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Techs of Tomorrow: SkillsUSA National Winner Talks Competition, Equipment and Preparation by Victoria Antonelli
Twenty-year-old Dylan Ahmdt took home gold at the 53rd annual National Leadership and Skills Conference (SkillsUSA) in Louisville, KY, which took place from June 19-23. Winners of the Automotive Refinishing Technology competition received a snap-on tool box with tools and Carhartt clothing and accessories, as well as multiple training opportunities from different paint companies. “It was very fun competing in SkillsUSA once I was able to get over the nervousness,” said Ahmdt, a Dan-
vers, MN, native. “It’s an incredible experience, but it’s tough.” He said the most unique part of the SkillsUSA competitions is the handson experience. “I chose collision repair over a traditional four-year degree because I enjoy working with my hands,” Ahmdt said. “I’ve always loved cars and learning how they work.” He said that this year, the competitors were able to use new mobile spray technology as part of their test. Ahmdt and 27 other participants were able to get firsthand experience See Techs of Tomorrow, Page 42
State Farm is Dropped from Suit Alleging Coerced Repair Temporarily, 3M Will Be Included When Refiled
See State Farm Lawsuit, Page 26
P.O. BOX 1516, CARLSBAD, CA 92018
John Eagle Collision Center in Dallas, TX, and State Farm were sued in two separate cases for $1 million for allegedly using only adhesive to attach a new roof panel to a Honda Fit rather than welding it, as required by Honda OEM procedures. Matthew and Marcia Seebachan have dismissed their cases against State Farm Mutual Automobile Company, which alleged the insurer influenced an auto repair that didn’t meet OEM specifications in order to increase its bottom line. The lawsuit against State Farm was dismissed only 13 days after being filed.
According to the plaintiffs’ attorney the couple dismissed their lawsuit without prejudice, meaning refiling is likely. The plaintiffs’ law firm has confirmed to Autobody News that the action is procedural because including State Farm in the suit would delay the action against John Eagle Collision Center, which is scheduled to go to trial in early September. The plaintiffs also state that 3M, the manufacturer of the adhesive, will become part of the suit when refiled. The original lawsuits allege that the faulty repair caused the car to crush 33-year-old Matthew Seebachan and his
Change Service Requested
by Ed Attanasio
VOL. 6 ISSUE 12 SEPTEMBER 2017
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CIC Panel Focuses on Legislative Requirements Related to Use of Non-OEM Parts
Manufacturers. “Some insurers will suggest that the consumer consented to their State legislation on disclosure and consumer consent policy when they signed it involving the use of nonoriginally, and they should OEM parts has been proknow what’s in there. We don’t posed – or challenged – in a think insurers do a very good job of explaining to consumers number of states this year. Wayne Weikel of the Alliance of what’s in there. So we think Panelists on both sides of the Automobile Manu[consent to the use of the parts issue squared off at the Colfacturers said lision Industry Conference consumers deserve at the time of the claim] is very important.” (CIC) held in Chicago this disclosure and the At its best, Weikel said, the summer. opportunity to give “Consent is very impor- consent for parts at consent process lays out in tant,” said Wayne Weikel, the time of the claim writing a good explanation to the consumer of what his or her options senior director of state government afSee CIC Panel, Page 24 fairs for the Alliance of Automobile by John Yoswick
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Car Guys Collision Repair in Agreement To Acquire Gunder’s Auto Repair In Lakeland, FL Dave Mitchell, the president of Car Guys Collision Repair said the deal will officially close on Sept. 15. In addition to another acquisition Mitchell made on Friday, this becomes Car Guys’ thirteenth location in central Florida. Mitchell said he and Gunder had been working on a deal over the past five months. Gunder’s Auto Repair made the deal public on Aug. 15 on its Facebook page. Mitchell said the deal is notable because Car Guys is very DRPheavy, while Gunder’s Auto Repair is openly anti-DRP. Ray Gunder, owner of the shop, had levied around 40 lawsuits against State Farm, All-
state, USAA, Travelers and GEICO back in 2013. “It’s an interesting story, with him getting out and us coming in,” said Mitchell. “We’re two different faces and models of collision repair.” “But there are also lots of similarities, because we want high quality and happy customers,” he continued. “What’s strange about that store is that most hops that are not DRP friendly, they don’t have much work. Insurance can strong-arm them—that didn’t work with Ray. Through his loyal customer base and service and attention to detail, customers have continued to come back regardless of insurance companies have said.”
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