering topics from effective leadership, industry consolidation, and authentic persuasion to how to increase diagnostic labor sales and improve workflow scheduling. Richard Flint kicked off the event with “Mastering the 5 Skills for Effective Leadership,” which explored the traits an individual must possess— and master— to establish true leadership. Brad Mewes of Supplement!, followed with “Help! My Industry is Consolidating,” which explained the state of industry consolidation and the challenges and opportunities that consolidation presents. During the annual meeting, AASPMN Lobbyist Kevin Walli gave a brief legislative update, the 2016-17 board of directors were introduced, and awards were presented to outgoing board members and other volunteer leaders. In addition, AASP-MN Executive Director Judell Anderson and Office Manager Jodi Pillsbury, were recognized for celebrating 20 and 25 years of service, respectively. After a report on the
association’s initiatives, guests heard a keynote by Sam Silverstein, which highlighted the key elements to create a culture that prioritizes and inspires accountability. In addition to AASP-MN, the following were sponsors of the event:
Gold Sponsors Auto Value Parts Stores/APH, Autoshop Solutions, Axalta Coating Systems, CBIZ AiA, Meadowbrook Insurance, PPG Automotive Finishes and United Fire Group. Silver Sponsors aaa Auto Parts, Dent Impressions, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, LKQ/Keystone Automotive, Lowell’s Performance Coatings & Equipment, Midwest Parts Advantage, Mitchell International, O’Reilly Auto Parts, PAM’s Auto, Inc., R.O. Writer and Suburban Chevrolet.
Vendor Sponsors 3M, Choice Auto Rental, Dentsmart Paintless Dent Removal, FinishMaster, Global Finishing Solutions, Hertz Corporation, Insurance Brokers of MN, Inc./The Jensen Agency, Kukui Corporation, Net Driven, Sherwin Willams, Single Source, Inc. and Valspar. For information, visit www.aaspmn.org
www.autobodynews.com | JUNE 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 9
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www.autobodynews.com | JUNE 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 11
Chief’s 30th Anniversary as SkillsUSA Sponsor
For 30 years running, Chief has sponsored the Collision Repair Technology (CRT) Championship at the SkillsUSA® National Leadership and Skills Conference. This year’s conference takes place June 20-24 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky. “As the collision repair ‘level of difficulty’ grows along with the sophisticated advances OEMs are making in technology and materials, we as an industry need to look at how we can attract, train and maintain qualified technicians to repair innovative new vehicles,” said Richard Perry, OEM and strategic account sales manager for Chief. “SkillsUSA brings us the top high school and college students from around the country to compete for a national collision repair technology title. I invite anyone in the industry to come and see what our future looks like. I know they will be impressed.” Chief will provide two different measuring and pulling systems for the contest. A collision-damaged truck will be measured on a Chief Impulse®E/VHT frame rack using the Chief UMS “Universal Mechanical System.” A damaged unibody car will be held on a Globaljig presented by Chief bench and measured with a Chief LaserLock™ LiveMapping™ computerized
measuring system. SkillsUSA committee members and judges are all volunteers that take a week out of their schedules each year to support the largest gathering of vocational students in North America. Volunteers include Perry; Ken Boylan, Chief University global training manager; Mike Croker, chief central/northeast sales manager; Bob Keith of CARSTAR; Quinn Machan of Pompano Ford; John Ressler and Tom Beachem of Nationwide Insurance; and chairman Ken Soupene of Collision Train, who was a senior Chief University instructor for many years. The winning college and high school CRT Champion students each will receive a free registration for any upcoming Chief University course, a $985 value. Chief training has been certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) for compliance with the Continuing Automotive Service Education (CASE) Standards. Most Chief University classes are approved for I-CAR credit hours through the I-CAR Industry Training Alliance® program. For more information about Chief, visit www.chiefautomotive.com, contact your local Chief distributor or call (800) 445-9262.
Luther Bloomington Acura Our parts. Your peace of mind.
CARSTAR Expands Into Yankton, South Dakota CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts is expanding its reach into the Mount Rushmore State with the addition of CARSTAR Riverside Auto Body. The shop, which is owned by Tim and Sheila Steiner, is located at 89850 Highway 81 in South Yankton, SD, just across the new “Discovery Bridge” on
Sheila and Tim Steiner, owners of CARSTAR Riverside Auto Body
the Nebraska side of the Missouri River. While CARSTAR Riverside Auto Body is geographically in Nebraska, they serve the greater Yankton, SD area. “The reason I looked at joining CARSTAR is because it was getting to a point where you need to be part of something bigger,” said Steiner. “CARSTAR has so much to offer in terms of insurance relationships, buying power, and support from all the other owners. It will be such a benefit to have owners from over 450 shops
from which to pull ideas and advice. The way things are going in today’s industry landscape, you need more support than being on your own.” CARSTAR Riverside Auto Body is fully equipped with the latest in collision repair technology, including high-tech frame systems, heated downdraft paint booths, environmentallyfriendly painting systems, and more. They were the first collision repair shop in the Yankton area to “go green” with the switch to waterborne paint. Their team of professional technicians has more than 100 years of combined auto body repair experience. In addition to collision repair, CARSTAR Riverside Auto Body offers insurance company-approved glass replacement, chip repair and paintless dent repair. “We are excited to partner with Tim and Sheila Steiner to bring the most trusted brand for auto body repair—CARSTAR—to South Dakota drivers,” said Michael Macaluso, president, CARSTAR North America. “We are continuing to grow the CARSTAR network across North America with experienced industry leaders like the Steiners, and this allows us to continue delivering the highest-quality auto body repairs and customer satisfaction.”
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BASF Wins OH Chemistry Technology Council Award
The BASF Whitehouse, Ohio site received the Eagle Award for Excellence for its exceptional performance in environmental, health, safety and security from the Ohio Chemistry Technology Council (OCTC) at its 38th annual conference in Columbus, OH. “Winning this
(l to r) Dr. Kevin Swift, chief economist for the American Chemistry Council, Karl Schnapp, Elaine Colyer and Rob Paxton
award validates the commitment BASF has to the safety and health of our employees and community,” said Paul Marshall, BASF technical director. BASF Laboratory Technician Elaine Colyer, who works in the color lab, created a new ergonomic assessment tool for lab employees. The company said Colyer’s dedication to improving ergonomics was a key reason for the award. Longtime BASF employee Karl Schnapp, recently retired manager of site/administrative services, received a special Eagle Award for Distinguished Service honoring his more than 20 years of service.
CAA San Diego Meeting: “We Don’t Pay For That”
The California Autobody Association (CAA) San Diego Chapter was back with their third “We Don’t Pay For That” meeting on May 24. The association has held this meeting twice in the past two years. The open discussion gave attendees the opportunity to hear and learn from fellow CAA members, shop owners and managers, as well as representatives from Mitchell, CCC, and Audatex, on how to best handle insurance companies saying “we don’t pay for that.” A few topics of discussion included: how to capitalize on the features of estimating software, how to use the P-Pages and MOTOR guide, and how to use software or a calculator to determine the true cost of paint materials vs posted materials rate. It was open-discussion style meeting, so attendees were encouraged to bring any examples or questions they may have regarding this situation. Anyone interested in membership or renewal, contact Cindy Shi-llito at 714-944-4028 or radiatorgirl @socal.rr.com.
Iowa Collision Repair Association Update by Janet Chaney
The Iowa Collision Repair Association (ICRA) board of directors is busy managing association activities through 2016 and 2017. There are over 700 shops in the state of Iowa. In January of this year, the ICRA conducted a phone survey of shops to update information and
find out interest in the association. Part of that communication to shops was to introduce the Variable Rate Survey, which will begin this summer. The ICRA has been asked by Iowa State Senator Brad Zaun to gather this documentation. It may be used in meetings with the insurance department and the Iowa attorney general. The ICRA-sponsored Midwest Auto Body Trade Show held in February was a BIG success. About 500 attendees came to Prairie Meadows for the Friday and Saturday event. Mike Anderson was the head-
liner for the 2016 event. There were 70 vendor booths and several education events. The Community College Refinish Competition was in its second year at the trade show. Six community college auto body programs participated in the event. It has been a good program to encourage students to learn more about the collision industry. The 2017 Midwest Auto Body Trade Show will be another Friday and Saturday event, February 5 and 6 at Prairie Meadows. The ICRA always has a fall dinner meeting in October. This includes an association update and an industry guest speaker. The location has not been decided upon for this fall. It has been held in the Iowa City/Cedar Rapids area for the last few years. The board is looking at possibly moving the location for this fall. Janet Chaney has been a long-time contributor to Autobody News. She’s a former shop owner and now owns and operates Cave Creek Business Development in Stevensville, Montana. Janet supports many auto body associations can be reached at jchaney .cavecreek@gmail.com
www.autobodynews.com | JUNE 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 13
Tom’s Auto Center in WI Celebrates Three Decades by Amber Gerber, The McFarland Thistle
Tom Schoenmann’s business has come a long way since its 1986 beginnings when Tom’s Auto Center was just two bays in a rented building and was completely run by the owner. Now, 30 years later, the auto shop has seven full-time employees and 12 service bays. “I started reflecting on this a month ago and thought, ‘Wow, where did the time go?’ … You’re having so much fun, and a few challenges, that the time does slip by fast,” Schoenmann said. Schoenmann started his business after spending eight years working for Ken Olson at Ken’s Automotive on Farwell Street. “Then, like anything, you think you can do it yourself,” he said. Schoenmann told his wife, Lisa, that he felt he could run his own auto mechanics business. “That’s how Tom’s Auto Center started; it was a dream,” he said. The owner said opening his own shop was difficult, yet did not feel that way. “You’re so young, and you feel invincible,” Schoenmann said. “When you start, you never know what you’re going to get.” There were many hours spent in getting Tom’s Auto Center from a dream to reality. The shop initially opened in a two-bay facility that Schoenmann rented south of the village on Highway 51. Schoenmann was the only em-
ployee for a several months before his wife, Lisa, came to work there. Prior to hiring any employees, if Schoenmann would road test a vehicle he worked on, he would need to shut down the shop. “We’ve been working side by side ever since,” he said.
Tom Schoenmann, owner of Tom’s Auto Center, said his business is all about the customers and friends they serve. The employees who help meet the needs of the customers are, from left, Matt Swanson, Cary Wianecki, Schoenmann, Lisa Schoenmann, Dan Hildebrant, Joe Sawyer and Tom Sumwalt. Credit: Amber Gerber/Thistle staff
After a few years, Schoenmann expanded Tom’s Auto Center to four bays by renting the back half of McFarland Truck and Auto Body’s building. Eventually, the business grew into a 12-bay facility on Paulson Road that was built in 2000. Schoenmann never expected to become an auto technician. He grew up on a farm in the DeForest area and would do small engine repair on farm equipment. During a visit to his adviser in his senior year of high school, the adviser suggested Schoenmann study auto mechanics at Madison Area Technical College after he expressed
Nebraska Auto Body Association Update
by Janet Chaney
The Nebraska Auto Body Association (NABA) is going into year three of the resurgence of this strong Midwest association. The NABA board of directors manages the association with Go To Meetings every two weeks. Their focus is to bring education and training to the Nebraska collision repair industry. Recently, the NABA hosted a successful Mike Anderson estimating seminar in Lincoln. This was a well-attended event, reinforcing the mission of the NABA. This year, they have started a series of industry educational webinars. The first webinar was April 28 and the topic was OSHA: An Overview. The next webinar will be
July 28th and the topic will be: Manufacturer Repair Recommendations. As the webinar initiative moves forward they will be recorded in a You Tube format and on the NABA website for review. On June 9, the NABA welcomes Ken Boylan, global training manager, Chief Industries, to a dinner meeting in Omaha. This will be an overview of the material and repair technologies facing the industry, and the solutions available. In October, the NABA will hold its annual meeting in Grand Island at the Stuhr Museum. Last year’s NABA annual meeting was held at the museum. This proved to be a successful, dynamic location and will be home to the NABA annual meeting in the future.
14 JUNE 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
an interest in automotives. He thought after going to MATC he would look into another field. “And I never did. I dabbled in woodworking … but working with my hands has always been in my blood,” he said. The anniversary date of Tom’s Auto Center is easy to remember – April Fools Day. “I thought, ‘Is the joke going to be on me?’” he said. Schoenmann mentioned it’s a special day to him, because his mom always brought out the fun on April Fool’s Day. In fact, the owner didn’t tell his parents he was opening Tom’s Auto Center until one week before April 1. He also didn’t mention he quit his job two weeks earlier and didn’t have any income. “They said, ‘What?’ and I said ‘No, it’s not an April Fools’ joke,’” he said. There was also a practical reason for opening April 1; Schoenmann said it’s best to start in the spring, because business begins to pick up during this time of year. Schoenmann has seen the changes
in automotive technology during the past three decades. He recalls when electronic ignitions were a bit intimidating and how now most car parts could be interchanged no matter what the make. But one of things that has remained consistent is how the Tom’s Auto Center is focused on the people it serves. “Customers are really the key,” he said, adding many of the customers have become friends. “That’s what’s really neat about a business. We have great friends that we met through our business.” There are two things Schoenmann finds fun about his businesses – having the customers vehicle repaired correctly and having a satisfied client whose automobile will be safe on the road. “We work and fix vehicles, but our whole business is a true people business,” he said. “The people we work with, our great friends and fantastic customers. It’s all about the people and that’s what we enjoy the most.” We thank The McFarland Thistle for reprint permission.
www.autobodynews.com | JUNE 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 15
ECS Cautions Collision Repair Shops About Use of Non-Licensed VIN Certification Labels by Stacey Phillips, Assistant Editor
Nearly 18 years ago, Dave Walden, an engineer and car enthusiast, used to spend his free time creating decals for his collector cars. Word soon spread and he was asked to make a VIN sticker for a 1970 Chrysler. Working out of his basement with less than $100, he began producing all types of decals, from emissions stickers to wiring labels. Walden now estimates he has manufactured close to 20,000 different decals since he launched his
company in 1999, ECS Automotive Concepts. Based in Chesterfield, MO, Walden said the company is the only licensed provider of factory exact VIN certification decals, tire pressure labels and emissions decals. “These federal safety labels contain important vehicle safety information,” said Walden. “A licensed VIN product protects the body shops, the insurance companies and the automobile manufacturers from potential lawsuits. A non-licensed product places those venues in an unwanted
liability situation if safety information is incorrectly listed.” Walden said he pioneered and developed the replacement VIN program in September of 1998. The following year was a big turning point for him. On December 13, 1999, Ford licensed Walden to manufacturer their labels. This was later followed by Chrysler and other car manufacturers such as Toyota, Ferrari and Fiat. Walden said it was then that he realized he had started a business. Next, he needed to decide
what to call his new entity. The names of his children came to mind. The initials of his company – ECS – are the three first letters of their names, Erin, Conner and Sarah. Watching his three children ride their electric cars and bikes around his large unfinished basement gave Walden an idea on how to test the durability of the labels. “I would stick the decals on their handle bars and on the seat of their bikes because they use them so much,” said Walden. “I thought ‘what a perfect way to check to see the
Executive Director of IABA Conducts Blind Test of Certified & Non-Certified Labels
Tony Passwater, executive director of the Indiana Autobody Association, has had a lengthy association partnership with ECS for a number of years. Passwater stated, “As an association, we are always looking at products and services that will benefit our members, and this is how I ran across ECS. At a NACE several years ago, I stopped by a booth that caught my eye about label replacements, and met Dave Walden. During the short discussion, many interesting points were made
about the difference between certified verses non-certified labels. Having seen the other two providers and listening to how they were ‘just as good,’ I decided to do a completely blind test of all three offerings. I heard the sales pitches from all three, and all three said they were the best. It sounded like what customers hear when they go to a body shop! So I decided to test this.” Passwater used multiple clients across the United States to order spe-
16 JUNE 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
cific VIN Certification Labels, one each from Ford, Chrysler and General Motors. Part of the test was to determine if the provider did any due diligence on the information provided for reproduction. “I was worried about someone photoshopping a label to do something illegal,” said Passwater. Only one provider caught the issues, ECS. The other two provided labels that could not represent a valid vehicle. Then he tested the appearance of the label compared to the
original. He said that only ECS produced labels exactly like the original ones … the other two had wrong sizes, no logos when present, and not the same paper. This was so evident with the Ford labels, said Passwater. And finally he tested the bar codes. He said ECS was the only one that actually scanned as designed. The other two did not. The test results were released to the industry, and even though it was very clear labels produced by other than ECS were inferior in every
durability of how they work.’” He said the company’s products use the same tamper-resistant materials utilized by the original equipment manufacturers. The company guarantees that every VIN decal purchased will look exactly like the one that originally came on the vehicle. “You will never receive a ‘one decal fits all’ style that is being offered by the ‘pretenders’ in the industry,” said Walden. He cautions body shops about companies that use manufactured disclaimers on their non-litest area, some industry representatives discounted the results. “I was at a loss, as if I was in cahoots with ECS in some way,” said Passwater. “I attend a great number of national events including CIC, and when we get into a discussion about aftermarket parts and how they do not fit or replicate the OEM parts, I see no difference with this as well … cheap labels are just knock-offs of the originals and nowhere close to what I have seen with what ECS produces.”
censed products. In addition to complying with the original federal VIN regulations, ECS labels are approved and commissioned by the original equipment manufacturer. “This eliminates the possibility of impropriety that is
In addition, Walden said that ECS is a preferred vendor for several MSOs. The company has been working with Avis and Budget over the last couple of years for their label replacements.
ECS Automotive Concepts is based in Chesterfield, MO
perpetuated by generic decals that have no approval from the OE manufacturer,” said Walden. He said it has been a big undertaking to get every decal on every car manufactured since 1970. The company is also licensed in
Continued from Cover
Canada.
“My mandate is: if you do it right the first time and cover everything 100 percent, you never have to look in the rearview mirror,” said Walden. For more information, visit http://www.ecsvin.com/.
Legislation Passes
ation (ASA) has been a proponent of S.B. 436 since its introduction and has sent letters of support to the New Hampshire legislature. Robert L. Redding Jr., ASA Washington, D.C., representative, wrote in a March 2016 letter to New Hampshire policymakers: “ASA supports requiring insurers and auto collision facilities to provide disclosure of part type, description and warranty information to the consumer for all part types. Consumers will be best served if written consent is required for the use of these parts. ASA believes a competitive parts marketplace of tested and verified quality parts is in the best interest of the motoring public. ASA opposes parts policies that focus solely on cost efficiency without regard to certification, verifiable quality and safety.” S.B. 436 is currently before the New Hampshire governor for final approval. To view the text of the legislation, visit the ASA website at www .TakingTheHill.com.
www.autobodynews.com | JUNE 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 17
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Continued from Cover
Counterfeit Parts
and tires for example. Anything that they can counterfeit for profit, they will.
Are you finding this is a growQ: ing trend and what is being done to combat these crimes?
A:
The breadth of the problem was brought to our attention by the automobile industry. Individual auto makers came to us and said, “It’s a problem, they are counterfeiting our products.” They asked if we would shepherd them along to develop a coalition. I’m happy to say that since then we assisted with organizing a coalition. They call themselves the Automobile Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition —the A2C2. It’s made up of almost every automobile manufacturer and they meet four times a year. We generally attend those meetings as well. They regularly provide intelligence and lead information to us. They’ve been very good partners. Last year alone based on our work with that
coalition we opened up 35 cases. We had 12 criminal arrests, 16 indictments and 15 convictions. The 130 seizure incidents were worth an estimated $5.59 million MSRP.
Where are the counterfeiters Q: based? What we have found is that 85A: 95 percent of all counterfeit goods are coming from China. They
are either coming from China or transshiped to Hong Kong or to other countries. Just under 50 percent of counterfeit goods seized last year came directly from China. Just under 35 percent came from Hong Kong and five percent came from Singapore. We believe that all those goods are originating from China because Hong Kong and Singapore don’t have the manufacturing capabilities that China does, but the goods are transshipped through Hong Kong and Singapore where the manifest is being changed in order to trick U.S. customs. I happened to be in China last September visiting with the Chamber of Commerce, various companies, embassies and Chinese law enforcement.
There was a case where the Chinese Ministry of Public Security took down an operation involving counterfeiters in China who were selling counterfeit Ford brake pads and air bags. Counterfeiting is a global issue. It’s very easy for the counterfeiters to start up websites and sell things online. The operators of some of these websites are to deceive the public. Sometimes the intent is to just sell to people who know they are going to get a counterfeit part, hoping that they believe the consumer feels the counterfeit part is doing their job. It varies who they target. Potentially, criminals could be doing this until the automobile manufacturer serves a cease and desist order or civilly take these websites down. It’s a trademark violation to represent a counterfeit good as authentic on copyright-infringing websites. It’s so easy these days to start websites. They have very good webmasters who put these things together; they are very advanced. Sometimes a site is up for a month, and then it gets shut down and they are ready to go with another illicit website.
What should collision repair Q: shops be aware of in regards to counterfeit parts?
What we try to tell the conA: sumer is to make sure they are buying OEM parts. If not, it should be
from a reputable distributor that can be confirmed with the manufacturer. If there is a doubt, there should be a legitimate phone number to call. Go that extra mile when purchasing these parts for customers to ensure these are legitimate parts. A lot of it comes down to buyer beware. If it’s too good to be true, it usually is.
What is the biggest concern in Q: regards to counterfeit parts? Certainly the consumers’ health A: and safety is at risk anytime they get into a car with a counterfeit
part. We’ve seen counterfeit safety belts that weren’t secure and air bags that have exploded so dramatically they probably would have done harm had they gone off. Some of them even failed to deploy. We actually investigated someone who was illegally smuggling counterfeit airbags into the United States. Along with the National Highway Transportation Safety board, we seized
10 of them. Eight failed to deploy and two would have deployed in a manner that would have harmed the consumer. Those are the kinds of things that keep me up at night. It’s the consumer’s health and safety, especially when you have family members and kids and everyone else getting into a vehicle with counterfeit brake pads. It’s maddening.
Do any specific cases come to Q: mind that you can share? Two summers ago a couple of A: Canadian citizens were purchasing air bags from China and
smuggling them into the United States. They thought they were being cute by driving them down from Canada into Northern WA; then they would mail them via US mail to repair shops. They did that because they thought they could disguise that they were coming from the United States versus coming from overseas. We arrested one as he was smuggling a batch coming in. It led to his brother being indicted. We shared the information with the Chinese Ministry of Public Security in Beijing and they shut down a manufacturing facility and made four or five arrests. They also seized the counterfeit air bags, and US and Chinese currency. It was an extremely successful operation.
How should shops get in touch Q: with you if they suspect they have accidentally purchased any coun-
terfeit goods and want to report it?
They are absolutely welcome A: to contact us. We’ve heard from them in the past. We’re always open to sharing information with anyone about counterfeiting. We can certainly help them with supply chain issues when they are procuring items. We have a general procurement product that we can share as well as awareness training. It is called Acquisition Professional Training: Counterfeit Awareness, Mitigation, Identification and Reporting from the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center. For more information, visit www .iprcenter.gov or email iprcenter@dhs .gov.
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Collision Repair Industry Mourns Loss of James Moy
Technician Training Program and began focusing on structural repair, reOn Sunday, April 24, tragedy struck the finishing and damage analysis. Moy collision repair industry with the pass- achieved I-CAR Individual Platinum staing of James Moy, beloved consultant, tus and became an ASE-certified master mentor and friend to hundreds of indus- collision repair/refinish technician and try professionals around the country. damage estimator. In addition to being a Within hours of his untimely death, so- licensed and bonded adjuster in over ten cial media outlets were filled with an states, Moy spent part of his career as an outpouring of love and symI-CAR instructor. Moy’s expepathy which identified Moy rience in the industry eventuas “knowledgeable and pasally led him to become a coach sionate” and “one of the most for VeriFacts Automotive, and influential people I have enhe also lent his expertise as a countered.” At 8:28 pm on Senior Consultant for PreciApril 24, 44-year-old Moy sion Auto Group, aiding other was thrown from his motorcycompanies as well, including cle in Lakeview, NY as he assisting Larry Montanez with James Moy rode alongside longtime friend training courses and shop evalLarry Montanez of P & L Consultants. uations for P & L Consultants. An avid Moy was pronounced dead at the scene. motorcyclist, Moy also belonged to the Everyone who met James Moy consid- IDONTKNOW MC (Motorcycle Club) ered him to be a mentor and a friend, and where his brothers knew him as Chopthis was evident during his viewing in sticks. Everyone who knew James Moy Brooklyn on Thursday, April 28 as fam- will never forget his friendly personality ily, friends and business associates and his eagerness to offer advice on flooded the funeral home and streets out- proper repair procedures. In his short side to say their final farewells. There time on Earth, he made countless contriwere 750 people in attendance, includ- butions to the collision repair industry ing collision repair professionals, shop and positively influenced a multitude of owners, industry leaders, motorcycle industry professionals. He will be greatly clubs and skin care sales people. Moy missed, and his loss will be deeply felt began his automotive career in the for years to come. A memorial scholarearly 1990s, working as a tow truck op- ship has been established to honor erator for a collision repair facility. He James Moy, and donations can be made soon attended the New York State Auto at www.gofundme.com/JamesMoy. by Chasidy Rae Sisk
20 JUNE 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
Jeff Peevy Recounts History of Training in the Industry
AMI’s Jeff Peevy presented “The History and Evolution of Training in the Collision Repair Industry.” at the recent WIN Conference in Tampa. Peevy reminded WIN attendees that training was achieved through ap-
AMI’s Jeff Peevy presented “The History and Evolution of Training in the Collision Repair Industry.”
prenticeships in the early years, going back to the early 1900s when the internal combustion engine was developed. “As the number of vehicles increased during World War I and World War II, there became a need to separate mechanical repairs from paint and body work, and though formal training started to take hold, it was mostly driven by sales initiatives with DuPont, for example, opening
training facilities in the 1960s. Formalized training grew throughout the 1970s, changing focus to technical knowledge near the end of the decade leading to the establishment of ICAR in 1979. Training developed throughout the 1980s but, during the 1990s, the collision repair industry began seeing training as a business requirement, rather than a way to meet the need to learn. Modern training trends reveal that over 50% of training is achieved online or via virtual classrooms. Peevy predicts that this number could increase as much as 70% by 2020. He believes the future of training will become more learner-centered and results-focused as it moves from being seen as a way to meet external requirements to a way of maintaining a sustainable competitive advantage. Peevy said that the training of the future will cater to individual learning styles which will help measure the effectiveness of the training. He stated, “Learning is the key. How we get it is less important than getting it. What you learn makes a difference in performance, not how many courses you’ve taken.”
Florida Judge Dismisses “Price Fixing Claims” in MDL Case by Stacey Phillips, Assistant Editor
A Florida judge ruled in May that the price fixing claims brought forward in the multi-district lawsuit were not enough to reconsider the antitrust claims, which were dismissed earlier this year. The new evidence was presented to Judge Gregory Presnell in March by Eaves Law Firm of Jackson, Mississippi on behalf of five states: Indiana, Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee and Utah. Earlier this year, Presnell dismissed the plaintiff’s antitrust claims with prejudice (meaning that the claims cannot be refiled). Following this decision, Eaves Law firm submitted new evidence to the Florida courts asking Judge Presnell to reconsider the dismissal of the antitrust complaints. Allison Fry, of Eaves Law Firm, said there are limited grounds in which a court can reconsider an order, including the availability of new evidence. According to Judge Presnell, the plaintiffs made no such showing that the evidence was previously unavailable.
“Where a party attempts to introduce previously unsubmitted evidence in support of a motion to reconsider, the party must make some showing that the evidence previously was unavailable,” Presnell wrote in court documents. “The closest they come is a statement that the new evidence was unavailable at the time their Second Amended Complaint was filed. However, the Second Amended Complaint was filed on March 21, 2015, while the Order was not entered until nearly a year later—on February 22, 2016. The Plaintiffs offer no explanation for their failure to bring this information before the Court during that time.” He continued that, “Even if they had provided a legitimate justification for their delay in raising it, the Plaintiffs’ ‘direct evidence of price fixing’ would not suffice to save their antitrust claims, which were dismissed due to a failure to properly allege the existence of a collusive agreement to fix prices.” Presnell said that the statements provided did not identify any defendants that allegedly participated in the agreement to fix prices and said, “These vague assertations do not add
any weight to the Plaintiffs’ existing allegations.” The following statements he was referring to were submitted to the courts by Eaves Law Firm: “Plaintiffs obtained a statement from a Progressive employee who stated unequivocally that body shops have no say in the setting of their own labor rates, that the insurance companies ‘get together at big meetings’ to set body shop labor rates, and that the insurance companies uniformly apply the labor rates agreed upon at these meetings. This representative even identified when the next such meeting was going to occur. “Plaintiffs additionally obtained a statement from a State Farm representative who stated State Farm intentionally suppresses and fixes body shop labor rates, and that State Farm’s labor rate survey is a sham to justify its intentional fixing of labor rates.” The anti-trust lawsuit was first filed in Mississippi by 20 auto repair shops in February 2014 against 39 insurance companies. Eaves Law Firm subsequently filed more than 20 others. The lawsuits were eventually consolidated for pretrial purposes and the
law firm now represents 500 shops across the country. In the lawsuits that have been filed, the plaintiffs allege that the defendants, “engaged in an ongoing, concerted and combined intentional course of action and conduct to improperly and illegally control and depress automobile damage repair costs to the detriment of the plaintiffs and the substantial profit of the Defendants.” The plaintiffs also claim that the defendants engaged in price fixing, compulsory use of substandard parts and boycotting shops that refuse to comply. Autobody News will continue to keep readers informed about this lawsuit.
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Mike’s Auto Body in CA Participates in Every 15 Minutes Program drunk driving related accident in which two Monte Vista students were Earlier this year, Mike’s Auto Body, killed. The memorial car was on diswith 13 locations in northern Califorplay at the front of the school for stunia, participated in the Every 15 Min- dents to walk by and view as a utes Program on the campus of reminder to what can happen when Monte Vista High School in Danville, you drink and drive. CA. Marketing Coordinator, Sal Contreras, was Mike’s Auto Body’s representative at the Every 15 Minutes program and saw the event’s impact on students and teachers alike. “When the program began, you could hear loud noises from the 2,500 students while they were walking and running to the football field to settle into The Every 15 Minutes Program offers real-life experience the bleachers,” Contreras without the real-life risks, by staging a realistic reenactment said. “But once we removed of a serious accident the giant tarp revealing the By working with one of their in- accident scene of the two wrecked surance partners to acquire a totaled cars and the frantic 911 phone call car for this event, Mike’s Auto Body was blasted over the sound system, played an integral role for this there was dead silence from the studemonstration that is held every two dents. Their expressions of disbelief years at different Bay Area high schools and throughout the rest of the country as well. The Every 15 Minutes Program offers real-life experience without the real-life risks. This emotionally charged program is an event designed to show teenagers the potentially dangerous consequences of drinking alcohol or texting while driving. The program challenges students to think about drinking and texting behind the More than a dozen local organizations wheel by stressing the personal safety participated to make the scene look real and responsibility associated with making mature decisions when lives and sadness that something like this are involved. could happen to their friends was In conjunction with Mike’s Auto shocking and highly emotional.” A tragic accident that took the Body, CSAA Insurance Group donated a total loss car to represent the lives of two Monte Vista High School vehicle that was involved in a tragic students earlier this year added a new level to the reality behind the reenactment. “One student died on impact by going through the windshield and another student was air lifted by helicopter to the hospital, but died later,” Conteras said. “It is a tragic story in more ways, because one brother was driving from a party and hit a truck head-on with his non-drinking brother’s friends in the vehicle. The In conjunction with Mike’s Auto Body, CSAA other brother who was not drunk was Insurance Group donated a total loss car to sitting in the passenger seat and represent the vehicle that was involved in a ended up going through the windtragic drunk-driving related accident in which two Monte Vista students were killed shield, killing him on impact. The by Ed Attanasio
22 JUNE 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
parents were obviously torn with grief and disbelief. The desks of the students who died in the accident were left empty for the whole week and the funeral was held the next day. “ The event included the participation of the local Police and Fire Departments, High School staff, the local Hospital, a video production crew, community officials, the District Attorney’s Office, funeral homes and a wide cross-section of the community at-large. The ultimate goal of the Every 15 Minutes Program is to utilize the strength, talent and resources of business and industry to prevent drunk driving and texting while driving. The day’s activities were chronicled in a short video. “To watch the video of the Monte Vista High School’s 2016 event, go to You Tube and search under Every 15 Minutes, Monte Vista HS 2016,” Contreras said. “If you don’t get chills and goose bumps when you watch this, you better get your pulse checked, because it is powerful to say the least.”
The memorial car was on display at the front of the school for students to walk by and view as a reminder to what can happen when you drink and drive
With young lives being taken every day nationwide due to drunk driving, distracted driving and reckless speeding, Contreras sees the value of presentations such as Every 15 Minutes. “Mike’s Auto Body is proud and prepared to serve the communities in which we do business, because saving these teenagers is not just a goal—it’s a priority,” he said. “We all have kids here at Mike’s, so this cause is very close to our hearts.”
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GM Manager Addresses State of Collision Repair Business; Considering Certification Program “Vehicles are complex, the dynamics of our stakeholder relationships are During a recent Verifacts Guild 21 complex, and the repair process is as webinar, General Motors manager well,” said Eck. “Sometimes it’s interJohn Eck talked about the esting and even necessary to complexity of the collision take a step back and all of the repair industry, the imporchanges we have seen and the tance of quality repairs and rate of change that will clearly how the company is considindicate that this is clearly not ering the possibility of estabgoing to slow down on us.” lishing an OEM collision He said there are several repair certification program. John Eck, manager areas of concern currently Eck said the ultimate of wholesale dealer working against collision regoal is a quality, safe repair channel for General pair shops. Motors Customer for the customer. “That’s who One of these is that the equity Care & Aftersales I work for,” said Eck, the balance of influence of a repair manager of wholesale dealer channel is in flux, whether that involves managfor General Motors Customer Care & ing relationships, metrics or costs. “The Aftersales. “We want the outcome to collision repair facility feels the pressure be a satisfied customer driving away in how a safe, quality repair is comin a vehicle that has been repaired to pleted,” said Eck. pre-crash conditions using the right Economics plays a key role in procedures, parts, processes and qualthis; however, he said the concern is the ity checks. There is no alternative.” point of balance when economics overWith more than 25 years of autorule certain repair decisions. motive aftermarket experience with Eck said that OEMs can assist in General Motors, Eck has held numerous the following areas: ease of repairs, acfield, marketing and management positual quality of repairs, and technician tions in several business segments in the readiness for new technologies. United States, Canada and South Africa. When it comes to the ease of reby Stacey Phillips, Assistant Editor
24 JUNE 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
pairs, he said that OEMs can help improve repair procedure content to make it easier to access. In addition, OEMs can take the repair learnings from body shops and share them with the teams that work with vehicle development engineers. Eck is finding that the actual quality of repairs is an area that collision repairers are looking to OEMs for support and said OEM certification is a step in that direction.
for OEMs, according to Eck. In addition to industry age numbers, another worry is whether or not the training that is taking place is actually being replicated in the shops. “We have to leverage existing technologies and use some technologies that are in other industries to help audit and verify repairs,” he said. He mentioned there are additional factors causing change in the industry, such as MSO growth with the rise of consolidations. In response, GM is
During the webinar, he shared data with attendees on repairs that were done on GM mid-size SUVs over a threeyear span. Looking at the percentage of vehicles that were being repaired versus replaced, it was found that over 50 percent of the time they were being repaired. “We are very concerned about the repair quality of the vehicle coming out,” said Eck. Technology readiness is another big concern for the industry, especially
working with MSOs to understand their concerns in order to help better meet their needs. “The industry has already changed,” said Eck. “We see an industry that needs to expand and grow and be ready for the challenges that I see coming down the pike from the OEMs’ perspective.” To respond to some of these changes in the industry, GM recently redesigned its website (www.genuinegmparts.com) to better support collision
“We see an industry that needs to expand and grow and be ready for the challenges that I see coming down the pike from the OEMs’ perspective,” — John Eck, manager at GM
repairers. There is now content for both consumers and professionals. GM is also currently looking at the impact on the industry in the following areas: ● OEM certification programs; ● Cost to shop for tools and training; ● Proliferation of collision crash avoidance and telematics; ● OEM repair procedure requirements and influence; ● Change from just selling OEM parts to focus on the customer and a quality and safe repair. “The solutions we may come to find out may not necessarily be what some want to hear,” said Eck. “At least if we acknowledge these points, we can then collaborate together, on ways to minimize the negative impact that they might have on the collision repair business.” With the overwhelming speed of change, Eck said that stakeholders need to work together and collaborate to better understand the issues at hand. This includes repairers, insurers and OEMS. “We can’t do this alone,” said Eck. “We see huge benefits of collaboration and integration.” Eck said GM is planning to put more emphasis on tech repair and sup-
port. By understanding the repair procedures up front, it will help drive the correct parts decisions to ensure vehicles are being repaired to OEM standards. In regards to General Motors’ plans for a possible certification program, Eck said the company agrees with certification but wants to ensure there is a focus on the output. He said it will take some time and stressed the importance of having discussions with stakeholders about how to best move forward. “We can’t look at it from just GMs perspective,” said Eck. “We need to look at the rest of the stakeholders involved.” Eck said the requirements to become a certified/authorized repair facility include tools, training, facilities, processes, tracking and OEM specific requirements. Areas that GM will be focusing on include a combination of industry outreach, repair procedures, training and verification. The desired outcome is a quality, safe repair that restores the vehicle back to pre-crash condition. “You and your repair facility want your output to be a product you would put your family in without question or concern,” said Eck. “You want your customers to be satisfied.”
BASF’s Automotive Color Trends 2016/17 Predicting the up-and-coming colors of automotive design is a challenge designers from BASF’s Coatings division tackle every year. The overarching
Raingarden, a metallic silver with green and blue elements, is one of BASF’s featured colors in North America and is shown in juxtaposition with Paul Czornij, BASF’s head of design in North America
theme for this year’s collection of 65 colors is “Parallax,” a concept that objects appear shifted or changed when viewed from different angles.
Top Three North American Colors for 2020 and Why “My inspiration behind this year’s colors was the continuous change in society and the importance of finding new perspectives and looking at things differently,” said Paul Czornij, head of design for BASF’s Color Excellence Group. “Rain-
garden also exemplifies our coatings capabilities at BASF. In order to achieve a silver color that looks subtly different depending on the viewer’s vantage point, we relied on our design expertise, but it also showcases our technical finesse with innovative pigments to achieve a beautiful coating that could be used in a realworld setting.” The following are the top three color predictions in North America that could influence vehicle coatings for the 2020 model year and beyond, along with the technological and societal factors that impacted the selections: ● Raingarden – A metallic silver with green and blue elements. ● Primordial Soup – A deep, blood red. ● Aerialist Wish – A black color with a silky, silvery look throughout. “The change in the urban areas has been a prominent feature in our societal analysis for the last three color collections,” said Czornij. “For a long time, city centers in the United States have been seen as unattractive and undesirable but that’s all changing as artists, designers, musicians and others seize the opportunity and make their homes once again in the city.” For information, contact Mary Ann Short, (248) 948-2253, maryann .short@basf.com or visit www.refinish .basf.us
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Environmental Initiatives at CA Body Shop Lead to Cost Savings & Recognition by Stacey Phillips, Assistant Editor
A California body shop was recognized for its commitment to a climatefriendly environment and its efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. Luxury Auto Body was presented with the CoolCalifornia Small Business of the Year Award by California Air Resources Board in March. “When we found out that we won the award, we were thrilled and honored as we are the only San Diego business to have ever received the CoolCalifornia Small Business of the Year Award, let alone an auto body repair facility,” said Ron Melanson, general manager at Luxury Auto Body, which was established in 1999 and has two facilities. Judy A. Nottoli, Air Resources Engineer at the California Air Resources Board, said the CoolCalifornia Small Business Awards program was initiated in 2009 and honors small businesses that take voluntary actions to reduce their carbon footprint, “Luxury Auto Body was selected as a Business of the Year because they have taken a proactive approach in the areas of compliance and conservation and were able to demonstrate their cost savings and reductions for the actions they implemented to reduce their carbon footprint,” said Nottoli. She said there are over 3.6 million small businesses in California, and they can have a tremendous impact in helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save water, improve energy efficiency, and reduce/recycle/repurpose water. “Sustainability improves business profitability and is good for the environment,” said Nottoli. “Luxury Auto Body serves as an example of a sustainable business for others to follow.” Some of the environmental improvements Luxury Auto has implemented include:
■ installation of a wash mat wastewater collection and recycling system to prevent run off and ground contamination; ■ skylights in the body shop to reduce the use of overhead lighting during daylight operations; ■ an energy-efficient rotary air compressor system; ■ a new energy-efficient spray booth equipped for the waterborne paint process, which reduces the use of ma-
terials and energy; ■ additional recycling for waste items such as aerosol containers, paint lids and liners; ■ a dedicated recycling container for all vehicle debris and contracted with a hauler for proper disposal;
Early in 2011, Melanson decided to take initiative and ask Eric Luther, the small business liaison, to inspect and review the processes conducted at Luxury Auto. “We found that we were not only doing a great job but also identified areas of improvement to put
during the summer of 2011 for San Diego County repair facilities. They are also utilized by APCD for classroom training. The company received the Blue Sky Leadership Award that same year to honor its efforts in maintaining a clean environment and utilizing resources to ensure a sustainable future. Over the years Luxury Auto Body has continued to implement changes to its business to reduce energy; conserve water; re-use ink and toner cartridges, lids and liners in the paint department as well as sand paper; and recycle. “It’s not often that our industry is looked at in a positive way with respect to the environment,” said Melanson. “We have had a great response from our customers regarding the award; it just shows if you care about the environment, then you care about the consumer.” To apply for a CoolCalifornia Small Business Award, visit www.Cool California.org (under the small business tab). To become a certified green business in California, visit www.green businessca.org.
Luxury Auto Body was presented with the CoolCalifornia Small Business of the Year Award by California Air Resources Board. (l to r) Lydia Vargas, Carlos Vargas, County Supervisor Ron Roberts, Ron Melanson and Stephanie Melanson
■ turf irrigation was shut off and hardscape installed with drought-tolerant plants; and ■ a rain barrel was added for watering drought-tolerant plants and vehicle paint preparation.
The total investment of the shop’s water conservation equipment was approximately $4,000, which Nottoli said resulted in a 30 percent decrease in water usage, saving the company $1,050 per year. The additions of skylight windows saved the company more than $900 a year. “Regardless of what side of the argument you are one with respect to climate change, it is important that our industry recognize what we do every day does have an impact on the environment,” said Melanson. “We can all do more to reduce our carbon footprint; being a clean operator doesn’t happen without added costs and effort, but just being compliant isn’t enough.” Several years ago, the Air Pollution Control District (APCD) set up a small business assistance program to educate the auto body industry and offer guidance in regards to compliance and record keeping. “As most shops do in our industry, we relied on the annual inspection process to learn of the latest compliance issues and whether we met the standards,” said Melanson. “We wanted to be proactive and go above and beyond just being compliant.”
26 JUNE 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
ourselves in better standing without respective governmental agencies,” he said. Partnering with APCD, Luxury Auto created compliance training videos
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ARA Members Discuss Legislative Issues at State Legislative Summit & Hill Day On April 18 and 19, the Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) headed to Washington DC for its 9th Annual ARA State Legislative Summit and Hill Day. ARA members from over two dozen states gathered in the nation’s Capitol to discuss the state of the professional automotive recycling industry and to represent the interests of ARA member businesses. Michael Wilson, CEO of ARA, says, “Those ARA members who take time away from their businesses to participate in these important annual Association events came for a variety of reasons: for the greater good of the profession, to be part of the Association’s presence on the Hill, to represent the industry as a whole, as well as to communicate issues important to their own businesses.” Wilson continues, “The events are an important opportunity during the year to meet face-to-face to share information and resources, such as legislative language, past experiences and issue strategies. The group’s ultimate goal is to make the voice of the professional automotive recycling industry heard on Capitol Hill and to enhance ARA’s grassroots advocacy structure.” The 9th Annual State Legislative Summit on April 18 began with an
overview of active legislation impacting automotive recyclers on the state level. Representatives from ARA’s affiliate chapters discussed their specific legislative successes and challenges, as well as active legislation and state association goals. The day concluded with an in-depth briefing for the following day’s Congressional appointments, and that evening, ARA members enjoyed a Welcome Reception at the W Hotel in downtown DC. Association members visited lawmakers and engaged in over 60 meetings with members of Congress and other lawmakers. On Capitol Hill, ARA representatives built on last year’s legislative successes regarding a provision signed into law as part of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act. The first Federal law to provide long-term funding certainty for surface transportation in over a decade, the FAST Act also requires automotive manufacturers to provide OEM parts data for recalled parts. According to Wilson, “Access to OEM parts data has never been more important than today. Now that Congress has passed a law requiring automakers to make this information available for recalled parts, the professional automotive recycling indus-
try and others in the parts supply chain need the ability to receive parts data for all vehicles.” The association also presented its Congressional Champion Awards. In the House, the award went to Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) who last year introduced the provision requiring auto manufacturers to provide OEM part information for recalled parts and worked to get it adopted in the Highway bill and accepted by the Senate. These awards were presented on April 19 and the Congressman received a standing ovation when he arrived. In the Senate, ARA member Shannon Nordstrom of Nordstrom’s Automotive in South Dakota, along with ARA CEO Michael Wilson and Director of Policy Delanne Bernier, presented Senator John Thune (R-SD) with the first ever ARA Senate Congressional Champion Award. Senator Thune is Chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee. ARA President Mike Swift commissioned the fabrication of that award which was made out of a piston. ARA’s 73rd Annual Convention and Expo will be held October 26-29 in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, attracting automotive recycling professionals from around the world. Registration is now open at www.araexpo.org.
Continued from Cover
American Honda
hicle fared is dramatic and accentuates the need for proper repair using the correct tools, equipment and procedures. The video also highlights American Honda’s network of ProFirst certified collision shops and the fact that they have the right skills, training, equipment, and information to make proper vehicle repairs. “The use of high strength steel, ultra-high strength steel, aluminum, and other exotic and innovative weight-saving materials will only increase as we moved towards ever-increasing CAFE standards” said Leigh Guarnieri, American Honda’s manager of the Collision Marketing group. “Making proper repairs on these vehicles is crucial to the safety of our Honda and Acura customers. This will continue to be the driving force behind our ProFirst program.” The video highlights American Honda’s ProFirst collision repair network and the difference it can make in repairing a vehicle.
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MSO Symposium Reveals Latest Industry Insights Now in its 6th year, this popular, exclusive event during NACE draws SOLD OUT attendance from dynamic and fast-growth multi-shop operators throughout the collision repair industry. The MSO Symposium is custom built by an industry leading advisory board to ensure the sessions are a direct fit for the audience.
Thursday, August 11th | Anaheim Convention Center | Anaheim, CA Noon: Private Networking Lunch 1:00 PM: MSO Symposium Program 6:00 PM: Private Reception
The closed and exclusive program is limited to: ● Qualified multi-shop owners/operators/management ● Large independent shops planning for growth or divestiture ● Insurance professionals
If You Qualify, Register TODAY to Save Your Seat at the MSO event of the YEAR. Featured Vital Topics: Industry Update | Insurer Panel | A Capital Markets View of Collision Around the World |
MSO Panel | OE Panel You’ll Hear the Latest from these Industry Experts: ● Vincent Romans, The Romans Group ● Marcy Tieger, Symphony Advisors, LLC ● Russ Hoffbauer, State Farm ● Clint Marlow, Allstate ● Chris Andreoli, Progressive
● ● ● ● ● ●
Russell Thrall, CollisionWeek John Eck, GM Gary Ledoux, Honda Mark Allen, Audi Jeff Hilton, Toyota Rex Green, Jefferies LLC
5 Key Takeaways You can ONLY GET by Attending the 2016 MSO Symposium: 1. Moving to the Next Level – What do shops need to consider before growing from 1 shop, 3 shops,
10 locations, and beyond? How do you overcome a plateau in growth?
2. Insurer Panel on the Latest Trends and Plans, topics include: ■ Long term direct repair program strategy ■ How they plan on working with the large MSO’s ■ Evolution of self-managed programs, short and long term
3. OE Panel Discussion on the Newest Technology & the Repairability of their Vehicles, topics include: ■ Driving certified repair programs, training, and equipment requirements ■ Sustainability of these programs to the collision repair industry 4. International Outlook bringing the Worldwide Trends to the US, topics include: ■ 3 mega trends impacting the industry globally, and, specifically, trends that could have an impact in the U.S. marketplace ■ Discussion on how these global panelists found opportunities and solutions to these major shifts in regulatory and economic trends
5. MSO Growth and the Strategy Behind It – This panel of the leading MSO’s explores the challenges of growth, and the steps taken that facilitated their rise to the top of the industry. Topics include:
■ How did they plan for: capital requirements, proof of concept, business planning ■ How do you show progress to validate the model internally and externally to bankers, capital venture partners? ■ Overcoming inefficiencies and legacy systems ■ Insight on what they would do differently with the experience and knowledge they’ve gained
Your leading source for MIDWESTERN Collision Repair News! midwestern.autobodynews.com
www.autobodynews.com | JUNE 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 29
he said. “We can’t get involved in what the dealer does, how he sells, what discount he offers to the marketplace, nor how he has created a [parts] category automakers at CIC seemed to have with the information providers and just as many questions about “alt-OE” who he’s trying to sell to.” parts as other CIC attendees. But Eck did say GM has “outlet “I can tell you that I’ve been tryshop parts” sold by some dealers. ing to find out what opt-OE is myself,” “Those parts are non-installed Ben Cid of Mercedes-Benz said. “That excess inventory from our plants,” designation didn’t come from the OEs. he said. “They might be scratched, We don’t know what that is. slightly blemished, missing We’re trying to find the same some trim work. Any of our thing out.” dealers can participate in Gary Ledoux of Amerithat if they choose.” can Honda concurred. “Honda Whether those parts are doesn’t have ‘opt-OE parts’, being sold as “alt-OE” or “optwe don’t have ‘blem-parts’, OE” seemed unclear. Eck said we don’t have ‘second’ parts,” he “believes” they are in the Bill Eveland he said. “I’ve heard there are estimating systems as “OE ‘opt-OE’ Honda parts out there, but I surplus” and have different part numdon’t know where the heck they are bers to identify them as surplus. coming from or how they are getting out Knowing What To Expect there. I’m in the dark about that.” But this kind of confusion and inconJohn Eck of General Motors sistency led Brett Bailey of A&B agreed that the “alt-OE” or “opt-OE” CARSTAR in Missouri to point out categories have not been established that one of the biggest challenges for by the automakers, but he also doesshops is not knowing what to expect n’t think “conquest” parts-matching in terms of the different types of parts rebates are involved. listed in the estimating databases as “The distribution network has “alt-OE” or “opt-OE.” created this category, not the OEMs,” Continued from Cover
alt-OE Parts Debate
New PartsTrader/ CollisionLink Integration
Original equipment (OE) parts dealers and their collision shop customers can now use a single streamlined workflow for electronic parts ordering with the software integration of PartsTrader® and CollisionLink®. Over 1,700 dealers are currently using this integration. “With the integration enabled, our parts team is able to match parts numbers quickly and efficiently. Incorrect parts numbers are quickly identified and corrected, saving us considerable time, especially on larger jobs,” said Steve Richardson, parts manager with David McDavid Honda of Irving, TX. “The increase in accuracy has also helped lower our return rate as well.” Collision repairers submitting their quote requests in the PartsTrader application will receive quotes back from participating dealers in PartsTrader with approved OEM pricing programs applied. Similarly, dealers will use the CollisionLink system to apply available OEM pricing programs to PartsTrader quotes and orders without leaving the CollisionLink solution. The integration is being rolled out across the US.
“If I get an estimate from an insuran opt-OE part, we are selling that as a ance company that says ‘alt-OE,’ it can brand-new OEM quality, unblemished mean a plethora of different things,” packaged part just like an OEM would,” Bailey said. “I don’t have the option for Bryan Mandell of B&R Auto Wreck‘OEM-blem’ or ‘OEM-overrun’; they ing said. “But the vetting process is reall get lumped into one category. But ally up to the suppliers because we have that scratch or nick or whatever the case to provide that information to the estiis has to be repaired, which is additional mating systems. There’s a very big diflabor that we struggle to get compenference…in the types of parts that seem sated for. These parts are not being catto fall into this category. And that’s a big egorized in the right manner and placed problem. We need to do a strong job of on the estimate in the right classifying those parts at our manner. This problem needs end and selling them transparto be fixed, and needs to be ently, as what they actually fixed quickly.” are.” Bill Eveland of Eveland The discussion in Seattle Bros. Collision Repair Cenmade it clear that it’s a topic ter agreed. the CIC Parts Committee will “The database times are be addressing at future meetKye Yeung predicated on a new, undaming. aged panel, a part that out of the box Need to Measure Every Vehicle can be scuffed and painted and put on Also at CIC in Seattle, California shop the car” he pointed out. “I’ve yet to get [an opt-OE part] that meets that owner Kye Yeung used slow-motion video of vehicle crash-testing to show qualification The insurance company how vehicle design is increasingly may win price-wise; we lose on our transferring the energy forces from a end. And it disrupts the workflow and crash over, around or under the occuincreases cycle time.” pant compartment of the vehicle. That One supplier of “opt-OE” parts at transfer can result in collision damage CIC agreed with Bailey and Eveland. at the opposite end of the vehicle from “If we’ve going to be advertising See alt-OE Parts Debate, Page 40
3M Kicks-Starts CREF Drive for Donations
3M began the Collision Repair Education Foundation’s (CREF) “summer drive” for product donations of tools, equipment, and supplies through a $1.1 million donation of color match film products to 300 collision schools programs. The CREF is seeking industry members’ support in providing in-kind donations to assist high school and college collision repair school instructors who face limited program budgets. These tax-deductible donations will be distributed to collision school programs at the beginning of their fall semester. “We know that collision program budgets can be limited, and it is important that our future technicians can learn using the latest technology available to better prepare them for entering the workplace” said Jim Falteisek, US sales & marketing director for 3M Automotive Aftermarket Division. Donations can be made by contacting Director of Development, Brandon Eckenrode at 847-4635244 or Brandon.Eckenrode@edfoundation.org.
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Please contact these dealers for your Honda or Acura Genuine parts needs. HO N DA IL L I NOI S
K ENTU CKY
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M-Thu 6:30-9; F 6:30-6; Sat 6:30-5 parts@rbhonda.com
M, W, Thu, F 7:30-6; Tu 7:30-7; Sat 9-1 dvice@roperauto.com
M-F 7-5 hondaparts@auto-plaza.com
Schaumburg Honda Automobiles S chau mb urg
847-884-8898 847-884-6632 M-F 6:30am-Midnight; Sat 8am-5pm k.kelley@rohrman.com
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Bommarito Honda H a z e lwoo d
800-731-8270 314-731-8270
M 7:30-8; Tue-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-4 Karl_messer@victoryplymouth.com
M-Sat 7-6 Lrowe@bommarito.net
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Zeigler Honda
Ed Napleton Honda
Mi sh awak a
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M-Thu 7-8; F 7-6; Sat 8-4 bobsmith@zagteam.com
IND I ANA
Bob Rohrman Honda Lafa yette
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Brookdale Honda
M 7:30-8; Tue-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-3 Brho.partsmgr@rohrman.com
Bosak Honda
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Roper Honda
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800-875-4190 636-928-4400 M-Sat 7-6 gethondaparts@napleton.com
Frank Fletcher Honda C o lu m bi a
573-818-3650
OHIO
Jay Honda Be d ford
800-509-9057 440-786-3363 M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-4 jayhondaparts@gmail.com
Mike Pruitt Honda Ak ro n
330-633-8197 330-633-6060 Tue, W, F 8-6; M, Thu 8-8; Sat 8-4 edally@mphonda.com
Waikem Honda M a ssi l l on
800-899-8900 763-331-6880
M-F 8-5; Sat 8-4 gropp@fletcherauto.com
800-225-0281 330-478-4435
M-Th 7-9; F 7-6; Sat 8-6 parts@lutherbrookdalehonda.com
Frank Leta Honda
M, Thu 7:30-8; Tue, W, F 7:30-5:30; Sat 8-4 jeffbunting@waikem.com
800-542-6725 219-922-3102
Buerkle Honda
888-680-6025 636-336-5003
M 8-5; Tue 8-8 W, Thu, F 8-5; Sat 8-4 davepropeck@bosakmail.com
Honda of Fishers
Hig hla nd S t . P aul
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800-592-9514 651-484-0975
M-F 7-6; Sat 7-5 hondaparts@frankleta.com
Russ Darrow Honda
M-Thu 8-9; F 8-6; Sat 8-4:30 hondaparts@buerkle.com
Honda of Tiffany Springs
888-318-1671 414-586-5401
800-806-6404 317-299-3723
Luther Hopkins Honda
800-875-3911 816-452-3221
M-F 7-6; Sat 7-4; Sun 8-4 hondaparts@russdarrow.com
M-F 8-6 honda-west@att.com
800-328-6016 952-908-8585
M-Thu 7-7; F-Sat 7-6 parts@hondaoftiffanysprings.com
Wilde Honda
F ish er s Ho pkin s
K a ns a s C it y
M i lwa u ke e
Wa u ke sh a
800-526-3209 262-542-9300
M-Thu 7-9; F 7-6; Sat 8-4 tim.lewis@hopkinshonda.com
M-F 7-9; Sat 8-4 wildehondaparts@gmail.com
ACU R A OH IO
IL LIN OIS
ILLINOIS
Columbia Acura
Arlington Acura in Palatine
Ci ncinn a ti
P ala t ine
800-654-3553 513-530-0698
800-991-8438 847-991-9005
M-F 8-5:30; Sat 8-12 columbiaparts@mail.com
M-W 7:30-7:30; Thu-F 7:30-5:30; Sat 8-3 aaip.partsmgr@rohrman.com
Ed Martin Acura
Continental Acura of Naperville
In di ana p oli s
C hic a go/ S ub ur bs
888-812-1269 317-706-1933
630-960-2175
IND I ANA
M 8-8; Tue-F 8-6; Sat 8-5 testridge@edmartin.com IL L I NOI S
Acura of Libertyville Lib er tyvi lle
847-680-7333 M-F 7:30-6; Sat 7:30-4 kmilz@acuralibertyville.com
M-F 7-5:30; Sat 8-4 bobw@conacura.com
McGrath Acura of Morton Grove Mo rt on G rove
847-470-2309 M-F 7-9; Sat 8-6 acparts@mcgrathag.com
W IS CO NSI N
Muller’s Woodfield Acura H o f f ma n E st a t e s
866-475-9280 M 7-5; Tue-F 7-6 Sat 8-3 mcavallini@woodfieldacura.com
Acura of Brookfield Br oo k fi e l d
800-383-3936 262-439-6029 M-Thu 7:30-6; F 7:30-5; Sat 8-4:30 patrick.murphy@zimbrick.com
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Buerkle Acura M in ne a po l is
800-717-3109 763-488-1122 M, F 7-5:30; Tu-Thu 7-7; Sat 7:30-4 acuraparts@buerkle.com
Luther Bloomington Acura B l oo mi n gt o n
800-451-5078 952-887-0600 M 6:30-6; Tue-F 6:30-9; Sat 8-4 parts@bloomingtonacura.com
www.autobodynews.com | JUNE 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 33
Lean Operations
Quality Control in 6 Easy Steps with David Luehr
David Luehr is the owner of Elite Body Shop Solutions, LLC, a collision business consulting firm based in Nashville, Tennessee. He is a 30 year veteran of the collision repair industry. David is an expert in Body Shop Operations and specializes in Lean, and Theory of Constraints methods. Email him at dluehr@msn.com
With increased pressure for improved done after a vehicle repair is complete quality from both the consumer and into ensure everything looks good before surance partners, systems must be put in giving the vehicle back to the customer. place to ensure awith higherJennifer quality stan-Driscoll-Chippendale The problem with this simplistic apdard. Complexity of the modern vehicle proach is that because the vehicle is alis radically different than it was even a ready assembled, it is impossible to few short years ago and new coninspect hidden repairs and it siderations for verifying becomes difficult to re-reproper electrical and mepair defects. A system chanical operations is that inspects repair critical. Both insurwith Erica Eversman quality during the ance partners and repair process is OEM Certificamuch more desirtion programs are also demanding able. that better quality control practices qual·i·ty con·trol are abided by. Insurnoun: quality control with ance company DRP in- Ed Attanasio 1. a system of mainspectors are quick to taining standards in man“write you up” for discrepanufactured products by testing cies on the estimates (work bid, not a sample of the output against the performed) and can have dramatic conspecification. sequences to your relationship of trust, and your placement on the referral list. Based on this definition of quality conI want to start out byEd helping redewith Attanasio trol there two things I want to point fine what quality control really means. out. First, in order to be successful To many, it is simply an inspection
The Legal View The Legal View
QUALITY CONTROL
Midwest Associations
National Associations
with any quality assurance program it is imperative that first everyone knows what the quality standard is. The shop must make the time to properly define what is expected as a quality standard if it is to be met. Is the repaired panel straight? Has corrosion protection been applied? What is our standard for finishing out filler work? 80 grit, 180 grit? Secondly, quality control is not only about the physical qualities of the repair, there are several other factors to meet if we are attempting to maintain the standards. For example, consider inspecting a vehicle for work bid, not performed (WBNP) at certain stages of repair. Check for parts and sublet status. Check also for diagnostic trouble codes at this stage. Addressing these considerations are quality control too. The 6 Steps: The 6 step program I am sharing with you is used by many of my Elite
clients and has proven to be highly effective.
Step 1. Vehicle Check-in Quality also involves discovering what happened during the accident, what damage is related to the loss and which is prior. Another part of quality involves finding out how to best to communicate with the customer during the repair process and even how you expect to get paid when it’s finished. At this stage you are building quality into the customer experience and gaining valuable information to build quality into the actual repairs. Step 2. Blueprint Building a blueprint is where you begin building the quality into the repair itself. Using the information obtained during the check-in process you build your repair plan and then you QC it! Everyone agrees that the blueprint largely dictates how well the repair job will travel through the workflow, so
Northwest Associations with Ed Attanasio
Web Window with Victoria Antonelli
Th The Carcoon A iiica W kk ti Features Features: ttture The C The Th Carcoon Ca C arcoon America arco A Amer Am Ame errica ca Workstation W Wor Workstation Wo ork kstttat kst ati tiion nF Fe F ea e eat atures: a tu es: tures: es:
• A massive 179 square feet of filtration area. • Two huge input filters (over 36sf ) clean the air going through the Workstation.
Arrest Filters (140+Events square feet) and two Activated • Four Paint Midwest Charcoal Filters ensure the air going back into the environment •
with is clean and EPAChasidy compliant.Rae Sisk
Different Diff fferent ffe erren nt Sizes Sizes Size S es Available—Including: Availab A Ava vaillabl ble—Incl ble IIncludin nclud din ng: g:
• 13’x11’—Parts, pieces and motorcycles. full size vehicle.News • 30’x14’—Any Midwest • 35’x16’x12’5” tall—As above but also Sprinter vans, small boats, with Ed Attanasio and smaller RVs.
• 60’x16’x12’5” tall—Full size RVs, boats, large trucks, etc. Lighting: LLighting: Ligh ghti ting g:
clear windows provide ample lighting. • Four large New Product Showcase • Additional stand lights can be placed outside the booth.
with Ed Attanasio
34 JUNE 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
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why not make sure it’s right? My favorite way to perform this is by loading the parts cart with the items I am checking off my printed estimate. If you have checked everything off your estimate and there are still items not loaded on the parts cart, what does that tell you? I feel it is also important to mention that with the complexity of today’s vehicles, it is important that most vehicles be scanned for diagnostic trouble codes at this stage even if a lamp is NOT present on the instrument panel.
Step 3. Prior to Paint Inspect vehicles prior to paint every time. Major expense is incurred by those that have to re-do something after it is already painted. These re-dos must be avoided at all costs. At the step 3 QC point, you will want to look at everything very carefully using a checklist. Again, you are not only inspecting for the physical quality of the repair but for the procedural quality too. This stage is where you make sure that everything on the estimate has been performed and everything performed is on the estimate. This stage is also a great place for the inspector to verify that all the parts needed for paint are on hand and the parts needed for reassembly will be
available in time.
Step 4. Prior to Assembly A quick inspection should always take place to inspect paint quality and color match prior to assembling the vehicle. Verify that everything on the estimate has been painted as planned. For example, ask was the radiator support repair fully painted like it was estimated, or did the painter just touch it up? This is usually a very quick inspection, but a very necessary one.
Step 5. Prior to detail After a vehicle is assembled and prior to getting the detailing done, it is important to take the vehicle on a test drive, re-check for diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and then perform a comprehensive quality control inspection using a checklist. A growing concern in the industry is the number of trouble codes being discovered after repair completion caused by trim panels and other components being removed while the vehicle is being driven from department to department. Many of these trouble codes do not trigger an indicator lamp on the dash and can only be discovered by using a scan tool. This is the QC step where you will want to also recheck all of the
electrical and mechanical components, panel fit and operation, fluid levels, and so on. Make sure that all promises made to the customer have been completed. Once everything checks out, it is time to get the car cleaned up.
Step 6. Final QC Final QC is usually performed by the person that was handling the customer file and will be going over the repairs with the customer during delivery. It is
simply a quick re-check using a checklist and verifying everything was done as promised and the car is cleaned properly and ready to go. Also some shops may consider file management, final bills, etc. as part of the final QC too. For a free copy of the QC inspection sheet used by Dave’s Elite shops, contact him at david.luehr@elitebodyshop solutions.com.
David Luehr Presents Twice at WIN Conference
by Chasidy Rae Sisk
David Luehr of Elite Body Shop Solutions took the stage to discuss “Mastering Implementation.” Performing at world class levels requires implementation skills which take leadership skills to the next level, but it all begins by changing how you think about leadership. Quoting Zig Ziglar, Luehr told attendees, “Anything worth doing is worth doing poorly until you learn how to do it well.” Luehr identified three things he’s learning the hard way: the use of authority is not a reliable way to influence lasting change, manipulation is different than influence, and using fear as a motivator does not work long-term. Before making a decision, Luehr encour-
aged the audience to ask if it is worth it and if they are able to do it. He then identified three key steps to success. The first step is to determine what needs to be achieved and how to measure it, and Luehr warned, “If you don’t measure it, you can’t improve it.” Next, it is necessary to find vital behaviors which are high leverage acts that happen at crucial moments and have a big impact on the desired result. In covering the final step, determining how to motivate and enable change, Luehr identified six sources of influence: personal motivation, personal ability, social motivation, social ability, structural motivation, and structural ability. Luehr said, “People want the same outcome but sometimes disSee Luehr at WIN, Page 54
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Historical Snapshot
—John Yoswick is a freelance writer based in Portland, Oregon, who has a body shop in the family and has been writing about the automotive industry since 1988. He is the editor of the weekly CRASH Network (for a free 4-week trial subscription, visit www.CrashNetwork.com). Contact him by email at jyoswick@SpiritOne.com.
Northern NACE, Risley Hired by SCRS, Collapse of M2, Insurance Advertising with John Yoswick
“After an exhaustive, national 20 years ago in the collision repair insearch, the board of directors has chodustry (June 1996) The Automotive with ServiceChasidy Association Dan Risley,” SCRS Chairman Raesen Sisk (ASA) is calling its first but contro- Don Keenan said. “The sheer volume versial Northern Autobody Congress and caliber of the applicants necessiand Exposition a success. The event, dubbed “NACE Jr.” in the industry trade press, was held in Chicago and drew about 6,380 attendees—a reChasidy Rae Sisk spectable-sized with showing, although fewer than the 8,000 attendees organizers had predicted. Like the annual ASA-sponsored International Autobody Congress and Exposition (NACE), the Northern Autobody show combined technical and withsessions, Chasidy Rae Sisk management training motivational speakers and social events In 2001, Dan Risley became the executive with a large trade show. The new director of the Society of Collision Repair show was designed to attract those in Specialists, only the second person to hold the post since the association was founded in the north central region of the country 1982. Risley later went to a job with Allstate who may be less likely to travel to the Insurance, and in 2013 became the executive southern locations at which NACE is with Chasidy Rae director Sisk of the Automotive Service Association held. While many of the speakers and tated the almost 2-year search for the classes during the show had low at- right person. The board and I believe tendance, nearly all the shop owners we have found the right person to coninterviewed at the event had positive tinue the legacy of SCRS as the leadChasidy Raeing Sisk comments about with the 522-booth trade collision repairers’ association.” show itself. “It is an opportunity that I longed ASA sources say dates and plans for,” Risley said. “I am very passionate for a 1997 Northern Autobody show about the industry, and look to build have not been finalized. upon that which John Loftus dedicated – As reported in Autobody News. 18 years.” The Chicago show was Chasidy controversial – As reported in Autobody News. with Rae Sisk for ASA because some vendors didn’t Risley worked for SCRS until 2008, like the idea of having two major trade when he left to accept a position with shows a year, and because even some Allstate Insurance, saying that deciASA state associations felt left out of sion was not an easy one but “would the decision to hold the event, which be best for him and his family.” Five some of the groups felt could impinge years later, he was back representing with Chasidy Rae Sisk on their own regional trade shows. the industry, becoming executive diWhile the number of trade show ex- rector the Automotive Service Associhibitors and the announced attendance ation in 2013. at the event were larger than NACE itself is is today, it paled in comparison 10 years ago in the collision repair into the size of NACE in those days, and dustry (June 2006) with Chasidy Rae“ISisk that combined with negative feedback think the insurance companies at from some vendors and state affiliate this point are realizing there’s some groups led ASA to shelve the idea of real ills to having all their eggs in one “Northern NACE.” basket,” March said. “They don’t want to be in that position again. So I think least for now they are looking at any 15 years ago in the collision repair inwith Chasidy RaeatSisk larger players real skeptically and dustry (June 2001) The Society of Collision Repair Spe- making sure they have some back-up cialists has hired Dan Risley of Oak positions.” Lawn, IL, as its new executive direc– California shop owner Dave tor. March, speaking about a year after he
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took back over the 50,000-square-foot shop he had previously sold to M2, an MSO that collapsed suddenly in the spring of 2005, locking the doors of its 27 shops and leaving a trail of creditors, vehicle-owners and insurers hanging. March continues to own and operate his shop. He’s also developed multiple models of the Watercar, billed as the world’s fastest amphibious vehicle (www.watercar.com).
5 years ago in the collision repair industry (June 2011) One reason motorists shopped and switched auto insurers more aggressively in 2010 may be that auto insurance advertising soared 22.6 percent to a record-high $5 billion last year, according to analysis by Dowling and Partners Securities. That reversed a 4.2 percent decline in advertising in 2009. Prior to 2009, the industry had increased advertising spending for seven straight years. In the past decade, in-
surance industry advertising—the vast majority of which focuses on auto insurance—has grown 211 percent from $1.6 billion in 2001. The biggest jump in advertising last year was by Farmers Insurance, which spent $505 million, up 125 percent from the previous year. – As reported in CRASH Network (www.CrashNetwork.com), June 6, 2011. The growth in insurer advertising didn’t end in 2011; it reached a record-high of $6.4 billion in 2014, up 28 percent from the 2010 total.
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Ed Attanasio is an automotive journalist based in San Francisco, California. He can be reached at era39@aol.com.
New CAA State President Ted Stein Discusses Industry and its Future with Ed Attanasio
Ted Stein, 52, has been an officer for industry in California and nationwide. the California Autobody Association (CAA) for many years, and for 2016What are some of the obstacles with EdState Attanasio 17, he is the organization’s Presthat body shops are encounterident for the second time. Stein is the ing now? Fixed Operations Director at Penske So the struggles today are the same as they were 20 years ago. Getting paid for everything you need to do in order to return these cars to with Chasidy Rae their Siskpre-accident physical condition is still the main issue. Today’s cars are so sophisticated and training is ongoing and continuous if you want to stay upto-date. The expenses keep going up and yet our rates are the same after twenty years, so we’re being held back with Janet Chaney that way when all we want to do is a The new State President for CAA Ted Stein good job. People say there are not (left) is pictured here with Alan Mulally, the enough trained technicians, but I don’t former CEO of Ford Motor Co. believe there is a shortage. I think there Ford in La Mesa, CA and has a total is an over abundance of repairers. of 38 years in the industry. Autobody There’s too much capacity, so if 30 News sat down recently with Stein to percent of the shops in the country discuss the state with of the collision Davidrepair Luehr closed tomorrow, we’d have an ample
supply of available technicians.
Q:
So have you had any problems Q: with anybody trying to take your employees?
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n’t going to hear of it. It’s not the same business it was when I got into it. His argument was that I’ve had a great life and it provided well for all of us. And then I told him that’s why you’re going to college and you better stick with it.
Somebody once said that the A: What do you think about the reason body men have wheels Q: “Rush to Aluminum” that has on their tool boxes is because they been a big deal for the past 2-3 years jump ship so much, but we’ve been
blessed with a lot of longevity. We haven’t had that problem. I’m told it seems like if you have one slow pay period, technicians are looking to move on. It’s tough and other shops often tell me that the loyalty just isn’t there. That’s one of the strange things about this dealership, we’ve had so many employees with 25-30 years of service here and everybody that comes to visit says that’s just unheard of. You can take care of your people and weather the storms and sometimes it’s not all about the paycheck. My son wanted to go into body and paint and I just was-
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while shops gear up for these new vehicles?
There’s a race to make the car A: stronger and lighter. And if there’s somebody with that technology
that can bring it to an auto manufacturer – that’s your next billionaire. That race continues. What the auto manufacturers are spending to save ounces on a vehicle and still make it safe – it’s jaw dropping. So I think you’ll continue to see material changes, and I believe many of them haven’t even been invented yet.
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Do you think self-driving cars Q: will hurt the collision repair industry?
A:
I have to admit that I’m a little nervous about these autonomous vehicles. A friend of mine, George Avery from State Farm, said that in a world where it’s all autonomous vehicles – do they still need me and you? And it was a great question because these vehicles don’t get into accidents. So, I told him that there will always be shopping carts that run into cars and trees and hailstorms that fall on vehicles. There will always be body shops, but not as many once self-drivers become prevalent.
Q:
What would you tell somebody considering entering this industry now – either as an owner, technician or estimator?
active participant in their facility and work on the business as much as they work in the business. For someone entering the industry as a tech or estimator, I think it’s a great business. It has its ups and downs—it’s a retail business and there are all those challenges in the retail world but there’s always somebody coming up with a niche. The cars are safer today and they just don’t wreck as frequently. There’s crash avoidance technology like crazy and it’s only going to increase at a high rate. And I see consolidation, but I actually believe that it’s going to peak at some point. I don’t think that’s a viable book of business for any insurer to have all their eggs in two or three consolidators’ baskets. That’s just my personal opinion.
Q:
volume because he can’t get the volume otherwise. In many ways, it feels like a race to the bottom. It simply cost more to repair today’s vehicles compared to yesterdays’. But there are some insurers that are more concerned with CSI and quality repairs and retention – right? Retain that insured so he renews his policy. Now of course they all have to be cognizant of claim costs – right? But I think at some point retention becomes more important than claim cost.
What would you say to shops Q: that are thinking of getting involved in the CAA?
Well, you wouldn’t be a docA: tor and not be a member of the AMA, right? I don’t know if
Vehicle Repair Installment Plans For Sales Growth
Collision Financial Services, a company that specializes in creating flexible installment vehicle repair payment plans, announced that its clients are finding additional sales by using, “InHouse Loans.” Collision Financial Services said that smart companies realize that being payment-flexible can lead to major sales growth. “In-House Loan implies ‘special’ to the customer and could be a benefit when CSI surveying is done. Who does not appreciate special treatment? Can you say ‘referral customers,’” said Jeff Steigerwald, Collision Financial Services chief financial manager. He said within many collision repair businesses, a rule of 75/25 applies. This means 75% of a shop’s customers arrive from insurance contacts shops commonly work with. The other 25% are from small and unfamiliar insurance companies or customer pay opportunities. These often will provide the smaller portion of a shop’s sales volume. The company said a willingness to offer flexible vehicle repair installment plans can often be key to bringing these customers on board. Visit www.collision financialservices.com or email info@ collisionfinancialservices.com.
that’s willing to do it for less to get the
people understand the value that the CAA brings to their facility. This is my second time as State President, because I believe that this industry can exist where shops can be profitable. There’s a triangle here (insurers, vendors and repairers) and I believe we can achieve a triple win and everyone can succeed. Some folks tell me I’m crazy, but I believe it can happen.
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A:
To someone who wants to own a shop, I would tell them that there is still opportunity for the standalone collision repairer to make it and be successful, but they’re going to have to know their numbers. I would strongly urge them to be involved in a trade association. They need to be an
People say that prior to 1990 was the Golden Age of collision repair, but now many shops say they’re chronically underpaid by the insurance companies. Do you agree with that? Yes, that’s the case because it’s A: back to the capacity issue. There’s always the guy down the street
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Shop Strategies CO Shop Manager Shares Thoughts on Aluminum Repair, OEM Certifications & DRPs with Stacey Phillips - ASSISTANT EDITOR
Autobody News spoke to Jeffery Phil Long dealerships throughout ColThompson, the production manager at orado and New Mexico.) Phil Long Collision Center in Colorado Phillips - ASSISTANT EDITORhave you been certiSprings, CO. Hewith sharedStacey his thoughts How long about aluminum repair, OEM certificafied by Mercedes and Audi, what did it entail and what is the benefit to your shop?
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Q:
hicle to the customer quicker, thus reducing cycle time and creating a happier customer in what is a very trying time to some people. It returns the
We have been certified for sevA: eral years by Mercedes Benz and Audi in the repair of these vehi-
The front of the Phil Long Collision Center building in Colorado Springs, CO
tions and being part of a DRP. Established in 1945, the dealership shop has 37 employees. Although they repair all makes and models of domestic/imported cars, trucks, vans and SUVs, Phil Long primarily focuses on Mercedes Benz, Audi and Ford aluminum trucks.
cles. We were certified through our dealer partners and through Mercedes Benz USA and Audi. In 2014, when Ford introduced the Aluminum F-150s we knew that we needed to be onboard and took the opportunity to get the necessary training to allow us to be the only certified Ford aluminum repair shop in the area. The process of being certified ensures that you follow the manufacturers’ tolerances and specific equipment that is needed in order to make the proper repair.
What prompted the decision to Q: get certified in Ford aluminum What are some of the advantages you have found being a repair and what did it entail? Q: DRP shop as well as some of the issues We are aligned through a net- you deal with? A: work of dealerships, both new As a DRP for our insurance and used vehicles. Two of these locaA: partners, you have the ability tions are Ford dealers, and who better and the trust to move forward with the to repair your vehicle than the techni-
cians who are trained by the factory in proper procedures. It also really helps to service what you sell. (There are 13
repair without needing to wait for an adjuster to arrive to look at the vehicle. This allows you to return the ve-
Continued from Page 30
load path for the crash forces.” “These extra parts, added to protect the occupants from a small offset collision, can result in the vehicle moving in a different direction than expected,” the I-CAR document states. “A collision in the front left, for example, may result in unexpected damage to the right rear. This makes it even more important to do three-dimensional measuring on every collision scenario.” 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.
alt-OE Parts Debate
where it was hit. “Estimators have a tendency just to look at the point of impact, and not follow that load path of energy that continues along the vehicle,” Yeung said. “You basically need to check the whole vehicle.” Yeung said insurers need to understand this requires additional labor. He shared a page from I-CAR’s new “Vehicle Technology and Trends 2016” course that addresses this topic. It explains that the automakers, for example, are adding new structures to engage the barrier in small overlap crash-testing, “creating an additional
40 JUNE 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
A view of the waiting area for Phil Long Collision Center
customer to a sense of normalcy. Another benefit of being a DRP is a marketing relationship. The insurance partners help market your business in order to satisfy theirs.
What are some of the compoQ: nents of your shop that contribute to its success?
By having certified and knowlA: edgeable technicians, you can achieve the ultimate goal of providing
world-class service for the customer, your insurance partners and the dealer networks. We strive to ensure that each customer is happy to the best of our ability, whether that is from the waiting room in the office to the guys that wash up a vehicle to return to the customer. We want them to be pleased with our service.
From your experience over the Q: years, what advice can you share with readers? Listen to your technicians, for A: they are the ones who work on the vehicles on a daily basis and know the brands inside and out. This is how you provide world-class service. Jeffery Thompson, production manager at Phil Long Collision Center, can be reached at 719-667-2900.
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OSHA’s Final Rule to ‘Nudge’ Employers to Prevent Workplace Injuries, Illnesses The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a final rule in May to modernize injury data collection to better inform workers, employers, the public and OSHA about workplace hazards. With this new rule, OSHA is applying the insights of behavioral economics to improve workplace safety and prevent injuries and illnesses. OSHA requires many employers to keep a record* of injuries and illnesses to help these employers and their employees identify hazards, fix problems and prevent additional injuries and illnesses. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports more than three million workers suffer a workplace injury or illness every year. Currently, little or no information about worker injuries and illnesses at individual employers is made public or available to OSHA. Under the new rule, employers in high-hazard industries will send OSHA injury and illness data that the employers are already required to collect, for posting on the agency’s website. Just as public disclosure of their kitchens’ sanitary conditions encourages restaurant owners to improve food safety, OSHA expects that public disclosure of work injury data will en-
courage employers to increase their efforts to prevent work-related injuries and illnesses. “Since high injury rates are a sign of poor management, no employer wants to be seen publicly as operating a dangerous workplace,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels. “Our new reporting requirements will ‘nudge’ employers to prevent worker
competing to hire the best workers will make injury prevention a higher priority. Access to these data will also enable employers to benchmark their safety and health performance against industry leaders, to improve their own safety programs. To ensure that the injury data on OSHA logs are accurate and complete, the final rule also promotes an employee’s right to report injuries and ill-
injuries and illnesses to demonstrate to investors, job seekers, customers and the public that they operate safe and well-managed facilities. Access to injury data will also help OSHA better target our compliance assistance and enforcement resources at establishments where workers are at greatest risk, and enable ‘big data’ researchers to apply their skills to making workplaces safer.” The availability of these data will enable prospective employees to identify workplaces where their risk of injury is lowest; as a result, employers
nesses without fear of retaliation, and clarifies that an employer must have a reasonable procedure for reporting work-related injuries that does not discourage employees from reporting. This aspect of the rule targets employer programs and policies that, while nominally promoting safety, have the effect of discouraging workers from reporting injuries and, in turn leading to incomplete or inaccurate records of workplace hazards. Using data collected under the new rule, OSHA will create the largest publicly-available data set on work injuries
“Since high injury rates are a sign of poor management, no employer wants to be seen publicly as operating a dangerous workplace” — Dr. David Michaels
and illnesses, enabling researchers to better study injury causation, identify new workplace safety hazards before they become widespread and evaluate the effectiveness of injury and illness prevention activities. OSHA will remove all personally identifiable information associated with the data before it is publicly accessible. Under the new rule, all establishments with 250 or more employees in industries covered by the record-keeping regulation must electronically submit to OSHA injury and illness information from OSHA Forms 300, 300A, and 301. Establishments with 20249 employees in certain industries must electronically submit information from OSHA Form 300A only. The new requirements take effect Aug. 10, 2016, with phased-in data submissions beginning in 2017. These requirements do not add to or change an employer’s obligation to complete and retain injury and illness records under the Recording and Reporting Occupational Injuries and Illnesses regulation. The final rule is available on Federal Register at: https://s3.amazonaws .com/public-inspection.federalregister .gov/2016-10443.pdf For more information, visit www .osha.gov.
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Young Consumers Much More Trusting in Automotive Technology, Driverless Vehicles
Trust in automation technology is very much age dependent, as younger consumers have a notably higher level of confidence in the technology than their older counterparts, according to the J.D. Power 2016 U.S. Tech Choice Study, released in April. Trust in automation technology is a critical step toward the future of automated vehicles. The study finds that customers are most interested in a number of automotive technology features that make use of the underpinnings of fully automated vehicles, such as radar, sensors, light detection and ranging (LIDAR) and cameras. Features with high consumer interest include smart headlights, night vision, lane change assist, traffic jam assist, medical emergency stop, smart intersection and predictive vehicle control. However, when it comes to making the leap to fully automated cars, trust in the technology is directly linked to the age of the consumer. More than half of Gen Y (56%) and Gen Z (55%) vehicle owners say they trust self-driving technology, compared with 41% of Gen X, 23% of Baby Boomers and 18% of Pre-Boomers. Further, only 27% of Gen X, 18% of Gen Y and 11% of Gen Z consumers say they “defi-
nitely would not” trust the technology, while 39% of Baby Boomers and 40% of Pre-Boomers say the same. The one view all generations share is a concern for technology security, specifically surrounding privacy and the potential for systems to be hacked, hijacked or to crash (either the vehicle or the system itself). “The level of trust is directly linked to the level of interest in a new technology among automobile buyers,” said Kristin Kolodge, executive director of driver interaction & HMI research at J.D. Power. “Acceptance can be increased with exposure over time and experience with automated technologies. But trust is fragile and can be broken if there is an excessive number of incidents with automated vehicles.” Gen Y and Gen Z vehicle owners are twice as likely as Gen X and five times as likely as Boomers and PreBoomers to show interest in certain alternative mobility types, such as mobility sharing/co-ownership, journey-based ownership and mobility on demand. For more information about the J.D. Power 2016 U.S. Tech Choice Study,SM visit www.jdpower.com/resource/us-tech-choice-study
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House of Kolor by Valspar announced the spring launch of eight new products, including four limited-edition colors that debuted at SEMA Show 2015 in Las Vegas. The limited-edition colors — Black Forest, Blue By-You, Blood Orange and Righteous Rojo — are available as a factory pack for a limited time. They are also available to be mixed in the Shimrin2 Intermix System.
The Spring Launch includes factory pack colors, clears and sprayable primer
“What’s fun about these colors is that you can easily get the look and depth of a kandy with the ease of applying a basecoat clearcoat,” said Jon Kosmoski, founder of House of Kolor. “These four uniquely crafted limited edition colors will provide you with the look of a custom color in no time.” House of Kolor has also released a new urethane flat clear (FC21.001), a low-VOC, flat finish clearcoat that
can be used over all solvent-based basecoats. The clear sprays easily, dries quickly and is mixed with the new KUF21.HP1 catalyst. The new Urethane Rocket Klear. (URC01.Q01) is ideal for those small pieces that need to look show ready in quick time. URC01 does not require any flash time between coats. House of Kolor introduces a new sprayable primer (SP1600.G01), a premium, low-VOC, high-build polyester primer surfacer that provides excellent adhesion to fiberglass and primed surfaces such as aluminum and steel. “From the trend-setting limitededition kolors to the incredible clears, these products have something for everyone,” said Gina Mahan, House of Kolor brand manager. “We take pride in offering products to better serve our customers through advancements in color and technology, and the products in the spring 2016 launch are no exception.” The products are available immediately and comply with the U.S. National Volatile Organic Compound Emission Standard for Automobile Refinish Coatings. For more information or to order, please contact your House of Kolor representative, or customer service at 1-800-4442399.
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Body Shops Giving Back
Stacey Phillips is the assistant editor at Autobody News magazine. She has more than 20 years of experience writing for a variety of publications. She can be reached at sphillips@autobodynews.com.
Florida Body Shops Help Make Box Car Racing a Reality for Special Needs Children with Stacey Phillips - ASSISTANT EDITOR
Imagine a child not being able to participate in a sport because of a disability. John Bomm from Sunshine State Superkids has taken on the mission to change that by giving special needs children the opportunity to experience box car racing. He called on the support of local body shops in Florida to help turn this dream into a reality. Hepler’s Auto Body in Kissimmee, Shamrock Auto Body Collision Pros in St. Cloud, Francisco’s Custom Body Shop in Lakeland and Orange Buick GMC in Orlando offered to paint box cars for upcoming races in the Sunshine state. Bomm said that he and his family have participated in box car racing for years and wanted to share their love of the sport. In March of 2015, they took part in a race for special-needs children in Florida. After watching how much the children enjoyed the experience, Bomm said he decided to dedicate his time to plan these types of races. This led to the formation of Sunshine State Superkids in 2015, which is a nonprofit organization dedicated to host-
John Bomm from Sunshine State Superkids said the first race is planned for September 24 in Orlando
ing free box car races. Although Bomm said there have been some delays getting started, he is still working hard to get the project off the ground. The first race is currently schedule for September 24 in Orlando, Florida. Other races are planned for October 15 in Winter Garden, November 19 in St. Cloud, and December 10 in Plant City. All funding comes from sponsorships and donations and Bomm, as the race director, is currently reaching out to local businesses for support. Artios Cabinetry Company built
four of the wooden cars that will be the cars in the likeness of Batman, Capways been an important goal of the used in the races. Constructed without tain America, Hulk and Iron Man. family-run business. an engine, Bomm said it’s “Ever since I came in here, this like drag racing downhill. town has been very good to me. My big The cars are specifithing was always to give back,” said cally built for special-needs Reilly. “I always set aside x amount of children. They have two dollars per year to make sure I could seats—one for a child driver give back to the community. I work on (10-18 years old) and the that very hard.” other for a special needs Francisco’s Custom Body Shop in passenger (7-18 years old). Lakeland was involved in prepping and Helmets are provided for custom-painting three cars, which took participants and safety harabout three weeks. nesses are inside all of the “To me, it’s very important to supcars. port the community that has faithfully The first four cars supported me and helped my business were painted by East Ridge grow to what it is today,” said Steve High School’s body shop Francisco, owner of Francisco’s Cusclass. tom Body Shop. Bomm then reached The small family-run business out to Bobby Hepler, owner Shamrock Auto Body Collision Pros in St. Cloud painted four of was established in 1988 and has grown to include 13 full-time emof Hepler’s Auto Body, to the race cars paint one of the wooden cars. It was ployees, many of whom have worked Reilly purchased the collision rebrought in without wheels or a steering pair business 16 years ago. Showing there more than 10 years. “We were wheel. Hepler said it took about 20 support of the local community has alSee Box Car Racing, Page 47 hours to sand the car, seal it and paint it. He worked with two other employees in his shop after-hours and on weekends to complete the job. “We do a lot of things here for charity as far as painting different things,” said Hepler, who has owned his shop for 10 years. “I enjoy the opportunity to do that.” When asked what it takes to be successful in a small town, he responded, “Do good quality work, reputation, and say what you do, do what you say.” He also stressed the importance of helping the local community and giving back, especially during tough times. Mention this ad “When the economy hit like it did, we Local: 608.884.4436 and receive all have to be in it together,” said HepFax: 608.884.8215 ler. In addition to supporting local m morrisons@morrisonsauto.com your next churches and single moms, Hepler is purchase! president of the rotary club. “We just try to help out as much as we can to www.morrisonsauto.com om give back. That helps also with your 6307 W. State Rd. 59 • Edgerton, WI 53534 reputation in the community.” About 10 miles away, another body shop offered to lend a hand. Shamrock Morrison’s Auto Parts is serious about delivering Auto Body Collision Pros in St. Cloud, Florida painted four of the race cars. It took four of his 22 employees about two and our 11 Salespeople to help you get it! weeks to get the job done. Owner Mike Reilly Sr. said his team decided to paint
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Media and Publicity for Shops Indoor Advertising Engages Consumers in Prime Locations with Ed Attanasio
Ed Attanasio is an automotive journalist based in San Francisco, California. He can be reached at era39@aol.com.
Body shops are always looking for a ward, or completely opt out. For examfor body shops all over the country. Albetter and affordable way to keep their ple, DVR systems make it easy for peothough he has carefully been watching name in front of their customers. ple to avoid TV commercials, and many the evolution of indoor advertising, he Since purchasing do. I- have quite a few friends who will still believes that old school TV broadwithcollision Staceyrepair Phillips ASSISTANT EDITOR is rarely an impulsive decision, shops wait 10 minutes after their favorite cast is king. should focus more on branding and less on conventional forms of adver“A body shop’s image should be based on things like tising. Indoor advertising is widely transparency and accountability, just like with a bank, recognized as an extremely targeted a hospital or an insurance company.” — Jeff Siegel medium. It reaches a captive audience while people engage in social settings with Stacey Phillips - ASSISTANT EDITOR at high traffic locations, such as restaushow starts so that they can watch it un“When it comes down to adverrants, bathrooms, night clubs, sports interrupted and commercial-free. tising, it’s all about aggregation—how bars, arenas and other venues. Indoor By utilizing new advances and many people you can reach with the advertising reaches consumers from an implementation of digital technology, media you’re using,” Jessen said. uncluttered eye-level vantage point, indoor advertising continues to en“With TV, we know that we reach making it literally unavoidable. gage its audience. The stats support its a large number of consumers with Traditional forms of advertising, effectiveness: 84 percent recalled see- each 30-second commercial. But, with such as television commercials, magaing specific advertisements in the rest- indoor advertising, the numbers are zine ads, and Internet pop ups have berooms and movie theaters and 92 tough to accurately gauge, so smaller come less effective for smaller, local percent were able to name specific ad- companies might be less attracted to businesses. With so much advertising vertisers without prompting. it.” jammed into our brains every waking Chuck Jessen, the owner of PreNow that indoor advertising is in minute, more and more consumers have Fab Ads in San Francisco, CA propublic bathrooms, movie theaters, airchosen to mute, click away, fast-forduces award-winning TV commercials ports, sports stadiums and other places
Shop Strategies
Body Shops Giving Back
where people regularly visit and interact, what does the future of indoor advertising hold? “There is probably no limit, so will we likely be seeing more indoor advertising--anywhere and everywhere? I would say yes, definitely. Indoor advertising reminds me of the movie Blade Runner, where ads were displayed on the sides of buildings and literally in the air.” Jeff Siegel is a 40-year-old veteran of the Silicon Valley advertising game and is known as one of the original Mad Men-types. As a former radio rep who worked for more than a dozen stations during his illustrious career, Siegel has seen the rapid evolution of indoor advertising firsthand. “As a broadcast veteran, I still believe in the power of radio and TV,” Siegel said. “But, the vibe out there about indoor advertising is very positive. I tell my people that if you use some movie screen advertising, and possibly some mall kiosk advertising in
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conjunction with a broadcast schedule, your prospective customer’s attention the odds for a good response is high. I while they’re physically idle, yet mennever want anyone to ever put all of tally engaged your without interruptions Promote business withor their eggs in one basket and that’s why distractions. So, your message has to an exclusive article featuring all of my clients do a mix of different be short, and engaging while enyourdirect products or services. things.” tertaining people as well. The source for timely How is advertising for body In addition, indoor advertising is information that every re- well-known for getting the viewer’s shops different than conventional shop needs! tail body advertising? undivided attention for an extended “Body shops cannot do sales or period of time. Since people are seeCall for details! CALL 800-699-8251 promotions, so in the end their ads ing your message in a location where have to focus on branding and name they aren’t typically bombarded by 800-699-8251 recognition,” Seigel explained. “A advertising, indoor advertising statisMail Subscription body shop’s image should be based tics show that consumers will reon things like transparency and ac- member yours longer. It also offers a countability, just like with a bank, a wider range of targeting opportunihospital or an insurance company.” ties, based on specific demographics The statistics about indoor adversuch as gender, income, lifestyle and tising are compelling and that’s why age. As a result, you can spend less of Register Youryour Email for Our more and more businesses are jumping advertising dollar and still reach into the fray. First, it’s in your face, bea much higher percentage of your decause indoor ads are normally strategisired target market. cally placedwww.autobodynews.com where they’re virtually So, when you’re looking at difimpossible to ignore. Even then, you ferent forms of marketing, why not only have roughly 1-4 full minutes of choose indoor?
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Box Car Racing
very interested in this project as many of us enjoyed soap box derbys in our youth and wanted the disabled children to experience the same enjoyment we had,” said Francisco. “We also like supporting youth sports, 4H and pageants. We enjoy encouraging and supporting the youth in our community.” Bomm’s ultimate goal is to hold eight racing throughout the year during the cooler months. He would also like to add “old school-style racing” and allow kids to build cars out of materials found in their garages. He said few people can afford to go out and purchase a $1,000 car and a trailer to haul it, as well as pay for registration and travel fees. By holding these races, Bomm said it gives special-needs children the opportunity to experience first-hand what racing is all about. “Giving back is a big thing,” said Bomm. “Everything I do is for children.” For more information, contact John Bomm at: sunshinestatesuperkids @gmail.com.
GFS’s REVO Systems Included in Ford Program
Global Finishing Solutions (GFS) announced its inclusion in the Ford Rotunda Dealer Equipment Program with its REVO Accelerated Curing Systems. The REVO Systems, which use short wave electric infrared technology, can improve paint shop throughput up to 80 percent, according to a company press release. “Global Finishing Solutions is excited to work with the Ford Rotunda program to provide customers with products that can be game changers for the industry,” said Brandon Lowder, vice president of auto refinish sales at GFS. “With the REVO Systems, GFS is proud to be the sole provider of infrared curing equipment to the program.” Introduced in 2014, GFS’ REVO Accelerated Curing Systems leverage electric IR technology to significantly reduce curing times for both prep and paint phases of repairs. Available in multiple models ranging from a handheld unit to larger systems that integrate into paint booths and prep areas, the REVO Systems are designed to fit a variety of needs while working within a shop’s current footprint.
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Shop Strategies
Stacey Phillips is the assistant editor at Autobody News magazine. She has more than 20 years of experience writing for a variety of publications. She can be reached at sphillips@autobodynews.com.
CA Body Shop Owners Recognized for Achievements After Risking Everything with Stacey Phillips - ASSISTANT EDITOR
Q: Giving Back Body Shops
With only a toolbox and $800 to cover Can you tell us about the dream his first month’s rent, Francisco Mayto open JC Collision? oral opened JC Collision Center in Stacey Phillips - ASSISTANT EDITORup in a destroyed Bakersfield, CAwith in 2007. After many Growing years of hard work and dedication, his family and in a bad neighborhood, at the age of 18 I immigrated to body shop was named Family Owned Business of the Year as part of the the United States in search for a better future. I started working in a body 2016 Kern County Small Business shop cleaning the bathrooms, then I Success Awards. The award was presented on May 5 during National became a painter’s helper and later an Small Business Week. auto body technician. It was then when I knew what I wanted for my future—to one day have my own shop. I had a vision to help many children to reach their dreams. So I started working on my project by spending most of my paychecks buying all of the necessary tools to fix the cars. In 2007, I decided to take the risk and opened my own auto body shop. My wife was really scared because even though she had being a business- and financiallydriven woman, at this time the country was going through the worst economic time ever. But my vision and faith was stronger than anything else. (Francisco) I clearly remember his first customer. It was an insurance job of about Elizabeth and Franciso Mayoral, owners of JC Collision in Bakersfield, CA, received a $3,500. Suddenly, more cars started certificate of recognition in May coming. It was then when I decided to Francisco and his wife Elizabeth leave the real estate business and operate the body shop, which ex- joined him to help him make his panded last year into a 58,000-square- dream come true. Francisco wanted to foot facility that sits on a 2.5 acre lot show the community what he was able with the capacity to repair 100 vehi- to do, by offering “The Best Job at the cles. Autobody News reached out to Best Price.” A year later, we moved the Mayorals to find out more about into a better location with more traffic JC Collision (JC stands for Jesus and seven years later we opened our Christ) and what makes their business new and bigger facility. (Elizabeth) What do you tell your cusso successful. tomers about the importance of Congratulations on receiving supporting small, local businesses and the award. What was your rethe ability to choose the shop of their action when you found out you were choice? going to be honored and what does the What I love most about my job recognition mean to you and your is not just repairing the vehishop? cles, but educating our community We were shocked. My husband about their rights as consumers. I disand I couldn’t close our like the power insurance companies mouths. Then I noticed tears were have when they try to steer customers coming from Francisco, the founder. away from their shop of choice and Suddenly, we started calling our take it to their DRP shops. I clearly let friends and family. Hearing that news them know that by supporting small meant so much for us. After so much local businesses, they are helping a effort and sacrifice, we realized it was kid go to soccer camp and putting worth it. food on a family’s table, rather than
A:
Q: A:
helping a CEO buy a new Ferrari for his wife.
How have you built a successQ: ful business through reinvestment and not borrowing?
It hasn’t being easy, especially A: having no working capital or saving in a reserve account. Every
dime that we would generate has being reinvested back into the shop to buy equipment such as two frame ma-
chines, two spray booths and one welder machine as well as continuing to educate ourselves and our employees to help manage our shop more efficiently. For at least five years we showed no profit at the end of the year. I remember Fridays after paying everyone else, we’ll keep just enough to cover our household expenses. During all these years, we have learned to live under a budget, having the vision that one day we’ll have enough to take a nice vacation and to send our kids to college without having to ask for any government loan.
Is there anything else you Q: would like to add about your business or the industry in general?
The collision repair shop expanded last year and now has the capacity to repair 100 vehicles
I believe success is not a desA: tiny; it is a journey along with many challenges, but the key to sucSee Risking Everything, Page 55
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Power of the Past, Force of the Future: WIN's 2016 Educational Conference by Chasidy Rae Sisk
Excitement and positive energy filled the room as 188 attendees gathered at the Women Industry Network’s (WIN®) 2016 Educational Conference themed Power of the Past, Force of the Future. On the ten year anniversary of WIN’s inception, association members from around the country met in Tampa, FL to honor the
Petra Schroeder, Incoming WIN Chair welcomes members to the conference
past that has led to the present and learn how to best prepare for the challenges on the horizon. WIN’s 2016 Educational Conference was held on May 2-4 at the Hilton Tampa Downtown which contributed an air of elegance to the proceedings. During registration and orientation, attendees had a chance to get to know each other, and additional networking opportunities were offered between sessions throughout the conference. For new members, WIN offered a chance to attend a Member Orientation session, hosted by Michelle Sullivan, WIN’s 2016 Most Influential Woman (MIW) recipient, and Petra Schroeder, Incoming Chair of WIN, who encouraged members to get engaged by joining a committee. After introducing WIN’s 2016 scholarship winners, Sullivan encouraged the industry professionals to mentor young people. Marcy Tieger and Frederica Carter took the stage to go over the agenda and recognize WIN’s founders, past chairs, scholarship recipients, Board of Directors and sponsors. In between educational seminars, attendees also heard updates from WIN’s Committees. Throughout the conference, Tieger and Carter provided tidbits from WIN’s decade-long history, Carter noted the good energy present from WIN’s first meeting as women gathered without feeling the need to prove themselves in
a male-dominated industry. Tieger recalls WIN issuing the challenge for women to “be bold.” From the beginning, WIN strove “to make sure members felt invited, warm and safe,” Carter noted. Tieger encouraged attendees to reconnect and establish new relationships. The first presentation of the event was “Guess Who’s One of the Most Strategic Links in the Automobile Value Chain?” by Susan Lombardo, Senior Vice President of Acquisitions for Enterprise, who shared information on the rental car industry and her own career, and she noted that collision repair operators are a strategic link in the automotive value chain. To attendees hoping to be successful in their careers, Lombardo advised, “Don’t take things for granted, and always ask about opportunities. You are the driving force of the future.” In “Getting Personal with Social Media,” Kristen Felder, Owner and CEO of Collision Hub and Engage Target Media, addressed using social media in marketing campaigns. Today’s consumers are often less interested in the product than the people behind that product, so Felder provided advice on the best ways to use social media to advantage. She also cautioned attendees about the dangers inherent in social media posts, but her overall messages reiterated: “Companies don’t do business with companies; people do business with people.” Monday evening concluded with a Welcome Reception on the Hilton’s patio which allowed attendees to enjoy the beautiful weather, appetizers and beverages while engaging in the scheduled networking opportunity. Tuesday began early for the 116 WINners who joined the annual Schol-
Kathy Mello and Trish Serratore. From there, the panel of WIN founders explained that they strove to create a safe harbour for collision repair industry professionals from all facets and levels of the industry. Mello explained, “These were people who go through the same things as us every day—it makes us better personally and professionally.” When Caspersen asked the foun-ders about their proudest WIN moments, Kottschade said, “Being a part of this WIN’s founders met for a “Power of the Past” panel group has been one of the best discussion experiences in my life. People a positive outlook and being commitstep up where there’s a need, and there ted to excellence every single day, should be no fear to get involved. I’m Miller advised attendees to develop a proud to be a part of this organization.” “Gold Medal Mindset” which is simThe ladies continued to discuss ply an attitude of going out and wintheir efforts to plan WIN’s first Eduning the day, no matter what life throws cational Conference with an all-volunteer group as well as how belonging at you.” See related article this issue. After lunch on Tuesday, Chair to WIN has benefitted each of them. Denise Caspersen introduced WIN’s The founders praised the camaraderie of founders for the “Power of the Past” WIN members and stressed the imporpanel discussion. The founders in attance of strategic planning as the associtendance included Frederica Carter, ation grew before Caspersen introduced Marcy Tieger, Geralynn Kottschade, Incoming Chair Petra Schroeder and Jadress entitled “The Gold Medal Mindset” which was presented by Olympic Champion Shannon Miller. Reminiscing on her career as a gymnast, Miller recounted her successes as well as her failures. Emphasizing the importance of setting goals, maintaining
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clyn Byers from WIN’s Technology Task Force. After Schroeder explained WIN’s past initiatives, she noted their current initiatives are to grow WIN’s network and to build organizational capacity to better serve that growing network, which begins with a focus on technology which is an internal component of WIN’s Force of the Future goals as Byers attempts to make the association’s website easier to use and to increase WIN’s online presence. Next, Jennifer Solcz from and on behalf of AkzoNobel awarded WIN a Technology Initiative Founders Scholarship of $12,500. The afternoon ended with three breakout sessions. Colette Bruce of Team Safety presented a seminar on OSHA regulations and safety requirements. AMI’s Jeff Peevy led “The History and Evolution of Training in the Collision Repair Industry,” stressing that training focuses on specific tasks while education is more general knowledge. See related article this issue. Following the educational portion of Tuesday’s proceedings, WIN members gathered that evening for the MIW and Scholarship Awards Gala
where WIN’s 2016 scholarship recipients were recognized and WIN members honored Michelle Sullivan, WIN’s 2016 MIW honoree. During the General Session on Wednesday morning, Caspersen be-
tory about WIN’s early years with Tieger noting, “We’ve come a really long way, and we’re extremely proud of how far we’ve gotten.” Next, Karen Fierst, owner of KerenOr Consulting, presented “Lessons Learned on My Journey to and Through the Collision Repair Industry: Next Stop: China.” Fierst began with a personal biography, sharing information about her youth and her education. She advised attendees, “You need to have a vision, identify your core values, go for it, exude confidence, seek growth opportunities, find mentors, Throughout the conference, numerous networking opporstart networking, and evalutunities allowed members to make new friends ate. Have a vision to find stowed WIN’s Cornerstone Award your path.” upon Shelly Andrews and Katie Fierst identified how to approach Henwood. The award honors a Board each of these steps. She also explained of Directors member who exemplifies the importance of the four domains that extraordinary service, and Caspersen define an individual: self, home/family, also recognized new Board of Direc- community and work. She encouraged tors members Denise Kingstrom, everyone, “You have got to be yourself. April Lausch, Debbie Menz, and Somehow, you have to figure out how Jenny Anderson before discussing to operate in your own personal sphere the association’s recent accomplish- of comfort and according to your core ments and upcoming initiatives. values.” Event emcees provided some hisLaurie Altman from 3M then
presented “What’s Next? From the Eyes of an Industry Leader” which she began by sharing information about 3M’s vision and strategy as well as her own career. She discussed the rapid changes currently impacting the collision repair industry, such as MSOs, autonomous vehicles, OEM-certified parts, and a variety of other issues related to technology. Altman advised attendees to “make change your best friend, but stay true to what you believe. Don’t let others tell you what you can or should do—you’re probably capable of more than even you believe!” During the last educational session, Mark Claypool, President and CEO of Optima Automotive, presented “Lions and Tigers and Millennials... Oh My!” Claypool defined the millenials as those born after 1980, and he listed some of the stereotypes associated with this group of young adults. Claypool’s presentation focused on millennials as customers and the best ways to market to them. He outlined some of the challenges employers may experience with this generation who puts less focus on work and more on having a personal life. As a WIN founder, Claypool also See WIN Conference Page 54
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Most Decorated Olympic Gymnast Presents Keynote ‘Gold Medal Mindset’ at 2016 WIN Conference On the second day of WIN®’s 2016 Educational Conference in Tampa, Shannon Miller, Olympic Gymnastics Champion, delivered the event’s Keynote Address: “The Gold Medal Mindset.” Miller is the most decorated gymnast in American history, having won seven Olympic gold medals and been inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame twice. After beating cancer in 2011, Miller became a motivational speaker, and on May 3, she brought her brand of optimism and inspiration to WIN members who learned about her winning mindset. Reminiscing about her gymnastics career, Miller observed that it is easy to remember the good times, but it is just as important to recall the chal-
are today and where you want to be tomorrow. Very few successes just happen, and while dreams are necessary and fantastic, achieving them requires a specific plan involving SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-based) goals. Dreams serve as motivation, while goals establish the steps necessary to reach the dream. Miller stressed that goals being specific is imperative to define what needs to be accomplished. She said, “Wrap your mind around exactly what you want to achieve and then figure out what you need to do to make it happen. If you don’t take the steps to make your dream a reality, it’ll always be just a dream.” When Miller suffered a knee injury in 1992, she had to decide whether to give up or to fight, and she
lenges. “Remember those troubles because it is those mistakes, those obstacles, which have taught us how important it is to keep trying and to get back up when we do fall. I learned that I could not succeed if I wasn’t willing to do the work and able to believe in myself that I could reach my goals. We can’t give up every time we reach a rough patch, not if we went to truly succeed. I learned that I have to analyze my mistakes so I can learn from them and move forward.” During her Olympic career, Miller often heard that she was too young, too old, too short or too weak, but she believes in using the power of past lessons to become more knowledgeable as she forges into the future. She says, “If you listen to everyone else, you’ll never win. You have to possess the will to succeed against all odds.” These lessons, which help in all aspects of life, make up what Miller calls “The Gold Medal Mindset” which she describes as “an attitude of going out and winning the day, no matter what life throws at you. What you do today matters. You must remain positive and commit yourself to excellence.” Setting goals is critical for successfully achieving your dreams as it helps close the gap between where you
is glad she chose to fight. She worked hard at practice each day so she could enjoy the competition. “I just wanted to live in that moment; I didn’t know about the scores or the medals. When you’re prepared, you have to just go for it, enjoy the moment, and have some fun.” Miller is grateful to her team, including her parents, coaches, doctors, teachers and fellow athletes, who was there to rally her during the bad days; however, she also stressed the need to contribute to the team. “You need to rely on your team to achieve your dreams. Utilize the amazing resources around you. Find out how to make more of a difference and work together to achieve your dreams.” Admitting that she lost the concept of teamwork after retiring from gymnastics, Miller stated that she rediscovered its importance when she was diagnosed with cancer. At first, she was overwhelmed by the fear of the unknown and the loss of control, she established knowledge of the steps needed to recover after her surgery, allowing her to move from a victim mentality back to her competitive nature. Miller’s belief that she could defeat cancer faltered after her first week of chemo, but her team of doctors, nurses, family and friends rallied
by Chasidy Rae Sisk
If you think you can’t, you won’t; if you can’t even see yourself achieving your goals in your own mind, you never will. — Shannon Miller
52 JUNE 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
believing. If you think you can’t, you won’t; if you can’t even see yourself achieving your goals in your own mind, you never will. A negative attitude will prevent you from reaching your dreams, so you have to combat negative thoughts with positive ones, especially when you have a bad day.” Noting that a negative attitude will bring you down quicker than anything else, Miller finds power in seeing barriers as opportunities and focusing on solutions instead of problems. “Having a posiSeven-time Olympic Gold Champion Shannon Miller tive attitude is a choice you shared her secrets to “The Gold Medal Mindset.” have to make each day, and when you need it because that’s why though it can be a challenge, it makes they are there. This summer is the you an asset, helping you develop bettwentieth anniversary of my Olympic ter relationships and inspiring those wins and the five year anniversary of around you. Life is only as good as being cancer free. If I can help just you make it—choose to be positive!” one woman focus on her health, that Although Miller was not the means I’ve turned my experience with most talented gymnast, she believed cancer into something positive.” in hard work, always going above and According to Miller, “Many sucbeyond her coach’s requirements. cessful people rely on positive mental “Work ethic is an essential ingredient images to reach their goals. Seeing is See Most Decorated, Page 59 around. She says, “I was inspired by their positive attitude and wanted to learn from their example. Your team matters; don’t be afraid to ask for help
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www.autobodynews.com | JUNE 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 53
WIN© Honors 2016 Scholarship Recipients at Gala Awards Ceremony by Chasidy Rae Sisk
On Tuesday, May 3, during the 2016 Educational Conference, WIN members took a break from the informative sessions to honor the 2016 Most Influential Woman (MIW) honoree as well as this year’s scholarship win-
WIN presented their 2016 post-secondary scholarship recipients. (from left to right: Beverly Rook-Twibel, Krystyna Zak, Chelsea Bonds, Tristen Berlin, Jasmine Storey, Petra Schroeder; scholarship winner Nancy McInerney could not attend the conference)
ners. The MIW Reception was held outside and attendees were dressed to the nines as they sampled hors d’oeuvres while networking with their collision repair industry peers. Cheryl Boswell welcomed attendees and introduced Beverly RookTwibell and Petra Schroeder, co-Chairs Continued from Page 51
WIN Conference
praised WINners: “What you’ve accomplished in the last ten years is nothing short of miraculous, but there’s still a lot of work to be done. If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you; let’s see what your best can do over the next ten years for WIN, your business and the collision repair industry. You are the force of the future.” As the conference ended, Debbie Clark announced that WIN’s 2017 Educational Conference will be held on May 8-10, 2017 in Denver, CO. WIN’s 2016 Educational Conference sponsored included AkzoNobel, Axalta, BASF, DCR Systems, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, PPG, ASE Certified, 3M, Allstate, Caliber Collision, Insurance Auto Auctions, Service King, State Farm, Valspar Automotive, ABRA Auto Body and Glass, AudaExplore, CAPA, CARSTAR, CCC Information Services, Copart, FinishMaster, Fix Auto, GEICO, Gerber Collision & Glass, Hertz, MetLife, Mitchell International, OEM, The Romans Group, The Villacorta Law Firm PC, and Safelite Solutions.
of the Scholarship Committee. Recipients of the scholarships are required to possess a 3.0 GPA, provide school involvement, engage in community service, bring a recommendation from their instructor, and submit an essay describing their goals and reasons for joining the collision repair industry and to try to ensure that they plan to stay in the industry. In 2016, WIN awarded ten scholarships: five to high school students and five to post-secondary students. Winners of post-secondary scholarships were Nancy McInerney, Tristen Berlin, Chelsea Bonds, Jasmine Storey and Krystyna Zak. Each of the young women were introduced and their goals shared before their mentors were announced. Berlin plans to work in a body shop or be an adjuster, and RookTwibell will mentor her for next year. Storey plans to own a collision repair shop and will be mentored by Debbie Menz. Bonds hopes to work for Service King and will be mentored by Petra Schroeder. Zak, who wants to be a body technician or estimator, was assigned Michelle Sullivan as her men-
tor. Although McInerney could not be present, her goal is to paint cars for a living; Yen Hoang was assigned as her mentor. Speaking on behalf of the scholarship recipients, Zak admitted that they didn’t know what to expect before attending the Educational Con-
Cheryl Boswell welcomed attendees to the MIW and Scholarship Awards Gala.
ference, but they were all pleasantly surprised by how warm and welcoming WIN members treated them. “We’re used to being alone or among few women, and we are relieved to find a network of women in this industry. We are grateful for this experience and the scholarships which provide so many opportunities. We are all elated to be part of something as
Continued from Page 35
Luehr at WIN
agree on the steps to get there. If you keep score, it makes everything more interesting. The important thing to remember is you’ve always got to keep learning. The best way you can predict your future is to create it. You have the power to set your own destiny.” In his presentation titled “Dealing with Fear: A Secret to Success,” Luehr defined success as an affirmative answer to the following: Did I live? Did I love? Did I matter and make a difference in the world? He explained that everything an individual wants is on the other side of fear; each person needs to learn to get out of his or her own way. He stressed, “Fear is not a bad thing if you frame it right in your mind. Get comfortable being uncomfortable!” Luehr advised attendees to deal with fear with practicing awareness, visualizing the desired outcome, associating without a higher quality of people and embracing the opportunity to learn new things. He ended with “Quit letting your mind control you automatically. The more you do it, the less you’ll fear it!”
54 JUNE 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
great as WIN. Thank you for your time, energy, leadership and support.” Boswell introduced Trish Serratore, one of WIN’s founding members and a 2000 MIW Honoree, who emphasized the importance of being involved with local schools and the future generation. Looking at the term “Most Influential Woman,” she noted that each word is significant and represents someone truly incredible “whose actions and leadership provide a strong influence.” Since the inception of the MIW Award by AkzoNobel, the program has honored 88 women in celebration of their leadership, mentorship and inspiration. Serratore believes, “It is essential for women in our industry to support other women. We can change the world by speaking out.” Serratore went on to recognize all women who contribute to the success of the collision repair industry, stating that making a difference, staying true to their values, and using their actions to create a positive influence makes each one of them “most influential.” She then introduced MIW Awardee Michelle Sullivan. See story this issue.
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Risking Everything
ceed is having faith in God, and truly believe in what your vision is. Stay focused on your goals because during the journey you’ll find many obstacles, but as long as you maintain your focus, you will get there. Don’t be ashamed to ask for help. Find a mentor or consultant. There are many companies out there that are willing to teach shops how to manage and be successful. (Elizabeth) I believe that every child of the world deserves an opportunity to have a better life. Some come from good families but many come from destroyed families like me. This is the main reason for wanting to own a business, to be able to support any child of the world in reaching their goals by sharing the blessings God has given me. (Francisco)
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Driving his PPG-painted car, the No. 22 PPG Team Penske Dallara/Chevrolet, Simon Pagenaud took the checkered flag in the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama on April 24 at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham.
Pagenaud’s car is the latest of Team Penske’s cars to wear a PPG coat. PPG has been a longtime major sponsor of Team Penske with an overall business relationship extending more than 30 years. The race car features a blue and white PPG water-based finish, and, like other PPG-sponsored Team Penske cars, it prominently displays the PPG logo. “It’s exciting for us to see Team Penske and Simon Pagenaud do so well on the race course,” said John Outcalt, vice president, global automotive refinish. “We’ve had a strong relationship with Penske Racing for several decades and that’s based on a mutual commitment to deliver exceptional performance and exceptional Simon Pagenaud, driving his PPG-painted car products. Neither Penske nor PPG will It was Pagenaud’s second con- settle for anything less.” secutive Verizon IndyCar Series win. PPG has become Penske CorpoThe previous week, Pagenaud, a native ration’s exclusive supplier of refinish of France, raced to victory in the Toy- coatings for its racing, truck leasing and ota Grand Prix of Long Beach, also automotive collision repair subsidiaries while carrying the PPG colors. and facilities. Pagenaud now has captured two To learn about PPG products, victories and two second-place fin- call (800) 647-6050 or visit www.ppg ishes for Team Penske in the first four refinish.com. For info about Team racesPromote of the 2016your season. His sizzling business with Penske, visit www.teampenske.com. pace has put him at the top of the seFor additional information, conexclusive articleinfeaturing ries’an driver point standings just his tact Cynthia Schauer, schauer@ppg second season with Team your products orPenske. services. .com (440) 572-2800.
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www.autobodynews.com | JUNE 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 55
FinishMaster’s Michelle Sullivan Honored as WIN’s 2016 Most Influential Woman by Chasidy Rae Sisk
industry leader. WIN is honored to recognize Michelle and looks forward to a future where every woman in the collision industry finds and fulfills her place of influence.”
As part of its goal to “enhance the role of women in the collision repair industry,” the Women’s Industry Network (WIN®) honors at least one woman each year for enriching the industry through their leadership, vision and commitment to excellence through their Most Influential Women (MIW) program. This year, WIN chose to honor Michelle Sullivan, Regional Vice President of FinishMaster, as the 2016 MIW. When asked how it feels to be honSullivan attended the first WIN ored as WIN’s 2016 MIW, Sullivan reconference in 2007 and has been insponded, “I am excited, grateful and volved ever since. humbled. I have held leadership posi“I was attracted to WIN because tions throughout my career that have althis is an organization that is dedicated lowed me to identify, advance and retain to encouraging, developing and cultitalent in the collision repair industry. vating opportunities to attract women Great mentors inspired me, and I have a to collision repair,” she said. “They strong desire to do that for others. Winalso recognize excellence, promote ning the MIW award means that I have leadership, and foster a network of a responsibility to continue that advowomen who are shaping the industry. cacy and ‘leave it better than I found it.’” I wanted to be part of that!” Sullivan began her career in the In 2013, Sullivan was elected to collision repair industry in 1994 as a WIN’s Board of Directors. She also Human Resources Manager for a Bal- participates as the co-chair for the timore distributor. Membership and Industry Outreach She explained, “I was working for committees. Sullivan is involved in a large corporation and was attracted other organizations, representing the to a smaller company where I could collision repair industry at national make a great impact.” events. She enjoys speaking to various The next eight years of Sullivan’s segments of the industry and raising career were spent working in marketawareness of the opportunities within ing, operations, sales and management collision repair. in order to learn every aspect of the When asked about why it’s imporbusiness, before she became President tant for women to be involved in the of that company in 2002. She continued collision repair industry, Sullivan rethere for another ten years. The comsponded, “The collision repair industry pany went on to win the 2007 continues to face a shortage of Distributor of the Year award people to fill critical positions, under her leadership. Sullivan such as technicians, managers then worked for paint manuand executives. Recruiting facturer for several years, winand retaining talent becomes ning their Leadership Award essential for the long-term in 2015. Sullivan joined Finsustainability of our industry. ishMaster as Regional Vice We are seeing more of that Michelle Sullivan President in January 2016. talent in women that are enSullivan stated, “Most of my career tering our industry or who are embrachas been spent championing change, ing leadership roles. It is important for developing talent, and driving results. I women to be involved to bring addihave been elected to various councils tional talent and diversity to work enviwhich have provided many opportunironments.” ties, particularly to be part of shaping Sullivan offers some advice for the direction of the organization.” young women interested in pursuing a Denise Caspersen, WIN’s Chair, career in the automotive industry: said, “Being selected as an MIW not “Don’t let preconceived notions only reflects on Michelle’s past ac- limit your thinking. Most people don’t tions but also sets the future stage for realize the various career paths within her as a mentor to others in the colli- the automotive field. If you are a stusion repair industry and as a continued dent, join an industry organization and
56 JUNE 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
connect to the industry. Explore, question, engage! The more that you can get involved early on, the more opportunities will appear. Stay positive and adaptable, and find a mentor. Women who are part of industry organizations make great mentors; they typically had someone who promoted their development and were important to their journey, and most are looking to pay it forward.” The MIW program was established in 1999 by AkzoNobel and has recognized nearly 85 women whose leadership, vision and commitment to excellence has enriched the industry. Since acquiring stewardship of the MIW program in 2013, WIN continues to evolve the program to align with the organization’s mission to “enhance the role of women in the collision repair industry.” The leadership of women who received the MIW Award focuses on four areas: industry influence, professional accomplishments, mentoring and supporting others in the collision repair industry, and going beyond the requirements of their professional lives to give back to their communities. Amidst resounding applause, Sul-
livan said, “It is with great excitement, gratitude and humility that I accept this award. I want to thank WIN and its founders. Ten years ago, they had a vision, and they and many others along the way have worked tirelessly to engage women in the collision repair industry. They have provided a platform for me and many others to do what we love in an industry that we are so passionate about and to ensure that women have a seat at the table.” Sullivan continued, “I want to thank FinishMaster and the many other organizations that sponsor and support WIN. I want to thank my parents for giving me a solid foundation, and to the many friends, colleagues and mentors who have helped me along in my journey. Most of those mentors are in this room tonight, and I want to thank you; they have inspired me and coached me along the way.” Denise Caspersen, Outgoing Chair for WIN and 2008 MIW Honoree, led a toast to Sullivan, the scholarship recipients and all WINners, noting, “We are all MIWs. Maybe we haven’t been given the title, but by being a leader in the industry, we are all most influential!”
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www.autobodynews.com | JUNE 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 57
Axalta Announces 2016 “Paint Outside the Can” Contest Axalta Coating Systems announced that its 2016 Paint Outside the Can contest is now open. The contest, now in its second year, is an invitation to auto body customers to unleash their creativity using any Axalta-brand coating system to paint and decorate an unused, standard one-gallon paint can. Submissions will be recognized and displayed via social media channels throughout the contest period. When the contest closes on September 16, 2016, six industry celebrities will choose six “Celebrity Picks” based on creativity, execution and degree of difficulty. In addition, six “Fan Favorites” will be chosen based on the number of “likes” the photos receive on Axalta’s Instagram page. Finally, one “Best-inShow” grand prize winner will be selected from the six “Celebrity Picks”. Axalta will display the winning submissions at custom car shows and automotive events throughout the United States in 2016. Axalta’s celebrity judges are: Ron Coan, one of the leading painters in the automotive industry known for his show-stopping creations with Mobsteel at SEMA and his groundbreaking OEM concept cars Rachel De Barros, chief marketing officer, host and executive producer
of Gearhead Diva, a DIY car-building community and network that produces edutainment style videos for today’s social media generation
Ray Evernham, three-time NASCARv champion crew chief and host of Velocity’s hit series AmeriCarna Danny “Danny D” Galvez, a well-known custom automotive painter and pinstriper Dave Lane, one of the top traditional-style car builders in the United States Paul Quinn, a respected airbrush and pinstriping artist and custom paint instructor The six winners of the “Celebrity Picks” and the six “Fan Favorites” will each receive a $250 gift card; a complimentary pass to the 2016 SEMA Show; an opportunity to be interviewed at the 2016 SEMA Show by Rev’n
News on Rev’N, a broadcast television network dedicated to all things revving; a complimentary pass to Axalta’s VIP area at the 2016 SEMA Show that includes lunch; and prominent display of their submissions at the 2016 SEMA Show, subject to the official rules of the contest. The “Best-in-Show” grand prize winner will receive a $500 gift card; hotel accommodations for two in Las Vegas, Nevada on November 1, 2016 through November 5, 2016; two complimentary passes to the 2016 SEMA Show; an opportunity to be interviewed by Rev’n News at the 2016 SEMA Show; two complimentary passes to Axalta’s VIP area at the 2016 SEMA Show that includes lunch; and prominent display of the winning submission at the 2016 SEMA Show, subject to the official rules of the contest. To learn how to enter the contest, visit Axalta’s website or follow the company on their North America Refinish social media channels: www.Facebook.com/AxaltaNArefinish www.Twitter.com/AxaltaNAref www.Instagram.com/axaltarefinish www.Pinterest.com/AxaltaNAref www.YouTube.com/AxaltaUS www.axalta.ca www.axalta.us
Mitchell Appoints Debbie Day as General Manager
Mitchell International announced in May that Debbie Day has joined the company’s Auto Physical Damage (APD) business unit as its general manager. Day joins the company with over 19 years of technology strategy and operations experience, most recently as chief operating officer and senior vice president at ClosingCorp, in addition to holding executive positions at ACTIVE Network and CCC Information Services. Day will spearhead Mitchell’s APD initiatives. “At Mitchell, we’re constantly looking to find new opportunities to drive value to our customers, and in order to Debbie Day successfully do this, hiring like-minded people who share in our company’s vision is critical,” said Alex Sun, CEO and president of Mitchell. “With Debbie’s extensive and proven product management, engineering and sales background, coupled with her passion and values, she truly embodies all of the qualities that we seek in a Mitchell leader.”
ETI Congratulates New Officers and Board Members for 2016-2017 Officers (one year term)
President – Bob Holland (Chief Automotive Technologies) Vice President, Programs – Brian Herron (Drew Technologies)
Vice President, Marketing – Jim Fish (Bosch Automotive Service Solutions)
Secretary/Treasurer – Kevin FitzPatrick
Immediate Past President – Tim Morgan (Spanesi Americas Inc.)
Directors Re-elected for a three year term on the Board of Directors
Peter Richardson (Car-O-Liner)
Craig Kirkpatrick (Verizon)
Tom Kotenko (Snap-on) Elected for a two year term on the Board of Directors
Neil Davis (Snap-on) Elected for a one year term on the Board of Directors Tom Bertosa (Bosch Automotive Service Solutions)
Remaining Board Members (not up for election)
Term Expiring in 2018-2019 David Rich (Innova) Tim Lael (Hunter Engineering)
Term Expiring in 2017-2018 Robert Vogt (IOSIX) John Heist (STAR EnviroTech)
For more details about ETI programs and activities, contact Jessie Korosec, Marketing and Events Manager, Equipment and Tool Institute, 37899 12 Mile Rd, Suite 220, Farmington Hills, Michigan 48331. Phone: 248-656-5085; e-mail: jessiek @etools.org.
58 JUNE 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
Shift into Genuine Nissan and Infiniti OEM Parts
Genuine Nissan and Infiniti OEM Wholesale Parts are superbly crafted to strict quality standards.
The following dealers proudly stock genuine parts for your Nissan or Infiniti repairs.
ILLINOIS
Al Piemonte Nissan, Inc. Melrose Park 708-343-6669
(708) 343-0706 Fax M-F 7-7; Sat 8-5 chrisk@apnissan.com www.apnissan.com
MINNESOTA
Eden Prairie Nissan Eden Prairie 952-567-2150
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M-F 6:30-7 parts@edenprairienissan.com www.edenprairienissan.com
Steck Manufacturing’s Antenna Wrench II
Removal of antennas on vehicles can become difficult, especially with the raised hood design that prevents many tools from allowing access to the bezel nut. Steck Manufacturing Company said the Antenna Wrench II works in conjunction with or independently with its original Antenna Wrench (21600). Made in the United States, the Antenna Wrench II is laser cut from rugged steel then grit blasted and plated to give it a
Antenna Wrench II
strong and polished finish. It measures 4 ½ inches x 1 ½ inches x .4 inches. The company said it can expand coverage to more vehicles, such as the removal of difficult Dodge pickup antenna due to the raised hood design. The Antenna Wrench II works as a two, three- and four-notch bezel nut wrench of any diameter. Steck Manufacturing said it replaces the need for an antenna nut socket wrench set with one tool, saving space, money and time searching for the right socket.
Ultravent: INDASA’s New Multi-Hole System
Building on 36 years of experience in the development of highly advance coated abrasives, INDASA presented a new multi-hole technology to the market—the Ultravent system. The company said the Ultravent system aims at establishing new standards in the industry and at boosting productivity in body shops. Ultravent is more than just a multi-hole system applied to INDASA Rhynogrip discs. The Ultravent system combines abrasive discs with interface pad and an innovative backing pad that utilizes patented vent channels that maximize air flow. Together, these three elements make the most powerful integrated vacuum sanding system, according to the company. With a 57-hole configuration in finer grits (P220 to P2000) and 21 holes in coarser grit (P80 to P180), Ultravent abrasive discs are available in the Film Line, HT Line and Plus Line, always with a 150mm (6 inch) diameter grip system. The Ultravent system can still be completed with the INDASA’s Dust Extraction Unit and Orbital sander.
Ford Approves Two UPOL Aerosols for Shops
Ford Motor Company’s Toxicology and Environmental Quality Office has approved the use of U-POL ACID#8™ and GRIP#4™ aerosols in any of their facilities—manufacturing, design and body shops. The official identity of U-POL in the Ford GSDB (Global Supplier Data Base) is AJR6A. ACID#8 Acid Etch Primer promotes paint adhesion and corrosion protection to difficult substrates, like galvanized steel and aluminium. The company said ACID#8 offers superior adhesion and fast drying properties, making it ideal for bare metal areas prior to application of primers and top coats. (U-POL Part UP0741V, Ford Part 196377. GRIP#4 Universal Adhesion Promoter is an all-in-one adhesion promoter for paints, adhesives and sealants. The company said it promotes proper adhesion on all automotive surfaces, from plastics to aluminum to painted surfaces. (UPOL Part UP0799, Ford Part 19642. “We are very proud to hear that Ford confirmed what we already knew. UPOL products are made to the highest quality standards and designed to save the professional time and money,” said Mike Sanders, VP, U-POL, North America.
Continued from Page 52
Most Decorated
in the recipe for success. Each little effort adds up and makes a difference, and you never have to second guess the outcome when you’re committed to excellence because you’ve done everything possible to succeed. When you look at winners, what separates them is follow through, not talent or effort—they focus on winning every single day,” Miller emphasizes. Before exiting the stage to a standing ovation, Shannon Miller stated, “It’s important to keep moving in a positive direction every day. When you’re repairing a vehicle, it’s not just a car—it’s that person’s livelihood, where they spend time with family, and how they protect their loved ones... Or maybe it’s a dad taking his little girl to the gym so she can pursue her dream of winning an Olympic gold medal. Each time you commit yourself to excellence, you are creating a winning aspect for everyone.”
www.autobodynews.com CHECK IT OUT!
OHIO
Brunswick Subaru
Courtesy Subaru
Direct (330) 460-7080 (330) 460-7082 Fax Mon.-Fri. 8-6; Sat. 8-4 www.brunswickautomart.com
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Brunswick
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Waikem Subaru Massillon
Toll Free (800) 225-0281
The following dealerships are eager to serve your needs. Call your local Subaru collision parts specialist today!
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Direct (330) 478-2800 (330) 639-0140 Fax Mon, Thu 7:30-8 Tue, Wed, Fri 7:30-5:30; Sat. 8-4 dandager@waikem.com www.waikem.com
Rapid City
(800) 658-3054
(605) 342-1178 Fax
call Advertising Sales at:
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Luther Bloomington advertising@autobodynews.com
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Bloomington www.autobodynews.com
(800) 451-5078
Direct (952) 887-0600 (952) 881-1787 Fax Mon. 6:30-6; Tue.-Fri. 6:30-9; Sat. 8-4 parts@bloomingtonsubaru.com www.bloomingtonsubaru.com WISCONSIN Be Seen by Our Readers! CALL Advertising Wilde SubaruSales at:
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www.autobodynews.com | JUNE 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 59
June 3 Deadline for CREF & AkzoNobel Grants
The Collision Repair Education Foundation’s (CREF) annual Ultimate Collision Education Makeover school grant application and the AkzoNobel Sustainably Challenge Grant application are both due on June 3. All high school and college collision school programs are encouraged to apply, and the winning schools for both awards will be announced during SEMA 2016. There is one application for both opportunities. The makeover grant program is in its eighth year. Multiple cash awards totaling more than $100,000 will be given out. This year, the application will also tie each school to the Foundation’s new designation program, “Collision School Career Readiness Benchmark.” Applicant schools will be classified into three tiers: Tier 1: Advanced, Tier 2: Proficient, or Tier 3: Developing. The designation will be determined by the Foundation based upon information provided by schools about the capabilities of their collision training program on the Collision Repair Education Makeover grant application. The criteria for each level will focus on the number of hours of instruction, curriculum in place, along with what tools, equipment, and sup-
Motor Guard Introduces Aluminum Spot Repair Tool
After pioneering the use of soft abrasive technology for conventional steel auto body repair, Motor Guard has turned to the challenge of aluminum body repair. The new Magna-Stripper ALTM System (Model E-6100S) is a soft, abrasive wheel that has been spe-
The Magna-Stripper ALTM
cially formulated to strip aluminum without heat, distortion or damage. The company said the E-6100S quickly strips clear coats, base coats, primer coats, or all three, leaving the base metal clean, bright and ready for repair and refinishing. A company representative said, “Technicians report that the Magna-Stripper ALTM feathers like no other method. It has also proven to be an extremely valuable tool for spot repair of alloy wheels.”
plies a school uses to prepare their students for employment in the collision industry. If there is something that is missing, the grant application will allow a school to request that particular item. The goal is to help every school acquire the resources to eventually achieve a Tier 1: Advanced school designation. In keeping with the goals of the Ultimate Collision Education Makeover Grant, the CREF and AkzoNobel are collaborating for the third year to offer the Sustainability Challenge Grant. Schools are invited to submit proposals for applying continuous improvement and sustainability principles that improve the processes in the school’s body shop or improve the way the shop interacts and impacts the community. Projects are to be driven by teams of students with the instructor serving as a mentor. Winning schools will receive funding to implement their proposed ideas and report on the success of their projects. The application for both opportunities is available online www .CollisionEducationFoundation.org. For information, contact Brandon Eckenrode at 847-463-5244 or Brandon.Eckenrode@ed-foundation .org.
Blackburn OEM Wheel Solutions New Employee
Blackburn OEM Wheel Solutions hired a new member to complement the sales and marketing team. Her name is Samantha Maloy and she will serve as the sales and marketing coordinator effective immediately. Maloy comes to Blackburn’s after spending two years in the printing industry where she completed a two-year leadership development program implemented by RR Donnelley. Prior to her employment at RRD, she attended Bowling Green State University where she graduated with a degree in business administration, specializing in marketing. She will assist Blackburn OEM Wheel solutions with the short-term and long-term sales strategy and goals of the company. She will also assist the outside sales representatives, marketing and advertising efforts of the company. Founded in 1983, Blackburn’s is a privately-held OE wheel (steel and alloy), wheel cover, and center cap distributor. For more information, visit www.blackburnwheels.com.
60 JUNE 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
Police Officer Found Guilty of Accepting Kickbacks from Local Repair Shop in MD
Former Baltimore, Maryland police officer, Samuel Ocasio, was found guilty of extortion on May 2. In Supreme Court case (US 14-361), federal authorities charged Ocasio for accepting kickbacks from a Maryland auto body and repair shop. Between 2009 and 2011, the officer directed damaged ve-
pairs. The Mejia brothers would in exchange pay Corona between $150 and $300 per referral. As many as 60 additional officers allegedly joined in on the deal with Majestic. It was in 2009 that Ocasio made a similar arrangement with Majestic, which court documents said was the source of 90 percent of Majestic’s business in 2011.
hicles from accident scenes to Majestic Auto Repair Shop (Majestic) in exchange for payment from the shop owners, according to court documents. Testifying in the case were Majestic shop owners and brothers, Hernan Alexis Moreno Mejia and Edwin Javier Mejia. According to court reports, “In 2008, Majestic was struggling to attract customers, so Moreno and Mejia made a deal with a Baltimore police officer, Jhonn Corona.” The documents further stated that Officer Corona would send motorists who had been in accidents to Majestic for towing and re-
Ocasio, as well as the Mejia brothers and nine other Baltimore officers, were indicted by the District of Maryland in 2011. The Mejias and many of the other officers accepted plea bargains and pleaded guilty, while Ocasio did not. Ocasio was found guilty of one conspiracy count and three extortion counts. He attempted to appeal the District Court’s decision to the Supreme Court but was rejected. The Supreme Court has sentenced him to 18 months in prison. For additional information, see Supreme Court case Ocasio v. U.S., 14-361.
by Cass Heckel
As many as 60 additional officers allegedly joined in on the deal with Majestic
The Right Parts. A Perfect Fit.
Order Genuine Mazda Parts from these Parts Specialists in your area
OHIO
Brunswick Mazda Brunswick
Toll Free 888-460-7080 Direct 330-460-7080 Fax 330-460-7082 M-F 8-6; Sat 8-4 www.brunswickautomart.com
WISCONSIN
Hall Mazda Brookfield
888-420-4255 M-Th 7:30-7; F 7:30-6; Sat 8-4 hallparts@hallcars.com
ASA Collision Leaders Hold Meetings on Capitol Hill
ASA’s collision leaders met with key members of Congress and staff to discuss the impact of Most Favored Nation (MFN) clauses included in some direct repair agreements (DRP). Under an MFN clause, an insurer is guaranteed that it will receive prices that are at least as favorable as those provided to other carriers doing business with the collision repair facility for the same products or services. ASA members gave real life examples of the effects of the MFN clause on collision repair shops, consumers and nonMFN insurance providers. ASA President Dan Risley said, “We were encouraged by the receptive response on Capitol Hill. MFN clauses have been adversely impacting the collision repair industry for many years, and I feel confident that we are getting closer to a solution. Resolving issues of this scale requires time and persistence. As the voice of the industry in our nation’s capitol, ASA is committed to seeing them removed from all direct repair agreements.” For additional information about ASA, including past media releases, go to www.ASAshop.org , or visit ASA’s legislative website at www.Taking TheHill.com
AutoBodyguard Obtains Exclusive Rights to Zavada Odor Elimination Technology AutoBodyguard, Inc., a division of Dent Zone Companies, Inc., announced on April 26 a newly formed partnership with Zavada Scientific for exclusive rights to Zavada’s organic odor elimination technology for the automotive, recreational vehicle and marine, as well as power sports, markets worldwide.
AutoBodyguard Organic Odor Eliminator is safe for children and pets Credit: Business Wire
“The addition of Zavada’s odor eliminator is aligned with our vision for the AutoBodyguard portfolio,” said John Martin, President of AutoBodyguard, Inc. “This proprietary technology, governed under US Trade Secret Laws, distinguishes us as the only provider in the vehicle protection marketplace capable of eliminating organic odors through an environ-
mentally safe and eco-friendly solution.” Zavada’s Noble Ion™ Technology removes odors by breaking down the chemical bonds and the compounds that cause them, eliminating organic odors at the source. Common competitor products use enzymes, which react to bacteria, or use odor neutralizers or fragrances, which mask the odor for a limited period of time. Over time, as enzymes die out or neutralizers dissipate, the odor returns. Zavada’s technology disrupts the production of the bacteria, which is typically the source of the organic odor, and prevents it from returning, according to a company press release. AutoBodyguard’s Organic Odor Eliminator with Noble Ion™ Technology has been integrated into the line’s Interior Protection program that provides coverage for the carpet, fabric, leather and vinyl surfaces of vehicles. The product is free from harsh chemicals and does not contain toxic ammonia components frequently found in anti-bacterial products. It is ecofriendly as well as safe for children and pets. “We are pleased to partner with AutoBodyguard to offer dealers greater profits through innovative F&I solu-
tions,” said John Veenstra, Chief Innovation Officer for Zavada Scientific. “We selected AutoBodyguard because of the history, reputation and relationships that Dent Zone Companies, its parent company, has created in the automotive F&I industry over the past twenty-five years.”
AutoBodyguard Organic Odor Eliminator removes unpleasant organic odors on contact
“This exciting addition to the AutoBodyguard product line addresses an everyday problem that all drivers experience,” said John Martin. “Our Organic Odor Eliminator provides a tangible, new benefit for dealers to provide to their customers that has never been offered before.” For more information, contact Susan Neuhalfen by phone 832-4654762 or by email susanneuhalfen@ gmail.com
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Laurel BMW of Westmont
Westmont 630-230-2890 Direct Wholesale M-F 7am-6pm Sat 8am-3pm www.laurelbmw.com
INDIANA
Basney BMW
South Bend 800-274-8504 574-273-5075 M-F 7:30am-6pm parts@basneyimports.com www.basneybmw.com
MICHIGAN
Erhard BMW of Bloomfield Hills
Bloomfield Hills 800-626-9787 248-642-0443 www.erhardbmw.com
Erhard BMW of Farmington Hills Farmington Hills 888-834-8635 248-699-3003
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www.autobodynews.com | JUNE 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 61
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Call or e-mail now for rates: 800-699-8251 or ltedesco@autobodynews.com 62 JUNE 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
Equalizer Hires Market Development Manager
Equalizer® announced the addition of Dale Malcolm as market development manager. Malcolm will be responsible for Equalizer’s marketing solutions and special projects. “Dale’s vast experience and industry specific knowledge will assist Equalizer’s sales and marketing teams to strengthen Equalizer’s position as the industry leader. As a long time industry expert in all related areas of glass and adhesives, Dale brings a unique perspective to Equalizer's ongoing programs designed to expand into the automotive market,” said Shauna Davis, global sales director. As one of the first 50 certified master auto glass technicians in the country, Malcom was a member of the NGA Auto Glass Certification Committee for 10 years and was chairman from 1999-2006. “From early in Dale’s career at Portland Glass to his tenure at Dow Automotive Systems, Dale has always strived to acquire and retain the important information that the auto glass industry has relied upon for my 28 years in the industry,” said Eric Asbery, president of Equalizer. For information, visit www .equalizer.com
CAPA to Form Foundation of Chinese Standards
The Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA) announced that it is making its standards available to the China Automobile Maintenance Industry Association (CAMRA), the organization at the forefront of the aftermarket part certification initiative in China. As the technical partner of CAPA, Intertek is actively working with CAMRA as a member of its technical committee, to draft standards for the China domestic market. Intertek is providing assistance with the CAPA Standards, and combining them with applicable Chinese specifications, standards regulations. “CAPA is looking forward to sharing its expertise in part certification with Chinese agencies and organizations looking to improve and validate the quality of auto parts for both the Chinese domestic and export markets,” said Jack Gillis, CAPA’s executive director. “Because of the worldwide acceptance of the CAPA program, CAPA certification for Chinese parts will greatly expand their international marketability,” said Debbie Klouser, CAPA’s director of operations. For information, visit www .CAPAcertified.org or contact Debbie Klouser, 202-737-2212 or debbie@ CAPAcertified.org.
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OHIO
Waikem Mitsubishi MASSILLON
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Audatex and Driven Brands Announce Strategic Relationship
Audatex, a Solera company, announced on April 25 its strategic relationship with Driven Brands. Audatex’s technology solutions simplify the claims process by enabling collision repair companies like
Driven Brands and insurance carriers to communicate on one platform with little variability. This new relationship will enable every franchise location to have the Audatex solution with integrated estimating support and a branded customer app for estimate appointments. Driven Brands’ CARSTAR
North America group currently has more than 475 locations across the US and Canada. “We are delighted to move forward with our strategic relationship with Audatex,” said Michael Macaluso, president of CARSTAR North America. “Our close collaboration will strengthen our brand and also provide us with future opportunities for technological advancements.” “We are excited by our relationship with Driven Brands,” said Don Mikrut, vice president of Collision Repair Solutions, Audatex. “By providing a system that’s highly accurate and connected, we can greatly reduce waste in claims processing activities and help increase overall profitability for customers like CARSTAR.” For more information about Audatex, visit www.audatex.us. For more information about Driven Brands, visit www.Driven Brands.com.
ABRA Auto Body & Glass Announces Succession Plan, Commences CEO Search
ABRA Auto Body & Glass announced on May 2 that Duane Rouse plans to transition from day-to-day operations, stepping down as Chief Executive Officer to assume the role of Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors. Rouse will continue to serve as CEO until a replacement is appointed. ABRA has commenced an executive search to find a successor to Rouse. “As I prepare to step back from day-to-day operations and move into my new role, I want to thank our more than 5,000 employees who have been the secret to our success in growing into a leading national damaged vehicle repair company,” said CEO Duane Rouse. “I am confident that under the leadership of a new CEO, supported by our current best-inthe-business executive team, ABRA will continue as a reliable partner for insurers while maintaining rapid and profitable growth.” Since Rouse became CEO in 2011, ABRA’s system-wide revenue has increased from under $300 million to more than $1 billion. The company has also added more than 150 new locations in the last 2 years. Rouse said, “With a successful strategy and accomplished executive
team in place, ABRA is well-positioned for the future. The company is in a position of strength and now is the time to transition day-to-day leadership to a new Chief Executive who will lead the company into its next chapter of growth. I will remain a significant shareholder and through my Vice Chairman role I look forward to continuing to be part of ABRA’s very bright future.” Erik Ragatz, current Chairperson of the Board of ABRA Auto Body & Glass, and Managing Director of private equity firm Hellman & Friedman, ABRA’s majority shareholder, said, “During his 20 year tenure—and particularly in his 5 years as CEO— Duane not only helped aggressively grow the company through both strategic acquisitions and internal initiatives, but also built a wonderful organization and business. We are now beginning a search that will identify CEO candidates with the right experience and cultural fit for the organization. Duane will be an important voice in this process, and remain an important part of ABRA as he assumes the role of Vice Chairman.” For more information about ABRA visit www.abraauto.com
www.autobodynews.com | JUNE 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 63
64 JUNE 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com