37 YEARS
SOUTHWEST EDITIO N
AUTOBODY AZ / AR / CO / LA / NM / OK / TX / UT
Caliber Collision’s Changing Lanes Program Offers Ft. Carson, CO, Soldiers Employment, Toolbox The transition from a regimented military environment to the unpredictability of civilian life is one of the most stressful times for many soldiers. Four soldiers from Fort Carson, located near Colorado Springs, CO, graduated stress-free from Caliber Collision’s Changing Lanes Falcon Academy with a $12,000 toolbox and a secure employment offer of a new career in the fast-growing collision repair industry. Changing Lanes is an innovative, free training program for Fort See Changing Lanes, Page 3
The first Fort Carson graduates from the Changing Lanes Falcon Academy are (left to right): specialist Patrick Horn of Oakland, CA; specialist Adrian Jimenez Cruz of Salinas, CA; master sergeant Robert Apfelbaum and specialist McKinley Kerns, both of Colorado Springs
Speakers at SCRS’ Ideas Collide Discuss Their Visions for Industry’s Future by John Yoswick
An automated system that can detect tiny dents or other vehicle “anomalies” within seconds. Collision parts being ordered within minutes of a crash. A not-for-profit data repository that would ensure shops have long-term access to their job file records. These were among the topics covered in a unique TED Talk-style presentation at “Ideas Collide,” a new session that the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) hosted during SEMA in Las Vegas in
AUTOBODYNEWS.COM
Vol. 37 / Issue 2 / February 2019
NABC F.R.E.E. Program Teaches Houston, TX, Firefighters New Rescue Skills More than 35 firefighters from various area fire stations gathered this fall at First Choice Collision’s Cypress, TX, location at 11638 Telge Rd. for a hands-on training on the latest techniques in emergency vehicle extrication. First Choice Collision was the first collision center in the Houston area to partner up with the National Auto Body Council’s First Responder Emergency Extrication™ (F.R.E.E.) program to bring this live event. “It was not a question of whether we would or would not have this event. As a family-owned business, we cherish our family, and if this event could help families in our community and our first responders in the area one day, we were glad to do it,” said Mike Matejek, First Choice Collision LLC co-owner.
In crashes where minutes can spell the difference between life and death, first responders to the accident scene need up-to-date information so they can act quickly and safely. Knowing specifically where and how to efficiently cut and extricate can make the difference in saving precious minutes and lives as well as the safety of the first responders. “We see first-hand what a vehicle can go through in an accident. Metal gets pushed around in all directions. It’s no surprise people can get trapped. Giving the first responders the opportunity to practice extrication techniques is the least we can do to give back to a group of men and women who put their lives on the line every day,” said Ronnie Johnston, First Choice Collision LLC coSee NABC F.R.E.E., Page 10
Challenges of Processing Hail or Other Catastrophe Claims Among Discussion at Recent CIC
timating system,” but McDonnell said “cat team” claims handlers aren’t With another hail season approach- always aware of that. ing, a panel discussion at last No“We had to go through that vember’s Collision Industry [PDR] company for a supConference (CIC) offered plement,” McDonnell said. insights from shops, insur“We sent it to them and they ers and paintless dent repair took off a significant amount. companies on reducing fricThey said, ‘We have an tion related to catastrophe agreement [with the insurer claims after a major storm. involved] and you don’t get paid for those things.’ I had Matthew McDonnell Montana shop to call them and tell them, of Big Sky Collision in Monowner Matthew tana described some of the McDonnell said not ‘We have a different regulaall those helping tion in Montana. You cannot challenges of working on an insurer handle disregard repair operations, such “cat team” claims, such catastrophe claims and I just want to let you as those managed by a paintafter a storm will know you’re inconsistent less dent repair company. be aware of laws and regulations in with Montana law.’ They Since 2011, for example, the state in which said, ‘Oh, I don’t have to Montana has had a law that they are working follow Montana law.’” prohibits an insurer from But although some states may “unilaterally disregard(ing) a repair operation or cost identified by an esSee Processing Hail, Page 18 by John Yoswick
Pete Tagliapietra of NuGen IT suggested the industry develop a not-for-profit data repository to give shops long-term access to their job file records and other data
November. SCRS invited 10 speakers to offer ideas or visions related to See SCRS’ Ideas Collide, Page 14
PERMIT #288 ANAHEIM, CA
PAID
Change Service Requested
P.O. BOX 1516, CARLSBAD, CA 92018
PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE