Southeastern Sou utheastern Edition E d i t i on Ed Alabama Florida Georgia Mississippi N. Carolina
S. Carolina Tennessee Virginia West Virginia
36
YEARS
a autobodynews.com
Cobbs Creek Body Works in Cobbs Creek, VA, Marks 40th Anniversary, Heavy Truck Specialty Paid Off by Sherry Hamilton, GloucesterMathews Gazette-Journal
A family auto business in Cobbs Creek, VA is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and is seeing a fourth generation priming itself to be involved. Cobbs Creek Body Works, located in Willow Oak Industrial Park, was established in 1978 by the late Raymond N. Lowe and his wife, Eileen, in partnership with their son, John Lowe, and his wife, Connie. Various family members have been involved in the business over time, but it is now in the hands of See Cobbs Creek, Page 12
Cobbs Creek Body Works in Mathews celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Established in 1978 by John Lowe, front, and his late father, Raymond N. Lowe, along with their wives, Connie Lowe and the late Eileen Lowe, the business now includes John Lowe’s three children, as well. They are, back row from left, Nathan Lowe, Heather Lowe Williams and Jonathan Lowe. Credit: Sherry Hamilton
Step Back in Time at Holland’s Paint & Body in Robertsdale, AL
After finding this vintage Gulf sign online, Bobby Holland had his new shop office designed around it. Credit: Gulf Coast Media
See Holland’s, Page 62
P.O. BOX 1516, CARLSBAD, CA 92018
When you roll up on the new Holland’s Paint & Body in Robertsdale,
AL, it’s like stepping back in time. Both inside and out, the business is decorated like a full-service station from the 1950s. Outside, there are oldfashioned gas pumps and signage, while inside, it is decorated with signage on the walls, an old-fashioned counter and even a mannequin in the corner dressed like a service station attendant ready to help with your every need. It is all completely by design. “I’ve always been fascinated with the service stations of the ‘40s, ‘50s and ‘60s,” said owner Bobby Holland. “I’ve always looked for and
Change Service Requested
by John Underwood, Gulf Coast Media
VOL. 9 ISSUE 1 MARCH 2018
A Career Painter’s Personal Experience is Cautionary Tale for Others
by Ed Attanasio
Back in 1985, the actor Yul Brynner was dying from cancer when he told a television audience on “Good Morning America” that what he really wanted to do was film a commercial that said, “Now that I’m gone, I’ll tell you this: Don’t smoke. Whatever you do, just don’t smoke.” When he died several months later, his wish came true when a public service announcement was produced telling the world to quit smoking. Today, it is one of the most memorable anti-smoking statements ever made and is often re-broadcasted all over the world. In life, we learn from others’ mistakes so that we don’t repeat them. In this story, a career painter has sage advice for painters and techs who don’t wear proper gear when painting cars.
Alex Alonso and his wife, Andrea, on the beach in Florida. A former painter/tech, Alex has stage 4 kidney cancer and wants other collision professionals to be aware of the hazards associated with not wearing the proper gear on the job
Alex Alonso is 52 years old and originally from Bronx, NY. His father, Jesus, was born in Uruguay and came to the U.S. to eventually open a twoSee Cautionary Tale, Page 16
CIC Industry Meetings Discuss CCC’s Changes to ‘Secure Share’, Retains Interest in EMS Format
quiring the use of the newer “BMS” data export file, reducing development Changes that CCC Information Servcosts or forced timelines for thirdices recently announced related to its party providers to gear up to receive “Secure Share” data-exchange program BMS files. CIC Chairman Guy Bargnes said were a frequent focus of discussion at the Collision Industry Conference the CIC task force that developed early (CIC) and other meetings held recently last year to address concerns related to Secure Share successfully in Palm Springs, CA. fulfilled CIC’s mission to CCC in December anbring industry stakeholders nounced that it was dropping together to “discuss issues, plans for a 50-cent-per-estienhance understanding, find mate fee for third-party common ground and comproviders (such as rental car municate possible solutions.” companies, shop management “This is a really great exsystem providers, CSI servDan Risley ices, etc.) wishing to receive ample of the difference that estimate data from CCC ONE users. It CIC can make when everybody is also eliminated registration fees for working together for a common goal,” those third-parties, and said it would agreed ASA Executive Director Dan continue to allow such data transfers Risley, one of three co-chairs of the to be done via the commonly used CIC task force. See CCC’s Changes, Page 52 “EMS” data export file rather than reby John Yoswick
Presorted Standard US Postage PAID San Bernardino, CA Permit #2244