November 2016 Midwestern Edition by Autobody News

Midwestern Midwestern Edition E Ed d i ti on Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Michigan Minnesota

Missouri Nebraska North Dakota Ohio South Dakota Wisconsin

YEARS

www.autobodynews.com ww ww.autobodynews.com

Alcoa Unveils Breakthrough RSR™ Joining System For Next Generation Lightweight Vehicles Alcoa has announced a breakthrough in resistance spot riveting called the RSR™ joining system, a high-performance joining solution for multi-material vehicles. RSR technology can join dissimilar materials using the same equipment as conventional spot welds but offers automakers the flexibility to switch between it and conventional welds, depending on the material. This RSR resistance spot riveting technology solves long-time automotive challenge of joining dissimilar materials, according to the company. ● The RSR joining system allows for the flexible joining of various combinations of automotive material and results in joints that are 10-20% stronger than

joints utilizing competing technologies ● Automakers can utilize Alcoa’s RSR technology with existing spot welding equipment and robotic automation, saving capital expense, minimizing production interruption and providing greater flexibility in deploying a variety of materials in their vehicles ● Alcoa engineers are working with Honda R & D Americas, Inc, in DOE project to demonstrate the use of RSR joining on a prototype scale “Our RSR technology is going to be a powerful tool in the array of joining options for the automotive industry,” said Ray Kilmer, Alcoa’s Chief Technology Officer and Executive Vice President. “As automakers con-

OSHA has launched a new pilot program, titled “Expedited Case Processing Pilot,” in its Western region, which covers California, Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam. The new program allows a whistleblower who has filed a complaint to ask OSHA to stop its investigation and issue findings in an expedited fashion that can be reviewed by a Department of Labor (DOL) administrative law judge. Here is OSHA’s press release describing the program.

process can be lengthy and therefore wants to facilitate complaints receiving a quicker determination, if possible, by electing to expedite. In order

OSHA Launches New Whistleblower Pilot Program

● The claim is filed under a statute that allows for the administrative law judge to newly review, or review de See OSHA Whistleblower, Page 12

Change Service Requested

P.O. BOX 1516, CARLSBAD, CA 92018

Meeting Criteria to Expedite In announcing the program, OSHA acknowledged that the investigation

for a whistleblower’s case to move to the administrative law judge on an expedited basis, the following criteria must be met:

tinue to design vehicles using multimaterial combinations, RSR technology is the ideal joining solution. It can easily accommodate stack up changes on the assembly line and it leverages existing welding robots outfitted with our automatic feeding systems.” In addition to partnering with several customers on the RSR technology, Alcoa recently received a grant from the Department of Energy to work with Honda R & D Americas, Inc and Ohio State University to continue to demonstrate the use of RSR joining on a prototype scale. Ultimately, the goal is to enable multi-material automotive body structures that achieve an additional 10–20% weight reduction over those

VOL. 6 ISSUE 2 NOVEMBER 2016

made from conventional high strength steel. “We are working with Alcoa on advanced alloys and the RSR joining technology in conjunction with the Department of Energy because we are optimistic about the new value these advanced technologies will enable us to deliver to our customers in terms of performance and fuel efficiency,” said Eric Boettcher, Technical Leader, Advanced Body Design of Honda. Responding to the growing trend of using multi-materials in vehicles to achieve lightweighting objectives and improved performance, Alcoa developed the RSR technology to enable auSee RSR Technology, Page 50

Stolen Car Parts Investigation Turns Into Major Drug Bust in ND by Forum News Service

A routine theft investigation turned into one of the biggest drug busts near the Canadian border in Pembina County, according to law enforcement officers. Now a local business is under investigation to see if it was used to channel those drugs. It started with a search warrant for stolen, high-priced car parts at 52year-old Renaud Duane Winkler’s property off North Dakota Highway 18 in Neche, a city of about 370 residents approximately 90 miles north of Grand Forks. “We were looking for two engines; actually came across a vast amount of drugs at the scene,” Pembina County Sheriff Terry Meidinger said. The auto body sign outside the garage served as a cover for a storage shed for drugs, according to investigators. They said they found $23,000 worth of meth, along with cocaine, marijuana, scales and baggies inside the shed. “That is something law enforcement is still looking at, following how and where drugs are coming into Pembina County,” County State’s Attorney Ryan Bialas said.

Winkler also ran L&M bar in Neche. Investigators said they want to know if there was more than just alcohol on tap. “We will obviously look into all ties, if it is charged with drug delivery, and if you are delivering there has to be channels and means to do so,” said Bialas. Prosecutors remained tight-lipped when asked where the drugs were headed. “We do have information in regards to the drugs, but that is part of the ongoing investigation,” responded Bialas. Winkler was sentenced to 6½ years in prison after pleading guilty to meth and cocaine distribution charges in early 2000. One other arrest was made during the execution of the search warrant. 57-year-old Tammy Tate was arrested for possession of a controlled substance. Police claim they found several bags of meth in her purse. Charges have not been filed with the North Dakota court system, though it’s likely they will be in the following days. We thank Forum News Service for reprint permission.

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

2 NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

COLUMNISTS Attanasio - Northern California Body Shop Paints Huge Coffee Cup for Major Artist . . 58 Attanasio - Signs, Signs–Everywhere are Signs. So How Do You Stand Out? . . . . . . 52 Luehr - The Art of Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Luehr - The Simple Rule on Pre-ordering Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Phillips - Bodyshop Revolution Expands to United States with Unique Technology & Processes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Phillips - Mohawk Collision’s New Collision Facility in the NY Capital Region Has “Fixed What Was Broken” and Built a Solid Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Yoswick - Retro News: Infant Deaths in 96, Customer Retention, Suggestions for DRPs, OEM Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Yoswick - Shops Nationwide Need To Understand Federal Overtime Change Slated For December 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 NATIONAL A New Tool For Estimating Reaps $6.3M

for Estify . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 A Second-Generation Female Shop Owner Fights the Odds and Wins . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 ARA Applauds Introduction of New OEM Parts Indemnification Legislation . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 ASA Hosts Largest Regional Education Program of 2016 during AAPEX . . . . . . . . 66 Auto Care Association Identifies Alibaba as Notorious Market for Counterfeits . . . . . . . 62 Automotive Recyclers Admonishes General Motors for Position on Recycled Parts . . . 60 Axalta Launches New Resins, Talks Diversity, Awards “Best in Blue” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 BASF Makes 37 Custom Jaguar/Land Rover Colors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 CAA Supports Changes to Anti-Steering and Labor Rate Survey Regulations . . . . . 30 CCC Introduces DRIVE™ Platform, Secure Share™ Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Chief® Introduces Industry’s First Computerized Measuring System for Heavy-Duty Collision Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Collision Repair Education Foundation Receives Highest Rating From Charity Navigator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 First Auto Body Association of Texas Trade Show Held in Richardson, TX . . . . . 26 Florida’s No-Fault Insurance Reforms Finally Appear to be Lowering Premiums as 2012 Reforms Kick-in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 I-CAR Launches TPMS Course for Honda and Acura . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Killer Tools Gives SEMA Preview, Discusses Future of Collision Repair Products . . . . . . 40 Many Steps Add to Huge Productivity Gains . 67 Mercury Names the Safest and Most Affordable Cars to Insure for Teens . . . . . . 56 Mike Cassata Joins AR.Direct . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Mitchell Partners with Tractable to Bring Artificial Intelligence to Insurance Claims for the First Time. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 National AutoBody Research Creates Collision Economic Index, Make Profit Preserving Price Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 NHTSA Investigates F-150 Models for Brake Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 OSHA Launches New Whistleblower Pilot Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 PCI Says CFA Insurance Rating Study is Flawed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Portland, OR, Body Shop Owner Becomes Homeless Advocate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Robert “Paul” Hulsebusch Passes Away in Texas, Age 50. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Roberts Collision and Service Drives to Success. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 SCRS Announces Panelists for OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit Session on Scanning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Service King Breaks Recycled Rides Donation Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Service King Names Stu Crum as COO . . . . . 23 Sherwin-Williams Approved for American Honda and Acura US Warranty Repair. . . . 66 Tips for First-Time SEMA Attendees from Industry Veterans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 WIN Kicks Off 2017 “All In For WIN” Membership Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

On October 1, The Women’s Industry Network (WIN®) announced the kickoff of their 2017 #ALLIN4WIN Membership Drive. According to the organization, everyone who joins or

rejoins WIN before December 31st will be entered into a Grand Prize drawing for a Free 2017 WIN Education Conference Registration Fee. WIN membership is open to all women and men in every segment of the North American collision repair industry. WIN has kept its annual membership pricing unchanged for the past 8 years. As the organization is growing and expanding its offerings, WIN will be increasing the cost of an annual membership to

$95 as of 1/2/2017. However, according to the organization, anyone who joins during the membership drive will pay the current $75 membership fee, save $20, and receive the remainder of 2016 included with their 2017 membership. “Our 2017 #ALLIN4WIN Membership Drive is about spreading the word to the thousands of women in our industry,” said Michelle Sullivan, chair of WIN’s membership committee. “The membership drive goes until December 31st. As WIN enters its second decade, I am thrilled to see the membership growth and program expansion that we have accomplished. I want to encourage women and men to increase their professional network and become a WIN member. WIN’s mission is to engage women in our industry through education, networking and sharing of resources.” For more information, visit www.womensindustrynetwork.com

Publisher & Editor: Jeremy Hayhurst General Manager: Barbara Davies Online Editor and Copywriter: Deana Cacus Contributing Writers: Tom Franklin, John Yoswick, Janet Chaney, Toby Chess, David Brown, Rich Evans, Ed Attanasio, Chasidy Sisk, David Luehr, Stacey Phillips, Victoria Antonelli Advertising Sales: Joe Momber, Sean Hartman, Bill Doyle, Norman Morano (800) 699-8251 Office Manager: Louise Tedesco Sales Assistant: Jessica Day Content/Social Media Specialist: Cass Heckel Art Director: Rodolfo Garcia

Audi Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . 62 Axalta Coating Systems . . . . . . . . . . 5 BASF Corporation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Blue Springs Ford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 BMW Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . 69 Bob Hook Chevrolet . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Car-Part.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Carcoon America Airflow Systems . 47 Celette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA). . . . . . . . . . . 41 Charles Gabus Ford . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 ChemSpec USA, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Chief Automotive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Classic Chevrolet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Classifieds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Courtesy Subaru. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Diamond Standard Parts . . . . . . . . 45 DJS Fabrications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Eco Repair Systems of North America, LLC . . . . . . . . . . 31 ECS Automotive Concepts . . . . . . . 20 EMM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Equalizer Industries, Inc. . . . . . . . . 23 Erhard BMW of Bloomfield Hills . . . 67 Erhard BMW of Farmington Hills . . 67 FBS Distribution Co., Inc. . . . . . . . . . 8 Ganley Westside Hyundai . . . . . . . 32 Ganley Westside Subaru . . . . . . . . 57 GM Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . 65 Herkules Equipment Corporation. . 24 Honda-Acura Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36, 37 Hyundai Wholesale Parts Dealers. . 64 Infiniti of Naperville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Jack Phelan Chrysler-Dodge-JeepRam of Countryside . . . . . . . . . . 29 Jake Sweeney Chevrolet . . . . . . . . 54 Kelly BMW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Graphic Designer: Michelle Lucas

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 / news@autobodynews.com

Midwest

REGIONAL 2 Auto Parts Executives Indicted for Obstruction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 ASA-OH Hosts Successful Networking Event . . 9 Auto Body Repair Shop in IL Hosts Extrication Training for Firefighters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Body Shop in SD Gives Back with Give-Away Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Body Shops and Insurance Companies Booking Up Fast After the Storm. . . . . . . . 14 Charles City, IA, Parts Jobber Becomes Parts Store. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Criminals Likely Stealing Cars for Scrap Metal, Police Say . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 D&S Automotive in Mentor, OH Offers Free Car Washes for Life. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Ellsworth Auto Body Changes with the Times . 9 Equipment Gateway Has New Distributor in Paul French . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Fitzgerald Auto Group Celebrates Golden Anniversary with BASF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Gerber Collision & Glass Opens Location in Portage, IN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Grand Island Man Wins Restored ‘68 Mustang from NPCC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Insurance study finds Iowa in 4th place for deer-vehicle accidents. . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Larry Montanez to Present Estimating Workshop to ASA-OH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 MI Attorney General Warns Consumers to be on the Lookout for Flood-Damaged Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Michigan Orders Former Agent to Stop Selling Fake Auto Insurance Certificates. . . . . . . . 22 Museum will show model of Idora coaster . . 14 Paint, Collision Repair Franchise to Open Two or Three Wichita Stores . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Phillips - Chicago Body Shop Aims to Redefine the Collision Repair Experience for Customers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Police Search For Suspects in Detroit Body Shop Murder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Stolen Car Parts Investigation Turns Into Major Drug Bust in ND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

WIN Kicks Off 2017 “All In For WIN” Membership Drive

Index of Advertisers

Contents

Kia of Des Moines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Kia Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . . . . 61 Killer Tools & Equipment. . . . . . . . . . 7 Laurel Auto Group of Westmont . . . 51 Lusid Technologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Luther Bloomington Acura-Subaru. 46 Luther Hopkins Honda . . . . . . . . . . 26 Maplewood Toyota-Scion . . . . . . . . 42 Mazda Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . 60 Mercedes-Benz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 MINI Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . 68 MOPAR Wholesale Parts Dealers . . 33 Morrison’s Auto Parts . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Nissan of South Holland . . . . . . . . . 34 Nissan Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . 56 O’Reilly Auto Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Polyvance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 PPG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Preval . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 ProLine Tool & Supply . . . . . . . . . . 39 Richfield-Bloomington Honda . . . . 40 Russ Darrow Automotive Group. . . 22 SATA Dan-Am Company . . . . . . . . 15 Sorbothane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Subaru Wholesale Parts Dealers . . 58 The Sharpe Collection of Automobiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Toyota of Des Moines . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Toyota of Grand Rapids . . . . . . . . . 44 Toyota Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . 62 U-POL US . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Valspar Automotive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 VanDevere Kia-GM . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Vibac Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Volkswagen Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 WyoTech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10, 38 Zimmer Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram . 72

www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 3

Study: Consumers Want Option to Control Autonomous Cars by Michael Wayland, The Detroit News

Public acceptance of self-driving cars could hang on one thing: Not completely taking away the keys from human drivers. A Future Autonomous Vehicle Driver Study commissioned by Kelley Blue Book found four out of five people believe a human driver should always have the option to drive themselves instead of having a full selfdriving vehicle. “They’re not really ready for a fully autonomous vehicle,” said Rebecca Lindland, senior analyst for the vehicle valuation and information company. About one in four people (26 percent) would be interested in a self-driving vehicle for their next vehicle lease or purchase by 2020 as long as there’s an option for a human driver to take over. That compares to one in five (20 percent) for partial autonomy and about one in eight (13 percent) for a purely self-driving vehicle.

Ford research engineer Ghassan Atmeh, left, and supervisor Andrew Richardson “drive” an autonomous car in demonstration on Dearborn roads. Credit: David Guralnick, Detroit News

The study assumes all levels of autonomy will be available in the next four years. Several automakers have announced ambitions to offer self-driving vehicles in the coming years— mainly for controlled fleets such as ride-hailing or car-sharing services. The responses are based on a scale of autonomy from level 0 for human only, to level 5 for full autonomy with no option for a human driver to take control. The vast majority of vehicles on the road today are considered level 0 and level 1 “modern vehicles,” according to the study. “People definitely feel like level 4 (full autonomy with human control available) is the sweet spot,” Lindland said. “They want a vehicle that can drive itself, but then there’s also times they want to drive.” The survey results call into ques-

tion strategies by some automakers to offer level-3 partially automated vehicles as well as fully self-driving in the coming years. Some automakers—most notably Tesla Motor Inc.—have launched or plan to launch what is considered partial autonomy (level three) vehicles that have the ability to keep a vehicle in its lane, drive with the speed of traffic and even change lanes with the touch of a turn signal. But a driver is still necessary to monitor in case of a system not being able to drive. “There is definitely an opportunity to skip over level 3,” Lindland said, adding that airplanes with autopilot are still considered level 4. “Not being able to fully relax is the biggest deterrent for level 3.” General Motors Co. plans to release its level-3 competitor to Tesla’s Autopilot system called Super Cruise in 2017. The company has said it will keep steering wheels and other humancontrolled components in cars for the foreseeable future. “We believe through an evolution we’re able to put the technology into the vehicles,” GM Chairman and CEO Mary Barra told reporters ahead of the automaker’s annual shareholders meeting in June. “And it is very important that we demonstrate safety. We think that having that capability when the steering wheel and the pedals are still in the vehicle is a very good way to demonstrate and prove the safety.” That contrasts with Ford Motor Co. The Dearborn-based automaker in August announced plans to have a fully driverless car without a steering wheel or pedals for braking and acceleration in 2021. Going straight to a car that doesn’t need a driver, steering wheel or pedals offers bigger benefits to passengers and is more profitable, the automaker said. The cars, Ford said, would be available only for commercial applications like ride-sharing in major cities at first. However, even current ride-share users aren’t sold on fully autonomous vehicles, according to the KBB study. About 40 percent of current ridesharing users said the most appealing level of self-driving vehicles would be for full autonomy with the driver able to take over. That compares to 28 percent of ride share users for full autonomy. “Even among those ride-share

4 NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

“No Steering” says Celphy.

users, we’re still seeing level 4 as the peak, or sweet spot,” Lindland said. “It’s just a running theme that we found.” More familiarity with advanced automated technologies would likely increase acceptance rates: The study found 48 percent of people who own a level 2 vehicle with limited autonomy would purchase a level 5 vehicle for their next car or truck. That compares

to 11 percent of those who do not own a level 2 vehicle. The Future Autonomous Vehicle Driver Study was conducted by Culver City, California-based Vital Findings. It is based on an online survey of more than 2,200 people age 12-64 during the week of May 20. We thank The Detroit News for reprint permission.

California Revises Self-Driving Rules, Drops Third-Party Requirement, OK’s No Human Driver

Last month California unveiled revised rules that carmakers will have to comply with the 15-point NHTSA assessment instead of self-driving cars being required to be tested by a third-party, as in the original proposal. California would allow for the absence of a human driver and a steering wheel in advanced self-driving cars, provided there is twoway communication with the vehicle and NHTSA approval. California will hold a public hearing on the proposal Oct. 19. President Barack Obama wrote a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette op-ed last month saying the administration is asking automakers “to sign a 15-point safety checklist showing not just the government, but every interested

American, how they’re doing it.” Cain also raised concerns about whether the NHTSA guidelines are too vague. “The problem is there is going to be accountability and there is going to be enforcement,” Cain said, saying in some areas NHTSA needs to offer more specific guidance. “We need to go through this with a fine tooth comb.” Former NHTSA Administrator David Strickland, who now represents Google, Ford Motor Co. and Uber, raised concerns at the forum about whether NHTSA has the expertise to review all of the data they are seeking on self-driving vehicles. Congress may need to “better resource the agency for this new mission,” he said.

www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 5

Paint, Collision Repair Franchise to Open Two or Three Wichita Stores

by Carrie Rengers, The Wichita Eagle

Maaco, the country’s largest franchise for paint and collision repair, will be entering the Wichita market within the next six months. Rob Cambruzzi, the company’s vice president of franchise sales and development, says Maaco is looking for a local franchisee but will open with a larger regional franchisee if necessary.

“We prefer to find someone local,” he said. For relationships in the business community and with customers, he said, “It’s better to have guys on the ground.” Maaco is part of Charlotte, N.C.-based Driven Brands, which has more than 3,000 stores nation-

ally, almost 500 of which are Maaco stores. Cambruzzi said the 7,000-squarefoot stores typically do $1.2 million in sales annually, with seven to 10 employees per store. Franchises cost $250,000 to $350,000, and the company says franchisees typically have a net annual income of $192,240. Cambruzzi said there’s already one potential franchisee for the market, though nothing is signed yet. Ideally, he said the stores would move into existing auto body spaces. “It’s kind of up to the franchisee if they have real estate.” Cambruzzi said there’s potential for two or three Maaco stores in Wichita. “We’re just really excited to come in there,” he said. “We don’t have any coverage there, so it’s an obvious market for us to get placement in.” We thank The Wichita Eagle for reprint permission.

Fitzgerald Auto Group Celebrates Golden Anniversary with BASF

The Fitzgerald Auto Group was started by Jim and Jean Fitzgerald in 1966. Now with two locations— Monroeville and Willard, Ohio, both managed by Jim Fitzgerald Jr.—the Group has expanded its offerings over the years to include mechanical repairs, car and van rentals and also pre-owned auto sales.

BASF has been partnered with Fitzgerald’s Collision Repair Center, supplying R-M paint and other services, since they first opened. “BASF is proud to continue our partnership with Fitzgerald’s through their golden anniversary,” said Marvin Gillfillan, BASF vice president, Automotive Refinish Solutions, North America. “We look forward to working with them for the next 50 years.” Fitzgerald Auto Group is a BASF Advanced Process Solutions (APS)-certified shop and also participates in a BASF Performance Group. According to BASF, these two busi-

ness services focus heavily on company culture and improving overall shop practices to improve efficiency and profitability. “BASF has changed the way we do business,” said Fitzgerald. “It’s more than just paint, it’s what BASF brings to the table with their value-added services that really makes a difference. The APS program has changed the shop culture in a way that I didn’t think was possible — we’re fixing cars faster and better than ever. “They have been instrumental in springboarding Fitzgerald Auto Group and allowing us to have multiple locations. We’ve never deviated and never had any desire to switch,” Fitzgerald explained. This milestone was being celebrated by Fitzgerald’s Collision Repair Center with a year-long charity raffle concluding at the Monroeville location on October 8th with food, music and a car show. The proceeds of the raffle will be donated to three local charities: Victory Soup Kitchen, Piggyback Foundation and the Hope Center. The grand prize is a tropical vacation for two. For more information, visit www .basfrefinish.com.

6 NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

2 Auto Parts Executives Indicted for Obstruction

pany’s wrongdoing,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brent Snyder of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division in a release on Wednesday. “Obstructing a federal antitrust investigation — criminal or civil — is a serious criminal violation that the Antitrust Division will vigorously pursue.” Katsumaru was employed by Nishikawa Rubber Co. in Japan. Higashida worked there and in Novi as president of that company’s U.S. joint venture, Nishikawa Cooper LLC. Higashida is also charged with attempted obstruction of justice. In 2013, the Justice Department said the international price fixing conspiracies affected more than $5 billion in automobile parts served to U.S. car manufacturers; in total, more than 25 million cars purchased by American consumers were affected by this illegal conduct. Auto supplier price fixing is being investigated by officials in the U.S., Europe, Australia, South Korea, Japan and Canada. A Justice Department investigation first came to light with search warrants executed by the FBI in early 2010 at the Metro Detroit U.S. headquarters of three Japanese suppliers. We thank The Detroit News for reprint permission.

by Michael Wayland, The Detroit News

On September 21, the Justice Department said a federal grand jury in Detroit indicted two automotive parts industry executives with conspiring to obstruct a federal investigation. The indictments of Futoshi Higashida and Mikio Katsumaru are the latest in the government’s wide-ranging price fixing and bid-rigging probe into the auto parts sector. To date, 65 individuals and 47 companies have been charged in the Antitrust Division’s investigations into the automotive parts industry. According to the indictment, the defendants, along with their co-conspirators, conspired from at least as early as June 2008 until at least September 2012 to delete emails and electronic records and to destroy documents referring to communications with competitors. In addition, according to the indictment, Higashida instructed another individual in September 2012 to ensure that no phone numbers or call records remained on his cellphone and that no data remained on his computer that would reflect competitor communications. “Individuals will not escape prosecution by covering up or destroying evidence of their own or their com-

Infiniti of Naperville

• Dedicated Parts Professionals

• Over $1,000,000 in

with 80 Years Combined Experience

Wholesale Parts Inventory

The Collision Parts You Can Trust Direct Line:

866-874-6346 Tom Ryan Wholesale Parts Manager

tryan@auto-plaza.com

Fax: 331-457-4661 Parts Hours: Mon. - Fri. 7am - 7pm; Sat. 8am - 4pm

1550 W. Ogden Ave. // Naperville, IL 60540 www.buyinfinitiparts.com

www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 7

Criminals Likely Stealing Cars for Scrap Metal, Police Say by Bailey Gallion, The Post Athens

While he visited his daughter on Sept. 8, Thomas Vansteenkiste’s car disappeared from the Ohio University parking lot where it was parked. The Ohio University Police Department ran a search to see if the 2003 Jeep Wrangler had been towed, Vansteenkiste said, but it turned up no results. An OUPD report lists the vehicle as stolen and states the incident is under investigation. Vansteenkiste contacted his insurance agency and had to arrange another ride to his home in West Chester, he said. “Just another hurdle in life,” he said. “That stuff happens. That’s why we have insurance.” Vansteenkiste isn’t the only person whose car was allegedly stolen near Athens in recent months. Athens County Crime Solvers Anonymous listed eight alleged vehicle thefts in its crimes of the month news release, three in Nelsonville and five from Athens, according to a previous Post report. In many of those cases, the vehicle had a damaged ignition switch or someone left the keys inside, according to the news release. Athens Police Chief Tom Pyle said organized crime might be respon-

Smith said he doesn’t think vehicle theft has been much of a problem elsewhere in the county. The county sees more incidents of individual parts being stolen, he said. Peggy McKee, an owner of McKee Auto Parts at 2205 New Beckler Road in New Marshfield, said stolen cars aren’t much of a problem for her business. McKee Auto Parts requires documentation including a driver’s license and a title of ownership when buying cars. “You’re not allowed to sell me a car without a title,” McKee said. “And there’s no exception.” McKee said she also doesn’t buy parts. The busiAccording to Athens Police Chief Tom Pyle, organized ness doesn’t have anywhere crime groups sometimes move through the region, steal to store them, and the parts several cars and sell them for scrap metal. (File) people want to sell tend to ing meters, you name it. Criminal enter- arrive damaged. prises will develop throughout the Ohio The business usually doesn’t see region and travel.” anything suspicious enough to contact Athens saw a similar string of law enforcement. thefts last year when parts disappeared “If there’s something stolen or from the exhaust system of several ve- something, they’ll call me or come out,” hicles in Athens. Those thefts stopped McKee said. “But usually, we don’t rewithin months, and Pyle said this string ally have a problem.” will probably be no different. We thank The Post Athens for Athens County Sheriff Rodney reprint permission.

sible for the string of thefts. Groups sometimes move through the region, steal several cars, sell them for scrap metal and move on, he said. “If it’s a pattern, usually it’s organized crime,” he said. “We’ve had theft of vehicles, (theft of change from) park-

8 NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Equipment Gateway Has New Distributor in Paul French

Equipment Gateway, importer of the Miracle System of panel repair for steel and aluminum panels, has announced the appointment of Paul French of Tri-State Collision Equipment as a new distributor for the states of North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska and Minnesota.

“We are extremely excited to welcome Paul to the Miracle System Team,” a statement from the company read. “French and his company, located at 500 West Harrison Street in Butler, Missouri, bring years of experience and expertise to the collision industry.” According to the company, the Miracle System is the original panel repair system from Japan that allows technicians to repair larger damages quickly and efficiently with little to no burn through on the inside. For more information, visit www.equipmentgateway.com.

ASA-OH Hosts Successful Networking Event

Ellsworth Auto Body Changes with the Times

On September 13, ASA-OH hosted a networking event at the Graystone Wine Cellar in Columbus, OH. According to ASA-OH executive director Matt Dougher, these types of association-sponsored events “provide an avenue for shop owners to

The location is the same, but much has changed at Ellsworth Auto Body over the past 55 years. James D. Ellsworth Sr. started in 1961, repairing vehicles in a shop at 1607 E. Maple St. NW. At first, he did the work part time while working a full-time job at a local dealership. He started working at the repair shop full time in 1980. The business started in a former sheet metal shop that Ellsworth bought in the late 1950s. He built a house in front of the shop. “I grew up here, with it going on,” James D. Ellsworth Jr. said of the body shop. The younger Ellsworth worked in the shop and learned the business while growing up. Then he went to college and worked several years for a corporation based in Cleveland. In 2002, as his father made plans for retirement, James and his wife, Jami, decided to return to North Canton and keep the business operating. This past year, Ellsworth replaced the house at the site. While the new building looks like a house with a two-car garage, it has offices,

by Chasidy Sisk

discuss the important issues of the industry and building a unified industry to better serve the public. The event was well attended and very successful.” During the event, a number of automotive instructors from central OH were present to network and to discuss the importance of recruiting and placing the next generation of technicians in shops. Dougher stated, “We stressed the importance of shop owners getting involved and participating in the schools’ advisory committees and assisting with placing

students in shops. The event was well-received by the attendees, who appreciated the opportunity to discuss the very important issue of recruiting technicians with each other

and instructors. Our shop owners feel it is very important that we continue to build our partnership with area automotive school instructors so that we can assist each other with developing the next generation of automotive technicians.”

www.autobodynews.com

by Edd Pritchard, Canton Rep

and the garage provides an additional work area. The business has paint and repair equipment in three buildings, with airflow systems designed to reduce and collect particles, dust and dirt created during the repair process. There are two paint booths for applying, then baking the paint onto a repaired surface, which could be metal or a plastic depending on the vehicle and location of the damage. The shop uses water-based latex paint systems that are environmentally friendly. Computer programs are used to mix paint colors. “The idea is to mix what you need to minimize waste,” Ellsworth said. A long tradition, word-of-mouth, being active with community groups and working with insurance adjusters all help Jim and Jami Ellsworth keep the family-owned business going. The shop repairs all makes and models. For more information, visit www .ellsworthautobody.com. We thank The Canton Rep for reprint permission.

www.autobodynews.com CHECK IT OUT!

www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 9

Gerber Collision & Glass Opens Location in Portage, IN

Gerber Collision & Glass has announced the September 26 opening of a new collision repair center in Portage, Indiana. The location will focus on the repair of semi-trucks and large commercial vehicles, as well as recreational vehicles. It was pre-

viously operated by Great Lakes Peterbilt, a large truck dealership, with which it shares a location. Portage is located about 40 miles southeast of Chicago and the center is in close proximity to Interstate 94. “This is our fifth center that specializes in commercial vehicles and RVs,” said Tim O’Day, president and COO of Gerber Collision & Glass. This new location will enhance our large footprint in metropolitan Chicago and will enable us to serve additional customers and further assist our insurance partners.”

Grand Island Man Wins Restored ‘68 Mustang from NPCC A Grand Island man is the winner of the 2016 North Platte Community College raffle car. Michael Peterson’s name was drawn on September 10 during Colonel Cody’s Cruise Show

programs. The raffle car is a 1968 Ford Mustang Coupe. It’s the 12th vehicle restored and modified by Classic Car Restoration Program, Automotive Tech and Auto Body Tech students, faculty and staff members in the Transportation Division at NPCC. This year, the students decided to keep the car in a more “stock” condition than some of the previous raffle cars. The drivetrain consists of a stock 302 CID, 220horsepower rated engine with a two-barrel naturally aspirated (carbureted) fuel Tracy Carman draws the winning ticket for the 2016 system coupled to a C4 auNorth Platte Community College raffle car during tomatic transmission. Colonel Cody’s Cruise Show and Shine in downtown However, the students North Platte while NPCC Auto Body instructor Don couldn’t resist a few modifiWilson looks on cations. The raffle car sports and Shine in downtown North Platte. a tilt wheel, a completely new interior, Peterson was not present for the draw- an aftermarket sound system and a ing, but will be notified of the win by vinyl top. The finish is “Impact Blue” college officials. - selected from a 2014 Mustang color The NPCC Foundation conducted palette using PPG’s basecoat/clearcoat the raffle, and approximately 7,000 raf- paint system. fle tickets costing $10 each were sold. The college used the Mustang a Proceeds will go toward scholarships number of ways. First, it counted tofor students in the Automotive Tech- ward a certificate in automotive nology and Auto Body Technology restoration. The students who worked

on the car had to study then apply current technology to 1968-level application. They had to understand both traditional and modern engineering and technology before merging the two. The car also attracted attention to the college and its programs and was used to recruit students interested in transportation-related training. The Mustang toured the state over the summer, making appearances at car shows, parades and cruise night events. Tickets were sold everywhere the car was on display. They were also available at a number of local businesses and organizations, including Bob Spady Buick-GMC, Cohagen Battery Store, Grandma’s Memories Antiques and Collectibles, Isabelle’s Auction House, A.J. Janas, Pat Smith, Jody’s Auto Sales, Larry’s Barber Shop, Modern Tire Pros, Twin River Body Shop, LKQ-Keystone and E.J.’s Outdoor Sports. Tickets were also sold at Rex’s Refrigeration in Ogallala and Curtis Collision Center in Curtis. More information about the car and the Classic Car Restoration, Automotive Tech and Auto Body Tech program offerings is available at www .mpcc.

Larry Montanez to Present Estimating Workshop to ASA-OH

by Chasidy Sisk

On November 18, ASA-OH will be hosting Larry Montanez of P & L Estimology for a full-day estimating workshop entitled “The Path to Prof-

itability.” Montanez will teach attendees about the latest techniques in the estimating process, as improving the estimating skills of a shop’s staff is vital to continued profitability in the collision repair industry. Montanez’s course will cover the complete estimating process, starting with welcoming the customer through prepping the vehicle for triage. He will discuss triage, premeasuring, pre-scanning and OEM repair information operations as well as damage analysis, report writing, and P-page logic. The seminar will also cover advanced damage report

writing, additional procedures, operations and P-pages, and quarter panel replacement and operations for damage report writing. “The Path to Profitability” will be held at the Ohio Auto Kolor Training Center in Columbus, OH, on Friday, November 18 from 8:30AM until 5:00PM. Matt Dougher, executive of ASA-OH stated, “We would like to thank Ohio Auto Kolor for allowing ASA Ohio to use their training facility for this seminar.” The cost of the seminar is $199 for members and $325 for nonmembers. Those interested in attending can register online at www .asaohio.org.

WyoTech Graduates Alumni Reception

2016 SEMA Show

Wednesday, Nov 2nd – 6pm – 8pm North Hall – Rm N236 “WyoTech Alumni Association” Kickoﬀ!!

To advertise call Advertising Sales at:

800-699-8251 e-mail:

advertising@autobodynews.com

10 NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Network with Alumni from across the U.S. Share your Success Story www.wyotechalumni.com WyoTech SEMA Booth # 23893

www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 11

Insurance Study Finds Iowa in 4th Place for Deer-Vehicle Accidents by Dave Franzman, KCRG-TV9

Iowa drivers know sooner or later the odds are you’ll hit a deer while driving in the state. But some new insur-

Dale Wulfekuhle, manager of Ream Auto Body, points out some hair from a deer still on a vehicle brought in on September 20. Wulfekehle counted three vehicles brought in for work after hitting a deer in a week's time

ance statistics might surprise you with just how high the risk is on the road. Drivers have a 1 in 68 chance of being involved in an auto accident involving a deer every year in Iowa. That’s according to insurance company State Farm, which released an annual deer claim study ranking the Continued from Cover

OSHA Whistleblower

novo, the claims. ● Depending on the statute, 30 or 60 days have passed from the date the employee first filed the claim with OSHA.

● OSHA has interviewed the employee.

● Federal investigators have evaluated the complaint and the employee’s interview to determine if the basic elements of a retaliation claim exist.

● Both the employee and the employer have had the opportunity to submit written responses, meet with an OSHA investigator and present statements from witnesses. ● The employee has received a copy of the employer’s submissions and had an opportunity to respond.

Once the employee submits the request for an expedited process, OSHA will provide one of three responses:

● it will dismiss the claim, which allows the employee to then file an ap-

risk of such accidents in every state. Drivers in West Virginia run the greatest risk with a 1 in 41 chance. Iowa is in 4th place, just behind Pennsylvania. The State Farm survey ranked November, during deer mating season, as the riskiest month for an accident, with October in 2nd place. But Dale Wulfekuhle, manager at Ream Auto Body in Cedar Rapids, isn’t sure some eastern Iowa deer are getting that timing message. For him, it’s been a busy week for customers bringing in vehicles after a run-in. “Well these were brought in... one on Friday and one on Tuesday and I have another vehicle just dropped off, so that’s three within a week,” Wulfekuhle said. State Farm statistics show the average auto-deer repair bill nationwide is $3995.08. That’s down a little more than $100 from the average bill in 2015. Wulfekuhle said some accidents cost a lot more to fix. He pointed out one newer car with an estimate almost double that amount. Iowa shares one thing in common with other states that lead the list. That’s a large deer population. Andrew Norton, a deer manage-

peal with an administrative law judge; ● issue merit findings as quickly as possible; or ● deny the employee’s request for the expedited process.

Benefits of the New Program If successful, this program will be very beneficial to whistleblowers who struggle with the delays of the current system. As employers continue running their businesses while waiting for a response from OSHA, terminated employees are often looking for work, with added difficulty if they were fired. An expedited process can lead to quicker remedies for an aggrieved whistleblower, which include back pay, compensatory damages, punitive damages where authorized, attorney fees and reinstatement. Even if the outcome is that the employee’s claim is dismissed, an administrative law judge may grant all the same remedies as OSHA. Whistleblowers in the Western region, however, should be mindful that they must affirmatively request the expedited process. Without the request, OSHA will continue on its usual timeframe.

12 NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

ment specialist with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said the state’s deer population probably peaked in 2006. He said the DNR doesn’t have an accurate total deer population due to widely varying methods of estimating populations and accounting for deer taken by hunters and in accidents. But Norton said the DNR believes the population is down at least 250,000 since the peak about ten years ago due to issuing more deer tags to hunters and loosening of some hunting restrictions. In 2013, the DNR decided the deer population had stabilized and the goal now is to maintain those numbers. While October, November and December remain the most dangerous months of collisions with deer, one auto body estimator, Scott Kruger, says he’s seeing larger numbers of accidents at other times of the year, too. “There doesn’t seem to be a week that goes by that you don’t write one or two deer hits, and I’m not really sure exactly why,” Kruger said. We thank KCRG-TV9 for reprint permission.

MI Attorney General Warns Consumers to be on the Lookout for Flood-Damaged Vehicles

On September 30, Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette cautioned Michigan drivers searching for a new vehicle to be on the lookout for flood damaged cars, trucks and SUVs. Heavy rains in MetroDetroit during the last couple days of September have likely damaged vehicles, and many will end up in the used car market. Vehicles with flood damage can appear for sale on the Internet or at car lots without any mention or obvious signs of the damage. Water can damage vital parts of a car including airbag sensors, brakes, and electrical systems, and the damage may not show up right away. Weeks or months could pass before evidence of damage is known, putting the purchase past warranty and leaving a driver without a car.

www.autobodynews.com C

www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 13

Museum Will Show Model of Idora Coaster The Idora Park Experience, a private museum dedicated to preserving the history of the defunct amusement park that was once on Youngstown’s South Side, has obtained a handcrafted 18foot long model of the Wildcat roller coaster that once was at the park. The museum will open this weekend to show off the model, as well as its entire collection of Idora artifacts.

Hours will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $5. The museum is at the home of Jim and Toni Amey, 4450 S. Turner Road, who have amassed the collection of items from the park. The Wildcat roller coaster model was made by John Kondas over a five-year period beginning in 1998. It was displayed at the Canfield Fair in the early 2000s while still incomplete.

When Kondas died of cancer in 2003, all but a 1-foot section of the model had been completed. After John’s death, his brother Ray, and Ray’s wife, Christine, took on the task of completing the one-foot section. They ran the coaster cars once around the track and then stored the model in the their garage for the next 13 years until it was acquired by the Idora Park Experience. The Wildcat model isn’t the only thing new at the museum. Since it last opened its doors to the public in June, the Ameys have built a mini version of the Idora Park Arcade and filled it with games that people will remember from their days at Idora. Many of the games are operational, and visitors are encouraged to bring their quarters and dimes and take a turn on a game or two. Visitors to the Idora Park Experience will also have the opportunity to meet: Ray and Christine Kondas, former owners of the Wildcat model who will share the story of John Kondas

Body Shops and Insurance Companies Booking Up Fast After the Storm

by Gordon Severson, WKOW

The late September storm itself was fast, only lingering in Madison’s west side for a few minutes, but the damage it left behind will keep body shops and insurance companies busy for several weeks to come. “This is pretty much the worst one we’ve seen for about five years,” ABRA Auto Body and Glass Customer Service Manager Scott Ackerman said. More than a hundred people have called or emailed the ABRA Odana Road location looking for estimates. Ackerman said the phone has been ringing nonstop since the storm ended. “We usually stop answering the phones around 5:30. I was here until after six and the phones were still going off,” Ackerman said. Ball Body Shop in Middleton was busy as well. Technicians there spent most of September 20 hammering out dents. Shop managers say you should call sooner rather than later. They say the sooner you call, the sooner they’ll get to your vehicle. “Right now we’re booking to the first of the month already, and that’s filling up pretty fast,” Ackerman said.

American Family Insurance customers have already filed more than 420 auto claims and 260 property claims. Adjusters are expecting to see close to 3,000 claims when everything is all said and done. “As the week goes on, we’ll get more calls trickling in when people realize how my neighbor had storm damage and I should call in my claim, too,” American Family Insurance Spokeswoman Linda Wagener said. To help them address all of these claims, Wagener says the company plans to set up a drive-thru claim center on Madison’s west side. They’re still narrowing down a location for this center, but they expect to have things up and running soon. “You may see our sign or our RV at a site, but you just can’t drive in. You need to make an appointment so we can get you through promptly in a timely manner,” Wagener said. To file a claim with American Family Insurance, call 1-800-MY-AMFAM. Customers with other insurance companies should contact their representatives as soon as possible to file a claim. We thank WKOW for reprint permission.

14 NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

and the building of the model. Chris Bell and Leslie Bell Redman, the children of legendary local radio DJ Boots Bell, who will display memorabilia and share memories about their dad. Tammi Anderson, the great granddaughter of the woman who brought cotton candy to Idora Park in 1929. Tammi and her family ran the cotton candy stand until Idora’s closure in 1984. Visitors can buy “Idora Park” cotton candy that Tammi makes makes with the original equipment and recipe her family used at Idora Park. The Ameys have been finding and acquiring Idora Park artifacts for many years as part of their quest to maintain this piece of local history. Jim spends countless hours repairing and restoring artifacts and improving the museum’s displays. And recently the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center (MCCTC) volunteered to help. Beginning this month, 12 students in the Auto Body Repair program will take on the project of restoring one of the cars from the Idora Turtle ride. It’s expected that this will be a six-month project for them in which they will work with the academics department

and be expected to do outside research about Idora Park. The Ameys intend to eventually donate their collection to the Mahoning Valley Historical Society in hopes that a full-time public museum will be created. To follow the Ameys’ progress, go toTheIdoraParkExperience.com. If you are interested in a private group tour or in having Jim and Toni speak at a function, call 330-774-4107 or send an email through the website.

We thank Vindy.com for reprint permission.

The source for timely information that every body shop needs!

CALL 800-699-8251

FREE

Mail Subscription

www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 15

16 NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Roberts Collision and Service Drives to Success by Mark Haney, Lenconnect.com

Cars run in the Roberts family. James “Jimmy” Roberts has owned and operated Roberts Collision and Service in Adrian since 2007. But his father, Jim, owned Jim’s Auto Body in Napoleon and his uncles owned Roberts Paint and Body Shop in Chelsea before retiring. So he grew up knowing how to repair damaged vehicles and get them back on the road. Only now he does it at his own shop at 5555 S. Occidental Highway in Tecumseh. It hasn’t always been called Roberts Collision, however. It started that way but spent a few years as R&R Collision, when Roberts took on a partner. When Roberts and the partner split, the business went back to its original name. “I think it was challenging for him, at first,” said Kelli Roberts, Jimmy’s wife. “But it was well worth it. We now have a great group of people working here.” Roberts now is a state-of-the-art, eco-friendly shop providing a full range of collision and auto repair services. In an effort to be more ecological, the shop has turned to water-based PPG paints and is using recycled motor oil to heat the shop in the cooler months.

At the same time, Kelli said, the Robertses were getting the staff properly situated. “We’ve been through a revamp process,” she said, “of getting the right people in place to make this facility what we know it can be. We want to be known for top-flight quality and the best customer service.

This is the crew at Roberts Collision & Service in Tecumseh

“I feel we’ve finally gotten to a place where we have the right people in place to be the best body shop and service facility in the area.” Two key members of that staff, she said, are office manager Jenny Soules and body shop manager Andy Clark. Soules, she said, has great customer service skills, attention to detail and keeps track of all the parts orders.

She also makes sure customers know she has their best interests in mind. Clark, she said, is a hard worker who can do it all, from writing up a service order to painting a car to overseeing the rest of the service staff. He and Jimmy also do most of the classic car restorations the shop handles. All of the staff understand what a vehicle means to its owner. “Most people think of their car as their baby,” she said, “and other than owning a home, it is their most important purchase. So it is stressful when it isn’t working right or has been damaged. In most cases, we try to give them back a better vehicle than what they had before.” All of that is paying off, Kelli said. By continuing to go above and beyond the call of duty, the regulars keep coming back, she said, “and we are growing. Our customer base is growing every single day.” A few more goals remain, however. “We would love to be known as that go-to shop,” Kelli said, “where people know they can get the best customer service.” We thank Lenconnect.com for reprint permission.

Police Search For Suspects in Detroit Body Shop Murder

Police are asking for help identifying suspects connected with a murder at an auto shop on the city’s east side. Police say that on September 21, two men walked into the auto body shop in Detroit and fired shots at a 50-year-old man, killing him. The first suspect is described as a black man, 50, about 5-foot-10 to 6 feet, heavy-set, wearing all black clothing, and a black baseball cap with green lettering. The second suspect is described as a black man, 50, wearing all black clothing. Police are also looking for a third suspect — no description at this time — who was the driver. All three escaped in a white Chevy Impala. If anyone has seen this vehicle, or has any information about this crime, you are asked to call the Detroit police at (313) 596-1616 or contact CRIMESTOPPERS at 1800-SPEAK UP. http://detroit.cbslocal.com/ 2016/09/22/police-search-forsuspects-in-murder-at-autobody-shop-video/ We thank WWJ for reprint permission.

Body Shop in SD Gives Back with Give-Away Program by Plainsman staff

Know of a deserving individual or family in the Huron community in need of dependable transportation? The Auto Body Clinic is accepting nominations for the “Wheels to Prosper” program for people in Huron and the surrounding areas. A person must be nominated with a letter explaining why that individual or family is deserving of the opportunity to receive a 2004 Chevy Malibu. The car is on display in front of the Auto Body Clinic, 670 21st St. S.W., now and for the next couple months until a recipient is chosen. Auto Body Clinic owner Jeremy Blom said he has decided to “give back to the community that gives us so much” by giving away a car. The ideal person is someone not thinking of themselves, but instead is always looking out for others, he said. Nominations can be mailed to “Wheels to Prosper,” 670 21st St. S.W., Huron, S.D. 57350. All of the nominations will be reviewed and the deserving person will be selected by a committee

consisting of business professionals. All nominations need to include the following information: the nominating person’s name, address and phone number; why that person believes the nominated person needs and deserves the opportunity to receive the 2004 Chevy Malibu; and the nominee’s name, address and phone number. For more information on the nominating process, visit www.huron autobodyclinic.com and click on the ‘Wheels to Prosper’ logo. The Wheels to Prosper Web site at www.wheelstoprosper.com lists all of the other body shops in the nation that are participating in the program. We thank Plainsman for reprint permission.

INSTAGRAM :

@autobodynews

www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 17

Shop Strategies

Stacey Phillips is a freelance writer and editor for the automotive industry. She has 20 years of experience writing for a variety of publications. She can be reached at sphillips.autobodynews@gmail.com.

Chicago Body Shop Aims to Redefine the Collision Repair Experience for Customers with Stacey Phillips

Located in the Bucktown/Lincoln Park area of Chicago, Saif Yasin owns and operates Chicago Autohaus. In addition to its dealership and service center, the business opened a collision repair shop

most have come to know as the “body shop industry.” We are trying to set the bar for what auto collision services should be and how customers absolutely need to be treated. A lot of the auto repair shops in the industry were started decades ago. We here at Chicago Autohaus are in tune with the new day and age of doing things. The industry has changed throughout the years and a lot of these older shops are stuck in traditional ways. We developed a unique repair process, utilizing new age technology such as picOwned by Saif Yasin, AutoHaus is located in Chicago, ture updates, texting alerts, Illinois etc. three years ago that has grown to beAt the same time, we are comcome one of the largest in the area. mitted to provide safe, high-quality reYasin said the shop is dedicated to propairs and work to return vehicles as viding excellent service and is redefinquickly as possible. We are proud of ing the collision repair experience for our swift response times, extremely customers. polite staff and outstanding rates.

What prompted the opening of What is the importance of exQ: the body shop and what is your Q: cellent customer service? primary area of focus? Customer service is our numA friend of mine and I started A: ber one priority. We are dediA: out working at Flash Cab in cated to offering a variety of auto

Chicago, fixing friends’ cars. We decided that we wanted to redefine the collision repair experience for our customers. We opened the doors to this location in January 2014 and currently have about 12 employees. From the beginning, we have offered all types of auto collision and repair services for local law enforcement agencies, family cars, dealer- Yasin said the company is committed to providing safe, ships, fleet management com- high-quality repairs for all of its customers panies and more. We also provide auto painting and vehicle cuscollision services and consider our tomization, such as vehicle wraps, customers as family members. Our headlight/taillight inner modifications slogan is, “We meet by accident, but and interior work. you leave as a friend.” Building relationships with our clients is very imWhat sets your business apart portant to us. from the competition? We pride ourselves on giving clients the highest quality work and Chicago Autohaus is not your want customers to feel just as comstandard body shop. We model fortable fixing their luxury car as they our entire culture opposite of what are buying it. We know that their life

Q: A:

18 NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

has been inconvenienced and getting their vehicles repaired is the last thing they want to do. It’s our job to get them back in the game as quickly and safely as possible. We also recently opened an Enterprise Rent-A-Car on our premises, which is convenient for our customers.

Are you part of a DRP (direct Q: repair program)? We are mainly a State Farm diA: rect repair facility and have an average turnaround of four days. I be-

lieve this is one of the fastest drop off and pick up times among all State Farm preferred shops. We also do work with many insurance companies. We are a fairly new shop, but we have been pushing to get more DRPs lately.

What types of initiatives do you employ in your own shop

that you can share with others?

We’ve been around the auto inA: dustry for many years and we feel that the way we do things here sur-

passes other shops. We take our time, we make sure things are done right the first time, we treat every customer like a friend, and we make sure each car gets done as quickly as possible. No car just sits for long periods of time and we try to make sure everybody leaves happy. We also keep the shop as clean as possible and update our tools on a monthly basis. We constantly look for ways to become better.

TWITTER :

@autobodynews

MAXIMUM VERSATILITY TO SAVE YOU TIME AND MONEY 934-71 & 72 ONE STEP PLASTIC ADHESION PROMOTERS Glasurit advances the performance of the 934-70, one step plastic adhesion promoter, with the introduction of a black and white version with improved hiding and sandability. The new 934-71/934-72 saves time and money by integrating a sealer with the adhesion promoter. Learn more at basfrefinish.com/glasurit_9347172

VISIT US AT SEMA 2016, BOOTH 20367

www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 19

Robert “Paul” Hulsebusch Passes Away in Texas, Age 50 Beloved husband, father, son, brother and friend, Robert “Paul” Hulsebusch, went to be with the Lord on October 8, 2016 at the age of 50 after losing his fight with cancer. He was born on August 18, 1966 in Portland, Oregon.

Paul gained his work ethic and values as a young man in the family business. He started working in the collision industry in his grandfather’s business Chuck Chaney’s Automotive in Portland, Oregon. He started washing cars, cleaning the shop as a young boy. In high school, he did everything

in the shop when needed. He painted cars, did front end alignments, estimates. Always saying ‘yes’ to get the job done. He is survived by his wife, Alyssa Hulsebusch; his daughter, Taylor Hulsebusch, 20, of Phoenix, AZ; his sons, Daniel Hulsebusch, 23, Maxwell Hulsebusch, 18, and Charles Hulsebusch, 13, of Boerne, Texas; his mother, Janet Chaney of Cave Creek, AZ; his sister, Kristen Syburg and her husband Charlie of Cave Creek, AZ; his stepfather Hans Hulsebusch of Mesa, AZ; and numerous business partners, roping buddies, friends and associates. Paul grew up in Scappoose, OR, and was very active in sports, rodeo, 4H, choir, and Key Club for most of his childhood. As the 1984 Oregon State High School Rodeo Champion he chose to attend Blue Mountain Community College in Pendleton, OR, as part of their rodeo team. Following college, he began a career as a catastrophe claims adjuster and found great success in that field. His profession and charismatic personality carried him across several state

D&S Automotive in Mentor, OH Offers Free Car Washes for Life

D&S Automotive in Mentor, OH is giving free car washes for life to any repair customer that comes into their shops beginning Monday, October 10. “Our customers give back to us with excellent reviews and recommendations to their friends and family for our services,” a statement from the company read. “We are so grateful for the support they give to our business. We, in turn, would like to give something back.” Upon completing a collision repair, D&S technicians and service professionals will hook ready-made key cards onto the customer’s keys and explain the program. Each per-

son will be given car washes for life at any shop bearing the D&S Automotive name. For quick turnaround, a scheduled appointment is preferred. “All of the cars will be hand washed by our employees, who take special care of every vehicle that comes into our shops,” a statement from the company read. Car washes are available at all of the D&S Automotive shops in Mentor, Euclid and Chardon. D&S Customers recently serviced (since January 1, 2016) can trade in their punch card for a brand new car wash key card at any location. For more information, visit www.dsautomotive.com.

Advertise in our CLASSIFIED SECTION for $50 per column inch! Place an ad in our AUTOBODY MARKETPLACE section of Autobody News.

800-699-8251

ltedesco@autobodynews.com

20 NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

lines, touching many people along the way, eventually settling to make his home in Boerne, Texas as the Principal of Sonora Insurance Group. Paul’s professional accomplishments gave him great pride, as well as time spent volunteering with Habitat

For Humanity, teaching Sunday School and coaching youth sports. His longest and strongest hobby was team roping where he could combine his love for the animal, the sport and the camaraderie. But nothing surpassed his love and dedication to his four children; Dan, Taylor, Max and Charlie who each held a

special and unique place in Paul’s heart. Paul was fortunate enough to finally meet his One, Alyssa, in the summer of 2014 and they were married on March 11, 2016. Paul and Alyssa simply loved each other and loved spending time together. Their marriage was peaceful, unconditional and unwavering. Paul’s warm, kind heart, sarcastic humor, infectious smile and unrivaled dedication to his beloved Oregon Ducks will be missed. A memorial celebration was held Friday, October 14, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Boerne with a reception following. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made to the savings account established at Jefferson Bank, Boerne, Texas in order to cover college expenses for Paul’s four children. To leave condolences for the family and view a video of Paul’s life, please visit www.ebensbergerfisher.com and select the Obituaries tab.

www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 21

Michigan Orders Former Agent to Stop Selling Fake Auto Insurance Certificates The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) has ordered a Farmington man to stop selling fraudulent automobile insurance certificates through his company, SBS Agency. The DIFS issued a cease and desist order to Terrell Lee Smith, also known as “Sam.” Smith is not licensed to solicit, sell or negotiate insurance in Michigan, regulators say. Smith’s resident insurance producer license and the license for his agency, Excalibur Insurance Agency, were revoked by the DIFS on May 21, 2013, after DIFS received complaints that Smith was misappropriating clients’ premium payments for personal use and was issuing fake insurance certificates. The DIFS soon began receiving additional complaints from various consumers that an individual by the name of “Sam” sold them a fraudulent insurance certificate. DIFS Investigators discovered Smith was again misappropriating client’s insurance payments and issuing fake insurance certificates.

Auto Body Repair Shop in IL Hosts Extrication Training for Firefighters by 1Collision Network via Chicago Daily Herald

Learning to be safe while saving lives was the focus of the National Auto Body Council’s First Responder Emergency Extrication event hosted at J.R. Auto Collision Repair, located at 543 S. Arthur Ave. in Arlington Heights. Thirty-two first responders from Arlington Heights, Elk Grove, Hoffman Estates, Melrose Park, Mount

Firefighters in full gear train on extraction techniques with late model Audi vehicles at J.R. Auto Collision Repair in Arlington Heights. Credit: 1Collision Network

Prospect, Riverside and Rolling Meadows were updated on the latest in evolving vehicle design and technology, and trained in full gear and with all related emergency equip-

22 NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

ment on extrication techniques on the late model hybrid Audi vehicles. “Days of blind cutting are over... some cars have as many as 15 air bags and some of them are as high as 14,000 psi; thus, it’s critical to know where to cut to avoid any inactivated cylinders as well as the high voltage areas,” said JoAnn Tyler of Holmatro Rescue Equipment, who provided the training. Audi of America donated two 2016 e-Tron model Hybrid vehicles for the demonstration and State Farm Insurance donated supplemental vehicles for the training as well. Zachary Kaleta of J.R. Auto Body Collision Repair and host of this event said, “We in the collision industry know better than most how the technology has changed, especially with the electric cars. So this training was primarily to help firefighters learn new techniques and be prepared to safely extricate car occupants at the scene of an accident.” According to the Department of Transportation, hybrid and electric car sales have skyrocketed recently, making this training even more important. Mount Prospect Fire Department’s Shift Commander Randy

Uidl said, “It was a great opportunity to see new tools, have great instructors and get the opportunity to practice on new cars. Typically, we don’t get new vehicles because of the cost,

Thirty-two firefighters from the Northwest suburbs attended the National Auto Body Council’s First Responder Emergency Extrication event hosted at J.R. Auto Collision Repair in Arlington Heights. Credit: 1COllision Network

and we’re using junkyard cars, which are usually rusty and a couple of generations behind where we need to be to practice on... we’re glad to be here.” J.R. Auto Body Collision Repair is affiliated with the 1Collision Network, a group of top-performing independent and dealer-owned collision repair businesses. We thank 1Collision Network for reprint permission.

Tips for First-Time SEMA Attendees from Industry Veterans by Stacey Phillips

Autobody News reached out to body shop managers and employees who have visited the SEMA show over the years to find out their recommendations for first-timers. Nichole Hubbard from European Motor Car Works, Inc. in Santa Ana, CA, recommends first-time SEMA visitors pick up a program guide, bring a camera, wear comfortable shoes, a hat and sunglasses. “There’s plenty to see outside the SEMA Halls,” said Hubbard. If you’re staying in a nearby hotel, she suggests purchasing a weekly tram pass so you have easy access to the show. “If you’re a collision repairer, the North Hall is the place to start,” said Hubbard. In addition to highly informative educational classes offered by SCRS and I-CAR, there are an array of collision industry presentations available throughout the week. “Visit the New Product Showcase,” said Hubbard. “There are plenty of new tools and products for your review. Also, get ready to be amazed at the automotive aftermarket; it will keep you talking about it for months to come.” In Bedford Hills, New York, Avi

Harrindranauth from North State Custom said the SCRS pass is very worthwhile and will allow you to attend all courses SEMA offers as well as the Sky Villa After Party held at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino on November 3. Harrindranauth attended SEMA for the first time last year. “There was a lot to take in,” he said. “There are so many different exhibitors that you definitely need the entire week out there.” Harrindranauth recommends first-timers attend SEMA Ignited on November 4 at the Gold Lot, which is across the street from the Las Vegas Convention Center and includes vehicles, food, demos, entertainment and more. One of the highlights is the Battle of the Builders competition, which features top automotive builders from across the United States. He said it is one of his favorite parts of the show. “You can really see some unique things and everything is customized, built by people from all over the world,” said Harrindranauth. Also from New York, Gerry Rosenbarker offered insight on the Las Vegas show. “Anyone who has an interest in the industry should definitely go to SEMA—at least experience it once,” said Rosenbarker, the

collision manager from Mohawk Honda. He recommends bringing a great pair of walking shoes and picking up a map! He said the classes offered during the show are phenomenal. “These people are the best in the industry,” said Rosenbarker. “Anything that you are typically interested in, you should be able to get the answers there.” When Rosenbarker was looking for equipment to purchase for Mohawk Honda’s new state-of-the-art collision repair shop (see Shop Strategies article about Mohawk Honda), he visited SEMA to find out what was currently available on the market. “We saved tens of thousands of dollars by purchasing equipment at SEMA,” he said. Attending the show has given them the opportunity to compare paint booths, frame machines, welders, and other shop equipment. “That show is an absolute necessity for anyone who wants to be on the cutting edge of this industry,” said Rosenbarker.

www.autobodynews.com

Service King Names Stu Crum as COO

Service King Collision Repair Centers® announced the organization has officially named Stuart (Stu) Crum to the newly-created role of Chief Operating Officer (COO). A longtime industry thought-leader with experience spanning numerous international automotive brands, Crum joins Service King after serving as President and Chairman of Bridgestone America Retail Operations. He will begin his new role with Service King, effective today, at the organization’s home office in North Texas. “It is an honor to join Service King’s world-class executive team,” said Crum. “The organization is in the midst of explosive national growth, grounded in exceptional operations with a focus on the customer and its teammates. Service King’s reputation for superior repair service and a family atmosphere makes this a phenomenal opportunity to join an already high-impact leadership team.” As Service King COO, Crum will provide national oversight of the company’s network of collision repair operations at 304 U.S. locations. We are immensely proud to welcome Stu Crum to the Service King family,” said Chris Abraham, Service King CEO.

www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 23

Bodyshop Revolution Expands to United States with Unique Technology & Processes workflow.” The idea is to change the way the When I sat down to talk to Jon Parker, entire body shop operates including esowner of Bodyshop Revolution, he had timating, parts control as well as the just returned from a two-week trip that way the technicians repair vehicles. “By included stops in London, Paris, Dubai, changing the system by which they Singapore, Auckland and Melbourne. work, we can actually get much more Parker was traveling the world sharing throughput,” said Parker. The goal is to information about his UK-based comstrive for continuous workflow. “When we start repairing a car, we never stop repairing it until it’s finished.” Parker said the result is lower key-to-key cycle time, more efficiency in the shop, and tremendous cost savings. Bodyshop Revolution was established in 2010. Two years later, collision repair shops in the United Kingdom began With no previous knowledge of the San Diego market, Patrick O’Neill opened Bodyshop Express a year and a implementing the company’s half ago processes. “When we came out pany’s technology and processes. They with this theoretic process to repair cars were created to change the collision reit was a big leap of faith for some of pair industry by providing a high-qualthese shops to actually change their ity and fast turnaround car repair. shops to do it,” said Parker. “We spent “We developed a process and techour own money building out our own nology that enables shops to halve their shop in the UK to actually prove it out.” cycle time from wherever it is today,” The company now operates in nearly said Parker. “If it is 10 days today, it every English-speaking country. will be five; if it’s seven today, it will be After expanding to the United three and a half. This is a game changer States, about a year and a half ago, to the way you repair cars.” with the opening of Bodyshop Express The process, which has been used in San Diego, CA. Owned by Patrick in Europe for more than 10 years, was designed for all types of body shops—whether they are dealer-owned, MSOs, large or small independents. The equipment has been certified for use in the United States and there are currently 15 shops powered by Bodyshop Revolution across the nation. The process is primarily O’Neill said he has been able to fill the shop with customers, bring in $300,000 to $400,000 per month based on the Theory of Constraints and systems thinking, which O’Neill, the body shop includes all of Parker said is something many are not the equipment, software and technolfamiliar with in the United States. He ogy from Bodyshop Revolution. explained that the Theory of ConO’Neill previously owned eight straints is based on understanding collision centers in Arizona and Newhich part of your business detervada, which he sold in 2012. He came mines throughput, the speed at which across Bodyshop Revolution’s unique things flow. He used the example of technologies in the UK and decided to turning over an hour glass. The narset up his own shop to better underrowest part in the center is where the stand the technology. With no previous sand slows down the flow. In terms of knowledge of the San Diego market, he a body shop, Parker explained that has been able to fill the shop with cussomewhere in a shop there is a slower tomers, bring in $300,000 to $400,000 part where it bottlenecks. “What we per month and form DRPs with several do is eliminate all of those bottle- insurance companies. necks,” said Parker. “It’s a process that O’Neill said there are four things is designed to provide continuous that stop production in the body shop: by Stacey Phillips

24 NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

departments, cure time, philosophy and beliefs, and mistakes. “Our goal is to eliminate departments and eliminate as many mistakes as humanly possi-

hicles. The shop’s cycle time is currently 3.9 days and touch times are 5.7 to 6.2 hours per day depending on the insurance company. Parker said he has found there are typically two types of customers who are interested in implementing Bodyshop Revolution’s processes: those who own their own shop and want to retrofit the system into their business; and MSOs that are expanding into new shops. “Rather than buying an existIn September, Bodyshop Express painted 264 cars with one ing shop where they need to spray booth and rolled prime on 98 percent of the vehicles change the culture and bring ble,” said O’Neill, who has found that them on board to their way of thinking the hardest thing to do is to get people and their own process, we try to perto step outside of their box and try the suade them to find a new building and new process. drop our solution straight in,” said “One of our value propositions is Parker. that we say you can get 55 cars a week A typical body shop has multiple through one paint booth (during a nortechnicians working on multiple cars. mal work-week) and you can run a Instead, each car is treated as an indibody shop without a prep deck,” said vidual project. “We create a very proO’Neill, who is also a distributor for fessional and organized working the technology. “We’ve been able to environment,” said Parker. Imagine a prove that.” In September, the shop perfectly white shop floor, with techpainted 264 cars with one spray booth nicians working on one car at a time. and roll primed on 98 percent of the veSee Bodyshop Revolution, Page 31

www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 25

First Auto Body Association of Texas Trade Show Held in Richardson, TX by John Kopriva, Kopriva Body Works, with Janet Chaney, Cave Creek Business Development

The first Auto Body Association Trade Show (ABAT) was held Sept. 16-17 at the Doubletree Hotel in Richardson, Texas. This was the first major collision industry show in Texas since NACE in 2002. It’s now in the books and what a success! ‘Wow’ and ‘over the top’ are the first things that come to mind to describe the two day event.

prove repair efficiency and add more to the shops’ net bottom-line. On Friday, Burl Richards and ABAT hosted a closed door luncheon for members of his board, HABA,and directors of other State associations. It was an excellent way to get to know what is happening around Texas and meet other leaders who want to join in a common cause of improving and strengthening the auto collision repair industry. The Meeting officially got underway at 1:00 pm on Friday with a “Wel-

The Auto Body Association of Texas shows their appreciation to Mike Anderson (black shirt) by giving him a pair of real Texas boots with the ABAT logo on them

“We are excited to welcome the Houston Auto Body Association as a strategic business partner in the Texas market,” said Burl Richards, president of ABAT and owner of Burl’s Collision in Henderson, Texas. “HABA is a welcome addition to this great Texas event.” It was well-attended with participants from all corners of the State as well as others traveling from Oklahoma, California and Virginia. I know they did not go home disappointed.

come to Texas” opening remarks and it never slowed down from there. Robert McDormand, Vehicle Value Experts, a consulting firm that specializes in helping body shops fix more vehicles, spoke, followed by the featured panel on “OE Repair Recommended Procedures, Certification, Proper Repairs, How Do You Get Paid—What Is Right For You.” The panel was moderated by Mike Anderson, Collision Advice and included panelists: Ron Reichen, past SCRS Chairman and shop owner with 26 OE Certifications; Pete Tagliapietra, NuGen IT,OE Procedure Connectivity; Eric McKenzie, Collision Centers Manager, Park Place Dealerships, Dallas, with 23 OE Certifications; Sam Valenzuela, National Auto Body Research; Wayne Kraus. Mitchell In3M Brought Dallas-based Television Personality K.C. ternational; Ken Boylan, Mathieu (center) to the Texas Auto Body Trade Show Chief Industries Global TrainHABA was represented by five ing Manager; L.D. Andrus, American of our members and we were well reHonda; Jake Rodenroth, Collision ceived. There were collision shop Diagnostic Services. owners, managers and I was really imFollowing the panel was a netpressed by the number of techniwork reception where TV painter K.C. cians that attended. Vendors filled the Mathieu, appeared at the 3M booth. exhibit hall with the latest in repair If you have never heard Mike technology, hardware, computer sysAnderson, of CollisionAdvice, speak tems and programs designed to imyou don’t know what you are missing.

26 NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

His fast paced presentations, humor rial profitability can be improved with and group participation held every- good processes. Our second day luncheon speaker one’s attention all the way to his closwas Travis Clardy, a State Represening remarks on Saturday afternoon. Reflecting back over the two day tative who reinforced Austin’s support meeting, I came away supercharged, not with some warm and fuzzy feeling, but armed with information that I know will make a difference in my shop. Resources that are easily accessible that I can call on to prove that I am “Not the only One”, others who have been paid for denied procedures, ways to assist customers battling total loss vehicle value, variable Auto Body Association of Texas President Burl Richards, of Burl’s Collision Center in Henderson Texas welcomes rate systems by insurance attendees to the Texas Auto Body Trade Show companies, for specific vehifor the auto collision network. His cle repair and by locale. Issues such presentation covered ways to ensure as enforcing payment and usage of Pthat we are effectively heard and ways page procedures, and the topics go on to gain greater legislative success. and on. Richard and Sam Valenzuela, On Saturday a technical seminar National Auto Body Research, gave was led by Chief’s Ken Boylan foa report on Variable Rate Survey Incusing on rivets, bonding, welding formation. Throughout the morning and more, and also a presentation Mike Anderson gave a 3-hour estifrom BASF Advanced Process Solumating seminar. tions Group on how paint and mate-

Luther Hopkins Honda

aCompetitive Pricing aFree and Fast Delivery aKnowledgeable Wholesale Parts Staff aLarge Inventory to Serve You Better Luther Hopkins Honda 250 5th Ave. South Hopkins, MN 55343

PH FX

952.908.8585 952.908.8581

Start something special. Mon-Th 7:00am-9:00pm Fri 7:00am-6:00pm Sat 8:00am-4:00pm

]¼xg "ûØĖé 7Øûċ¹ Ì û¼ g ê ĬĬë ««ć ĢĢĢíĠ¼xg www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 27

Mike Anderson’s closing remarks were really uplifting and very motivational. There was no way to walk out at the end of the two days feeling anything other than total motivation armed with a bucket load of dynamite information. I spoke with Mike Anderson, Sam Valenzuela (President of National AutoBody Research/Variable Rate Systems), Burl Richards and others who are excited and willing to come to Houston and “Make HABA Great Again!”. Congratulations to ABAT, Burl Richards and Janet Chaney for an out-

standing, well organized program! Way to go guys. In our last HABA Board meeting October 11 (7–9 pm), at Mossy Nissan, for a presentation by Chris Dobbs, CCC. He presented “Improving your Estimating Skills and Maximizing your CCC System”. The meeting was open to estimators, managers, owners and others interested in learning and improving CCC skills. If you know of other shop owners who would like to attend, encourage them to do so. We need to grow our Association! Growth is our number ONE priority! “Each One Reach One”

National AutoBody Research Creates Collision Economic Index, Make Profit Preserving Price Adjustments

NABR has announced the creation of its new Collision Economic Index™ (CEI) and calculator, to help both collision repairers and insurers make periodic adjustments to the labor and paint & materials rates they charge or pay, based on rising costs of key components of the collision repair business. These price increases help to defray the increasing costs of collision repairers and to maintain and sustain repairer profit margins, improving the economic health of the industry. Similar to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which tracks changes in price over time for a market basket of consumer goods and services, NABR’s Collision Economic Index (CEI) tracks changes in price over time for key elements of repairers’ business such as paint and materials; general business costs such as health care, energy, and insurance; as well as overall price inflation. “Collision repairers are continually faced with a variety of cost increases such as paint, materials, health care, insurance, and much more,” said Sam Valenzuela, President of NABR. “Yet, we’ve found that many repairers need help in translating these increasing costs to increases in their labor and

paint & materials rates. Just like other businesses who increase their prices from time to time based on costs, profit goals, or other business factors, collision repairers too need to make price adjustments to offset cost increases and maintain profit margins.” “NABR’s new Collision Economic Index is exactly what this industry needs,” said Burl Richards, owner of Burl’s Collision Center in Henderson, Texas, and President of the Auto Body Association of Texas. “This will enable repairers to quickly and easily make necessary price adjustments to maintain and sustain their profits, like any other business would do, and base those price increases on sound reasoning, robust data, and good business principles.” For collision repairers, the Collision Economic Index report and calculator will be included with their subscription to NABR’s Variable Rate System (VRS), while non-VRS-subscribers may purchase the report and calculator separately.

Contact: Sam Valenzuela, President, National AutoBody Research, 602466-1900 or Sam@NationalAutoBody Research.com

I-CAR Launches TPMS Course for Honda and Acura

I-CAR has launched a new course under its Vehicle and Technology Specific Training portfolio in the fourth quarter of 2016: Honda and Acura TPMS Collision Repair. The new online course is part of I-CAR’s continuing collaboration with Honda in an effort to deliver Honda and Acura vehicle-specific training across the collision repair industry. Honda and Acura TPMS Collision Repair (HON16e) is the sixth in a series of American Honda developed, I-CAR delivered online courses. Tire pressure monitoring systems, or TPMS, are critical safety sys-

d Family owne d and operate since 1958

tems in a world where customers don’t always pay close attention to tire pressures and condition. TPMS has been required on vehicles by federal law since 2007. Because of the required locations of some system components, collision damage is likely. TPMS service procedures, which vary by system design, may be required to help ensure a complete and proper repair. An extensive diagnostic background isn’t necessary to avoid most common TPMS issues. The course launched on October 3. To learn more about it visit www.i-car.com/newcourses.

28 NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Local: 608.884.4436 Fax: 608.884.8215 m morrisons@morrisonsauto.com

Mention this ad and receive

10% Off

77 7 800.866.2277

your next purchase!

www.morrisonsauto.com om 6307 W. State Rd. 59 • Edgerton, WI 53534

Morrison’s Auto Parts is serious about delivering

Quality Auto Parts and Quality Service and our 11 Salespeople to help you get it!

www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 29

CAA Supports Changes to Anti-Steering and Labor Rate Survey Regulations by Ed Attanasio

Before any regulation goes into effect, it has to be carefully reviewed, re-written in many places, edited and tweaked before it becomes more than just text written on pieces of paper. Until regulations are reviewed by all of the parties involved, they are discussed at public hearings while lawyers and other stakeholders go through the fine print wordby-word. After passing through various stages, a regulation is finalized and is hopefully on its way to becoming a rule, but obstacles can often impede it from reaching its ultimate goal. Despite its most recent set of changes, the California Auto Body Association (CAA) still supports the new versions of the anti-steering and labor rate survey regulations that they have been working with in conjunction with California Insurance Commissioner David Jones for the past six years or more. With the enactment of both regulations now in sight, CAA Lobbyist Jack Molodanof is hopeful, but wary as well. “The California Department of Insurance (CDI) received a ton of feed-

back in the form of comments and suggestions, many of which occurred after the DOI’s April hearings about both regulations,” Molodanof said. “Based on these, the department made a series of revisions in reaction to the input. A few weeks ago, they released the new regulations to the public, and now there is a 15-day period in which people can only comment about the proposed changes that were made.” From his many years as a lobbyist working in Sacramento, Molodanof has seen this process in action countless times. “This is the way things go, but there are usually fewer and fewer comments each time a regulation goes through this process,” he said. “We never know how many comments CDI gets, but the general idea is to let everyone have a say in what the regulations will eventually do so that there is a consensus and a regulation that shops, insurers and consumers can all live with. “This is the funnel approach, where they aggregate comments and consider them carefully,” Molodanof continued. “There may be another round of changes after the designated 15-day period, or it could also be good

30 NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

to go and the CDI will proceed and get them implemented. So this stage is another bite at the apple, so to speak.” The final version of CDI’s proposed anti-steering regulation lightens the requirement that insurers must support statements made to a customer about the policyholder’s decision to work with a specific body shop. But it also alters the scope of what can be considered as an unacceptable statement, according to the revised regulation. The labor rate survey regulations, even with these latest changes, will clarify the situation and standardize these surveys in order to make certain that they will provide equitable claim settlement practices for consumers. “This regulation will finally enable insurers to conduct consistent and reliable auto body labor rate surveys,” Molodanof said. “CDI provided more information and clarification about the geocoding aspect of the regulation in order to determine how many shops from one area will be included in the surveys.” With these most recent revisions to this regulation, CDI has expanded the number of shops to be included

because they discovered that in urban areas, you’re going to have more density. “They expanded it further to make it fairer for both the shops and insurers and make sure that the survey uses a representative sample,” he said. “The geocoding is very accurate, so they can rather easily find the six shops closest to the shop surveyed by capturing their longitude and latitude and using this technology.” Will this be the last round for these regulations before they go into practice? “If I were to guess, I would say yes, unless there are some comments that for some reason will require a further response,” Molodanof said. “I doubt it, but it can happen. There have been numerous workshops, hearings and several rounds of changes, so these things should be ready to roll. CDI has invested a lot of time and effort into working with all of the various stakeholders and have really reached out to everyone to get their feedback. They have been very thorough and fair, and these regulations have been well thought out, so I can’t imagine that there would be another round of changes at this point.

The next step is to send them to the Office of Administrative Law and get them reviewed there.” Perhaps most importantly, how are the insurance companies going to respond to the new regulations once they go into effect, we asked Molodanof. “Are they going to litigate; that is an excellent question. In the meantime, they are waiting on that Supreme Court case that questions CDI’s authority to enforce regulations like these at all. Can that impact these regulations? Maybe. Will the insurance industry file a lawsuit to stop these regulations, like an injunction? They could do that as well. Or do they introduce new legislation next year to fight them? There are a lot of intangibles out there right now and only time will tell.” Molodanof said that the time to pull the trigger, light that candle and get these regulations implemented is now. “Overall, the package is not perfect, but the CAA is still supporting it because it goes a long way to address a lot of the concerns about steering and labor rate surveys in the auto body repair industry. So let’s get these regulations done and implemented. At some point, there is only so much tweaking you can do.”

BASF Makes 37 Custom Jaguar/Land Rover Colors

The collaboration between BASF and Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is expanding globally. BASF will supply 37 unique colors for the Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) for 2017 models. The new colors represent a combination of both R-M Onyx HD and Glasurit 90 Line, available in both gloss and matte satin finishes. The new colors will initially be available for the Range Rover L405 and the Range Rover Sport L494. “The programs implemented with JLR globally are very similar to the solutions offered by BASF in North America to track KPIs and help shops benchmark their numbers so they can implement strategies to improve efficiencies,” said Jeff Wildman, BASF Manager OEM & Industry Relations. “The strong collaboration between Jaguar Land Rover and BASF, in production and in aftermarket, is aimed at putting the customer first,” said Arjan Klijn, BASF Global Key Account Manager for JLR. Media Contact: Mary Ann Short, BASF, +1 248 948-2253 or maryann.short@basf .com

Continued from Page 24

Bodyshop Revolution

“Although it’s peaceful and calm, at the same time we’re invoicing out 40 to 50 percent more work.” Rather than doing just a subsection of someone else’s repair, technicians see it through the entire process. “We actually combine more skills into one tech which makes him able to do more of the repair and gives him more responsibility and pride in what he is doing,” said Parker. The company’s robotic technology enables paint, along with fillers and primers to dry very quickly and it is fully cured. “You can still achieve continuous workflow because you can carry on sanding or buffing or rebuilding the car immediately once you’ve painted it,” said Parker. Part of the process also includes a vehicle damage assessment (VDA). If the car is drivable with superficial damage, a full estimate is conducted on the vehicle within a half hour to 45 minutes and the customer is able to use the vehicle until the parts arrive. This ensures that every car goes into the production process with all of the

parts. “The customer is driving his own car and happier than in a rental and the car is in the shop for a very short period of time,” said Parker. “We bring predictability into the system.” Bodyshop Revolution has a United States-based global training team in place to help shops get up to speed on the new technology and processes. Parker said it takes about a month to settle in and the goal is to create self-sustaining shops. He said that the average payback time is about six to eight months. “It’s not cheap to implement but a really quick return on investment,” he said. The company offers financing packages that can be paid off over a threeto five-year period. The company is continuing to reach out to shops across the United States and educate them about Bodyshop Revolution’s processes. “People are skeptical about what we do because it really is radically different than traditional thinking,” said Parker. “It’s a really exciting and unique solution.” “We are showing that we are building a shop of the future that processes cars correctly the first time and delivers them in half the time,” said O’Neill.

www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 31

Florida’s No-Fault Insurance Reforms Finally Appear to be Lowering Premiums as 2012 Reforms Kick-in by Autobody News Staff

Only a dozen or so states have no fault auto insurance, down from twice that many in the 1970’s. Advocates say it simplifies and minimizes the invasiveness of insurance law, but it’s increasingly costly and problematic for most residents who are starting to see it as a form of double taxation. Most states use a tort system in which at-fault drivers in a crash are responsible for paying the other driver’s medical expenses. The at-fault driver must also pay for additional damages, such as loss of wages and “pain and suffering.” Michigan has the most comprehensive no-fault law and continues to tinker with the process, but states such as Colorado have dropped their no fault system and have seen a reduction in premiums of up to 35% or $322 per vehicle annually. In Georgia, where nofault was repealed in 1991, premiums dropped 20% almost immediately. Florida drivers currently pay the nation’s fourth highest car insurance premiums. Florida’s no fault law provides that after a vehicle accident an injured person’s own insurance company will provide coverage for medical expenses and lost income, no matter who was at fault for the accident. This works reasonably well for minor incidents and minimizes frivolous claims, and court claims in general. However, auto accidents involving major injuries or wrongful death are much more complex, and even simple accidents are prone to fraud and abuse, all the more so when staged to secure PIP benefits. Florida began no-fault in 1972 with a seemingly simple rationale. People injured in crashes, whether at fault or not, would get compensated quickly. In return, the injured would have less incentive to file lawsuits. Courts would not get bogged down and premiums would decrease, but from day one, frauds and scams took hold, with ‘clinics’ certifying injured drivers and insurance companies being billed accordingly. By design, ‘no fault insurance’ means that no matter who is at fault, you need to use your own insurance to settle claims. No matter who is at fault—unless ‘serious injury’ thresholds are met—no one can sue the person who hit them, nor can anyone be sued for hitting someone else. The ‘serious injury’ threshold set

out in Florida law basically addresses losses of major bodily function, permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability, death, significant scarring or disfigurement. The law creates a right for insureds not to be sued if they’re carrying this insurance unless the person they injured meets those thresholds. In Florida, all drivers must buy at least $10,000 of Personal Injury Protection coverage, even if their policy includes other coverage that might apply. But fraud is so rampant in some areas that $10,000 worth of personal injury protection can cost thousands of dollars a year in premiums. PIP costs have risen by $1.4 billion since 2008, largely because of the runaway fraud that threatens the system, most notably in the metropolitan Miami and Tampa areas. Florida ranks first nationally in staged accidents. PIP is designed to be a form of nofault insurance that takes claims out of the court system. It makes up 20–25 percent of the cost of the average premium. For most Floridians, its cost has been rising, even if they haven’t filed a claim. PIP generates most of the fraudulent claims, especially due to acupuncture and chiropractic care, and it has been a target for reform. The reforms started to take hold in 2011. First, the Hillsborough County Commission passed a county ordinance in September 2011, intended to license PIP clinics and decrease the number of suspicious vehicle collisions—staged accidents—in Hillsborough County, however that ordinance remains blocked by court injunction. The Florida legislature passed House of Representatives Bill 119 in March of 2012. HB 119 enacted a number of substantive changes to Florida’s PIP system. It made these changes in three stages. The first set of amendments included changes in the reporting of automobile accidents, therapy clinic licensing, use of fee schedules when reimbursing claims, the creation of Florida’s Automobile Insurance Fraud Strike Force, and timetables for reporting on the premium rate reductions to be realized from HB 119’s amendments. Second, effective December 1, 2012, documents pertaining to PIP could be transmitted by secure electronic data transfer, without first obtaining an agreement of the parties.

32 NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Finally, effective January 1, 2013, a number of changes were made to Florida Statutes Section 627.736 (the “PIP Statute”), such as requiring a patient to visit an “initial care provider” within 14 days of an accident, limiting the available benefits to $2,500 unless the patient has an “emergency medical condition,” granting the insurer an additional 60 days to investigate fraud, permitting the insurer to require the patient attend an examination under oath as a condition of receiving benefits, and requiring trial judges to make written findings supporting an award of attorney’s fees in PIP litigation. Legislation targeting auto insurance fraud has produced savings on personal-injury claims of 17.5 percent, and reduced premiums by a little more than 15 percent. Claim frequency and severity were reduced, too — by 10.2 percent and nearly 11 percent, respectively, producing a reduction in total loss costs of 20 percent. That compared to an increase in average loss costs of more than 4 percent elsewhere in the United States, according to an analysis conducted for the Florida Office of Insurance Regu-

lation by Pinnacle Actuarial Resources Inc., a consulting firm in Bloomington, IL. The findings represent “further proof that the 2012 PIP reforms from House Bill 119 continue to reduce fraud and abuse, while providing cost savings to Floridians,” the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America said in a written statement. The Legislature was told in 2012 to expect between 14 percent and 24.6 percent in PIP rates. Repealing the state’s no-fault insurance mandate would save the average driver 9.6 percent per year, or $81 per car, in liability coverage, Pinnacle said. Drivers who replaced PIP with $2,500 first-party medical coverage would save nearly 5 percent, or $49 annually. Boosting health coverage to $5,000 would decrease premiums by 1 percent, or around $9. The analysts found “a small erosion” in the savings since 2014. Data for the year ending March 31 saw a 5 percent increase in claim severity compared to Dec. 31, 2014, and an increase in new claims of 2.3 percent, for a combined loss cost of 7.5 percent.

GANLEY WESTSIDE HYUNDAI • Large Inventory of Genuine Hyundai OEM Parts • Competitive Pricing and Discounts • Experienced Staff Ready to Help You • Free Same Day, Next Day and Local Hot Shot Deliveries

Call Us Today for Genuine Hyundai Parts! Parts Direct

GanleyWestsideHyundai.com

440-734-9375

Parts Hours: Mon: 7:30-8; Tue - Fri: 7:30-6; Sat: 9-3

440-686-3426

25600 Lorain Road North Olmsted, OH 44070

Fax

www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 33

Lean Operations

The Art of Business

with David Luehr

I grew up in a family of artists. Not always the kind of people that come to mind when thinking of the dog-eatdog business world. As a young man, my own artistic expression found its way into the automotive repair business as an automotive painter. I loved painting cars, especially the custom stuff. It wasn’t long before my artistic nature sought the freedom of self-employment; after all, an artist like me does not want the constraints of having to work for someone else! Soon I found my artistic interests beginning to shift, like a portrait painter discovering impressionism for the first time. I had discovered entrepreneurship! I love being an entrepreneur. To me, it is one of the most amazing forms of self-expression. Creating a business from a mere idea or thought it a beautiful thing. It is also a huge responsibility, and not one that every artist can or should pursue. Some artists are better off working for someone else, and here is why... Car painters and body technicians may be artistically great at fixing cars, but not everyone is willing to put in the work to learn the skills that are required to run a collision repair business, especially in today’s world! Most of the collision repair businesses that exist in our country today were started by a technician, and far too many of them have never invested the time it takes to learn the art of building a business and are struggling because of it. Sadly, many business owners don’t know what they don’t know and therefore live each day in an ignorant fog of despair and chaos. Those that were lucky enough to survive and grow a collision business did so through pure determination, and many, many, hours of hard work. A solid business always requires hard work, but the solution to a truly sustainable business is working hard on the right things. We must be willing to work on the business as well as in it.

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

Successful entrepreneurship means focusing your artistic abilities towards creating a better business, not just the product it produces. This is the “trap of the technician” and only a handful of collision repair businesses grow beyond mediocrity because of it. I know of dozens of instances where collision business owners manage to grow their single location and decide it is time to pursue the American dream even more, so they open up a second or third location before they realize their mistake. The skillset that allowed them to operate one location is very different than the skillset needed to run an MSO. To be successful at operating multiple locations, or even one really successful location, shop owners can no longer attend to the day to day crises management many have come to accept as their “normal” way of life. Shop owners need to learn the skills of preventing crises before they occur, and a great way to do this is through spending more time working on building a sustainable business model like a franchise. I am suggesting that you start to build your business like you were going to build a franchise. You don’t have to actually franchise your business, but think of it as a turn-key business model that can eventually exist without you as the business owner working IN it all the time. What does this sustainable model look like in your mind? Use your artistic mind and create! Does it have consistent and repeatable standard operating procedures? Does everyone know what their job is and how to perform every task? Do your systems consistently create an amazing customer experience, even if you are not there personally every moment? This is your ball of clay my artistic friends, and you can do anything with it that you want if you are willing to work ON your business a little every day. Fortunately, many of the skills re-

34 NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

quired to be successful in today’s collision repair world are available to all of us. Organizations such as the Automotive Management Institute (AMi) have many resources for shop leadership and their teams to acquire the skills needed to take their businesses to the next level of performance excellence. (See www.amionline.org). Elite Body Shop Solutions, LLC assists shops in creating a sustainable business model through education, coaching, and mentoring solutions. Elite uses a 5-Pillar approach to help clients work ON their businesses using a holistic approach designed to create a balanced foundation that will allow a business to grow to any size. (See www.elitebodyshopsolutions.com). The problem with artists focusing on only one aspect or “pillar” is that the business will become unstable and unsustainable. For example, if you are placing all your focus on making money (Financial Health) and you

don’t place enough emphasis on the Cultural Health of your organization, eventually, the whole operation will become unstable and you will jeopardize your ability to make money for the long haul. Another example is that if you don’t pay enough attention to environmental or human resource laws, (Risk) you can jeopardize everything you have worked for! Each day, smart operators will place small amounts of time on each of the 5 Pillars in order to enjoy sustainable growth and prosperity. The trick is to be disciplined enough and to have learned some basic time management skills in order to make better use of your time each day. Many shop owners and leaders tell me they don’t have the time to work on all aspects of their businesses. To this, I call BS. These same people say they don’t have time because they have created a life of jumping from one crisis to the See The Art of Business, Page 53

For a fit that will impress. Free Daily Delivery to the Chicago Metro Area and Northeast Indiana We Will Price Match Aftermarket & Reconditioned Parts Very Competitive Pricing

Order Parts On Line at: www.nissan94.com

Purchasing Nissan OEM repair parts has never been easier. Nissan is now a member of CollisionLink, the most advanced parts ordering network. Check with your local dealer for details.

Nissan of South Holland 16269 Van Dam Rd. South Holland, IL 60473 Phone: (708) 225-2245 Fax: (708) 225-2242

www.94nissan.com

Parts Hours: M – F 7:30 am – 5 pm Sat 8 am – 4 pm E-mail: eric@94nissan.com GENUINE SERVICE & PARTS

www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 35

36 NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Please contact these dealers for your Honda or Acura Genuine parts needs. HO N DA IL L I NOI S

M ICHI GAN

MIS SOU RI

OHIO

Honda Superstore of Lisle

Victory Honda

Bommarito Honda

Ch ica go/ Sub u rbs

P ly m out h

H a z e lwoo d

Be d ford

866-874-6632

800-824-4646 734-453-3600

800-731-8270 314-731-8270

800-509-9057 440-786-3363

M 7:30-8; Tue-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-4 Karl_messer@victoryplymouth.com

M-Sat 7-6 Lrowe@bommarito.net

M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-4 jayhondaparts@gmail.com

Schaumburg Honda Automobiles

Zeigler Honda

Ed Napleton Honda

Mike Pruitt Honda

S chau mb urg

K al am az oo

S t . P e t er s

Ak ro n

847-884-8898 847-884-6632

888-342-1678 269-585-5812

800-875-4190 636-928-4400

330-633-8197 330-633-6060

M-F 6:30am-Midnight; Sat 8am-5pm k.kelley@rohrman.com

M-Thu 7-8; F 7-6; Sat 8-4 bobsmith@zagteam.com

M-Sat 7-6 gethondaparts@napleton.com

Tue, W, F 8-6; M, Thu 8-8; Sat 8-4 edally@mphonda.com

M-F 7-5 hondaparts@auto-plaza.com

M INNE SO TA

IND I ANA

Frank Fletcher Honda C o lu m bi a

Jay Honda

W IS CO NSI N

Basney Honda

Brookdale Honda

Mi sh awak a

B roo kly n C en t e r

800-877-7477 574-255-2179

800-899-8900 763-331-6880

M-F 8-5; Sat 8-4 gropp@fletcherauto.com

888-318-1671 414-586-5401

M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-2

M-Th 7-9; F 7-6; Sat 8-6 parts@lutherbrookdalehonda.com

Frank Leta Honda

M-F 7-6; Sat 7-4; Sun 8-4 hondaparts@russdarrow.com

Buerkle Honda

888-680-6025 636-336-5003

Wilde Honda

800-592-9514 651-484-0975

M-F 7-6; Sat 7-5 hondaparts@frankleta.com

800-526-3209 262-542-9300

M-Thu 8-9; F 8-6; Sat 8-4:30 hondaparts@buerkle.com

Honda of Tiffany Springs

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

Luther Hopkins Honda

800-875-3911 816-452-3221

Bob Rohrman Honda Lafa yette

800-488-3537 765-448-1000 M 7:30-8; Tue-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-3 Brho.partsmgr@rohrman.com

Bosak Honda Hig hla nd

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

Honda of Fishers F ish er s

800-806-6404 317-299-3723 M-F 8-6 honda-west@att.com

S t . P aul

Ho pkin s

573-818-3650

S t . L ou is

K a ns a s C it y

800-328-6016 952-908-8585

M-Thu 7-7; F-Sat 7-6 parts@hondaoftiffanysprings.com

M-Thu 7-9; F 7-6; Sat 8-4 tim.lewis@hopkinshonda.com

Roper Honda

Richfield-Bloomington Honda

877-244-6632 417-625-0846

R ichf ie ld

800-328-2703 612-866-8197 M-Thu 6:30-9; F 6:30-6; Sat 6:30-5 parts@rbhonda.com

Russ Darrow Honda M i lwa u ke e

Wa u ke sh a

Jo p li n

M, W, Thu, F 7:30-6; Tu 7:30-7; Sat 9-1 dvice@roperauto.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

Mullerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

MIN NES OTA

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 | NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 37

Industry Insight

—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.

Shops Nationwide Need to Understand Federal Overtime Change Slated for December 1 with John Yoswick

Important changes being made to fedsome “white-collar” workers to be exeral overtime regulations are likely to empt from overtime. King said the sorequire significant changes for some called “executive exemption” is most body shop employee pay plans, accordcommonly used by shops for salaried ing to business attorney Cory King. managers. King, a California attorney who “One of the biggest problems that regularly addresses such issues at the I see in this industry is shops that Collision Industry Conferthink, ‘If I pay that employee ence (CIC), often prefaces a salary, they’re exempt his presentations with the from overtime and I don’t caveat that the changes won’t have to worry about tracking impact California shops betheir hours or paying them cause many state wage-hour overtime,’” King said. “But laws there are already more [payment by salary] is only stringent than those at the one part of the test to qualify Cory King federal level. for that [particular] exempBut speaking at CIC in Anaheim, tion for overtime.” Calif., this past summer, King said In order for such managers to be even California shops must be aware of exempt from overtime, they also must what a federal overtime change could meet certain duties tests, such as mean for some of their employee pay spending the majority of their time plans. doing managerial work, and they The change made by the U.S. Demust regularly supervise two or more partment of Labor affects the salary workers, King said. They must have thresholds that must be met in order for authority to hire and fire those em-

38 NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

ployees, or at least have their recommendations as to those decisions given significant weight by the company. Those duty tests are not changing under the new federal regulation. But in order to qualify for the overtime exemption, those employees also must be guaranteed a certain salary; that minimum income is what is slated to change nationwide as of December 1. That minimum threshold is currently $455 a week ($23,600 annually) but that will more than double later this year to $913 a week ($47,476 annually). (See sidebar: “Legislation, lawsuits seek to adjust change to overtime regulation”.) “Don’t ask me how they came up with that number,” King said, although he acknowledged it was the first increase in the federal threshold since 2004. King said the change does not necessarily mean shops with a manager paid a salary under the new higher

threshold have to necessarily increase that pay. A change in the manager’s pay plan can suffice. King cited an example of a manager currently paid a guaranteed base salary of $30,000 (above the current minimum threshold) and who works an average of 50 hours per week (but meets the other requirements to be exempt from overtime). That manager also may be getting additional incentive pay based on shop sales, gross profits, etc., but because that portion of income is not guaranteed, it cannot be taken into account when determining if the minimum salary threshold for the overtime exemption is being met. King said the shop could convert that $30,000 guaranteed salary to an hourly wage instead. At $10.50 per hour, that employee would still be making $30,000 per year for the same number of hours (40 hours per week at $10.50 per hour, plus 10 hours per

Legislation, lawsuits seek to adjust change to overtime regulation

Unless the courts or federal lawmakers act, the minimum amount certain salaried employees will need to be paid to be exempt from overtime will increase dramatically as of December 1. Although employers probably should act as if the change will occur as scheduled, several efforts are underway to challenge the Deweek at $15.75). “You’re not cutting their pay,” King said. “You’re just changing the manner in which you get them the pay for the same hours and the same work they have been doing.” The managers will also have to punch a time clock to ensure the business tracks their hours worked, King said. He said several shops that are his clients have made such an adjustment in pay plans, and not surprisingly found some managers were apprehensive about the change. But once they go

partment of Labor’s new regulation. First, officials from 21 states and more than 50 business groups filed two lawsuits in a federal court in Texas in September seeking to overturn the new regulation. Some legal experts think such lawsuits face an uphill battle, although they do say the challenge may put a halt to regulation’s annual increases

(based on inflation) to the minimum amount exempt employees must receive. Second, the U.S. House of Representatives this fall passed a bill that would delay the change in the overtime regulation for six months (presumably in the hopes that a new Administration would be less supportive of the increased

through several pay cycles, they see emption is less of a dramatic change that it’s not impacting their income, because state law already set a minimum salary threshold of two times the King said. “You help them understand the state minimum wage (so currently $41,600 per year). But that’s mindset that this is what you still below the new federal probably have to do to be minimum, so California shops able to stay in business, bewill need to adjust as well, eicause you’re not going to be ther raising the guaranteed able to afford to raise those salary (to $47,476) or shifting [guaranteed] salaries to the to the hourly system described level to keep the [overtime] above. exemption,” King said. Randy Stabler King said wage-hour isFor shops in California, the new December 1 federal minimum sues are at the heart of growing number of lawsuits, so shops have all the more income threshold for the overtime ex-

minimum salary requirement). But that effort seems unlikely to succeed, given that similar legislation would have to be passed by the Senate and signed by the President (who has promised to veto any such legislation) in order to become law before the overtime change is slated to go into effect December 1. reason to understand and comply with overtime regulations. “I just want you to walk away from here realizing ‘I have to do something,’” King told shops at CIC. “Because the worse thing you can do is do nothing.” “You have to be proactive and get ahead of this,” agreed Randy Stabler, a California shop owner and chairman of the CIC. “Even though your competitors may not be observing all the laws, it’s incumbent upon you to do so because you want to protect your company for the long-run.”

SPECIAL LIFTING JOBS REQUIRE SPECIAL LIFTS.

IT’S REALLY THAT SIMPLE. • Designed to be used by one operator for fast, easy removal and installation of pick up boxes, toppers, car, truck & semi doors and semi hoods with no human lifting. • Superior rugged design is safe and simple-engineered to save you time thus increasing productivity and proﬁts. • Safety system protects the product and operator at all times. • 100% Guarantee and Warranty on all Products.

• Patented lift tool w/superior load stability that requires no power or fuel and minimum maintenance. • Tilt the box upward for under box repairs, rust proofing, customizing, restoration and painting. • Attachments available to perform different lifting functions - can be switched and changed in seconds. • Only requires 3 square feet of floor space when in the stored position.

CALL TODAY FOR SPECIAL SALES PRICING WHILE INVENTORY IS AVAILABLE

989-315-8946 Made in the USA S

lj@prolinetoolsupply.com www.prolinetoolsupply.com 210 Pigeon Rd., Bad Axe, MI 48413 www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 39

Killer Tools Gives SEMA Preview, Discusses Future of Collision Repair Products by Victoria Antonelli

Autobody News reached out to Killer Tools president Gerry Trueit to learn more about what new products the company will be releasing during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, NV, from November 1–4.

of a spray booth. When used, it cuts the bake cycle in half.

How do your tools (current and Q: upcoming) aid body shops as well as the collision repair industry as

We have two exciting new tools A: that we have built here in California and will be showing at SEMA.

We have designed and built an electronic dent removal system for collision professionals.This tool revolutionizes the way a technician pulls the dents out of steel panels. We will be demonstrating it at our booth (#11377). We are also very excited to be unveiling our new Self Piercing Riveter (SPR), which we built here in Sacramento, CA. Riveting body panels are becoming more and more common with the advent of aluminum in vehicle construction. When the time comes for a collision shop to decide which SPR to purchase—and that time will come—we want to be considered, as a US-based quality supplier.

Have you released any other tools over the course of 2016? If so, which ones, and what are their functions?

Yes, we have. We have come out with a telescoping, calibrated mini tram gauge plus a variety of magnetic tools that help organize and hold everyday items. One example is the magnetic “painter’s helper” that allows painters to paint items and then attach them to the paint booth wall. It encompasses a “monster grip.” We also came out with a three rail parts glider that mounts to the inside

the last four years. Our goal is to continue to grow and develop new tools and equipment while maintaining a

a whole?

The collision industry is on the A: front line in innovation of new tools, as any technician will tell you.

New cars get into accidents just like older vehicles. Many times, technicians have to invent new tools to accomplish new tasks, which is how a lot of our tools came to be. We have paid hundreds of thousands in royalties to the people who have shared their ideas with us that we have gone on to design and build. Can you give any type of hint Q: or preview of the new tools you will be announcing at SEMA?

are attaching them differently through riveting and other methods. We have responded by coming out with our

The Killer Tools team, pictured (l to r): Ryan, Stewart, Mario, Gabe, Maggie, Gerry, and Edward

own aluminum stud welder and now a hydraulic riveting system.

What is your most popular Is there anything else about the Q: tool? Q: company that you would like to share with readers? We have sold over 30,000 of A: our pneumatic door skin tools A: ing Our company has been designand building tools for the in the US, used for putting on door skins. Our surge protector is sold all collision industry for over 15 years. We over the world. It protects the computers when people weld on vehicles. We have lost count of how many of those we have sold.

Behind the scenes at the Killer Tools facilities in Sacramento, CA

Q: We did attend NACE, primarily A: because it was in California, where we are based. We are growing

Did you attend NACE? How was your experience?

and need the International pull that SEMA brings, so we have a larger presence there.

What do you think is the future Q: of the industry in terms of products? How is your company preparing for that?

OEMs are now using metals A: like aluminum and boron and

40 NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

take pride in the work that we do and the fact that our sales have doubled in

high level of quality that our customers have come to expect.

To learn more about Killer Tools, visit their website at www.killertools.com. The company does not sell products directly, but Trueit said their tools can be purchased through any consumer’s favorite jobber.

www.autobodynews.com C

Richfield - Bloomington Honda At Richfield - Bloomington Honda we maintain a comprehensive inventory of high quality, Honda Genuine parts. Our Honda Parts professionals are here to answer your questions. Overnight parts ordering available.

Parts Dept. Hours Mon.-Thu. 6:30am - 9pm Fri. 6:30am - 6pm Sat. 6:30am - 5pm Phone:

612.866.8197

Fax: 612.866.9915

Start something special! 501 West 77th St. • Richfield, MN 55423

www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 41

Chief® Introduces Industry’s First Computerized Measuring System for Heavy-Duty Collision Repair Chief’s new Cam Scan HD is the first computerized measuring system in North America designed to identify and document all collision damage on heavy-duty vehicles, including trucks and buses.

points anywhere on a vehicle using PanoVision Technology, a patented process for making precise measurements from stereophotogrammic images. It can measure the condition of a frame in the X, Y and Z axes to detect

“Our new Cam Scan HD computerized measuring system provides the precise, accurate measurements technicians need to eliminate any guesswork when analyzing frame damage on heavy-duty vehicles,” said Lee Daugherty, heavy-duty sales manager for Chief. “With all the engineering advancements being made in the vehicle design and manufacturing process, shops need the precision of our computerized measuring system to properly repair collision-damaged vehicles. Cam Scan HD is also faster than other measuring methods and provides documentation of damage and completed repairs.” The Chief Cam Scan HD computerized measuring system allows technicians to measure and compare two

diamond, mash, sway and twist. The Chief Cam Scan HD system can be used for frame rail analysis, axle and trailer alignment analysis, and to measure areas that the centerline gauge and string method can’t, such as upper body damage and cab openings. According to Chief, because it is faster and more accurate than traditional measuring methods, it is more profitable for shops, with the added benefit of providing documentation of each measurement. Insurance companies are increasingly demanding documentation of damage in order to approve an estimate for repair. They are also requiring documentation demonstrating that the repairs were made prior to initiating payment. This documentation is also valuable to the shop. Re-

pair documents provide peace of mind to the customer and instill confidence in the shop’s professional abilities. From a liability standpoint, repair documentation provides proof

The new Chief® Cam Scan HD computerized measuring system allows technicians to see and document the full scope of the damage to a heavy-duty vehicle, develop a plan for repairs, and print out professional, documented proof that the repairs were completed

of the exact condition of the vehicle when it entered and left the shop. “Printed, verifiable repair documents are an important part of today’s shop function that will only grow more critical in the future,” Daugherty explained. “Heavy-duty shops need to transition to the accuracy of a computerized measuring system to improve repair accuracy, save time and money, and satisfy the insurance industry’s growing requests for documentation.” The Chief Cam Scan HD measuring system includes a laptop computer loaded with PanoVision software, wireless mouse, 32-inch monitor, and color document printer, all housed in a portable locking cabinet. The cabinet also houses the lightweight portable camera measuring assembly that is equipped with a visual display and two cameras on each end. According to Chief, the lightweight camera is easy to use both inside the shop and offsite, if needed. The system comes with 12 calibration boards and measuring attachments as well as a halogen lighting system. For more information about the full line of Chief heavy-duty collision repair equipment, visit www.chiefautomotive.com/Chief-HD/.

MAPLEWOOD TOYOTA

MAPLEWOOD SCION

• Large Inventory of Genuine OEM Parts • Exceptional Customer Service

• Call Us First For All Your Parts Needs • Competitive Wholesale Prices

Parts Dept. Hours: Mon - Thur: 7am - Midnight Fri: 7am - 5:30pm, Sat: 8am - 4pm

651-288-2525

Phone: Fax: 651-490-2652

Serving all of MN and Western WI 2873 N Hwy 61, Maplewood, MN 55109 42 NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Parts Dept. Hours: Mon - Thur: 7am - Midnight Fri: 7am - 5:30pm, Sat: 8am - 4pm

Phone:

651-288-2525

Fax: 651-490-2652 Serving all of MN and Western WI 2873 N Hwy 61, Maplewood, MN 55109

www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 43

Portland, OR, Body Shop Owner Becomes Homeless Advocate handlers and judge them,” he said. “Get a job, I would tell them. But I wasn’t In our October issue we ran an article looking at them clearly or with compasabout Steve Spinnett, a Portland body sion until one incident changed my shop owner who became an advocate mind forever. It was a complete turnfor local homeless people. Autobody around and it happened in about a News reached out to Spinnett to learn week.” One Sunday evening, Spinnett had more about him and his progression toto run by his shop to pick something up. wards advocacy. Steve Spinnett has owned and opAs he entered the business, he noticed a erated Steve’s Imports in Portland, OR tall black gentleman across the street for the past 40 years, doing car restoralooking at his shop. “I was a little surtions, collision repairs and offering the prised, so I went over to him and asked full gamut of mechanical repairs. He him what he was doing. He told me that does $2.5 million in business annually he was watching my business for me, so with 20 employees. He works with his that no one would break in. ‘That’s my job,’ he said. ‘If anyone messes with your shop, they have to go through me.’” Spinnett was fascinated by the remark, so he introduced himself to the homeless man, Otis “Diamond” Britton, a 6’7” African American man who had lived on the Springwater Trail right next to Steve’s Imports for the past five years. Britton introduced Spinnett to (l to r) Thommy, Steve and John Spinnett run the show at Steve’s Imports in Portland, OR, a business Steve started the world of being homeless, 40 years ago. When he saw homeless people living in a and with understanding came camp near his shop, he decided to take action compassion. “Through Diason Johnny, who is the shop’s manager; mond, I met a lot of other homeless peohis other son, Thommy, who is the shop ple,” he said. “I discovered how these foreman and his daughter Rebecca, folks were living and heard their stories who runs the front office. Steve’s Imand my whole attitude changed. So I ports is truly a second-generation family asked myself—what can I do for these business. folks without giving them hard cash?” Whenever Spinnett, 62, sees someAfter asking the right questions, thing that moves him way one or anSpinnett was able to find a significant other, he doesn’t just talk about it—he way of helping the homeless living near acts. Once a conservative small-town his shop. “Diamond told me that water mayor in Damascus, OR, Steve isn’t and electricity were important and it afraid to take on issues that enter his life would make their lives easier if they and affect him. could get more access to it,” he said. “So His time as a mayor ended up being they now can use our hose at any time more like a Mr. Smith Goes to Washfor water and they can charge their cell ington scenario, but Spinnett looks back phones right outside the shop with a few at it as a valuable learning experience. electrical outlets that we provide. Except “I saw some elitist behavior going on at for leaving the water on one time, they that point, related to land use, so I dehave not taken advantage of it, which cided to jump into local politics and then shows that they appreciate what we’re I jumped out,” Spinnett said. “But the doing.” experience was an eye-opener about When Portland Mayor Charlie things like power, human nature and Hales said he was going to get rid of the how politics works, so I’m happy that I homeless camps on the Springwater did it.” Trail a while back, Spinnett wasn’t One of the major problems with going to let it happen without a fight. homelessness is that most people don’t “We got them an additional month, but want to deal with it or consider homethen they did a sweep and shut it down,” less people to be losers, addicts or crahe said. “They’re not working on the zies. One of those closed-minded people problem—they’re just moving it around admittedly was himself, Spinnett exand hoping that it goes away.” plained. “I would walk by these panBy studying the cause of homelessby Ed Attanasio

44 NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

ness, Spinnett is able to help homeless people more effectively, he said. “There are three types of people living out on the street and I have encountered all of them. One-third is what I call legitimate homeless people who have experienced some form of trauma and can’t get out of their current situation. Another onethird of them are straight up addicts, either hooked on drugs or alcohol, and

One day, Steve Spinnett got into a conversation with Otis “Diamond” Britton, a homeless man who had lived on the Springwater Trail right next to Steve’s Imports for the past five years. Their brief encounter changed both men’s lives as a result

they obviously need legitimate help to get off them. And the last one-third is the criminal element. They prey on the homeless and they deal them the drugs. I know what the drug dealers look like

now. They wear the same backpacks with their goods in there and it’s sickening to see.” One young woman that Spinnett encountered at the homeless camp broke his heart, so he reached out to help her and change her life, he said. “She was selling herself for $10 in order to get her next fix. She was skin and bones and I could see that she was going to die pretty soon. So I got her in our church and connected with a local family. She has been clean now for a while and is going through treatment. She gained 10 pounds and recently reconnected with her father, so hopefully this story will have a happy ending.” Spinnett’s next mission involves education and compassion, he explained. “I am trying to get business owners and residents to start looking at the homeless differently. Some of their problems are self-inflicted and others are caused by bad luck or other issues, but in the end, they are human beings who have struggled in their lives for whatever reason. They need to be loved and treated like people, but too many folks categorize them and believe that they are subhuman.”

TOYOTA OF GRAND RAPIDS Your Customers Deserve Genuine Toyota OEM Parts. • Dedicated Wholesale Staff • Competitive Wholesale Prices • Exceptional Customer Service

Parts Dept. Dept Hours: Ho rs Mon., Wed.: 7:30 am - 8 pm Tue.,Thurs., Fri.: 7:30 am - 6pm, Sat.: 8am - Noon

Phone:

877-703-5932

www.toyotaofgrandrapids.com 2555 28th Street SE • Grand Rapids MI 49512

www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 45

Historical Snapshot

Infant Deaths in 96, Customer Retention, Suggestions for DRPs, OEM Procedures with John Yoswick

20 years ago in the collision repair industry (November 1996) Kim Hazelbaker of the Highway Loss Data Institute reported there have been 22 infant deaths in the United States because children were riding in the front seat o vehicles when passengerside airbags deployed. He said within several years, “smarter” airbag systems will include seat sensors to prevent these types. of deaths. Until such systems are developed. he said, the vehicle manufacturers and his organization are asking federal regulators to allow them to download the energy in the bags” being installed in today’s news vehicles. – As reported in Autobody News. Automakers have indeed developed “smarter” airbag systems, although many require new procedures for collision repair shops, including the mandatory resets (via vehicle scan) of the passenger seat weight sensors.

15 years ago in the collision repair industry (November 2001) Insurers risk losing market share because their field claims staff focuses too much on reducing costs and not enough on customer retention, according to industry consultant Dale Delmege.

Industry consultant Dale Delmege in 2001 suggested that insurers could reduce field staff by shifting more responsibility for – and benefit from – both cost-containment and customer retention to shops

Luther Bloomington Acura Our parts. Your peace of mind.

In a presentation at the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) in Anchorage, Alaska, Delmege said such claims staff often are “driven powerfully and instinctively by self-preservation, are isolated and entrenched, are insulated from such issues as policyholder defection, are impervious to their own employer’s goals, are institutionally incapable of acknowledging reality, and share none of the common interests” of shops, vehicle-owners and insurer upper management. Delmege, a past chairman of CIC, emphasized that the views he was sharing were only his own based on some research he conducted for a client interested in what factors would likely result in U.S. insurers gaining or losing market share. He said you generally have to look six or more management levels above field staff in an insurance company before you find someone with accountability for both expenses (severity and

loss adjusting expense) and marketing or customer retention. Staff below that level care primarily for one or the other but not both. He suggested that because consumers often base their decision on whether or not to switch insurers on the “claims experience,” an insurer could retain and gain market share by transferring accountability for both costcontainment and customer retention closer to those controlling that experience. “By that I mean a regional executive who sweats both bullets, who makes decisions about the administration of claims as a function of his other responsibility, which is retention of policyholders,” Delmege said. Delmege and others at the meeting pointed out that insurers could also reduce field staff by shifting more of the responsibility for – and benefit from – both cost-containment and customer retention to shops.

Luther Bloomington Subaru R TER NTE YOUR SUBARU CAR PARTS CEN

800.451.5078 Toll Free 952.887.0600 Parts Direct 952.881.1787 24 Hour FAX parts@bloomingtonacura.com www.bloomingtonacura.com

• Free Local Delivery and Shipping • Experienced Parts Professionals • Extensive OEM Parts Inventory at Competitive Prices

PARTS DEPT. HOURS Mon. 6:30am - 6pm Tue.-Fri. 6:30am - 9pm Sat. 8am - 4pm 7801 Lyndale Ave. South Bloomington, MN 55420

Large Inventory of Genuine Subaru Parts Quality Tested Dedicated Wholesale Staff Committed to Service Order Parts On-line 24/7 www.bloomingtonsubaru.com parts@bloomingtonsubaru.com

Luther Bloomington Subaru Hours: Mon: 6:30 - 6; Tue-Fri: 6:30 - 9; Sat: 8 - 4 7801 Lyndale Ave. South // Bloomington, MN 55420 Toll Free: Parts Direct: 24 Hr. FAX: 46 NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

800-451-5078 952-887-0600 952-881-1787

“Never before have insurers had so many opportunities to have claims repaired honestly, to have policyholders treated superbly, to have repairers make a massive contribution to loss adjusting expense,” Delmege said. – As reported in Hammer & Dolly.

10 years ago in the collision repair industry (November 2006) Some level of standardization, guaranteed work and other changes to insurer direct repair programs (DRPs) could give repairers the ability and incentive to offer such things as 24/7 customer service and new performance guarantees, a recent study of the industry concludes. “Look at the investments and the innovation we in collision repair have brought to the relationship so far— and we don’t have one guarantee that a car is going to show up tomorrow,” industry consultant Beryl Carlew of Carlew & Associates said at the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) in Las Vegas in early November, where he presented the results of his firm’s research. “Do you think for a minute if we had the work to the door, we had metrics that we knew we could exceed, and we were rewarded for that

performance, that we wouldn’t entertain… the dreaded 7-days-a-week, might even entertain 24-hours-a-day as an industry opportunity.” Carlew’s presentation at CIC was based on a nationwide gathering of input from shop owners around the country. More than 380 collision repair business owners participated in meetings held in 20 North American markets to gather ideas and opinions on improving DRPs. Carlew discussed a list of more than two dozen problems shop owners currently see with DRPs. That list included concerns that DRP guidelines and the “weight” given to various key performance indicators (KPIs) change frequently with little or inadequate written notice to shops; and that discounts and other concessions are required without any guarantee of how much work the DRP will bring to the shop. The 130-page report that resulted from the meetings also offers a series of recommendations to improve DRPs. It suggests, for example, that:

■ all guidelines and the weighting of various KPIs for a particular DRP be posted to a secure website, along with

established timelines for when notices of changes will be posted;

■ shops be allowed to use a “blueprinting” rather than “estimating” system, dismantling the vehicle sufficiently to determine all parts and repairs needed prior to beginning repairs; and,

■ if a particular part, regardless of type, is not available within 24 hours, the shop be allowed to instead use a part that meets quality standards and is more quickly available.

With such changes, Carlew said, shops indicated a willingness to accept more detailed performance contracts, such as contacting consumers by Noon of the day following receipt of an assignment, seven days a week. But offering additional services or discounts, he said, should be based on rewards for performance and most importantly, an assurance of work. “How can a carrier walk into a shop and say we’re looking for DRP partners who can handle 100 cars a month, and at the same time say, ‘We cannot guarantee you volume,’” Carlew said. – As reported in Parts & People.

5 years ago in the collision repair industry (November 2011) In response to ongoing efforts fostered over the past five years by the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) to develop a set of formalized repair standards, four national repairer groups have jointly issued a statement recognizing published automaker repair procedures as the “official industry-recognized repair standards for collision repair.” The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers (AASP), the Assured Performance Network, the Automotive Service Association (ASA), and the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS), last week at CIC read a statement that said where OEM procedures exist, they should “be the basis for the establishment of training, testing, repair practices and documentations.” The groups said they recognize OEM repair procedures are “incomplete in comparison to the full scope of vehicles and repair operations which exist in the marketplace,” but they serve as a baseline from which further development of procedures are necessary. Although a CIC Repair Standards Advisory Committee has explored the idea of a new industry organization See Retro News, Page 50

Th The Carcoon A W Features: tttur The T Th he C Carcoon Ca C arcoon America arco Amer Am A America eriiica ca Workstation W Workstation orkk ork ksttati kst ati tiion io i 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.

• Four Paint Arrest Filters (140+ square feet) and two Activated • Charcoal Filters ensure the air going back into the environment is clean and EPA compliant.

Different Diff fferent ffe ren nt Sizes Sizes Sizes Available—Including: S Availab A Availabl ble le—IIncludin ncllud diing: g:

• 13’x11’—Parts, pieces and motorcycles. • 30’x14’—Any full size vehicle. • 35’x16’x12’5” tall—As above but also Sprinter vans, small boats, and smaller RVs.

• 60’x16’x12’5” tall—Full size RVs, boats, large trucks, etc. Lighting: LLighting: Ligh ghtiing g:

• Four large clear windows provide ample lighting. • Additional stand lights can be placed outside the booth.

A Smart Solution. The The Carcoon Car arco co oon on America Am A meric rica Workstation Wo orksta atio on works work wo orks ks the the he same sam sa me and and just ju ust as effectively eff ffecctivvely as as a cross-flow ccrros rosss--fl flow flo fl w paint paiint booth. ootth The Th T he Carcoon Ca C Carrco oon America oo Am me erricca Workstation Work W Work kstation kst ation n is is EPA E A Certified. Cer fi C fie ed Ideal Ideall for fo or the the busy bus b sy body b dy bod dy shop-mobile sh p-m mob bile technician/smaller techn tech hn nician/smaller nici ian n/sma aller shop sh hop ho p with w th limited lim l mited facilities. fa facil cilliti ities. es

866.910.0899 www.carcoonworkstation.com www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 47

Lean Operations

The Simple Rule on Pre-ordering Parts with David Luehr

There are numerous philosophies in our industry on the subject of pre-ordering parts. I have noticed that in some markets across the country, most people pre-order everything, and in other markets, not so much. So, just to clarify, a pre-order is when a collision repair shop orders the parts for a repair job after they have written an initial estimate with the expectation that they will have the parts they need onhand before the damaged vehicle is returned for its repair appointment. The thinking here is that we are attempting to reduce the repair cycle time by having the parts we need available to quickly fix the car when it arrives. This thinking makes sense, but only when executed properly. Some collision repair companies, including some well-known large MSOs, believe that pre-orders are actually a waste of time, and therefore prefer to wait until the vehicle has been thoroughly disassembled and the damage has been properly analyzed prior to ordering anything. I also agree with this philosophy. So who is right? It depends. In some parts of the country, primarily in rural parts of the country that are many miles away from a parts distribution center, pre-ordering is felt to be a necessity for obvious reasons. But in many markets today, you can have the parts you need within twenty-four hours, and in many cases, the same day you order them. This can make a difference in your particular pre-ordering philosophy. Regardless of your geographical situation, I would still challenge you to take a deeper look at your philosophy to understand why it is that you do what you do and if your philosophy is really helping you move cars through your shop efficiently, profitably, and with reduced chaos. The sad truth for most shops that pre-order parts is that they are actually wasting a lot of time and resources simply because the estimate they are using to order the parts is inaccurate. When you pre-order parts from an inaccurate repair plan, you are setting yourself up for failure before the car has even arrived! Stop it! Even worse is that a lot of shops will actually order parts based off of an insurance company written estimate without even inspecting the car first. This is total insanity, and yet we do

it anyway because we either believe it is normal or because the insurance company convinced us that it is the smart thing to do. The local insurance adjuster says “Here’s the estimate for Mr. Jones’ car, go ahead and schedule them for Monday and get those parts here first!” Sound familiar? A few of the problems we create by ordering parts from an inaccurate estimate include: ● Interruptions in continuous workflow ● Chaos and stress in the workplace environment ● Return parts and all the extra work it causes ● Strains on vendor relationships ● Poor cycle time ● Unhappy customers ● Unhappy insurance company relations ● Additional expense and lower profits

If you want to measure if your “pre-ordering” program is successful, consider this: with all things being equal when it comes to the use of aftermarket and recycled parts, the best shops in the country operate with a return rate of under 5%; most shops that are pre-ordering based on poorly written repair plans are operating well above 10% percent, and I have seen as high as 40%! You can see what yours is simply by viewing a parts report from your computerized management system. So not only are we guessing what parts we may or may not need during our “curb-written guestimate,” we often order “just-incase parts” with the thinking that we can take these off the estimate later on. What a horrible way to treat our vendors! So what is the solution? What can you do to improve your cycle time while still reducing our return parts rate and make everybody happy? You may first have to change your philosophy. In all the years that I have spent in this industry, I spent many of them doing a lot of stuff wrong. One day I was asked to challenge my own beliefs of whether pre-ordering was really the right solution, so I put it to the test. I quit pre-ordering parts, and I even quit writing as many estimates instead of favoring scheduling repair appointments instead of estimate appointments. At several collision repair businesses that

48 NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

I was working with in the early 2000s, we actually improved our cycle time dramatically by refusing to order any parts (with a few exceptions) until we had disassembled the damaged vehicle and created an accurate repair plan. We had most complete parts orders within twenty-four hours and then the repair jobs would “fly” through the shop without all the usual interruptions. Repeatedly, we had managed to improve our keys to keys cycle time to a very respectable six to seven days on average without pre-ordering anything except some hard to find parts such as back-orders and some occasional recycled assemblies. So what about those shops in rural parts of the country where they consider pre-ordering a must? Or how about some of those small jobs where it might make sense to pre-order so you can turn it in one or two days? I have some suggestions, but please give me a moment. After a period of time never

pre-ordering, I began to adjust my own philosophy a little bit, and here’s why: in recent years, I have been keenly watching some of the shops in other countries and particularly in the U.K. They have a set of challenges surpassing anything I had seen in America, yet many of them have amazing cycle times, some as low as 2-3 days on average! In the U.K., they have been forced into disciplines that required they reduce their work in process to only allow for vehicles on the property that were “production ready,” having all the parts on hand needed to get it through the shop quickly. With space in short supply and the need to give out loaner cars to their customers, these British shop owners have had to be very creative and disciplined with their systems. They have a simple philosophy, which I now share. Pre-order parts, but only if you have properly analyzed the damage first! They have a See The Simple Rule, Page 50

KELLY BMW

Original BMW Parts & Accessories

Large Inventory Competitive Pricing Experienced Staff Phone: 614.471.2277

Parts Direct: 614.337.3090

Original BMW Parts

Parts Fax: 614.476.2488

bmwusa.com

www.kellybmw.com Hours: M-F 8am-6pm; Sat 9am-2pm 4050 Morse Rd • Columbus, OH 43230

Your #1 Source

for Collision Wholesale Parts in Ohio

CLASSIC CHEVROLET

ยง Comprehensive Inventory of High Quality Genuine OEM Parts in our 70,000 sq/ft warehouse ยง Fleet of 23 Wholesale Delivery Trucks ยง Competitive Discounts on all GM Parts including: Buick, Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC Truck, Hummer & Pontiac

800 -951-7282 800-951-7282 24-Hour Toll Free Fax

PARTS DEPT HOURS: M-F 8am-6pm; Sat 8am-1pm

800-352-7275

6877 Center Street // Mentor, OH 44060 www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 49

Continued from Cover

Continued from Page 47

Continued from Page 48

tomakers to join a variety of dissimilar materials, including conventional aluminum, high-strength aluminum, steel, high- strength steel, ultra-high strength steel, magnesium and composites. It can be used in nearly any application, including frames, floors, closeout panels, pillars, roofs, seats and intrusion beams. Notably, automakers can utilize Alcoa’s RSR technology with minimal modifications to existing production lines. Conventional spot welding equipment and robotic automation can be adapted for use with RSR technology, which can easily shift between material combinations and fastener types. Alcoa expects the first commercial application for the RSR technology by 2018. RSR technology has been in development for several years as a pilot program at the Alcoa Technical Center (ATC) near Pittsburgh, PA, where scientists and engineers have been collaborating with the Alcoa Fastening Systems & Rings manufacturing facility in Waco, TX. The team has also been working on developing the rivet feed system in its Kingston, NY facility.

being formed to finalize and implement industry standards, the four groups issuing the statement last week instead called on I CAR to create an industry council “to identify gaps in existing OEM procedures and develop processes to close gaps, vet industry proposed alternatives, modifications and additions to OEM procedures.” – As reported in CRASH Network (www.CrashNetwork.com), November 7, 2011. I-CAR did indeed take on the task of working with the automakers to close the gap in the availability and industry accessibility to OEM collision repair procedures. ICAR developed the “Repairability Technical Support Portal” (https://rts.icar.com/),which includes the “Ask ICAR” feature that allows users to email or call I-CAR with a technical question.

system that is popular in the U.K. with shops and insurers alike called Vehicle Damage Appraisal or “V.D.A.” VDA is a standardized method that performs temporary minor disassembly on drivable vehicles through scheduled damage appraisal appointments with their customers. The simple rule: “Pre-order parts, but only if you have properly analyzed the damage first!” Lately, I have been working with a handful of shops around the U.S. that have also been applying this way of thinking. One shop I work with uses what they call “Enhanced Estimating” that schedules forty-five-minute estimating appointments for their customers. Their program has proven to be very effective and has had a serious positive impact on their cycle time and customer satisfaction as well as their return parts percentage.

RSR Technology

Retro News

www.autobodynews.com

VANDEVERE KIA

The Simple Rule

Conclusion Perhaps you will share my philosophy to only pre-order parts when you know the true extent of the damage. And do

yourself another favor: insist on placing one order and receiving all the parts on a single invoice whenever possible (unless ordering from multiple vendors). Don’t let the dealer’s parts guy send out partial orders just so he or she can make their commission. If anything, they will be more motivated when they know they can’t ship until the order is complete! Something else to consider is that top shops commonly require complete parts orders to be delivered the day prior to the scheduled arrival of the vehicle. Whether you consider scheduling “Enhanced Estimates” or choose to blueprint all the vehicles prior to ordering any parts, you can be guaranteed more success than you are likely experiencing using traditional thinking. Or perhaps you can choose an alternative hybrid system that triages small repairs into an Enhanced Estimating appointment and directs all medium to large jobs into a blueprinting program after they are dropped off for repairs. This approach would be my recommendation for most of you. For assistance creating a customized program at your shop, please contact us today at david.luehr@elite bodyshopsolutions.com or visit www .elitebodyshopsolutions.com

VANDEVERE CHEVROLET

Parts Dept. Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am-5:30pm Sat 7:30am-1:00pm

Parts Dept. Hours:

Akron’s Largest KIA Parts Outlet Reliable, Professional Customer Service Express Parts Delivery in our 8 Trucks Your Source for OEM KIA Parts

VanDevere Kia 328 W. Market Street, Akron, OH 44303

800.362.9650 • Akron’s Largest GM Parts Outlet • Express Parts Deliveryy • Knowledgeable Staff with over rience! 175 Years Parts Experience!

Mon - Fri: 7:30am - 5:30pm Sat: 7:30am-1:00pm Phone:

330.836.4064 24 hour fax:

330.836.4074

800.362.9650 Phone : 330.836.4064 24 hour fax: 330.836.4074

50 NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

1490 Vernon Odom Blvd.// Akron, Ohio 44320

Laurel Auto Group of Westmont Accidents Happen

Laurel BMW of Westmont

Insist on Original BMW Parts and Accessories www.laurelbmw.com

(630) 654-5400

Laurel BMW of Westmont 430 E Ogden Ave., Westmont, IL 60559

www.laurelbmw.com

• Two Deliveries Daily • 17 Delivery Trucks

Truth in Engineering

Hours: M-F 7-6; Sat 8-3

Phone: (888) 545.6900 Fax: (630) 655.5999

Audi Genuine Parts

Large Inventory of OEM Parts Quick, Courteous Service Knowledgeable Staﬀ Audi Westmont 276 E. Ogden Ave., Westmont, IL 60559 Parts Direct: (630) 230.2222 / Fax: (630) 655.5750 Hours: M-F 7-6 / Sat 8-4 www.audiwestmont.com

Mercedes-Benz of Westmont • Large Inventory • Exceptional Service 200 E. Ogden Ave Westmont, IL 60559 www.mercedesbenzofwestmont.com

Phone: Fax:

(630) 654.1039 (630) 654.8167

GENUINE PARTS

Hours: M-F 7-6; Sat 8-4 www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 51

Media and Publicity for Shops

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

Signs, Signs–Everywhere are Signs. So How Do You Stand Out? with Ed Attanasio

I walked into a beautiful reception area at a body shop one day and was immediately impressed. With highend furniture, a big walnut counter and one of those glass wall fountains, I thought, “Wow.” But as I was leaving the shop a short time later, I was surprised to see their sign out front.

If you have an old classic neon sign that has been there forever, hang on to it if you can, but neon today is costly and not a green alternative to signage. (Erie-LaSalle Body Shop, Chicago, IL)

Marketing studies show that consumers are easily persuaded by a first impression, and this shop was not im-

pressing anyone with its battered old sign. It was crooked, rusting in a few spots and the paint was fading. Not a good image for a company that specializes in returning vehicles back to their pre-accident condition, because this sign looked as though it had been in an accident itself. It got me thinking: how important is signage when it comes to the collision repair industry? Every business that sells anything should have a sign, but since most shops’ work comes through insurance companies, can’t they save a little money on this aspect of their business? Signs have many functions, but Point of Purchase (POP) signage is designed to advertise a product at the location in which it is displayed. Experts say effective signage is a vital component of any company’s marketing plan, too many of which concentrate on other things more intently, such as broadcast advertising, direct mail, social media

and other forms that cost a lot more than engaging signage. If you’re looking for signs today, there are a plethora of options to choose from, including illuminated and non-il-

If you decide to go with a pole sign that has a bulletin board on it, you will need to come up with compelling (or funny) messages. (Hoffman Auto Body in Boise, ID)

luminated signs, vinyl graphics, monument signs, channel letter signs, pylon signs, illuminated cabinet signs and even the old “A” frame sandwich signs

that are mobile and ideal to place out on the sidewalk in front of your shop. Marketing experts often use terms like “drive-up appeal” and “engagement rate” and many of them say that signage is the most valuable investment any business can make. Studies claim that building (aka wall) signage is the most important in attracting customers, with digital LED signs gaining the most awareness and visibility. Pole (pylon) signs are becoming more and more popular with body shops while monument (ground) signs are also good. But in the end, it all comes down to your available real estate and the local restrictions in your city or town. According to the Small Business Association, the most effective signage will consistently create a lasting memory for a company’s products or services in the minds of consumers. A good sign reinforces a recollection and extends the overall recall of other advertising efforts and bringing in new clients and affect-

WHY SETTLE FOR AFTERMARKET, SALVAGE OR SURPLUS WHEN YOU DON’T HAVE TO!

GIVE YOUR CUSTOMERS THE QUALITY THEY DESERVE, USE GENUINE GM PARTS! With GM’s Bump program along with the Bob Hook Chevrolet Exclusive Price Match web portal, we make it easy to use Genuine GM Parts.

Bob Hook Chevrolet is Smashing Aftermarket Collision Parts, Call today to learn more!

Our Price match Program is second to None!

800-274-4665

www.bobhookgmparts.com

502-499-8060 M-F 8am - 5:30pm

· 15 Truck Fleet · Over 300 years of GM experience · Same Day and Next Day delivery · Exclusive Price match Portal · Truckload Fascia Program* *Unbeatable beatable prices on In-stock -stock Fascias

We make it easy to place your orders.

Call, Click or Fax.

4144 Bardstown Rd. / Louisville, KY 40218 52 NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

ing their buying decisions. A major problem that body shops encounter is that they don’t update or change their signs. If it works, why change it, right? From Walmart to REI, almost every major retailer updates their signage every 10-20 years, so they obviously see value in it. And yet, some shops have a 25-year-old sign hanging out there looking like something that was pulled out of the Titanic.

Once your shop’s old sign has seen better days, don’t be afraid to replace it. (McGrath Collision Center, Cedar Rapids, ID)

Some shops might be perplexed by all of the different signs to choose from. Back in the old days (pre-1980’s), there were only a few options when it came to signs. If you had the money and wanted to make a big impression, neon was the only way to go, and it was the rage for 40 years. In the fifties and sixties, body

shops invested in expensive neon signs to attract customers away from the other shop down the street. Having a neon sign sent a message that said “We are successful.” But neon is costly, so after a while, only big retailers like car dealers had neon signs. In the eighties, consumers viewed neon signs as garish and tacky, so body shops began finding cheaper alternatives. Now, of course, they are back in vogue, like everything else. But unless you have an old neon sign and you simply need to update it or rehab it, neon may be too pricey for you. Since it also burns electricity and you’re striving to be a greener business, maybe neon is not your best solution. Roger Henson, the owner of ABC Marketing in Silicon Valley, CA, has placed numerous signs of all types for a wide range of companies by working with sign contractors and companies such as Clear Channel Outdoor. Henson’s strategy when it comes to signage is “get your name out there without being too aggressive.” “I had a client who was an auto glass company, and he had signs on all of his trucks, painted on every one of their parking spaces, six on his building and 2-3 banners hanging from every-

where,” Henson said. “It became offensive, and he even got a few bad Yelp reviews as a result. When it comes to signs, you can indeed have too many, and if they’re too big or too bright, people don’t like that.” For body shops, Henson would suggest using all of the newest signs that are available on the market today to tell your message and leverage your

A new, updated sign utilizing today’s newest technology can create a positive and professional image. (McGrath Collision Center, Cedar Rapids, ID)

brand. “Why not use some digital signage in addition to the old painted letters on the side of your building?” he said. “It all comes down to your budget and your goals with your signs. You want good signs so that people can find you easily, but you also want signs that people will remember.”

Continued from Page 34

The Art of Business

next because they DON’T work ON the business. They are sadly caught in a spiral of doom of their own making. Right now is an excellent time to be in the collision repair business, but only for those with the right mindset, and only for those artists that are willing to learn new skills. I am a champion of small business and the hardworking people in our industry which makes me hate to say this, but, this time in our industry’s history will be very, very, tough for many business owners that are reluctant to change. The good news is that those of you reading this article all the way to the end have demonstrated that you may have what it takes to plow through the challenges and take full advantage of this time of great opportunity to create the business of your dreams. Go for it! For assistance creating a sustainable business model, contact Dave at david.luehr@elitebodyshopsolutions .com

www.autobodynews.com C

COURTESY

SUBARU It's It'ss How Business It s Not It' Not Jus Justt Our Our Name, Namee, It' Nam It How We Do Bus Busine iness ss

CONTACT OUR PARTS DEPARTMENT:

800-658-3054 P D F : PARTS DEPARTMENT FAX:

605-342-1178 Large Inventory Larg La rgee In Inve vent ntor oryy Local Free Fr ee LLoc ocal al Delivery Del D eliv iver eryy Years Combined Parts Experience 50+ 50 + Ye Year arss Co Comb mbin ined ed P Par arts ts EExp xper erie ienc ncee Call for Details Reg Regarding gardingg Longg Distance Deliveryy

PARTS EPARTMENT ARTS DEPA EPARTM RTMENT ENT HOURS OURS:

M-F 7:30am - 5:30 pm p Sat 8 am - Noon Email: parts@courtesysubaru.com 601 East Omaha St. Rapid City, SD 57701 www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 53

A Second-Generation Female Shop Owner Fights the Odds and Wins in this male-dominated industry. “It was definitely on-the-job training,” she Some people are born into the body said. “Since I had the accounting backshop business and embrace it while ground, I was able to track the numbers others fight it for a while and then well, and that really helped me over the eventually relent. The sons and daugh- years. This is surely not an easy busiters of shop owners usually either love ness to be in, but by stressing quality the collision industry and take to it and customer service, we’ve been able like ducks to water, while others will to perform at a high level for almost 40 do just about everything they can to years.” opt out of the business and pursue In 1988, Bertolli became the something else—anything else. shop’s general manager as her father In this case, Laura Bertolli, the began stepping away from the business owner of Bertolli’s Autobody in San to pursue a highly lucrative second caRafael, CA, is a prime examreer in commercial real estate. ple of a second-generation After a series of shop manshop owner who initially reagers came and left, Laura asjected the collision industry sumed full control of the and then later embraced it. By business. But when she fiworking hard to learn everynally announced to the shop’s thing she could while changcrew that she was now in ing her approach to managing Laura Bertolli, the charge, their reaction wasn’t people, Bertolli has been able owner of Bertolli’s positive, to say the least. Autobody in San to keep the shop that her father “I called a meeting that Rafael, CA, is a started in 1977 flourishing in very first morning and after I Marin County, where there are second-generation told them that I was now runshop owner who more hot tubs than cars. ning the show, they all walked never imagined Bertolli began working out,” Bertolli said. “They all that she would eventually take at her father’s shop on the quit on the spot, which was over her father’s weekends and after school as terrible, but in a way it was business a teenager, but she never enalso exciting. So, I immedivisioned it as a career. “At first, I was ately called all of my vendors and told doing a lot of filing and organizing pa- them I need people. Thankfully, there perwork,” she said. “And then, when I were some friends out there who was 16, I began working after school helped me until I was back with a new doing the bookkeeping. This is where crew. It took a while, but I eventually I got the drive to be a business major was able to put together a good team. and become a CPA.” One of those original hires is still here After graduating from high school, after all those years.” Bertolli earned a B.S. in Business AdOnce she had a new crew, Bertolli ministration from UC Berkeley’s highly- decided to change her managerial style respected Haas School of Business. After for a fresh start. “I realized that I could graduating from Cal, she went to work not manage these guys successfully by barking our orders, because they did not want that from a woman. So, instead of telling them what to do, I started asking them questions about what should we do and it worked right away. How long is the job going to take? What parts do we need, etc.? If you ask a tech a question, he buys in— because he wants to do the job right and he feels like a team member when you ask instead of tell.” With a small crew, Bertolli’s Autobody repairs approximately 60 vehicles out of a 7,500 With a modest, highly-productive square foot facility without a DRP crew currently repairing roughly 60 for an accounting firm in Novato, CA, vehicles every month out of a 7,500 but her father was having issues with his square foot facility, Bertolli has cut the bookkeeper, so in 1985, Laura returned fat without sacrificing quality. “We to do of all of the shop’s bookkeeping have four people on the shop floor— and accounting. two body techs, one painter and one Bertolli learned on the fly and detailer and they all do an amazing eventually figured out how to succeed job,” Bertolli said. “We keep them by Ed Attanasio

54 NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

working and busy and it makes for a because by now we’re well-known in positive environment because they Marin for doing excellent work, and in share my passion for doing a great job a town like this, a solid reputation goes on each vehicle that comes in here.” a long way.” Every car that Bertolli’s repairs To build a strong customer base, comes from referrals, repeat business, Bertolli has done TV commercials and local networking through a local Busiembraced the internet and social media ness Networking Institute (BNI) chap- before many others were even considter and other sources, but not through ering it. “We did TV ads during the any DRPs with insurance companies, San Francisco Giants games until they Bertolli explained. started winning the World “When the DRP sysSeries every other year and tem started, we got a few of it became too expensive,” them, and the relationships she said. “And we got a were totally different back website back in 1995, when then,” she said. “The insurthey were still pretty much ance companies let us pretty in their infancy.” much fix the cars the way Looking back and seeFrom her shop’s logo we wanted to, but eventuing where she is now, does all the way to her TV commercials and social ally that changed. Pretty Bertolli feel that taking media, Bertolli likes to soon, they were telling us over her father’s shop was take a fun approach what to fix and how to do it, a good move? “Yes, defito marketing and that’s when I began nitely,” she said. “I came telling them no. I’m not going to cominto a very tough, male-dominated inpromise my standards to meet their fidustry and the odds were probably not nancial needs, because my family’s in my favor. But, by working hard, name is attached to that vehicle. So we learning along the way and focusing haven’t had a DRP here for many on the things I know how to do—like years and have had less drama as a reselling and marketing—I built a good sult. It has not affected our business business, and that is truly satisfying.”

From OEM to aftermarket, see all the Collision Parts we have to offer! • Large Inventory • Exceptional Service

513.782.2829 513.782.2846 FAX

• Genuine Chevy Parts • Ready To Serve You Hours: Mon. - Fri. 7:30am - 6pm Sat. 8am - 12pm 33 West Kemper Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45246

www.jakesweeneychevy.com

Phone: Go Further 60 Years a Ford Dealer with over 314 Years Parts Experience!

515.270.9095 800.362.1679 Fax Your Order:

515.270.5008 üDedicated Wholesale Staﬀ üPrompt & Dependable Delivery PARTS HOURS Mon - Fri 7:30am-6:00pm s Sat 8:00am-4:30pm

4545 Merle Hay Road Des Moines, IA 50310

OF DES MOINES • Over $1 Million in OEM Parts • Knowledgeable and Courteous Parts Team • Come see us at our NEW location

The Right Part at The Right Price, Right Now! Hours: Mon- Fri 7:30am-6pm Sat 7:30am-4:30pm

1650 SE 37th Street Grimes, IA 50111

PARTS: 515.276.4913 • 800.342.7045 FAX 515.276.0277

Electronic Parts Cataloging for Faster & More Accurate Service! • Genuine Kia OEM Parts • Eﬃcient Service on All Orders • Fast & Free Delivery • Parts Specialists On Call

515.727.1815 s 866.412.0152

Fax: 515.309.1412

Hours: Mon Mon-Fri Fri 7:00am 7:00am-6:00pm 6:00pm / Sat 7:30am-4:30pm 7:30am 4:30pm

4475 Merle Hay Road · Des Moines IA 50310 www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 55

CCC Introduces DRIVE™ Platform, Secure Share™ Network CCC Information Services Inc. has launched a new suite of telematics-enabled claims offerings that the company claims will improve and speed accident notification along with the steps and decisions undertaken by insurers after their policyholder has been in an accident. Powered by the CCC DRIVE™ telematics platform, these offerings include electronic crash detection, automatically initiated first notice of loss (FNOL), and predictive solutions that will inform real-time decisions including vehicle repair versus replace, preferred method of inspection (based on carrier guidelines), and injury triage. According to the company, the CCC DRIVE platform is designed to collect driving data from any source and integrate important pre-impact and impact data with CCC’s solutions to help users make decisions earlier within the claims process. “Our CCC DRIVE platform is designed to address the broad spectrum of telematics use cases, including marketing, underwriting, and claims, giving insurers a single, flexible solution to address their telematics pursuits,” said Greg Bannon, VP, Product Management, CCC. “When it comes to applying telematics to claims, the only

way to deliver value is to make the data actionable for insurers. Current users of CCC’s solutions will see tremendous benefits because of our network and data capabilities, which put driving

data into context to enable real decisions, in real time. This creates tangible benefits in the areas of efficiency gains, cycle time improvements, and increased policyholder satisfaction without disrupting the existing workflow of insurers.” The CCC DRIVE telematics platform is capable of collecting driving data from any source – mobile, embedded or connected car. Upon impact, detailed information about the pre-accident driving behavior and the crash itself are instantly run through CCC’s predictive analytics engine, which is

powered by the insights gleaned from millions of claims transactions, and more than 20 years of injury data, including thousands of human crash tests. An alert can automatically be sent from the vehicle to the insurance carrier’s FNOL representative, presenting the facts of the accident in map and dashboard formats, indicating the vehicle’s location, direction of travel prior to the accident, speed, braking and steering movements, and impact severity. In addition to crash notification, FNOL representatives can receive insights, derived from CCC’s predictive solutions, helping them determine whether the vehicle is likely to be repairable or totaled, the best appraisal option (using the carriers’ guidelines), if an injury is likely, and if emergency and/or tow services should be dispatched. The company has also announced the launch of its CCC Secure Share™ Network (CCC Secure Share), a network using a cloud-based application program interface (API) that will allow collision repairers to control the distribution of their data and secure the data shared with third-party application providers. CCC Secure Share will utilize the Business Message Suite (BMS),

the current data standard published by the Collision Industry Electronic Commerce Association (CIECA). In addition to further securing collision repairer data, CCC Secure Share enables application providers to deliver their services to CCC’s network of collision repairers through a single connection, eliminating the need to create individual connections with hundreds or thousands of collision repairers. CCC Secure Share will be provided to collision repairers as part of the CCC ONE® Total Repair Platform at no additional charge. CCC Secure Share will be available for collision repairers in 2017. CCC will continue to support the export of Estimate Management Standard (EMS) files for a period of time to allow companies to prepare for the change. For more information, visit www .cccis.com.

SEARCH FOR US ON

FACEBOOK :

Autobody News

Mercury Names the Safest and Most Affordable Cars to Insure for Teens

Kia Sportage is the most affordable vehicle with a NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating to insure for teen drivers, according to Mercury Insurance’s newest Top 10 list.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) 5Star Safety Ratings Program provides consumers with information about the crash protection and rollover safety of new vehicles, with more stars equaling safer cars. Mercury Insurance recently analyzed vehicles that received five stars to determine which would be the most affordable to insure for teen drivers. The company examined 2016 model year vehicles for which ratings are available to compile the list, which was created based on the Mer-

cury price for full coverage—liability, comprehensive and collision—in California. Here is the complete Top 10 list for 2016 vehicles with a 5-Star Safety Rating, beginning with the cheapest to insure: Kia Sportage Kia Soul Hyundai Tucson Honda CR-V LX Honda Fit Hyundai Elantra GT VW Golf Sportwagen SW Subaru Outback Dodge Dart Honda HR-V EX

“Teenagers are statistically the most likely to be involved in a collision, so it’s important for them to be in a vehicle that offers them the most protection if that happens,” said Jim Reeves, group manager, R&D for Mercury Insurance. “Mercury’s hope for members of our community is that they remain safe, and we’re proud to be able to provide them with affordable insurance options to help them do that.”

56 NOVEMBER 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 angel@apnissan.com www.apnissan.com

Infiniti of Naperville

MINNESOTA

Eden Prairie Nissan Eden Prairie

952-567-2150

(952) 567-2197 Fax M-F 6:30-7 parts@edenprairienissan.com www.edenprairienissan.com

Naperville

866-874-6346

(331) 457-4661 Fax M-F 7-7, Sat. 8-4 www.buyinfinitiparts.com tryan@auto-plaza.com

GENUINE SERVICE & PARTS

Subaru

Ganley Westside

Collision Repair Parts

www.ganleysubaru.com

• Delivery area counties: Cuyahoga, Lake, Geauga, Huron, Erie, Medina, Sandusky, Ottawa, Summit and Lorain • Same-day, Next-day, Local Hot-shot Deliveries • Friendly, Fast Phone Ordering • Genuine Subaru OEM Parts Parts Department: rtment: e t • Competitive Pricing • Online Ordering Hours: Mon - Frii 7am - 77pm pm / Sat 8am - 4pm • Huge Inventory

440-788-7060

for all of your

accessory needs d

25730 Lorain Rd., North Olmsted, OH 44070 www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 57

Shop Showcase

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

Northern California Body Shop Paints Huge Coffee Cup for Major Artist with Ed Attanasio

Body shops are adept at painting cars, but they often get asked to paint a wide range of other things such as golf carts, kid’s toys, old appliances, statues and in this case, an enormous coffee cup

looking for a body shop that was willing to take on a rather large project for an upcoming art show at the CCA Wattis Institute for Contemporary Arts in San Francisco last August. When one shop opted out, Regal Collision in Vallejo, CA, stepped up and completed the project on time and with an artistic flair. After visiting one shop that his curators had found for him, Fried decided to start looking around for another shop via Yelp. “The first shop we went to didn’t seem to be very excited when we deArtist Howard Fried (far left in the blue shirt) was a scribed the project to them,” hands-on customer and oversaw the delivery of his he said. “I wasn’t getting a sculpture from start to finish real positive vibe from these that was displayed at an art gallery in folks, so we bailed. So I started San Francisco, CA by a major nationsearching for a shop near to my studio ally-renowned artist. in Vallejo. I used Yelp and found It all began when Howard Fried, Regal Collision. Their reviews were an artist based in Vallejo, CA, was great, and I got the sense that they

might be the right shop for our unusual request.” Kirk Kapfenstein, the general manager at Regal Collision, has painted a lot of things in his career as a painter, but never a 1,000-lb. coffee mug, that’s for sure. “Howard called

us out of the blue and we were definitely interested in talking to him about it,” Kapfenstein said. “We love out of the ordinary, challenging jobs, so we looked at it and said ‘Heck yes.’ The gallery was pretty much up against their deadline so if we didn’t agree on the spot, they probably would have been in real trouble.” Howard Fried, 70, is a highly-regarded conceptual artist who became known in the 1970s for his pioneering work in video art, performance art and installation art. He founded the video and performance department (currently the New Genres Department) at the San Francisco Art Institute and is associated with the first generation of In excess of eight feet tall, painting Howard Fried’s conceptual artists in the San enormous coffee cup (Derelict #5) was easier to paint Francisco Bay Area, includthan move, according to the crew at Regal Collision in Vallejo, CA ing other trendsetters such as MINNESOTA

Luther Bloomington Subaru

Courtesy Subaru

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

Mon.-Fri. 7:30-5:30; Sat. 8-Noon parts@courtesysubaru.com

OHIO

(800) 903-2434

Bloomington

(800) 451-5078

Brunswick Subaru Brunswick

Toll Free (888) 460-7080 Direct (330) 460-7080 (330) 460-7082 Fax Mon.-Fri. 8-6; Sat. 8-4 www.brunswickautomart.com

Byers Subaru Columbus

The following dealerships are eager to serve your needs. Call your local Subaru collision parts specialist today! 58 NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

SOUTH DAKOTA

(888) 804-7895

(614) 863-1770 Fax

Mon.-Fri. 8-6; Sat. 8-2 wholesaleparts@byersauto.com www.byersimports.com

Rapid City

(800) 658-3054

(605) 342-1178 Fax

WISCONSIN

Wilde Subaru Waukesha

(262) 544-1913 Fax

Mon.-Thu. 7-7; Fri. 7-5; Sat. 8-4 parts@gowilde.com www.wildesubaru.com

ing, but the cost was prohibitive. So we were basically in the hands of Jim, Shellie and Kirk at Regal. We knew that we would be juggling 100 things right up until the show and getting this cup painted and delivered to the gallery was at the top of the list.” In addition to priming and painting the sculpture, it also had a few cracks to repair from past shows, due to the fact that the cup (called Derelict #5) was the reincarnation of five previous art pieces. “We worked out the changes and Regal had to repair all of the cracks that had developed over the years. Before this show, it was on display at the University of Berkeley back in 1983. Regal also had to repaint it with a waterborne paint, because the paint we used in ‘83 was oilbased and now it’s illegal.” Jim Boyle, the owner at Regal Collision, isn’t going On its big opening night at the CCA Wattis Institute for to disclose how much he Contemporary Arts in San Francisco, Derelict #5 wows charged for the job, but he the critics and art lovers alike will at least admit he made a people at Regal Collision assured me nice profit. “Working on this project not to worry,” Fried said. “At one has given us a better understanding of point, we considered the idea of re- how an artist develops his work and fabricating the piece using 3-D print- how much they care about their creTerry Fox, Lynn Hershman, David Ireland, Paul Kos and Tom Marioni. His early works dealing with issues like decision-making, conflict situations, control, predictability, learning, and cognitive processes gave him international fame. With a tight deadline of two weeks and a show that was well-publicized and anticipating a large turnout for opening night, Fried was concerned but not ready to panic—yet. “I admit, I was a little nervous, but the

ations. Howard was intense and was here in the shop almost every day, sometimes before I showed up in the morning. Working with him was a lot different from painting a customer’s vehicle because he had a vision and passionately wanted it achieved.” In the end, the shop made money and they also received the most unique 5-star review on Yelp that they’ll ever get from the CCA Wattis Institute for Contemporary Arts in San Francisco. “Regal Collision went above and beyond for us. We had an artist who needed a sculpture repaired with the same methods that are used in auto body repair. The sculpture is very large and extremely heavy. When we asked Regal Collision if they were interested in a very different than normal challenge, they jumped at the chance, despite being a consistently busy shop. They spent weeks working with our artist and treated the sculpture with unbelievable care. The end result is absolutely perfect. We feel so lucky to have found them. They are one in a million!”

Charles City, IA, Parts Jobber Becomes Parts Store

City Motor Parts, an independent auto parts store serving the greater Charles City, Iowa, area, has been sold to the Arnold Group of Companies out of Spencer, Iowa, dba Arnold Motor Supply Automotive Parts Stores. “We are pleased to have Bill and Val Blwer and their team join us as part of our team of automotive experts”, says Dennis Spooner, managing partner of the Arnold Group of Companies Started in 1982 by Bill and Val Biwer, City Motor Parts will become an Arnold Motor Supply Automotive Parts Store. The current staff will continue in their capacity of providing exceptional customer service and quality automotive parts. Both Bill and Val will stay on as well; Bill has been named the store manager. Arnold Motor Supply Automotive Parts Store opened for business on Sept. 30. “Arnold Motor Supply is an Iowabased company and offers a expanded product offering and service that will allow us to serve our customers better. This is a good move for Charles City and us. We’re excited what we will be able to offer our fine customers,” said Bill Biwer, the store’s manager/partner. The store is located at 610 South Main in Charles City.

Original BMW Parts

bmwusa.com

OUR PARTS. YOUR PEACE OF MIND. Original BMW Parts & Accesories

Sharpe BMW can help you restore their Ultimate Driving Machine to Pre-Loss Condition. Knowledgeable and Experienced BMW Parts Professionals Same Day Delivery on All In-Stock Parts E-mail or Fax Your Order in for Faster Service and Delivery

Sharpe BMW 1010 28th Street SE Grand Rapids, MI 49508 Parts Direct:

888.708.1359

Experienced and Dedicated MINI Parts staff Large Inventory of Original MINI Parts Prompt Daily Delivery Competitive Wholesale Discounts

MINI OF GRAND RAPIDS

The Best Parts to Get Them Back to the Jungle Free Reliable Delivery Experienced Professional Wholesale Parts Team Shipping Always Available

Land Rover/Jaguar Grand Rapids

1010 28th Street SE Grand Rapids, MI 49508

888.708.1359 Parts Direct 616.452.1101 Fax

Parts Direct:

888.708.1359 8

Hours: M-F 7-6 / S 8-1

616.452.1101 Fax 61

Original MINI Parts

Hours: Mon-Fri: 7am - 6pm Sat: 8am - 1pm

616.452.1101 24-Hour Fax

Hours: Mon-Fri: 7am - 6pm Sat: 8am - 1pm

www.thesharpcollection.com www thesh

www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 59

Automotive Recyclers Admonishes General Motors for Position on Recycled Parts

The Automotive Recyclers Association is admonishing General Motors and its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mary Barra for what it says is GM’s new anti-environmental position on the utilization of recycled GM parts. “GM’s revised position statement on recycled and salvage original equipment manufacturers’ (OEM) parts, found on the corporation’s updated “Genuine GM Parts” website, significantly backtracks on the company’s economic stewardship commitments to conserve resources and protect the global environment, and contradicts its publicly stated Environmental Principles by now attacking the use of environmentally friendly recycled GM parts. “Despite touting a commitment to the basic tenants of a circular economy—recovering all products, components and materials at their highest utility and value—GM now fails to embrace fundamental reutilization of their very own parts once they have left a dealership. It is reprehensible for GM’s corporate position to be one that does not support the reuse of recycled GM parts in vehicle repair while claiming a leadership role in the circular economy movement. “The utilization of recycled OEM automotive parts has been widely accepted for decades and has a long track record of successful and safe use in vehicle service and repairs. In fact, GM acknowledged in their company’s 2010 position statement on the issue that

“Recycled original equipment parts may also be used for repair... A recycled original equipment part, may be an acceptable choice to maintain your vehicle’s originally designed appearance and safety performance.” “GM’s revised position statement is not only a reversal, but is potentially misleading consumers with insinuations that recycled GM parts are “non-GM” parts. In the revised position statement GM includes the following paragraph: “Genuine GM Parts are designed and constructed using metals with specific properties, thicknesses and stamping features built to perform in a consistent and predictable way during a collision event. The use of non-OEM structural components may compromise the overall crashworthiness and occupant safety of General Motors vehicles in a subsequent collision. In summary, General Motors does not support the use of salvage or recycled parts in a vehicle’s repair. GM recommends the use of Genuine GM Parts in repairs to help ensure the vehicle is returned to pre-collision condition.” “Recycled parts are not the same as non-OEM parts. GM parts do not cease to be OEM parts when moved from one car to another. References to the “use of non-OEM structural components” immediately before GM states that it does not support the use of salvage or recycled parts in the company’s position statement is deceptive and ARA believes

it is stated in this way to confuse consumers into thinking that recycled GM parts are not GM’s components. “As their market shares shrink from legitimate competition, auto manufacturers have responded with unfounded attacks and misleading information about recycled OEM parts and other part replacement options. ARA believes that the Federal Trade Commission should take a serious look into the actions of GM and other auto manufacturers that continue to engage in activities that malign the recycling of their own products without a shred of research to substantiate their claims. “GM and other manufacturers continue to fail to cite any specific data or research to back up their claims that recycled parts are inferior to new parts. “We believe the campaign by GM continues to be part of a coordinated and concerted effort among auto manufacturers to limit competition in the automotive parts replacement market by engaging in an ongoing campaign to undermine the recycled OEM part market,” says ARA CEO Michael E. Wilson. “Regrettably, GM’s revised “Genuine GM Parts” campaign seems to be

a rather transparent attempt to hoodwink consumers to boost sales of expensive “new” parts and malign entirely appropriate, environmentally beneficial recycled GM replacement parts,” says Wilson. “Recycled OEM parts are genuine OEM parts built to the same quality, durability, fit and finish specifications as new replacement parts. These recycled OEM parts went through the same rigid GM testing to ensure they are integrable and functional with all specified vehicle systems. These recycled parts are fully functional and in most cases match or exceed the condition of the components before the repair or service.” explains Wilson. It is disappointing that GM has now taken a corporate position to disavow basic reuse principles that offer undisputed environmental benefits. ARA believes that GM should stand by the durability and quality of the parts it produces and calls on GM leadership to cease their current anti-environmental and misinformation activities related to maligning recycled GM parts—the very parts that they manufactured. No response yet from GM.

The Right Parts. A Perfect Fit.

A New Tool For Estimating Reaps $6.3M for Estify

Estify, a company that’s developed a new tool for auto repair businesses to better gauge the cost of its services for insurance claims, has raised $6.3 million in new financing. It’s a way for car repair businesses to get payouts from insurers faster and better service customers. And, at least until autonomous vehicles are a reality, it’s a service that’s becoming increasingly important. Mainly because U.S. drivers are really awful. There have been 10,710 accidents in the U.S. already this year, according to a website called AccidentsinUS.com. That means we might be on track to beat last year’s record of 12,293 accidents, according to data collected by the site. Los Angelesbased Estify, basically raised the money to gin up its executive suite. And now boasts a deck stacked with some pretty hardcore LA-based executive talent. The company has named Rochelle Thielen (a longtime executive with Mitchell International who has direct experience in dealing with

the network of repair shops and insurance providers) as its new chief executive. Estify also added Randy Adams, the former founder of Navitel, Newsnet, AutionDrop, Searchme, Funny or Die, Celebrity Apps, and WTF Studios as chief technology officer. According to a release from the company, Adams boasts having raised $250 million in capital and returning over $28 billion to investors. The company’s new round was led by Romulus Capital with participation from ff Venture Capital. “While we’re thinking about making cars autonomous, it’s important to remember that nearly 100 Americans die every day in automobile accidents. While the process of repairing vehicles continues to increase in complexity, the technology available to repairers has not kept up,” says Romulus partner Neil Chheda. “The lack of data-driven accuracy in this industry costs lives and billions of dollars. This problem must be solved, and Estify’s team and technology is uniquely positioned to solve it.”

60 NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

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

ILLINOIS

Seelye Kia of Holland

(708) 720-8972

(616) 582-1009 Fax

Hawkinson Kia Matteson

(708) 720-0657 Fax

M, W, F 6am-5pm Tu, Th 6am-7pm; Sat 8am-2pm jmihas@hawkinsonnissankia.com www.hawkinsonnissan.com/ez-parts

IOWA

Kia of Des Moines

Holland

(616) 582-1008

M-F 8am-6pm rbundy@betterseeseelye.com www.seelyekiaholland.com

Suburban Kia Troy

(248) 341-8052 (248) 519-9660 Fax

Des Moines

chill@suburbancollection.com www.suburbankia.com

M-F 7am-6pm Sat 7:30am-4:30pm parts@kiadm.com www.kiadm.com

Lou Fusz Kia

(515) 727-1815 (515) 309-1412 Fax

MICHIGAN Kia of Lansing Lansing

(517) 393-5700 (517) 393-6767 Fax

M-F 7:30am-6pm mattr@lansingisyoung.com www.kiaoflansing.com

Seelye Kia Battle Creek Battle Creek

(877) 236-8845 (269) 441-3820 Fax

M-F 8am-6pm Sat 8am-1pm rbundy@betterseeseelye.com www.seelyekiabattlecreek.com

MISSOURI St. Louis

(877) 221-4151 (314) 595-4942 Fax

M, W, F 7am-8pm; Tu, Th 7am-6pm Sat 7:30am-4pm fuszkiaparts@fusz.com www.kia.fusz.com

Napletonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mid Rivers Kia St. Peters

(888) 816-9729 (636) 926-0683 Fax

M-F 7am-6pm; Sat 7am-3pm bprinster@napleton.com pschnare@napleton.com www.midriverskia.com

St. Louis

WISCONSIN

M-F 7am-5pm www.suntrupkiasouth.com

(920) 993-3000

Suntrup Kia

(800) 727-8496 (314) 815-3060 Fax

NO. DAKOTA Kia of Fargo Fargo

(800) 728-7601 (701) 282-5924 Fax M-F 7am-5:30pm Sat 8am-5pm

OHIO

Montrose Kia Sheffield

(440) 934-6699 (440) 934-5247 Fax

Bergstrom Kia of Appleton Appleton

(920) 749-1588 Fax

M, Tu, Th, F 7am-6pm; W 7am-8pm; Sat 8am-5pm anoldner@bergstromauto.com www.bergstromkiaappleton.com

Russ Darrow Kia of Waukesha Waukesha

(262) 896-1151 (262) 896-1188 Fax

Jeff.krueger@russdarrow.com www.kiaofwaukesha.com

M-F 7:30am-6pm bgordon@gomontrose.com www.montrosekia.com

VanDevere Kia Akron

(330) 836-4064 (330) 836-4074 Fax

M-F 7:30am-5:30pm chevyparts@vandevere.com www.vandevere.com

www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 61

Mitchell Partners with Tractable to Bring Artificial Intelligence to Insurance Claims for the First Time Mitchell International, a provider of technology, connectivity and information solutions to the Property & Casualty (P&C) insurance industry,

has announced an exclusive partnership in North America with Tractable, a UK-based technology firm specializing in the development of artificial intelligence solutions capable of automating manual tasks. According to the company, Mitchell will integrate Tractable’s solutions within its WorkCenter™ Automobile Physical Damage platform, enabling customers to make better decisions and accelerating the vehicle repair and claims management processes.

“Our industry is ready to adopt intelligent solutions leveraging machine learning technologies,” said Debbie Day, executive vice president of Mitchell International. “There are many activities we believe can be improved using these capabilities and we are thrilled to partner with Tractable to bring innovative solutions forward.” “Our technology is going to change the way that auto claims are managed in the future,” said Alex Dalyac, CEO of Tractable. “We have trained computers to see exactly what humans see so that vehicle damage can be assessed within seconds and consistent decisions made. Artificial intelligence will make the process quicker, more cost effective and more efficient. We are excited to partner with Mitchell, as we believe their long history and market-leading expertise combined with their modern cloud-based solutions will enable us to create unique opportunities that deliver the benefits of artificial intelligence to the Insurance Claims sector.” For more information, visit www.mitchell.com.

Auto Care Association Identifies Alibaba as Notorious Market for Counterfeits

During the week of October 3rd, the Auto Care Association submitted comments urging the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to relist Alibaba and its family of e-commerce platforms, including Taobao and Aliexpress, as notorious markets that facilitate the sale of counterfeit auto parts. The letter was submitted as part of the USTR’s request for comments in identifying Internet and physical markets based outside of the United States that engage in copyright piracy and trademark counterfeiting for its annual Special 301 Out-of-Cycle Review of Notorious Markets Report. “Although Alibaba had been removed from the Notorious Markets list in recognition of efforts to address counterfeit activities, we remain very concerned with the drastic amount of counterfeit automotive products sold on these sites daily and the difficulty our members are experiencing in obtaining enforcement,” said Bill Hanvey, president and CEO, Auto Care Association. The Auto Care Association submitted comments in response to member complaints regarding the

proliferation of online supply chains based in China that allow the online distribution of counterfeit parts. These online B2B and e-commerce sites advertise branded counterfeit products for sale at rates that significantly undercut the margins of members’ original products. Counterfeit auto parts represent a significant danger to the safety and welfare of the general public, and also pose a significant economic threat to the auto care industry. In its letter, the Auto Care Association outlined general principles that Alibaba should adopt to address the proliferation of counterfeit products on its various platforms. “The Auto Care Association commends the USTR’s efforts to combat piracy and counterfeiting. The association looks forward to continuing this dialogue with the USTR and representatives from the identified websites to protect and enforce intellectual property rights,” a statement from the Association read. For more information, visit www .autocare.org.

Become an Audi Genuine Parts Fan

Illinois

Ohio

Audi Exchange

Byers Audi

Highland Park 847.432.5880 847.432.5708 Fax gorejel@audiexchange.com

Columbus 888.804.7895 614.863.1770 Fax M-F 8am-6pm; Sat 8am-2pm

Missouri

wholesaleparts@byersauto.com www.byersimports.com

Audi of Kansas City Kansas City 816.943.3641 816.942.3156 Fax www.molleaudi.com

South Dakota Audi Sioux Falls Sioux Falls 888.540.6399 605.221.0550 Fax parts@grahamauto.com

Audi Genuine Parts

62 NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

THESE DEALERS are GENUINE WHOLESALE PARTS SPECIALISTS.

Sunshine Toyota 269-965-1000 BATTLE CREEK

269-441-1262 Fax M-F 7:30am-6pm jody@sunshinetoyota.com www.sunshinetoyota.com

Michigan

Toyota of Grand Rapids 877-703-5932 GRAND RAPIDS

616-942-4658 Fax M, W 7:30am-8pm; Tu, Th, F 7:30am-6pm; Sat 8am-12pm www.toyotaofgrandrapids.com

Collision Repair Education Foundation Receives Highest Rating From Charity Navigator

For the fourth consecutive year, the Collision Repair Education Foundation has been awarded the highest rating for sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency by Charity Navigator, the country’s largest and most-utilized independent evaluator of charities. Charity Navigator has awarded the Collision Repair Education Foundation an “exceptional” ranking of four stars out of a possible four, demonstrating adherence to good governance and fiscal responsibility. “Since 2009, the collision industry has provided over $50 million in product and monetary donations to high school and college collision school programs, instructors, and students through the Education Foundation,” a statement from CREF read. “With the organization averaging 90 cents of every dollar donated being returned to this group, its supporters can be assured that their donations are being reinvested properly.” $110,000 Raised During CREF’s Annual Industry Fundraiser The annual CREF industry fundraiser, co-hosted by PPG Automotive Refinish, raised $110,000 through the support of attendees and sponsors. Sponsors and participants enjoyed a

day of golf at the Black & Gold Golf Course in Yorba Linda, CA, on August 10th, 2016 and the funds raised from this event will go toward supporting scholarships and grants for collision schools and students. “PPG is proud to support this event at such a high level, not only as it brings together industry profession-

“Through our incredible sponsors, attendees, and volunteers, we had another great golf fundraiser event that will significantly assist in the Education Foundation’s abilities to support high school and college collision school programs,” said CREF director of development Brandon Eckenrode. “A special thanks to PPG Automotive

als from around the country, but also for the fact that it assists the Foundation’s efforts to ensure that high school and college collision students are jobready when they graduate and enter the industry,” said Domenic Brusco, PPG Automotive Refinish senior manager, Industry Relations. “As the Education Foundation staff will be working towards another great event in 2017, I would encourage industry members to consider participating through a sponsorship, attendees, and/or donating items to the events raffle table and silent auction.”

Refinish for their continued co-sponsorship. We are already starting to plan for the 2017 event, and with it taking place in our hometown of Chicago, we believe it will be the best yet.”

CREF Wraps Up Career Fair Schedule With Atlanta and Columbus Events After a year of 14 successful high school and college collision career fairs around the country, CREF is hosting two remaining events this fall, taking place in Atlanta, GA on October 20th and Columbus, OH on No-

vember 16th. Both are anticipated to be successful, as Atlanta will host a record 25 participating companies and the Columbus event brings 400+ students. “These career fairs have been an incredible success in connecting soonto-be graduating collision students with industry employers, but they have also served as motivation for students who are just starting their technical education, as they can see and meet all the companies who are interested in their futures,” noted Eckenrode. “We are looking to take these events to another level by working together with local associations and groups in major geographic markets around the country in order to expand the number of these events and reach even more students in 2017. We invite all collision industry members to join us at these events and help address the need for highly trained young professionals to enter the industry.” To continue these successful events next year, the Collision Repair Education Foundation will be announcing the spring 2017 schedule of career fairs this fall, which will include events taking place in new cities/markets while also hosting events in major markets that took place this past spring.

BLUE SPRINGS FORD Call our Wholesale Parts Hotline Today!

800-248-7760 816-229-3750 816-229-0605 Fax

We’re Open: Mon. - Fri. 7:30am - 6pm // Sat. 8pm - 4pm

• Dedicated Knowledgeable Wholesale Staff • Certified Parts Wholesaling Dealer • Powertrain Distributing Dealer • Over $1 Million in OEM Parts • Competitive Pricing • Online Ordering • Dependable Delivery 3200 South Outer Rd. // Blue Springs, MO 64015 www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 63

NHTSA Investigates F-150 Models for Brake Failure

NHTSA opened an investigation into certain 2015 and 2016 Ford F150 trucks equipped with the automaker’s 3.5-liter, turbocharged V6 engine. The feds received 25 complaints of sudden brake failure – as in, the brake pedal goes to the floor and, on 2015 models only, warning lamps may illuminate. Some of these complaints say the dealer blamed the issue on a brake master cylinder failure. There’s some precedence here. Earlier this year, Ford recalled 2013 and 2014 F-150s, also equipped with 3.5-liter V6 engines, for a similar issue. The automaker claimed the problem came from a brake master cylinder reservoir leaking into the brake booster. That caused both a loss of brake pressure and a “low brake fluid” light to illuminate. NHTSA will investigate the issue and, if need be, compel Ford to issue yet another recall. Investigations are the first step after receiving a number of complaints, which is why it’s important to submit issues like these to regulators. Ford may issue a voluntary recall before the feds make a decision, as well.

Axalta Launches New Resins, Talks Diversity, Awards “Best in Blue”

Axalta Coating Systems has announced the introduction of the Voltahyd® 2250 series T, M and E electrical insulation coatings, the company’s first waterborne impregnating resins available in China. This new series of Energy Solutions products, whose waterborne formulation is designed to be more environmentally responsible than conventional products, is suited to a number of specialized applications. According to the company, aside from significantly improved environmental, health and safety properties compared to solvent based products, the Voltahyd products offer superior bonding strength as well as good thermal and mechanical properties. “This new Voltahyd waterborne series in our portfolio enables us to bring superior solutions to the electronic industry, giving our customers a greater edge on their competition,” said Bryan Gu, Product Manager of Axalta’s Energy Solutions business in China. Recently, the company played a significant role at the Labor and Workforce Optimization for the Chemical,

Petrochemical, and Refining Industries conference. Virginia Gronley, Axalta Operations Learning and Development Advisor at the company’s Mount Clemens, Michigan research and manufacturing facility, served as both a featured speaker and a panelist at the two-day event in Houston, Texas. During her presentation, titled “Understanding Demographic Shifts and Incorporating Diversity into Workforce Planning,” Gronley spoke about Axalta’s continued focus on diversity, equality, and inclusion. “We know our employees want to feel empowered, respected and valued for the work that they do,” Gronley said. “From a workforce development perspective, we focus on talent retention just as much as we focus on attracting new talent. In addition to competitive compensation and benefits, we offer mentorship opportunities, committees that focus on engagement, and varied internal communication tools to help foster a sense of community.” Elsewhere, Axalta turned the Hagley Car Show blue to celebrate its

North American Automotive Color of the Year 2016: Brilliant Blue. Axalta’s booth featured a pedal car and mini hoods painted in Brilliant Blue, giveaways that featured the chromatic color, and a five foot trophy for the winner of Axalta’s “Best in Blue” award. The car show, held in Wilmington, Delaware, hosted more than 500 automobiles including antiques, restored cars, and trucks. According to Axalta, many displayed an impressive use of the color blue, but the standout vehicle and “Best in Blue” winner was Dennis Whitaker’s 1965 Superformance Shelby Cobra replica from Newtown Square, Pennsylvania. Whitaker was awarded with a trophy, a “Best in Blue” grille badge, and a replica No. 88 Axalta Chevrolet SS diecast car autographed by Dale Earnhardt Jr. The vehicle was also awarded pole position in the car show parade. “It was a pleasant surprise to win Axalta’s Best in Blue award at the Hagley Car Show,” said Whitaker. “I am proud of my Superformance Shelby Cobra replica and it is an honor to be recognized by a leading paint supplier.” For more information, visit www .axaltacs.com.

ARA Applauds Introduction of New OEM Parts Indemnification Legislation

In September, Representative Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) introduced legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives that would require automotive manufacturers to provide OEM parts data to professional automotive recyclers and other vehicle owners. The Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) commends the initiative, which the organization feels will “help protect consumers, support small businesses, and improve vehicle safety,” according to ARA CEO Michael Wilson. The newly proposed legislation, HR5967, expands upon the new federal requirement included in the 2015 Highway Bill, which requires manufacturers to provide parts data for recall automotive parts. In addition to requiring automotive manufacturers to provide consumers with all part names, part numbers and build sheet data specific to individual VINs, HR5967 would dictate that automotive manufacturers provide this information in a standardized format via web access

which is electronically searchable with batch access to the information. Congress has already shown support for requiring automotive manufacturers to provide automotive recyclers with parts data for all parts through the version of the Highway Bill introduced by Rep. Kinzinger, which has passed the House of Representatives. In Europe, automotive manufacturers are legally obligated to provide this information to insurance estimating companies and automotive service and repair facilities in the U.S. “Having the parts data on all vehicle parts allows professional automotive recyclers to more precisely match the needs of a consumer with the VIN specific vehicle,” Wilson pointed out. “Every consumer deserves access to a competitive replacement parts marketplace. We believe there is strong bipartisan support in Congress for protecting consumers’ service and repair rights that help ensure a level playing field for a fair and open marketplace for consumers.”

64 NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

THE RIGHT PARTS For Your Collision Job Visit these Genuine Hyundai Parts Dealers

Indiana

Ohio

INDY HYUNDAI

CLASSIC HYUNDAI

317-536-1552 Fax

440-266-6763 Fax

Indianapolis 7101 E Washington St.

800-592-5170

Mon 8am - 8pm; Tue-Fri 8am - 6pm Sat 8am - 1pm inss.partsmgr@rohrman.com www.indyhyundai.com

Minnesota

LUTHER BLOOMINGTON HYUNDAI Bloomington 4801 American Blvd. West

877-801-0641 952-377-2081 Fax

Mon-Thu 7am - 7pm Fri 7am - 6pm; Sat 8am - 4:30pm parts@bloomingtonhyundai.com www.bloomingtonhyundai.com

Mentor 8460 Tyler Blvd.

440-266-6750

Mon-Thu 7am - 7pm; Fri 7am - 6pm; Sat 7am - 3pm gregj@driveclassic.com www.driveclassichyundai.com

INSIST ON GENUINE

GM PARTS Only Original Parts Protect The Vehicleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Value.

CALL ANY OF THESE WHOLESALE WH PARTS DEALERS BELOW. Kentucky

Minnesota

Glenn Buick GMC

Mills Parts Center

Classic Chevrolet

800-247-1158

800-352-7275 24-HR Fax

LEXINGTON

800-880-5020

859-263-5022 859-263-8527 Fax

M-F 7:30 am - 5:30 pm Sat 8 am - 5 pm

aworkman@wgautogroup.com

Bob Hook Chevrolet LOUISVILLE

800-274-4665

502-499-0917 Fax M-F 8 am - 5:30 pm

bmaberry@bobhook.net

WILLMAR

866-235-6700 Fax M-F 8am - 5:30pm

Rosedale Chevrolet ROSEVILLE

800-247-0585

651-639-2120 651-639-2192 Fax M-Th 7 am - 8 pm F 7am - 6pm Sat 8 am - 4:30 pm

North Dakota

Alma Chevrolet Buick GMC

Gateway Chevrolet Cadillac

888-229-2336

989-463-0456 Fax M-F 7:30 am - 6 pm

parts@almabuickgmc.com

MENTOR

800-951-7282

FARGO

800-342-4260

701-282-8880 701-277-4565 Fax M-F 8 am - 7 pm Sat 8 am - 4 pm

Sweeney Chevy Buick GMC YOUNGSTOWN

800-476-0760

M-F 8 am - 6 pm Sat 8 am - 1 pm

330-726-2297 330-726-0709 Fax

Jake Sweeney Chevrolet

mattf@sweeneycars.com

M-F 7 am - 5 pm

CINCINNATI

VanDevere Chevy

513-782-2846 Fax

800-362-9650

513-782-2829 M-F 7:30 am - 6 pm Sat 8 am - Noon jakesweeneychevy.com

parts@rosedalechev.com

Michigan

ALMA

Ohio

AKRON

330-836-4064 330-836-4074 Fax

M-F 7:30 am - 5:30 pm

chevyparts@vandevere.com

Wisconsin

Ivan Gandrud Chevrolet GREEN BAY

800-242-2844

920-468-3658 920-468-3673 Fax M-F 7 am - 7 pm Sat 7 am - 2 pm

parts@gandrud.com

www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 65

ASA Hosts Largest Regional Education Program of 2016 during AAPEX

The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has announced a strategic partnership with the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX), which is co-owned by Auto Care Association and Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), a division of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), to promote and support ASA’s 2016 regional training initiative for automotive service facility owners and repair professionals. ASA’s largest regional education program of 2016 will take place during AAPEX in Las Vegas, NV at the Venetian from Monday, October 31 - Tuesday, November 1. “The partnership and ongoing collaboration among the associations is a defining moment for the industry,” said Dan Risley, ASA president and executive director. “Working together and leveraging each other’s strengths will benefit service repairers, suppliers and consumers. We are committed to continue exploring ways to deliver value to our members and helping the industry.” Shop owners and managers attending the two-day training sessions will receive credit from the

Automotive Management Institute (AMi) toward earning their Automotive Accredited Manager (AAM) designation. All sessions during this two-day management training are AMi-approved for credit. The cost is

$150 total for the two days, which includes free admission to AAPEX / SEMA. According to the ASA, the program will feature some of the top speakers in the industry, including: • Bogi Lateiner • Greg Marchand • Amy Mattinat • Bob Ward • Jeremy O’Neal • Bob Greenwood • Donny Seyfer • Jorge Antico • Bill Haas

• Jude Larsen

Sessions focus on vital topics for managers to run and grow their business, including profitability secrets, targeted marketing, succession planning, effective leadership, servicing connected cars, data management, process improvement & LEAN, selling maintenance, growing your customer base, hiring processes, and more. “Delivering quality education and training at convenient times and locations for repair shop owners and managers is more important than ever,” said Bill Hanvey, Auto Care Association president and CEO. “Faced with rapidly developing vehicle technology, advanced management systems and higher customer expectations, these professionals must possess the knowledge and skills necessary to run efficient and profitable businesses. We look forward to collaborating with ASA on this and other initiatives to further enhance educational opportunities for the auto care industry.” For the complete agenda and information, please visit www.aapexshow .com/asa.

MINNESOTA Brookdale Volkswagen Brooklyn Center

763-331-6480

Fax: 763-331-6481 M-F 7am-6pm; Sat 8am-4:30pm

parts@brookdalevw.com

Burnsville Volkswagen Burnsville

800-328-2842

Fax: 952-892-9471

parts@burnsvillevw.com

MISSOURI Molle Volkswagen Kansas City

816-943-3641

Fax: 816-942-3156

www.mollevolkswagen.com

OHIO Brunswick Volkswagen Brunswick

Toll Free: 330-460-7080 Direct: 330-460-7080 Fax: 330-460-7082 M-F 8am-6pm; Sat 8am-4pm

www.brunswickautomart.com

66 NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Sherwin-Williams Approved for American Honda and Acura US Warranty Repair

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. has approved Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes paints for its warranty and goodwill repairs. Included in the approval are the Sherwin-Williams AWX® Performance Plus™ waterborne system and Ultra 7000® solventborne refinish system. “Sherwin-Williams has supported American Honda for many years, so we are proud to be included in the latest issued approved paint lines service bulletin,” said Jason Crager, Sherwin-Williams OEM business development manager. “These approved refinish materials will not only meet, but surpass, our customer’s needs and provide them with an outstanding finish when they receive their vehicle after a repair has been completed.” According to the company, Sherwin-Williams will continue to provide Honda and Acura collision centers with training, color support and local service from its company-owned branches and training centers. For more information, visit www.sherwin-automotive.com.

Byers Volkswagen Columbus

888-804-7895

Fax: 614-863-1770 M-F 8am-6pm; Sat 8am-2pm

wholesaleparts@byersauto.com www.byersimports.com

SOUTH DAKOTA Graham Automotive Sioux Falls

888-540-6399

Fax: 605-221-0550

parts@grahamauto.com

Many Steps Add to Huge Productivity Gains

up front is one step but expediting parts, mirror matching parts and ensuring all parts are received before dispatching the repair, is another huge Recently I had the opportunity to sit in undertaking for the parts department. on a meeting with shop ownThis allows the vehicle to be ers discussing cycle time and “ready” to process for the touch time. The conversation technicians. The vehicle and centered on their KPI’s and parts cart need to be “kitted” how they thought implewith everything required for menting Damage Analysis the repair. and Blueprinting would imThink of your doctor or prove their output. Many dentist office – all paperwork, were stunned that their times supplies, tools and patient are Judy Lynch were not moving quickly just inspected and checked in beby adding a Damage Analysis bay. fore the physician actually sees the paWhat they failed to realize is that there tient. This should hold true for the is not one magic bullet for improving vehicle before it hits your production cycle time or touch time, but a require- floor! ment of several steps that together, will Although the above is imperative contribute to major production im- to reducing cycle time, there are also provements. many other factors in play. When the The concept of Damage Analysis vehicle is brought into the repair has many steps that need to be identi- process, it should be “pulled” through fied: Actually disassembling the vehi- your facility until completion. If it is cle, identifying all hidden damage, not, you need to ask your technician: ordering the correct parts, verifying “why the vehicle is idle?” parts received and then actually “kit- • Do you continue to have suppleting” the car for the technician to re- ments? Return to the Damage Analysis pair. This in itself is a major cultural and improve the process shift for many shops but the real • Are incorrect parts realized at time process is much deeper than this. Dis- of replacement? Improve mirror matchassembling and identifying all damage ing and parts receiving SOP’s by Judy Lynch, Marketing Manager, Collision Repair Design Service, Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes

• Are all the tools & equipment in working condition? Ensure each technician has the correct tools/equipment for task • Are supplies in the area necessary for specific task? Assemble mobile carts with specific supplies

• Is there large equipment (frame racks) in the shop not being utilized? If so, then free up productive floor space • Are there quality issues when passing vehicles to the next technician? Address training and/or SOP’s • Is one area of the shop outproducing another? Level your production and staff As you can see, many issues contribute to the cycle time of vehicles and reduce the touch time shown in your monthly reports. Be aware that although improving one task can make an impact in your shop, multiple small improvements add up to large productivity gains. Want to know how to improve your cycle time? Observe your shop floor with a Implementing Damage Analysis and Blueprinting are a good fresh set of eyes and talk to your start; but there are several more steps to consider when technicians! reducing cycle time Judy Lynch, Marketing Man• Are “dead” cars sitting in produc- ager, Collision Repair Design Service, tive work bays? Ask why – up to five for Sherwin-Williams Automotive Fintimes – if you need to get to root cause ishes, brings 29 years’ experience within of why this vehicle is even inside the the automotive industry and has become shop a key resource for assisting collision re• Is there sufficient lighting and/or pair facilities improve their performance space for each task? Mask off floor and enable them to become profitable areas to create process flow as neces- and productive in this changing econsary omy.

Original BMW Parts

ORIGINAL BMW PARTS bmwusa.com

Original BMW Parts and Accessories Fast, Friendly Service and Delivery We Know BMWs Erhard BMW of Bloomfield Hills

Erhard BMW of Farmington Hills

4065 W. Maple Rd., Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301 www.erhardbmw.com

38700 Grand River Ave., Farmington Hills, MI 48335 www.erhardbmwoffarmingtonhills.com

Phone: Fax:

(800) 626-9787 (248) 642-0443

(888) 834-8635 (248) 699-3003 www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 67

Mike Cassata Joins AR.Direct

AR Direct (AR.Direct) has an- cusing on Customer Service, Making nounced that Mike Cassata will the Most of Your DRP Relationships consult/serve as director of industry and Salvage Handling for DRP partrelations and technical advisor for ners. Cassata’s company, Hammer the company. Insights, welcomes additional oppor“Mike brings a wealth of expe- tunities and speaking engagements. rience in the insurance, “Hammer Insights is salvage and collision invery excited about our reladustries in all facets of the tionship with ARD,” CasAPD claims cycle,” said sata said. “I invite all of my Barry Barbee, executive industry friends and coldirector of AR.Direct. “We leagues to take a close look are extremely fortunate to at what ARD has to offer. have Mike Cassata on Barry Barbee has put toboard in a technical advigether a very capable and Mike Cassata sory and industry relations knowledgeable staff to asfile photo role at AR.Direct. We are sist with the evaluation and proud to be a process leader in sal- claims process. I am looking forward vage returns, total loss compliance to representing ARD at industry events tools, APD claim support, vehicle and to assisting them with technical donations and auction platforms.” claims processes.” Prior to joining AR.Direct, CasCassata is a past president of sata served in numerous leadership Greater Rochester Autobody Craftsroles at AMICA Insurance. men Guild and founding member Cassata has been speaking at and former chair of the Rochester industry events spreading the word ICAR Committee. He is also a memabout customer service, DRP rela- ber of the National Auto Body Countionships, the importance of proper cil, the WIN Network, and is a CIC photo and file documentation, ser- Gold-pin member. vant leadership, team building and pre and post scanning. According to AR.Direct, he is working with AMi, www.autobodynews.com developing DRP-centric classes fo-

CHECK IT OUT!

PCI Says CFA Insurance Rating Study is Flawed

The following statement by the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) is in response to the recent study by the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) regarding auto insurance rating. The following statement is attributed to David Snyder, PCI’s vice president of policy development and research. “The CFA’s latest study on auto insurance pricing is flawed and misleading. The central flaw in the report is that it fails to take into account that all the rating and underwriting factors insurers use are proven to increase the accuracy of predicting the risk of loss. “Additionally, the driver profiles used by the CFA provide an apples to oranges comparison which calls into question their findings and conclusions. Without an apples to apples comparison, it is impossible to isolate the impact of individual factors as the CFA attempts to do by singling out a driver with a driving under the influence conviction. A component of one profile indicated that the driver went six months without insurance, which is a significant factor in predicting risk. “The main factors that determine what a driver pays for insurance

include things such as the number of years of driving experience, previous claims, miles driven, the type of vehicle and type of coverage purchased. Insurers use a wide variety of factors that have proven to be effective in predicting the likelihood of someone filing an insurance claim or having a loss. By using a variety of rating factors, insurers are able to develop a more complete picture of a driver’s potential for filing a claim and in this way more accurately price the policy. “Consumers should rest assured that auto insurance pricing is closely scrutinized by state insurance regulators and is subject to rigorous actuarial standards which ensure that all rating factors comply with the law. “If consumers are not happy with an insurance quote or the cost of insurance, they can always shop around for a better price or another company among the dozens of competitors in each marketplace. The auto insurance market is highly competitive and consumers have a large variety of choices. “Insurers use approved rating factors that accurately predict loss and we reject CFA’s attempt to characterize factors that measure risk as ‘social economic,’ these factors are highly regulated and based on cost.”

68 NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Service King Breaks Recycled Rides Donation Record

The gift of a new vehicle helped change the lives of needy families in 15 cities across the country in September as part of a massive giveaway effort conducted by Service King Collision Repair Centers and its teammates. The event marked the company’s 40th Anniversary while breaking the record for the largest

donation by an auto repair company in the National Auto Body Council’s Recycled Rides program’s history. Service King and its teammates have handed over the keys to more than 40 refurbished vehicles this year as part of its Great American Recycled Rides Giveaway, each repaired voluntarily by the company’s technicians and delivered to a family selected by local non-profit organizations. “Positively impacting our communities remains a cornerstone to Service King’s greater purpose as a family of teammates,” said Service

King president and 28-year teammate Jeff McFadden. “We uniquely recognize the impact a vehicle, and dependable transportation, has on the lives of families who need it most. It’s our sincere hope the volunteer efforts of our teammates and these vehicles touched lives in a positive way.” The recent Great American Recycled Rides Giveaway provided vehicles to single mothers, transitioning homeless families, military veterans and more in cities across the country including Dallas, Houston, Tampa, Atlanta, San Antonio, Murfreesboro, Dublin, Bellflower and more. On September 18, the effort took center stage at Chicagoland Speedway in front of more than 50,000 fans as Service King presented keys to a pair of recipients from the Women With Drive Foundation, which helps at-risk women achieve self-sufficiency. Service King is a longtime partner of the Recycled Rides initiative, which has successfully donated more than 1,000 refurbished vehicles to families in need across the U.S. since its inception in 2007. For more information, visit www .ServiceKing.com.

YOU ONLY GET ONE CHANCE AT THE FIRST REPAIR. Choose Original MINI Parts. Because you can’t repair your reputation.

These Dealers Below Are Original MINI Parts Distributors:

ILLINOIS

Patrick MINI Schaumburg

847-605-4055

(847) 619-4511 Fax Hours: M-Sat 8am-5pm

SCRS Announces Panelists for OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit Session on Scanning The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) has announced additional details on the morning session (9:30–11:30am) of the OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit (Summit). The Summit, to be held Thursday, November 3rd during the 2016 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, NV, will continue to focus on emerging trends in vehicle construction and technology and how those aspects influence vehicle repairability. According to the SCRS, the program is designed to put SEMA Show attendees in a room with innovators in automotive structural design and technology, providing one of the most unique networking and learning opportunities available to the collision repair industry. Attendees can register now to attend any of the three different segments offered throughout the day, which can be selected individually or collectively as part of the RDE Full Series Pass. Registration options can be found at www.scrs.com/rde. The first session (OEM1 | Restoring Vehicle Functionality through Electronic Technology and Diagnostics) will discuss how vehicle technology and function advancements meet consumer expectations for safety, convenience and luxury options, and the role of di-

agnosing accident and repair related failures in the systems. Restoring the functions, calibrating sensors and documenting the restoration of the technological elements in the vehicle become a pivotal part of the repair process.

Moderator John Ellis of Ellis & Associates will lead a two part panel to explore the responsibilities expected of the collision repair providers and solutions available for the industry to fulfill those tasks. This session will feature two distinguished panels. The first will be comprised of automakers with documented positions outlining the necessity to perform preand post-repair scans as part of the repair process. The conversation will

cover the technological developments that are precipitating the need for a more systematic approach to identifying, documenting and correcting Diagnostic Trouble Codes. The panel will include: ▪ FCA | John Hughes, Collision Repair Responsible ▪ Nissan North America | Justin Miller, Planner, Certified Collision ▪ American Honda Motor Co. | Chris Tobie, Collision Business Specialist ▪ Toyota Motor Sales, USA | Eric Mendoza, Collision Repair & Refinish Training Assistant Manager The second panel will feature diagnostic equipment and service providers that have developed technological solutions for the industry. The conversation will identify different mechanisms available to the collision repair community and address the unique challenges and advantages associated with each. Repairers in attendance will leave with a better understanding of options available to their business. The panel will include: ▪ AirPro Diagnostics, LLC | Chuck Olsen, Executive Director of Operations ▪ Robert Bosch LLC | Bob Pattengale, Training Manager ▪ Collision Diagnostic Services |

Doug Kelly, CEO ▪ Snap-On Diagnostics | Jason Gabrenas, National Diagnostics Trainer ▪ I-CAR | Jason Bartanen, Director - Industry Technical Relations According to SCRS, this is a “can’t miss” session. “The future of the collision repair industry is highly skilled professionals working on highly sophisticated automobiles that require the industry to embrace the necessary investments in training and equipment; but it also relies on informed business owners who understand how to define for themselves what a sustainable and successful business model to support that investment looks like,” a statement from the SCRS read. Attendees are encouraged to register early, as space will be limited for each of these sessions. The 2016 OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit is made possible with support from Capital One® Spark Business®; PPG Automotive Refinish; Audatex; AkzoNobel; BASF; CCC Information Services Inc; Reliable Automotive Equipment; and Toyota Motor Sales, USA. For more information, visit www .scrs.com.

www.autobodynews.com C Original BMW Parts

bmwusa.com

Original Thought #78

YOU ONLY GET ONE CHANCE AT THE FIRST REPAIR. ILLINOIS

Laurel BMW of Westmont

Westmont 630-230-2890 Direct Wholesale M-F 7am-6pm Sat 8am-3pm www.laurelbmw.com

Patrick BMW

Schaumburg 847-605-4055 847-619-4511 Fax M-Sat 8am-5pm

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

• Original BMW Parts & Accessories

Farmington Hills 888-834-8635 248-699-3003

www.erhardbmwoffarmingtonhills.com

When you repair a BMW, use the parts that are identical

to those used in Series production – and just as reliable. Choose Original BMW Parts and Accessories. Because

you can’t repair your reputation.

www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 69

AUTOBODY MARKETPLACE

Stop wasting valuable time looking for cardboard or cleaning mixing boards!

Clean Sheets® Mixing Boards are used by thousands of repair shops to mix epoxies, body filler, fiberglass, plastics, gel, putty and touch-up paint. • Prevents costly reworks • Bonded on 3 sides • Non-absorbing, heavy-duty paper with grip for mixing • Pays for itself the first week you use them!

The source for timely information that every body shop needs!

CALL 800-699-8251

FREE

Mail Subscription

Clean Sheets® “The Original Patented Mixing Pad

Since 1988”

Call your local Jobber or: 800-365-1308 www.cleansheetsmfg.com

Looking for Good Collision Personnel? •1,262 Collision Techs resumes online •1,295 Painters resumes online •1,177 Estimators & Mgs resumes online •11,256 Mechanical Tech resumes online

When all you need to do is move a vehicle, use:

ACTautostaffing.com or 727-733-5600

> EASY TO USE <

SAVES YOU TIME AND MONEY

www.autobodynews.com CHECK IT OUT!

Your leading source for MIDWESTERN Collision Repair News!

midwestern.autobodynews.com

Go to www.forkliftwrecker.com and watch our video.

877.593.6959

Advertise in our CLASSIFIED SECTION for $50 per column inch! Place an ad in our AUTOBODY MARKETPLACE section of Autobody News.

800-699-8251

ltedesco@autobodynews.com

SEARCH FOR US ON

FACEBOOK : Autobody News

Call or e-mail now for rates: 800-699-8251 or ltedesco@autobodynews.com 70 NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 71

72 NOVEMBER 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com