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Broadly, Inc. an award-winning provider of software solutions for local businesses, announced June 17 its official launch into the auto collision repair sector.

Broadly’s reputation management and communication tools are already helping thousands of auto body shop owners boost their online presence, attract new customers, engage with the modern consumer and make payment processing simple and contactless.

Since launching in 2014, Broadly has helped thousands of local business owners grow successful businesses through a variety of high impact features— including web chat, text messaging, automated review requests and contactless payments—all aimed at increasing revenue and efficiency while delivering meaningful customer experiences.

For more info about how Broadly can help grow collision businesses, connect at https:// broadly.com/schedule-demo/

Source: Broadly A Columbus, Ohio, man was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 12 months and one day in prison for his role in a conspiracy to steal at least 35 vehicles to dismantle and sell their parts, causing more than $300,000 in loss.

Mike Silva, 31, pleaded guilty in October 2020 to one count of conspiring to operate a chop shop and violate the Clean Air Act. Silva operated an auto body shop that served as the chop shop where stolen vehicles were dismantled.

As part of his sentence, Silva is ordered to pay approximately $301,000 in restitution.

Conspiracy leader James A. Imes, 51, of Columbus, was sentenced in July 2019 to 120 months in prison. His wife, Tina Imes, 41, was sentenced in September 2020 to 36 months in prison. The couple was ordered to pay approximately $550,000 in restitution.

Co-defendant Scottie Johnson was sentenced to three years of probation and ordered to pay approximately $263,000 in restitution.

According to court documents, from January 2013 until April 2014, defendants stole at least 35 vehicles to dismantle them and sell their parts throughout the Midwest, earning $10,000 to $15,000 per week. Co-conspirators operated chop shops in three locations on the West side of Columbus to traffic the car parts.

Most of the vehicles were sold as parts or scrap to salvage yards. More valuable parts were sold on Craigslist through posts advertised in cities across Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Michigan and West Virginia.

During the destruction of the vehicles, HCFC refrigerant chemicals were released into the atmosphere when vehicle air conditioning tubes were cut.

Vipal J. Patel, acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost; Ohio EPA Director Laurie A. Stevenson; and Franklin County Prosecutor Gary Tyack announced the sentence handed down by Senior U.S. District Judge James L. Graham.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan J.C. Grey and Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys J. Michael Marous, Christopher N. St.Pierre and Heather Robinson are representing the U.S. in this case.

The case was investigated by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and Ohio EPA Special Investigations Unit, as well as the assistance from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Columbus Division of Police Auto Theft Unit and Ohio State Highway Patrol Theft and Fraud Unit.

Source: U.S. Attorney’s Office Southern District of Ohio

Glaser’s Collision Centers Celebrates 35 Years

Family-owned and locally operated Glaser’s Collision Centers is celebrating 35 years in the collision repair business in Louisville, KY.

After starting in a 900-square foot building, it now operates four locations across the area.

Gene and Susan Glaser started Glaser’s Auto Services in 1986 as a full-service automotive repair shop. Gene Glaser came from a background of construction workers and Susan Glaser had a background in computers, but they learned how to run the business.

The original shop, a 900-square foot building in Buechel, KY, did full mechanical work, body, paint, interior repairs and high performance upgrades. After several years, Glaser’s decided to narrow its focus to collision repair only, in order to provide its customers with the best possible service.

In 1990, Glaser’s built and moved to a larger shop in Jeffersontown, which serves as the headquarters. In 1999, it built its second location on Preston Highway. The third location was built in Bullitt County in 2008. In December 2019, Glaser’s opened its fourth location after purchasing a 40-year-old business, South Louisville Paint and Body.

The business is being carried on by second-generation owners Aaron and Heather Glaser. They plan to keep their business family-owned and locally operated. They take great pride in the family-run business and are planning for the future.

Recently their son, Connor, started working in the business.

“It’s an honor to help continue building what my parents started 35 years ago,” said Aaron Glaser, second-generation owner and COO. “And now to have our son Connor work for the business is pretty exciting. We stand committed to having a family-owned and operated business and look forward to the future.”

Glaser’s Collision Centers employs more than 60 people in the area.

For more information, visit www.glaserscollision.com.

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