March 2017 Southwestern Edition

Southwestern Sou uthwestern Edition E d i t i on Arizona Arkansas Colorado Louisiana

New Mexico Oklahoma Texas Utah

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2017 Southern Automotive Repair Conference to be Held in Biloxi, MS, April 21–22 The 2017 Southern Automotive Repair Conference (SARC) will be held Friday, April 21st and Saturday, April 22nd at IP Casino, Resort & Spa in Biloxi, MS. According to event organizers, SARC’s purpose is to provide an annual industry forum for collision repair professionals in the Southeast region, where attendees can visit exhibits, receive important updates and information, stay abreast of new vehicle technologies, promote consumer safety, and succeed in the marketpla-ce.

Themes of the event include OEM Perspective, Status of Independ-

ent Shops, Training in a Hi-Tech Age, and Innovative Resources.

Conference hosts are the state auto body associations of Alabama (ALARISE), Georgia (GCIA), Louisiana (LACIA), Mississippi (MSCRA), and Tennessee (TCRA). These associations will have tables at the Conference to provide information and help exhibitors and attendees get the most from the Conference.

Attendee Check-In and Registration begins at 11:00 am Friday morning. Friday morning pre-sessions with Assured Performance and Symach See SARC 2017, Page 19

ABAT Welcomes New Executive Director, Jill Tuggle

The Auto Body Association of Texas, las/Fort Worth area. formed in 2014, welcomes Jill Tuggle “After a few years of hard work as their full time Executive Director. and brake dust covered hands,” Jill re“We are very excited to members, she moved into welcome Jill as the Auto Body sales and marketing for that Association of Texas Execucompany. Her next step was tive Director,” said ABAT starting her own company President Burl Richards, “we working specifically with colknew we had reached a point lision centers, marketing to where we needed someone to agents and managing promodirect the operation.” tional events. She has been an Jill Tuggle, Jill comes to ABAT with Executive Director advocate of ABAT since its ina solid background in the auception, being instrumental in Auto Body Association tomotive/collision industry. the success of the first Texas of Texas She started her automotive Auto Body Trade Show. career in 2003, as a customer service “Jill is bringing new ideas and enrepresentative delivering wheels and thusiasm to our association,” shares tires to collision centers in the DalSee Jill Tuggle, Page 8

VOL. 35 ISSUE 3 MARCH 2017

Service King Considering Sale, Bloomberg Says The private equity owners of auto repair-center operator Service King Paint & Body LLC are considering a sale of the company, people with knowledge of the matter said.

Service King’s owners, Blackstone Group LP and Carlyle Group LP, have had discussions with bankers about starting a sale process this year, said the people, who asked not to be identified because they weren’t authorized to speak publicly.

The company could fetch more than $2 billion, the people said.

No final decision has been made

and the firms may elect to keep the business, the people said.

Spokesmen for Blackstone and Carlyle declined to comment. A representative for Service King didn’t immediately respond to e-mailed requests for comment.

Blackstone agreed to buy a majority stake in Dallas-based Service King in 2014 for an undisclosed sum, estimated to be about $650M, as part of a recapitalization that saw Carlyle reinvest to take a minority stake, according to a statement at the time.

Service King traces its roots to 1976, when founder Eddie Lennox opened the first location. The company has 309 repair centers in 23 states, according to its website. That’s up from 177 centers when Blackstone struck the deal in 2014, and 47 locations when Carlyle first invested in 2012.

CIC Panel Discusses Scanning, Need For Following OEM Repair Procedures

by John Yoswick

The value of pre-scanning collisiondamaged vehicles was reiterated a number of times by panelists at the recent Collision Industry Conference (CIC) held this January in Palm Springs, CA. Jake Rodenroth of Collision Diagnostic Services (maker of the asTech remote scanning system), who said his company did just over 6,000 vehicles scans in December, cited an example of a vehicle problem found in a prescan that the shop—and potentially the vehicle owner—would otherwise not have known about. The scan showed one fault code, related to lost communication with the airbag control module, triggering the shop to check the instrument cluster.

“What we found was pretty alarming,” Rodenroth said. “We found this had been a [used] car, and someone had sewn a resistor into the wiring harness

to cheat the airbag light from coming on.”

Chuck Olsen of AirPro Diagnostics, another remote scanning service provider, said preand post-scanning removes liability issues for collision repairers and insurers.

“I know the condition of the vehicle Chuck Olsen when it came in, and I know the condition of the vehicle when it went out, so [as the shop] it’s not going to be my fault,” Olsen said.

CIC attendee Gary Wano, an Oklahoma shop owner, posed a realworld analogy for a question often discussed in the industry: Does an insurer owe for a scan if the scan reveals nothing wrong? Wano said a few weeks ago, his son came home from school See CIC Panel, Page 20

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

2 MARCH 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

REGIONAL

2017 Southern Automotive Repair

Conference to be Held in Biloxi, MS,

April 21–22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

ABAT Welcomes New Executive Director,

Jill Tuggle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Sacramento Shop Expanding in Modesto, CA, & Texas

NATIONAL

AAPEX Announces 2017 Dates . . . . . . . . 58 AMi Launches New Online Courses . . . . . 57

AMi Launches Online Course:

“Management’s Guide to Scanning

and New Technology” . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Auto Body Association of Texas Informational

Autologic Diagnostics Joins ASA as

Caliber Collision Recognized as Employer

BASF Teams up With Driven to Cure. . . . . 60

of the Year by Lincoln College of

Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Collision Safety Consultants Teams with Collision Repair Stakeholders for

Proper Repairs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Ellis County Auto Repair in Texas Earns

American Honda ProFirst Certification. . 14

Griffith Auto Body in CO: Traditional Values

As Driving Force . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Mitchell 1’s Ben Johnson to Present Industry

Corporate Member. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

ChemSpec USA Launches New Website . . 54 Chief Adds Professional Collision Equipment and Beacon Equipment Resources as

Distributors for Texas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Chief® Offers Chassis Liner® Frame Rack in Custom Packages for Heavy-Duty

Repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

CREF Announces Application for Ultimate

Sacramento, CA, Shop Expanding to

Odessa, Texas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Service King Considering Sale, Bloomberg

Says . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Following OEM Repair Procedures . . . . . 1

Collision Education Makeover Grants . . 58

CREF Spring Career Fair Has Sprung . . . . 54 Dent Zone Companies Announces

Formation of Nobilis Group; New

Entity Encompasses Dent Zone,

AutoBodyGuard and PDR LINX. . . . . . . 10

Service King Gets New Offices. . . . . . . . . 18

Driven Brands Charitable Foundation Raises

Year by Texas Veterans Commission . . 18

FinishMaster Acquires D’Angelos Automotive

Location in Arizona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Ford Vehicle Owners Can Easily Upgrade

Service King Named Large Employer of the Wreck Check Car Scan Opens 30th

COLUMNISTS

Attanasio - Do 3 Things Right With Your Shop Marketing, Stick to Them

and Thrive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

more than $650,000 in 2016 . . . . . . . . 56

Paint and its 14 Locations . . . . . . . . . . 10

2010–2016 Vehicles with Connectivity

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Martin Senour Introduces Rustproof M/D™ . 63

MSO Symposium Announces Advisory

Board for 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Attanasio - Not Just a Cause, But a Way

OEM Diagnostic Scanning Positions

Attanasio - The Spira Saves Lives

Online Registration Opens for ASA’s

Chess - Kool Tools 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

SEMA Scholarship Applications Due

of Life for the Lefler Collision Family. . . 28

Because It’s Encased in Foam . . . . . . . 50

Phillips - Successful Female Shop Owner in OR Encourages Shops to Keep an

Open Mind, Have No Fear and Dive in. . 30

Yoswick - Retro News: Industry History Includes Concern About Refinish

Materials Calculation, “Underwritten”

Estimates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

ltedesco@autobodynews.com

“Modern” Vehicles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

at National Convention and Expo in

“The Big Easy” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

800-699-8251

for Pre- and Post-Repair Scans on

CIC Panel Discusses Scanning, Need For

Program Offers Young Pros Scholarships . 16

Auto Body Collision Repair Shop has been in business for more than 40 years, and they are reportedly in the process of expanding to various regions around their base in Sacramento with hopes of eventually reaching most of the nation with their professional services. The company recently added Odessa, Texas to their list of service areas and says that their expansion into Modesto will certainly not be their last.

Place an ad in our AUTOBODY MARKETPLACE section of Autobody News.

Chubb Sets Insurance Precedent: Will Pay

Trends Session During 2017 ToolTech . . 8

Phillips - NADA Kicks Off 100th Anniversary

said.

Advertise in our CLASSIFIED SECTION for $50 per column inch!

Quick Reference Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Annual Business Meeting. . . . . . . . . . . . 6

March 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Snap-on Adds MODIS Edge to Diagnostic

Calculator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

U.S. Department of Education Approves Universal Technical Institute Welding

and CNC Machining Technology

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

Indexof Advertisers

Meeting in Waxahachie, Texas . . . . . . . . 6

Sacramento, California-based Auto Body Collision Repair Shop has announced that they are expanding their repair center to Modesto, CA. The auto shop offers a number of collision repairs and detailing services, and recently stated that their business has grown substantially and that they are now offering their services to customers in outlying a-reas.

“We are very pleased with how our business has grown,” a spokesperson for the collision repair center

Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Aircat Pneumatic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Audi South Austin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Audi Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . 37 AutoNation Chevrolet . . . . . . . . . . . 48 AutoNation Chrysler-Dodge-JeepRam NRH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 AutoNation Chrysler-Jeep-DodgeRam of North Phoenix. . . . . . . . . 10 Axalta Coating Systems . . . . . . . . . . 5 Bill Luke Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram. . 6 BMW Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . 50 Bob Howard PDC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA). . . . . . . . . . . 41 ChemSpec USA, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Chevyland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Chief Automotive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Classic Auto Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Classic BMW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Classifieds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Dallas Dodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Diamond Standard Parts, LLC . . . . 29 DJS Fabrications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Dominion Sure Seal, Ltd. . . . . . . . . 27 Don Carlton Auto Group . . . . . . . . . 40 Eco Repair Systems of North America, LLC . . . . . . . . . . 47 ECS Automotive Concepts . . . . . . . 28 Equalizer Industries, Inc . . . . . . . . . 35 Finnegan Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge . . . . 2 Flatirons Subaru . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Ford Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . 61 GM Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . 51 Greeley Subaru . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 GYS Welding USA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Herkules Equipment Corporation. . . 8

Serving Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, New Mexico, Arkansas, Colorado, Arizona, Utah and adjacent metro areas. Autobody News is a monthly publication for the autobody industry. Permission to reproduce in any form the material published in Autobody News must be obtained in writing from the publisher. ©2017 Adamantine Media LLC. Autobody News Box 1516, Carlsbad, CA 92018; (800) 699-8251 (760) 603-3229 Fax www.autobodynews.com E-mail: news@autobodynews.com

Southwest

Contents

Honda-Acura Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32-33 Hyundai Motor America . . . . . . . . . 21 Hyundai Wholesale Parts Dealers. . 58 Insta Finish Car Care . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Kia Motors Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Killer Tools & Equipment. . . . . . . . . 45 Lusid Technologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Malco. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Matrix Automotive Finishes. . . . . . . 23 Mazda Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . 63 Mike Calvert Toyota. . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Mitsubishi Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 MOPAR Wholesale Parts Dealers . . 39 Nissan Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . 63 North Freeway Hyundai . . . . . . . . . 54 O’Reilly Auto Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 PPG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Ray Huffines Chevrolet . . . . . . . . . . 42 Reliable Automotive Equipment . . . 18 SATA Dan-Am Company . . . . . . . . 15 South Pointe Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge. 16 Spanesi Americas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Subaru of Little Rock . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Subaru Wholesale Parts Dealers . . 57 Toyota of Laredo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Toyota Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . 56 Valspar Automotive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Volkswagen Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Wizards Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Yellow Jacket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Young Chevrolet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

www.autobodynews.com | MARCH 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 3

National Events

Stacey Phillips is a freelance writer and editor for the automotive industry.

She has 20 years of experience writing for a variety of publications.

She can be reached at sphillips.autobodynews@gmail.com.

NADA Kicks Off 100th Anniversary at National Convention and Expo in “The Big Easy” with Stacey Phillips

by Stacey Phillips

Celebrating its 100th anniversary, the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) kicked off a series of year-long commemorative events at its annual convention and expo in New Orleans, Louisiana January 26 to 29.

This is the 12th time since 1973 that the convention has been held in “The Big Easy.” An estimated 23,000 new car dealers, managers, automotive industry professional and exhibitors were expected to attend the four-day event.

Mitch Landrieu, Mayor of New Orleans welcomes attendees to the Big Easy

“It’s not every day that a national trade association reaches its 100-year anniversary, yet NADA is still as strong and relevant as the day it was founded,” said 2016 NADA Chairman Jeff Carlson.

“NADA’s 100th mission for 100 years has been to represent local dealerships and our customers in Washington, DC, with a goal of keeping personal transportation affordable for everyone,” added Carlson, president of Glenwood Springs Ford and Glenwood Springs Subaru in Glenwood Springs, Colo., and co-owner of Summit Ford in Silverthorne, CO. “It’s an honor to serve such a respected group.”

Founded in 1917, NADA formed when a group of local dealers set out to fight a new effort by Congress to levy a luxury tax on new automobiles.

Thirty dealers from state and local associations traveled to Washington, DC, and set up base at the Willard Hotel.

By convincing Congress that cars were not luxury items as they were classified, but instead were vital to the economy, the group prevented total factory conversion to wartime work and succeeded in reducing a proposed five percent luxury tax to three percent.

The incident was the first of many chapters where local dealerships fought to keep new vehicles affordable for their customers. For the past 15 years, more than 90 percent of all new-car and -truck dealerships in the United States have been NADA members.

Prior to the start of the 2017 convention, the NADA Foundation donated $50,000 to the Emeril Lagasse Foundation, which supports organizations that create opportunities to inspire and mentor youth through culinary, nutrition and arts education with a focus on life skills development.

“My wife Alden and I are delighted that NADA has chosen the Emeril Lagasse Foundation as a grant recipient in conjunction with their convention. This generous philanthropic gift will help us positively impact the lives of more children,” said Chef Emeril Lagasse, chairman and founder of the Emeril Lagasse Foundation.

“Thank you for bringing your convention to New Orleans and for supporting the Emeril Lagasse Foundation.”

Since its inception in 1975, the NADA Foundation has had a long history of providing financial support to New Orleans and the surrounding communities.

said 2017 NADA Chairman Mark Scarpelli. Scarpelli, who officially became chairman of NADA during the convention, is the president of Raymond Chevrolet and Raymond Kia in Antioch and co-owner of Ray Chevrolet and Ray Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge-Ram in Fox Lake, IL. During the convention, Scarpelli unveiled a new initiative designed to help local dealerships showcase the benefits they bring to their millions of customers, the 1.1 million dealership employees in the U.S., and communities across the nation.

The initiative—MyDealership.org —utilizes videos, social media platforms and public service announcements to communicate the significant benefits of a strong and vibrant franchised dealership network.

“There are five hallmarks of any local dealership in America today: We are local; We are modern; We are diverse; We save people money; And we

create great jobs,” Scarpelli told the audience at the convention.

Scarpelli’s top priorities for 2017 include advocating on legislative and regulatory issues in Washington, D.C., promoting the consumer benefits of local dealerships, meeting with auto manufacturer executives, and getting the next generation of dealers involved in their trade associations and on Capitol Hill.

“We’re advocating for clarity with the new administration and Congress, whether it’s related to auto financing, new tax proposals, vehicle recall policy or fuel economy rules,” Scarpelli said. “We’re concerned about vehicle affordability for consumers, period. We have to make sure we keep our customers top of mind when dealing with all of these issues.”

Also during the convention, Carl Swope, president of Swope Toyota in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, was named See NADA 100th, Page 11

T P Y ! N " N #!

Large Inventory of Genuine Subaru Parts Experienced Wholesale Parts Staff to Serve You Carl Swope, TIME Dealer of the Year

“The NADA Foundation through amazing contributions from our dealer network has supported dealership families, military families and children in need from natural disasters and times of emergency, like hurricanes Katrina and Rita and most recently, the flooding in Baton Rouge,” said Annette Sykora, chairman of the NADA Foundation. “Through it all, NADA has been there to help.”

“NADA was formed to make sure that entrepreneurs could open local dealerships and provide affordable cars and transportation to farmers, factory workers and people from all walks of life,”

4 MARCH 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

(970) 346-3542

Parts Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30-5:30 Sat 8:00-4:00

Charles Luera, Parts Manager cluera@greeleysubaru.com 4720 W. 24th St. // Greeley, CO 80634

www.autobodynews.com | MARCH 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 5

Auto Body Association of Texas Informational Meeting in Waxahachie, Texas

by Jill Tuggle

The Auto Body Association of Texas (ABAT) held an informational membership meeting in Waxahachie, Texas on January 11, 2017 at the Waxahachie Civic Center. The meeting was held to bring awareness to the issues body shops face and the benefits of ABAT membership. ABAT held the meeting

Auto Body Association of Texas President Burl Richards of Burl’s Collision Center in Henderson, Texas encourages shops to join forces with ABAT

as a response to overwhelming interest in the association from shop owners and managers in that area. The resounding message for the evening was “You are not the only one” asking for certain operations, and that every business deserves to be profitable.

Craig and Rhonda Anderson, owners of Ellis County Auto Repair, hosted the event. The meeting, which had about 45 attendees, included dinner and a presentation by ABAT’s president, Burl Richards. Richards’ presentation addressed the many issues that shop owners and managers face daily in their businesses. He spoke on the problem of reimbursement for necessary processes and procedures, education and equipment needed to keep up with the “technological tsunami” we are facing, and cited remarks and quotes made by various insurance companies’ executives regarding the good business practice of raising rates and premiums.

Included was a remark made by Warren Buffet on Geico’s Stance: “Despite the competitive auto insurance market, Buffett has said that GEICO won’t follow the ‘I take a loss but make it up in volume’ mindset of competitors whom he said slash premiums too deeply with the goal of luring customers.” Said Richards who also included web citations to support this. Additionally, attendees were encouraged to fill out labor rate surveys conducted by Variable Rate Systems and www.crashnetwork.com.

After the meeting, the room was

Online Registration Opens for ASA’s Annual Business Meeting

The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has opened online registration for its 2017 Annual Business Meeting, which will be held April 24-26 at the Magnolia Hotel in Denver.

Information about the meeting, schedule of events and online registration are available at http://members .asashop.org/events/. Attendees also may use the site to book reservations at the Magnolia Hotel.

The event will kick off with a Welcome Reception on the evening of Monday, April 24, sponsored by Federated Insurance.

On Tuesday, April 25, all ASA members are invited to attend a board of directors meeting, where board members for 2017-2018 will be sworn in during special ceremonies. Prior to the board meeting, all attendees are invited to a general

member luncheon. Following the board meeting, there will be an invitation-only recognition dinner.

On Wednesday, April 26, the collision and mechanical operations committees and the board of directors of the Automotive Management Institute (AMi) will hold separate meetings in the morning. Later in the day, an attendee group event to see a Colorado Rockies game, sponsored by AutoZone, is by invitation only.

The attendee registration fee for the meeting is $99.95, which includes the Monday night reception and Tuesday luncheon. Housing and transportation arrangements are the responsibility of attendees.

For more information, visit www .ASAshop.org or call (817) 5142900.

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6 MARCH 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

abuzz with conversation focused on the details of the presentation. Many membership applications were taken and one certain new member made an impact on the night. An auto technician from Fort Worth, Texas had heard about the meeting, attended, and joined ABAT on the spot, paying membership dues out of his own pocket.

The Auto Body Association of Texas is proud of what they have accomplished this year and will be hosting several meetings and events throughout 2017. ABAT’s showcase event of this year will be their second annual trade show happening in the fall.

To learn more about ABAT or to become a member, visit www.abat.us.

Wreck Check Car Scan Opens 30th Location in Arizona Wreck Check Car Scan Centers recently announced that they have added Harold and Janet Heisey as their 30th licensee.

The Heiseys have purchased the Wreck Check Car Scan Centers’ rights to the entire state of Arizona.

According to the company, Wreck Check Car Scan Centers has a complete turn key program that offers several Value Added Services that enable their licensees to assist their clients with all of their post repair automobile related issues.

“Wreck Check Car Scan Centers utilizes the leading software in the United States for evaluating diminished value and is extremely successful in the recovery of the loss of market value for their clients,” a statement from the company read.

“I would like to welcome Harold and Janet to the Wreck Check Car Scan Centers family, and I am looking forward to working with them,” said founder Rocco J. Avellini.

For more information, visit www.wreckcheckcarscan.com.

www.autobodynews.com C

www.autobodynews.com | MARCH 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 7

Mitchell 1’s Ben Johnson to Present Industry Trends Session During 2017 ToolTech Ben Johnson, director of product management for Mitchell 1, will present a session on “Industry Trends” as well as moderate a panel discussion on emerging technologies, during Equipment & Tool Institute’s (ETI) ToolTech conference on Wednesday, April 26, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Industry Trends session is scheduled for 1 p.m. and the panel discussion will take place at 2:15 p.m.

In the Industry Trends session, Johnson will give an overview of the industry and speak on related topics as he explores the technologies being developed and released across the

globe. He will cover current and future technologies that vehicle manufacturers are investing in, key drivers for those technologies, as well as which technologies are gaining the most traction. Immediately following the session, Johnson will moderate a panel discussion, “The Effect of

Emerging Technologies on the After- diagnostic information, TruckSeries market,” with representatives from repair information for Class 4-8 trucks, diagnostic tool companies, national and enhancements to Manager™ SE, the industry’s leading shop account service providers management system. Johnand independent service son maintains several ASE providers. certifications and belongs to “I’m looking forward the Society of Automotive to presenting and particiEngineers (SAE) Internapating in the conversation tional. He is immediate past about trends and emerging president of the Equipment technologies in the after& Tool Institute (ETI) Execmarket during ToolTech,” Ben Johnson utive Committee and serves said Johnson. “This is a hot topic in the industry right now when on the Auto Care Association’s Techyou look at how the business of serv- nology Standards Committee and icing modern motor vehicles has chairs the multi-association Telematchanged dramatically in the last ics Task Force.

ToolTech focuses solely on audecade with the growing population of ‘connected’ tomotive-related tool and equipment vehicles. It’s going to be a companies and the individuals at the lively discussion, with in- forefront of the industry and technodustry experts sharing their logical advances. Attendees come to experience and insights ToolTech to network with industry from a variety of perspec- insiders, peers, OEM personnel, and meet with key companies in the martives.”

As director of product manage- ketplace. For more information on ment, Johnson is responsible for man- ToolTech or to register, visit http:// aging Mitchell 1’s portfolio of www.etools.org/ToolTech-2017. products for the car care industry.

Since joining the company, he has For more information, visit www overseen the launch of Mitchell 1’s .mitchell1.com. flagship ProDemand® repair information product, SureTrack® expert-based

Caliber Collision Recognized as Employer of the Year by Lincoln College of Technology

Lincoln College of Technology in Denver has named Caliber Collision as Employer of the Year.

Per Ken Phipps, Director of Career Services at Lincoln Tech, the award is in recognition of the numer-

Caliber Collision’s Colorado Team accepts the Employer of the Year award from the Lincoln College of Technology in Denver at its Stars and Bars awards ceremony. (l to r): Phil Palumbo, Jeff Olin, Matt O’Neill, and Rich Viano

ous opportunities Caliber Collision has presented over the years to the school’s students and graduates as they prepare for a career in the collision industry.

Caliber’s comprehensive commitment to help provide students with career choices includes participation in the school’s many career fairs, on campus interviews, frequent behindthe-scene tours of Caliber Collision

facilities, and personal, valuable oneon-one meetings with Caliber’s managers and technicians for real-world experiences.

Caliber is also a key contributor to Lincoln Tech’s Program Advisory Committee (PAC) program, in which business mentors meet regularly with students to review their curriculum and offer suggestions to help ensure students are on track with courses and training that are most relevant for their chosen field.

“We are honored to receive this award and are proud of the partnership with Lincoln Tech to provide a new generation of professionals with training and employment opportunities in the fast-growing collision repair industry,” said Rusty Barsanti, Senior Vice President of Operations for Caliber. “As the largest collision repair company with 474 locations throughout the country, we continually welcome additional teammates as we continue to grow into the collision repair provider of choice in every community we serve.”

Locally, Caliber Collision has 18 centers in the Denver area and 24 throughout Colorado.

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Continued from Cover

Jill Tuggle

Kevin Ellison, ABAT Board member, “she is already in constant communication with the Board—she definitely is firing everybody up.”

“I am excited to see the momentum continue to grow. One of the most inspirational things I have seen in my career is the way these guys have knocked down their walls of competition and have started to work together and communicate to make our industry better. My vision for ABAT is to grow our association and be a unified voice for Texas. We will bring education, government affairs, communication, industry networking and have fun doing it. I want to bring energy and consistent communication to the table,” Jill and husband Ryan have two children, Reagan 8, and Judd 4. The Tuggle family enjoys outdoor activities that Texas has to offer. Jill also serves on the leadership team for Valiant Hearts, a ministry that combats human trafficking.

ABAT and the collision industry welcomes Jill Tuggle.

Contact Jill at: jill@abat.us

www.autobodynews.com | MARCH 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 9

Dent Zone Companies Announces Formation of Nobilis Group; New Entity Encompasses Dent Zone, AutoBodyGuard and PDR LINX

Dent Zone Companies, a leader in Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) for more than a quarter century, has announced the formation of Nobilis Group, a new entity consisting of its Dent Zone, AutoBodyGuard and PDR LINX lines of business.

Since 1991, Dent Zone has set the industry standard in paintless dent repair in launching the first PDR service contract and pioneering catastrophic repair services for the automotive industry.

“With the same leadership team and owners in place, Nobilis is poised to continue our growth in the vehicle protection program marketplace,” stated Nobilis Group President and CEO Troy Good. “This move acknowledges our expansion beyond our traditional focus solely on PDR, yet builds on that legacy and our rich heritage of powerful partnerships with many of the nation’s automotive leaders.”

Dent Zone, which provides private label and direct programs for national automotive retailers, manufacturers, third party administrators and lenders, will continue to offer full administrative services for PDR and associated vehicle protection programs.

“The Dent Zone our partners

have come to depend on for best-inclass product administration isn’t going away,” said Stan Starnes, Nobilis Chief Operating Officer. “As part of Nobilis Group, Dent Zone will continue to deliver the same level of excellence for our PDR programs on behalf of our industry partners, ensuring that their end customers continue to receive extraordinary value and quality of service that is virtually unmatched in our industry.”

AutoBodyGuard, which acquired a national chemical manufacturer in 2015, will continue to distribute its suite of appearance protection products to the automotive, recreational and powersports markets from its Irving, Texas, manufacturing facility.

PDR LINX provides catastrophic services including hail repair, fire and flood mitigation, and overspray removal services for national insurers, large retailers and company managed fleets.

“We’re driven to excellence in every market we serve,” Good explained. “We’ve innovated in a number of ways through our product and service offerings, and under the Nobilis name, our vision, and our commitment to being an industry leader, will only continue.”

10 MARCH 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

FinishMaster Acquires D’Angelos Automotive Paint and its 14 Locations

FOCUS Investment Banking, an advisory and intermediary firm in the automotive services sector, has announced that D’Angelos Automotive and Industrial Coatings and its 14 locations have been acquired by FinishMaster, Inc, a subsidiary of Uni-Select, Inc. FinishMaster is the largest national independent distributor of automotive paints, coatings and related accessories in the United States.

D’Angelos was represented by FOCUS Automotive Group in its sixth multi-location paint distributor

transaction in the last 18 months.

David Roberts, Managing Director at FOCUS commented, “Bob and Art D’Angelo built one of the largest paint distributors in the US over the last 45 years by successfully adapting to changes in the distribution industry, continuously investing in people, systems and their customers.”

President and Co-Owner Bob

D’Angelo stated, “We’ve always been at the leading edge of paint distribution. As we looked down the road at our continued growth plans,

we recognized that the strength and resources of Finishmaster would enable us to both compete effectively and continue to provide customers with our high standard of service in this challenging environment.”

“The decision to sell wasn’t just about meeting the owners’ needs and goals but also taking care of employees and continuing the core values of the company.” observed Managing Director Rick Thomas, who led the transaction for FOCUS. Autobody News is asking the principals for more information and will publish that in the next issue.

Chief Adds Professional Collision Equipment and Beacon Equipment Resources as Distributors for Texas

Chief has appointed two new distributors to represent its full line of collision repair equipment in Texas.

Professional Collision Equipment of Abilene will service customers in the northern, panhandle, western and

valley regions of the state, including Dallas, Lubbock, Amarillo, El Paso, Brownsville and Laredo. Beacon Equipment Resources of Houston will cover southeast Texas, including Waco, Austin, San Antonio, and

Corpus Christi.

Professional Collision Equipment and Beacon Equipment Resources are both authorized to sell and install Chief’s full line of frame racks, Globaljig Presented by Chief benches, vehicle-anchoring systems, computerized measuring systems, welders, rivet guns and other equipment. They also will train technicians on the proper use of new Chief equipment.

“We are extremely excited to welcome these two fine companies to the Chief distributor network,” said Craig Kerr, western division sales manager for Chief. “These two organizations are extremely knowledgeable about the collision repair business, and are recognized for providing exceptional equipment sales, installation, service, training and technical support. Our Texas customers are in good hands.”

For more information, visit www .chiefautomotive.com/.

Continued from Page 4

NADA 100th

the 2017 TIME Dealer of the Year. It is often considered the most prestigious honor a new-car dealer can receive.

Swope was selected from a group of 49 nominees from across the country.

Those who are nominated perform heroic community service and are

Chief Executive Officer of Ford, Mark Fields, gave a rich, data-filled presentation on the future of OEMs

strong advocates for improving the world around them. (Autobody News will feature Carl Swope in the April issue of the magazine.)

Sidney DeBoer, the executive chairman of Lithia Motors, Ashland, OR, and Amy Purdy, who overcame a partial leg amputation to become an

award-winning adaptive snowboarder, brought the final general session of the NADA Convention to a rousing close.

DeBoer, who is also dealer principal of Lithia Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, worked in many positions at the dealership starting as the office manager.

His dad’s death in the late 1960s thrust him into the role of running the dealership.

“I made 35 sales that first month,” he said, noting his dad had served as the chief salesperson prior to his death.

“Those sales made me strong. They gave me the strength I needed to go on.”

It was soon after that turbulent time that DeBoer spearheaded the drive to take the dealership public. Today the company—now led by his son Bryan DeBoer—sells 30 brands in 153 stores located across 17 states.

“People can do a lot more than they think they can,” he said. His company’s success “came about due to a decision I made one day after a tragedy.

You can do anything anyone else can if you put your mind to it.”

www.autobodynews.com | MARCH 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 11

Griffith Auto Body in CO: Traditional Values As Driving Force of the family-owned businesses that the Griffiths have here in Fort Morgan.

Driving west on Platte Avenue in Fort This business is unique, though, Morgan can take one on a ride down and it does more than just auto body memory lane, as old American-made work. cars from the ‘50s through the ‘70s can “We are set up to do things that other shops cannot do,” said Troy. often be seen in front of Griffith Auto A quick visit to their website shows Body, located in the 300 block on the north side of the street. that Troy and his shop will restore just Many of the vehicles are ones that about anything made of metal, includTroy Griffith owns, or they are some ing refrigerators, pedal cars, pop maof his customers’ cars waiting to be rechines and old gas pumps. stored.

Both Griffiths have a love of old cars and are avid motorcyclists. The shop also works on restoring motorcycles.

“We are the only place in town that restores motorcycles,” said Troy.

While restoration work is a passion for Troy, he points out that many customers don’t realize the cost of doing it. Finding some of the old parts and the time it takes to do the job Griffith Auto Body now is housed at 301 W. Platte Ave. right are some of things that in Fort Morgan. The shop moved to the new location at the beginning of the year. Credit: Jon A. Yamamoto / people don’t really consider Fort Morgan Times when starting a project.

The new home of Griffith Auto “On restorations work you are Body is in a building that is deceptively lucky if you can break even on it,” said larger than it looks. The shop is open Troy. Even though it is not the moneyfor business, though some of the areas making part of the business, he said if are still being renovated. Two painting he could just do restoration work, he booths remain to be completed. would.

Not only did Troy Griffith grow Insurance and collision work proup here in Morgan County, but he also vides the solid financial base for ophas spent 36 years working in the auto erating an auto body shop, according body business. Eleven years ago, he to Troy. Griffith Auto Body offers free started Griffith Auto Body. estimates on repairs.

His grandfather had a hog farm outside of Wiggins. It was a business that his father continued, so Griffith grew up on a farm. “I really did not like farming,” said Troy.

Griffith remembers purchasing his first vehicle when he was 14 years old.

“The first one I bought from a junk yard was a 1961 Ford pick-up truck, and by the time I was 16, I had a car to Lori Griffith’s restored 1972 Pontiac Le Mans sits in drive,” said Griffith.

He attended Fort Morgan the Griffith Auto Body Showroom. The body shop is now located at 301 W. Platte Ave. in Fort Morgan.

High School, but did not grad- Credit: Jon A. Yamamoto / Fort Morgan Times uate. Griffith had already disThe shop can fix anything from covered his career. minor dents to major collisions, includ“I actually started painting cars ing ones that require frame straightenwhen I was 16,” said Griffith. ing.

Troy and his wife, Lori, are the Troy takes pride in the quality and primary owners of Griffith Auto Body, service that his business provides its and Angel Vargas also has a percentage stake in the business. It is just one customers. One of the advantages dealby Jon A. Yamamoto, Fort Morgan Times

12 MARCH 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

ing with a family-owned business is that Troy stands behind his shop’s work.

“We guarantee our work for as long as you own the car,” said Troy.

The shop also offers detailing, window tinting and complete exhaust system work.

gency (EPA) regulations have changed, so has the process of chroming.

Fewer body shops offer this service, as many car manufacturers have gone away from using chrome on their vehicles, said Troy.

He noted that having a chrome machine is a real plus. With the machine, not only can bumpers and trim be restored, but he can also chrome just about anything, including a tennis shoe.

Walking into the business, one will see two of Lori’s cars. The first being a white 2012 Chevrolet convertible, and behind it in the back A 1957 Buick Special is just one of the classic cars that room is a blue 1972 Pontiac can been seen outside of Griffith Auto Body in Fort Morgan. Le Mans. Both have been Credit: Jon A. Yamamoto / Fort Morgan Times fully restored. This room also is decorated with a collection of Hot “Though we are not advertising the detailing service, we are doing about Wheels cars still in their original packaging, old motorcycle and car signs, one car per day,” said Troy. license plates, various posters and Having a chrome machine is an adphotographs. ditional benefit for Griffith Auto Body, Troy admits to having a couple of as they are currently the only place thousand Hot Wheel cars, which is within 50 miles to offer the chroming more than enough to cover all of the service.

As Environmental Protection ASee Griffith Auto Body, Page 14

www.autobodynews.com | MARCH 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 13

U.S. Department of Education Approves Universal Technical Institute Welding and CNC Machining Technology Programs Universal Technical Institute, Inc. has received approval from the U.S. Department of Education to launch two new program offerings: Welding Technology and Computer Numeric Control (CNC) Machining.

Kim McWaters, UTI’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said, “We are pleased to make progress on

our 2017 growth initiatives by introducing programs that serve our students and are complementary to our core business. These programs will help us attract new students, give students the skills to fill good jobs and build rewarding careers, and address strong industry demand for skilled workers.”

CNC Machining classes begin this fall at the company’s NASCAR Technical Institute (NTI) campus, in

Mooresville, N.C. Welding Technology classes will begin this summer at its Rancho Cucamonga, CA campus, and the company is evaluating program expansion opportunities.

Welding Technology Program UTI’s 36-week Welding Technology program trains students as entrylevel welders and equips them with the basic knowledge and skills to work in jobs across the manufacturing sector. Between 2009 and 2019, there will be more than 230,000 new and replacement welding positions available in industries ranging from automotive fabrication and motorsports to aerospace, shipbuilding and the construction of the nation’s growing infrastructure.

The hands-on training and curriculum was built in collaboration with Lincoln Electric, a global leader in the welding industry and was approved in 2016 by the California Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) and the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and

Ellis County Auto Repair Earns American Honda ProFirst Certification

After meeting all of American Honda’s stringent requirements, Ellis County Auto Repair of Waxahachie, Texas has been certified and approved to be the 955th ProFirst Certified Shop in the nation.

“After extensive investments in state-of-the-art equipment, attaining industry training and certifications, we are pleased to have been accepted in Honda’s program,” stated Craig Anderson, owner and president of Ellis County Auto. “Honda is a quality automobile manufacturer and they care about the proper restoration of their products to ensure the safety and confidence of their Honda customers. We’re proud to be a part of their efforts.”

The ProFirst program enables consumers to find a certified facility in their area through Honda’s internet-based ProFirst Facility Locator, which can be found at http://collision.honda.com/locator/profirstcertifiedfacility#.WKXOpW8rIxE “When involved in a collision event, most consumers simply don’t know what to do or where to go for repair,” stated Barrett Smith of Auto Damage Experts, a collision indus-

try consultant who has been Ellis County’s consultant for several years. “Many rely upon referrals from others who may or may not have the customer’s best interest at heart. This makes consumers vulnerable in their greatest time of need when it comes to seeking proper and thorough repairs.

“All body shops are not the same, and while some, like Ellis County Auto, offer a high level of quality customer service and workmanship, there are those who unfortunately do not. Honda’s strict verification of training, equipment, facilities and ongoing oversight ensures that their Honda customers will receive the quality parts, materials and workmanship necessary to properly restore their damaged vehicle to its pre-loss condition in safety, performance, appearance and value to the best of reasonable human ability,” said Smith.

www.autobodynews.com

14 MARCH 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Colleges (ACCSC).

“The new Welding Technology program aligns with and complements our core auto/diesel, motorcycle, marine and collision repair programs and utilizes space at our Rancho Cucamonga campus,” said Duane Kramer, vice-president of new campus operations and education programs at UTI. “At a time when the country has such a strong and growing need for skilled professionals, the program can attract new students to UTI and creates another promising career path for our students.”

“Lincoln Electric has a century of commitment to educating welders.

With the critical shortage of welders today, we accelerated our efforts to provide educators at every level with skills and knowledge that employers demand. We are excited to offer the UTI team our products, services and expertise to help develop an outstanding welding education program,” said Jason Scales, manager, educational services, Lincoln Electric.

Continued from Page 12

Griffith Auto Body

walls in his shop.

The showroom/lobby area is a tribute to Americana, a shared passion for both Troy and Lori. Old Harley Davidson, automotive signs, pictures and posters cover the back showroom wall.

Griffith Auto Body is open seven days a week at its new location, 301 W. Platte Ave., in Fort Morgan.

Weekday hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call for weekend hours. The phone number is 970-867-9071, and they have two websites: griffithautobody.com and griffithautobody.net.

Their e-mail address is restorationsbytroy@hotmail.com.

We thank Fort Morgan Times for reprint permission.

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Next Step Program Offers Young Pros Scholarships

The Young Auto Care Network Group (YANG) and the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) will offer young industry professionals the opportunity to experience up-close how the Auto Care

Association and various aspects of the industry work through participation in the Next Step Program.

The Next Step Program offers future leaders in the auto care industry the opportunity to become involved in the industry and trade association by receiving scholarships to attend the Auto Care Association’s Spring Leadership Days, held May 35, 2017 at the Grand Hyatt Regency in San Antonio, Texas.

“As young people become more connected and involved in the industry, they are more likely to build longlasting careers in auto care,” says Bill

Hanvey, president and CEO, Auto Care Association. “Future involvement and leadership are the ultimate goals of the Next Step Program.”

At the Auto Care Association Spring Leadership Days, Next Steppers will have the chance to participate in committee meetings and networking events with veteran industry leaders.

Ten Next Steppers will receive a scholarship of up to $1,100 to offset most expenses for travel and accommodations to, from and during the event.

Most meals are also included.

Interested applicants must be a member of YANG and employed by a member company of the Auto Care Association. The official application is available on the Auto Care Association website, www.autocare.org/What -We-Do/Professional-Development /YANG/the-next-step-program/ or by contacting Courtney Hammer at: courtney.hammer@autocare.org. The deadline to apply is March 1, 2017.

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16 MARCH 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Chubb Sets Insurance Precedent: Will Pay for Preand Post-Repair Scans on “Modern” Vehicles

turned in proper working order.”

Shortly after, in January, Chubb sent a follow up email to clarify their Body shops across the country watched announcement: with interest as the world’s largest pub“The email you received on Delically-traded property and casualty incember 9 regarding a policy announcesurer announced it would pay for prement on pre and post scans was sent and post-repair scans on vehicles 1990 prematurely and we wish to clarify and newer. In a move that many repairit. Chubb has consistently focused on the ers found a welcome surprise, including safety and integrity of covered vehicle the owner of Big Sky Collision Center, repairs, consistent with manufacturer reMatthew McDonnell, Chubb sent the quirements. Our approach to pre- and/or following email to body shops in Depost-repair scanning is no difcember: ferent. Many manufacturers “Chubb has decided that have issued position statewe are going to allow for pre ments relating to the need for and post scans on all “modpre- and post-repair scanning. ern” autos (1990 and Newer).

Many have not yet done Your first line on the estimate so. Chubb’s approach is to should read pre-scan at 1.0 view each repair as unique, hour of body rate and the last Matthew and to consider payment for line on the estimate should McDonnell, covered repairs on a case-byread post-scan at 1.0 hours of owner of Big Sky case basis, in accordance with body rate. If you find that the Collision Center policy terms and the need for cost of doing the scan is going a high quality repair.” to be higher, then provide the actual “This is the insurance company as scan report and the invoice and we will far as I can see with the most integrity,” reimburse accor-dingly on the SUPsaid McDonnell. “They looked at it and PLE- MENT. said, ‘Hey, this needs to be done. We Chubb takes this very serious and wants to make sure the vehicle is reSee Chubb, Page 38

by Stacey Phillips

www.autobodynews.com | MARCH 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 17

Service King Named Large Employer of the Year by Texas Veterans Commission

The Texas Veterans Commission officially recognized Service King Collision Repair Centers and its ongoing Mission 2 Hire campaign this week,

naming the organization the Large Employer of the Year. The announcement came as part of the 19th annual Veterans Summit hosted Monday (February 6) at the Double Tree Hilton in Austin.

The Texas Veterans Summit hosted more than 430 attendees as the event brought together veterans service organizations, non-profits and agencies from across the state.

Service King is an industry-leading national operator of high-quality collision repair centers with more than 300 locations across the U.S. Military veterans and spouses looking to join the Service King team through Mission 2 Hire are encouraged to visit www.Mission2Hire.careers. The specially built portal provides a detailed overview of available positions at Service King and features a ‘skills

matcher’ to pair veterans with careers that fit their skillset.

“The entire Service King family is united in our pledge to actively serve and support military veterans and spouses across the U.S.,” said Jeff McFadden, Service King President.

“We’re humbled and proud to have welcomed hundreds of veterans to numerous positions at Service King since the launch of Mission 2 Hire.

Service King will continue to invest in this program and look for ways to

Service King’s Mission 2 Hire launched in May 2015 and has directly resulted in hundreds of U.S. Armed Forces veterans and spouses joining the organization in less than two years. In 2016 alone, Service King actively recruited and hired more than 100 veterans and spouses, putting the campaign ahead of its goal to hire 500 in five years.

In addition to recruiting events, Service King has consistently promoted Mission 2 Hire through diverse marketing materials including high-profile billboard campaigns and even a 30second radio spot during Super Bowl 50 in 2016. The radio spot went on to win Westwood One’s Super Bowl Sound Awards for creative excellence.

Shortly after its launch in 2015, Service King officially joined the Military Spouse Employment Partnership Program – a U.S. Department of Defense backed partnership among leading busiHundreds of U.S. Armed Forces veterans have joined nesses to actively connect Service King through its Mission 2 Hire initiative military spouses with career give back to those who have bravely opportunities at hundreds of organizadefended our freedoms and liberties.” tions.

Service King Gets New Offices

Service King Collision Repair Centers announced the organization successfully negotiated a 64,916-square foot office lease with leading investment management firm JLL. The industry-leading automotive repair company will open new offices at Galatyn Commons, located at 2375 North Glenville Drive in Richardson, Texas. The new home office will initially house approximately 170 Service King teammates, who will be relocating from the company’s current home office in Richardson’s Tower 2600. Service King expects to take occupancy of the new office by summer 2017. Dallas-based architecture and design firm Corgan is planning the facility’s interior design prior to build-out. “This is a tremendous step in the ongoing evolution of the Service King family,” said Michelle Frymire, Service King Chief Financial Officer. “We never waver in our pursuit to provide Service King teammates with best-in-class support. Our team has grown tremendously in the last several years, and this new home office will provide the space, technology, and amenities that will continue to foster a growing team for years to come. We’re proud to call Galatyn Commons Service King’s brand new home.

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Continued from Cover

SARC 2017

will begin prior to registration at 8:00 am.

The Conference and Exhibits open at 12:30 pm on Friday and close at 9:00 pm. Friday includes afternoon classes followed by a Reception in the exhibit area from 6:00 to 9:00 pm.

Saturday begins at 8:00 am with exhibits, demos, class offerings, conference presentations, and prize giveaways. A continental breakfast will be served and lunch will be provided.

General Admission is $40 online and $50 at the door. This fee includes entry to the event, classes, and sessions as well as food and beverages, including drink tickets for the reception.

A large number of exhibitors will participate, including national paint companies, major vehicle OEMs, PBE distributors, equipment and tool companies, industry service providers, and product innovators. There will be vehicles on the floor with demonstration areas available to sponsors and exhibitors. New exhibitors are being added daily. Check for updates on the SARC website.

Exhibitor set-up is Friday from 9:00 am to noon. A ‘Come & Go’ private lunch buffet will be served to exhibitors, sponsors, speakers, and SARC staff from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm before the Exhibition floor is opened to the public. All Exhibitors are asked to be set up no later than 3:00 pm on Friday.

Speaker Brad Mewes with Supplement will present a look at the current state of the industry, the role of Wall Street financiers, other industries that have consolidated, the future of collision repair, and strategies that smaller operators can use to compete in this environment.

Keynote Speaker Mike Jones is a dynamic and inspiring presenter who motivates high levels of leadership utilizing tools to develop untapped potential. Mike served 6 years in the U.S. Coast Guard, is an accomplished TV host and radio personality, flew a helicopter for the Houston police, and was a four-time recipient of the Houston Police Officer of the Year. Mike currently runs Discover Leadership Training in Houston, Texas.

Panels include: Panel 1: OEM Perspective Industry Panel with Mike Anderson/Collision-

Advice and representatives from AsTech, GM, Honda, and Nissan discuss topics important to distributors, shops, and consumers.

Panel 2: Successful Shops discussion with Mike Anderson/CollisionAdvice, David Luehr/Elite Body Shop Solutions, Brad Mewes/Supplement, and Jake Rodenroth/Collision Diagnostics

Panel 3: I-CAR 2017 presentation and discussion with I-CAR Instructors and Staff German Mejia, Caleb Mills, Tony Nethery, Patrick Porter, Dave Robinette, and Terry Ticel

Classes include: I-CAR: ‘Safety Shield Technologies’ a brand new 1 hour class module that will be presented to attendees. Individuals must register with I-CAR to receive credit.

Assured Performance: Special preconference session! Attendees will learn how to maximize benefits of being an OEM Certified Collision Care Provider, and also learn about tools to improve business.

AsTech™: AsTech Remote Diagnos-

tic Device—Jake Rodenroth of Collision Diagnostic Services presents the innovative AsTech tool and process that remotely diagnoses vehicle issues and codes.

Management Success: ‘Super Charge Your Profits’ Learn the importance of having the right employees on your team, how efficiency & numbers make the difference, and what key ingredient sets you apart.

CollisionAdvice: ‘Positioning Yourself’ with Mike Anderson focuses on Sales & Marketing, Production, Accounting & Financing, and Human Resources for both shops and jobbers.

All members of your team can learn and apply this material.

Mitchell: Content to be announced shortly.

GM ‘Supplemental Restraints: Service and Repair’ covers the servicing of supplemental restraint systems. Topics include replacement of the SDM, inflators, passenger presence sensor, SIR coil, seat belt retractors and wire repair strategy.

See SARC 2017, Page 24

www.autobodynews.com | MARCH 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 19

“You start with getting the customer’s authorization to obtain the data, taking photographs of the scan tool on the car so you can prove to the after hurting his knee playing basketinsurer or anyone else that you really ball. As the knee continued to swell, scanned the car,” he said. “Sometimes Wano took his son to an urgent care we even photograph the different clinic, where, he said, they checked his codes that come up on the scanner.” son’s temperature, heart rate and blood One challenge, he said, is that scan pressure, then decided an MRI was times can vary widely from one vehineeded to determine if his son had damcle model to another. aged his meniscus. The MRI showed no “And if you find fault codes, it damage. leads to all sorts of questions,” he said.

“The point I’m making is there “Sometimes the scan will point you in were all these diagnostic tests to de- the direction and give you some insight termine what happened,” Wano said. [into what needs to be done]. Other “And I can tell you from the [papertimes you have dig into it further.” work] I’ve received, the tests were all Others on the panel concurred charged out. Even though there was that there’s a need for training related no tear in the meniscus, the insurer to scanning. Mark Allen of Audi of would pay for that MRI because it was America said his company hasn’t yet a concern.” joined the nearly two dozen other auPanelist Chris Evans of State tomakers putting out position stateFarm called the analogy a good one. ments on scanning despite the need to “There was ‘technology’ in the ensure systems have been calibrated area of the damage, right,” Evans said and reset. of Wano’s son’s knee. “So it made “To pull codes sounds great, but sense to do everything that the doctors there’s a danger here,” Allen said. “If did.” someone goes in and does a pre-scan, Evans said he recently took his pulls the codes and clears the history, own vehicle in for collision repair, and we don’t know what happened to that a scan was involved in part because car. We lose all the back-history on that one of the car’s adaptive headlights had car. You’re not just affecting the collito be replaced. sion world. You’re affecting “Our developing posiany of the campaigns we do tion at my company as we try to update those computer systo get our arms around this tems for the function of that is: Do what makes sense,” entire vehicle system.”

Evans said. “In that situation, That segued the discussion the body shop did what made into another related topic: the sense. There’s technology need for shops to consistently John Eck there. There was an accident. use automaker repair proceIt made sense in that scenario to do dures. what they did.”

“If you don’t use the [OEM] inforPanelist Darrell Amberson, vice mation together with the information president of operations for Minnesota- and results you get from the scan, based LaMettry’s Collision, said his there’s really not much sense in doing a company now scans virtually every scan anyway,” Olsen said. “The process car coming into their eight shops. isn’t just about scanning the car. It’s in“Right now we’re scanning over terpreting the results that you get from 1,000 cars a month,” he said. that scan, and then using the service inHe said that to do that well, and formation and procedures.” to be paid for the process by insurers, Panelist John Eck of General requires a disciplined process.

Motors noted that a survey of shops Continued from Cover

OEM panel

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his company did last year found results similar to other surveys in terms of shops’ regular review of OEM repair procedures.

“It’s less than 20 percent pulling repair procedures [for all repairs],” Eck said. “It’s unacceptable. There are no two accidents that are alike. We change repair procedures often. I understand the cost and the process and the payment issues [related to looking up OEM procedures]. But we’re talking about a safe repair. We have to work with the information providers to find better ways to make it easier, to provide the information to shops in a faster, more intuitive way.”

State Farm’s Evans agreed there’s a need for more OEM scanning and repair information within the estimating systems.

“I believe in the very near future, they are going to become a critical element in this whole process,” Evans said.

GM’s Eck was asked if he has concerns about the industry being ready to repair the autonomous vehicles that are being developed. Eck said his concerns are more immediate. He said he recently learned of a relative who had been in a vehicle accident, and

he immediately began texting that person to find out who was doing the repairs, and suggesting questions to ask the shop.

“We’re on the inside so we know what we really want [for them] out of that repair, and what may not happen,” Eck said. “I’m concerned about the vehicles being sold today, that the industry as a whole isn’t prepared to fix even today’s non-autonomous vehicles.”

He said that obviously there are shops that have the training, equipment and information to repair vehicles properly, but “by and large, the masses” may be five or 10 years behind.

Eck acknowledged his company needs to do more to educate insurers as well, pointing to Mercedes-Benz as a company doing that well.

They’ve done a fabulous job with insurer training, so that insurers understand the type of vehicles their policyholders are owning,” Eck said.

“We need to take those best practices and see how General Motors can improve information communication to insurance companies.”

CIC’s next meeting will be held April 19–20 in Pittsburgh, PA.

www.autobodynews.com | MARCH 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 21

Shop Services

Stacey Phillips is a freelance writer and editor for the automotive industry.

She has 20 years of experience writing for a variety of publications.

She can be reached at sphillips.autobodynews@gmail.com.

Collision Safety Consultants Teams with Collision Repair Stakeholders for Proper Repairs with Stacey Phillips

what’s wrong the vehicle and then let Since Billy Walkowiak founded Colhim or her decide whether or not to lision Safety Consultants seven years ago, he has helped consumers, body take it back to the shop to repair it corshops, dealerships and even insurance rectly. “The consumer is ultimately companies with diminished value the vehicle owner, and the choice is claims as well as inspecting post-repair theirs,” he said. vehicles to determine whether they When the company was first eswere fixed properly. tablished in 2010, Walkowiak fo“It used to be that body cused mainly on diminished shops didn’t like Collision value claims in North CarSafety Consultants and they olina and South Carolina. were worried about what I was “The more I started doing going to do,” said Walkowiak, diminished value claims, the president of the North-Carmore I found out that conolina-based company. “I actusumers weren’t getting qualally have body shops now that ity repairs, and they were hire me to look at their cars to Billy Walkowiak, being taken advantage of by founder of Collision make sure they’re doing the Safety Consultants not only unscrupulous body right thing.” shops but by insurance comHe said over the last couple of panies,” he said. “They weren’t getmonths, one of the largest MSOs asked ting quality repairs and they weren’t him to inspect vehicles that were regetting paid what they should for paired by their technicians because their vehicle’s loss in value.” they didn’t think they fixed them corHe found he was getting 75,000 rectly and wanted a third-party opinion. to 100,000 hits a year on his website “The ones that care about their business from those who were interested in embrace me and the ones that don’t, what he was doing. Many consumers disgrace me,” said Walkowiak. were also reaching out to share stories His message to collision repairers about a bad experience with a body is to use OEM repair procedures and shop and wanted to know where they the proper equipment to ensure vehicould find someone to help them. cles are repaired correctly. “The cars Walkowiak would then contact a nowadays are so technical a lot of nearby body shop and ask to be his people don’t have a resistance welder eyes and ears. “I handled the paperor computerized measurement system work but I needed someone to physiand they are fixing hard hits,” he said. cally look at the vehicle because there “The vehicles are engineered today might be a bad repair,” he said. He now with such low tolerance you can’t fix receives about 15 to 20 requests per them if you don’t have the right equipweek. Most of these are asking how to ment.” overcome short pays when an insurHe said that shops often tell him ance company is not willing to pay for that they’ve been doing it a certain way the repair. for 40 years. “Well, these aren’t the Since first opening Collision Safety cars we manufactured 40 years ago,” Consultants, Walkowiak has extended said Walkowiak. his business to include total loss assessWhen a consumer brings in a vements. “A huge piece of business now hicle they are concerned about to his is doing valuations for consumers on business, he starts out by doing a free total loss where insurance companies visual inspection. “If it’s something are not willing to pay them a fair marcosmetic, we don’t make an issue out ket value,” he said. of that. That’s not what we’re looking “Now that I have four associate for,” he said. “We’re looking for things locations, it’s more evident to me that that can endanger the lives of the pasthe problem hasn’t changed,” said sengers of the vehicles.”

Walkowiak. The first associate locaAfter conducting an inspection, tion opened in Scottsdale, Arizona in Walkowiak said they always give the March 2016. Locations in Texas and body shop the first opportunity to New Orleans soon followed that same make it right. He will show a customer year and one in Pennsylvania was es-

22 MARCH 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

business was helping folks fight for their rights. We liked it very much!”

They now focus on fighting for the rights of the policyholder either to get diminished value for the damage to the vehicle or the actual cash value for the total loss. “We have found that people simply accept the insurance company offer, leaving lots of value on the table—to the benefit of the insurance company, not them,” she said.

When she talks to body New Orleans shops, she tells them that they Vera O’Brien and her hushave an ally when it comes to band Pat own Collision getting the insurance compaSafety Consultants of Southnies to pay them for their ern Louisiana and serve the work. The O’Briens mainly greater New Orleans area. fight for independent shops The O’Bri-ens were in the who don’t cater to big insurbumper reconditioning busi(r to l) Vera and Pat O’Brien with ance companies. “They only ness for more than 18 years. daughter Emma answer to their customer— “It was becoming eviwe like that,” said Vera. “We hope that dent that people were trying everythe public gets wise about their rights. thing not to file a claim for auto When they need a little muscle added damage,” said Vera. “We did research See Proper Repairs, Page 24 as to why that was and found that this tablished just recently in 2017.

All of the locations work with multiple shops in their area of business to help ensure proper repairs, as well as assist customers with total loss value and diminished value.

“It’s kind of like a value-added service that doesn’t cost the shop anything,” he said. “The shop is the one that gets the accolades.”

www.autobodynews.com | MARCH 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 23

Continued from Page 22

Proper Repairs

to their fight, we’re here for them.”

She said it’s an injustice that big insurance companies think they can get away with offering so little to the consumer.

“The consumer doesn’t have to settle—they have the right to pick their own body shop, and to get what their totaled car is REALLY worth, and they have the right to go after diminished value,” said Vera. She said improper repairs are also a safety issue for families. “They don’t have to settle for less than proper repairs either. Big companies won’t give you this information; we have to dig it up and point it out and fight for it. That’s our public service!”

Pennsylvania In December 2016, John Hayduk decided to learn more about the possibility of opening an associate location in Pennsylvania. He traveled to North Carolina to train with Walkowiak in January 2017. By February 1, the business was up and running.

“I have been following Billy for several years and I saw a great need in

the Philadelphia market and the surrounding area to protect the consumer from unsafe repairs,” said Hayduk, the owner and president of Collision Safety Consultants of Pennsylvania.

In July 2016, he was approached by a lawyer about a client’s vehicle that was in two accidents while at a dealership. “I took the vehicle in and we did

John Hayduk, owner and president of Collision Safety Consultants of Pennsylvania

a disassembly,” said Hayduk. He found that the front cover was replaced; however, they did not replace the bumper reinforcement that was also damaged.

The right side doors also needed to be replaced because the intrusion beams were bent. It cost $16,500 to make the corrected repairs.

“The dealer has never said who fixed the car for them. In doing this, they put the client and her children and

24 MARCH 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

anyone else riding in that vehicle in danger,” said Hayduk. “This was the catalyst for me to do something for the consumer.”

Since opening his business, he has primarily focused on total loss valuations. In the first 14 days, they also dealt with some poor repairs and started to get referrals for diminished value claims. Prior to starting the Pennsylvania business, Hayduk was a retired policeman who worked as an estimator in a body shop as well as managed several shops. He has also been a manager of business development for an auto paint supplier. He has been a licensed appraiser since 1995.

Hayduk tells body shops that he isn’t out to find a tape line or a dirt nib. Instead, his goal is to protect motorists from unsafe repairs.

“The industry really needs to remember that our customer is the vehicle owner,” said Hayduk. “They are the ones who are counting on us to make sure their vehicles are repaired properly.”

Contact Billy at Billy.collisionsafety@ gmail.com, or visit www.collisionsafety consultants.us www.collisionsafety consultants.com.

Continued from Page 19

SARC 2017

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www.autobodynews.com | MARCH 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 25

Historical Snapshot with John Yoswick

—John Yoswick is a freelance writer based in Portland, Oregon, who has a body shop in the family and has been writing about the automotive industry since 1988.

He is the editor of the weekly CRASH Network (for a free 4-week trial subscription, visit www.CrashNetwork.com). Contact him by email at jyoswick@SpiritOne.com.

Industry History Includes Concern About Refinish Materials Calculation, “Underwritten” Estimates 20 years ago in the collision repair industry (March 1997) The estimating system providers agreed that the formulas they offer for calculating blending time (painting a portion of an adjacent panel for color matching) are not designed to be used when estimating spot painting (blending within a repaired panel).

The panelists were also asked whether shop compensation for paint materials would be calculated differently in the future.

Sherwin-Williams’ Bruce Cooley said there is nothing logical about the current system, in which materials compensation is based on the number of refinish hours.

“If someone was painting a room in your home on an insurance claim, I’m sure the materials required to paint that room would be basically based on the size of that room,” Cooley said.

“Boy, I wish we could catch up with that in the automotive trade business.”

– As reported in The Auto Rebuilder. Twenty years later, the majority of the industry continues to use the refinish hours as the multiplier of the refinish materials rate. A 2016 “Who

In 2007, Ohio attorney Erica Eversman argued that insurers could be in breach of the insurance contract if they make a practice of deliberately not including on an estimate all of the repairs necessary to restore the vehicle

Pays for What?” survey (www.crash network.com/collisionadvice) found that only about 19 percent of shops use a materials calculator/invoicing system; more than 60 percent who do, however,

26 MARCH 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

reported they are paid “always” or “most of the time” based on that materials invoice from the top eight largest insurers.

15 years ago in the collision repair industry (March 2002) Principle has influence only when the public is watching. Otherwise, money rules. The insurance lobby knows this and applies it expertly. What other explanation would there be for bills that would limit the use of non-OEM parts on late-model vehicles languishing in one state legislature after another over the last six years? The insurance lobby would have us believe that instead of enhancing consumer choices, the bills ensured a monopoly for the car companies.

Hogwash.

The insurance lobby seems to have forgotten that the customer is the care owner, not the insurance company, and without these bills becoming laws, owners have no choice about what

goes on their recently-purchased cars.

They get what the insurance company dictates.

– from a column by industry writer Tom Slear published in Autobody News.

10 years ago in the collision repair industry (March 2007) The causes and concerns about “underwritten” initial estimates were the focus of a recent panel discussion including shops, insurers and attorneys.

“It could be a breach of the insurance contract with the insured if an insurance company is making a practice of deliberately not including (on an estimate) all of the repairs necessary to restore the vehicle,” Ohio attorney Erica Eversman of Vehicle Information Services, Inc., said in her opening statement at the discussion, held in Phoenix.

“I don’t see any value to the (insurance) company that would be the

motivation for doing that,” George Avery, national claims consultant with State Farm, responded, pointing out the risk any such an insurer would be taking.

The panel discussion was prompted by a report by the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) “Anti-Fraud Committee” last year. In what the committee acknowledged was a non-scientific study, 266 claims submitted by collision repair shops showed an average supplement of nearly $2,400 on initial insurer-prepared estimates that averaged $1,640. The committee subsequently received documentation on more than 700 claims, with the average difference between initial insurer estimate and final repair still remaining above $2,400.

The panel discussion in Phoenix was not CIC-organized but was prompted by those who wanted to see more analysis of the subject following the CIC committee’s work. Some of the main points raised by those participating on the panel.

• Attorney Eversman said that in addition to breach of contract, insurers could potentially be engaging in consumer fraud if they are training adjusters to not include on initial estimates

“items that would be obvious to an experienced collision repairer as necessary.” She believes the problem stems not from policies set in place by top executives at insurance companies but more at a local level where adjusters and appraisers may be rewarded for keeping severity down.

• Bill Graden, a State Farm attorney, agreed that any insurer deliberately underwriting estimates would be risking not only accusations of consumer fraud but also charges of bad faith which can lead to significant punitive damages. These risks provide ample disincentive to underwrite initial estimates, he said.

• State Farm’s Avery said insurers are aware of the risk they would be taking if they were to engage in the types of practices Eversman describes. He said that underwriting initial estimates also raises an insurer’s costs because of the resulting supplements. “We try to get everything we can on the estimate because the next time you have to go out (because of supplements) means extra steps, extra time, extra man-power to get those things done,” he said.

• Roger Wright, manager of material damage and direct repair programs for AIG, said his company

believes in giving appraisers adequate estimating training because a poorlytrained adjuster is as likely to “overwrite” as “under-write” an estimate.

He used an analogy of a light bulb that is broken inside a paper bag, however, to explain that initial estimates may not include damage that can’t be seen; you may be pretty sure the bulb is broken, he said, but if you can’t see it, you don’t know whether it’s a 60-watt bulb or 100-watt bulb so how can you accurately include it on an estimate?

• Darrell Amberson, president of Lehman’s Garage, a six-shop collision repair business in Bloomington, Minn., and national director of the Collision Division of the Automotive Service Association (ASA), said that not all insurers act the same, but that he believes some deliberately underwrite initial estimates. He cited an example of an insurer not including refinish labor time on salvage parts because the part might already be the right color.

– As reported in Collision Expert.

5 years ago in the collision repair industry (March 2012) Preliminary data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners indicates the Top 10 auto insurers con-

tinued to gain market share as a group in 2011. The Top 10 insurers accounted for close to 70 percent of the market last year, compared to 68.1 percent in 2010 (and up from about 59 percent in 2000).

In terms of market share growth, GEICO (No. 3) was the big winner with just over 9 percent market share, up from 8.5 in 2010, continuing to fuel speculation that it could pass Allstate (at 10.3 percent last year) as early as 2013 to become the second-largest auto insurer.

Progressive (No. 4) and USAA (No. 6) also gained one-fourth of a point of market share last year. Nationwide (No. 8) and American Family (No. 10) saw the largest decline in market share among the Top 10.

As reported in CRASH Network (www.CrashNetwork.com), March 26, 2012. GEICO indeed passed Allstate in 2013 to become the second-largest auto insurer, having outpaced even fast-growing Progressive (No. 4, still trailing Allstate) over the past decade.

USAA most recently passed Farmers (No. 6) and Liberty Mutual (No. 7) to become the fifth-largest auto insurer.

Nationwide (No. 8), which was the sixth-largest auto insurer in 2005, has continued to lose marketshare.

www.autobodynews.com | MARCH 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 27

Shop Showcase

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

Not Just a Cause, But a Way of Life for the Lefler Collision Family with Ed Attanasio

The collision repair industry gives back in a big way, and certain body shops are well-known for their philanthropy and kindness. They give cars away and sponsor things like food drives, car washes and other fundraisers for local charities and more. Many of these shops have been doing these types of things for so many years that it’s practically in their DNA, just like fixing cars.

were like, and we were terrified by what we saw,” Lefler said. “So we decided to sponsor three orphans, but when we started getting letters from them and learning their stories, we knew we had to do more.”

One day, Jimmy’s wife Stephanie came into his office and announced that God was calling them to go to Myanmar.

“So I looked at my cell phone and there were no messages from Him there,” he said. “I jokingly asked my wife, ‘Are you sure?’”

When most husbands get a “honey do list,” it says things like clean up the garage or wash the car, but this particular request was going to involve a 30 hour+ travel period, including one 16-hour flight to reach their destination, and Jimmy wasn’t enamored with the idea initially.

Jimmy Lefler with Yin Yin Khin and Sophia during his “First off, I had to look at a recent and 11th trip to Myanmar map to find Myanmar,” Lefler While most shops reach out to help said. “I am not a really adventurous their respective communities, there is person in general. I hate camping and one third-generation MSO that is I can’t stand living out of suitcases, so changing the world with its generosity I figured I would go the first time and and commitment to making a change. that would be it.”

But after seeing the orphans and Jimmy Lefler, the owner of Lefler Collision and Glass, with three locations in victims of human trafficking firsthand Indiana and one in Kentucky, embarked in Myanmar, Lefler realized that this eight years ago on an amazing journey was going to be a little more than just to help people in Myanmar (formerly a two-week vacation. “Like Michael Burma).

Anderson from Collision Advice alLefler, his family and some of his ways says, ‘We didn’t know what we crew work closely with an organization didn’t know,’” Lefler said. “These called Uncharted International that has people were so wonderful and so 12 orphanages with more than 600 orgrateful [that] it just melted my heart. phans in Myanmar; a home for elderly widows; a human trafficking recovery center; and The Loom House, which provides jobs for the children that grow up in the orphanages and for women who, without a job, would end up in horrible situations to provide for themselves and their families.

Josh Lefler manages the company’s Evansville Maxwell For his 11th time, Lefler location. He has been to Myanmar five times to volunteer traveled to Myanmar right at The Loom House after Christmas last year for two weeks. They were embarrassed to receive our It has become his annual pilgrimage, help, but we were right in there doing but how did it all begin? manual labor with them and I think “At my church in 2008, they show- they respected that. What they give ed us what the conditions in Myanmar back to us in immeasurable. They

28 MARCH 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

have become our family.”

During his first trip, Lefler was helping people with things he knew nothing about, but it did not dissuade him for a second, he explained. “They wanted to raise pigs and chickens, but they didn’t know about the business

side. Planning, rotating, feeding, selling—I had to teach them all of that and I knew nothing about pigs or chickens!

So I did my research, and then when we returned, I was more prepared. One of the villagers wanted to raise fish, so I researched the process and advised him to dig a pond. When I returned the 6 months later, I was amazed at the two ponds he had dug by hand. They were 20 ft. long, 30 ft. wide and three feet deep and I was shocked that he did it all by himself. So now he’s raising fish.”

Lefler focuses much of his attention on The Loom House, which enables orphans who age out of the orphanage to have careers in which they can (l to r) Jimmy Lefler, Assistant Production Manager flourish and have pride. It has Max Carnahan and (front) Megan Williams, Director of also provided employment to Marketing at Lefler Collision and Glass, who utilize their women who otherwise would marketing skills to help Jimmy with the branding and progression of the Loom House goods

See Not Just a Cause, Page 38

www.autobodynews.com | MARCH 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 29

Shop Strategies with Stacey Phillips

Stacey Phillips is a freelance writer and editor for the automotive industry.

She has 20 years of experience writing for a variety of publications.

She can be reached at sphillips.autobodynews@gmail.com.

Successful Female Shop Owner in OR Encourages Shops to Keep an Open Mind, Have No Fear and Dive in Camille Eber began working at her My parents were ahead of their parent’s Oregon body shop, Roth & time in many ways; they were foundMiller Autobody, in 1986. Just three ing members of our state association, years later, her dad decided he was Autobody Craftsman Association, and ready to sell the business and Camille dad helped shape an estimator training became the new owner. Since and certification program then, she has added a minorwithin the association. They ity partner, become affiliated were one of the first shops in with the Fix Auto Network Portland to have the equipand grown the collision rement needed to repair unibody pair facility, which includes vehicles. They also attended a two locations, Fix Auto Portlot of training and the first few land East and Fix Auto Gladyears of NACE. Camille Eber, stone.

I worked only a year with owner of Fix Auto Portland East and mom before she passed away, Autobody News spoke to Camille about her experiences Fix Auto Gladstone and after that dad lost his in Oregon over the years as a woman focus and initiative with work. shop owner in a male-dominated field It was a few very difficult years. as well as the challenges of working in My nephew, William Bray, stara family business, and why she decided ted hanging out with me as a youngto become part of a network of shops. ster and would come with me to the shop on Saturdays while I caught up What are some of the challenges on supplements. He would do all kinds you have encountered being part of odd jobs to earn a buck—entering of a family business and how have you labor control cards (for job costing), dealt with them? cleaning in the shop, cutting the grass and weeding. When he graduated high Our business, Roth & Miller Au- school, we had been experiencing tobody, was started in 1946 by growth in volume so I taught him estiChet Roth & C.E. Miller. My folks, mating and how to negotiate with inJim and Doris Eber, purchased it in surers (which he did much better than 1963.

I ever have). He’s a very goal-focused When I joined the business with guy and wanted to spread his wings. my folks, I was untainted by the ways We often found ourselves butting of insurer/shop relations. I was optiheads and arguing. He even gave his mistic about being paid for what we notice once to go work for our largest did when we did it, and I believed I competitor and I made a promise to could eliminate the friction of getting make him a partner to keep him from paid, even though my folks told me leaving. Due to many, many things, it how it was. I only needed to educate took me much too long to fulfil that myself and approach it in a different promise. I credit my involvement in a way. This was not always the case, and DuPont (now Axalta) Business Council in many ways not much has changed group facilitated by Mike Anderson, between shops and insurers since that and Mike being my accountability parttime. ner within that group, as the fuel that I also saw an opportunity to im- prompted me to finally execute that prove our accounting (my college promise to make my nephew William a focus had been business and account- minority partner in 2012. ing) and our system was archaic when The relationship with my nephew I got there. Mom was the business has not been easy and this is wellbookkeeper and she had continued the known by many of our colleagues and system the previous bookkeeper had friends. We are polar opposites. He is set up. She was very resistant to mak- an extrovert and I am introvert; he is ing any changes to the system. In goal-focused and I have an overarchhindsight, mom was already very sick ing idea of how I want things to go. He and we just didn’t know that her tired- wants autonomy and I want control. ness and sometimes feeling exhausted The tension in our relationship has frewas an illness. quently gotten in the way—until re-

Q: A:

30 MARCH 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

cently. We contracted with a husband and wife coaching team and their ideas and methods mesh well with our Discover Leadership training and my individual work with a personal coach.

Trying to work together has cost a ton of money over the years, but working with this couple since June of 2016 has parted the “Red Sea” for us. I was on my last straw with our working relationship (which made our family relationship awful, too). If this round of coaching didn’t yield different results than all the other stuff I’d paid for and saw as a panacea at the time, something very different and likely unpleasant would need to happen.

I am very happy I gave it one more go—like my heart told me to do—despite the majority of people familiar with the situation encouraging me to cut ties.

What is it like to be a successful Q: woman shop owner in a male-

dominated field?

Growing up, I was always a bit A: of a tomboy with an interest in cars, and playing with my younger brother in the dirt with cars and trucks was the norm. I even recall a time when I was about 15, he would have been 11, and we had a grand time one fall afternoon outside in the dirt building Tonka truck-sized roads and maneuvering our cars and trucks along them. I think my interest in cars was also a way to connect with my dad.

I started working full time for my folks in 1986 and a year later my mom, who was my dad’s business partner and the glue of the business, passed away unexpectedly. I was tossed into a role that I had to step up to and fulfil, and do so expeditiously, in terms of education and action. My mom was my dad’s support system and he rather crumbled after she died and although he was physically See Have No Fear, Page 40

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800-722-2379 918-622-9670 Dept. Hours: M-Sat 7-6 hondaparts@doncarlton.com

Chapman Honda

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-7; Sat 8-4:30 parts@hondaofgreeley.com

877-466-3272 214-328-3891 Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 8-5 darryldotsy@rustywallis.com

T EX AS

LO UI SIANA

Mac Churchill Acura

Acura of Baton Rouge

Fo r t Wo r t h

B a to n R o u ge

888-824-9634 817-806-0571

866-733-2861 225-756-6166

Dept. Hours: M-F 6-7; Sat 8-5 jguin@macchurchill.com

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-5 dlavigne@acurabr.com

Sterling McCall Acura

Walker Acura

Ho u st on

M e ta i r i e

713-596-2337 713-596-2338

800-359-8555 504-465-8555

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-7; Sat 7:30-4 rkahl@sterlingmccallacura.com

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-2 parts@walkeracura.com

O K LAHO MA

CO LO RADO

Don Carlton Acura of Tulsa

Pikes Peak Acura

Tu lsa

C o l o ra d o S p r in gs

888-550-7278 918-664-2300

800-456-9568 719-955-1715

Dept. Hours: M-Sat 7-6 acuraparts@doncarlton.com

Dept. Hours: M-F 7-6; Sat 8-4 joe_benson@pikespeakacura.com

C OL OR AD O

U TAH

Flatirons Acura Bo ul de r

800-648-4488 303-442-1767 Dept. Hours: M-F 7-6; Sat 8-5 parts@flatironsimports.com

Jody Wilkinson Acura Salt Lake City

800-234-0875 801-323-0492 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-5 rick@jodywilkinson.com

Mike Hale Acura

AR IZ ON A

Acura of Peoria Pe o r i a

866-347-4507 623-792-2559 Dept. Hours: M-F 7-6; Sat 7-5 dcavanaugh@vtaig.com

Murray

800-292-4595 801-263-0202 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 7:30-5 pgoold@mikehale.com

www.autobodynews.com | MARCH 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 33

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@gmail.com

Hey Toby!

Kool Tools 2016

with Toby Chess

Four years ago, Kye Yeung, owner of European Motor Car Works, and I walked the floors of SEMA again looking for new products that most of us never get a chance to see. When we made a presentation at the Collision Industry Conference, the presentation became an instant hit among the audience. So for the fourth year in a row, we walked the floor at SEMA looking for things that were unique and would make life in the body a little easier. It should be noted that we are not endorsing these products and there other manufactures that make similar items and you should take some time to search them out. Moreover, we purchased all but one of the items and we checked them out before we presented at the SCRS open board meeting and the Collision Industry Conference. I might add that there will be a video presentation and it can be accessed at SCRS.com. Let’s look at an out first item:

that you want to check to see if an intrusion beam inside a damaged door needs replacing. Punch a hole and cut out a section for inspection. Available from Amazon.

This will save a lot to sanding time on the repaired tab. Available from Amazon.

The next item is a hand seamer.

The next item I found was a steel cutoff wheel from Alpha Professional Tools (800-648-7229).

Hand Seamer

Steel Cut-off Wheel

Portable Nibbler

A Portable Nibbler by Malco. This part fits on any battery operated electric drill. It will cut sheet metal up to and including 18 gauge steel. Let say

The tool is ideal for forming a tab on a broken bumper. You can use adhesives or plastic weld the broken tab, followed by the hand seamer to “squish” down the tab to the proper thickness.

Alpha® Ultracut ABM Series is designed for use on most popular pneumatic cut-off tools which are widely used in automotive body shops. Unlike regular abrasive cut-off wheels,

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the Alpha® Ultracut doesn’t change diameter during the cutting operation.

It will maintain maximum cutting depth throughout its life. The Ultracut was made with the highest quality diamond grits allowing you to cut multiple layers of different materials while assuring a fast, clean cutting experience. The company states that the blade will outlast an abrasive cutoff wheel ten to one. Both Kye and I have used it and it does last a lot longer than a conventional cutoff wheel.

Comes in 3 and 4 inch diameters.

Moving on, the next item is a leatherlead shot dolly bag from S & H Industries (800-253-9726).

Shot Loaded Dolly Bag

The shot loaded dolly bag is one of the best tools for replacing a door skin.

Steel dollies are too rigid and will

cause some damage, even in skilled hands. If you don’t want to end up repairing hem flange damage, don’t damage the flange edge. Use a shot loaded dolly bag – a leather bag filled with lead shot. This dolly is heavy, but conforms to the shape of the outer door skin, whatever that shape. It absorbs the energy and does not rebound on the door skin. If your tech is placing bondo on the outside of the edge of the new door skin, switch to this dooly and the need for bondo will be eliminated. This dolly is also an excellent tool for repairing aluminum.

Another item that helps eliminate repair/removal damage is a laser weld cutter. From Reliable Automotive Equipment (800-328-7855)

Laser Weld Cutter

What is a laser weld?”

A laser weld is a narrow high in-

tool box from Camel Grinding Wheel Inc or CGW.

tense heat source that is used in welding steel and aluminum The main advantages to be gained through the use of laser welding include low distortion, single sided access, high torsional stiffness of components, and cost savings through elimination of other manufacturing operations. Most of the applications to date have focused on welding of steels but there is a growth in confidence in laser welding of aluminum alloys. In the past these welds were ground off using a cutoff wheel or a grinding disc, which could lead to damage of the underneath metal layer.

Laser weld cutter have a depth of cut, guide rods, and multiple width cutters, that allow the tech to remove only the laser weld and not the underneath metal. I recently used one on a roof of a Ford Aluminum Body F150 and the tool really made the removal operation clean and quick. I found another item that should be part of your aluminum

Flap Disc for Aluminum

Traditionally, to remove excess aluminum weld material, you would use either a high aluma burr or 50 grit grinding discs. These two products will cause collateral damage to adjacent surfaces if you get off the weld. It is recommended that you remove excess weld, but stop grinding so that the weld is slightly above the surface of the surrounding aluminum. New switch over to 80 grid DA sandpaper at low speeds to finish the operation. The CGW for aluminum is completely different.

The CGW 4.5” x 7/8” T29 A3 Flap Disc for Aluminum keeps work material cool and prevents loading See Kool Tools 2016, Page 42

www.autobodynews.com | MARCH 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 35

Media and Publicity for Shops

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

Do 3 Things Right With Your Shop Marketing, Stick to Them and Thrive with Ed Attanasio

I had a baseball coach in high school who used to say, “Do three things right!” His theory was that the human brain was adept at handling three things simultaneously, but more than that and it would struggle.

So for a hitter, he would say, think about these three things: 1) Keep your eye on the ball 2) Don’t move your head and 3) Finish your swing. But if you add in a lot of other things to think about while at the plate—not moving your feet; keeping your knees bent, etc.—it will only confuse you and keep you from doing the first three things right. Or at least that’s what my coach thought.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t hit a slider (or a curveball), but his advice stuck with me, and today, I often put his three-point plan into practice in my

these be examples of major corporations that tried to do too much all at once? Maybe or maybe not—but at this point I’m rolling, so I’m going to stick to my theory of doing things threefold for maximum results.

The first thing you need to do— whether you’re a one-man shop with one bay or an MSO with 300-plus locations—is determine your path and goals with your marketing efforts.

Concentrate on the audience you want to cater to—either the insurance companies or consumers. Once you can make this decision, the subsequent ones should follow more easily.

The average shop in the U.S. is more than 80% dependant on DRPs for their revenues, so if you determine that the three things you want to do right might fit into that cate-

business and writing.

I strongly believe that many people in this industry are skilled at multitasking, but sometimes they “pile on,” and that’s when the problems begin. A body shop has thousands of moving parts, and a lot of things have to happen in perfect order for a repair to go right.

If you’re not dealing with a deluge of paperwork (which is increasing all the time), communicating with customers, DRPs, vendors and, of course, employees—on top of fixing a car without affecting your cycle time—it can be overwhelming to say the least.

If you’re most concerned about getting the cars out, marketing isn’t going to be a priority, and I understand that.

But by doing it in small increments and concentrating on just three things, you’re more likely to thrive rather than just survive via your marketing.

It makes sense to do three things right, as opposed to doing a dozen things ineffectively. Very few companies can do it all, and that’s why they stumble sometimes. Remember HP’s TouchPad, New Coke, the Ford Edsel and McDonald’s Arch Deluxe? Could

gory, there are a wide range of options. To retain its DRPs and interact regularly with the insurance agents that they work with, shops often produce and disseminate e-mail newsletters to keep them in the loop; set up social media platforms that are just for them; hold regular classes and other events for the agents and create special sections of their websites to accommodate and communicate with their DRPs. If you are a shop that is more concerned about catering to the consumer, then there is an entirely different approach with many more options. Social media, e-mail marketing, broadcast advertising, community outreach, online advertising, outdoor advertising, blogging—there are literally hundreds of things you can do.

So pick three and work them for a while. After you see some real progress, maybe change the plan a little bit and alter your marketing goals? Things change quickly in the marketing game, so always be open to new marketing methods and approaches. Many successful shops beat the other guys down the street by embracing things such as

“It makes sense to do three things right, as opposed to doing a dozen things ineffectively.”

36 MARCH 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

online advertising and blogging before they become another flavor of the moment.

For a shop that hasn’t done any significant marketing in the past, it’s a big and exciting world out there. My first piece of advice is to take baby steps initially and don’t take on too much at first. Pick three things and put some resources behind them and commit to them for the duration.

How long should you stick with these three things before evaluating and re-shuffling them or abandoning them altogether?

Too many shops have unrealistic expectations about the results of their marketing. They will do a blog, for example, to boost their rankings on Google, but after 1–2 months, they aren’t happy with the results, so they bail. All of the work they’ve done up to that point has disappeared and now the blog sits there dormant and without any new content. They don’t realize that an

out of date blog can actually hurt their Search Engine Optimization (SEO) due to inactivity.

Pare down your marketing efforts and concentrate on three things to achieve your goals and create new business. Stick with all three (one year at least) and you will see the benefits gradually and organically. Don’t try to do it all when it comes to marketing, but make the three things your priorities.

There are a lot of shops out there that do incredible work and garner top reviews from their customers and insurance partners, but unless they are marketing continually, no one will likely know. You can’t rely on the old “word of mouth” anymore, so focus and specialize with your marketing endeavors and thrive in a highly competitive market.

By working on three things and making sure you do them effectively, you will succeed and watch the numbers grow over time.

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www.autobodynews.com | MARCH 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 37

Continued from Page 28

Not Just a Cause

have ended up in very unfavorable situations.

“Unfortunately, without The Loom House opportunity, their chance of becoming victims to false promises from human trafficking scavengers are high,” Lefler explained. “They promise them work abroad and sell them into tragic and inescapable slavery, and it happens every day. So The Loom House takes them out of that life and gives them a chance to support themselves.”

The young ladies that work at The Loom House sew, knit and make blankets, jewelry, silk scarves, makeup bags and dresses for sale worldwide.

Of every dollar that comes in, 90 cents goes to the employees of The Loom House. When Lefler began to collaborate with and coordinate the processes within the The Loom House in 2009, the operation made around $8,000, but last year it brought in almost $100,000 thanks to the purchases of many in the collision community.

Now, the Leflers bring an entire group along with them to Myanmar.

Continued from Page 16

Chubb

want our shops to do it and we are requiring our shops to do it.”

About two years ago, McDonnell began pre- and post-scanning every single vehicle that came through his Billings, Montana body shops. His father, Matt, started the business in a four-car garage in 1978. Since then, it has grown to include 30 employees at their three locations.

In the past, McDonnell said the shops were only scanning some of the vehicles that came in for repair. Over time, he realized it need to be done differently. After working with Mike Anderson for several years and being part of his business council, McDonnell asked Anderson which vehicles should be scanned. “Mike said, ‘Matthew, I think you need to scan them all.’ I thought that was impossible,” said McDonnell. “Who is going to pay?”

He went back to his shop and asked his team to help determine which cars needed to be scanned. Over a one-month period, they tested 50 vehicles and scanned every one without asking to get reimbursed by the insurance companies.

After scanning all of the vehicles

“My twin 17-year-old girls made their fourth trip in December,” he said. It has changed their whole perspective on life. “My Axalta Jobber, Bill Payne, started going with me in 2010, and now he sponsors his own orphanage and has taught them how to fix and maintain all

my wife works with medical teams and teaches educational programs in the areas of health, hygiene and family planning.”

In addition to supporting and enabling these orphanages and setting up The Loom House for ongoing produc-

The Loom House in 2016, including all of the girls with (l to r) Max, Megan, and Jimmy

of their transportation vehicles including their van and motorbikes, allowing them to have consistent transportation.

I have taken three marketing staff members to assist in branding and marketing The Loom House products. My son, who manages our Maxwell shop in Evansville, has been three times, and pre- and post-repair, they found that 49 out of 50 had diagnostic trouble codes that were either created from the accident or from the repair process. “We wouldn’t have known which were related to the accident and which were related to the repair unless we ran a pre and post scan,” said McDonnell.

“If I put the vehicle back together and it’s invisible to me to see those little prongs inside the connectors, I can’t tell if they are all touching and connecting,” he said. “How do I know if they are all connected after the repair?

The answer is I don’t. You absolutely have to scan the vehicle to find out that information.”

After that test, the shop recognized the importance of scanning every vehicle they have coverage for. “What people think needs to be done and what really needs to be done is probably the biggest issue in the country today,” he said.

He continued to monitor the vehicles that came into the shop and kept a list of approximately 200. He found only 14 percent of these had dash lights come on and only half of the dash lights were related to the repair. The other half had maintenance issues such as needing an oil change or in regards to the tire pressure monitoring system.

38 MARCH 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

See Chubb, Page 46

tion, the Leflers welcomed a young woman from Myanmar into their home in Indiana a while back.

“Elizabeth Thang is the daughter of Rebecca and Peter Thang, the founders and leaders over the Love Children Home Christian orphanage network,” Lefler said. “Elizabeth has

lived with my family for almost two years and is studying to get her bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Indiana,” he said. “She is working on an International Business degree and looking forward to returning to Yangon, Myanmar to make a difference in the newly open democratic country. She is a 4.0 student on the Dean’s List and is deeply involved with the work at Uncharted local headquarters, the summer program for international students department for the school and she is a foreign exchange student ambassador for incoming freshmen from around the world.”

Lefler is already planning for his 12th trip to Myanmar at the end of 2017. “I am planning a trip for up to 12 people later this year,” he said. “My goal is to coordinate a team of people in the collision and related industries with an interest in making a difference in the lives of people looking for a ‘hand up’ not a ‘hand out.’ People think that one person can’t make a difference, but all they need to do is make one trip with me; I can show them that through love, knowledge and a little sweat, one person can change the futures of many. It’s a cumulative effect.”

www.autobodynews.com | MARCH 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 39

Continued from Page 30

Have No Fear

at work for an additional three years, he was not always mentally at work. Often times he would leave for several hours, which left me holding down the office, answering the phone, preparing estimates and negotiating with insurers at a moment’s notice while also juggling the management of production and employees in the shop.

When dad asked me at the beginning of 1989 if I wanted to buy the shop, I recall having no fear and no thoughts about it seeming odd or being an unusual challenge because I was female in a male-dominated industry. It was not until recently that I even brought into my awareness the innate mental differences between men and women. Once in a while, I would ask myself if X is happening because I’m female or if that adjuster treats me the way he does because I’m female. But generally speaking, I have not and do not play a card that has said, “It’s because I’m female.”

I have always had male friendships, with some of my most treasured and dearest being male friends. I have

no problem being the only woman at the table, which happens less often today than it did 20+ years ago; it seems normal.

Friends and colleagues know me, I believe, for my passion (which if you don’t know me can look like anger or hostility), willingness and ability to say some hard things in front of others. I’m called to and counted upon to

other over there.

What advice can you share with Q: other women (and men) in a similar situation or those who are thinking about becoming part of the industry?

If you are female and you have A: interest in our industry—dive

Roth & Miller Autobody joined the Fix Auto Network of body shops in late 2008

review complex documents or concepts because I am extremely detail oriented and have an innate ability to see how one thing here can impact an-

in, head or feet first, it doesn’t matter.

What matters is that you learn what you need to learn to be successful— that’s no different, male or female, in

Don Carlton ACURA OF TULSA

my opinion. For me, that was to seek out mentors (male or female), learn from others, keep an open mind and acknowledge “I don’t know what I don’t know.” Also, be willing to be vulnerable and admit when you don’t know (because you can always learn it or find it, etc.).

I always thought that I could learn from the experience and vision of others. Learn to trust what your body tells you about situations. I could have learned this much sooner, but as I mentioned, you don’t know what you don’t know. I was an excellent estimator and a mediocre negotiator. Those are different skill sets and as an industry we often latch those together with a padlock and throw away the key. I believe this can be detrimental to our business and our people, but sometimes it’s all we have to work with, or we think it’s all we have available. I have the mentality that I can best my best every day—some days progress is better than others, but I choose to rise and shine versus to lie down and fail.

I have a strong sense of duty to give back to the industry, to seek continuous improvement in operations and the resources we use to help us, such as See Have No Fear, Page 46

Don Carlton

HONDA OF TULSA

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2333 S. Loop West • Houston, TX 77054 40 MARCH 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

www.autobodynews.com | MARCH 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 41

Continued from Page 35

Kool Tools 2016

making it the ideal option for softer material jobs. This flapper disc is constructed on heat treated polyester backing and features Blue-Fired premium aluminum oxide grains with a calcium stearate coating. This unique combination of A3 Material with calcium stearate coating can become liquefied under the heat of friction, lowering the materials temperature and preventing loading. In addition the T29 flap disc for aluminum oxide is constructed with the flaps at an 8 degree angle providing greater surface contact and aggressive use.

The picture is a practice weld from the I-CAR Aluminum Certification test. It took less than 30 seconds to remove the weld. Notice that the adjacent metal is smooth and not gouged up if a 50 grit grinder was used. I used a scotch brite flat disc next and I will explain about the tool in the next paragraph. Available online from a number of outlets.

Moving on to the next tool, a scotch brite flap disc from Sait.

V Fine-Blue-Aluminum

Stainless Steel, High tensile steel, NonFerrous Metals—Available On-line. I switch to the V fine flap disc and finished dressing the weld. It took less than a minute and the results were fantastic.

Medium-Gray-Steel

SAIT Sand-Light Flap Discs, Durable Material, Suitable for Surface Preparation/Cleaning/Finishing applications.

Longer Lasting Layered Flaps create a cushioned design which provides a better finish. Use for Ferrous Metals,

Let’s shift gears now and look at welding.

Up until recently, Miller Electric had a multi volt welder. The Millermatic 211 could be plugged into 220 single phase or 110 volts. The machine would read the input volts and make the necessary adjustments. On the auto set mode, you set the wire diameter and metal thick-

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42 MARCH 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

ness. The machine would make adjustments for voltage and wire speed. At SEMA 2016, ProSpot International demoed their multi voltage MIG WelderPR-205 MV.

Multi Voltage Mig Welder

Like the Millermatic 211, the machine comes with a pigtail that allows you to go from 220 volt plug to 110 volt plug.

It also has stick weld option. You set the thickness in MM and you are off to the races. Remember; always do test welds prior to welding on a vehicle. Another nice feature about this machine it has an Adjustable Slope & Burn Back Time: The Slope adjusts the response of the motor at start-up ensuring a clean start to the weld. Burn Back Time maintains power to the torch after the motor stops ensuring a clean end to the weld. I have used this welder and it is a really nice piece of equipment. Now you have two choices for a multi volt machine, Miller or ProSpot.

The next small tool is a magnetic flasher light holder from Killer Tools (800-369-4262).

This holder has a magnetic base with a scratch protection surface on the bottom along with a “goose neck”. I use these when I conduct the I-CAR MIG Certification test. Having light on the weld prior to striking an arch, give the tech better control when he/she is welding especially in an overhead position. It should be noted that the

The Nebo 250 is two lights in one.

A flash light and a work light.

An additional feature is the base of the light has a magnet.

Magnetic Flasher Light Holder

stand does not come with a flash light.

Available from Amazon.Com. Here is another lighting solution from Car-OLiner.

Here is another option for close up lighting from Nebo.

Lighted Plastic Curtain

Flash Light and Work Light

Car-O-Liner has made a lighted plastic curtain. Adds addition LED light to the side of a vehicle for better

repair visibility. It is also has a rheostat so that you can vary the intensity of the light. Curtains are great way to controlling cross contamination (steel and aluminum particles) as well as dust from sand. A better way of controlling bondo dust is with a vacuum system, but you need to understand the health hazards of bondo dust.

The application of filler material can expose you to some hazardous materials if you do not take appropriate precautions. Most body fillers contain a solvent called styrene. As the filler dries, styrene is released to the air and you can breathe it. It has a characteristic sweet smell at low concentrations and a sharp disagreeable odor at high concentrations.

Exposure to styrene can cause respiratory irritation. It may also damage your liver and possibly cause cancer at very high levels of exposures not usually found in autobody shops.

Styrene can also be absorbed directly through the skin if you come in direct contact with the uncured filler. In some people, direct contact with the filler may cause skin rashes and repeated exposure may increase your sensitivity.

See Kool Tools 2016, Page 44

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and cleanly with water. Available from Kent Automotive.

Continued from Page 43

Kool Tools 2016

Sanding paint and filler material creates a lot of fine dust that is easily inhaled and can irritate your breathing tubes and eyes. The dust may contain hazardous substances as well, such as lead, chromium, and the abrasives from sanding disks. This dust can be harmful if inhaled or ingested. I am not suggesting that anyone eats the dust on purpose, but it can easily stick to your hands and face, and if not thoroughly washed off, will contaminate your food, drinks and cigarettes. At even very low levels of exposure, the toxic metals in this dust can cause serious health effects and body workers performing these tasks without precautions have exceeded the exposure limits for these hazardous materials.

The Kool Tool from SEMA 2016 is a Sanding work Station from Tool Shaver (714-974-2531)

This sprayer is from FBS Distributors (613-224-0685). The spray nozzle adjusts from a fan to stream is chemically resistant to all chemical used in the body shop environment.

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the bondo dust and having everything at your fingertips, will improve your repair cycle time.

Here are a couple of additional new and different sanders from R&H Products (360-687-978).

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the paint. It’s a high-performance scuffing agent that enhances paint adhesion by ensuring cleanliness and consistent surface profiling.

As an industry trusted product for cleaning and abrading plastic bumpers as well as preparing blend and hardto-reach areas, Scuff Stuff offers superior workability and rinses off easily

Super Sprayer

The last item is an 8MM drill bit extender from Dent Fix Corp. (800-5231751).

8mm Drill Bit Extender

When access is limited or obstructed either by a structural member or other component, we have a solution. DF-1600K The Extender is a spot weld drill bit extension that adds 6_ inches of length, letting you get to those deep and hard to reach spot welds. The plastic sleeve protects any nearby structures from damage & cables from getting tangled. You can stabilize the drill point by holding here.

The drill bit is held in the holder with a set screw, which allows for a replacement bit.

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Easily flexes to follow even the most demanding curves. Flexes for concave & convex curves. Different textures on each side for fast & finish sanding. Again, available from R&H Products.

Kye is using this next product in his shop. I might add Kye tests out a product thoroughly before he will use it or endorse it. Presta Scuff Stuff is a prep that gives superior adhesion to

44 MARCH 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

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Continued from Page 40

Have No Fear

software. I enjoy serving and have done so through voluntary committee work such as I-CAR focus committees, software advisory boards, local college advisory board, Fix Auto Market Leaders board and subcommittees, being active in local and national associations and holding board positions there, proofreading and offering expertise input to an industry journalist and an industry consultant. I say all of this because I recommend to any one in any industry: be involved in shaping your future. Regardless of your industry role, there is a place for you to serve— just do it, or start it! Sometimes, time adjustments and stepping back will be necessary as we have to keep our own ship afloat to help others.

Q:

Why did you decide to become part of the Fix Auto Network and what are some recommendations for Independent shops in this industry that are looking to grow? joined the Fix Auto Network A: ofWebody shops in late 2008, after Continued from Page 38

Chubb

“All of them needed to be scanned,” said McDonnell. “All of them had codes and faults. For those people out there who are only going to scan when there is a dash light, that means you are only getting a seven percent success rate according to my data.

That’s super scary.”

He said the toughest part is not figuring out whether you need to scan. Instead, the real work begins after you make the decision. At one time, Big Sky had 12 DRPs. He only has one major one day—State Farm. “We had every single insurance company that we dealt with deny it for some reason up front,” he said. “They didn’t believe it needed to be done on every vehicle and didn’t agree with our practices so they didn’t want a partner like me.”

However, Chubb saw how he was operating his shop and asked him to be a DRP in Montana. “That was a major compliment,” said McDonnell. Over the last two years, he has found that OEMs are surprised to hear that not all vehicles are being scanned, especially since they regularly scan the vehicles that come into the dealerships.

a five-year stint with CARSTAR. We had a chance crossing of paths with another of the Fix Auto Network shop owners, and franchised as a charter franchisee in December 2011. Although we are affiliated with Fix Auto, we still operate as an independent shop.

Being part of the Fix Auto Network has provided us with business connections we struggled maintaining as a single shop owner, provides networking opportunities with performance-based forward-thinking shop owners I have found to be some of the best-of-the-best operators in the US and beyond, and allows for broad and rich joint marketing and advertising campaigns.

For me, aligning with Fix Auto has provided opportunities that I would not have had without their brand and the other owners in the network. This industry has phenomenal human beings that make for phenomenal operators and operations. I feel honored to be in the room with many of the best-of-thebest men and women. If I’m struggling with something, there is always someone a phone call away that will take time to listen and give me their opinion or advice—this can be priceless.

My advice is to align yourself with McDonnell said that over half of the cars driving on the road today have a position statement that requires pre and post scanning of the vehicle.

“That’s 51 percent of the marketshare of the cars driving in the United States right now,” he said. Although many shops have not seen these position statements, McDonnell said the majority know about it by now. “Now you need to make the business decision about whether or not you are going to follow the rules.”

In the meantime, McDonnell continues to spread the word about the importance of scanning all vehicles.

“We’ve stuck with it long enough that now over 90 percent of the insurance companies we work with have said, ‘Yes, we will pay you for the pre and post scan.’

“My message to the industry is that if you are waiting for the insurance companies to tell you that you have to do this, it’s never going to come. That’s something that everyone has to answer internally,” said McDonnell. “If you are going to consider yourself a shop with integrity and doing things right, then you have to ask that question. At least research it enough to know to make the right decision. I challenge every shop owner to say, ‘Let’s do that.’ ”

46 MARCH 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

people that challenge you professionally and personally, give back to your industry and community and treat your teammates with respect. Never ever give up on your passions, your education, your business and your industry, and learn to understand yourself— what motivates you, deflates you, lifts you up and feed you what you need to get up and forge ahead every day.

One of the best things I’ve ever done is investing in the development of ME, and especially working with a personal coach the past four plus years that challenges everything about me.

I highly recommend it!

Camille Eber is featured in the upcoming book The Secrets of America’s Greatest Body Shops, written by Dave Luehr with Stacey Phillips. It is scheduled to be released in early 2017.

For more information, visit www .bodyshopsecrets.com or email dluehr @bodyshopsecrets.com/sphillips@ bodyshopsecrets.com.

SEMA Scholarship Applications Due March 1

by SEMA Editors

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship offers dozens of awards ranging from $2,000 to $3,000, with a $5,000 award going to the top student. Scholarship applications for the 2017 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund are due March 1. The SEMA Memorial Scholarship program offers financial assistance of up to $5,000 to help foster the next generation of automotive aftermarket industry leaders and innovators.

Students can apply for the scholarship at www.sema.org/scholarships. Scholarships are available in a variety of categories, such as accounting, sales and marketing, and engineering. Dozens of awards ranging from $2,000 to $3,000 will be given out, with a $5,000 award going to the top student. The program also includes a loan forgiveness aspect that offers financial awards to employees of SEMA-member companies who have completed and are paying off a loan for a program of study at an accredited university, college or vocational/technical program within the United States. For more information about the program, please contact Juliet Marshall, SEMA manager of education projects, at 909-978-6655 or julietm@ sema.org.

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www.autobodynews.com | MARCH 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 47

PPG Announces Key Advances in Color Tools PPG has announced that it has developed several key advances in its array of color software and hardware tools.

The news was delivered by Denise Lu, PPG global marketing director.

While specifics are still under wraps, Lu indicated that dramatic enhancements to the company’s PAINTMANAGER® color management software, RAPIDMATCH™ X-5 spectrophotometer and TOUCHMIX® color retrieval system are clear expressions of PPG’s commitment to maintaining its leadership position in automotive refinish color technology.

“We have been working on critical initiatives that will elevate our color tools to a whole new level, all to the benefit of our customers,” said Lu. “Those individuals who attended the SEMA show and saw our video about color tools have an idea of what’s coming. Our color management, identification and retrieval products are already highly efficient and accurate; they’re in daily use in collision centers around the country. Now we’re giving these products advanced features and capabilities to make automotive refinishing even easier, more productive and more quality-focused.”

The advanced tools will be part of a new Color Solutions product line

branded XI. “XI means excellent, innovative, exciting, intuitive and exceptional, all key attributes for this line of tools,” Lu added. “We firmly believe that our customers will quickly see and embrace the value of XI products, and we are proud of bringing 25 years of consistent, reliable color matching technology to the refinish industry.”

The first of the three initiatives, the TouchMix XI computer, was released this month in the U.S. and Canada. Exclusive to PPG, this robust Windows OS computer provides a secure and compact solution for the most demanding environments.

Second is the PaintManager XI program software. It will be rolled out across the U.S. and Canada this spring and introduced to additional markets soon thereafter. This next-generation software features numerous process improvements and a more intuitive workflow to help managers oversee the productivity and profitability of their paint mixing operations more ef-

fectively. The new software also provides greater opportunities for collaboration.

Rounding out the trio of new tools is the RapidMatch XI spectrophotometer. This third-generation spectrophotometer was designed exclusively for PPG to significantly advance collision repair. The innovative spectrophotometer combines eleven color angles and five texture angles for a total of sixteen geometries powered with six blue-enhanced LEDs, making it the most advanced technology in the industry today. Technicians will be able to benefit from the five texture digital color images that provide real-time paint surface viewing. In addition, the intuitive touchscreen user interface captures vital job details with Wi-Fi connectivity directly to the PaintManager XI software. PPG’s extensive reflectance data and color image database will help provide the added confidence required in match rating and texture information.

Details about the new color products will be released in a few weeks.

For more information, call 800647-6050 or visit www.ppgrefinish .com.

SCRS Releases Part 2 of 2016 OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit

During the OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit at the 2016 SEMA Show, the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) led several sessions with a focus on emerging trends in vehicle technology. On February 2, SCRS launched a second video that captured discussion about scan tools and options, in a segment on Restoring Vehicle Functionality through Electronic Technology and Diagnostics. While the first segment featured representatives from leading automakers who discussed the positions they have released and the responsibilities expected of the collision repair providers, part 2 features tool and solutions providers discussing the options available to the industry. The conversations cover different mechanisms available to the collision repair community, and unique challenges and advantages associated with the process of documenting the restoration of the technological elements in the vehicle. After watching these videos, individuals interested in training on the topic can find more information in I-CAR’s recently released Introduction to Diagnostics and Scan Tools (VT210E01). To view the video, visit www.scrs.com.

AMi Launches Online Course: “Management’s Guide to Scanning and New Technology”

The Automotive Management Institute (AMi) has announced the launch of its latest online course, Management’s Guide to Scanning and New Technology.

According to the Institute, the 108 minute online course covers essential information needed by collision repair managers to make decisions about scanning and other new technologies. Each module offers a management perspective on:

● What it means to scan

● Types of scans

● Types of scan tools

● OEM positions

● OEM vs. Aftermarket

The modules also identify resources and include printable content and ma-

terials.

AMi Vice Chairman and President of Operations for LaMettry’s Collision, Darrell Amberson, stated, “This course provides a wealth of information for those needing to make decisions for their repair businesses.

It organizes the information in a way that makes it understandable.”

The course is the result of industry collaboration from industry experts and shop owners from across the country. Available only in the AMi online format, it can be paused and revisited at the user’s convenience.

This course will provide two credit hours toward all AMi professional designations, including Accredited Automotive Office Manager (AAOM), Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM), Accredited Master Automotive Manager (AMAM) and upcoming Accredited Collision-Repair Estimator (ACE) and Accredited Master Collision-Repair Estimator (AMCE).

To learn more about this course and management perspectives on future hot topics, sign up at www.ami signup.org or visit the AMI website at www.AMionline.org.

48 MARCH 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

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www.autobodynews.com | MARCH 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 49

Shop and Product Showcase The Spira Saves Lives Because It’s Encased in Foam with Ed Attanasio

Imagine a vehicle that is completely encased in protective foam, so that when it collides with a pedestrian, cyclist or other vehicle, it bounces off and minimizes impact. Remember those old bumper cars at carnivals and fairs?

Look ahead 10-20 years from now and think about a world where self-driving vehicles simply bounce off of each other, thereby reducing severity, saving lives and changing the collision repair industry as a result.

The inventor of this vehicle is Lon Ballard of San Diego, CA, and he calls it the Spira4u. It is a three-wheel motorcycle for two people with a plastic and fiberglass chassis encased in eight inches of foam up front and four inches on both sides. It looks like something out of the old Jetsons cartoon, yet with a certain sense of style. In fact, Ballard’s slogan for the Spira is “Soft, Safe, Sexy.”

Available in either two versions— gas-powered and electric—the Spira

has a range of 200 miles (gas) and 140 miles (EV) with top speeds of 50 mph and 80 mpg with the gas version and a top speed of approximately 75 mph

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

Ballard sees a definite need for a vehicle like the Spira now and in the future. “In 1920, only two billion people roamed this planet, and now, seven billion people want vehicles,” Ballard said. “The pollution and material production will sicken us. Vehicles are already the #1 killer of people in the prime of their lives (ages 540). The Spira weighs less because it contains fewer parts, which means it uses less energy to build it and operate it.

The Spira can travel 300,000 miles on the energy that is used to build a regular car!”

The Spira uses an innovative honeycomb core board Lon Ballard of San Diego, CA invented the Spira4u, a that was first mass produced in three-wheel motorcycle for two people with a plastic 2011 in Germany and then and fiberglass chassis encased in foam later in China in 2014. The embedded glass fibers in the honeycomb with its electric cousin. Both are amazingly lightweight at 440 lbs. (gas) and bend in a crash to absorb energy, Ballard said. “Carbon fibers would be much 550 lbs. (EV).

more expensive while only a little stronger. Also, carbon fiber’s rigid stiffness makes them brittle. Several molds cracked as we learned how to produce the largest Expanded Polypropylene (EPP) panels around. We call it ‘Styrofoam on steroids.’ Even first graders are smarter than car companies, as they all protect eggs with foam and cardboard in a drop test instead of heavy metal cans like we drive.”

Several patents have been awarded on the Spira, and others are pending in several countries. “We hope to license our technology and production techniques to others at a low cost to promote safety safe applications for the Spira by sharing our trade secrets and test results,” he said. “We hope to someday be affiliated with or set up a nonprofit organization to promote safer auto designs.”

By breaking the Guinness World record with the EV Spira (555.6 kilometer single trip on a single charge by

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going 775.8 kilometers) it proves that lightweight technology can achieve three things—energy saving, safety and strength.

“Car designers have focused on passenger safety while neglecting pedestrians, motorcyclists and bicyclists,” Ballard said. “If the auto companies take responsibility for their cars being the number one killer of people

Foam is the future, and Ballard isn’t soft-pedaling its importance to our next generation vehicles. “Our patent pending technology can revolutionize the way vehicles are designed and produced,” Ballard said. “The Spira uses reinforcing fibers and plastic to provide a strong protective cage covered with soft foam all over the entire vehicle. It’s 100% recyclable and can be completely replaced for around $400. Foam can be substituted for steel in cars for a more cushioned impact just as foam has replaced leather soles on most shoes and sandals. Foam protection on the outside of autos is needed because over half of vehicle deaths in large cities and developing counThe Spira uses reinforcing fibers and plastic to provide a strong protective cage covered with soft foam all over the tries are pedestrians and moentire vehicle. It’s 100% recyclable and can be completely torcyclists.” replaced for around $400 The shape of the Spira is from crashes and pollution, their designs also designed for safety in mind. “The will then change for the better. I say that pointed front decreases air resistance all of the distracted drivers out there, inand makes for a smaller target,” Ballard cluding the texters, drunks and potheads said. “In a crash it is best to deflect and don’t kill. It is the car designs that do it. roll, as in judo. The design choices were The foam Spira is designed to increase to fit a safe yet efficient shape around safety for the pedestrian, bicyclist, mothe people and the mechanics. Styling torcyclist and passengers—people that came secondary to achieve a sleek effithe car designers have all ignored.” cient shape while using lightweight,

built some in the Philippines and now we’re building them in China. For all of the lightweight parts and batteries for the Spira, we buy them in China and the quality is outstanding.”

Ballard knows that for wider acceptance, he will need to develop a 4wheel Spira and that is why he’s currently working on a prototype. “All of the credits and rebates from CARB aren’t available with a 3-wheel vehicle, but by adding that fourth wheel, people who buy them will be able to save roughly $8,000-$10,000 through state rebates and federal tax credits.

Since I can make the car for that, maybe I should just give The Spira has started production in China due to the them away?” wide availability of motorcycle parts, and the company’s Ballard is currently seeking business plan is to also license production worldwide global/ local suppliers, deallard. “In the future, this patent pending ers and manufacturers to share in his foam technology can be utilized in all dream of producing efficient, light and sizes of vehicles to enhance safety and safe vehicles. The Spira has started fuel consumption.” production in China due to the wide Designing and building the Spira availability of motorcycle parts, and has been an international journey, to the company’s business plan is to also say the least. “In 2008, I built my first license production worldwide. Will car one in Thailand, but the government dealerships and consumers start foamthere outlawed it, because it has three ing at the mouth when they see the first wheels,” Ballard said. “So, then we 4-wheeled Spira? Only time will tell.

flexible, energy absorbing materials.

Thought was also given to what will happen to the components in a crash.”

The high mpg and low cost should entice drivers to take a step down from their luxury vehicles to save fuel and help the environment, according to Bal-

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Gene Bilobram has been an automobile physical damage appraiser more than 25 years. His insights are useful tools in the often challenging process of reimbursement on new and non-included procedures. His company, Lacey Appraisal Service Inc. is a physical damage appraisal, consultancy and manufacturers’ rep firm serving the collision repair and insurance industries. He can be reached at 609-384-8093 or laceyappraisal@aol.com to discuss the latest in postcollision diagnostics and receive an updated PDF version of the CHART. As Manufacturer’s Representative for Collision Diagnostic Services, Gene will explain the many benefits of the award winning and patented asTech™ remote vehicle diagnostic solution for today’s collision repair professional.

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ChemSpec USA Launches New Website ChemSpec USA, LLC. has announced the launch of its new website.

The company is encouraging its customers and guests to visit www.chemspecpaint.com. The site includes information about the company and its products and offers a user-friendly experience that is now faster and easier to navigate.

ChemSpec manufactures a wide array of collision repair products for the Automotive, Fleet, OEM and Industrial Markets. According to the company, as a manufacturer, it’s important to make the information about your company and its products easily accessible for customers and website visitors, providing a much more customer-centric experience.

“We wanted to provide a better way for both our customers and website visitors to get to know our company and its associates and to familiarize themselves with all the products that we have to offer,” said

Tammy Anderson, Marketing Communication Manager for ChemSpec USA. “The new website allows us to provide accurate information in a more, timely manner.”

A few website features include: ● Mobile Responsiveness

uled career fairs. To ensure the best student participation possible at these events, the Education Foundation will be partnering with ASE/NATEF, who will be inviting their collision and automotive school contacts as well.

Through this partnership, attendance is anticipated to double in some markets in 2017 due to the inclusion of automotive/mechanical students.

Spring 2017 Initial Collision Ca-

● ChemSpec USA news and events including tradeshow, product features and announcements

● Employment portal accessing worldwide job opportunities within ChemSpec USA, LLC., and parent company Axalta Coating Systems, LLC ● Product Selector which allows customers and visitors to easily filter and locate products even if they are not familiar with the company’s branded products For more information, visit www .chemspecpaint.com.

reer Fair: ● Des Moines, IA – February 3rd ● San Diego, CA – March 9th ● Houston, TX – March 22nd ● Dallas, TX – March 23rd ● Phoenix, AZ – April 15th ● Pittsburgh, PA – April 19th ● St. Louis, MO - April 21st ● Chicago, IL –May 2nd ● Madison, WI – May 3rd ● Denver, CO – May 8th ● Seattle, WA – Tentatively scheduled for week of May 8th ● Nashville, TN – May 17th Locations and dates for the Fall 2017 career fairs will be announced later this year. Companies interested in participating in these events should contact Education Foundation Director of Development Brandon Eckenrode at (847) 463-5244.

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CREF Spring Career Fair Has Sprung

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Chief® Offers Chassis Liner® Frame Rack in Custom Packages for Heavy-Duty Repairs

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The Chief Chassis Liner Heavy-Duty Trucker™

including trucks, trailers, buses and recreational vehicles. The pulling system is built on a multiuse platform so it can be customized to meet any heavyduty shop’s needs for less than the cost of a rail system. “The Heavy-Duty Trucker is built to repair everything from a half-ton pickup to a triple-rail cement truck, and everything in between,” said TJ Schultz, Chief northern division sales manager. “For shops that focus on any variety of repairs, including trailer roll-over work, axle corrections, trailer re-crowning, passenger buses, or other specialties, we can provide an enhanced, affordable pulling

package to meet the need.” Available in 32-foot, 40-foot or custom bed lengths, the versatile Heavy-Duty Trucker frame rack can do it all with a fast and easy-to-use system. It features a drive-on deck that provides excellent access to the vehicle being repaired.

Removable drive on ramps and nonskid treadways allow for easy loading of the vehicle to be repaired. The bed is also plumbed for air in multiple locations to speed prep time. The modular design of the Heavy-Duty Trucker allows for precise holding, pulling and pushing anywhere around the bed, providing technicians with a wide variety of options to bring larger vehicle frames back into alignment. It is available with four, six or eight seven-foottall cab towers, providing 360-degrees of pulling with 25-tons of pulling power, and two pulls per tower. Lasercut tie-downs are located in the inner and outer portion of the treadways, and there are center hold pockets for additional tie-downs and anchoring. A jacking beam allows for pushing up on frames. For more information, visit www.chiefautomotive.com/ChiefHD/Heavy-Duty-Racks/Heavy-DutyTrucker.

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www.autobodynews.com | MARCH 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 55

Driven Brands Charitable Foundation Raises more than $650,000 in 2016

The Driven Brands Charitable Foun- ities like Snug Hugs for Kids. In addation (DBCF) raised more than dition, DBCF believes in honoring $650,000 in 2016 and its fundraising our veterans and giving back to the efforts have now surpassed more than brave men and women who fight for $1.5 million since it was established our freedoms through programs like in 2012. The Foundation, working in NABC Recycles Rides, Wounded conjunction with over 2,500 Driven Warrior Project and Hope for WarBrand franchisees, vendor partners, riors. customers and employees, looks to Driven Brands family of automonot only change the lives of children tive aftermarket brands including Take and families in need but to support 5 Oil Change®, Maaco®, Meineke Car Care Centers®, Merlin 200,000 Mile local community initiatives in the www.autobodynews.com ® , EconoIT Lube N’ Tune®, Pro neighborhoods its businesses serve Shops CHECK OUT! Oil®, CARSTAR®, Drive N Style® and across the U.S. and Canada.

“We continue to benefit from 1-800-Radiator & A/C®, raised the our vendor partners, franchisees and funds at National Conventions and employees’ support, awareness and during several events throughout the commitment,” said Noah Pollack, year including golf tournaments, colExecutive Vice President and Gen- lection drives, charitable walks, silent eral Counsel for Driven Brands. “As auctions and most importantly, in-store we grow all of our brands, and expand promotions.

The Foundation also receives a into new markets and new segments, To advertise the Foundation remains a constant fo- tremendous amount of support from its Advertising Sales at: invendor partners and customers, cus and source of cohesion and pride.” call the Round It Forward program DBCF supports several organi- cluding 800-699-8251 zations like the Children’s Miracle that rounds up customer purchases to dollar and in-shop collecNetwork Hospitals including the the neareste-mail: advertising@autobodynews.com Levine Children’s Hospital, Chil- tion boxes.

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UpdatePromise Unveils New Electronic Signatures Feature

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AMi Launches New Online Courses

The Automotive Management Institute (AMi), the industry’s leading nonprofit provider and collaborator of administration and management education for automotive collision and mechanical service repair professionals, announced the addition of several

new online courses for the collision repair segment. These newly released courses provide credit toward the organization’s Collsion Repair Segment certificates and professional designations.

They include the following: ● Customer Service Certificate

● Accredited Automotive Office Manager (AAOM) professional designation

● Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) professional designation

● Accredited Master Automotive Manager (AMAM) professional designation

● Soon to be released Accredited Collison-Repair Estimator (ACE) and Accredited Master Collision-Repair Estimator (AMCE) professional designations.

The new online courses include: ● Frank Terlep’s How to Market, Sell and Service Today’s “Connected Customer” ● Daren Fristoe’s Effective Interviewing Techniques

● Daren’s Fristoe’s Managing Conflict ● Steve Beck’s Time Management

These courses are part of a growing list of over 100 online courses hosted by the Automotive Management Institute’s “MyAMi” Learning Management System. The catalog of online courses include course content from other well-known industry professionals such as Mike Cassata, Mark Claypool and Frank LaViola. In addition to online courses, AMi recognizes over 250 live instructor-led courses being taught across North America for AMi credits.

Autologic Diagnostics Joins ASA as Corporate Member The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has announced one of its latest corporate members: Autologic Diagnostics.

Corporate membership provides an opportunity for companies to expand their relationships with ASA and its leaders in the collision repair and automotive service segments of the industry.

Autologic Diagnostics, based in the United Kingdom and the United States, is a worldwide provider of the first and only fully integrated, cloud-connected aftermarket automotive diagnostic system, Autologic Assist, which helps technicians and automotive service facilities quickly identify faults in vehicles and repair cars faster.

“The members of ASA are precisely the audience that stands to benefit the most from learning more about the many advances of our Assist solution and how it could change the way they do business and improve productivity and efficiency, while also increasing both profitability and annual revenue,” said Kevin Finn, di-

rector of strategic partnerships.

“While partnering with ASA allows Autologic to share its expertise with the industry, it also affords the company the ability to learn significantly more about the changing dynamics of the automotive repair marketplace and allows us to stay on top of the cutting edge of change and advancement occurring industrywide. This is very valuable to our growing global enterprise,” Finn commented.

Tony Molla, ASA vice president, welcomed the partnership with Autologic and said, “We are pleased to add Autologic to our growing list of corporate members and look forward to working with them to help our members stay abreast of the latest technology, as it relates to improving productivity, accuracy and diagnostic capabilities within their individual repair and collision shop enterprises.”

To learn more about ASA’s corporate membership program, visit www.ASAshop.org or contact Dan Risley, ASA president and executive director, at danr@asashop.org.

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www.autobodynews.com | MARCH 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 57

CREF Announces Application for Ultimate Collision Education Makeover Grants The Collision Repair Education Foundation has announced that the application for their Ultimate Collision Education Makeover school grant is now available for high school and post-secondary collision school programs. The Makeover grant program is in its ninth year.

Instructors are advised to begin the application early and industry professionals are encouraged to get involved with the Makeover grant by working with their local school’s collision instructors to help them apply.

The winning schools will be announced during the SEMA show in Las Vegas, NV in October. Awards of up to $50,000 will be given.

The Ultimate Collision Education Makeover school grant application is available online and is due by Thursday, June 1, 2017. Industry members are encouraged to work with their local collision school programs to ensure they apply by the deadline.

“School collision programs are facing tremendous budgetary pressure,” said Melissa Marscin, Director of Grant Programs for the Foundation. “It is difficult for many to maintain their program at current capabilities, no less increase their abilities and improve the training they deliver to the industry’s fu-

ture workforce. The Makeover grant program is designed to help collision schools get the much needed tools, equipment and supplies they couldn’t get otherwise and increase their capabilities. Last year, every school that applied received some level of support through both grants and in-kind donations.”

The Makeover grant program incorporates the “Collision School Career Readiness Benchmark” that the Foundation launched last year. Under the new program developed by the Foundation, schools are classified into three tiers: ● Tier 1: Advanced, ● Tier 2: Proficient, or ● Tier 3: Developing

The designation will be determined by the Foundation based upon information provided by schools about the capabilities of their program detailed in the Collision Repair Education Makeover grant application. The criteria for each level includes the number of hours of instruction, curriculum in place, along with what tools, equipment, and supplies a school uses to prepare their students for employment in the collision industry.

If there is something that a school

needs to advance to the next level, the Education Foundation’s grant application will allow a school to request that particular item. The goal is to help every school acquire the resources to eventually achieve a Tier 1: Advanced school designation. Schools at Tier 1 status can request support for items that further advance their program.

The organization’s Board of Trustees Selection Committee will select the winners of the awards and determine what items off the wish lists each school will receive.

Since 2009, schools have been able to apply for the Ultimate Collision Education Makeover Grant to get much needed tools, equipment, and supplies for their school. Over $4 million in cash and in-kind donations have been given out to schools as a result of the grant, and over 25,000 collision students have been impacted by the program.

Industry members interested in getting involved with the Foundation and joining its efforts to support the future of the collision industry should contact Foundation Director of Development, Brandon Eckenrode at 847463-5244 or Brandon.Eckenrode@ed -foundation.org.

Snap-on Adds MODIS Edge to Diagnostic Calculator

Snap-on has added its MODIS™ Edge combination full-function scan tool and scope/graphing meter to its diagnostic calculator feature available on the Snap-on website at http:// diagnostics.snapon.com. This online tool helps automotive repair technicians and shop owners determine how much profit they could be making by using a Snap-on diagnostic

The MODIS™ Edge from Snap-on

platform. The diagnostic calculator is available for use in the United States, Canada, Ireland, Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

“With the addition of MODIS Edge to our diagnostic calculator, technicians and shop owners can easily see the value of investing in our latest integrated diagnostic system,” said Mark Schaefer, director of marketing, Snap-on Diagnostics.

“The diagnostic calculator will give users a thorough breakdown on how profitable MODIS Edge could be for their shop, based on how it would be used. Fast and easy-to-use, the diagnostic calculator is another great resource to help our customers grow their business.”

To find the user’s potential return on investment, the diagnostic calculator asks a few simple questions such as how many times a week does the shop connect to a vehicle, how many service/health checks does the shop perform each week and what the shop charges for these services. The user then indicates which diagnostic tool they either own or are looking to purchase. Lastly, the user enters their name and e-mail address to receive a customized message about their potential profit breakdown, based on the answers given. In addition to MODIS Edge, the diagnostic calculator also includes VERUS® Edge, SOLUS™ Edge and ETHOS® PRO. To learn more about Snap-on diagnostic solutions, talk to a Snapon Franchisee or other sales representative or visit www.diagnostics .snapon.com.

58 MARCH 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

AAPEX Announces 2017 Dates

AAPEX 2017 will take place Tuesday, Oct. 31 through Thursday, Nov. 2 at the Sands Expo in Las Vegas.

Online registration will be available in May 2017. Buyers who would like to be notified when registration opens can sign up on the AAPEX website, www.aapexshow .com/reginq.

For hotel reservations, buyers and exhibitors are encouraged to use OnPeak, the event’s official hotel partner, for the lowest rates at conveniently located hotels in Las Vegas.

Reservations can be made now on the AAPEX website.

AAPEX 2017 is expected to feature more than 2,200 exhibitors and 45,000 targeted buyers. Approximately 160,000 automotive aftermarket professionals from more than 140 countries are projected to be in Las Vegas during AAPEX.

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www.autobodynews.com | MARCH 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 59

MSO Symposium Announces Advisory Board for 2017 The MSO Symposium, the exclusive and preeminent meeting for the leadership in the collision repair industry, announced its 2017 Advisory Board following a meeting of industry executives and ASA staff and board members. This year’s Advisory Board members include:

■ Paul Gange, Fix Auto, President & COO, Chair of MSO Symposium ■ Marcy Tieger, Symphony Advisors, LLC., Principal ■ Vince Romans, The Romans Group, Managing Partner & CEO ■ Mike LeVasseur, ABRA Auto Body & Glass, Director of Corporate Development ■ Dave Roberts, FOCUS Investment Banking, LLC., Managing Director ■ Russell Thrall III, CollisionWeek, Publisher & Editor-In-Chief ■ Scott Benavidez, Mr B’s Paint & Body Shop Inc., Owner ■ Mark Sanders, Caliber Collision Centers, President & COO ■ Darrell Amberson, LaMettry’s Collision, President of Operations ■ Larry Siembab, CARSTAR, Sr. Director of Insurance Relations ■ Tim O’Day, Gerber Collision & Glass, President & COO

■ John Walcher, Veritas Advisors, Inc., President ■ Roy Schnepper, Butlers Collision, President ■ Joe Amodei, The Collision Centers, President ■ Mike Anderson, Collision Advice, President ■ Jim Keller, 1 Collision Network, President ■ Bruce Bares, Certified Collision, CEO

The 2017 MSO Symposium will take place during NACE Automechanika on Wednesday, July 26, in Chicago at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place.

This year’s symposium will offer insight on the latest trends, as well as new information for vital industry topics.

The MSO Symposium will open with a private lunch followed by presentations and panels. The event will end with a private reception for attendees and sponsors. Executives representing MSOs, along with multi-location and single location collision repair executives, are invited to attend this closed meeting. The event is also open to property and casualty insurance company executives.

Paul Gange, chairman of the

committee, the master of ceremony and Fix Auto president & COO, said, “Similar to years past, this program is being developed with the guidance and direction from the leadership in the industry. The Advisory Board is instrumental in ensuring that the content and speakers reflect the things attendees what and need to hear.”

Marcy Tieger, principal, Symphony Advisors, will once again moderate the Insurer Panel. “The MSO Symposium is unique because of the environment it creates,” said Tieger. “Often times, insurers are reluctant to participate on panels and attend collision repair driven events. The Symposium allows insurers an opportunity to not only share insightful information, but interact with attendees in a professional environment where information and dialogue is welcomed and encouraged.” All insurers are welcome and encouraged to attend the MSO Symposium.

The first Advisory Board meeting this year focused on content for the Symposium, and members discussed what topics are most relevant to the multi-shop owner today. Topics discussed include: collision industry economics and trends; advanced automotive technology (what repairers

need to do today and in the future to be prepared to repair vehicles); pre- and post-scanning specific to cost, staffing, tooling and operational best practices; training, retaining and hiring employees; industry consolidation; insurance panel; new political regime and the government’s potential effect on the industry and more.

Dan Risley, ASA president and executive director, said, “This is the only event that is exclusive to MSOs and the strongest independent operators in the collision repair industry.

The Advisory Board has made a huge impact in developing content relative to the needs of these leaders. Some businesses are preparing for expansion through growth or acquisition, while others are preparing for merger or divestiture. The symposium will provide insight on these top companies and their respective leadership through the sharing of knowledge, experience and information essential to understanding market conditions and preparing for the future.”

Registration for the MSO Symposium will open soon at www.NACE Automechanika.com along with all other events taking place during NACE Automechanika in Chicago, July 2429, 2017.

BASF Teams up With Driven to Cure

At its automotive refinish team meeting earlier this month, BASF presented Andrew Lee, president & CEO of Driven to Cure (DTC), and his father Bruce Lee, chairman, treasurer & secretary of DTC, with a check for $10,000. Immediately following, BASF announced its new DTC Promotion, “Paint with a Purpose.”

BASF presents a $10,000 check to Andrew Lee (second from right) for Driven to Cure.

With Andrew are (left to right) his father, Bruce Lee; BASF Refinish Vice President, Marvin Gillfillan and BASF Refinish Marketing Head, Dan Bihlmeyer

Andrew Lee was diagnosed with a rare form of kidney cancer, HLRCC, in 2015 at the age of 19. With the help of his father, Lee is living his dream as the owner of a 2015 Nissan GT-R, which they rebuilt and painted orange, the color representing kidney cancer. The color is a unique mix of

BASF Glasurit basecoats, now named Glasurit DTC Orange.

Through the “Paint with a Purpose” promotion, the Glasurit DTC Orange is now available to order through BASF. All proceeds of the paint sales will be donated to DTC. After painting cars with the unique mix, builders are asked to send photos to refinish_comm@basf.com to be posted on BASF social media.

“Driven to Cure’s mission is to raise awareness about rare kidney cancers like HLRCC. With our new amazing Glasurit orange color on the Driven to Cure Nissan GT-R, which is the color for kidney cancer, we are doing just that,” said Lee. “When starting Driven to Cure, I never thought we would have a relationship like this with such a great company. We are so proud of the BASF team for supporting Driven to Cure and for joining forces with many in the car community who already support us. We are all Driven to Cure!”

Since building the GT-R, Lee has been traveling to car shows spreading the word of kidney cancer and raising money. Thus far, more than $200,000 has been raised.

For more information, visit www .basfrefinish.com.

60 MARCH 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

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Call or e-mail now for rates: 800-699-8251 or ltedesco@autobodynews.com 62 MARCH 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Looking for Good Collision Personnel?

•1,262 Collision Techs resumes online •1,295 Painters resumes online •1,177 Estimators & Mgs resumes online •11,256 Mechanical Tech resumes online

ACTautostaffing.com or 727-733-5600 www.autobodynews.com CHECK IT OUT!

Ford Vehicle Owners Can Easily Upgrade 2010–2016 Vehicles with Connectivity Features According to Ford, millions of current customers stand to benefit from Ford SmartLink, a technology that enables connectivity features normally only available on new modem-equipped vehicles. Using a simple device that plugs into the OBD II port below the steering wheel, Ford SmartLink will give customers who own 2010 – 2016 model year Ford and Lincoln vehicles that are not equipped with a modem access to: ● Smartphone-based remote start, lock and unlock ● 4G Wi-Fi hotspot capable of accepting up to eight devices ● Vehicle health and security alerts ● Vehicle location assistance “Ford SmartLink will surprise and delight owners of recent modelyear vehicles by adding some of today’s most popular connectivity features,” said Stephen Odell, executive vice president, Global Marketing, Sales and Service. “Offering it through our dealerships is another way to keep us connected with our

customers and earn their loyalty.”

SmartLink can be obtained at Ford and Lincoln dealerships beginning this summer.

With more than two years of research and development invested, the Ford SmartLink team of engineers, in collaboration with Delphi Automotive and Verizon Telematics, have ensured the technology will work seamlessly with Ford and Lincoln vehicles.

“From security to performance, we’ve conducted extensive testing and made a number of improvements to ensure Ford SmartLink enhances the customer experience for our owners,” said Raj Nair, executive vice president, Global Product Development, and chief technical officer.

“We are thrilled to offer this level of convenience and connectivity to our existing customers, extending the value of their vehicles and giving them just one more reason to love their Ford and Lincoln vehicles,” Nair said.

Martin Senour Introduces Rustproof M/D™

For auto body shop owners looking to boost their corrosion repair efficiency, RustProof M/D™ from the Martin Senour Company offers a powerful—yet easy to use—solution for combating rust.

“RustProof M/D’s UV resistant formula is designed for unrivaled durability and ongoing protection in most environments,” said Kyle Hauenstein, product manager, Martin Senour.

Upon application, RustProof M/D seals the surface of the substrate, stopping existing rust from spreading and new rust from forming. Its advanced technology en-

ables users to apply it directly over rusted surfaces with minimal preparation. With a full cure time of only 24 hours, shop managers can rely on RustProof M/D to help shrink the waiting line – and boost the bottom line.

“RustProof M/D is positioned to become an essential tool in any shop,” said Hauenstein. “Between the ease of application and quick curing time, it’s a real cost saver.”

Specially formulated for direct to metal adhesion and maximum rust prevention, RustProof M/D is appropriate for a number of rust-prone surfaces auto body shops encounter regularly, including: ● Chassis ● Wheels ● Frames ● Truck beds ● Doors ● Floors ● Suspension RustProof M/D is available exclusively at NAPA AUTO PARTS stores in gloss black, light gray, white, and dark gray.

For more information, visit http:// www.martinsenour-autopaint.com /product-systems/rust proof-md.

The Right Parts. A Perfect Fit. Shift into Genuine Nissan and Infiniti OEM Parts

Genuine Nissan and Infiniti OEM Wholesale Parts are superbly crafted to strict quality standards.

The following dealers proudly stock genuine parts for your Nissan or Infiniti repairs.

ARIZONA

LARRY H. MILLER NISSAN MESA

480-655-4060

(480) 655-4068 Fax M-Sat. 8-6 Largest Inventory in Arizona jberry@lhmauto.com www.lhmnissanmesa.com

Order Genuine Mazda Parts from these Parts Specialists in your area

TEXAS

Ingram Park Mazda 6980 NW Loop 410

San Antonio

800-580-7278 Direct 210-681-6018 Fax 210-543-0739

Kinsel Mazda Beaumont

800-454-6735 Fax 409-923-5856

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