May 2013 Southeast Edition by Autobody News

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GM Wants Dealers to Stock More Service Parts, Parts Managers and Dealers Debate Costs and Discounts General Motors is revamping its service parts program and giving incentives to dealerships to increase their inventory for more same-day repairs and to buy more of those parts directly from the factory, Automotive News recently reported. However dealers and their parts managers have expressed serious concerns about the inventory cost and impact of the Service Lane Parts program. GM estimates that the majority of dealerships will spend $6,000 to $10,000 to buy the additional inventory, but worried dealers also believe it may result in buying parts that won’t

move as quickly as GM believes, wasting valuable shelf space as well as money. GM rolled out the program April 1 as an incentive designed to improve service times and make customers happy. The program is voluntary, but dealers risk losing the discounts they get from wholesale distributors, who could curtail or eliminate their discounts because so much of their business is being shifted to GM. The automaker’s 4,400 dealerships can earn bonus money if they stock the parts GM recommends and if See GM Dealers’ Parts, Page 25

VOL. 4 ISSUE 3 MAY 2013

Repairer-Only Meeting Focuses on Shops’ Response to Key Industry Issues at April CIC Phoenix Meeting by John Yoswick

Insurer-mandated parts procurement systems, and I-CAR’s decision not to follow through with its plans to work with automakers to identify and close the gaps in existing collision repair procedures, dominated discussion at a repairer-only meeting held in Phoenix in April. Aaron Schulenburg, executive director of the Society of Collision Repair Specialists, led the “Repairer Roundtable” meeting, but said it was less tied to any one organization than to an over-arching goal of providing

PAINT AND REFINISH TECHNOLOGIES Second of 2 Issues

Ray Gunder Wins Another Battle on Labor Rates

to any wrongdoing or liability, they elected to provide full payment for the disputed amount of $553.77 to settle a lawsuit that Gunder had filed on behalf of his customer. State Farm agreed to pay the disputed amount and Gunder’s legal fees. An elated Ray Gunder said, “This is huge! This is the first of what we anticipate will be many such decisions from State Farm in the numerous other See Gunder Wins Battle, Page 4

Change Service Requested

P.O. BOX 1516, CARLSBAD, CA 92018

State Farm Insurance, the nation’s largest private automotive insurer, recently elected to settle a lawsuit with Ray Gunder, who had sued the company on behalf of his customer, for underpayments of labor rates and paint and materials. Attorney Brent Geohagan, legal counsel for Ray Gunder and Gunder’s Auto Center, recently received a letter from State Farm’s legal counsel stating that while they were not admitting

repairers a place to discuss and establish objectives without the influence of other industry segments. “I think our industry has become well-informed,” Schulenburg said. “There is a great network of information going in and out of the associations, and from the trade I-CAR Board member press. But just Dusty Womble being informed did not support board decision isn’t enough. We See Repairer Roundtable, Page 14

• Custom Painter Stories, p. 26, 30, 32, 34 • Training and News, p. 4, 10, 28, 36

Suit Filed Against Safelite and Toyota After DoubleFatality Rollover, Safelite Says Not Repairer of Record

A Houston, Texas-based personal injury attorney has filed suit against Safelite and Toyota on behalf a Montana woman who he says lost both her husband and young daughter in a rollover crash, in which the windshield allegedly separated from the vehicle. The attorney, Rob Ammons, contends Safelite had replaced the windshield on the vehicle involved, while Safelite argues its claims division processed the claim on behalf of another glass shop. “While traveling on a North Dakota highway one December afternoon, the family’s 2005 Toyota Tundra contacted an icy patch and went out of control. The pickup crossed the highway’s median and rolled over,” Rob Ammons said in a news release. “Safelite, who had installed a windshield on the Tundra, was also named as a defendant,” the document continues. “According to the lawsuit, the windshield separated from the

pickup in this crash and exacerbated the movement of the roof’s pillars. As a result, the driver and rear seat passenger were partially ejected from the pickup, despite the fact that they were wearing their seatbelts.” Ammons listed Safelite as a defendant because he contends the company installed the windshield on the pickup, according to the release. Safelite’s senior corporate counsel has another take: “Safelite typically does not comment on pending litigation. However, in this tragic case, after a preliminary investigation we determined that Safelite AutoGlass did not perform the windshield replacement,” says Brian DiMasi, Safelite’s senior corporate counsel. “Rather, Safelite Solutions, the claims management business, processed the plaintiff’s vehicle glass claim on behalf of another glass shop who performed the replacement,” he adds. “We See Safelite and Toyota Suit, Page 4

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2 MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Contents

NATIONAL $250,000 Donated Towards Operation Comfort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 1940 Ford Coupe Wins Ridler Award in Detroit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Aaron Clark Named VP at Assured Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 ABRA Auto Body & Glass Expands in Utah. 44 Automaker, OEM and Recall News . . . . . . 22 Automotive Body Parts Association Hires Edward Salamy as New Executive Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Axalta Coating Systems Holds Fleet Council Meeting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Axalta Offers Courses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Big Changes Coming for ASRW, Shorter Schedule, Possible Partnership . . . . . . 47 Car Theft Drops by 88% in MS. . . . . . . . . 39 CCC Donates $25,000 to Education Foundation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Chicago Pneumatic Gives $10,000 in Tool Grants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Collision Education Makeover School Grant Applications Due by May 31 . . . . 47 David Brunori Promoted to Division President at Matrix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Education Foundation to Offer Free 1-Year I-CAR Curriculum Grants to 100 Post-Secondary Schools. . . . . . 40 Foundation Says 91 Cents of Every Buck Went to Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 GM Wants Dealers to Stock More Service Parts, Parts Managers and Dealers Debate Costs and Discounts . . . . . . . . . 1

islature has “dealt with” PIP changes every four to five years in hopes that costs would decrease for drivers. But that’s never happened, he said. Simmons’ proposal would scrap PIP for bodily-injury coverage, requiring a policy with limits of $25,000 for a single person and $50,000 per accident medical care and damages. It would also have a $10,000 limit for property damage. Sandra Starnes, director of Property & Casualty Product Review for the Office of Insurance Regulation, told lawmakers that 90% of motorists already buy bodily-injury coverage. Simmons is hoping that the BI system would root out the fraud that has plagued PIP by making people go through the court system—though rampant fraud is what prompted the switch to no-fault in 1972. But it’s unclear whether lawmakers will approve the change by the end of the legislative session. Currently, accident victims must see a doctor within 14 days and only emergency medical treatment warrants a full $10,000 payout. All other treatment would be capped at $2,500, and PIP would not pay for acupuncture or massage therapy.

Publisher & Editor: Jeremy Hayhurst General Manager: Barbara Davies Assistant Editor: Melanie Anderson Contributing Writers: Tom Franklin, Stefan Gesterkamp, John Yoswick, Janet Chaney, Toby Chess, Rich Evans, Ed Attanasio, Chasidy Sisk Advertising Sales: Joe Momber, Sean Hartman, Jay Lukes (800) 699-8251 Sales Assistant: Louise Tedesco Art Director: Rodolfo Garcia

PAINT SPECIAL Crazy Painter Mitch Kelly, Father & Son Keep on Truckin’ in SoCal . . . . . . . . . . 32 Custom Shop Masters Pro-Spray to Make an Artistic Statement . . . . . . . . . 26 Glasurit Introduces Comprehensive, 2-Clears Solution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 KBS Coatings Adds ‘Safety Blue’ Color to Line-Up of Non-Porous Colors for Rust Prevention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 RDA’s First Collision Solutions Training Seminar Gets Excellent Reviews. . . . . . 10 Renowned Painter Mickey Harris Co-Designed the SATAgraph 4 . . . . . . . 30 Six Tips to Finding Success in Process Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Third Generation Custom Painter Was Born Into the Business. . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Southeast

COLUMNISTS Attanasio: Is ‘Reactionary’ Marketing Too Little, Too Late? Maybe Not. . . . . . 24 Franklin: Using Signage to be Unique in the Digital Age . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Hey Toby! Glass and Windshield Installs Must Be Handled by the Book . . . . . . . 42 Insider: Shops Should Be Able to Offer Whatever Discounts They Want . . . . . . 38

Hoffman Auto Body Fined $54K for OSHA Violations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 I-CAR Declines Facilitation of OEM Repair Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 I-CAR Makes Mileston $200,000 Donation to Collision Repair Education Foundation . 45 I-CAR Responds to Associations’ Questions on Repair Standards, Clarifies Stance on OEM Procedures Gaps . . . . . . . . . . 31 Industry Veteran Michael Quinn Joins uParts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Insurers Rated for Best and Worst Customer Experiences; USAA Ranked “Good” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Kadel’s Wins Regional Award. . . . . . . . . . 29 Kentucky Approves eProof . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Malco’s TurboShears Quickly Becoming Tech’s Go-To Cutter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Martin Senour Color Manual Features Actual Paint Chips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Mitchell Releases New RepairCenter Connect, Which Allows Insurers to Send Assignments to Any Shop . . . . . . 40 Most & Least Expensive States for Car Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 NABC’s Operation Comfort Fundraising Kit Available. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 NADA Says Rising New-Vehicle Sales Lifted Dealer Profits for a Record Year in 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 New TV Pilot, “Auto Body Avengers” Coming to Spike . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Nissan Names O’Hara Director. . . . . . . . . 29 Northern California Man Pleads No Contest to Selling Counterfeit ALLDATA Products . 15 PPG Appoints Frank Sklarsky as VP of Finance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Pro-Spray Launches YouTube Channel . . . 18 Refinish Distributors Alliance Adds New Member . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Repairer-Only Meeting Focuses on Shops’ Response to Key Industry Issues at April CIC Phoenix Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Safest Cars are Civics, Lincolns, Mazdas, Volvos; Toyota Camry, Prius V Get Front-End Downgrade . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 SEMA Board Candidates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Service King’s Bonner to Speak at PBES Conference. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Sherwin-Williams Sets Q2 Training Schedule . 4 Suit Filed Against Safelite and Toyota After Double- Fatality Rollover, Safelite Says Not Repairer of Record . . . . . . . . . 1 VT Couple Charged With Arson . . . . . . . . 29 WIN Announces Scholarship Winners for Conference. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Lawmakers in Florida on April 2 took the first steps to do away with the state’s no-fault auto insurance system and replace it with a coverage that would let accident victims sue an atfault driver to cover medical bills and property damage, the Orlando Sentinel reported. At the April 2 Senate hearing, lawmakers took testimony from the Office of Insurance Regulation, industry lobbyists and lawyers about the impact of scrapping the 41-year-old personal injury protection system, which pays for the first $10,000 of medical bills and lost wages regardless of who is at fault in an accident. “We are warming up to this idea,” said Michael Carlson, executive director for the Personal Injury Federation of Florida, which represents State Farm, Allstate and Progressive. Florida lawmakers last year spent months working on a revamp to the PIP law, which insurers say is often fraudulently abused. But with a recent court ruling calling into question the constitutionality of those changes, lawmakers are debating whether to scrap the whole system and allow victims to sue at-fault drivers. State Sen. David Simmons, RAltamonte Springs, said that the Leg-

Indexof Advertisers

REGIONAL Boyd Group Acquires Four Repair Centers in NC and FL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 CARSTAR Adds Second Shop in Dalton, Georgia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Florida Bookkeeper Guilty of Body Shop Embezzlement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Florida Governor, Insurers Fight to Save PIP Law After Injunction. . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Florida Lawmakers May Repeal PIP Laws . . 3 Gefran Names Mick White in Southeast Regional Sales. . . . . . . . . . . . 9 I-CAR Hosts Regional Conference in FL . . 14 Mississippi Gov. to Sign Stricter DUI Bill. . 12 Mississippi Hail Damage at $25 Million in Early April and Expected to Rise Dramatically . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Mississippi Hail Storm Results in 40,000 Claims. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Mississippi Hail Storms Damages Hundreds of Vehicles in Jackson Dealership Lot. . . 8 MS Insurance Commissioner’s Hail Guide . 9 Ray Gunder Wins Another Battle on Labor Rates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Record Setting Hail Hits Parts of MS . . . . . 8 Sanding Gang Assaults Car While Claiming to do Repair. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Steve McQueen’s 1951 Convertible Sells for $88,000. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Toyota of Orlando Wins Collision Center of the Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Florida Lawmakers May Repeal PIP Laws

Serving Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and adjacent metro areas, Autobody News is a monthly publication for the auto body industry. Permission to reproduce in any form the material published in Autobody News must be obtained in writing from the publisher. ©2013 Adamantine Media LLC.

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AutoNation Chevrolet Coral Gables . 48 BMW Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . 39 Car-Part Pro. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Chief Automotive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Classifieds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 CSS USA, Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Don Reid Ford. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Equalizer Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Ford Wholesale Parts Dealers FL, GA, AL, MS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Garmat USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 GM Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . 34 Gray-Daniels Auto Family . . . . . . . . . 5 Gus Machado Ford . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Honda-Acura Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-21 Hyundai Wholesale Parts Dealers . 37 Innovative Tools & Technologies, Inc . 25 Jim Ellis Hyundai . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 KBS Coatings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Kia Motors Wholesale Parts Dealers. . 7

Landers Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge . . . . . 4 Malco. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Mercedes-Benz Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 MOPAR Wholesale Parts Dealers . . 16 Nalley BMW. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Nissan Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . 45 Porsche Wholesale Parts Dealers . 43 PPG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 PreFab Ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Pro-Spray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Rare Parts, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Safety Regulation Strategies . . . . . 26 SATA Spray Equipment . . . . . . . . . 15 Southtowne Hyundai . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Subaru of Gwinnett . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Subaru Wholesale Parts Dealers . . 41 Tameron Hyundai . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Urethane Supply Company . . . . . . . 9 VIM Tools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Walcom USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

www.autobodynews.com | MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS 3

CARSTAR Adds Second Shop in Dalton, Georgia

CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts recently expanded in Dalton, GA, with owner Ken White opening a second location on the south side of the city. Ken’s CARSTAR South opened in February. White renovated the building extensively before opening the modern facility. White has been in the collision repair industry for 20 years, and has owned his own business for 15 years. As a member of the CARSTAR network, Ken White’s CARSTAR South will offer the latest in repair technology, national warranties on repairs and turnkey service for customers. “We are excited to see Ken White grow his operations as part of the CARSTAR network,” said David Byers, CEO of CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts. “We are thrilled to expand our presence in Dalton, GA, and welcome Ken’s CARSTAR South as our newest top-notch collision repair center.” The new CARSTAR store will benefit from the CARSTAR Management System, which provides resources to improve key business metrics such as cycle time. Continued from Cover

Gunder Wins Battle

lawsuits we have filed against them for their repeated underpayments of our increased labor rates and PMC Logic paint and material invoices. This check, while made out to Gunder’s and Brent Geohagan, has the name of every quality repairer in the country and should send a strong, loud and very clear message, that when push comes to shove, that the little guy can take on the bullies and win! Like us, every shop can make a difference!” A year ago, Gunder’s raised its body labor rate from $42 to $48 per hour and began demanding full payment of PMC Logic’s paint and material invoices. Since then, 37 insurers have provided the full labor and materials without much opposition. Those Continued from Cover

Safelite and Toyota Suit

are hopeful that we will be voluntarily dismissed from the case.” When asked about how “The Safelite Advantage” warranty comes into play, Melina Metzger, the com-

Toyota of Orlando Wins Collision Center of Year

Toyota of Orlando was recently named recipient of the 2012 Toyota Certified Collision Center Triple Crown award. Out of 190 Toyota Certified Collision Center (TCCC) facilities nationwide, Toyota of Orlando was the top-performing shop in its sales group. The award was presented to the shop during a special recognition dinner March 19 in Orlando, FL. The award is presented to three Toyota dealer collision centers that best exemplify the spirit of the Toyota certification, based on customer satisfaction; manager, estimator and technician certification; facility and equipment requirements; and other achievements. “I attribute our success in the TCCC program to the hard work and focus of our 42 center employees,” said Scott O’Connor, collision center manager of Toyota of Orlando. “In addition, Toyota Motor Sales’ factory training and the ongoing support we receive from our distributor, Southeast Toyota, are world class. We also depend on our business partnerships to help us achieve our goals,” he said.

who have been resistant include State Farm, Allstate, USAA, Travelers and GEICO; all of which are defendants in approximately more than 40 current lawsuits levied by Ray Gunder on behalf of Gunder’s Auto Center’s customers, with about half against State Farm alone on similar issues. “Today’s announcement may bring other insurers to reconsider their positions,” Gunder said. “Generally speaking, other insurers often follow State Farm’s lead on such issues. It will be interesting to see what happens in the weeks and months ahead. I would like nothing more than to have positive and respectful working relationships with State Farm and every other insurer we deal with on behalf of our customers. This would be beneficial to our respective companies and allow us to do what we’re here to do—properly serve the consumer.”

pany’s public relations manager says, “Safelite’s warranty is for Safelite AutoGlass. Safelite Solutions doesn’t warranty other shops’ work.” Ammons and his law firm have successfully sued Ford, GM, Continental Tire and Cooper Tire in rollover cases in the past year.

4 MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Sanding Gang Assaults Car While Claiming to do Repair

A woman in a shopping center parking lot in Alpharetta, GA, told police she was approached by a man soliciting auto body work who enlisted children to sand-damage her vehicle. According to the police report, the woman attempted to back her vehicle from its parking space when a dark green Honda Pilot blocked her way. A Hispanic man in his early 30s got out of the Pilot and approached her claiming to work for “Alpharetta Toyota.” He offered her a quote to fix some minor, pre-existing damage to the front of her vehicle. The woman told the man she would be interested in a quote. According to the report, the man, along with a second Hispanic man and several children, immediately approached her car with spray bottles and sand paper. The woman told police she objected, but the men began to spray chemicals on the car and one of the men began using sandpaper. The men stopped after a disagreement, backed away from the woman’s vehicle and allowed her to leave. Police inspected the vehicle and noted a large portion of the front right fender and bumper had the top layer of paint removed and a significant amount of sanding marks.

Sherwin-Williams Sets Q2 Training Schedule

Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes 2013 second quarter training sessions provides collision repair industry professionals advanced knowledge in their field. Courses will be available through June 25, 2013. Participants will learn through a combination of classroom, web and hands-on settings at various metropolitan Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes training centers. Shop owners, managers, painters and technicians can choose to advance their business-building, production-excellence and paint application techniques. The following courses will be offered during the second quarter: • Estimating solutions for profit • Color adjustment and blending • Fleet refinishing • AWX Performance Plus™ Waterborne Systems • ATX™ Refinish Systems For more information about Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes training visit its training section at www.sherwin-automotive.com/Training/TrainingCourseSchedule.aspx or call 1-800-SWULTRA (1-800-7985872).

Gray-Daniels Gray-Daniels Nissan Nissan of of Jackson Jackson

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www.graydanielsnissannorthparts.com Participating in Collision Link Parts Manager: Steven Hill 800-530-7522 601-899-7462 fax shill@graydaniels.com Hours: Monday - Friday 7 am - 5:30 pm 6080 I-55 North Frontage Rd., Saturday 8 am - 4 pm Jackson, MS 39211

Gray-Daniels Gray-Daniels Chevrolet Chevrolet • Prompt, Accurate and Free Local Delivery • Dedicated Wholesale Staff • Large Inventory Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30 am - 5:30 pm Saturday 8 am - 4 pm

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Gray-Daniels Gray-Daniels Lincoln Lincoln • Trained Wholesale Crew • In State Next Day Shipping w/Quick Local Delivery • Great Discounts Hours: Monday - Friday 7 am - 6 pm Saturday 8 am - 12 pm

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WWW.GRAYDANIELS.COM For All Your Collisions Part Needs www.autobodynews.com | MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS 5

Florida Governor, Insurers Fight to Save PIP Law After Injunction A Florida circuit court judge has issued a temporary injunction against certain provisions of the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nofault personal injury protection (PIP) law, ruling that it is no longer a â&#x20AC;&#x153;reasonable alternativeâ&#x20AC;? to a tort system because of recent changes to it. The injunction temporarily blocks further implementation of several limits on benefits and the exclusion of some medical professionals from the list of approved healthcare providers, the Insurance Journal recently reported. Second Judicial Circuit Court Judge Terry Lewis in the case [Myers v. McCarty Case No. 2013 CA 73] issued the temporary injunction, targeting a number of changes enacted in 2012. In a statement after the ruling, Gov. Rick Scott vowed to â&#x20AC;&#x153;continue to fightâ&#x20AC;? to keep the changes that he said have saved motorists money. He said the changes to PIP have resulted in more than 70% of insurance rates approved by the state insurance commissioner either decreasing or holding steady. The insurance industry also criticized the ruling.

A group of acupuncturists, massage therapists and chiropractors sued the state because the law changes prohibit them from being able to receive PIP payments. The law states that unless an individual injured in an accident seeks medical attention within 14 days they are no longer eligible for medical benefits. Further, the law for the first time differentiates between â&#x20AC;&#x153;emergencyâ&#x20AC;? injuries where the accident victim receives the full $10,000 in PIP benefits and â&#x20AC;&#x153;non-emergencyâ&#x20AC;? injuries where PIP benefits are restricted to $2,500. Another law change excluded massage therapists and acupuncturists from the list of approved PIP medical providers. Lewis based his ruling on an analysis of the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no-fault law dating back to 1974, when the Florida Supreme Court in a landmark case upheld the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no-fault auto law as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;reasonable alternativeâ&#x20AC;? to a purely tort system on the basis that it benefited consumers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Proponents argued that the tradeoff was a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;good dealâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; because it would

KBS Coatings Adds â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Safety Blueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Color to Line-Up of Non-Porous Colors for Rust Prevention

Rust is caused by moisture coming in contact with bare metal, producing a chemical reaction known as oxidation. The effect is to significantly weaken the metal and cause blistering underneath paint or primer. KBS Coatings offers its customers the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top rated rust preventive coatings but now KBS Coatings has raised the bar even higher with the addition of Safety Blue to the ten color line-up of RustSeal colors, according to Ben Bonkoski, Operations Manager of KBS Coatings. People battling rust problems with their cars, farm equipment, industrial equipment, and in so many other places, now have 10 choices of color, all of which are completely nonporous. Rust is one dilemma everyone seems to understand. Corrosion protection is really only as good as the products you choose. The power to protect lies in the details of a stop rust paint. KBS Coatingsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 3-Step system of KBS Klean (an industrial strength water-based cleaner & degreaser), KBS RustBlast (a powerful rust remover and metal etch) and RustSeal (an exclusive rust preventive coating) is the newest

and most effective rust prevention system available today. KBS preparation products of KBS Klean and RustBlast are specifically enhanced with a revolutionary Oxygen-Block Technology that offers unique metal corrosion protection. RustSeal is a single-component, high-solid content, moisture-curing urethane. These exceptional properties make RustSeal the ideal stop rust paint choice for chemically bonding to metal for the purpose of stopping and encapsulating existing rust and corrosion caused by the damaging effects of water penetration. RustSeal protects and seals bare metal from moisture with a permanent coating that is actually strengthened by continued exposure to moisture. This non-porous, flexible coating that now comes in Safety Blue is also incredibly tough and extremely resistant to abrasion and impact. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s technology thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s simply unbeatable. For more information, visit www.SHOPKBS.com or call 877548-9323.

6 MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

provide speedy payment of medical costs, lost wages, of any accident victim regardless of fault and would avoid the alleged uncertainties and inequalities of the tort system,â&#x20AC;? wrote Lewis. However, Lewis said, the recent changes in the law had essentially ended the courtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s line of reasoning in Lasky and the restrictions on medical benefits and medical providers made the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no-fault law an inadequate alternative to a tort system. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Is the no-fault law still a good deal?â&#x20AC;? opined Lewis. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The answer to those questions is probably like beauty, in the eye of the beholder, and reasonable people may disagree. From my perspective, however, the revisions to the law make it no longer the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;reasonable alternativeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; that the Supreme Court found in Lasky.â&#x20AC;? Based on that line of reasoning, Lewis granted the temporary injunction, saying that the law as currently written unfairly prevented the medical providers from accessing the courts and having their grievances heard. The Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) it plans to appeal the ruling

as early as this week. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The OIR has notified Florida auto insurers about it and does intend to file an appeal,â&#x20AC;? said OIR spokesperson Amy Bogner. She said the appeal would stay the order but only until the First District Court of Appeals rules on this issue. Insurance representatives vowed to take any necessary action to overturn the ruling. Donovan Brown, Florida counsel for state relations for Property Casualty Insurers Association, said the association is currently assessing the legal, regulatory and possible legislative steps to combat Lewisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ruling. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are highly disappointed with this injunction, which temporarily invalidates the crux of the reform and thereby reopens the door to the fraud and abuse that the law was designed to counteract,â&#x20AC;? said Brown. The Coalition of Insurance Fraud likewise expressed disappointment over the ruling, which it said ignores the harm done by fraudulent medical providers that led to the law changes to begin with.

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Mississippi Hail Storms Damages Hundreds of Vehicles in Jackson Dealership Lot Hails storms moved across Mississippi in mid March causing numerous reports of hail damage and leaving at least three people injured and many vehicles damaged.

Emergency manager officials estimated that hundreds of vehicles were damaged across parts of Warren, Hinds, Rankin and Scott counties. Large hail up to at least half-dollar-size has been reported across more than two dozen other counties including Claiborne, Adams, Amite, Pike, Walthall, Smith, Jasper, Covington,

Hundreds of vehicles were severely damaged by large hail at the Paul Moak Honda dealership in Jackson, MS

The National Weather Service reported large hail up to softball-size hit parts of the Jackson metro area and other parts of the state mid March with widespread damage to vehicles, homes and buildings. General Sales Manager David Rinehart of Paul Moak Honda in Jackson said 250 vehicles were damaged at the dealership. Many of the vehicles sustained broken windows and windshields. David Hall, General Sales Manager of nearby Herrin-Gear dealership, said every car on their 20 acres of lots are damaged, WLBT-TV reported.

Tennis ball-size hail falls across parts of Clinton, MS. Photo credit: Will Hammons

Lawrence, Franklin, Kemper, Lincoln, Marion, Monroe, Chickasaw, Jones, Newton, Simpson, Leake, Lowndes and Washington. The National Weather Service confirmed hail reached softball-size in Clinton with a measurement of 4.25 inches in diameter. Two people were injured as large hail shattered the windows of their vehicle, according to emergency officials.

The humidity is coming! The humidity is coming!

Record Setting Hail Hits Parts of Mississippi

The hail that hit parts of Mississippi in mid March damaged hundreds of vehicles, homes and buildings and was some of the largest hail stones on record. The National Weather Service confirmed March 20 that a large hail stone measured at 4.25 inches in diameter in the western Jackson metro area city of ClinHailstone in ton, was the third Redwood, MS largest to fall in the state in March on record and or since 1950. It was also the third largest hail stone to fall in any month on record in the state. Hail of 4.25 inches in diameter equates to the size of softballs. Softball-size hail has only occurred one other time back in April of 2005 in the Preston area of Kemper County. Slightly larger hail stones of 4.5 inches in diameter and or grapefruitsize hail have occurred four times between 1993 and 1998. Grapefruit-size hail is the second largest to hit the state. The largest, which only occurred once on record, was hail of five inches in

diameter and or the size of a CD/DVD disk. This occurred in Lafayette County back on April 10, 1962. Large hail-producing storms are most often seen across the Plains states including Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma and South Dakota, where drier air aids in lowering the freezing level within a severe thunderstorm through evaporational cooling, giving hail a larger volume to grow. Accordingly, hail is less common in the Southeast despite a much higher frequency of thunderstorms because of the tropical airmass that commonly infiltrates the region off the Gulf of Mexico.

Mississippi Highway Patrol Vehicle severely damaged in Jackson

The largest and heaviest hail stone on record in the United States fell in Vivian, SD, on July 23, 2010. It measured eight inches in diameter and weighed 1.93 pounds.

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MS Insurance Commissioner’s Hail Guide

According to Mississippi Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney, the recent hail storms that hit the state could result in 35,000–50,000 insurance claims.

Back window damage in Richland, MS

Chaney’s office released a guide for individuals filing claims for home/vehicle claims. While waiting for your inspection you should take the following steps to protect your property from further damage: • Cover any broken windows and holes in your roof so that no water can enter and damage your home’s interior. • Cover any broken windows in your car to prevent damage to the interior from rain and remove glass from the car’s interior to prevent cuts and damage to upholstery and carpeting. • Save receipts for what you spend and submit them to your insurance company for reimbursement.

Steve McQueen’s 1951 Convertible Sells for $88,000

The 1951 Chevrolet Styleline DeLuxe Convertible, once owned by Hollywood star Steve McQueen and featured in the 1980 movie The Hunter, sold for $88,000 at a Fort Lauderdale, FL, auction.

Steve McQueen’s 1951 convertible

The Fort Lauderdale Collector Car Auction hosted by Auctions America banked $17.5 million in total sales, the Indiana-based auction company said. The top five selling vehicles were: a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL “Gullwing” at $880,000; a 1963 Shelby Cobra at $533,500; a 2012 Lexus LFA at $319,000; 1932 Lincoln KB Dual Cowl Sport Phaeton at $275,000; 1931 Cadillac V-12 Dual Cowl Sport Phaeton at $203,500. About 550 vehicles were showcased at the auction.

• After an insurance adjuster has surveyed the hail damage to your property, select a reputable roofing company or auto body shop to make repairs. • Allow only the insurance adjuster and roofer you have selected to get up on your roof. Each time someone walks on it, more damage can occur. • Hire licensed and reputable contractors for repair work. • Be wary of out-of-town roofers who move into an area and set up shop immediately following a storm. While most of these firms are reputable, some collect money from homeowners and move on to the next storm site leaving work unfinished or without paying suppliers. This can leave homeowners holding the bag for those additional costs. It is a good idea to select a company with established credibility and local references. Word of mouth is still your best guide. • Be sure roofers have workers compensation and liability insurance. If they do not, you may be held liable if one of the workers is injured on your property or if they damage a neighbor’s property. • Do not make final payment to the roofing company until your roof has been inspected and you are satisfied.

Gefran Names Mick White in Southeast Regional Sales

Gefran Inc. recently announced that Mick White has been named the Southeast Regional Sales Manager Industrial Sensor and Automation Products for North America. White will be responsible for all customer relationships, OEM and distributor sales for Gefran’s Industrial Sensors and Automation products in the Southeast region. His territory includes Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Eastern Tennessee, North and South Carolina, and Virginia. Prior to joining Gefran, White worked for the following companies: Advanced Controls Solutions, Simco Technologies, CID, and Finder Relays. He has over 10 years of experience in OEM, Channel Sales, and Direct Sales. Eric Kirleis, Gefran’s Managing Director, said, “We are excited to have Mick White on our North American team. Mick’s extensive experience in Industrial Sensors and Automation Products for plastics, fluid power, metal processing, power control and packaging with a focus on Automation Product Solutions will increase both the visibility and sales for Gefran, Inc. www.autobodynews.com | MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS 9

Mississippi Hail Storm Results in 40,000 Claims

A hailstorm that hit Jackson, MS, and surrounding suburbs on March 18 has produced 40,000 homeowners and automobile claims, says the Mississippi Insurance Department. The MID says carriers report they have paid out more than $25 million in damages on nearly 10,000 homeowners claims and more than 31,000 auto claims from the storm, which dumped hail larger than a baseball on 18 counties. Reports say private and state-owned properties, hospitals and school were damaged. The total claims count is expected to exceed 60,000 when insurance companies update their Hail as big as a softball figures. “The department is very pleased with the way the companies are responding to consumers and processing claims,” said Mike Chaney, state insurance commissioner. “We have had very few complaints about the claims process.” State Farm spokesman Roszell Gadson says the leading insurer in Mississippi has received more than 46,000 claims in Mississippi, Georgia and Alabama from this weather activity.

Mississippi Hail Damage at $25 Million in Early April and Expected to Rise Dramatically Property damage from the March 18 hailstorm that pelted central Mississippi topped $25 million in early April and was expected to rise drastically as more residents filed insurance claims, the Clarion Ledger reported. The Mississippi Department of Insurance on April 2 reported claims filed by nearly 10,000 homeowners and more than 31,000 auto owners in the wake of the massive storm. Together, they total more than $25 million, an amount that’s already been paid by the state’s major insurance carriers. It was estimated that the figure would jump by 50% when insurance companies submitted mandatory updates, said Commissioner Mike Chaney. It’s set to go even higher over the coming months as the final tallies trickle in. “I’m surprised it’s not already higher,” said Andy Case, Mississippi Insurance Commission consumer services director. “That number is probably nowhere near where it will be.” Case attributed the costly damages to the storm’s large hail size combined with its path through a heavily populated area during a work day. Among those who already filed a claim is 29-year-old Brandon resi-

RDA’s First Collision Solutions Training Seminar Gets Excellent Reviews by Melissa Jolls, Marketing Director

On March 16 in Dallas, TX, Bernie Blickenstaff, President and CEO of Pro Finishes Plus, presented an electrifying training seminar to 105 RDA members, their sales people and key employees.

Blickenstaff gave an engaging presentation on understanding the need to continually differentiate ourselves to remain successful and competitive. He stressed the importance of setting ourselves apart not by selling price, but by using the value added programs we offer. This was an opportunity to demonstrate “it’s not just the deal” that sells in the collision market today. Value added programs distinguish us against our competition.

Adam Duersch of Industrial Finishes & Systems summed it up by saying, “Bernie gets it.” Everyone came away with valuable information and new programs they can use with their customers. The objectives at this meeting were to explain and show first-hand to the individuals who directly interact with the end user how to implement and make these programs work for them. These are the individuals who execute sales and marketing strategies at the shop level. We would like to thank our sponsors: Evercoat, Saint Gobain and PPC for helping to make this event the success it was. The only question left unanswered at the end of the day was, when is the next training seminar? Everyone will be there!! For more information on RDA/IMPACT visit their website at www.impactcollisionsolutions.com or contact Melisa Jolls at 908-251-5713 or email: meljolls@earthlink.net.

10 MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

dent Thomas Adams. He was working in downtown Jackson when the sky unleashed golf-ball-sized hail on his 2012 Toyota Camry parked outside. “I had just made my third payment on it,” Adams said. “All I could do was sit up here and put my head in my hands.”

These Infiniti vehicles were damaged at a local auto dealer during the hailstorm. /The Clarion-Ledger

Adams took his car to the Mississippi Farm Bureau office, where a claims adjuster estimated roughly $4,000 in damages payable to a local body shop scheduled to work on the vehicle by the end of the week. It could take up to 14 days to repair, Adams said. Also navigating the aftermath is Jonathon Tumblin of Smith County,

whose 2008 Dodge Ram suffered up to $10,000 in damage while sitting in the Baptist Medical Center parking lot. Unlike Adams, though, Tumblin said he’s still waiting for a claims adjuster to confirm his estimate. “It’s frustrating as can be,” he said. “It’s just slow because it’s so backed up.” Tumblin said he uses Geico insurance. Insurance companies have been inundated with calls since the hailstorm, with some receiving as many as 50 inquiries per hour. Although the number of those calls since has decreased, the process lingers as adjusters face a backlog of claims. Despite this, Chaney said, the commission has received few complaints and that he’s “pleased with the way the companies are responding to consumers and processing claims.” The commission recommended the following actions while awaiting inspections: • Cover any broken windows in your car to prevent damage to the interior from rain and remove glass from the car’s interior to prevent cuts and damage to upholstery and carpeting. • Save receipts for what you spend and submit them to your insurance company for reimbursement.

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Malco’s TurboShears Quickly Becoming Tech’s Go-To Cutter by Ed Attanasio

Don’t be fooled by their sleek, stylish appearance and be sure not to be confused by their attractive price. Malco’s TurboShears metal-cutting tools are easy on the eyes, but their high carbon steel blades are not easy on 20-gauge steel. For that reason and many others, the TurboShear by Malco is quickly becoming the body repair technicians’ go-to metal cutting tool. Four years ago, Malco entered the automotive tools market and has already made a significant impact, led by top reviews from body shops all over the country. With a selection of dent removal tools (known as the Raditap Rapid Dent Removal System); door skin tools (TurboX Tools Door Hemming and Door Skin Removal Tools); hole punches/flange air tools, the aforementioned TurboShears (with five models); pliers, riveters, scratch awls, tube benders, slicers, seamers, snips, socket-drive Torx Bits, sockets and related accessories, Malco’s line of auto body tools is impressive for the three big reasons every collision tech wants—cost, performance and

durability. And the fact that they look good while performing their respective jobs surely doesn’t hurt either. Mike Janey, Malco’s Creative Services Specialist, discussed the manufacturer’s emergence into the collision repair field.

Malco’s TurboShears cut easily through auto body panels and profiles, including layered metal, rocker panels and plastic bumpers

“The TurboShears really took us into the automotive market, because we saw a need for this tool back in 2003 and saw how it could help body techs and companies or individuals

Mississippi Gov. to Sign Stricter DUI Bill Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant intends to sign a bill aimed at strengthening laws against drunken driving, his spokesman said. With his signature, the bill will become law July 1, 2014. The response from the Republican governor came the same day the American Beverage Institute, based in Washington, D.C., urged Bryant to veto House Bill 481. The group said it represents 80 Mississippi restaurants. It said if the bill becomes law, it would be expensive to enforce and would create too much work for Mississippi probation officers. The bill says when someone is convicted for a first-offense DUI, the person’s driver’s license could be suspended for 90 days, or a judge could order a 30-day license suspension and require the person to use an ignition interlock device for six months. The device prevents a vehicle from starting if the driver has alcohol on his or her breath. The bill also says that a fourth offense DUI would automatically be a felony, carrying two to 10 years in prison. It wouldn’t matter how many years had passed between the previous convictions and the fourth one. Under current law, a person can

face a felony by having three or more DUI convictions within five years. The American Beverage Institute’s managing director, Sarah Longwell, said in a news release that requiring ignition interlock devices for first-time offenders is a bad idea because it might be a too-harsh punishment for people who unintentionally have a bit too much to drink. “Requiring interlocks for hardcore … offenders is a much more effective and financially sound way to fight drunk driving,” Longwell said. She defined hardcore offenders as those with high blood-alcohol content measurements or people with multiple convictions. In Mississippi, a person with a blood alcohol content of 0.8% can be convicted of DUI. The bill was sponsored by House Speaker Philip Gunn, R-Clinton, whose parents and sister were killed by a drunk driver in the late 1980s. One of the co-sponsors is Rep. Mark Formby, R-Picayune, whose young niece was killed two months ago after her parents’ vehicle was hit by a driver that Formby said had previous DUI convictions. The final version of the bill passed the House 112-4 and the Senate 52-0.

12 MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

that restore vehicles. But the huge attraction is the maneuverability and versatility it offers. It’s easy to control and operate and it won’t fatigue the user’s hands, wrists and arms, because it doesn’t require a lot of force to operate. Starting at $99, while other comparable tools retailing normally around $300, the TurboShear offers a double whammy—quality and price.” Available as a drill attachment and in air models, Malco’s TurboShear metal-cutting device can perform highly accurate straight cuts and left circular or square cuts in automotive steel. The TurboShears’ wide jaw opening allows the tool to easily make cuts in auto body panels, rocker panels and plastic bumpers effortlessly. Malco Products, Inc. in Annandale, MN, was founded 1950 when a young steel supply salesman, Mark W. Keymer, decided to manufacture and market a pipe crimper he had invented for use in sheet metal ductwork used with forced air heating systems. More tools soon followed and the business that started in a garage soon became a national enterprise. Sixtythree years later, the name Malco is

still associated with quality and reliability, as well as being known for regularly introducing exciting new hand tool designs and modifications for the various industries it serves.

Malco’s 18-gauge Heavy Duty Metal-Cutting TurboShear that can make straight cuts as well as left circular or square cuts in automotive steel

Malco’s website (www.malcoproducts.com) is packed with useful information about its automotive tools, complete with easy-to-use intuitive videos, a useful blog (Tool Talk) and a dealer locator. In the United States, Malco’s auto body tools can also be purchased through two main online distributors, Summit Racing Equipment and Auto Body ToolMart.

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I-CAR Hosts Regional Conference in Florida Nearly 200 I-CAR instructors, volunteers, and industry members gathered in Fort Lauderdale, FL, March 22-23 for I-CAR’s Eastern Regional Conference. Outstanding instructors and volunteers were recognized for their dedication and commitment to I-CAR and for delivering collision repair training to their local areas. Jeff Peevy, I-CAR Senior Director of Field Operations and Segment Development, welcomed attendees and said, “Thank you, I-CAR instructors and volunteers. It is an honor to be here and have the opGary Opferman portunity to recognize you for the significant impact you have made in the industry that we serve.” Attendees also participated in networking events, presentations, and open forum discussions throughout the conference. Committee chairmen were recognized for their 2012 results and an Continued from Cover

Repairer Roundtable

need to be able to strategize as an industry and have a plan. Being informed without having a plan won’t get us there. That’s part of what this meeting is, to formulate our voice.” I-CAR’s decision, announced just the week prior to the meeting, was widely criticized by those in attendance. In late 2011, three national trade associations (later endorsed by more than two dozen state and regional groups) asked I-CAR to take on the task of communicating with the automakers in an effort to increase the amount and availability of OEM repair procedures. As recently as late January, I-CAR CEO John Van Alstyne said his organization was moving forward with a planned roll-out this summer of a 5-pronged approach to the issue, but the members of I-CAR’s board in attendance at a March meeting voted unanimously to halt the program. The request from the trade groups had indicated such an effort would support their statement that OEM repair procedures are the industry “stan-

individual from each region was recognized for the following awards: the Lon Baudoux Instructor of the Year Award, the King TUT Award, and the Founder’s Award. In addition, a veteran I-CAR instructor from the northeast region was recognized for 30 years of service to the industry.

I-CAR instructor who most exemplifies the I-CAR presence in the classroom, a commitment to excellence, and keeping pace with technology. “Our award rePhil Adams cipients are extraordinary people. Their passion for training and their commitment to the industry deserve recognition. Their dedication truly shines through in the classroom and touches many people,” said Allan Smith, I-CAR Northeast Regional Manager.

Tony Nethery (r) receives the Lon Baudoux Award from German Mejia

For 2012, Phil Adams (Northeast Region) and Tony Nethery (Southeast Region) were recognized with the Lon Baudoux Instructor of the Year award. This award is presented to an

Dan Frohlich (l) commended by Allan Smith for 30 years of service to the industry

dard” for repairs. Meeting attendee Tony Passwater, executive director of the Indiana Auto Body Association, said based on his past involvement with I-CAR, he believes it was the word “standards,” more than the concept of expanding the availability of OEM procedures, that led to the decision. “That’s where they all cringe, especially on the insurance side,” Passwater said. Meeting attendee Dusty Womble, an I-CAR board member and an operating partner in Roger Beasley Collision Center in Austin, TX, said the I-CAR vote would not have been unanimous had it not taken place at the first board meeting he’d missed in four years. Meeting attendee Barry Dorn, a Virginia shop owner, Barry Dorn said he felt it was important that people ask I-CAR what led to the decision. “I implore all of you to talk to the folks at I-CAR about what happened, ask them to explain why they voted the

way they did,” Dorn said. “To me this is inexcusable. In my opinion, I-CAR has been hijacked by special interests.” But meeting attendee Scott Biggs of the Assured Performance Network, which joined the national associations in their 2011 request to I-CAR, noted that it was a decision made by the I-CAR board, not staff. “It should be noted that the staff did a huge amount of work in the last Scott Biggs 18 months to address a lot of the things that we wanted them to do,” Biggs said. “Most of those things they’re going to continue to do.” What won’t continue, Biggs said, is I-CAR’s planned creation of a “council” to help facilitate and filter the communication between automakers and the industry. Biggs and Schulenburg each said the conceptual solutions for the council was one aspect of I-CAR’s plan they hadn’t been “entirely comfortable with.” “I-CAR seemed like a good fit at the time. But any organization that isn’t willing to publicly and clearly

14 MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

The King TUT (Total Units Taught) Award is presented to the ICAR instructor with the most students taught in their region. The ICAR instructors who were recognized for their 2012 accomplishRoy Taylor ments were Gary Opferman (Northeast Region) and Roy Taylor (Southeast Region). The Founder’s Award is presented to one individual in each region who most exemplifies the ICAR Volunteer Spirit. Each recipient is given an ICAR Founder’s Joe Mullen ring in appreciation of their dedication. Joe Mullen was recognized in the Northeast region; and in the Southeast Region it was Julia Allegretta. In addition to recognizing the award winners, Dan Frohlich, I-CAR instructor in the Northeast Region was state that the OEM repair procedures are the standard for repair probably isn’t a good partner for what we’re looking to accomplish here,” Schulenburg said. “So while there’s not a lot of detail I can give, what I can share is a large subset of the original requesters do intend to create an industry council to address collision repair procedural standards. The primary mission of this council will be to gather feedback and provide input to the OEMs to address deficiencies in the library of procedures and issues or question that arise form the industry dialog. It’s about communication.” Meeting atDan Risley tendee Dan Risley of the Automotive Service Association, which also was among the organizations requesting I-CAR’s involvement in 2011, said communication will be important because there “are some instances where the OEM repair procedure probably may not apply.” He noted, for instance, that See Repairer Roundtable, Page 27

commended by Smith during the conference for 30 years of service to the industry. “Our instructors and volunteers are what makes I-CAR training possible. Each of them deserve recognition for what they do. Julia Allegretta This weekend was a great opportunity to celebrate their achievements and thank them,” said German Mejia, I-CAR Southeast Regional Manager.

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CCC Donates $25,000 to Education Foundation

CCC Information Services recently donated $25,000 to the Collision Repair Education Foundation to help support collision school programs and collision students. The funding will allow for four collision student scholarships, which will be given away in May 2013 as part of the $300,000 in awards the Collision Repair Education Foundation is offering. CCC information Services will also award a collision program with a $10,000 “Classroom Makeover Grant” in order for the school to be able to purchase needed classroom material such as curriculum, computers, audio-visual equipment, or other related items needed for a school’s collision classroom area. The winning school will be selected from the schools that apply for the 2013 Collision Repair Education Foundation Ultimate Collision Education Makeover grant. The application for the Makeover grant is available at www.CollisionEducationFoundation.org and is due on May 31. Schools who apply will be eligible for one of two $50,000 Makeover grants, and an additional six $10,000 awards.

Northern California Man Pleads No Contest to Selling Counterfeit ALLDATA Products ALLDATA LLC, a provider of manufacturers’ automotive repair information and solutions for the professional automotive service and collision repair industries, recently announced the successful arrest and prosecution of a software counterfeiting operation. The company has a long-standing program dedicated to tracking down illegal sales of ALLDATA products, an effort which routinely results in prosecution. In the most recent case, William Edwin White, III, was arrested in December 2012, following a fivemonth investigation by the Stanislaus County Sheriff Department and Sacramento Valley Hi-Tech Crimes Task Force. The two law enforcement agencies worked with the ALLDATA Antipiracy team to investigate the illegally copied ALLDATA products that White had advertised for sale. “We aggressively pursue software piracy,” said ALLDATA President Jeff Lagges. “It’s theft, and it hurts our customers by driving up costs. But it’s not the same as downloading a pirated song—it’s potentially a consumer safety issue because counterfeiters don’t care if the infor-

mation is correct. We do care, because incorrect information should never be used to repair vehicles. People who don’t realize they bought pirated software often call us to complain that the product isn’t working correctly, which is why it’s so important to purchase ALLDATA Repair through our sales team or our company website.” ALLDATA licenses vehicle repair, diagnostic and maintenance information directly from manufacturers and provides it to customers through a secure, Web-based portal. “Manufacturers often add, remove and change information,” said Lagges. “Offering our products through online subscriptions allows us to get changes to our customers quickly. So buying counterfeit ALLDATA products not only wastes money, it’s a risky business that we’re working hard to stop.” Following the investigation and December arrest, White was found guilty, sentenced and ordered to pay restitution to ALLDATA.

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Florida Bookkeeper Guilty of Body Shop Embezzlement A jury recently convicted Angela Wray, the wife of a Flagler County Sheriff’s deputy, of running an organized scheme to defraud her former employer—Celico Auto Body of Bunnell—of more than $50,000. Jury members began deliberations on the second day of the trial, reaching a guilty verdict in 12 minutes despite Wray’s efforts to sway the outcome in her favor by testifying in her own defense earlier in the day. Wray faces up to 30 years in prison for embezzling $58,964 from Celico Auto Body, where she worked as a bookkeeper from June 2007 to February 2010. Before the trial, Wray turned down a plea deal that would have had her serve five years in prison, with probation afterward. Flagler County Circuit Judge J. David Walsh refused to let her remain out on bond until sentencing. She was booked back into the Flagler County jail. Walsh ordered a pre-sentence investigation and set a sentencing hearing on April 29. According to a Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigation and her former employer, Wray

wrote checks to herself but misidentified the checks in a ledger as legitimate business expenses. She also wrote checks to pay GMAC, Chase Auto Finance and Capital One credit card bills, as well as a mortgage payment. “I’m being accused of taking all this money and changing ledger,” Wray said. “All I can say is I didn’t take the money and did not change the ledger.” The jury rejected arguments by Wray and defense attorney Regina Nunnally that the checks were loans approved by Carlo Celico, owner of the auto body shop, and that checks cashed at Publix and Walmart were for office supplies. During Wray’s testimony, prosecutor Jennifer Dunton forced the defendant to admit she was guilty of a previous felony conviction in New Jersey. Dunton showed Wray a document proving the conviction when Wray hesitated to answer the question. Wray plead guilty to felony theft in New Jersey for stealing more than $40,000 from 1999 to 2006 by writing checks to herself and destroying

16 MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

records of the checks at Mountain Landscaping, where she also worked as a bookkeeper. “I’m just very happy she will be held accountable this second time for defrauding a small business owner,” Dunton said after the verdict. “I’m hoping she will receive prison or incarceration this time.” Throughout the two-day trial, Wray and defense attorney Nunnally attempted to shift blame from Wray to Celico by questioning payments to suppliers and independent contractors. Wray claimed Celico sometimes directed her to change the business ledger, but denied she changed the ledger to disguise checks to herself. The business owner said his business problems resulted from the thefts. “You understand that an employee being paid as a contractor, there’s nothing wrong with that?” Dunton asked, referring to extensive questions on those contractor arrangements by the defense attorney. Wray said the point was to show other people got multiple checks. The prosecutor disputed Wray’s testimony that she had financial prob-

lems in 2008 and the checks she received were loans approved by Celico, a claim denied by Celico. Referring to Wray’s financial records, Dunton asked and Wray confirmed monthly deposits from $5,000 on up to $8,000, $9,000 and even $14,000. “That’s not my definition of struggling,” Dunton said.” Wray claimed the 28 checks she cashed at Publix and Walmart were for business supplies, such as cleaning, paper and coffee. Celico denied he ever sent Wray out to buy supplies for his business. “My wife and I bought the supplies,” he said. Wray also testified that the $58,964 she received were loans from Celico, which she was paying back with payroll deductions. Dunton responded by saying Wray’s checks were consistent with someone being paid $10 an hour for 40 hours work a week. Wray then said she didn’t pay her employer back but was not paid for additional hours worked. The judge twice denied motions for acquittal.

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Martin Senour Color Manual Features Actual Paint Chips

The Martin Senour Company has introduced its new 2013 Global Color Manual. The new manual offers color compatibility guides as well as larger paint chips—actual chips, not ink—which include larger viewing holes making for easier color identification. The new Martin Senour manual enables painters to improve their efficiency, accuracy, and speed in the color-selection process. The manual also provides color chips and detailed information for exterior body colors, accent, interior, and even those available underhood colors. The 2013 guide’s new layout is also more user-friendly in that it includes larger and bolder type fonts, comes on thicker and more durable printed pages, and features paint chips that are twice as large as those in previous manuals. Presenting information on more manufacturers than in previously published manuals, the comprehensive Martin Senour 2013 Global Color Manual is available at a cost that is 36% less than last year’s edition. When ordering, please use part number: MA5289.

Refinish Distributors Alliance Adds New Member

The Refinish Distributors Alliance (RDA) has added new member Redshaw Paint Supply, Inc., with headquarters in Omaha, NE. Redshaw Paint Supply, Inc. is owned by four individuals with Andy Weissinger as principal owner. Redshaw has four locations in Nebraska—two in Omaha, one in Lincoln and one in Fremont. The company has been in existence since 1954 and is a single line Axalta Coating Systems (formerly DuPont) distributor. They carry the DuPont, Spies, Nason, DIC and Aviation lines of paint. Robert McKenzie Jr., Executive Director of RDA, said, “We are excited to have Redshaw Paint Supply as part of the RDA/IMPACT group and know they are a great fit with our organization.” RDA/IMPACT is the largest national group of refinish jobbers dedicated to providing quality services and products to their collision shops. RDA has 16 members, which represents 180 locations and cover 27 states. Members service over 3,500 collision centers throughout the United States and represent a crosssection of all major refinish brands.

18 MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Pro-Spray Launches YouTube Channel Pro-Spray Automotive Finishes recently released a branded YouTube channel to help Pro-Spray users improve the quality and efficiency of their jobs. The URL is http://www.youtube.com/prosprayautofinishes.

Pro-Spray YouTube Home Page

Visitors to the site can view a library of resourceful, high-quality videos featuring veteran Pro-Spray technical trainer and instructor Bill Warner. The channel’s current playlist includes: • Pro-Spray in Action: Awesome rides with Pro-Spray paint • Basecoat Tips and How To’s: Best practices to improve your paint job and bottom line • Bumper Repair and Refinishing: Review of the six simple steps • Spray Gun Essentials and Tips: Simplifying the process • Tech Tips and How To’s: Application tips from the pros

“Pro-Spray’s passion for our industry, product and people drives our content decisions,” explains Laura Yerkey, Pro-Spray marketing manager. “With the Pro-Spray YouTube channel in place, we now have the opportunity to share our knowledge and expertise with refinishers around the world.” YouTube is the leading online video community that allows people to discover, watch and share originally created videos. The video-sharing website allows people to easily upload and share video clips on youtube.com and across the Internet through websites, blogs and e-mail. Future plans for the Pro-Spray YouTube channel include regularly delivered original content focused on tech tips, how-to’s and FAQs, as well as introductions to new Pro-Spray products and discussions of industry events and trends. To stay abreast of all the latest news and content, viewers can become a youtube.com/prosprayautofinishes subscriber. The Pro-Spray product line delivers a comprehensive, versatile, and high performance waterborne and solvent intermix color system supported by a full range of primers, clearcoats, hardeners, thinners and support products to body shops worldwide.

Industry Veteran Michael Quinn Joins uParts uParts, Inc., a leading provider of cloud-based electronic parts procurement solutions, recently announced the appointment of Michael Quinn as Senior Vice President of Business Development. “I am thrilled to join the uParts team. They have developed a stateof-the-art cloud-based parts procurement platform that has been long overdue for shops and parts suppliers,” stated Quinn. “Streamlining inefficient parts procurement processes will benefit these long-time trading partners as well as vehicle owners and auto insurers through improved repair experience.” Quinn is a repairer at heart who has become one of the most trusted leaders in the collision repair industry with many prestigious awards and distinctions. His most recent position was Senior VP of Industry and Community Relations for Caliber Collision. Prior to Caliber, he was co-founder and CEO of 911 Collision Centers, where he and his partner built seven successful repair facilities in Arizona and Nevada. In 2012, he completed a two year term as Chairman of the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) and was also inducted into the industry’s Hall of Eagles.

Through the NABC he helped to spearhead numerous charitable efforts including Katrina Relief, Recycled Rides, First Responder Emergency Extrication, and Operation Comfort. He has brought forth the generous side of our industry by uniting people for these philanthropic causes. “I’m excited to welcome Michael to our company,” said Alex Adegan, Founder and CEO of uParts. “His decision to join uParts is a testament to our vision and shared values with repair professionals and our mission to streamline their interactions with their suppliers. There’s no better indication of our commitment to help collision shops than having one of their most trusted advocates join our team.” uParts has been in stealth mode during the past three years, developing the next generation part procurement platform based on extensive collaboration with its charter member collision shops and parts suppliers. Repairers benefit by having immediate pricing and availability information from participating suppliers, enabling them to order all of their repair parts with a single mouse-click. Suppliers benefit by receiving electronic orders directly into their management systems.

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AUTOMAKER, AU A UTO OM MA M AK AK ER OEM OEM AUTOMAKER KE R,, OEM, M,, AND AND RECALL RE R E C AL CA ALL LL EC Autobody News

Volvo Recall for ID Labels

Volvo recalled only seven model-year 2013 S60 sedans and XC60 crossovers due to identification labels with an incorrect manufacture year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Affected vehicles were manufactured on Jan. 7. An incorrect date of manufacture on the certification label means the vehicles are noncompliant with regulation requirements, and owners may not be able to determine whether their vehicles are affected by future recalls. Volvo quarantined the affected vehicles and will install correct labels before sale.

Toyota Recalls 209,000 FJs for Seatbelt Flaws

Toyota Motor Corp. is recalling 209,000 certain FJ Cruiser sport-utility vehicles from the 2007 through 2013 model years due to a problem with the driver and front passenger seat belts. The retractors for the vehicles’ front driver and passenger seat belts are mounted in rear-door panels, where cracks can form if the rear doors are forcefully closed repeatedly over a long period. If this happens, the seat belt retractor could detach, which would increase the risk of injury in a crash. The car maker said it is developing a remedy for the problem and will begin the recall as soon as it decides on the necessary repairs.

2012 Subaru Outback, Legacy Recall for Wipers

Subaru is recalling 16 2012 versions of the Outback and Legacy due to a problem with the windshield wiper motor, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It’s an expansion of an earlier recall that affected 2010-11 versions of the cars. The affected vehicles were manufactured from April 6 through May 12, 2011 and use a wiper motor cover that may overheat. This could lead to a fire.

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Honda Wins Best Brand Image Award

Honda Motor Co. has the best brand image of any major auto maker, according to a study released by Kelley Blue Book. The study takes results from 12,000 people who were shopping for a new car and using its Web page to do research. The 2013 Brand Image Awards say Honda was the most trusted brand and considered the best value of all car brands in the survey. Honda’s U.S. sales rose 24% in 2012 and have risen a modest 4.4% in the first two months of the year. Its redesigned Accord sedan is selling well and the company is investing heavily in plants in the U.S. and Mexico to meet anticipated demand.

Japanese OEMs Recall 3.4 Million Vehicles for Airbags

Japanese automakers, including Toyota, Nissan and Honda, are recalling about 3.4 million vehicles worldwide due to defective airbags supplied by Takata Corp. Toyota is recalling about 1.73 million vehicles produced between November 2000 and March 2004. Honda is recalling about 1.14 million vehicles, while Nissan said it may call back 480,000 vehicles. Mazda said it recalled 45,463 units. This recall underscores the risk of huge global supply chain problems as automakers increasingly rely on a handful of suppliers for common or similar parts to cut costs. Some airbags at the front passenger seat may not inflate correctly because of a problem with the propellant used in the airbag inflator, Toyota spokesman Ryo Sakai said. Takata has also supplied the faulty airbags to non-Japanese carmakers, said Toyohiro Hishikawa, spokesman for the components maker, declining to identify them. Tokyo-based Takata supplies airbags and seatbelts to major automakers including Ford Motor Co. and Daimler, as well as the Japanese brands. No injuries or deaths have been reported as a result of the faulty airbags, Toyota said.

22 MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Chrysler Issued 6 Separate Recalls for 215,000 Vehicles

According to the automaker, the recalls stem from a variety of different problems involving the tunnel shield, parking brake, fuel-tank transfer tube, warning light, rear brake calipers and engine cover. The recall includes 78,500 older-model 4x2 SUVs for a heat shield that can loosen and contact the driveshaft, causing wear and possible breakage over time. Officials explained the action follows fewer than 40 complaints of broken driveshafts on the 2007 and 2008 Dodge Nitro, Jeep Liberty and the Liberty’s sister model sold outside NAFTA. Chrysler will recall approximately 9,300 trucks, more than half of which are in currently in dealer inventory, to inspect their parking brakes and, if necessary, reset them according to specification. A routine internal audit of 2013 Ram 1500 pickups discovered a small number of vehicles whose parking brakes did not comply with mandated performance standards. Chrysler also will recall approximately 30,000 model-year 2012 SUVs to improve fuel flow when the vehicles are subject to certain driving conditions. Affected are Jeep Compass and Patriot models assembled between Oct. 18, 2011 and May 7, 2012. Chrysler will recall approximately 139,000 sedans to prevent improper warning-light illumination for model-year 2011 and 2012 Chrysler 300s, Dodge Chargers and Dodge Challengers assembled between April 11, 2011 and Dec. 14, 2011. Chrysler will recall 52 compacts to correct an issue that may compromise parking brake function. Affected are model-year 2013 Dodge Dart models built over 24hour period in November with brake calipers that do not meet specification. Chrysler will recall approximately 7,000 model-year 2013 heavyduty pickups — almost all of which are still in dealer inventory — to replace their engine covers. Affected are Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups.

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May 2013

2013 Dodge Challenger Recall for Wiring Issue

Chrysler is telling owners of certain V-6-equipped Dodge Challengers to stop driving their cars until a wiring issue can be fixed. The automaker is voluntarily recalling approximately 2,500 of the 2013 vehicle models to address possible short circuiting. “This condition could cause a wire harness to overheat and possibly lead to fire. Chrysler Group is aware of seven such incidents. None caused injury,” the automaker said. The automaker also advises owners not to park affected vehicles in or near any structure. According to Chrysler, a total of 4,459 vehicles are affected, but 1,900 are at dealerships. The Challengers that are part of the recall were built during an eight-week period ending Jan. 24, 2013.

Hyundai, Kia Recalls 1.7 Million Vehicles for Switch

Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Motors Corp. are recalling about 1.7 million vehicles in the United States to replace a faulty switch that can prevent brake lights from illuminating and trigger other problems. When a driver presses the brake, the switch is supposed to turn on the brake lights and turn off the cruise control. A defective stop lamp switch could cause the brake lights not to illuminate, the cruise control not to deactivate or the push-button start to work erratically, Hyundai and Kia said. As many as 1,059,824 Hyundai models could be affected. The recall covers the 2007 to 2009 Accent and Tucson; the 2007 to 2010 Elantra; the 2007 to 2011 Santa Fe; the 2008 to 2009 Veracruz; the 2010 to 2011 Genesis Coupe; and the 2011 Sonata. The Kia vehicles with potentially faulty switches are the 2007 to 2010 Rondo and Sportage; the 2007 to 2011 Sorento; the 2007 Sedona; the 2010 to 2011 Soul; and the 2011 Optima. As many as 623,658 of those models could be affected.

Ford Focus Outsells Corolla

182,800 Honda, Acura Vehicles Recalled

Ford said it sold more than one million copies of its Focus for the first time last year. More than 1.02 million compact Focus cars were sold worldwide in 2012, outpacing Toyota’s Corolla, of which close to 873,000 were sold, according to data compiled by Polk. China accounts for one-quarter of all sales, and the Focus was the best-selling passenger car in China in 2012 for the first time ever. Ford’s F-Series pickup truck, which has been the top-ranked U.S. pickup for close to four decades, rounded out the top three with 785,630 sales. The Fiesta, with more than 723,000 sold, came in sixth on the list, making it the world’s best-selling subcompact car. Honda’s Civic and CR-V rounded out the top 10 with 651,000 and 625,000, respectively.

Honda is voluntarily recalling 182,800 vehicles due to an electronic stability system malfunction, according to a statement from the automaker. Affected vehicles are 101,000 Honda Pilot crossovers, 60,000 Acura MDX SUVs and 21,000 Acura RL sedans, all from model-year 2005; 800 model-year 2006 Acura MDX SUVs are also affected. According to Honda, if an electrical capacitor on the system’s control unit was damaged during the manufacturing process, the system could malfunction and apply a small amount of brake force for a fraction of a second outside the driver’s control. If the driver applies the brakes during a system malfunction, a crash could result.

Mitsubishi is issuing two recalls for its 2013 Outlander Sport compact crossover, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The first is to address a fuel pump problem that affects 3,724 all-wheeldrive-equipped Outlander Sports manufactured from June 11- Dec. 11, 2012. These vehicles may be missing a fuel sending unit harness, which could re-

sult in a false fuel tank level reading. The second recall affects 4,539 Outlander Sports with faulty brake stop lamps manufactured June 11- Sept. 11, 2012. NHTSA reports that the brake lights may illuminate intermittently and the shift lever could also be moved out of park without pushing the brake pedal. This condition could cause a crash.

Mitsubishi Issues 2 Recalls for Outlander Sport Crossover

Ford Recalls 3,500 Cars for Possible Fuel Tank Leaks

Ford Motor Co. is recalling about 3,500 Taurus and Lincoln MKS sedans and Explorer SUVs. The Dearborn automaker said it is recalling 2,537 of its 2012 Ford Taurus sedans, 968 of its 2012 Lincoln MKS sedans and 30 of its 2013 Ford Explorer SUVs because their fuel tanks may leak at the seam in the event of a severe accident. About 3,000 of the vehicles were sold in the U.S. Others were sold in Canada, Mexico, Europe and other markets. The vehicles are all built at Ford’s Chicago Assembly Plant.

2013 Buick LaCross, Cadillac SRX Recalled

General Motors recalled 26,582 of the 2013 Buick LaCrosse sedans and Cadillac SRX crossovers due to a transmission problem, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Affected are LaCrosses manufactured April 25, 2012-March 6, 2013, and SRXs built May 29, 2012- Feb. 18, 2013. A software problem could cause the transmission to inadvertently shift to Sport mode.

2012 Subaru Outback, Legacy Recall for Moonroof

Subaru is recalling just 14 2012 Outback wagons and Legacy sedans due to a problem with the moonroof glass that could cause it to detach, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Affected vehicles were manufactured between April 6 and May 12, 2011. An inadequate amount and position of adhesive between the glass and retainer of the moonroof could cause the glass to loosen and detach while driving, creating a potential road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash, according to NHTSA.

2013 Buick Encore Recalled

General Motors is recalling 144 of the 2013 Buick Encore compact crossovers because of a steering wheel malfunction, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The affected vehicles were manufactured Dec. 9 to Dec. 28, 2012, and are equipped with a heated steering wheel. NHTSA reports that in these vehicles, the steering-wheel fastener may not have been installed properly, causing the steering wheel to become loose and separate from the steering column.

www.autobodynews.com | MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS 23

Social Media for Shops

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

Is ‘Reactionary’ Marketing Too Little, Too Late? Maybe Not. with Ed Attanasio

A body shop owner came up to me at a California Autobody Association meeting recently and shared his tale of woe. A Multi-Shop Operator (MSO) had opened a location in his hometown, where he had been doing business since the 1970s. The presence of the MSO caused him Alan Suftin had to concern, especially implement some marketing when he lost a DRP strategies quickly to his new neighbor when an MSO and several of his with a similar name top techs as well. moved into his His first instinct, he hometown and threatened the said, was to step up survival of his his marketing, so23-year-old shop cial media and advertising efforts. When he then told me that he had borrowed $50,000 for marketing and wanted my opinion on where the money should be spent, I was a little flabbergasted. My first question for him was, “Why did you wait so long?” It surely wasn’t what he wanted to hear at the time and he certainly didn’t like what I told him next. “It might be a little too late.” I always tell people that marketing is a churn—an ongoing endeavor. You need to do several forms of marketing all the time to some degree. I ask body shops how many hours are you or your staff willing to dedicate to marketing, which includes social media, public relations, advertising and the Internet? I explain to them that marketing is not something you do when your car count drops or when you have a couple slow months in a row. The biggest mistake body shops make with marketing is having unrealistic expectations. I have heard these statements from body shop owners more than once. “We did some cable advertising, but it didn’t work.” (It turns out he tried it for one month and when the phone wasn’t ringing off the hook, he got out of his contract.) “We didn’t get any new customers from our radio advertising.” But when I asked him how did you track the results (or lack of them) he didn’t have an answer. But, fear not. If you’re in a tight situation and want to fast track your

marketing, you can still save the day if you work smart and jump in with both feet immediately. It’s not the best way to do it because the majority of any marketing won’t probably show any significant positive returns until you’ve been plugging away for six months to a year. When you embark on a marketing plan, it’s like planting a little seedling. It’s going to take some time before it will grow roots and eventually produce fruit. Here is a scenario where a body shop owner moved quickly and did all the right things to save his 23-year-old shop from folding when an MSO came to town. Allen Sutfin, 54, the owner of Golden Valley Auto Body, was surprised when a shop with a name similar to his moved into his hometown of Yuba City, CA. Only a couple miles apart, the two shops were immediately being confused with each other. (The name of the MSO is being withheld). Suftin quickly realized he had a problem on his hands. “People started coming in here asking me When did you open the new shop?” Suftin said. “I told them it’s not my shop! Right then and there I knew I was in trouble, especially when I learned that some of my customers mistakenly brought their cars to be fixed there, thinking it was my shop.” Suftin has built a strong foundation and a large customer base in Yuba City, where he was born, so when he saw what was happening to his business, he didn’t get mad—he got even. “I came to the conclusion that my main advantage over this new shop was my longevity in town,” Suftin said. “We’re a locally-owned and operated business and we’ve been here since 1990. We have second-generation customers coming here. Hey, competition is always going to be present and it can get pretty intense in this industry. But in this case, I was losing cars not for my reputation, but because of a mistaken identity. We lost a few jobs right off the bat and that’s when I asked myself, what can I do?” Rather than taking the time to carefully contemplate his next move, Suftin acted definitively and started making things happen literally overnight. “I started doing larger ads in

24 MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

our local newspaper, the Yuba City Appeal Democrat,” he said. “We only have one newspaper here, so I wanted to be in there as often as I could. We’ve been picked as the best body shop in town for the past three years by this publication, so we starting leveraging that. In all of our ads, we began incorporating the phrase ‘locally owned and operated’ and started emphasizing our location, to avoid further confusion.” Ramping up his community outreach also became a priority, Suftin explained. “We’ve always been involved in our chamber of commerce and have hosted charity fundraisers here at the shop over the years. But now, these efforts took on a whole new importance. Charity events are a win-win, because we’re helping those in need and getting a lot of free publicity in the process, from the Appeal Democrat and the local radio stations here in Yuba City.” To complement all his other marketing efforts, Suftin devised a broad-

cast plan that involved both local radio and cable TV advertising. “We got on the air and made a statement,” he said. “It was our way of telling the community that we’re not retreating and things are still the same. We kept stressing we’re Golden Valley Auto Body and you know us—we’ve been here for more than two decades and there’s a good chance that you or someone you know has had their car repaired here.” By pushing his exemplary track record and the quality of his work, coupled with an avalanche of marketing, Golden Valley Auto Body was able to stay busy, while most of the name confusion was alleviated. Suftin is looking at a profitable 2013 and his role in the business community is stronger than ever. What advice can he offer to other body shops all over the country whose business is threatened for one reason or another? See Reactionary Mktg Page 27

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GM Dealers’ Parts

they buy those parts from the automaker rather than from AC Delco wholesale distributors. Parts Managers’ forums such as that at DealersEdge.com, are debating the impact of the program compliance on other programs such as Delco wholesalers and on GM’s Retail Inventory Management (RIM). Several parts managers at smaller dealerships were focused on the 10% Customer Special Order (CSO) surcharge which they felt would impact their body shop parts orders. However, the biggest immediate impact is likely on AC Delco’s Wholesale distributors, who are concerned they could lose 30% of their volume from GM dealers. If so, it means Factory Motor Parts stands to lose about $25M per year as a result of this program. “We are going to drop our prices and go after your wholesale customer. GM has left us no choice,” said a rep quoted in the DealersEdge.com forum. Some parts managers are becoming very concerned that “using experience, intelligence and common sense

to create a system that works to manage obsolescence, return on investment, maximizing gross profit, phasing in the right parts and days of supply,” are becoming devalued. Worried dealers elsewhere say GM’s incentive payments won’t be enough to offset the higher cost of buying more parts from GM and fewer from wholesalers, which typically sell at a 10–20% discount from the factory’s price. Some dealers also have doubts that it will improve same-day service rates because the new system will reduce their flexibility to search for needed parts ‘on the fly’ from local distributors or other dealerships because doing so would hurt their chances to earn bonus cash. Steve Hill, vice president of customer care and aftersales for GM North America, acknowledges some trepidation among dealers, but he says many who have studied it see the advantages for their bottom lines and for retaining service customers. Hill says the combination of offering in-and-out service and more original-equipment parts will help differentiate GM dealerships from independent mechanical shops. Similar to GM’s facility-renova-

tion program, GM wants uniformity in parts and service. Some dealerships have high same-day service rates, but many don’t, says Tim Turvey, executive director of customer care and aftersales. “We wanted to have more of a ‘McDonald’s approach’ to make sure we have a certain core group of parts available to the consumer to fix their vehicle right then,” Turvey says. Under the new system, GM has added dozens or hundreds of parts to the list of items that dealerships are expected to keep on the shelf for same-day repairs. The list varies by store, based on past ordering. Items range from radiators and shocks to spark plugs and weatherstripping. GM says it has overhauled its parts-distribution warehouses to get supplies to dealers faster and on the same day they’re ordered. If the order can’t be filled that day, GM will pay for overnight delivery. A number of dealers consulted believe they’ll break even because their end-of-the-month bonus payments will outweigh the higher inventory and purchase costs. Others think they’ll lose money. To earn a bonus, dealers must purchase at least 70% of the dollar volume of service-lane parts from GM. And

they must use at least 70% GM or AC Delco parts on repairs to GM vehicles. Hitting those thresholds pays a bonus equal to 0.25% of the dealership’s total parts purchases. For example, a store that orders $100,000 in GM parts during a month would get $250. Dealerships that crack 90% on both purchases and repair-order sales can max out at a 4.25% bonus, or $4,250 a month on $100,000 worth of parts. Most dealerships that hit the 4.25% level should come out ahead, says Steve Hurley, dealer principal at Stingray Chevrolet in Plant City, FL, and co-chairman of the Chevrolet National Dealer Council. Hurley’s store should come out $40,000 to $50,000 ahead under the new system, he says. Rowerdink Inc. is a Grand Rapids, MI, wholesale distributor to GM dealerships in Michigan. In the Detroit area alone, the company expects to lose roughly half of the $10 million revenue it makes from more than 50 GM stores, says Chris Mauro, Rowerdink GM dealer account manager. “It could force us to change our discount program,” Mauro told Automotive News. A large Midwest Chevy dealer says he figures the new system will cost his See GM Dealers’ Parts, Page 27

www.autobodynews.com | MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS 25

Custom Shop Masters Pro-Spray to Make an Artistic Statement right after high school but I couldn’t afford to do it full-time. In 1988, I While most teenagers were playing took a job working the night shift at a Little League and going to summer printing company producing full-color camp, John Wargo, the owner of The magazine covers and then I opened Custom Shop in Flanagan, IL, spent my shop during the day. It worked out his spare time restoring and painting very well, because I learned a lot cars. Now 43 and a highly-acclaimed about PMS colors, as well as tinting car fabricator, builder and painter, and mixing and blending them Wargo uses Pro-Spray paint on all his through my exposure to the printing creations, many of which appear at processes we used. I wasn’t planning major car shows nationwide and sell it like that, but it just worked out that for as much as $80,000. way.” Wargo switched over to ProSpray seven years ago and he’s happy he did. “Pro-Spray gives us our best bang for the buck, and that’s why we changed over in 2006. With all the primers, sealers, hardeners, reducers—it can really add up. With Pro-Spray I am getting a real value per every sprayable pint, because we use less and the coverage is exceptional.” John Wargo, the owner of The Custom Shop With six vehicles and three moin Flanagan, IL, uses Pro-Spray on most of torcycles in different stages of comhis award-winning vehicles pletion currently sitting in his 12,000 Every year, he wins an average of square-foot shop that includes a mod25 best paint awards for his show cars. est showroom, Wargo is passionate And even though he’s worked on lit- and driven to build amazing creerally hundreds of cars and motorcyations. cles during his highly successful But, he’s also passionate about career, Wargo still vividly remembers customer service as well. To get a the first vehicle he ever painted. large project ready for this year’s De“It was a 1975 Firebird and I was troit Auto Rama, Wargo worked 16 15, so I couldn’t even drive it,” Wargo hours every day for an entire month to said. “I worked on it for about six deliver a spectacular 1967 Karmann months and that’s where it all started. Ghia with a Viper V-10 motor to his I wanted to have a nice car when I was customer just in time for the show. old enough to drive, so I did all the With a crew consisting of three body work myself and then did a two- multi-talented techs, The Custom tone paint job on it. It wasn’t anything Shop builds roughly a dozen vehicles spectacular, but I thought it was pretty and 15-20 motorcycles every year, cool when I was 15.” including one show-class car done in-house annually. Wargo’s signature style has been described in many ways, but the one word most associated with his work is simply, “Wow!” His love of colors is evident in everyWargo named this creation “SSAWD”— a play on words because he thing he paints and chopped the vehicle and it’s an SS model— a 1969 Camaro Roadhe isn’t afraid to ster, with all-wheel drive and a wide body air ride use as many as it’s After completing two years of vo- required in order to fulfill his vision. cational training and learning the ba- In fact, one of his creations (a Ford sics of mechanical repair, Wargo pickup) was painted using 53 colors! turned down a college football scholTo achieve that wow factor each arship and pursued his passion for time on every car or motorcycle he customizing cars. “I got involved in it paints, Wargo uses Pro-Spray’s Solby Ed Attanasio

26 MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

vent Basecoat System. And even though it’s a British product, Wargo paints American cars with it all day long and is always ecstatic with the finished product. As his #1 critic and a true artist, Wargo is always searching for that perfect paint job and ProSpray has been answering the call time and again. As a painter who covets new, exciting custom colors, Wargo was

like me who does custom paint work. I originally found the company when I discovered their line of ‘Outrageous Custom Finishes,’ and used a few of them on some cars I was painting. From there I decided to go with the Pro-Spray and it has worked out great ever since. “I also really appreciate the atomization I get with the Pro-Spray,” Wargo said. “In a perfect world, the solvent is supposed to evaporate in the air, so that it doesn’t get trapped into the paint job. That prevents us from getting that die back. With the ProSpray, it’s easy to go back and make a repair on the car Named “Project Grand Sport,” this 1968 Convertible Camaro Grand or on the paint job Sport is a custom monster that has received a ton of awards for The down the road, beCustom Shop at major shows cause it’s easy to immediately attracted by the color match up and simple to blend into, library Pro-Spray features, he ex- which many painters don’t think plained. about until two years later when “Pro-Spray’s custom line is ex- they have to go back and fix someceptional, which is ideal for someone thing.”

Continued from Page 14

Repairer Roundtable

Honda calls for replacement of sun visors after airbag deployment. “And you can’t even use the same screws. You’re supposed to have brand new screws, otherwise you’ve just deviated from the standard procedures from Honda,” Risley said. Similarly, he said, Toyota calls for the complete replacement of some seats after airbag deployment. “And if you meet with Toyota and you ask them, ‘Why can’t I just replace a seat back,’ which was the procedure at one time, their response is a little bit different than you might think,” Risley said. “Most people assume it’s a safety issue. In this particular case, the reason they want you to replace the full seat is the impact on customer service. The Aaron Schulenburg material on the seat back wouldn’t match the seat bottom and customers were dissatisfied.” Schulenburg acknowledged that the goal is not to give “automakers

carte blanche” in terms of procedures but to have two-way communication with them and to have mechanisms in place to ensure it is a collaborative industry effort. “I think the key take-away is that the industry can be assured that there will be solutions for you,” he said. “Where we go is predicated only on the needs of the repairers who are using these procedures.” The discussion of insurer-mandated parts procurement system also focused on potential ways to address what one Arizona shop owner termed “the death knell of the industry.” Several attendees discussed existing or proposed state legislation that could limit such programs. A bill introduced earlier this year in Maryland, for example, would prohibit an insurer from requiring a shop to use a specific vendor or process for the procurement of parts or materials necessary for repair of a vehicle. A number of attendees also discussed the importance of shops educating their local parts vendors. Although several attendees said that based on their conversations with State Farm they felt it was now inevitable that the insurer will move

ahead with PartsTrader, Schulenburg said he’s not so sure. “I think ‘resistance is futile’ would be a position I would want to take, too, if I wanted to get people who were resisting to stop resisting,” Schulenburg said. “‘We’re moving forward with it regardless…’ is a great approach to encourage people to stop questioning it. I just don’t know that that’s true. I would caution anyone hearing those messaging points to take it with a grain of salt.” Schulenburg ended the meeting by saying he looks forward to eventually having hundred of repairers in the room for future meetings. “I see the discussion in the industry moving to more proactive strategy versus just a reiteration of war stories and gripes and complaints,” he said. “That’s really healthy for our industry to make that transition.”

John Yoswick, a freelance writer based in Portland, Oregon, who has been writing about the automotive industry since 1988, is also the editor of the weekly CRASH Network (for a free 4-week trial subscription, visit www.CrashNetwork.com). He can be contacted by email at jyoswick@SpiritOne.com.

Continued from Page 25

GM Dealers’ Parts

store more than $100,000. He has traditionally bought a large amount of inventory from local wholesalers. The dealer also says he’s not willing to let a repair drag into the next day as he waits on an overnight delivery from GM. His parts manager will continue to buy those last-minute parts through distributors, which will count against his purchase loyalty. Hill says that even if a parts manager can run down that out-of-stock part on the same day, it’s not as good as having the part already on hand. Continued from Page 24

Reactionary Mktg

“Fight it, any way you can,” Suftin said. “Marketing was the key for us, because it was our way of telling our story and clarifying who we are. Now the message is out there, and the advertising we’re doing today is simply supporting that. Any company is going to run into competition and adversity, but by using your resources and not panicking, you can survive and keep your good name intact.”

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Glasurit Introduces Comprehensive, 2-Clears Solution Redefining an entire category in an industry is a rare thing, but the next generation of clears has certainly arrived with the new Glasurit® MultiPurpose Gloss and Rapid Repair Clears. Together, they form a streamlined clearcoat system you can use to perform any size repair while increasing quality, productivity and customer satisfaction.

Multi-Purpose Gloss Clear 923460 for non-regulated areas and low VOC 923-220 Multi-Purpose Gloss Clear have been formulated by Glasurit chemists to improve on their highly regarded predecessors. According to BASF Market Segment Manager Tony Dyach, they reflect the latest advances in coatings technology. “These new clears overcome the typical trade-off between appearance, performance and ease of application,” said Dyach. “They are better in every way that matters to our customers, and will delight their customers with superior gloss and durability.” The Multi-Purpose Gloss Clears join the equally ground-breaking nobake Rapid Repair Clears to give you a comprehensive clearcoat system that covers everything from small panel and tight-space applications to large areas and overalls. Just when you thought the most stunning finish had been achieved, Glasurit has once again raised the bar with these next-generation clears, deliv-

ering the ultimate European wet look.

New gold standard for premium clears Since being introduced by Glasurit in 2011, innovative Rapid Repair Clear 923-140 for non-regulated areas and low VOC 923-240 Rapid Repair Clear have redefined small panel repair performance with no fuss, no-bake convenience. After months of extensive, in-market testing, the Multi-Purpose Gloss Clears have also proven themselves. Together, they offer a new gold standard for shop managers, paint technicians and owners: • Glasurit Multi-Purpose Gloss and Rapid Repair Clears meet or exceed all OEM standards, and are fully approved for your warranty work over 90-Line waterborne or 55-Line solventborne basecoats. • Spraying is effortless with the same great flow and distinctness of image; while cure, ease of application, and polishing have been significantly enhanced. • The “Multi-Purpose” moniker is well deserved as the new formulations are designed for large areas and overalls, while also flexible enough to handle smaller areas or blend panels.

A clear revolution As customers become more demanding, BASF and its premium Glasurit® brand continue to build on over 120 years of meaningful innovation. The new MultiPurpose Gloss and Rapid Repair Clears are the latest example of the company’s focus on continuous improvement of its products through the latest science and technology. These next-generation clearcoats offer the superior performance and appearance expected by the most demanding collision repair centers, along with custom builders and elite restoration specialists. BASF encourages shops to consider these revolutionary clears as an easy-to-implement competitive advantage that will enhance quality, productivity and customer satisfaction. For more information, contact a BASF representative at 1-800-758-2273 or visit www.basfrefinish.com/glasurit.

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and Rapid Repair Clears have been put to the test by your peers and the results have exceeded BASF’s high expectations. Here are some of the comments we heard from our customers: (Regarding Multi-Purpose Gloss Clear) “Our customers love the high gloss, and our painters love how easy it is to apply and to buff. We were up

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New TV Pilot, “Auto Body Avengers” Coming to Spike

Cable’s Spike TV is planning the development of several non-scripted pilot shows, including one about investigating body shops. “Auto Body Avengers” from Matador, an independent media company best known for travel-related productions, features a group of operatives who go undercover to spotlight auto body garages suspected of fraud. The pilot description explains the show’s premise: “With over 200 million registered vehicles in the United States,

and running in no time since the new clears work seamlessly within our existing Glasurit system.” “Glasurit Rapid Repair works great. It’s the perfect choice for small individual parts like fenders and moldings.”

ideal choice for small panel repairs, door jams and other tight-space applications. • The no-bake Rapid Repair Clears allow you to buff and polish in just 30 minutes at 68°F, while also giving you the option to bake at 120°F for 15 minutes, if added speed is needed.

it’s no surprise that auto repair shops are a booming business. Unfortunately, you don’t always get what you pay for. While the majority of auto body shops are fair and honest businesses, there are unscrupulous ones who seek to rip off unrespecting car owners by charging them for unnecessary or shoddy repairs. In “Autobody Avengers,” a team of operatives go undercover to spotlight the garages suspected of fraud. Matador Network produced the presentation.”

28 MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

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Boyd Group Acquires Four Repair Centers in NC and FL

The Boyd Group recently acquired and opened four new collision repair centers: In North Carolina, the three centers are Wilmington Paint & Body Works, Factory Finish Collision Center and CBS Quality Cars. The company also acquired Express Auto Body in Lakeland, FL. Each of the shop locations will operate under the Gerber Collision & Glass trade name. With these additions, The Boyd Group now operates 22 shop locations in North Carolina and 38 in Florida. The company has a total of 185 collision repair locations throughout 14 U.S. states. “The opening of these new locations is in line with our stated growth strategy of achieving 6-10% of growth in number of centers through single location additions,” said Tim O’Day, president and chief operations officer of The Boyd Group. “These centers allow us to better serve customers and insurance partners in these markets and we plan to continue to focus on expanding our presence in similar attractive U.S. markets.”

Nissan Names O’Hara Director

1940 Ford Coupe Wins Ridler Award in Detroit

A 1940 Ford Coupe featuring PPG paint and custom painted by Charley Hutton won the 2013 Ridler Award at the Detroit Autorama. The Ridler Award is presented to the most outstanding car or truck making its debut appearance at the Detroit Autorama, held March 8-10 in Detroit. This is the third time in six years that a PPG-finished entry has won the award. The coupe, named “Checkered Past,” is owned by Ron and Deb Cizek of Bennington, NE, and was built by Andy Leach of Cal Automotive Creations in Omaha, NE. Hutton, a noted painter in the custom car world, did the paint work at his shop, Charley Hutton’s Color Studio, in Nampa, ID, where he created and mixed the red and gold custom colors using PPG waterborne Envirobase products.

Nissan North America named Kent O’Hara as senior director of after sales for the U.S. and Canada, and parts and service (P&S) projects and strategy for the Americas. O’Hara previously served as Nissan’s director of P&S and marketing and sales. His new role will include oversight of after sales for Canada, and a focus on the revenue growth of the company’s overall P&S strategy. O’Hara’s new position took effect April 1.

www.autobodynews.com

Kadel’s Wins Regional Award C

Farmers Insurance has presented Kadel’s Auto Body with the 2012 North American Regional MSO Group of the Year award. The award recognizes Kadel’s commitment to service and excellence. “As in the past, Kadel’s continues to provide outstanding customer service and timely, quality vehicle repairs,” said Pete Hickey, national MSO claims manager for Farmers. “Congratulations to everyone at Kadel’s Auto Body for their outstanding efforts and the well-deserved recognition.”

VT Couple Charged With Arson

A Vermont couple have been charged with burning down their own auto dealership business. Ed and Tammy Davis of Fair Haven, VT, were charged with arson following the fire at Ed Davis Auto and RV. Following the fire, investigators with Vermont State Police and the Division of Fire Safety searched the scene and determined the fire was set deliberately. The investigation alleges the Davises were responsible. Ed Davis, 49 and Tammy Davis, 46, are scheduled to appear in court May 20.

Kentucky Approves eProof

Kentucky is the 11th state to permit drivers to use electronic versions of their insurance cards to show proof of coverage. Kentucky now permits drivers to use either paper or their cell phone to show proof of insurance during a traffic stop. Regional Vice President for the Property Insurers Association of America, Jeffrey Junkas, calls the new law good news for consumers and the courts because it will avoid unnecessary fix-it tickets for drivers who did not have their insurance card at the time of a traffic stop.

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Make us your one-stop shop today! www.autobodynews.com | MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS 29

Renowned Painter Mickey Harris Co-Designed the SATAgraph 4 by Ed Attanasio

If you know anything at all about airbrush art, you’re familiar with Mickey Harris. He’s a household name in the airbrush world, known most for his military art, but also renowned for his realistic style, his patriotic zeal and his willing to use his art to raise money for charity and just makes people happy. By teaching other fledgling artists about airbrush techniques and creating breathtaking scenes that have appeared at car shows all over the globe, Harris is enjoying his busy life as a painter, consultant, artist, teacher, inventor and mentor.

Legendary airbrush artist Mickey Harris uses the SATAgraph 4 on all of his creations. In this photo, Harris is painting a scene from the Vietnam War on a motorcycle

Harris, 56, has been painting for 34 years and has produced thousands of murals on metal, including cars, trucks, motorcycles and assorted mediums. He embarked on a career as an airbrush artist at the age of 19, in Ft. Walton Beach, FL, painting on T-shirts to learn the trade. After absorbing as much as he possibly could about airbrush art and refining his skills, Harris made a significant impact on the car paint art industry and today he is considered one of the finest airbrush artists in the entire world. As a publisher, Mickey founded Airbrush Magazine in 1994, and as a respected industry leader he was elected President of the International Airbrush Association twice in the 1990s. Mickey’s work has appeared in more than 100 publications, including on the covers of King of the Road magazine, Truckin’ and Airbrush magazine, just to name a few. Mickey has also appeared on a wide range of TV shows including appearances on Overhaulin’, Gearz, Car Crazy, Drag Race High and is currently working with an investment group for his own television

show and has also been a guest on numerous talk shows and news broadcasts over the years. He was featured on the Travel Channel’s show called King of the Road, in which he was shown painting the world’s most detailed 18-wheeler, with more than 2,000 man-hours, and over a million strokes of the airbrush in 1999. One of Mickey’s show trucks captured 22 “Best of Show” awards and he also won the prestigious “DuPont Top Gun” award four times. Harris’ images can sell for as much as $100,000 and celebrities such as Jay Leno covet his work. Traveling to shows, seminars and public appearances year-round, Harris doesn’t have a retail store or a studio where people can see his work. He works out of body shops in different parts of the country to complete his ongoing list of projects. “I have a home in Tennessee and another one in South Dakota, so I work out of body shops in each area. I do 2–3 large projects every year, which are basically complete vehicles, but I also do 10–12 smaller projects every month—primarily motorcycles, tanks and hoods, for example.” Mickey’s painting style is heralded for its incredible depth and detail, complemented by his knowledge of color, form and perspective. In addition to his artwork, Mickey has been teaching the art of airbrushing for over 20 years, through seminars for the United States Sign Council, Airbrush Magazine, SATA, the International Airbrush Association, Airbrush Action Magazine, BASF and Sign Business Magazine. Mickey has also painted numerous murals for the United States Air Force and painted nose art on nine B-1 Bombers. Mickey Harris is known for many things, but his seven aviationrelated paintings currently hanging in the Pentagon are probably some of his best-known, he said. “I’ve got two new paintings for the Pentagon—they’re ready to go. But I’ve really made my career doing the automotive stuff I do. That’s what I pursue and that’s where I really make my living. I’m an artist, but in the end it’s also a business, so I pursue the projects where I can make money and feed my family. The rest

30 MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

of the things I do, such as donating my art for fundraising charity efforts for the military, are also very important and meaningful to me.” In 2002, Mickey’s Heroes truck gained a lot of media attention and that’s when he started being known for doing amazing, real-life military

Mickey’s Tribute to the Heroes of 9/11 is known as his First Responder Tribute Silverado

scenes on cars and motorcycles, he said. “The Heroes truck was a tribute to 9/11 and it got a ton of exposure. So after that, people who were looking for that type of art started finding me on the Internet. All of a sudden, I received a lot of referrals for more memorial type stuff. There wasn’t any conscious effort to get

into the military art, but it just happened after the Heroes truck. Don’t get me wrong, I love doing this type of work. My father was a fighter pilot, so I was an Air Force brat and that’s why I have a close bond to the military and appreciate the sacrifices that our soldiers make.” Harris greatly values his decadelong relationship with SATA, he explained. “I started working with SATA back in 2003, when I met the Dan-Am Company people from Spring Valley, MN, and immediately liked Tony Larimer at SATA. I was doing seminar programs and we started a relationship and Tony and I eventually became very good friends. Dan-Am has really good people there and I like working with them because their word is gold, and that’s hard to find. SATA and DanAm invited me to go to Germany for the SATA 100th anniversary and I did a painting demonstration there at the SATA factory in 2006. They had a James Bond theme at the party, so I dressed up like Bond and walked out with a couple of mini-jet guns under my jacket and painted on a

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canvas to the James Bond theme song. It was a blast!” Hooking up with SATA to develop a new airbrush has been an exciting and fulfilling experience, he said. “I sat down with the people from SATA to develop the SATAgraph 4. It took two years of development to get it where it needed to be. It was introduced at this year’s SEMA Show and people immedi-

One of Mickey’s most celebrated vehicles is this 100th GM Anniversary Chevrolet Suburban that was unveiled at SEMA 2011

ately liked it. We wanted to come up with an affordable airbrush that was a good airbrush that can work well in the trenches. I call this the AK-47 of airbrush guns, because you can beat the hell out of it, throw it in the mud and it keeps working. It retails for $149, so it’s absolutely competi-

tive. It’s got good German engineering in it, but one of the things I like the most about it is we’re able to make it here in the good old USA. I tell people it’s German engineered and American made.” Harris uses SATA airbrushes almost exclusively for many reasons, he explained. “I really like all of SATA’s airbrushes, but the SATAgraph 4 has some great features. It’s got a tip protection cap that’s reversible, so you’ll never lose the cap, which can be a problem with other airbrushes out there. We believe it’s going to be the #1 selling airbrush within the next four years, because it’s a better product.” Passionate about every aspect of his life, Harris describes himself as someone who is “old, but still running around like I’m 20 year-old.” He added, “I love what I do, but I’m starting to realize that it’s a little harder now to operate at a high level. I just hope I can live long enough to do everything I want to do. Right now, I’m very happy, because I’m really enjoying my life; working harder now and producing better stuff than ever. So it’s a good time!”

I-CAR Responds to Associations’ Questions on Repair Standards, Clarifies Stance on OEM Procedures Gaps

I-CAR responded to questions posed by repairer associations regarding the training organization’s position on repair standards, as they relate to OEM repair procedures, and I-CAR’s ultimate decision not to take an active role in the identification of gaps in OEM repair procedures and forming a council to foster closing those gaps, something the association’s had requested of I-CAR in 2011. In an April 12 letter to I-CAR, the three repairer organizations had questioned I-CAR’s reasons for not accepting this expanded role in the development of repair standards, and questioned statements made by ICAR that “seem to suggest a belief within I-CAR that not all industry segments support using OEM repair procedures as a standard of repair.” I-CAR responded in the form of a letter addressed to representatives of the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers (AASP), the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS), and the Assured Performance Network.

In the latest official response, ICAR reiterated its position that it “firmly believes that OEM collision repair procedures are the industry standard for complete and safe repairs” while acknowledging that, “Unfortunately, not all OEMs offer collision repair procedures in the U.S. market, nor do all OEMs offer consistent levels of collision repair information,” and that “I-CAR is committed to helping the industry close these gaps by working closely with the industry and the OEMs to research, develop, and deliver collision repair procedures where none exist.” I-CAR also acknowledged that work in these areas must be performed “from a perspective of neutrality with an uncompromising priority on complete and safe repairs for the consumer.” In an email, I-CAR stressed that its focus is on “complete and safe repairs for the ultimate benefit of the consumer,” and said, “We believe the position and intentions stated in this letter, which complement those conveyed speak directly to this.”

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The National Auto Body Council (NABC) has received nearly $250,000 in pledges and donations towards its $1.5 million Capital Campaign for Operation Comfort’s AutoMotivation program. The Capital Campaign goal is to purchase, renovate and equip a 30,000 sq. ft. training facility in San Antonio, TX, that will serve as a permanent home for Operation Comfort’s AutoMotivation program. Wounded service members in the AutoMotivation program benefit from occupational and rehabilitative therapies as they work on automotive projects. NABC-led efforts take the program to the next level by providing opportunities for participants to simultaneously recover and heal while acquiring certified I-CAR curriculumbased training for new career paths in the collision industry. “We are thrilled with the momentum and support coming from all corners of the industry to support this cause,” said Chuck Sulkala, NABC Executive Director. “Many companies, regardless of size, are joining our fundraising efforts and finding ways to engage their customers and employees to support this great program for our wounded troops.” Companies that have already

launched their fundraising initiatives include: Hertz launched a fundraising effort over Presidents’ Day Weekend that raised $50,000 in a two-day promotion. The company’s sponsorship of Operation Comfort is part of its Hertz for Heroes program, a project initiated by Hertz employees with military backgrounds. 3M Corporation is pledging $50,000 based on sales of selected products through the Automotive Aftermarket. Sterling Autobody Centers has pledged a $30,000 corporate donation and anticipates an additional $30,000 will be raised through efforts from its individual body shop locations. Keenan Auto Body is collecting donations at each of their 11 shops and are matching every donation until the Capital Campaign goal of $1.5 million has been reached. “Our heartfelt thanks to the many companies and individuals who have already donated and pledged their support. There are many more companies with fundraising efforts in the works and we look forward to sharing more exciting news on their contributions towards our Capital Campaign goal,” said Sulkala.

www.autobodynews.com | MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS 31

Crazy Painter Mitch Kelly, Father & Son Keep on Truckin’ in SoCal by Melanie Anderson

Crazy Painters Mitch Kelly, 53, his father Tom Kelly, 73, and son Thomas Kelly, 22, might be a little crazy with the schedule they keep. Based out of Bellflower, CA, the three-generation trio don’t have much free time between painting custom hot rods, Harleys, semi tractor trailers, race haulers, motor homes and, recently, even a plane. Owners of Kelly & Son The Crazy Painters, Mitch and his dad Tom still have yet to add “& Grandson” to the sign, but the younger gen-

Heaven’ and since then the car has won several awards. In November, it was selected as Goodguys Builder’s Choice Top 10 at the Goodguys 2nd Fall Del Mar Nationals in Del Mar, CA. In December it won ‘Best in Show’ at the 15th Annual John Force Holiday Car Show in Yorba Linda amongst approximately 3,000 cars in the show. In January, Blue Heaven came home with the ‘Best Paint’ award in their division from the Grand National Roadster Show in Pomona, CA, and in March, the car was selected as a Vintage Air Custom Rod of the Year Finalist at the

“Rock My RV” Mitch, Tom and Thomas Kelly also have been busy taping episodes of a new TV show called “Rock My RV” which will begin airing on the Travel

Kawasaki team trailer painted by Mitch Kelly

Mitch Kelly’s 1957 Bel Air Chevy, called “Blue Heaven” has won several awards

eration is holding his own with his Goodguys 4th Spring Nationals in computer-generated design and logo Scottsdale, AZ. work. Upcoming shows include the You might say painting is in their Long Beach Grand Prix and Cruising blood. Mitch’s great great grandfather for the Cure in Orange County. The was striping horse-drawn wagons on car will also be featured in an upcomthe Ford line before motors were even ing issue of Hot Rod Magazine. invented. Tom Kelly’s grandfather did pinstriping back in the ‘40s, and Tom, who started in the business at age 13, is well-known for working with Von Dutch as well as Ed ‘Big Daddy’ Roth. Mitch also started in the business at age 13, painting wheels for his dad. Mitch says his dad and grandfather named the shop “Crazy A slice of heaven Painters” because of the airbrush work they did back in the ‘50s Despite the car’s popularity and involved a lot of monsters, flames and award-winning looks, Mitch says it’s ‘crazy’ graphics and lettering. time for the car to go and he is looking for a buyer. Mitch is eager to start his next street rod project and has a ‘61 Blue Heaven At SEMA 2012, Mitch unveiled his Impala and ‘57 Chevy Bel Air con1957 Bel Air Chevy called ‘Blue vertible awaiting his attention.

32 MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Midwest family black with gold stripes and red candy with graphics in a three-layer design in red and gold with drop shadowing done in stages. Three sets of graphics lay on top of

Channel in May. Legendary rocker each other. Tom finished it off with a Bret Michaels, a long-time RV devo- custom 3D mural painted in the back tee, will host the all-new “Rock My of the motor home to commemorate RV” series. According to their web- the wild and scenic California coastsite, Michaels leads a team of skilled, line that the traveling family loves to custom RV designers and fabricators visit. to transform ordinary RVs into “outrageous, badass, hooked-up mobile Kawasaki Motocross Race Trailer mansions on the road.” Another recent project the Kelly men The Kelly’s have recently painted have worked on includes a Kawasaki two motor homes for the show, a Volvo tractor with a race trailer. GMC for a gourmet sausage entrepre- Painting extravagant tractor-trailer neur and a Fleetwood for a Midwest rigs is a Kelly specialty. Clients infamily who travels the California clude professional motocross and sucoast. percross teams and manufacturers. The GMC, Mitch said, looked These jobs are great calling cards for like it had been in a hurricane with the Kellys as the trucks travel across broken fiberglass and rusted screws, the country on nationwide tours with nuts and bolts. Kelly and crew re- riders giving TV interviews and paired the fiberglass, replaced all doing commercials in front of the hinges, sanded, base coated with his Kelly custom-painted trucks. all-time favorite red—PPG’s Hot What’s different about this new Red—and then added a black and gold project is that Thomas is solely repearl belly stripe while son Thomas sponsible for creating all the design created an awesome 3D logo for the owner’s business. “This was a three-Kelly effort,” said Mitch. Thomas did the design and logo work, Mitch did the mask off, and base painting and stencil graphics, and Tom Kelly, with his phenomenal airbrushing talents, added depth and shine with candies and Brian Deegan’s truck pearls and created a 3D affect. work. Proud Papa Mitch says his son Mitch painted the 30-foot Fleetpresented his design ideas to the corwood motor home belonging to the porate Kawasaki race team decision

makers who loved his work and agreed to the concept within five minutes. The semi is painted black with white and lime green and a heavy metallic blue, with a green and blue pearl for sparkle. Mitch says you can’t see the glitter until the sunlight hits it just right and then the paint job “winks at you.” Mitch is able to paint semis in a huge 63’x19’x19’ paint booth, but he didn’t start in a fancy, monster-size paint booth. He got his first semitruck custom paint job back in 1992 from the Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP). They wanted an image of a 30-foot volleyball player diving for the ball on the side of the truck. Mitch said yes before he even knew they could do it. Mitch recalls they set up a projector in the driveway and parked the truck on the street. They projected the image they wanted on side of the truck to sketch it out. Out of hundreds of custom paint jobs completed over four decades, this job turned out to be his all-time favorite. Today, custom paint jobs on a semi run about $50,000. It takes about a week of prepping and another four days to paint a semi, Mitch said.

Truck for Brian Deegan Mitch completed another recent tractor-trailer project for Brian Deegan who races off-road trucks. Thomas created the designs, incorporating all the sponsors’ logos and Mitch painted the rig using his favorite PPG Hot Red, Titanium Silver and created a bright yellow to match the “Rock Star” yellow. Mitch completed the black, red, silver and yellow look with red and gold micro sequence flakes. Deegan of Temecula, CA, is a former freestyle motocross racer who founded Metal Mulisha, a freestyle motocross FMX team, and is a Rally Car Gold Medalist and winner of ten X-Games medals.

And a Plane Motorcycles, custom vehicles, motor homes, semi trucks. So, why not a plane? Mitch’s friend Dana Pontious lives on an airport in the Mojave Desert and owns a 1955 Cessna 172, the second oldest Cessna 172 still flying today. Dana has owned the plane for a few years and she’s been flying it bare aluminum. The plane needed a paint job. Who better than her good friend Mitch? The father of Dana’s fiance, Adam, happens to be a mechanic

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and rated with FAA to work on planes, the plane and flying in a showcase. “I have waited a very long time to so they tore the plane apart and they hauled it in a trailer in 104 pieces to get this paint job,” Dana said. “As I sit back and look at it now, it was well Mitch’s Bellflower shop. Mitch met Dana years ago as a fellow dirt bike rider. “Dana is the kind of girl who hooks up a trailer to the motor home by herself, hauls it out to the desert, gets out her bike and rides with the boys at the same speed we did,” Mitch said. Mitch recently spent a long weekend prepping, sealing and painting the Cessna. He used PPG’s base colors, a Mitch Kelly and son Thomas Kelly titanium silver and white, to create a light gray with slight pearl worth the wait. It is better than I could metallic sheen. Of course, he added have ever imagined. I can’t believe his favorite Hot Red and then they this is my airplane!” covered the plane in black and silver graphics. Mitch said his son went a bit Can’t Move Without It crazy on the graphics and after three One of the products that Mitch finds long days of adding color and graphinvaluable in his shop is his mobile car dolly built by DJS Fabrications Inc. The dollies can be bolted to disk brakes, tires aren’t necessary, and it allows a tech to work beneath the car and works well for low-sitting cars that can be put right on the dolly. “They are invaluable for pushing a dead car around the shop,” said Mitch. “Currently, we have a 1982 low-rider Cadillac getting customized and it wouldn’t push any1955 Cessna 172 before paint job where, so we have it on one ics all over the body, tail and wings, of Doug’s dollies. We can move it Mitch was completely worn out. wherever we want to work on it. If you Adam put the plane back together and can’t move it, you can’t work on it. Dana made immediate plans to fly to They are vital to getting the job done.”

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Florida to pick up her sister to go to an air show and have some fun girl time. Dana’s plans included showing

For more information about Mitch and Tom Kelly Crazy Painters, go to: www.kellyandsoncrazypainters.com.

www.autobodynews.com | MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS 33

Third Generation Custom Painter Was Born Into the Business by Melanie Anderson

Darryl Hollenbeck, 45, of Vintage Color Studio in Concord, CA, is a third generation custom painter and car restorer. His grandfather owned one of the first body shops in Oakland back in the late ‘30s and early ‘40s

Custom painter Darryl Hollenbeck pictured here in the rearview mirror

and later sold his shop to Hollenbeck’s uncle. Darryl’s father worked in the shop as well, with Darryl joining the family business at age 21. With 25 years experience, Hollenbeck has owned Vintage Color Studio restoring hot rods and custom cars

for painting John Mumford’s 27 T Roadster, built by Roy Brizio Street Rods, which won “America’s Most Beautiful Roadster” at the recent 2013 Grand National Roadster Show in Pomona, CA. He’s won that award twice. The first time he won the award was in 2005 for painting Paul Hansen’s Moal Built 1932 Roadster called ‘Seduced.’ Over the course of his career, Hollenbeck has custom painted well over 100 cars, many of which have graced the covers of hot rod and custom car magazines. Several of those magazine covers are featured on his website at www.vintagecolorstudio.com. He owns three hot rods himself—a 1950 Mercury from his late father, a 1957 Chevy Wagon and a 1932 Roadster that he’s still working on. Some of Hollenbeck’s favorite projects include restoring historical cars that were originally customized back in the ‘30s and ‘40s. For example, Hollenbeck restored a 1949 Mercury that belonged to Sam Barris (George Barris’ brother). Hollenbeck said this car was the first Mercury to be chopped and customized and it was a new car when Sam Barris did it in 1949. Hollenbeck also restored the 1936 Ford Jack Calori Coupe, which was the November 1949 Hot Rod

Pickup and cost $15,000 to build. Peters and Gejeian built the undercarriage. It won the prestigious “America’s Most Beautiful Roadster” award at the Oak-

paint and body work on the car with Art Himsl doing the graphics. Another favorite project Hollenbeck worked on was Vic Edelbrock’s

This 1932 Roadster was owned by Vic Edelbrock Sr

land Roadster Show two years in a row in 1958 and 1959. The Ala Kart is known for being the first show rod that turned into a model car kit. The Ala Kart was restored by Roy Brizio Street Rods in 2011 and Hollenbeck did the

father’s 1932 Roadster that was restored by Roy Brizio Street Rods in 2004. Otis Victor Edelbrock, who died in 1962, was an American automotive aftermarket performance parts engineer, racer and is considered one

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Hollenbeck painted this 1949 Chevy truck for Eric Clapton

for the past 10 years. Most of the vintage cars he works on date back to the ‘30s, ‘40s and ‘50s, with the ‘newest’ car he’s ever worked on being a 1966 Shelby Mustang. “I love cars. I was born into it,” said Hollenbeck. “I love the challenge of taking something old and rusty and turning it into something beautiful and award-winning.” Hollenbeck has won several awards, including the award he won

Magazine Cover Car, and was Best in Class Winner at Pebble Beach in 2005. Another famous historical car that Hollenbeck has worked on is the Ala Kart, originally customized by George Barris and owned by Richard Peters. The car survived a fire that destroyed Barris’ shop in 1957. The car, named from a menu at the time George Barris, Richard Peters and friend Blackie Gejeian met at a local coffee shop to discuss the car, is based on a 1929 Ford

34 MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

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of the founders of the hot rod movement. The 1932 Roadster was the personal car of Edelbrock Sr. and was also as a test vehicle back in the ‘40s at the El Mirage Dry Lakes in southern California. Hollenbeck said the average project takes about three months, from start to finish, with the paint work itself taking about 10 days. Some of Hollenbeck’s famous customers include English rock guitarist Jeff Beck, singer Eric Clapton, and James Hetfield of Metallica. The recent change from solvents to waterborne paint isn’t something Hollenbeck is thrilled about. Like

many painters, he appreciates routine and using the new water-based products has changed up the way he’s used to doing things.

1936 Ford coupe

“Now we gotta try to make water base work for what we do, and it’s geared more toward the collision in-

The famous Ala Kart originally customized by George Barris won “America’s Most Beautiful Roadster” in 1958 and 1959

dustry,” he said. “It does have its advantages in what we do, but you get used to doing something a certain way, then all the sudden the EPA changes everything on you.” He says waterborne is easier to use, but takes longer to dry between coats. For example, he said it used to take him eight hours to paint a Roadster with solvent and now that same size car takes

According to Cindy Schauer, Segment Communications Manager with PPG, the company is not launching a new waterborne platform for the custom painter, but over the last few years, PPG has made some products that work well with their current waterborne brands, Envirobase High Performance and Aquabase Plus, that make it easier to use in a custom finishing situation.

Hollenbeck restored this 1932 Roadster

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about 12 hours to paint using waterbase. He also acknowledges that the water-based paint colors are more vibrant, but adds that a custom line of water-base products for custom work doesn’t exist yet. Hollenbeck has been using PPG for nearly 30 years, since he was “in high school and just starting to mess around with paint,” and says the PPG brand is very user-friendly. “There isn’t a custom line of water base,” he said. “For instance, Candy Apple Red isn’t available in water base so you have to figure out how to make it and that takes more time.”

Darryl Hollenbeck’s Vintage Color Studio, 2330 Bates Ave, Suite B-1 Concord CA 94520 Phone : 925.671.7773 www.vintagecolorstudio.com

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www.autobodynews.com | MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS 35

Six Tips to Finding Success in Process Analysis

stantly see ways to improve allows us versation leads to solutions. To set up has increased both profitability and to adapt to an ever-changing indus- new processes and implement productivity. With FinishMaster’s try.” Even if a process is documented, change, there has to be buy-in from unique KPI tracking methods we Audit is a scary word—tax audits, fi- review it using the Process Analysis all participants. monitor our progress to ensure the nancial audits, and process audits plan, there might be additional opMatch changes/Standard Op- procedures are followed and the often conjure images of mounds of portunity for improvement. erating Procedures (SOPs) to ma- changes are positive,” said Shrewspaperwork. There are different apKeep it simple. Smith said he terial movement. Think back to the bury of Ferman Acura and Chevrolet. proaches to running an audit, many of starts with one area that needs im- color match issue reviewed during Step 2 is to monitor performance. which are cumbersome, completed provement, such as color match. the Process Analysis. Once the curAgain, everyone has KPIs and one time and forgotten, or too com- Having a “road map of questions” in rent process is understood through spreadsheets with more numbers than plicated from the first step. advance and asking more that come questions and photo documentation, most can digest. Keep it simple. Have to mind while walking digging through the data is the next only pertinent KPIs and build a custhrough the process allows step. Identify areas that the smallest tom tracking calculator that can monyou to uncover opportuni- changes will have the greatest im- itor the effectiveness of the changes ties for improvement. Smith pact. For example, with color match a implemented. This takes some crecontinued, “It is important suggested improvement is to com- ativity and some help from Finishto take pictures while you plete the initial spray out when jamb- Master, but when you sit down to are conducting the process ing parts. review KPIs it will include very speanalysis. This is not only a When implementing a small cific measures of implemented great reminder of each step, change, this is the perfect opportunity change that show profitability and but it is also an important to set up SOPs. productivity results. visual aid when compiling “During the SOP setup, we use Understand that the process the analytics. Here are some the data collected to match all matenever ends. The continuous imChris Shrewsbury, Ferman Acura and Chevrolet with of the basic questions sperials, storage, and distribution to the provement model is a key component Jeff Smith, FinishMaster cific to color match asked technicians so there is comSimplifying the process and during a Process Analysis. plete compliance. When you moving away from a process audit to • When is color matching done? can match procedures to maa Process Analysis will help you with • Is it done in the spray booth? terials with no options to step continuous improvement. FinishMas- • Do you use all color documentation outside the defined SOPs, ter has built a system to help shop including variant chips? you have a very high success owners improve processes by getting • When do you do spray outs? rate on both profitability and the entire team involved, applying Keeping it simple and walking productivity,” said Smith. small changes, and monitoring suc- through one process from start to finMonitor for success. cess over time. ish, rather than tackling an entire list, Smith reinforced, “Making Jeff Smith, FinishMaster District enables the group to more easily major changes is why we see Sales Manager in West Central identify points of opportunity for other audits fail. Focusing on Larry Lampinen, Nu Finish Collision with Jeff Smith Florida, discusses shop audits he has change. small changes has the most seen in the past. “I have seen audits Gain more input from Man- impact, and monitoring those of making the Process Analysis sucthat are 30 pages long with 100+ agement and Technicians. Focusing changes is the only way to be successful. By removing blinders, all boxes to check off. People are ready on the questions and answers gath- cessful.” areas in the shop can be reviewed to be done before they start. Our ex- ered during the Process Analysis is There are two simple steps once over time and check lists can be upperience shows that less is better and the best opportunity to gain insight you have identified an opportunity dated if better process ideas are idenit is more about observing and asking about current process and ideas for and set new SOPs. tified. Larry Lampinen, Owner of questions than checking boxes.” change. If you ask the right questions, Step 1 is to build a follow-up Nu Finish Collision in Brandon, FL, Smith said they have built a process check list. Basically, this is a discusses his experience with Finishfocused around six key points that small analysis custom built Master’s Process Analysis. lead to an effective and successful to monitor compliance on all “Most companies claim to have Process Analysis. the agreed changes and new a lot of tools to help you, but you Take off the blinders. Look at SOPs with key performance rarely see them used. To my surprise, the shop from a fresh perspective and indicators (KPIs). Most of FinishMaster came in day one doing do not assume that anything is perthe time audits are pera Process Analysis and has not fect. FinishMaster helps remove the formed, the results go in the stopped bringing me ideas for imblinders by tailoring the process back of the desk drawer and provement. The data the Process analysis to what each shops needs. implementation is rare. With Analysis provides ties material usage Chris Shrewsbury, Collision a follow-up check list perto an individual technician in correDirector for Ferman Acura and formed at preset intervals, lation to their hours produced. This Chris Shrewsbury, Ferman Acura and Chevrolet with Chevrolet in Tampa, FL, talks about the same issues will not gives us a very precise way to see Jose Bezares, FinishMaster Account Manager his experience with audits. “Instead come up six months or a profitability by technician so we can of one size fits all, FinishMaster’s in most cases, both the management year later. A check list has to be cus- identify opportunities for improveProcess Analysis really looks at our and the technicians will give you tom built with each Process Analysis ment right down to a technician. facilities for ways to improve on an more than enough opportunities for conducted at the shop. Their implementation of best pracindividual basis and they help imple- improvement. Building the Process “Setting up procedures that tices has been a benefit to my overall ment the changes. Being able to con- Analysis through documented con- match only materials in our facility performance.” by Susan Guyer Finishmaster Marketing Manager

36 MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

On Creative Marketing

Tom Franklin has been a sales and marketing consultant for fifty years. He has written numerous books and provides marketing solutions and services for many businesses. He can be reached at (323) 871-6862 or at tbfranklin@aol.com. See Tom’s columns at www.autobodynews.com under Columnists > Franklin

Using Signage to be Unique in the Digital Age with Thomas Franklin

Are signs still relevant in this digital age of websites, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and more? The U.S. Census Bureau says 18% of households relocate every year. It’s well known that many people choose a place of business by the attractiveness of its appearance and signs. People who move into the vicinity of a collision repair facility are likely to only know of the shop if they see a sign and like it. The Small Business Agency reports that businesses that add, improve or enlarge signage enjoy an average revenue increase of about 5%. Signs in this digital age should also have a broader focus. In addition to the usual location and services message, today’s sign should also drive viewers to the shop’s website, Facebook page, and other on-line locations like Twitter, Pinterest and YouTube. This is especially true of signs not on the shop’s physical property. Shop vehicles with printed information, or a

magnetic sign, should definitely emphasize on-line connections in larger type. The same is true if the shop invests in bus bench ads, bus ads, taxicab ads or billboards. All of the signs and ads should have the same look and feel with a prominent logo and any other images used. Some shops like to use a photo of the shop but this space could be much better used. Signs with an emotional appeal always do better. Charities use photos of handicapped children or handicapped older people to reach viewers emotionally. Sympathy may work for them but fear is a much better target emotion for body shop sign messages. One survey found 9% of vehicle drivers text or talk on a cell phone while driving. A dramatic photo of an inverted crashed vehicle could capture attention with a message like, “This could be you. Don’t text and drive or you might be paying us a visit,” or

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“Don’t read this sign if we’re interrupting your text message. We’ll see you at the shop.” One key to an effective sign is uniqueness. Check out your competition’s signs to see what you shouldn’t do. You don’t want to be sending a “me too” message. It’s pointless to emphasize quality. Everyone expects that. Emphasizing cost for self-pay prospects is fine, but is unlikely to motivate those who expect insurance to pay. One approach that isn’t often used is the collision prevention emphasis. It takes a tip from dentists who emphasize tooth care but know they’ll be fixing the teeth anyway. A shop with an adequate facility to hold a small weekly or monthly class could provide information on collision aversion and prevention. Insurance agents would be glad to speak to young drivers or students just for the exposure to new potential customers. The sign invitation message would be truly unique. The size and location of a sign generally determines how many people see and read it. Today’s huge, digital moving signs are astonishing but also very expensive. Ten years ago I priced out a Las Vegas style moving neon sign for a shop. The cost was over $500,000. It’s probably much less today but still prohibitive for any regular sized shop. But this type of sign is worth checking out. In a location by heavy street or highway traffic this kind of sign would capture continual viewers. A while back one

group of shops in the same general area pooled their resources and invested in large signage. They called themselves “Gold Class Collision Shops” and listed all locations on the signs. I was surprised by the cooperation of shop owners who were actually competing for business in that area. There is one final concern about the message on signs and related media. Any shop with a website would like to have their site appear on Google’s or Yahoo’s first page when someone searches for a collision repair facility in their area. The search engine that weighs and evaluates the site determines in what order their site appears. My web-savvy sources tell me content on a site is very important and the keywords used in that content may determine the fate of the site when it is evaluated. If a shop has done its homework, the best keywords that people look for are known and used frequently in the site’s content. The problem is that all of the other shops doing a professional site will be using most of the same key words. Here is where a shop seeking uniqueness in signs and ads can multiply the benefit by incorporating key words and images that most other shops wouldn’t use. By approaching the content for a sign using the same basic keyword and image idea used to attract search engine recognition, it is also likely to attract a sign’s viewer and drive that viewer to look for the shop’s website.

WIN Announces Scholarship Winners for Conference

The Women’s Industry Network (WIN) announced its scholarship winners for the 2013 WIN Educational Conference to be held May 5–7, 2013. In keeping with its mission to support and encourage women who are entering or are already in the collision industry, WIN has offered nine scholarships to attend the event being held at the Ritz Carlton in Phoenix, AZ. Receiving student scholarships are: Zoe Gorow, studying at Lake Washington Institute of Technology, Kirkland, WA; and Kaitlyn Lease, attending Lexington Technology Center, Columbia, SC. The shop employee winners are:

Lindsey Hassevoort, Customer Service Representative, Holland Auto Body Xperts Carstar, Grand Rapids, MI; Myssee Grysen, Customer Service Representative, Holland Auto Body Xperts Carstar, Grand Rapids, MI; Melissa Kaboos, Collision Repair Teaching Assistant, Kent Career Technical Center, Hudsonville, MI; and Amanda Bolton, Estimator, Gerber Collision and Glass, Jessup, MD. For more information on WIN Scholarships, visit http://www.womensindustrynetwork.com/Scholarships.aspx or contact Teresa Bolton at tbolton@ase.com.

www.autobodynews.com

www.autobodynews.com | MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS 37

Inside Insurance

The Insider is a corporate-level executive with a Top 10 auto insurer in the U.S.. Got a comment or question you’d like to see him address in a future column? Email him at Auto.Insurance.Insider@gmail.com

Shops Should Be Able to Offer Whatever Discounts They Want with The Insurance Insider

There is enough controversy in the industry today to write three or four different stories on the hot topics. I will not contribute to the proliferation of propaganda and conspiracy theories by discussing parts or insurance company direct repair programs. I have another controversy for shops to rally around.

didn’t take direct action to address it. It was easy to cost-shift 40 years ago because OEM sheet metal parts were very expensive. Parts were three times the price they are today. They were also three times the size and weight. OEM parts were expensive because there wasn’t any real competition. (The aftermarket parts industry

business. I think we refer to that as competition in the marketplace. I do not believe I would find a colleague here in the insurance industry to support my ideology. The problem is trust. I suppose this cunning old wily insurance veteran still believes that shops have some integrity. But every piece of legislation ever proposed or enacted was put in place because generally my industry doesn’t trust shops to do the right thing. Nobody will publicly make that statement, but it is fact. Insurers believe that it is impossible for a shop to offer a significantly discounted deductible without cost-shifting. I agree to some extent because the profit margins in the shops are certainly not what they were in the 70s or 80s. But if a shop decided they wanted to reduce their profit margin to gain a customer, why should it be illegal? Isn’t that the true definition of a direct repair program? I am not sure how

providing a discounted deductible is any different. After all, shops agree to provide a parts discount or reduced labor rate in exchange for being on a direct repair program in order to gain business. I am not advocating for “costshifting” or committing fraud. I am not supporting shops writing all OEM parts so they can repair them or replace them with aftermarket parts. I am suggesting that shops should be able to offer whatever discount they want to customers, up to and including reduced deductibles. Considering today’s economy, customers may be more apt to have their vehicle repaired rather than cashing out. If it was up to me, I would trust you to do the right thing. You should also know that I do not employ enough adjusters to reinspect every vehicle we insure, thus rendering my opinion moot. But I trust you.

Finish it like a Masterpiece Due to my executive position and the company I am employed by, I have not been able to share my views publicly or within the confines of my corporation. Don’t feel bad for me. That’s why I write these articles. I can share my thoughts and experience without placing my job in jeopardy. I can only imagine what would happen if I decided to challenge “The Institution” and talk about what is widely considered heresy amongst insurance executives. Several decades ago, it was common practice for shops to help customers with their “out-of-pocket expense.” Shops would attract and assist their customers by paying a tow bill or a portion of their rental car expense. Some shops went further and decided to cover the customer’s deductible. How was this possible? It was because there weren’t a lot of laws and regulations strictly prohibiting the behavior of cost-shifting. Insurance companies knew about it, although we

was still only in its infancy.) If you had to replace a fender, you ordered a genuine OEM part from the dealership. Because parts were expensive, shops could write for a new part and repair the old one. This allowed shops to make a lot of money on labor, save the customer money and still do a safe repair. Life was much easier for body shops back then. Direct repair programs didn’t exist, which facilitated the body shop industry accepting the widespread adoption of cost-shifting. Now, because of legislation, costshifting is considered fraudulent. What about deductibles? There is legislation in many states that prohibits a shop from “saving” or “reimbursing” the customer’s deductible. Here is where I am going to stray from the herd: I believe shops should be able to advertise and implement deductible saving programs. Shops should be able to decide whether or not they want to offer incentives to their consumers as a means of gaining

38 MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

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David Brunori Promoted to Division President at Matrix

Car Theft Drops by 88% in Massachusetts

Matrix System recently promoted Car thefts in Massachusetts have David Brunori to division presidropped by 88% since the middent of Quest Automotive Products 1970s, when the state had the dubi(QAP). ous distinction of being the country’s Brunori has 30 years of expericar theft capital, the Claims Journal to this Southwest Edition? ence in the collision repair and recently reported. restoration market and has been Insurance experts and law enwith Matrix System Automotive forcement officials credit the draFinishes for 20 years. matic drop to anti-theft features, autobodynews.com Brunori currently serves on the from transponder keys and immobiBoard of Trustees for the Collision lizing devices and vehicle tracking Repair Education Foundation, the systems, and to vigorous enforceOakland Schools Education Foundament by police. ness with your business with tion, and as anPromote adviser for the Oakland The Boston Globe reports that Schools’ Technical Campus–Souththere were 1,575 reports of stolen vefeaturing an exclusive article featuring west. He holds a bachelor’s degree in hicles in Boston last year, compared services. products chemistry and your a graduate degreeor in services. with 28,000 in 1975. In Massachubusiness management. setts, car thefts have dropped every “Being named division presiyear since 2001. dent is an honor and a major accomThe state now ranks near the midplishment in my professional career,” dle of the pack nationally, a drop that said Brunori. “I haveCall always tried to has helped stabilize insurance rates. or details! for details! follow very simple guidelines: have a The bad news is that these days vision, lead people and stay focused. stolen 251 800-699-8251 vehicles are less likely to be I am looking forward to see what the found. Many are shipped overseas or future has in store.” are driven to Mexico.

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Service King’s Bonner to Speak at PBES Conference

Cathy Bonner, chairman of the board at Service King Collision Repair Centers, will be a featured speaker at the 2013 Paint, Body & Equipment Specialists (PBES) Spring Conference, May 14–16 at the Embassy Suites Phoenix-Scottsdale. Bonner will present “Service King’s Vision for Expansion and Outlook for the Industry.” In addition, she will share her view of the Carlyle Group’s entry into the industry and her outlook on multishop consolidation. Bonner is a business entrepreneur with more than 35 years’ experience in leading a variety of multi-million dollar organizations in both the public and private sector. Fortune Magazine named Bonner one of the 25 most influential women entrepreneurs in America, calling her “…smart, gutsy, and innovative—as interested in making a difference as in making money.” In 2010, Bonner was hired as Service King’s president to develop a strategic growth plan for the company. In August 2012, the Carlyle Group, an investment firm, purchased Service King.

SEMA Board Candidates

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Chairman-Elect Category 1. Doug Evans, Source Interlink Media www.ncountybmw.com 2. Tim Martin, K&N Engineering (800) 564-8222 Manufacturers Category 3. Al Azadi, Omix-ADA, Inc./Rugged Ridge 4. Kyle Fickler, Weld Racing North County BMW 5. Steve Matusek, Aeromotive, Inc. 6. Tim Watts, Superlift Suspension Systems www.ncountybmw.com (800) 564-8222 Manufacturer’s Representative Category 7. Jeff Bates, Bob Cook Sales North County BMW 8. Greg Bernheisel, Considine Sales & Marketing This year the voting will take www.ncountybmw.com (800) 564-8222 place online between May 15–June 11, 2013. Voting is open to current SEMA member companies and votes must be cast by the member’s designated primary contact. Winners will be announced in June, and formally inducted in July. For more information about the 2013-2016 SEMA Board of Directors election, contact Arlene Wood at arlenew@sema.org or call 909-978-6678. North County BMW

Chicago Pneumatic Gives $10,000 in Tool Grants

Chicago Pneumatic has announced that it is providing ten $1,000 tool grants to the Collision Repair Education Foundation. These grants will allow students entering the workforce to have the best pneumatic tools available to enhance their new skill sets. Secondary and post-secondary collision students attending career and technical schools and colleges have the opportunity to apply for more than $300,000 in available scholarships and tool grants available through the Collision Repair Education Foundation and its industry supporters. Other sponsored awards include: • 3M Hire Our Heroes Veteran Scholarships & Tool Grants • Alliance of Automotive Service Providers Massachusetts (AASPMA) Tool Grants • ABRA Auto Body & Glass Tool Grants • Alcoa Foundation Aluminum Training Grants • CCC Michael Salvatore Memorial Student Repair Technician Scholarship.

www.autobodynews.com CHECK IT OUT!

Foundation Says 91 Cents of Every Buck Went to Schools

The Collision Repair Education Foundation recently announced that 91 cents out of every dollar donated went towards the future proTo assisting advertise fessionals of the industry. call Advertising Sales at: Charity Navigator, America’s 800-699-8251 leading independent charity evaluator, advises that “the most efficient e-mail: charities spend 75% or more of their advertising@autobodynews.com budget on their programs and servwww.autobodynews.com ices and less than 25% on fundraising and administrative fees.” The Collision Repair Education Foundation having a 91-9% giving ratio displays its’ commitment to the industry’s future, while staying lean See the N in its’ operational expenses. Collision Repair Education Foundation Director of Development Brandon Eckenrode noted, “It is www.autobodyn important for charities to be accountable and transparent to their donors. We are grateful to our 175 donors in 2012 for their record breaking $4.9 million in giving, and it is our responsibility as a not-for-profit organization to ensure that the industry’s support reaches those in the most need. On behalf of the organization’s To advertise staffcall and Board Trustees, we SeanofHartman at:thank our supporters and look forward to 800-699-8251 making 2013 a year to remember.”

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Education Foundation to Offer Free 1-Year I-CAR Curriculum Grants to 100 Post-Secondary Schools

Insurers Rated for Best and Worst Customer Experiences; USAA Ranked “Good”

Automotive Body Parts Association Hires Edward Salamy as New Executive Director

Mitchell Releases New RepairCenter Connect, Which Allows Insurers to Send Assignments to Any Shop

The Collision Repair Education Foundation will offer free one-year I-CAR® curriculum grants to 100 public postsecondary schools in 2013. This will assist post-secondary schools with budget constraints, allowing these schools to offer their students the new I-CAR® Professional Development Program™—Education Edition. The application for the curriculum grant will be part of the Education Foundation’s 2013 Ultimate Collision Education Makeover grant. The grants are being funded by a donation from I-CAR as result of a new initiative that began in 2012, where I-CAR pledged $1 for every ICAR class attended in 2012. This resulted in a $200,000 donation to the Collision Repair Education Foundation; the largest monetary donation the Collision Repair Education Foundation has received since its founding in 1991. Half of these funds will be used to support the broad and important work the Foundation performs, and half will be reinvested specifically into post-secondary schools to help them access much needed curriculum. “Curriculum is the foundation to any collision repair training program,

The Automotive Body Parts Association (ABPA) recently hired Edward Salamy of ETS Management Group, Inc. as their new Executive Director. He will officially join the association on April 1 to begin the transition phase from retiring Executive Director, Stan Rodman. Salamy brings to the position 15 years of experience in the alternative parts supply channel with the last seven years serving as the Director of Industry Relations for member company, KSI Trading Corporation. He remains a distributor member of the CAPA Board and will continue to help the association to promote the usage of certified parts—a long standing position of the ABPA. “Having served as a sales manager, regional manager and industry liaison, he is well aware of the many challenges our members face and I am excited to have him help lead the association into this new era of parts distribution,” said Nick Scheid, President of the ABPA Board of Directors. Stan Rodman, who has served as the ABPA’s Executive Director for over 30 years, informed the Board in

and it is very unsettling to see that when school budgets get cut, curriculum budgets also get cut,” said Clark Plucinski, Executive Director of the Collision Repair Education Foundation. “If schools do not have even the basic curriculum to teach, students are missing out on a consistent and thorough learning experience. I applaud ICAR for taking the initiative in getting curriculum in the hands of the colleges across the country. This will benefit the collision students studying in those programs greatly.” To be eligible, public post-secondary schools must complete the 2013 Ultimate Collision Education Makeover grant, which is available on the Collision Repair Education Foundation website at www.CollisionEducationFoundation.org. As part of the application, a school must submit an additional statement on why they would like to be considered for a curriculum grant. The application is due on May 31, 2013. Any questions about the application can be directed to Melissa Marscin, Director of Grant Programs for the Education Foundation at Melissa.marscin@ed-foundation.org.

2011 of his intentions to retire in 2013 which lead to a 12-month national search for his successor. Through Rodman’s leadership and guidance, the members have enjoyed many years of insight, product and distribution advancements, market awareness and enjoyable conferences. “It has been the Board’s honor to work with Stan as he finishes his tenure and we are excited to now work with Ed as the new challenges we face have matured just as the industry itself has. At our upcoming annual convention, we will pay tribute to Stan Rodman as he passes on the baton to Ed Salamy in a joint celebration of where the ABPA has been and where we are going. We expect to see all our members at this historical event where they can say goodbye to a great friend and hello to their new leader while also meeting with peers, suppliers and other industry representatives,” said Scheid. The ABPA will hold its next business conference in Charleston, SC, May 1– 4. For more information, visit http://www.autobpa.com/.

40 MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

The 2013 Temkin Experience Ratings ranked 246 companies across 19 industries based on the customers’ experience. In its third year, the survey of 10,000 U.S. consumers found the insurance industry—comprised of 14 carriers—showed steady improvement from an average experience rating of 59% in 2011 to 65% in 2013. Bruce Temkin, managing partner of Temkin Group, said the survey began with a much larger group of the nation’s largest insurance carriers. The 14 insurers were chosen based on a minimum of 100 responses to the survey. The survey measured three components of customer satisfaction: • Functional—can customers do what they want to do. • Accessible—how easy is it to work with the company. • Emotional—how consumers feel about their indications with the company. USAA: Ranking: 29/246 Experience Rating: 77% Ranked with an overall carrier experience considered “Good” was USAA. USAA’s score improved from last year by four points.

Mitchell recently released RepairCenter Connect, a new solution that the company says streamlines communications between insurance companies and collision repair shops by allowing any shop, even those outside Direct Repair Program (DRP) networks, to receive an appraisal assignment from an insurance company. By simplifying assignment retrieval and automatically consolidating the important artifacts into Mitchell WorkCenter, RepairCenter Connect contains all the functionality necessary for insurers to expand their body shop network to include nonDRP shops. As a result, Mitchell says work can be shifted to more cost-effective channels, without the manual communications that often increase chances for error and create more inefficiencies. “Two important industry drivers—efficiency and cost—played a major role as Mitchell sought to improve the often slow, manual communications required when insurers work with out-of-network shops on a claim,” said Jesse Herrera, Senior Vice President, Product Management

State Farm: Ranking: 64/246 Rating: 73%. State Farm improved by 1 point from last year. Liberty Mutual: Ranking: 203/246 Rating: 56% In second-to-last place is Liberty Mutual, down 3 points from 2012. Another insurer that received a poor rating is American Family, which ranked 191 and received a rating of 58%. 21st Century: Ranking: 242/246 Rating: 49% In last place is 21st Century, a drop of 7 points over its 2012 rating. The company did poorly in all three of the rating components compared to the overall industry average with Functional the worst followed by Accessible and then Emotional. Nine insurers ranked in the midrange, with industry average rating between 60% and 70%. Nationwide ranked 100 with a rating of 68% and came in third among all the insurers. The other 10 insurance companies on the list, which ranked in the mid-range, are: GEICO, Allstate, Progressive, Metlife, Travelers, The Hartford, Farmers, and AAA.

and Customer Experience. “With RepairCenter Connect, the same tools work for any shop, allowing even low-volume and out-of-network shops to receive assignments and upload artifacts. It is part of Mitchell’s ongoing commitment to increase efficiency within the claim and repair process.” Mitchell says that for shops already using Mitchell software for communication with insurance companies, the experience will be seamless. They can receive assignments and upload estimates and supporting documents in their current platform. Shops not using Mitchell software are directed to an intuitive, webbased portal for assignment needs, allowing for a simple transition that improves overall processes for insurers’ needs. RepairCenter Connect is fully integrated with Mitchell WorkCenter, an open, modular, and end-to-end physical damage claims settlement solution. To learn more about Mitchell’s shop program management capabilities, please visit mitchell.com/workcenter/repairmanagement.

Most & Least Expensive States for Car Insurance

Louisiana has the highest average car insurance rates in the nation, followed by Michigan and Georgia, according to Insure.com’s annual state-by-state comparison of insurance premiums. Maine enjoys the least expensive car insurance rates, followed by Iowa. Georgia rose from the No. 10 position in 2012 to this year’s third-place spot.

2013 state rankings of car insurance rates Avg. annual premium* 1 Louisiana $ 2,699 2 Michigan $ 2,520 3 Georgia $ 2,155 4 Oklahoma $ 2,074 5 Washington, D.C. $ 2,006 6 Montana $ 1,914 7 California $ 1,819 8 West Virginia $ 1,816 9 Rhode Island $ 1,735 10 Kentucky $ 1,725 11 Connecticut $ 1,723 12 New Jersey $ 1,697 13 Alabama $ 1,667 14 Missouri $ 1,638 15 Massachusetts $ 1,625 16 Pennsylvania $ 1,604 17 Delaware $ 1,586 18 Hawaii $ 1,583 19 Texas $ 1,545 20 Arkansas $ 1,545 21 Maryland $ 1,528

National average 22 North Dakota 23 Wyoming 24 Alaska 25 Utah 26 Kansas 27 Minnesota 28 New Mexico 29 Tennessee 30 South Dakota 31 Oregon 32 Nebraska 33 New York 34 Florida 35 Mississippi 36 Nevada 37 Virginia 38 Illinois 39 South Carolina 40 Colorado 41 Wisconsin 42 Arizona 43 Washington 44 Indiana 45 Vermont 46 Idaho 47 New Hampshire 48 Ohio 49 North Carolina 50 Iowa 51 Maine

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

1,510 1,501 1,496 1,455 1,438 1,435 1,432 1,431 1,408 1,397 1,387 1,384 1,369 1,364 1,345 1,341 1,322 1,322 1,288 1,271 1,228 1,227 1,226 1,183 1,176 1,133 1,112 1,106 1,085 1,028 934

Source: Insure.com.

Safest Cars are Civics, Lincolns, Mazdas, Volvos; Toyota Camry, Prius V Get Front-End Downgrade

Two versions of Honda’s Civic are among five vehicles added to Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s list of top safety picks for performing well on a new crash test simulating a severe front-end collision. The two- and four-door Civics, Honda’s second-best selling car in the U.S., earned the IIHS’ “Top Safety Pick Plus” award for performance both in previous tests and a new evaluation of a crash in which a vehicle’s front corner collides with a car, tree or pole. Volvo Cars’s Volvo XC60, Ford’s Lincoln MKZ and Mazda’s 2014 Mazda 6 also got the top picksplus designation. Thirteen other models were named in December. “Improvements to the Civic and Accord allow us to put large-volume vehicles into the marketplace and improve the safety of the overall fleet,” Chuck Thomas, chief engineer of automotive safety for Honda in the U.S., said. The insurance group, based in Arlington, VA, has said it created the new test in part to improve vehicle safety. Honda made engineering changes to the 2013 Civic in part to meet the test requirements and asked

the group to test the car, Thomas said. The institute this week said it will release results of the small-overlap front crash test for small sport-utility vehicles this year. In December, it released results of the test for mid-size cars with Toyota’s Camry, formerly the best-selling mid-size car in the U.S., and the Prius V hybrid, earning the lowest ratings in the new front-end collision test. Camry was recently suplanted by Ford’s Focus in this sales category. The insurance-industry funded group has said it introduced the test last year because that type of accident accounts for almost a fourth of frontal crashes that seriously injure or kill people in front seats. Honda used higher-strength steel formed at high temperatures to strengthen the Civic body and designed the cars so the engine compartment absorbs more energy in a front crash, Thomas said. He declined to comment on the cost of the changes. The Civic was redesigned for the 2012 model year. It overtook Toyota’s Corolla last year as the best-selling compact sedan in the U.S., according to researcher Autodata Corp.

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Axalta Coating Systems (formerly DuPont Performance Coatings) held its 9th Fleet Business Council meeting in Paterson, NJ, on April 5-6 to provide fleet business owners and managers with the leadership skills to improve shop efficiency, enhance profitability and grow their business. The Fleet Business Council is the first forum of its kind in the U.S. Established in 2009 with a group of 10 fleet customers from across the U.S., the Council brings together specialists in heavy-duty truck, RV, bus and commercial equipment repair and refinishing. The goal of the Council is to promote an environment where owners and managers can interact with other professionals, share best practices and further develop their business management skills. Led by industry expert Mike Anderson of Collision Advice and hosted by Axalta Coating Systems, the meetings are scheduled on a quarterly basis and are structured to include a discussion of financial management principles, member shop tours and critiques, as well as guest speakers who provide industry information. Valtek, Inc., located in Paterson,

hosted a tour of its shop that focuses on repair of heavyduty truck and equipment, fire apparatus, RVs and buses. A representative from Reliable Equipment presented an overview of new tools, equipment, and processes for bonding and riveting on vehicles. Kirsten Klabunde, a certified CPA with Collision Advice, provided a detailed look into the benefits of using the statement of cash flows to analyze business operations. “Participating in the Axalta Fleet Business Council has significantly improved the direction and profitability of our business,” said Joel Forte, one of the owners of Final Touch Coach Works in Valencia, CA, who has been a Council member for one year. “The networking opportunity to address real-world business concerns has proven to be extremely valuable.” For additional information or to become a member of the Axalta Fleet Business Council, contact your local Axalta Coating Systems representative or call 1.800.438.3876.

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www.autobodynews.com | MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS 41

Hey Toby! with Toby Chess

Toby Chess is an I-CAR program instructor, Training specialist, and former salvage yard operator. Toby is universally known in the collision industry for his work with first responders and advocacy for body shops and consumers. He can be reached at tcspeedster@yahoo.com

Glass and Windshield Installs Must Be Handled by the Book

The other day I heard about a lawsuit engineered so that the windshield prothat I would like to share with you vides much of the stiffness necessary (see article starting on the cover). to keep the roof from collapsing. In A Toyota dealer contacted Safe- fact, some experts say that the windlite to install a windshield into a shield accounts for up to 60% of the 2005 Toyota Tundra. The vehicle cabin’s structural integrity in a rollover. was involved in a rollover accident and the windshield allegedly with David“sepaMcClune rated from the pickup” resulting in two fatalities. Safelite contends that they only handled the claim and contracted with a independent class company to handle the installation and they should not be named in the multi million-dollar lawsuit. I’m not going to comment on the merits of the case but it reminds us of the importance of correct windshield and Some vehicles, the passenger’s glass installs. with John Yoswickside frontal air bag is deflected off of Barrett Smith, President of Auto the windshield and is aimed at the Damage Experts wrote: “This is why front passenger seat. Just these two exit is so very import to be very careful amples should serve to remind us that and selective when choosing a sublet installing a windshield takes more than glass replacement company and other a phone call to your local vendor and outside vendors to provide services you are finished. Not by a long shot. for your business. Just because you 2) Before going any further, let’s engage another’s service doesn’t ex- look at how glass is categorized. empt you and your company from liaAll windshields are marked with bilities that may arise from a tragic two letters: AS stands for American loss such as this. Even recommending Standard. The number indicates the with Richard Steffen another service could land you in position in the vehicle where the enough trouble to cost you tens of glass may be used, based on its optithousands in dollars proving you have cal quality. AS1 is the clearest glass no liability!” (at least 70% light transmission), is Let’s take a look at the basics of laminated, and can be used anywhere glass and windshields in particular. in a motor vehicle (typically just the 1) What is the function of a wind- windshield). shield? AS2 is tempered, with at least 70% The main function of today’s wind- light transmission, and can be used anyshield is where except the windshield, and— ■ It is part of the vehicle structure AS3 can be used in certain locawith John Yoswick ■ It is part of the frontal air bag system tions in certain vehicles (it can be lam■ It restrains the passengers in vehicle inated or tempered, and has less than ■ And yes, it keeps the bugs off your 70% light transmission.) AS3 is also face. known as Privacy Glass.”

binds the two panes of glass together. Once sealed together, the glass “sandwich” (i.e., laminate) behaves as a single unit and looks like any other glass. Tempered glass is a type of safety glass processed by controlled thermal or chemical treatments to increase its strength compared with normal glass. Tempering creates balanced internal stresses which cause the glass, when broken, to crumble into small granular chunks instead of splintering into jagged shards. These two pictures and examples of the marking on the glass. They are known as “bugs” and will be found on all automotive glass and to identify what type of glass it is. Vehicle manufacturers must meet Federal Motor Safety Standards 208, 212, 216 & 219 for glass and vehicle occupant safety. Aftermarket installers use urethane and primers that are manufactured and tested to meet federal and industry standards, but they

California Autobody Association

Year in Quotes

Collision Repair Association of CA.

Transition Planning

We deal with 2 types of glass: laminated and tempered. Laminated glass is a type of safety glass that holds together when shattered. In the event of breaking, it is held in place by an interlayer, typiwith Karyn Hendricks cally of polyvinyl butyral (PVB), beOne reason rollovers are so dantween its two or more layers of glass. gerous is that, when a vehicle rolls The bonding process takes place over, its roof can crush down on the ocunder heat and pressure. When lamicupants, causing head injuries, paranated under these conditions, the PVB plegia and death. Today’s vehicles are interlayer becomes optically clear and

Shop Showcase

42 MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

with David M. Brown

are not regulated by the government, which means that you better do your due diligence when subletting your glass. (See form on page 56.) If you are not familiar with the safety stan-

dards here they are:

FMVSS and Autoglass FMVSS205, FMVSS212, FMVSS216, FMVSS219 See below for a look at a few of the popular Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards pertaining to auto glass, including a brief summary of each standard.

571.205 Standard No. 205; Glazing Materials Scope. This standard specifies requirements for glazing materials for use in motor vehicles and motor vehicle equipment. Purpose. The purpose of this standard is to reduce injuries resulting from impact to glazing surfaces, to ensure a necessary degree of transparency in motor vehicle windows for driver visibility, and to minimize the possibility of occupants being thrown through the vehicle windows in collisions.

571.212 Standard No. 212; Windshield Mounting Scope. This standard establishes windshield retention requirements for motor vehicles during crashes. Purpose. The purpose of this standard is to reduce crash injuries and fatali-

ties by providing for retention of the vehicle windshield during a crash, thereby utilizing fully the penetrationresistance and injury-avoidance properties of the windshield glazing material and preventing the ejection of occupants from the vehicle.

571.216 Standard No. 216; Roof Crush Resistance Scope. This standard establishes strength requirements for the passenger compartment roof. Purpose. The purpose of this standard is to reduce deaths and injuries due to the crushing of the roof into the occupant compartment in rollover crashes.

571.219 Standard No. 219; Windshield Zone Intrusion Scope. This standard specifies limits for the displacement into the windshield area of motor vehicle components during a crash. Purpose. The purpose of this standard is to reduce crash injuries and fatalities that result from occupants contacting vehicle components displaced near or through the windshield.

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It’s called a Frit and it serves two roles on the glass. First, as a cosmetic feature that is used to hide interior trim and pinchweld details. Second, the frit inhibits UV degradation of urethane adhesives. While the frit will not completely block the UV rays from passing through the glass, it does significantly reduce UV light transmission. Most urethanes are not UV stable. If urethane is left exposed to sunlight for prolonged periods of time, it will yellow and turn chalky. Presence of the frit will extend the lifetime of the urethane adhesive system. Many of today’s vehicles have been specifically designed to utilize the windshield as a structural component of the vehicle body by providing increased torsional stiffness. Vehicle manufacturers are careful to select special, high-modulus polyurethane (PUR) adhesives to bond the windshield to these specific vehicles. Relying on the windshield as a structural member, the high-modulus adhesive also allows the OEM to minimize the thickness of the steel used to build the car, thus reducing weight and costs. The high modulus urethane is more rigid when completely cured, and the properties of the non conductive urethane do not interfere with the newer sophisticated electronics in vehicles Each urethane has its unique set of primers which are an integral part of the bonding process. Each urethane also has a cure time (the time that it takes for the urethane to harden) before it is safe to drive the vehicle. It is

important for the collision repair facility to know what that cure time is. If the urethane is not cured, the safety of the vehicle will not have been restored. The pinch weld that has been repaired or replaced, needs am epoxy primer or a similar product applied to the bare metal surface. Some vehicle manufacturers allow refinishing the surface, while others want only epoxy primer applied. All OEMs state that there should be no body filler applied to the pinchweld where urethane is used due the fact that the urethane will not adhere to the substrate. Let’s take a quick look at adhesion failure.

Adhesive failure: The inability of an adhesive to stick to a surface. During adhesive failure, the adhesive cannot bind two surfaces together and separates from the substrate. Cohesive failure: The inability of an adhesive to resist internal separation. During cohesive failure, the adhesive sticks to both surfaces, but can not hold them together.

Many windshields and backlites have antennas and defroster grids embedded in the glass. A non-conductive adhesive should be used if the adhesive will contact the antenna or defroster lines when the part is installed. Nonconductive adhesives prevent interference with antenna systems and heated defroster systems that are contained in the glass. Many new glass parts have the antenna, defroster connections or buss bars around the edge of the glass in the same area that the adhesive is applied to install a glass part. Using a conductive adhesive will affect the performance of the electrical system. Several adhesive manufacturers offer a non-conductive product for these glass applications. A broken heated grid line on a backlite will affect the operation of the See Windshield Installs, Page 44

www.autobodynews.com | MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS 43

PPG Appoints Frank Sklarsky as VP of Finance

PPG Industries announced Frank S. Sklarsky will join the company as executive vice president, finance, effective April 15, reporting to Chairman and CEO Charles E. Bunch. “David’s detailed understanding of PPG’s global businesses and deep financial management expertise are invaluable, as demonstrated recently in his role supporting our strategic initiatives to separate PPG’s commodity chemicals business and to acquire AkzoNobel’s North American architectural coatings business,” said Bunch. Also, effective August 1, Sklarsky will be named PPG executive vice president and chief financial officer. David B. Navikas, currently PPG senior vice president, finance and chief financial officer, will continue in his current role until August 1, and will then continue as senior vice president in a senior leadership role that will be announced later. “We are pleased to welcome Frank to PPG. His deep financial management expertise and executive leadership experience guiding strategy and operations with large, global enterprises will be an asset to PPG as we continue to grow and expand our

positions around the world,” Bunch said. “Frank, David and I will work closely together with PPG’s global finance organization and the entire leadership team as we carry out this important senior leadership succession,” Bunch said. Most recently, Sklarsky was executive vice president and chief financial officer of Tyco International, Ltd., a global provider of security, fire protection and flow control solutions with revenues that exceeded $17 billion. Prior to joining Tyco, Sklarsky served as executive vice president and chief financial officer at both Eastman Kodak Co. and ConAgra Foods, Inc. Previously, he spent 20 years with Chrysler in a series of senior financial leadership roles. He also held finance positions with Dell, Inc., after beginning his career with Ernst & Young. Sklarsky is a member of the board of directors of Harman International Industries, Inc., and of Rochester Institute of Technology. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Rochester Institute of Technology and an MBA from Harvard Business School, and he is a certified public accountant.

Rising new-vehicle sales lifted average dealership pre-tax profit to a record $843,697 last year, a National Automobile Dealers Association survey shows. The average store’s 2012 profit rose 6% from the previous record set in 2011. NADA began the annual survey in 1970. Dealers’ average return on sales held steady at 2%, but profit rose because of a sharp increase in demand for new and used vehicles. Total revenue rose 9% at the average store to $38,359,930, Automotive News reported. The rising profit has given dealers a reason to cheer this tax season, said John Bachle, an accountant at Sartain Fischbein & Co. in Tulsa, OK. “They’re always fun to deal with, but they’re much more fun if they’re making money,” said Bachle, whose firm has about 50 dealer clients. The new-car department provided 56% of the average dealer’s revenue in 2012, up from 54% in 2011. The used-car department provided 32% of revenue last year, unchanged from 2011. Parts and service business fell from 13% of the average dealer’s revenue to 12%.

the new windshield. The Cadillac kit consists of tape, cleaners and primers for replacing the Cadillac module. The Mercedes/BMW kit contains the tape and a new lens. Instructions for application are included in all the kits. Encapsulated Glass has the molding permanently attached to the glass. Most of the time when the glass is removed, the molding is damaged and a new glass and molding is necessary.

Continued from Page 43

Windshield Installs

antenna. Many new radio and cellular phone antenna designs are incorporated into the heated grid design in the backlite. If a heated grid line is broken it will affect the performance of the antenna. The line break will become more noticeable with the general public as diversity antennas gain popularity and reduce the need for traditional mast antennas. There are aftermarket grid line repair systems available which can restore both the heating and the antenna characteristics of the grid line. Does the rain sensor module come on the replacement windshield? No. At this time, none of the rain sensor designs require the sensor to be applied by the manufacturer on the replacement windshields. The electronic sensor that is on the existing windshield in the car must be removed and re-mounted onto the replacement windshield. How is the rain sensor attached to the replacement windshield? There are special re-attachment kits for the replacement industry, available through your local dealer, which can be used to re-attach the electronic rain sensor to

NADA Says Rising New-Vehicle Sales Lifted Dealer Profits for a Record Year in 2012

As I promised earlier, here is my idea of a release form:

Date and Time of Install __________________________________ Repair Order # _______________________________ Make of Vehicle _________________ Model___________________ Name of Company that is supplying the glass ___________________ Name of Installer__________________________________________ Brand Name of Adhesive and number _________________________ Expiration Date ____________________________________ Primer Applied and Type ____________________________________ Drive Time _______________________________________________ Type of Glass Installed _______________________________ Location on Vehicle of Glass Installed _________________________ Remarks ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________

44 MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

In 2007, the last full year before the economic downturn, new cars provided 59% of the average dealer’s revenue, while used cars provided 29% and the parts and service business provided 12%. Dealers again benefited in 2012 from low interest rates and factory floorplan assistance programs. Last year, the average dealer made money on floorplanning: a $72 credit per new car sold, according to the NADA data. That was up from $48 per vehicle in 2011, accounting for nearly half of the total increase in pretax profits. Typically, the interest paid to keep cars and trucks on the lot has been a major expense. In 2007, the average dealer paid $103,708 for floorplan interest, or $167 for every car sold. Last year, dealers made money because they took advantage of programs in which factories repay them for interest. Brisk sales left dealers with tighter-than-usual inventories, so cars and trucks did not sit on lots very long and dealers profited from the incentives, said Carl Woodward, a dealer accountant at Woodward & Associates Inc. in Bloomington, IL.

ABRA Auto Body & Glass Expands in Utah

ABRA Auto Body & Glass continued its national expansion with the opening of a new location in American Fork, UT. The new location increases the total number of corporate ABRA repairs centers in the state to eight. With this recent opening, ABRA now operates 101 corporate and 49 franchises nationwide in 16 states. “We’ve reached a substantial milestone with the opening of our 150th repair center,” said Duane Rouse, President and Chief Executive Officer of ABRA. “Our uncompromising commitment to superior processes and operational excellence consistently rates us high in customer satisfaction. We’re serious about being the best and leading the way in the industry. We have every intention of not only continuing our growth, but accelerating it.” The company celebrates its 30th anniversary next year. Tim Adelmann, Executive Vice President said, “We’re all very proud of the hard work, dedication to excellence, and loyalty we’ve built with our customers and business partners over the years. We look forward to pursuing our mission of being the best auto body and glass company in America.”

Hoffman Auto Body Fined $54K for OSHA Violations

An body shop in East Hartford, CT, is facing federal fines totaling $54,300 for repeated workplace safety violations, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The Hoffman Auto Group includes three dealerships and two auto body shops. The violations are specific to the company’s auto body repair facility at its East Hartford location. The shop was cited for unsafe storage of chemicals and flammable materials. The auto body shop was cited after an inspection that began on Dec. 6 to “verify correction of hazards cited during a 2011 inspection,” according to the statement. The inspection revealed that hazards identified during the 2011 inspection were still present a year later, including storage of flammable equipment and materials near paint spraying booths and electric panels. The stored materials “limited access to extinguish potential fires, presented fire and shock hazards and impeded cleaning around the booths, which allows potentially combustible materials to accumulate,” according to the statement.

Two citations, carrying $40,000 in proposed fines, were issued due to the repeat violations. Three other “serious violations” resulted in $14,300 in proposed fines, according to the statement. The statement went on to say that serious violations occur when “there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.” Those violations stemmed from improper storage, disposal and cleanup of combustible materials, as well as unlabeled containers of hazardous chemicals and an improperly located electrical outlet. OSHA said Hoffman had 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply or contest the findings. The company is not contesting the citations. “The Hoffman family considers the safety of our employees a top priority and all issues identified by OSHA regulators in December of 2012 at the East Hartford body shop were rectified immediately and completely,” the company said in a statement. “Additionally, we will make whatever changes are appropriate to continue to ensure a safe workplace for our employees.”

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NABC’s Operation Comfort Fundraising Kit Available The National Auto Body Council recently announced that an Operation Comfort Fundraising Kit—complete with camera-ready artwork for posters, flyers, donation cards and envelopes—is now available on its website to make it easier for collision industry related companies to participate in the NABC’s $1.5 million Operation Comfort Capital Campaign. The NABC is spearheading industry-wide efforts to raise funds to purchase, renovate and equip a 30,000-sq-ft. training facility in San Antonio, TX, for Operation Comfort’s AutoMotivation program. Wounded soldiers in the AutoMotivation program benefit from occupational and rehabilitative therapies as they work on automotive projects. NABC-led efforts take the program to the next level by providing opportunities for disabled soldiers to learn new job skills and acquire certified I-CAR curriculum-based training for new career paths in the automotive industry. “Our industry also benefits in the long-run because the outcome will be an increased pool of skilled, trained technicians,” said Chuck Sulkala, NABC Executive Director. Suggested fundraisers that com-

panies could implement include: • Donating a specified dollar amount for each repair or product sold. • Matching each dollar donated by customers and the local community, and • Offering a special promotion with proceeds to benefit Operation Comfort. Creative development of the Operation Comfort Fundraising Kit was donated by Enterprise Rent-A-Car, which is also sponsoring a grand prize trip to Walt Disney World® Resort for the local shop that raises the most funds. “We wanted to offer a fun incentive and challenge to encourage as many companies as possible to join in our fundraising efforts for Operation Comfort,” said Mary Mahoney, Vice President for Enterprise. The Operation Comfort Fundraising Kit can be accessed via the NABC website at www.autobodycouncil.org. The Enterprise-sponsored contest runs to June 30. The awarding of the grand prize will be based on funds received by July 4, 2013. The winner will be announced at the NABC Board meeting July 23 in Boston. For more information about the Operation Comfort Fundraising Kit, contact Mary.F.Mahoney@ehi.com.

I-CAR Makes Milestone $200,000 Donation to Collision Repair Education Foundation I-CAR®, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, recently donated $200,000 to the Collision Repair Education Foundation. The donation made by I-CAR is the largest monetary donation that the Collision Repair Education Foundation has received since its founding in 1991 and it will support the organization’s commitment to philanthropic and collision repair education activities that promote and enhance career opportunities in the industry. In 2012, I-CAR committed to set aside $1 for every I-CAR class attended in 2012. In effect, this donation was made possible by the Inter-Industry that trained with I-CAR throughout 2012. In 2012, I-CAR delivered just under 2,000 “student units,” which equates to just under 600,000 credit hours of training. Due to the goodness of the cause, the I-CAR Board made the decision to round the donation to $200,000. John Van Alstyne, I-CAR CEO & President said, “Thank you, InterIndustry. Without your commitment to training, I-CAR would not have been able to provide this level of support to the Collision Repair Education

Foundation! Together, I-CAR and the Collision Repair Education Foundation are working closely to reinforce the future sustainability of the industry.” The Collision Repair Education Foundation and I-CAR foster a partnership that supports education for the entire Inter-Industry. I-CAR serves as a provider of technical training curriculum to the education sector, whereas the Collision Repair Education Foundation’s objective is to advance Collision Repair secondary and post-secondary education by supporting funding for both schools and students. “Our collective goals are to help effectively equip secondary and postsecondary schools. We aim to help them attract aspiring students and to properly prepare graduates to add immediate value as future employees of our industry. Independently and together, we have a number of initiatives under way to accomplish this goal. This donation on behalf of the Inter-Industry will greatly help the Collision Repair Education Foundation advance its mission,” Van Alstyne said.

www.autobodynews.com | MAY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS 45

I-CAR Declines Facilitation of OEM Repair Standards by I-CAR staff

During the Collision Industry Conference meeting in November 2011, I-CAR received a joint request signed by representatives from SCRS, ASA, AASP and Assured Performance Network, requesting that I-CAR support various OEM repair procedure initiatives in connection with the requesting organization’s associated position statement that OEM repair procedures are the recognized industry repair standard. Over the past seventeen months, I-CAR has worked towards defining processes, capabilities and resources to enable the organization to support the request in a manner that aligns with the organization’s vision, mission and duty to represent the interests of the InterIndustry with neutrality, and for the collective unbiased benefit of the InterIndustry. Despite the significant effort put forth by the I-CAR Board and Staff, given the organization’s duty to the Inter-Industry, and the reality that there are open disagreements on the related topic of standards across the Inter-Industry, the I-CAR Board of Directors decided that I-CAR will not proceed with implementation of a solution in response to this request as originally presented. The I-CAR Board of Direc-

tors enacted this decision at its March 7, 2013 I-CAR Board of Directors Meeting by unanimous consent of those board members in attendance at the meeting. In terms of the organization’s duty to the Inter-Industry, on the basis of neutrality, the following three points were important in the Board’s decision: ● The need for I-CAR to represent the best interests of the industry in an unbiased manner, avoiding the possible perception that I-CAR may be catering to the interests of any particular industry sub-segment(s) to the possible disadvantage of others. ● Potential difficulties constructing and managing the requested “Council” that met both the needs of the requestors and I-CAR’s Inter-Industry charter. ● The fact that although OEM procedures are widely recognized as the industry baseline for repairs, and I-CAR points to OEM procedures as such, there are opportunities to define recommended repair processes that would support and/or supplement OEM procedures given the span of possible repairs, consumer and insurer interests; while maintaining an unwavering commitment to complete & safe repairs. The I-CAR Board of Directors thanks the requesting organizations for

bringing forth the request. As I-CAR identified early on, much of the proposed solution that was developed builds on work that I-CAR already does to serve the industry. And certain elements of the solution are closely linked to I-CAR’s strategic initiatives for 2013 and beyond. Thus, seeing value in certain elements of the proposed solution that would benefit the Inter-Industry, the I-CAR Board will work with staff to reframe and evaluate these elements as independent projects for implementation as follows: ● I-CAR recognizes an opportunity to expand its technical processes and resources to better support the industry’s interest to improve repair procedures and related repair process definition, and to provide real-time repairability technical support for the industry. This was a key part of our proposed solution and remains under consideration. ● OE Linking Pin—I-CAR maintains technical relations with OEM’s today. Our plan was to further expand this activity linked to expansion of our technical processes and resources, and this remains under consideration. ● Technical ISAC’s—I-CAR runs ISAC’s (Industry Segment Advisory Councils) today, our plan was to expand these to include an OEM Techni-

cal ISAC and various technology focused ISAC’s, and this remains under consideration. ● Repairability Summits – I-CAR runs Repairability Summits today, our plan was to expand these, and this remains under consideration. ● Knowledge Portal—The primary goal with the knowledge portal was to provide enhanced Inter-Industry accessibility to the knowledge required to perform complete and safe repairs. There were 5 key elements to the knowledge portal, each adding unique value; therefore, each element will be considered on its own merit. ● All related initiatives will be subject to further Board review considering alignment with I-CAR’s charter, impact versus Inter-Industry defined needs, prioritization versus other ICAR initiatives, and funding requirements. I-CAR’s goal is to be of greater service to the Inter-Industry while being true to its Inter-Industry charter. The Board and Staff of I-CAR remains confident that these initiatives hold great promise as steps forward for both I CAR and the Inter-Industry. See John Yoswick’s article on the cover of this issue for reaction from collision industry participants at CIC.

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Collision Education Makeover School Grant Applications Due by May 31 The Collision Repair Education Foundation is encouraging collision industry businesses to take an active part in their local collision school programs by assisting them in applying for the 2013 Ultimate Collision Education Makeover $50,000 school grant. Two $50,000 grants (one secondary, one post-secondary) will be awarded this year, as well as several secondary prizes of $10,000. Below are the top 3 reasons why industry members should be working together with their local collision school programs on the 2013 Ultimate Collision Education Makeover grant application: #3. Establish connection with local collision school, instructor, administration, and students. Now is the opportune time for industry businesses to become fully engaged with their local collision school programs. By meeting with school administration, the collision instructor(s), and their students, local businesses can view firsthand what their collision program needs are and coach them on what skill sets collision students should have by graduation to ensure for the most efficient and capable professional possible. #2. Makeover applicant schools at the top of Education Foundation’s

support list in 2013. The schools that apply for 2013 Makeover grant receive top priority for support by the Collision Repair Education Foundation in the coming year. Since the Makeover grant’s inception in 2009, the non-winning schools have received over $1 million (total) in donations and support. Makeover applicant instructors are also provided exclusive opportunities to attend technical training and receive other donations from industry supporters. #1. Congrats, your local school has won and their $50,000 collision wish list will be fulfilled. There will be at least two selected Makeover winning schools this fall and local industry members taking an active part in the application process can help enhance a school’s application. Many collision schools are facing severely reduced budgets and this grant will transform the winning collision programs for many years to come. An industry member’s guidance and support of helping a local school apply for the Makeover grant could lead to that school being selected as one of the winners. Instructors are advised to begin the application early which is available online at CollisionEducation-

Foundation.org. The Makeover grant is available to secondary and post-secondary collision school programs nationwide, with priority going to not-for-profit/public schools. The application is due May 31, 2013 and the winning schools will be announced during an industry reception to be held at SEMA 2013. As part of the Makeover grant application, schools provide their own itemized wish list, which can include any tools, supplies, and equipment that are needed by the collision program. Each of the winning schools will have their $50,000 wish list fulfilled through the Collision Repair Education Foundation and industry donors/supporters. The goal of the Ultimate Collision Education Makeover grant is to honor a school that has been doing an outstanding job in educating students in collision repair, but needs some financial assistance to improve their program’s teaching materials and equipment. With strained school budgets, the Education Foundation and industry supporters have the opportunity to bridge the program’s financial gap and to make a difference in the lives of the students studying collision repair.

Big Changes Coming for ASRW, Shorter Schedule, Possible Partnership The Automotive Service Association (ASA) will make several fundamental changes to the 2013 NACE Expo to create a different experience for both attendees and exhibitors, ASA’s Executive Vice President Dan Risley announced during the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) meeting held in Phoenix in early April. Risley said the goal of the changes to NACE is to promote unity in the industry, and reaffirm the event as the place where the collision repair industry comes together. “Many exhibitors and regular supporters of NACE expressed concern with supporting two national trade shows several weeks apart. Many of those individuals have asked ASA to help play a role in facilitating a resolve to the issue,” Risley said. “ASA and its board of directors are committed to addressing many of those concerns and playing a role in unifying the industry.” Risley said significant effort was made this year to change the dates of the NACE event, which is scheduled for Oct. 17–19 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas—less than three weeks prior to the 2013 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Risley said the ASA was unable to change the

dates due to several factors, so the organization opted to implement new changes to the trade show instead. For example, the MSO Symposium—which to date has been reserved solely for multiple-shop operators—will be opened up to all independent, single-location repairers. In addition, Risley said the traditional NACE Welcome Reception will no longer be a stand-alone event. The Welcome Reception will be incorporated into the trade show to further promote networking and unity in the industry. Risley said more information regarding changes to NACE will soon be announced. “Significant additional announcements that further illustrate our commitment to improve the overall experience will be made in the weeks and months leading up to NACE,” Risley said. Darrell Amberson, chairmanelect of the ASA’s board of directors, said there will be a major announcement made later this year regarding the 2014 NACE event. He said the ASA is considering “a full range of options,” including partnering with other shows or changing the date to a different time of the year. “We have not worked through all

the details, but are certain the changes will be viewed positively by the industry,” Amberson said. “The industry has strongly supported NACE for more than 30 years. Based on that, it is clear to us that the industry deserves to have a show solely dedicated to the auto mechanical and collision repair industries. As part of this industry, it tears my heart out when we’re so fractured and dysfunctional. We’re really serious about creating unity. We’re here to take action and bring [the industry] together,” Amberson said. The ASA also asked the CIC to consider switching its fall meeting dates from November to October in order to coincide with NACE rather than SEMA. CIC’s fall meeting has been held during the week of SEMA since 2010. The ASA offered the CIC free meeting space if it opted to alter its dates. Jeff Hendler, administrator of the CIC, said the organization has a contractual commitment to SEMA through 2016. The ASA’s request will not be considered until that time.

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Axalta Offers Courses

Axalta Coating Systems is offering new damage analysis and production management courses for the heavy duty truck market. The HDT Damage Analysis course provides a standard damage analysis approach to write more complete estimates and increase consistency of estimates to raise repair center’s gross profit and increase the percentage of closed repair orders. This one-day class includes numerous hands-on exercises related to the commercial vehicle collision industry, which emphasize the principles taught during the course. HDT Production Management course focuses to assist implementation of lean principles relating to blueprinting, proper parts management and production controls in a commercial vehicle repair center. Key techniques to improve technician efficiency, reduce cycle time and improve customer satisfaction are examined in this one-day course. Industry experts from Team Marketing Group are the main content contributors and will provide the primary instructors for these courses. For additional information or to register, contact your local Axalta Coating Systems representative or call 1.800.438.3876.

Aaron Clark Named VP at Assured Performance

Aaron Clark has been named Assured Performance Co-Op Network’s vice president of national certification and network development and will be based at corporate headquarters in Irvine, CA. “We are thrilled to have Aaron joining our executive team to work closely with our staff and member shops driving the Certification program. He has the perfect background to help expand the impact and value of body shop Certification for all involved,” said Scott Biggs, CEO of Assured Performance. Clark has worked in the automotive and collision repair industry for more than 25 years as a body shop owner. Clark previously operated five body shop operations in the Indianapolis area, which he sold to ABRA Auto Body & Glass. Clark founded the Indiana Auto Body Association (IABA), served as chairman of the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) for the past two years, and served on Assurance Performance’s board of directors for four years. “This new position fully leverages my knowledge as a former shop owner, andus interests the well-being Give yourinopinion on of the collision industry,” said Clark.

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