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Recent Poll Finds Tie Between Car Driven and Presidential Candidate Supported
Prius owners were more likely to support Ted Cruz and Hilary Clinton than the general population, while Dodge owners favored Donald Trump, and Honda Fit and Subaru Forrester enthusiasts “Feel The Bern,” according to data generated by car-shopping site BestRide and nationally syndicated radio program CarTalk. The findings stem from a poll of more than 10,000 respondents, who were asked what car they drive and which presidential candidate they backed. In a report issued February 23, the following results were determined: Toyota Prius owners were 40% more likely to support Clinton than the general population. Prius owners were 126% more likely to support Cruz than
the general population. Dodge owners favored Trump 50% more than the general population. Bernie Sanders and Clinton supporters registered the highest EPA-estimated fuel mileage, tied at 28.5 MPG. Republican candidates had the lowest average, with Trump supporters at just 23.6 MPG, and Marco Rubio and Cruz-backers tied at 24.7. As for highest MSRP, supporters of Green Party candidate Jill Stein drive cars averaging almost $40,000. They’re also the least likely to drive what most Americans do, with a paucity of Honda Accords, Ford Fusions and Toyota Camrys. Among electric car owners, 86% of responses supported a Democrat and 14% supported a Republican.
Texas State Technical College Student Makes Her Mark at SkillsUSA by Amanda Sotelo, TSTC
Dolores Garza, Texas State Technical College Auto Collision Technology student. Credit: TSTC
SkillsUSA is a professional organization teaching technical, academic and employability skills that help high school and college students See Student Makes Her Mark, Page 16
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“I was in shock when they called my name,” said Dolores Garza, Texas State Technical College Auto Collision Technology student. “I couldn’t believe I had received first place, the competition was so close. This was definitely a proud moment for me.” Garza recently competed in the SkillsUSA competition for Auto Collision Technology in the refinishing category. She was the only female from the auto collision group to participate and has earned herself a first place win and a spot at state competition in April held at TSTC’s Waco campus.
VOL. 34 ISSUE 4 APRIL 2016
Severe Storms Rip Through Marietta, OK, Leaving Body Shop Owner Devastated by KTEN Texoma staff
“You got roll-up doors sitting on cars, you got cars missing windows, you’ve got an 8,000 pound baler that was moved 10 feet,” auto body shop owner, Ethan Rains said. “I’ll be stuck fixing a lot of stuff,” Rains said. He was surveying the damage after his auto body shop was destroyed by overnight storms. Car windows were smashed after heavy debris blew through the small town of Marietta on the early morning of March 8. Trash pollutes the streets, roof
Ethan Raines, body shop owner in Marietta, OK, recalls the damages after the storm on March 8
shingles have been blown away, and business owners said they are devastated. “Got a lot of stuff messed up, a lot of property damage, a lot of car damSee Marietta shop, Page 18
Texas State Technical College’s Auto Collision Technology Program Receives National Grant
Tyler Ashby, 26, of Burleson grew up a wishlist of the program’s equipment needs which will be delivered soon. watching his relatives work on vehi“The faculty will be able to concles. He once worked in a paint and body shop and through all of this, he tinue to sharpen our own skills and discovered he enjoyed automobile then pass that knowledge on to the painting. Ashby, a first-year student at students,” said Ranson Bandy, an Auto Collision Technology instructor. Texas State Technical College, is pur“The better we learn the better we will suing an associate degree in Auto Collision and Management Technology - be able to teach.” Second-year student Robert Lee Refinishing Specialization and a cerPecina Jr., 36, grew up in tificate in Auto Collision ReMarlin and remembered watpair. ching his grandfather run his Ashby and other students own paint and body shop. In will soon get to use new ehigh school he toured TSTC quipment to work on in labs. and saw the Auto Collision TSTC’s Auto Collision TechTechnology labs. Now living nology program recently reand studying for an associceived for the first time a Tyler Ashby is a ate degree in Auto Collision $50,000 Collision Repair Edfirst-year student and Management Technolucation Foundation Makeover at Texas State Grant via the Education Foun- Technical College. ogy– Refinishing SpecialCredit: Daniel Perry, ization in Waco, Pecina said dation. Texas State is looking forward to using “It’s a great idea to have echnical College new air dryer guns. this equipment in the shop,” The program has applied for the he said. Money for the grant was made grant in recent years and though it did not win the top award before now, it possible by Berkshire Hathaway Automotive, Caliber Collision, GEICO, still received gifts in kind such as two Herb’s Collision and Nationwide Inwrecked vehicles for students to repair. surance. Faculty members put together See TSTC Grant, Page 10
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COLUMNISTS Attanasio - CAA Takes on the Capitol at Legislative Day on April 12th . . . . . . . . 24 Luehr - How to Hold People Accountable . 38 Phillips - Female Shop Owner in NY Says Success is Due to Being Prepared & Connecting With Customers. . . . . . . . . 34 Phillips - NY Body Shop Owner’s Weekly Radio Show Aims to Educate and Entertain Customers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Phillips - OH Auto Body Shop Benefits from Hiring & Training Students . . . . . . 48 Sisk - Why WIN? Webinar Explains Why Everyone Should Be a WINner . . . . . . . 36 Wickert - A Primer on Diminution in Value Claims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Yoswick - Mike Anderson in 1996, Incomplete Estimates, Feather Prime and Block, PartsTrader . . . . . . . . 44
NATIONAL 2016 Digital Collision Repair Trends Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 2016 Second Quarter Training Schedule Announced by The Martin Senour Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 3M and Festool Announce Collaboration to Serve Collision Repair Industry. . . . . 50 ABA Connecticut Releases “Now What?” App for Consumers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 AkzoNobel Reveals 2016 Distributor Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Alleged Admissions of ‘Price Fixing’ by State Farm and Progressive Employees Prompt New Filings in Multi-District Lawsuit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Altra Products Supply, a Car-O-Liner Distributor, Celebrates 30-Year Milestone in Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 ASA Launches New OEM Resource Website . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Audatex: Seam Sealer is a Body Operation . 51 Auto Care Assoc. Aims to Broaden Copyright Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Auto Glass Academy Training Begins in April. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Automotive Body Parts Association Announces 2016 Annual Meeting. . . . . 42 Axalta’s Custom Finishes Calendar Competition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 BASF Names N. America Distribution Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Best Practices Shared After CARSTAR Merger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 BMW Ramping Up in Autonomous Vehicle Space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 B-Tec Systems Releases The Infrared Handbook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 CREF and Akzonobel Sustainability Grant. . 49 Facebook Contest for New Flooring at School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Google’s Self-Driving Car Hits Bus: No Injuries, Team Expands, Google to Testify Before Congress . . . . . . . . . . . 4 IABA February Meetings Address Changes to FLSA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Larson Electronics Releases Two New Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 LKQ to Acquire Pittsburgh Glass Works . . 45 Looking Outside of Industry Prompted Maaco Partnership With Pep Boys . . . . 33 Mercedes-Benz USA Reveals Plans for New HQ in GA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Mirka USA Introduces Aquastar® Abrasive . 51 NABR Launches New VRS Labor Rate Survey for Luxury Brands and Special Vehicles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 NACE | CARS 2016 Registration is now OPEN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 New 6066 Nitrocell Generates Continuous Flow of Nitrogen from Shop Air for Plastic Welding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 New MD Legislation Will Honor Crash Victim and Work to Speed up Repair and Recalls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Nviro-Tech Launches Paint Facts Displays . 18 PDA Extends Expertise to Financial Services Sector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Portacool Introduces New Jetstream™ Coolers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 PPG MVP Conference Registration is Open. 50 PPG’s Charley Hutton Delivers Another Ridler Award-Winning Finish . . . . . . . . 22 RDA Collision Solutions Training Seminar in TX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Recent Poll Finds Tie Between Car Driven and Presidential Candidate Supported . . 1 Rotary Lift Introduces Video Series . . . . . 47 SEMA and Auto Care Association Partner on Industry Job Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Service King Launches Revitalized Website . 47 Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes 2016 Second Quarter Training Schedule . . . . 32 Team PRP Announces Addition of Three New Automotive Recyclers to Nationwide Network. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 The Body Shop of the Future . . . . . . . . . . 40 Tsunami Compressed Air Solutions Launches The Rove . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 VA Photo Bill Passes with WMABA’s Suggested Amendments . . . . . . . . . . . 52 WIN Announces 2016 Educational Conference Content and Celebration of 10th Anniversary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Women’s Industry Network Announces 2016 Most Influential Woman in Collision Repair Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
National AutoBody Research (NABR) announced in March the launch of the new VRS Labor Rate Survey for Luxury Brands and Special Vehicles. Intended for collision repairers who work on highline vehicles and have luxury brand manufacturer certifications, the online survey is free and is accessible on the NABR website. Through the survey and its VRS technology, NABR measures and reports the market-based labor prices collision repairers charge for working on luxury brand vehicles, such as Audi, Bentley, Mercedes, or Tesla, for example, as well as special vehicles such as the new Ford F-150 or Nissan GT-R. “This new survey fills a large gap in collision repair pricing information and enables a new level of pricing sophistication for repairers,” said Sam Valenzuela, president of NABR. “Previously, there was no easy way for a repairer to know what competitive market labor rates were for working on luxury and special vehicles, or to know whether their price was above or below market.”
Publisher & Editor: Jeremy Hayhurst General Manager: Barbara Davies Assistant Editor: Stacey Phillips Online Editor: Victoria Antonelli Contributing Writers: Tom Franklin, John Yoswick, Janet Chaney, Toby Chess, David Brown, Rich Evans, Ed Attanasio, Chasidy Sisk, David Luehr Advertising Sales: Joe Momber, Sean Hartman, Bill Doyle, Norman Morano (800) 699-8251 Office Manager: Louise Tedesco Sales/Research Associate: Cass Heckel Art Director: Rodolfo Garcia
“The significance of this new survey and new pricing data cannot be overstated,” said Eric McKenzie, director of body shop operations for Park Place Dealerships, which includes Park Place Bodywerks in Dallas, TX. “This is a real breakthrough for the industry, helping us all understand market prices nationwide for repairing highline vehicles. Intuitively, shops know they cannot charge standard door rates for repairing these luxury brands, given the tremendous investment required to achieve those manufacturer certifications. Yet, it is not really clear what the market price is either, so this new VRS survey will shine light on that topic, to everyone’s benefit.” ds of dollars. Any collision repair owner or general manager may request a free, no-obligation demonstration of the VRS by contacting Sam Valenzuela, president, National AutoBody Research, 913-226-6550, Sam@National AutoBodyResearch.com. You can also visit www.NationalAutoBodyResearch.com for more information.
Abaris Training Resources, Inc. . . . 24 Allen Samuels Chevrolet. . . . . . . . . 34 Audi South Austin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Audi Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . 52 Axalta Coating Systems . . . . . . . . . . 5 BMW Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . 49 Bob Howard PDC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Car-Part.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA). . . . . . . . . . . 35 Chevyland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Chief Automotive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Classic Auto Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Classic BMW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Classifieds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Dallas Dodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Dent Magic Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Dominion Sure Seal, Ltd. . . . . . . . . 13 Don Carlton Auto Group . . . . . . . . . 36 Eco Repair Systems of North America, LLC . . . . . . . . . . 27 Equalizer Industries, Inc . . . . . . . . . 26 FBS Distribution Co., Inc. . . . . . . . . 23 Finnegan Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge . . . . 2 Ford Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . 43 GM Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . 45 Herkules Equipment Corporation. . 30 Honda-Acura Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28-29 Huffines Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge Lewisville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Hyundai Wholesale Parts Dealers. . 47
Serving Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, New Mexico, Arkansas, Colorado and adjacent metro areas. Autobody News is a monthly publication for the autobody industry. Permission to reproduce in any form the material published in Autobody News must be obtained in writing from the publisher. ©2016 Adamantine Media LLC. Autobody News Box 1516, Carlsbad, CA 92018; (800) 699-8251 (760) 603-3229 Fax www.autobodynews.com Email: news@autobodynews.com
Southwest
REGIONAL Auto Body Shop Owner in Texas Restores Vehicle for Car Donation Using OEM Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 BASF Opens Automotive Competence Center in TX. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Caliber Expands in Texas With Craig’s Collision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 HABA to Commission 2016 Rate Survey . . 8 NABC Hosts Recycled Rides & Collision Industry Golf Event in Dallas, Texas . . . 10 NWLCRA March Meeting Focuses on I-CAR’s Repairability Technical Support . . . . . . 13 Service King Opens 20th Houston Location . 8 Service King’s Michelle Frymire Named D CEO Magazine Financial Executive of the Year Finalist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Severe Storms Rip Through Marietta, OK, Leaving Shop Owner Devastated . . . . . . 1 Sisk - Attendees Rave About ASA-CO’s 2016 Independent Automotive Professionals Symposium . . . . . . . . . . 21 Tarrant County College South in TX to Host Open House for Automotive Program . . . 6 Texas State Technical College Student Makes Her Mark at SkillsUSA . . . . . . . . . 1 Texas State Technical College’s Auto Collision Technology Program Receives National Grant . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Truck slams into Socorro, TX Body Shop . . 8 UTI Houston Student Puts the Brakes on Auto Technician Stereotypes . . . . . . . . 18 Valspar Completes Extensive Upgrades to Automotive Training Center in TX . . . . . 10
NABR Launches New VRS Labor Rate Survey for Luxury Brands and Special Vehicles
Indexof Advertisers
Contents
Kia Motors Wholesale Parts Dealers. 39 Kool Tools - SEMA 2015 Product Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-15 Larson Electronics, LLC.. . . . . . . . . 32 Mazda Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . 51 Mercedes-Benz of Houston Greenway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Mercedes-Benz Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Mike Calvert Toyota. . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Miracle System/Equipment Gateway, Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Mitsubishi Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 MOPAR Wholesale Parts Dealers . . 31 North Freeway Hyundai . . . . . . . . . 40 Orio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Polyvance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Ray Huffines Chevrolet . . . . . . . . . . 37 SATA Spray Equipment . . . . . . . . . 17 Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18, 19 South Pointe Chrysler-JeepDodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Toyota of Laredo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Toyota Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . 48 Valspar Automotive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Volkswagen Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Volvo Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . 50 Wesch Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Young Chevrolet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
www.autobodynews.com | APRIL 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 3
Google’s Self-Driving Car Hits Bus: No Injuries, Team Expands, Google to Testify Before Congress
One of Google’s self-driving cars has collided with a public bus in Mountain View, CA, an accident report has revealed, in what appears to be the first instance of one of the company’s prototype cars causing an accident. The collision between the self-driving vehicle and a city bus was apparently caused by a software error on the part of the vehicle. The car pulled into the bus’ lane assuming that the bus was going to yield, but it didn’t. The collision happened on Feb. 14. Footage recorded by cameras on the bus shows a Lexus SUV, which Google has outfitted with sensors and cameras that let it drive itself, edging into the path of the bus that was rolling by at about 15 mph. Though it was a low-speed collision, the impact crumpled the Lexus’ front left side, flattened the tire and tore off the radar Google installed to help the SUV perceive its surroundings. The Lexus had to be towed. Neither the Google employee in the driver’s seat—who must be there under California law to take the wheel in an emergency—nor the 16 people on the bus were injured. The transit agency has concluded based on the footage that the bus driver was not responsible, spokeswoman Stacey Hendler Ross said. An independent claims adjustor has not yet determined liability, she said. El Camino Real is a busy six-lane boulevard with hundreds of intersections. The car was following a recent change to its programming, following “the spirit of the road” as well as the traffic code by hugging the far side of the right-turn lane to allow other cars to pass on the left. Images from the bus show two small, black sandbags on either side of a drain at the curb. The right lane was wide enough to let some cars turn and others go straight, but to avoid driving over the sandbags, the Lexus needed to slide to its left within the lane. The bus and several other cars that drove straight were to the left of the Lexus, in the same lane. When the light turned green, several cars ahead of the bus passed the SUV. Google has said that both the car’s software and the person in the driver’s seat thought the bus would let the Lexus into the flow of traffic. The Google employee did not try to intervene before the crash. “This is a classic example of the negotiation that’s a normal part of driving—we’re all trying to predict each other’s movements. In this case, we clearly bear some responsibility, because if our car hadn’t moved there wouldn’t have been a collision,” Google wrote of the incident, adding,
“That said, our test driver believed the bus was going to slow or stop to allow us to merge into the traffic, and that there would be sufficient space to do that.” The software that controls the cars is programmed to follow all traffic laws and to drive conservatively, the company said. The law-abiding algorithms that rule the SUV’s onboard computer make its decision to try and slip in front of the bus surprising. Footage from a forward-facing camera on the bus shows there was not much more than a full car length between the bus and the GMC Yukon in front of it. Google said it has tweaked its software to “more deeply understand that buses and other large vehicles are less likely to yield to us than other types of vehicles.” The DMV said that manufacturers of autonomous vehicles must report crashes, but “the DMV is not responsible for determining fault.” A spokesman for the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration declined to comment. The company also said it has reviewed this incident “and thousands of variations on it in our simulator in detail and made refinements to our software. From now on, our cars will more deeply understand that buses (and other large vehicles) are less likely to yield to us than other types of vehicles, and we hope to handle situations like this more gracefully in the future.” The Feb. 14 crash is the first in which Google has acknowledged its car made a mistake that led to a collision. The company has reported that between September 2014 and November, its prototypes drove themselves about 400,000 miles on city streets near its Silicon Valley headquarters without causing a collision. Its fleet has likely driven an additional 100,000 miles since then, though the company won’t be specific. According to Google’s accounting, its cars have been hit nearly a dozen times on the streets in or around its Mountain View headquarters since road testing began in spring 2014.
Google Expands Self-Driver Team Google’s self-driving car team is expanding and hiring more people with automotive industry expertise, underscoring the company’s determination to move the division past the experimental stage. The operation now employs at least 170 workers, according to a Reuters review of online profiles. Google has advertised nearly 40 new positions on the team, and many are related to manufacturing. The team
4 APRIL 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
Bus Fails to Yield.
currently has six people with such experience, including purchasing, supplier development and supply chain management. Google has said previously that it intends to ready the technology for a marketable self-driving car by 2020, but it may never manufacture vehicles itself. Analysts say self-driving technology has several profit channels including licensing mapping database and vehicle control software, as well as an integrated package of software, sensors and actuators that would form the backbone of a self-driving vehicle. Google to Testify Before Congress The director of the Google X self-driving car project, Chris Urmson, and other auto industry executives will testify before Congress the week of March 13 on efforts to develop safe and effective autonomous cars. Senator John Thune, who chairs the Senate Commerce Committee, said that Chris Urmson would appear on March 15. Urmson will testify alongside executives from General Motors Co (Mike Abelson), Delphi Automotive PLC and Joseph Okpaku, VP of privately held ride-hailing service Lyft
Inc., to talk about “advancements in autonomous vehicle technology and its anticipated benefits for Americans,” the committee said. The director of Duke U’s Humans and Automony Lab, Mary Louise Cummings, will also testify.
The committee wants witnesses’ views “on the appropriate role of government in promoting innovation including removing unnecessary hurdles, and their strategy to grow consumer adoption of this new technology.” Major automakers and technology companies are racing to develop and sell vehicles that can drive themselves, but they have complained that state and federal safety rules are impeding testing and ultimate deployment of such vehicles. In January, NHTSA said it may waive some vehicle safety rules to allow more driverless cars to operate on U.S. roads as part of a broader effort to speed up development of self-driving vehicles. Safety regulators will write guidelines for self-driving cars within six months, Transporation Secretary Anthony Foxx said in January.
www.autobodynews.com | APRIL 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 5
Caliber Expands in Texas With Craig’s Collision
Caliber Collision Centers announced that it has acquired Craig’s Collision across the Dallas-Ft. Worth area. Craig’s Collision has served the North Texas area for more than three decades, operating seven locations across the Dallas and Ft. Worth markets. Steve Grimshaw, Caliber Collision CEO, announced, “We are extremely excited to have the Craig’s Collision organization join forces with Caliber Collision as we continue to grow into the collision repair provider of choice in Texas and beyond. “The Craig’s Collision facilities and management team are perfectly aligned with our purpose, vision and mission. Craig and Kyle Van Cleve and their award-winning team have consistently delivered unparalleled customer satisfaction and industryleading operational consistency across the North Texas market,” added Grimshaw. “It is exciting for the Craig’s Collision team to take this next step forward. We have done a lot in this community over the past 37 years and are looking forward to a number of unique opportunities to grow and mature with Caliber,” said Craig Van Cleve, co-owner of Craig’s Collision.
Tarrant County College South in TX to Host Open House for Automotive Program by Samuel Medina III, The Collegian at TCC
The automotive collision repair program at Tarrant County College (TCC) South in Texas will have its first workshop March 8 when local auto repair shop managers are invited to meet students and see firsthand what the program is really like. One of the event’s five sponsors, Tech-Labs, will present its new 3-D virtual reality training system, allowing students to use the latest tools in automotive painting. Automotive instructor Michael Shoulders said the materials used in class are costly and with all of the safety equipment, it’s hard for other students to see how it’s done. “Students will put the helmet on, have a spray gun and they’ll have a [virtual] car,” he said. “They’ll be painting that car and adjust the spray gun just like they would in the real world, but it will be virtual reality. It’s also going to be on a monitor so other students can watch that.” The virtual reality training system will not only allow students to learn in a whole new way, but it will also track their progress. The collision repair program’s faculty noticed that not enough people
knew about them. Auto repair shops have a growing demand for students who go through collision repair programs, but not enough are being hired. The event’s main focus is not to show off the new technology but network with the surrounding auto repair shops. “Shop owners can see new techniques and equipment, but secretly behind the scenes, I want them to know we’re here so I can get my guys jobs,” Shoulders said. He said the event is not just to get students to sign up for the program but to network and get students jobs. “I’m excited to get the word out,” he said. “I want the shop owners to know we’re here. I want them to know we’re here so they can hire my students. That’s my goal. They’re the ones I want to see how we train and remember us. When they need some help, I want that phone to ring, and I want to say, ‘Hey, I got one for you.’” Auto body damage repair instructor Royce Wyatt coordinates the event and said he hopes the program can obtain a virtual reality training system of its own. “We’re trying to have one purchased for the school to allow our students to do spraying techniques without actually using expensive materials,” he
said. “It’s also environmentally friendly because you don’t have the waste byproducts. It’s a win-win for everyone, but it’s not cheap.” Wyatt said it’s a community event, but it’s also primarily directed at collision repair facilities in the area. “We thought the open house as a possibility to get the community awareness going as well as potentially getting some shops involved with the school,” he said. “It’s a different way to extend our hands to the shops in the area because of the shortage of technicians.” South student Anthony Hernandez said the idea of virtual reality coming to TCC collision repair is exciting. “I never thought we would get anything like that here,” he said. “I’m probably going to stop by for a bit to see the thing in action. Who knows? I might learn a thing or two.” Three of the sessions will be geared toward painting while the other two will be dedicated to collision repair. The first session will begin at 8 a.m., and lunch will be provided at 12:45 p.m. To RSVP for the free workshop, call instructional associate Felipe Maldonado at 817-515-4607 or email felipe .maldonado@tccd.edu by Feb. 26. Thank you to The Collegian at TCC for permission to reprint this article.
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www.autobodynews.com | APRIL 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 7
Service King Opens 20th Houston Location
Service King Collision Repair Centers® announced in March the official opening of its 20th Houston location as part of the organization’s ongoing national growth initiative. The 15,000-square-foot collision repair center is located at 4545 Sam Houston Parkway East in Houston. “This is a particularly exciting announcement as Service King continues to grow in our home state of Texas and a community that has proven to be an ideal fit for our team,” said Justin Regan, Service King vice president of the Houston market. “The Service King family of repair centers is proud to reach 20 Houston locations and we look forward to continue serving our customers and carrier partners across the community in the future.” The new Service King location provides the capacity to repair 150-175 vehicles each month while providing an additional option for Houston residents south of the metro area. Service King, with headquarters in Richardson, Texas, first opened in the Houston area in 2008. For information, visit: www .Service King.com.
HABA to Commission 2016 Rate Survey
Houston Auto Body Association (HABA) said in a February press release that many of their association members have reported that insurance providers have not been paying prevailing rates. Some members have reported insurance companies trying to reduce rates that have been previously paid. It appears the insurers may be trying to increase their profits by reducing the profits of the shop, said HABA. In response to members’ concerns, HABA has commissioned an area body shop rate survey to be conducted by Customer Research, Inc. The association has requested an updated list of shops that would like to participate in the survey. If you would like to help, the survey can be found online: http:// survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07ec9rh64eikolakg8/a011milk 3y0mc/greeting Due to the need to conduct some behind-the-scenes business, HABA did not have an open meeting in March. HABA is looking for sponsors for the 2016 calendar year and the Managers/Owners event. Visit: http://www.habaonline.org/ sponsorship-application.html
8 APRIL 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
Truck Slams into Socorro, TX Body Shop by Ashley Cullinane, CBS4 Local
Employees at Pronto Auto Center in Socorro said they feel lucky to be alive after a truck slammed into their shop on Alameda Avenue. “I came here as quickly as possible, and I just looked at shenanigans pretty much,” said shop co-owner Roberto Hernandez. The crash happened on February 27th around 2:30 p.m. An employee said a woman lost control of her truck and slammed into a parked
1967 Chevy Impala. The classic car slammed into the garage, but that wasn’t all the damage that was done. “I didn’t even notice the car in our lobby until pretty much I walked up to the lobby and was like, ‘Man, there’s a car in the lobby.’ It’s crazy,” Hernandez said. The chain-reaction crash sent an-
other car into the shop’s lobby. Moments before, shop employees and others heard the crash and stepped out
of the way just in time. “I say about another foot and he would have gotten taken away with the cavalier that was inside the building,” Hernandez said Hernandez. He said the street is crowded with construction and can be a dangerous area to drive in. Part of the shop is boarded up. Hernandez said insurance should cover the damage. He believes totaled cars isare better than what might have been. “I’m just glad everyone’s OK. That’s the main priority. Everything else is materialistic. As long as everyone’s OK, that’s what matters,” said Hernandez. He said insurance should cover the damage. We would like to thank CBS4 Local for reprint permission.
BASF Opens Automotive Competence Center in TX BASF opened a new Refinish Competence Center in Houston, TX on March 7. The center includes the latest in virtual and in-person training facilities, state-of-the-art spray booths and market-leading application equipment to
Closed Top Open Front Spray Booth is used for preparation, touch up and paint work, all in one location
enable next-generation training for all job functions in the collision repair industry, according to a company press release. “We’re not only teaching the latest painting techniques here in Houston,” said Paul Whittleston, BASF vice president, Automotive Refinish, North America. “We now offer VisionPlus University and Advanced Business Solutions classes to help our customers drive more business through their shops.
“BASF continues to place a high priority on our presence in Houston and the Gulf Coast market,” said Whittleston. “At BASF we’ve harnessed the power of a world-class talent pool and become one of the region’s major
3000 Series Spray Booth at the Center
employers. The Refinish Competence Center is another sign of our commitment to the area.” “Our new training center brings us closer to our customers in the Southwest,” said Nick Maloof, BASF Automotive Refinish Zone Manager. “The new facility can also support industry and networking events, for up to 50 people, to enhance customer interactions. We also look forward to hosting a variety of business groups and industry organizations in our new facility.” Classes were scheduled to begin at the BASF Refinish Competence Center in mid-March.
Service King’s Michelle Frymire Named D CEO Magazine Financial Executive of the Year Finalist
Service King Collision Repair Centers’ Chief Financial Officer Michelle Frymire has been selected as a finalist for inclusion in the annual D CEO Financial Executives Awards, as announced by the regional business publication in February. Frymire’s selection comes alongside 25 highly-esteemed financial executives representing Dallas-Fort Worth’s top organizations. D CEO, in conjunction with the Dallas CPA Society, Financial Executives International and the Association for Corporate Growth, will recognize finalists in April as part of an exclusive event where winners of the 13 categories will also be revealed. “Michelle has been instrumental in Service King’s continued explosive growth as her leadership has guided our organization and financial department through an unprecedented period of expansion across the U.S.,” said Chris Abraham, Service King CEO. “Her keen sense for strategically positioning Service King to succeed amidst fierce competition in a rapidly accelerating consolidation movement has been paramount to our
success. Michelle’s influence within Service King is evident across nearly every facet of the business and is certainly directly visible through our growth within the last 12 months.” Throughout 2015, Frymire has played a direct role in guiding Service King through a rapid period of both financial and geographical growth Michelle Frymire as the organization completed more than 25 mergers and acquisitions. Her leadership through the process saw Service King eclipse the $1 billion revenue mark for the first time in organization history. Meanwhile, Service King was also named by The Dallas Business Journal as the No. 3 fastest-growing middle-market company in the DallasFort Worth area. For more information on Service King and to view a complete list of locations and services, visit www.Service King.com
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W W W. E Q U I P M E N T G AT E WAY. C O M www.autobodynews.com | APRIL 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 9
NABC Hosts Recycled Rides & Collision Industry Golf Event in Dallas, Texas
The National Auto Body Council (NABC) is taking its show on the road, hosting the Collision Industry Regional Golf Fundraiser in Dallas, Texas on April 7 at the Texas Star Golf Course. The event is being held to provide collision repair businesses and professionals in the southwest an opportunity to meet and network with peers while supporting NABC’s community initiatives. Proceeds from the golf event, with Enterprise Rent-a-Car as the presenting sponsor, will help fund member programs including Recycled Rides™, First Responder Emergency Extrication (FREE™) and the Distracted Driving Initiative. To showcase NABC’s signature Recycled Rides™ program, three vehicles donated by State Farm and Allstate, and repaired by NABC Diamond members Berkshire Hathaway Automotive, Caliber Collision and Service King, will be presented to three local Dallas-area families in need. “We have heard from businesses and individuals across the country who welcome the opportunity to network and collaborate on a local level with colleagues towards a common goal to promote the professionalism and inContinued from Cover
TSTC Grant
Through the grant initiative, the program has also received an aluminum repair kit and laptops for instructors to use in class. “We received several welders that our budget would not allow us to buy,” said Clint Campbell, Auto Collision Technology’s program chair. “We were able to move toward aluminum welding with the equipment.” Campbell said faculty are planning to apply for the grant again. “We need to keep our name out there and the work the program does,” Campbell said.
tegrity of the collision repair industry,” said Keith Egan of RW Mallon Auto Paint and Equipment, and chairman of NABC’s fundraising committee. “Our goal in hosting regional golf events is to provide NA-BC members and supporters a fun, casual way to build and enhance relationships while we demonstrate our community service projects such as Recycled Rides and showcase the professionals in our industry.” “The regional fundraiser also provides us with the opportunity to give back to the communities in which we live and work,” added Darren Huggins, national collision director of Berkshire Hathaway Automotive and chair of the Dallas golf fundraiser. “I am proud and appreciative of the commitment and generosity of so many of our colleagues in the collision industry who are stepping up to sponsor and participate in this southwest regional fundraiser to raise funds for our community service programs.” Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses. The registration fee is $150 for individual players and $600 for a foursome team. Online player registration and sponsor information is available at www.National AutoBodyCouncil.org.
Students can earn associate degrees in Auto Collision and Management Technology–Refinishing Specialization or Repair Specialization. Students can also earn a certificate in Auto Body Refinishing or a Certificate 2 in Auto Collision Repair. The program also offers an enhanced skills certificate in Sheet Metal Fabrication and advanced technical certificates in Auto Body Refinishing and Auto Collision Repair. The College Preview at TSTC will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, April 1 and Saturday, April 2. For more information go to www.tstc.edu/open house Apply today at www.tstc.edu Registration for summer and fall semesters begins Monday, April 4.
Valspar Completes Extensive Upgrades to Automotive Training Center in Texas
Auto refinish technicians and distributors who attend classes at Valspar’s Automotive Training Center in Grand Prairie, Texas will benefit from a state-of-the-art learning environment thanks to an extensive renovation, according to the company.
Valspar’s Automotive Training Center in Grand Prairie, Texas went through an extensive renovation
The facility received a complete makeover, with remodeled classrooms, expanded color mixing room, upgraded spray booth, a new cafeteria and the latest in digital media. Courses cover a wide range of skills, from basic workshop and color skills to advanced programs, using Valspar products. “Our goal is to provide the best training in the industry, and this ultramodern facility gives us the learning environment to deliver that along with our
expert staff,” said Pete Willman, sales director – Branded Coatings, Valspar Automotive North America. “Students will come away with a comprehensive education on the Valspar paint process, giving them the skills necessary to enhance the quality and productivity of their refinish operations.” The center’s training curriculum, which is approved by the I-CAR Industry Training Alliance®, includes both theory and practical workshops and gives students hands-on experience in the preparation booth, spray booth and state-of-the-art color mixing room. Courses cover a wide range of skills, from basic workshop and color skills to advanced programs, using Valspar’s brands — Valspar Refinish™, DeBeer Refinish®, Prospray®, Matrix™ and House of Kolor®. In addition to Grand Prairie, Valspar has five Automotive Training Centers around the world: Massillon, Ohio; Gold Coast, Australia; Rome, Italy; Lyon, France; and Lelystad, The Netherlands. The sites have hosted thousands of painters from all segments of the industry looking to improve their craft. For more information about Valspar Automotive, visit www.valsparauto.com.
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www.autobodynews.com | APRIL 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 11
Auto Body Shop Owner in Texas Restores Vehicle for Car Donation Using OEM Parts by Stacey Phillips
When auto body shop owner Burl Richards presented a set of keys and an SUV to Becky Whiteside, he said it was a great feeling to give back to someone in need. The owner of Burl’s Collision Center in Henderson, Texas, held a con-
Becky Whiteside received a 2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor from Burl’s Collision as part of a contest the auto body shop held
test in late 2015 inviting the local community to write a short summary about why they needed a dependable vehicle. One of the managers in his shop had suggested the idea, after hearing about a body shop in Arkansas that had done something similar. “I thought to myself, ‘We have to do this,’” said Richards.
Applicants had the following criteria: they had to be a single mom, have a job or actively searching for one, include a resume and write why they needed the car. Richards received 10 applications and local Lions Club members in Henderson assisted in the decisionmaking process. “It was a hard decision and I wish we could have done this for every one of them,” said Richards. Whiteside, a single mom, was presented with the vehicle in December 2015. The SUV had originally been in a front-end crash. Richards said the insurance company did not want to repair the vehicle or pay the storage fees, and it was deemed totaled. He talked to the insurance company about giving the car away after it was repaired. “They were very surprised and said it was a great thing that we’re doing and sent the title ASAP,” said Richards. Ten of his employees spent about two weeks restoring the 2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor. “They really embraced the idea and were excited about doing it,” said Richards. “They worked after-hours as well and just enjoyed the entire process.” Local businesses also showed their
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support: ABC Auto Parts donated the radiator, condenser, brakes and other parts; Big Daddy’s donated a navigation system; Custom Tint & Design tinted the windows; English Color Paint & Supply painted the vehicle; Gillman Mitsubishi offered discounted rates on parts; Kilgore Tire Center donated four new tires; and SIG Insurance provided six months of free insurance.
ocritical to use anything other than OEM. He said that he wanted the recipient of the vehicle to have confidence that it was repaired properly using OEM parts. “I hear insurers tell us all the time that we are greedy because we want to be paid for processes and procedures that are necessary to restore vehicles to their pre-loss conditions,” said Richards. “It’s good to know and they know, it’s not all about making money. We chose OEM parts, we didn’t cut corners, we repaired the vehicle properly, and we spent free time after hours because it would help out a needy family. You can’t put a price on that.” His advice to other shops considering doing something similar is to do it! “Your employees will embrace it and it will give them a great sense of accomplishment. “Your local community will appreciate it as well,” said Richards. After being in business for 18 years, he said the surrounding community is very supportive of his business and the employees every day. “It is a great feeling to share your blessings with others, and I think it is our responsibility to give back to those in need.”
(l to r) Sabrina and Burl Richards of Burl’s Collision Center presented the keys and SUV to Becky Whiteside
Richards, president of the Auto Body Association of Texas (ABAT), said they made it a priority to use OEM parts for the vehicle and his vendors were happy to help with pricing. “There was never a thought of using aftermarket parts,” said Richards. “With the quality and fit issues that we see with using aftermarket parts, and the fact that we request OEM every day from insurance companies, I felt it would be hyp-
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NWLCRA March Meeting Focuses on I-CAR’s Repairability Technical Support The Northwest Louisiana Collision Repair Association met at the Country Tavern Barbecue on March 1. Themeeting was opened by Chris Shepherd reading the Anti-Trust law. Dick McDaniel with Car-O-Liner led a prayer and then Randi and Abigail Shepherd led the Pledge of Allegiance. Shepherd welcomed DeMarcus Robinson, Northwest Louisiana Technical College’s new collision instructor. Shepherd went over the schedule of both the SKILLS USA High School and College competitions. The SKILLS USA High School competition will be held in Houma, Louisiana this year April 6-8 at the Terrebonne Career and Technology Center. For more information about the SKILLS USA High School competition, go to skillsusala.org. The college competition will be held at Northwest Louisiana Technical College in Shreveport, LA on April 21 and 22. Anyone wanting more information about the contest should contact Bill Burnside. Jackie Boyd made a motion to donate $150 for refreshments at each SKILLS USA contest. Kevin Adams seconded the motion, so NWLCRA will donate that amount for refreshments at the SKILLS USA competitions for the High School and Post Secondary in Louisiana. The Southern Automotive Repair
Conference will be on April 8 and 9. Since this follows the SKILLS USA High School competition, several were discussing a “road trip.” It would be a short drive from Houma to Biloxi, so anyone interested in making these two events, contact Burnside. For the SARC flyer, visit http://www.autobodynews .com/events/southeastern-events/ item/11274-southern-automotive-repair -conference-scheduled-for-april-inms.html.
The association is still looking for speakers, so anyone interested in speaking to the Northwest Louisiana Collision Repair Association, contact Burnside. April and May are already scheduled and there are only a few open spots available. There have been a few remarks about the change in the refrigerant regulation and certification. The association is considering having a meeting where the new regulation would be discussed and then test for the certification. The
in·teg·ri·ty:
meeting would have to be at a location where computers would be available, so those taking the test would have their own station. If your shop would be interested, contact Burnside. We need to be able to know how many people to accommodate. Other possible topics for future meetings would be “hands-on” types, and would-be primer class, frontend alignments, etc. Feel free to reach out to the association to let them know what you think about this new format for the meetings and if you would be interested in meetings of this type. The guest speaker on March 1 was Jason Bartanen, ICAR’s technical lead for their OEM section. This new initiative of I-CAR is a Repairability Technical Support or RTS. This puts the technician repairing the vehicle in contact with the vehicle manufacturer. Currently, the RTS portal is a free service for anyone with a user ID and password for I-CAR’s website. If you don’t have a user name and password, go to I-CAR’s website and sign up. Then you will be able to use this free service. If you would like to see it in action, visit rts.icar.com. There are multiple articles from vehicle manufacturers and I-CAR is
heading for a goal of adding an article per day to this new portal. There are videos showing how to perform various processes along with step-by-step instructions. The technician with a user ID and password to I-CAR can use their own smart phone to use this Repairability Technical Support portal to review the documentation while standing in their stall with the vehicle. This brings a new level of training from ICAR to the technician. Now they are able to see how the manufacturer recommends the repair to be made without leaving their work area. This will be a time saver for many. If you are unable to find what you are looking for, you have the ability to submit your request to the technical team of I-CAR’s RTS. You can make this request online or by calling I-CAR at 1-800-832-4990 option 1, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST. Someone from I-CAR’s RTS will respond to you in a timely manner. A vast amount of OEM information can be downloaded or printed from this portal. The NWLCRA thanks Bartanen for a very informative meeting about ICAR’s new Repairability Technical Support portal. For more information, visit www .nwlcra.org. Bill Burnside can be reached at 318-208-3895.
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Continued from Cover
Student Makes Her Mark
pursue successful careers. Members build these skills through student-led team meetings, contests, leadership conferences and other activities. Preparation for SkillsUSA was intense said Garza. She practiced every Friday after class for two hours improving her prepping, masking, refinishing and blending skills, and because SkillsUSA is a timed competition Garza also had to perfect her timing. “At each practice I focused and took advantage of all the time and pointers instructors would give me,” said Garza. “I had to do as much as could with the time I was given.” Garza said she plans to put in the same work if not more for state competition. There are areas she said she feels she can improve in, but getting first place has allowed her to realize that auto collision is what she is supposed to be doing and where her future is at. “Garza is one of my best students. She works hard and gets along with nearly everyone,” said Jose Vasquez, auto collision instructor. “In fact a judge came up to me after SkillsUSA praising Dolores and her work. He offered to help find her job after graduation. As far as I’m concerned she has a very bright future in this industry. I couldn’t be more proud.” Garza’s love for cars started at a young age when she would help her father repair and replace tires, but it was not until she purchased her 1985 IROC Camaro in high school that she realized her passion. “I was under the hood of that car all day, every day. Everything I did was self-taught. YouTube became my best friend,” said Garza. “Family and friends all encouraged me to pursue a career in the automotive field. So when I found TSTC and Auto Collision Technology, I let go of all my apprehension of being a woman in a male-dominated field, and enrolled.” This is the best decision I could have made added Garza. “Every single day at school, isn’t a day at school. It’s just fun,” said Garza. “Although school isn’t always easy, I’m actually happy now.” Ultimately, Garza would like to open her own shop geared toward women. She explains she wants a place for women to feel comfortable at when
ABA Connecticut Releases “Now What?” App for Consumers For over 50 years, the Auto Body Association of Connecticut (ABAC) has been dedicated to protecting consumer safety. In February 2016, they took their mission a step farther by releasing the “Now What?” app which coaches consumers through the proper steps to take after a car accident. Tony Ferraiolo, President of ABAC, noted, “Our app is free, easy to use and assists consumers by navigating easily through what would normally be a stressful and hectic process. Our app provides consumers with the convenience of having a guide readily available to lead them through the process of documenting the accident.” Downloading ABAC’s “Now What?” app enables consumers to gather information, take photos, hare the report with others (including their collision repair facility), find an ABAC shop in their area, and file a complaint with the Department of Insurance. One app function advises the consumer to obtain needed information from the other driver, including their name and numbers, insurance company and policy number, as well as the car year, make and model. All this information can be entered and stored within the app or sent to themselves, another person or body shop.
their vehicles need service or repairs. Garza also plans on giving back to the college and community that has given so much to her. “I want to eventually use my skills to help and donate my services to a good cause,” said Garza. “First though, I just hope I can represent our campus well and make everyone proud of me at state. I need to help the get word out about my program. In my eyes this is a top-notch program and I need to help get more women involved.” More than 40 local TSTC students will attend the SkillsUSA state competition in April. For more information on Auto Collision Technology call 956-3644659. Registration for Summer and Fall 2016 begins in April. Apply anytime online at www.tstc.edu
Your leading source for SOUTHWESTERN Collision Repair News! southwestern.autobodynews.com
16 APRIL 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
Photos can also be attached through the app. The app’s homepage allows the consumer to call 911, learn about their rights, file an insurance complaint, locate an ABAC shop, read about the as-
sociation or access its YouTube channel. Choosing “File an Insurance Complaint” will direct the user to the Connecticut Insurance Department’s website where they can upload photos and attach them to the complaint they submit electronically. The “Know Your Rights” feature includes comprehensive advice about
what to do after an automotive accident, covering everything from what to do at the scene, how to handle injuries and what to know about legal representation. This information was compiled by the Law Offices of Buckley & Wynne for their booklet, “Auto Accident Rights and Responsibilities.” By clicking “Find an ABAC Shop,” the consumer will be directed to an interactive map showing nearby member shops as well as contact information and a link to the shop’s website. Ferraiolo stated, “The steps and resources provided give consumers confidence knowing their accident was properly documented, ensuring the repair process goes smoothly. Our app also provides the body shop with information needed to help customers file the insurance claim. Not only does our app provide a checklist for customers. It also provides valuable information and resources informing them of their rights and responsibilities. We encourage CT shops to invite customers to download the app and utilize the great features provided!” ABAC’s “Now What?” app is available for download at www.aba conn.org by clicking the “get the app” tab.
www.autobodynews.com | APRIL 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 17
UTI Houston Student Puts the Brakes on Auto Technician Stereotypes
One of five children, Jasmine Storey, 24, grew up loving competition and playing football, boxing and basketball in her hometown of Atlanta, Georgia. After graduating from Morrow High School in 2009, her parents urged her to enroll at Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida, to pursue a business administration degree. Three years into her undergraduate degree and feeling unchallenged mentally, she knew that sitting behind a desk wasn’t the career she wanted. After watching countless episodes of MTV’s hit series “Pimp My Ride,” Storey had no doubt she wanted to pursue a career in the automotive field. Although her parents struggled with her decision, Storey enrolled at the Universal Technical Institute (UTI) Houston campus in September 2015. She’s currently in the Collision Repair and Refinish Technology (CRRT) program, which is designed to teach students how to repair non-structural and structural automobile damage as well as how to prepare cost estimates on all phases of repair and refinishing. It is developed in close partnership with ICAR—a provider of collision repair training standards as defined by the industry, including car manufacturers, insurance companies and employers. Continued from Cover
Marietta Shop
age,” Rains said. Right next door to Rains shop is a Carl’s Junior, where manager, Harla Insenower said the winds were so strong; one car was picked up and thrown to the side. “We looked outside and there was a car sitting in our drive thru, and it literally kind of picked the car up and scooted it right up against the curb, and no cars ever get close to our curb like that so we were like, we shut the window,” Insenower said. Cars and 18 wheelers were victims of 70 mile an hour winds, where on Interstate 35 at mile marker 13, a 40 ton truck was blown off the road. Even with all this damage Insenower said when you live in Texoma, storms like this are just something you have to get used to. “It doesn’t really bother me anymore, I grew up in tornado alley so it’s not that bad,” Insenower said. We thank KTEN Texoma for reprint permission.
www.autobodynews.com
“My parents, who didn’t go to college, thought getting a four-year degree was the only way to have a successful career and reach my full potential,” Storey said. “But UTI has challenged me mentally more than college ever did
President Darrin Brust said. “Jasmine is a perfect example of that. She learns best not from books and lectures but by digging in and doing.” As far as being a female in a maledominated industry, Storey said she ab-
Jasmine Storey, a student at UTI Houston, wants to inspire females to follow their passion
and I actually have a passion for what I’m learning. My favorite classes are the structural classes because they force me to think critically and solve problems.” “For too long we’ve accepted as truth that a college degree is the only way to get ahead and we’ve overlooked the gifts, talents and significant contributions of students who don’t fit the four-year mold,” UTI Houston Campus
solutely loves it. She thrives on the competition that her male counterparts bring every day and she enjoys living out her passion with other like-minded people. “I want to inspire females to follow their passion,” Storey said. “A career in CRRT doesn’t make you any less of a woman.” Storey’s passion—in addition to
Nviro-Tech Launches Paint Facts Displays
Nviro-Tech, LLC has launched ecotools and custom training and education programs for the collision industry. “Collision Paints Facts” Office Shop Display, available in 3 sizes: ● 11” X 17” framed wall mount model ● 8.5” X 14” table/desk model with plexiglass stand ● 6” X 9” table / desk model with plexiglass stand The Collision Paint Facts Office Display was created in 2015 by Michael Mettinger to educate customers on color matching. It explains to the customer that the shop is responsible for bumper and trim color variances and how to remedy the problem before it begins. NviroTech, LLC also provides the following products and educational tools: ● 6H Source Rule Compliance ● EPA Painter/Refresher Compliance ● Customized Shop Curtains ● CTR “Cycle Time Reduction” Inflatable Spray Booths Contact Matthew T. Mettinger, mattm@nvviro-tech.com, (561) 3365463.
18 APRIL 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
one ironic incident—has helped her gain support from her family. One week after starting at UTI, her parents’ car was scratched, leaving them in shock over both the amount of the repair bill and work needed to fix it. Her passion is evidenced by her 3.85 GPA, three perfect attendance awards and several scholarships. She’s even using her partially-acquired business administration degree to write up the business plan for her own collision repair shop that she will call “She Auto Know.” And although she graduates in September 2016, Storey already has two job offers waiting for her, which is not entirely uncommon for UTI students. By the year 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor projects there will be more than 1.2 million jobs in the automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle and marine industries. The transportation industry will have to fill an average of more than 37,000 job openings every year to help meet the need. “We are proud to have Jasmine be a part of our program and we look forward to seeing her become an asset to the automotive/collision repair industry,” Brust said. To learn more about UTI and its CRRT program, visit www.uti.edu
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New MD Legislation Will Honor Crash Victim and Work to Speed up Repair and Recalls
New car safety legislation before the Maryland legislature would improve public access to key safety and warranty information as it fights unfair practices by big carmakers. The legislation known as “Amber's Law” offers a package of reforms that promise to save lives by speeding up repairs and recalls, especially in the face of record-breaking car recalls and a series of high-profile auto safety scandals, including deadly GM ignition switch failures and long-delayed recalls of Takata airbags that have killed at least 10 drivers. The bill (HB 982/SB 666) is sponsored by Del. David Fraser Hidalgo in the House of Delegates and by Sen. Susan Lee in the MD Senate. The House En-
vironment and Transportation Committee head the bill on March 3. The Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee considered it on March 10. “Our bill is about safety and transparency for all Maryland drivers,” Senator Lee noted. “It’s a scandal that consumers today aren’t getting the full information they need. This bill changes that equation to protect Maryland families.” The legislation enables dealers to share warranty policy updates, service bulletins and other key safety information with all customers. Under current practices, auto manufacturers share such information with dealers but often prohibit dealers from disclosing it to
drivers unless they specifically ask about a related problem. “That secrecy deprives drivers of information they need to know—information that can save lives and help consumers keep their cars safe on the road,” Consumer Auto executive director Franz Schneiderman argued. “Our bill makes clear that dealers can share that information with their customers. The sunshine that puts on dangerous defects will speed up repairs and recalls for all drivers.” The bill honors Amber Marie Rose, a 16-year-old Charles County girl who died on July 29, 2005 as a result of an ignition switch failure in her new Chevy Cobalt. Rose was among the first
of at least 124 people to die because of failures in that 99-cent part. General Motors knew about the defect for at least a decade before finally beginning to recall more than two million dangerous cars for repair in February 2014. Rose’s birth-mother, Laura Christian, has worked for years to hold GM accountable for its long delay and to win justice for Amber and for the family members of other victims of the GM scandal. “If we had known what GM knew about the ignition switch defect in 2005, we never would have bought that car—and Amber would be with us today,” Christian noted. “The bill honors Amber by getting information that can save lives to all Maryland drivers and allowing dealers to stand up for their customers.” More than 100,000 people have signed a petition on change.org asking the MD legislature to change the rules to get critical safety information to drivers like Amber.
Key provisions of the bill include: ● Preventing carmakers from punishing dealers for sharing safety information, repairing cars under warranty, or exercising other rights. ● Easing the audit pressures that make it difficult for dealers to repair cars under warranty. ● Allowing dealers to publish more complete safety, price and product information on their websites so consumers have easy access to that information online. ● Letting dealers buy more supplies from lower-cost Maryland suppliers— a “Buy Maryland” rule that will save dealers and consumers money and support other MD businesses. ● Increasing the maximum fines for carmakers that violate MD consumer protection laws. ● Making sure dealers can use a trial by a jury of consumers to fight abuses by carmakers. This package of reforms “works together to get consumers crucial safety information and to enable dealers to serve as the first line of defense for their customers,” House bill sponsor Delegate Fraser-Hidalgo argued. “Passing the bill will improve safety, help consumers make better-informed car buying and car repair choices, and cut costs for Maryland drivers,” the delegate concluded. See more at www.consumerauto.org
www.autobodynews.com | APRIL 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 19
20 APRIL 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
Southwest Associations with Chasidy Rae Sisk
Chasidy Rae Sisk is a freelance technical writer from Wilmington, Delaware, who writes on a variety of fields and subjects, and grew up in a family of NASCAR fans. She can be contacted at crsisk@chasidyraesisk.com.
Attendees Rave About ASA-CO’s 2016 Independent Automotive Professionals Symposium On February 12 and 13, the Automotive Services Association of Colorado (ASA-CO) held its 2016 Independent Automotive Professionals Symposium at the Denver Marriott West in Golden, CO.
for fun and learning. We strive to bring the best automotive trainers to Colorado. It’s important because it builds community; members learn the most from each other, and based on the surveys, attendees raved about the event this year.” Registration opened at 5:30pm Friday, with a fun charity event kicking off at 6pm. The pre-party allowed attendees to sample food from around the world, participate in a variety of games and win prizes. Foster recalled, “The event started off with fun and food on Friday night with our preparty sponsored by Advance Friday night’s charity event benefitted the Food Bank of Auto Parts to benefit the Food the Rockies by collecting canned goods Bank of the Rockies. AttenKari Foster, Executive Director dees were asked to donate canned of ASA-CO, stated, “The Symposium goods, and we were able to donate was really great this year. The purpose more than a ton of food to the food of the event is to bring shops together bank.”
Saturday’s registration began at 7:45am. Master of Ceremonies, Mark Kulaga, commenced the Symposium at 8:30am with a Welcome Breakfast. From 8:30-9:15am, Cecil Bullard, an industry vet of over three decades, presented “Attitude is Everything Success Begins with YOU.” From 9:15am to 12:15pm, five seminars were held. For entry-level technicians, Mike Leslie and Kris Hammon presented the first part of “Get More from Your Lube Tech,” while ad-
“Not Your Father’s Auto Shop: Differentiate Your Business and Thrive in the New Economy.” According to Foster, “The big highlight from Saturday was Bogi. She is very passionate about our industry and its shows. She participated in classes and hung out after the Symposium to talk with attendees.” Afternoon sessions ran from 1:304:30PM with five more seminars, starting with the second part of “Get More Productivity from Your Lube Tech” for entry-level technicians. Advanced technicians also had the option of Kevin McCartney’s “Misfires.” Sales and service personnel attended Greg Marchand’s “You’re Not What You Think You Are,” and shop managers and owners had the opportunity to receive six credit hours through AMI for participating in “Gaining Control of Attendees at ASA-CO Symposium learned a lot of valuable Your Business,” presented by information Cecil Bullard. vanced technicians had the option of atEvent sponsors included NAPA, tending Kevin McCartney’s “NOX CARQUEST, Central Automotive PoBusters” or “Diesel: Today’s Challenges wer, Kenz & Leslie BG, Federated Infor Technicians and Owners” by Tony surance, WorldPAC, Advance Auto Salas. Shop managers and owners were Parts and Universal Lubricants. treated to a six-credit-hour AMI course Foster said he was pleased with the presented by Cecil Bullard and entitled results of ASA-CO’s 2016 Independent “Business Diagnostics: Determine Automotive Professionals Symposium. Where Your Efforts Will Make the Most “Every year, we go over our notes Impact,” and Greg Marchland’s “Disand attendee surveys and make adjustcovering Your Gold Mine” was directed ments for the next year. It is a lot of at sales and service personnel. hard work, but this year, I felt like the During lunch at 12:15-1:30PM, hard work is really starting to pay off. Bogi Lateiner, President of 180 De- Attendees, sponsors and trainers all grees Automotive and also from the came together to create an awesome TV show All Girls Garage, presented two days!”
New 6066 Nitrocell Generates Continuous Flow of Nitrogen from Shop Air for Plastic Welding
The Nitrocell from Polyvance (formerly Urethane Supply Company) extracts nitrogen from the shop’s compressed air supply continuously, eliminating the need for nitrogen bottles. Using lightweight membrane technology, the Nitrocell makes a continuous flow of nitrogen of >97% purity at 20 liters /minute max, according to the company. It is made to be used with the company’s nitrogen plastic welders. The 6066 Nitrocell is enclosed in a powder-
coated metal cabinet for installation. It has a three-stage internal filtration system to help ensure that no contamination gets through to the membrane. There are no moving parts or electrical service required. Once the compressed air is hooked up, the nitrogen flows continuously. The Nitrocell weighs 36 lbs. For information, visit www.polyvance .com. Suggested User price is US $3,395. Questions? Contact Kurt Lammon at 800-633-3047
www.autobodynews.com | APRIL 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 21
Women’s Industry Network Announces 2016 Most Influential Woman in Collision Repair Award
The Women’s Industry Network (WIN) The MIW award recognizes woannounced this year’s honoree for the men who have enriched the collision reMost Influential Women (MIW) of the pair industry with their leadership, vision, collision repair industry for 2016. After and commitment to excellence. “Each reviewing nominations and interviewing year, women from different facets of the a number of women, one inspirational collision repair industry are selected for industry leader was selected to their passion and commitment receive MIW honors: Michelle to progressive and positive Sullivan, regional vice presievolution of the industry,” dent, Finish- Master Inc., Indistated Denise Caspersen, anapolis, IN. WIN chair. “With so many op“The 2016 MIW nomiportunities for women to have nees highlighted the georewarding careers, the sky is graphic, functional and sector the limit for those with talent, diversity of women who are Michelle Sullivan inspiration and a strong work influencing the collision repair received the 2016 ethic.” industry today,” stated Sandra Most Influencial The MIW program’s charHerron, owner of MiddlEdge, Women in Collision ter a-ligns with WIN’s mission Repair Award Inc. “I was inspired by each to “enhance the role of women nominee’s industry involvement, pro- in the industry.” Established in 1999 by fessional accomplishments, mentoring AkzoNobel, WIN acquired stewardship of others and community service. Mi- of the Most Influential Women program chelle’s record of creating value for in 2013. companies, developing industry talent, When the 2016 WIN Educational and championing charitable causes in Conference convenes in Tampa, FL May her community stood out as exemplary.” 2-4, past and current MIW honorees will Herron’s firm was contracted as a third- be celebrated during a gala awards recepparty entity to interview the nominees tion. Registration for the conference and and select this year’s honoree based on dinner will open mid-March. For inforspecific criteria established by the board mation, go to www.womensindustrynetof directors. work.com and click on “Conference.”
22 APRIL 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
PPG’s Charley Hutton Delivers Another Ridler Award-Winning Finish
A 1939 Oldsmobile convertible sporting a custom-mixed metallic PPG ENVIROBASE® High Performance finish by Charley Hutton won the 53rd annual Ridler Award at the recent 2016 Detroit Autorama held at Cobo Hall. The Ridler Award is presented to the most outstanding custom car or truck making its debut appearance at the Autorama, an event—now in its 64th year—held every winter in the “Motor City.” It was Hutton’s fourth
The 1939 Oldsmobile convertible “Olds Cool”
Ridler honor. Previous wins came in 2005, 2007 and 2013. It was also the fourth time in nine years that an entry painted with PPG Automotive Refinish products took the prize. Nicknamed “Olds Cool,” the custom build is owned by Bill and Debbie Thomas of Georgetown, Texas. The car was constructed over four years by
Harold Chapman and his team at Customs & Hot Rods of Andice, also of Georgetown. Hutton painted Olds Cool at his shop, Charley Hutton’s Color Studio, in Nampa, Idaho. Hutton is well-known for his ability to select and mix colors to match a car’s style and character, giving it a distinctive look. In this case, the car’s custom color, Kona Brown, was personally created by Hutton. He used PPG Envirobase High Performance waterborne products and the GLOBAL REFINISH SYSTEM™ brand D8152 Performance + Glamour Clearcoat to give Olds Cool its finish. “The Olds is beautiful, and the key to our success has been working with PPG’s Envirobase High Performance waterborne basecoat,” said Hutton. “Using Envirobase High Performance products made it possible to create the exact finish we wanted. When mixing a custom color, Envirobase High Performance paint always exceeds my expectations; the colors that we’re able to achieve are so clean and brilliant.”
SEMA and Auto Care Association Partner on Industry Job Board
The Auto Care Association and the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) announced a new partnership to support the Industry Job Board, www.autocarecareers.org and the recently-launched SEMA Career Center. The partnership creates a network between both job boards of available positions and resumes of qualified candidates in the auto care industry. The Auto Care Association recently also partnered with Babcox Media, combining www.aftermarket jobs.com and www.autocarecareer hub.com with the Industry Job Board. “As part of the Auto Care Association’s Job and Career Development Program, the Industry Job Board is quickly expanding to create a single industry-wide resource to find top talent,” said Bill Hanvey, president and CEO, Auto Care Association. “We are excited to continue to connect and share with other organizations passionate about recruiting the best of the best in the auto care industry.” “Finding qualified employees with specific skills and relevant work experience are top challenges facing
SEMA members,” said Zane Clark, director, education, SEMA. “The SEMA Career Center addresses this challenge and makes it easy for automotive employers to connect with job seekers that are best suited for their needs.” The Industry Job Board, a resource for both applicants and employers, is designed to be a central hub where auto care job seekers and job creators connect. The job board currently hosts hundreds of positions available today in marketing, finance, legal, H.R., information technology, logistics, sales, international trade, facility management, technicians and hundreds of other career specialties in the auto care industry. The upgraded website features tools to help companies recruit talent to the industry, including a custombuilt, interactive career accelerator featuring five industry segments, a comprehensive recruiting resource guide and the Industry Job Board. For more information, contact: Courtney Hammer at courtney .hammer@autocare.org or 301-6546664.
RDA Collision Solutions Training Seminar in TX
RDA held their fifth Collision Solutions Seminar in Dallas, Texas on March 11 and 12. RDA members, industry leaders, and supporting manufacturers attended a day and a half of presentations. Attendees told RDA that the event was a success and that the presentations are helpful and informative.
language and unconscious persuasion expert, Traci Brow. Brow assists groups to learn tools to “read” others, and hear “Yes!” more easily and more often. Robert McKenzie Jr., executive director of RDA said, “Our members and key people continue to embrace these training venues. The synergies created between our members and industry partners at these events provide exciting and excellent opportunities.” RDA has 19 members, representing 243 locations. Members service over 3,800 collision centers throughout the United States. The company’s sales profits are $455 million as a group, comprisAttendees of RDA’s Collision Solutions Seminar in ing around 17 percent of the Dallas, TX refinish business nationwide. Kevin Wolfe, industry consultant Those interested in joining RDA with Leaders Way, presented talent as- /IMPACT should contact Robert Mcsessment, understanding why smart Kenzie, Jr. directly at 731-217-9081 people under-perform, and creating or via email at robertemckenzie@me profitable and happy work environ- .com. ments. Steven Trapp, North American For more information on RDA strategic accounts manager for Axalta, /IMPACT, visit their web site at www presented on enhancing your role as a .rda-impact.com or contact Melisa distributor in delivering value-added Jolls at 908-251-5713 or email: meljolls services. The event closed with body @earthlink.net.
www.autobodynews.com | APRIL 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 23
Western Associations
Ed Attanasio is an automotive journalist based in San Francisco, California. He can be reached at era39@aol.com.
California Autobody Association Takes on the Capitol at Legislative Day on April 12th with Ed Attanasio
Every year, the California Autobody Association co-hosts its ASCCA/CAA Joint Legislative Day and this year it takes place on April 12, 8 am to 3 pm at the Capitol Event Center, located at 1020 11th Street in Sacramento. The CAA gears up for this event every year as the organization partners with the Automotive Service Councils of California (ASCCA), the largest independent automotive repair organization in California, to hold this event. With more than 800 members, the ASCCA has been representing all areas of the automotive repair industry, including mechanical, auto body, supplier and educators in the automotive technology field for the past 76 years. CAA Executive David McClune is ready to lead these two groups as they take on the Capitol. “This is our big moment every year when we can meet with our political representatives,” he said. “We can influence these bills before they become laws and provide valuable feedback for our key decision makers, so we tell our members to seize the moment and make the most of it. Most importantly, we can provide them with a look into how our CAA State President members run their Don Feeley is businesses and all encouraging more of the factors that body shop owners can affect them and to attend the their livelihoods.” ASCCA/CAA Joint By strategically Legislative Day on April 12 in scheduling appointSacramento ments throughout the Capitol’s offices all day long, AS CCA/CAA members break into smaller groups to cover as much territory as possible. With major concerns about bills that can greatly impact their businesses, collision and mechanical repair companies come from all over the state every spring to meet with their local legislators and discuss “hot button” bills. Although this year’s slate of speakers at Legislative Day was not yet finalized, past speakers have included: The Chief of the Bureau of Automotive Repair; Governor’s Small Business Advocates, the Governor’s Economic Adviser; Chair of the Select
Committee on Career Technical Education and Workforce Development; the author of AB 2289 (Smog Check), and Chair of the Senate Transportation and Housing Committee. To kick off the day, everyone is briefed by Jack Molodanof, the lobbyist for both organizations, who instructs the members about the correct protocol for meeting with their legislators or their representatives. Molodanof always opens with a joke or amusing anecdote, but then he’s all business. Coaching the members of ASCCA/CAA about how to approach their local representatives is always crucial and that’s why Molodanof always sets down the rules first. In the handbook that every member gets from Molodanof at the start of Legislative Day, the lobbyist ably summarizes the day’s purpose. “Not only can one person make a difference, but one person can also make others change their perception of an issue. You have the power in that you have firsthand experience as it relates to issues that are most important to you. Let the lawmakers know how you feel about these issues. You must be heard to make a change. John F. Kennedy once said, ‘One person can make a difference and every person should try.’” Molodanof was happy with last year’s turnout, he said, and is hoping to see more body shop owners at the Capitol in 2016. “We’re pinpointing proposed bills here at the State Capitol and raising awareness about possible future laws that can directly impact the collision industry. It was wonderful to see so many new faces at last year’s Legislative Day and I’m hoping to see even more on April 12.” Don Feeley is the CAA State President and a highly-respected name in the collision industry, especially in southern California. He has served CAA at the state level for more than 21 years, holding each of the seven positions available on the board an unprecedented three times. So, when Feeley talks about the importance of events such as CAA Legislative Day, people listen. Feeley said that body shop owners should attend Legislative Day for many reasons. “Some years, we have
24 APRIL 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
bills that impact the collision repair market greater than others, but we always need to be vigilant, because there are many issues that affect collision repairs such as environmental and governmental regulation changes not to mention insurance companies who are always working on their best interest at the State Capitol,” he explained. “One of the problems of leg day attendance is that a lot of body shop owners like many Americans are turned off by politics in general and don’t feel their voices will be heard so why bother. They figure, CAA has a great lobbyist in Jack Molodanof, and that’s true, but he can’t do it all alone.” Feeley said that showing up at the event is more than halff the battle. “We need collision repairers here physically, so that our representatives can see that Jack Molodanof and David McClune and our board have some numbers behind it. When they see that we are a significant group, it adds credibility to the
work that the association is doing for its members and the collision industry. So, by showing up, we can emphasize our role and show our strength.” Ideally, getting a body shop owner in office in California would have been a great way to give CAA a much-needed voice at the legislative level. Unfortunately, recent attempts have fallen short. However, Feeley still thinks that CAA’s current methodology, with the help of its members, is the best way to tell their story and educate their elected officials on the collision repair environment. “A few years ago, Kelly McCarty, a shop owner ran for the 64th Assembly District in the Inland Empire and although it was a close race, we lost,” Feeley said. “Having a voice is a big deal and getting someone in office would be nice, but in the meantime we need to mobilize our members and get more new members to assist us. I look forward to seeing our members at the state Capitol on April 12th.”
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www.autobodynews.com | APRIL 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 25
Shop Strategies with Stacey Phillips - ASSISTANT EDITOR
NY Body Shop Owner’s Weekly Radio Show Aims to Educate and Entertain Customers Nick Orso’s Body Shop and Service enforcement. We talk about school bus safety and DWI (driving-while-intoxiCenter in Syracuse, New York will celebrate their 62nd anniversary cated) awareness. We have won awards for our participaon April 15. Autobody News spoke to Mike Orso, the tion and effort to promote owner of the shop, about the highway safety, and stop radio show he has run for the DWI programs, the “Move past five years and his recent Over Law” campaign, workinvolvement as president of zone safety, texting and agthe NYS Auto Collision Techgressive driving risks. Mike Orso, owner nicians Association. Orso also We have business people of Nick Orso’s that want to talk about their own’s Nick’s Garage, Inc. Body Shop and Service Center commitment to consumers and What prompted you to and president of NY best business practices. We begin recording the State Auto Collision have an insurance agent, acciTechnicians Nick Orso radio show and dent attorneys, political candiAssociation can you tell us about the topdates, law enforcement, NYS ics you cover? State Police, county Sheriff’s departments, police departments, the district atWe felt we had more to say and torney’s office, doctors and health care the 60-second radio spots we professionals and officials, highway were doing needed to tell the rest of safety experts, restaurants and delis, inthe story, to be more effective. vestment bankers, home builders, funeral We have guests from all areas of directors, tire dealers, service garages, business and legal, political and law damage appraisers, senators and assem-
Q: A:
26 APRIL 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
blymen, college sport coaches, coast guard, travel agents, and heating and air conditioning. March 5th marked our 257th show.
What type of advertising do Q: you focus on and what are the main benefits you have found?
Wreck Check Post Repair Inspections, an in-house 40 car-truck-SUV rental fleet, in-house council, advertising, radio shows, 100-car capacity, and NO DRP conflicts of interest.
We do consumer-based informational commercials. Most A: people know we can repair a damaged
car and our commitment to repair integrity. What they don’t know is their rights after a claim. AND that’s what we tell them. Help is available.
What are the primary areas of Q: focus at your shop and what environmental initiatives have you
taken?
Our resume includes a list of A: eight manufacturer-sponsored certifications. Our services include:
Nick Orso’s collision repair shop is located in Syracuse, New York and was established in 1954
In addition to using waterborne paint, LED lighting and a modulating air system, we completed one of the largest installations of solar power electrical-producing panels in Central New York in 2011. We are Syracuse’s only solar-powered body shop. We get
80 percent of our electrical energy from the sun. There are 280 solar panels on our roof. We are the most environmentally-friendly body repair shop in upstate NY. We received a New York State Assembly Citation from the legislature in November 2012 for our efforts in clean energy as the largest private solar installation in the Syracuse area.
Can you update us on the $3 Q: million lawsuits that were filed in 2012 against insurance companies
they do not know the intricacies of automobiles or have accidents often enough to be experienced. We do it so that we can repair the vehicle to the best of human ability while settling the cost of repairs efficiently – IF the insurance company involved is inclined to negotiate and settle the claims.
citing capping and short pays?
I am at liberty to say: A: Most of the suits were “resolved.” There are a few? that are still in
litigation. We now use in-house council that handles the day-to-day collections and interacts to negotiate and settle repair costs on claims.
What is the assignment process Q: you use to collect short pays? We take assignments from consumers who authorize us to act A: on their behalf to negotiate a repair
settlement. Most consumers are illequipped to handle repair claims since
In 2012, Orso received a New York State Assembly Citation from the legislature for “unparalleled work ethic.” Orso was recognized for his shop’s accomplishments, which included the installation of solar panels in 2011 (l to r) Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli, Mike Orso and Assemblyman Sam Roberts
Some companies, however, will not negotiate and use a take-it or leaveit offer. Those cases are typically handled by our attorney. We explain to our customers that some of the companies are not acting in the consumers’ best interest. We then have been putting our
customers in touch with independent agents who sell insurance for companies we know will settle claims and treat customers fairly. We average four to five customers a week? who are changing companies, dropping the companies that typically will not settle claims fairly-promptly or that show any anti-consumer tendency. We constantly hear that they save money, get more insurance coverage and it’s from companies that will settle claims fairly. I think it sends a message consumers will not stand for behavior that gives them less than they had prior to the loss.
What is the importance of Q: being part of an association and what is your current involvement with the NY State Auto Collision Technicians Association?
A:
This is my 16th year as president of the NYS Auto Collision Technicians Association. I feel the most important part is the sharing of information and experience. The cohesiveness of a committed group of individuals is much stronger than a single person trying to do it alone. During our annual Lobby Day, we
visit the NY State Capital, legislators, NYS Insurance and Financial Department and the NY Attorney Generals office. We keep them apprised and invested in our efforts to best serve consumers.
Is there anything else you Q: would like to share with readers?
We have found that being comA: placent and accepting whatever is offered has no reward. Most of the
drive-in estimates we see are 100 to 1,000 percent below what it takes to properly repair a vehicle. We have thousands of loyal customers built from over 60 years of collision industry knowledge and experience. We are a tough competitor.
The Nick Orso Radio Show plays Saturdays on 105.9 FM from 9 to 10 a.m. EST. It streams live during show times at http://www.therebelrocks.com/thenick-orso-show/ Mike Orso can be reached at 315471-8521. For information about Nick Orso’s Body Shop and Service Center, visit nickorso.com, and on Facebook and Twitter.
www.autobodynews.com | APRIL 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 27
28 APRIL 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
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H o us t o n
800-833-0180 713-663-4266 Dept. Hours: M-F 8-6; Sat 7-4 ggregory@russellsmith.com
Rusty Wallis Honda D a ll a s
OKLAHOM A
Walker Honda
N EW MEX I CO
Don Carlton Honda
Garcia Honda
Tu l s a
A l b u q u e rq u e
800-722-2379 918-622-9670
800-677-6632 505-260-5002
Dept. Hours: M-Sat 7-6 hondaparts@doncarlton.com
Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8:30-5 Jscott@garciacars.com
Fowler Honda N o r ma n
888-715-3197 405-573-5719 Dept. Hours: M-F 7-9; Sat 8-4 parts@fowlerhonda.com LOU IS IA NA
C OL ORA DO
Fisher Honda Boulder
800-274-0985 303-415-1528 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-2 parts@fisherauto.com
Superior Honda H a r v ey
800-943-4227 504-368-5687 Dept. Hours: M-F 7-5:30 parts@superiorhonda.net
877-466-3272 214-328-3891 Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 8-5 darryldotsy@rustywallis.com
AC U RA T EX AS
TE XAS
OKLAHOM A
L OU IS I AN A
Don Carlton Acura of Tulsa
Walker Acura
Tu l s a
800-359-8555 504-465-8555
Autonation Acura
Mac Churchill Acura
Leag ue C it y
F o rt Wo rt h
800-749-6227 713-371-4700
888-824-9634 817-806-0571
Dept. Hours: M-F 7-6; Sat 7-5 hoehns@autonation.com
Dept. Hours: M-F 6-7; Sat 8-5 jguin@macchurchill.com
David McDavid Acura
Sterling McCall Acura
A u stin
H o us t o n
800-575-3553 512-401-5976
713-596-2337 713-596-2338
Acura of Baton Rouge
Pikes Peak Acura
Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 8-5 jraygo@mcdavid.com
Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-7; Sat 7:30-4 rkahl@sterlingmccallacura.com
B at on Ro ug e
Co l o ra d o S p r in g s
866-733-2861 225-756-6166
800-456-9568 719-955-1715
Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-5 dlavigne@acurabr.com
Dept. Hours: M-F 7-6; Sat 8-4 joe_benson@pikespeakacura.com
David McDavid Acura Pl a no
888-550-7278 918-664-2300 Dept. Hours: M-Sat 7-6 acuraparts@doncarlton.com LOU IS IA NA
M e t a ir ie
Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-2 parts@walkeracura.com C OL OR A DO
972-964-6044 Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 8-5 dgrajczyk@mcdavid.com
www.autobodynews.com | APRIL 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 29
Alleged Admissions of ‘Price Fixing’ by State Farm and Progressive Employees Prompt New Filings in Multi-District Lawsuit by Stacey Phillips, Assistant Editor
In light of new evidence in the multidistrict lawsuit, on March 2 Eaves Law Firm filed a motion to reconsider the dismissal of the Mississippi antitrust complaint by Judge Gregory Presnell. Allison Fry of Eaves Law Firm pointed out that at the time the amended complaint was filed a year ago, they did not have access to the information they do now. This includes two statements, one from a State Farm representative and one from a Progressive representative where Fry said they admit to price fixing. “We have direct admissions of price fixing and other illegal acts,” said Fry, the litigation director and designated plaintiffs’ liaison counsel at Eaves Law Firm. On February 22 of this year, the trial court issued an order dismissing the plaintiffs’ claims for price fixing and boycotting under the Sherman Antitrust Act with prejudice, which means they cannot be refiled. Fry explained there are very limited grounds in which a court can reconsider an order. These include (1) an intervening change in controlling law; (2) the availability of new evidence; and (3) the need to correct clear error or manifest injustice. Therefore, the new information acquired by the Jackson, MS firm is grounds for reconsidering the case, she said. “Specifically, plaintiffs obtained a statement from a Progressive employee who stated unequivocally that body shops have no say in the setting of their own labor rates, that the insurance companies ‘get together at big meetings’ to set body shop labor rates, and that the insurance companies uniformly apply the labor rates agreed upon at these meetings,” according to court documents. “This representative even identified when the next such meeting was going to occur.” In addition, a State Farm representative provided the following statement in court documents: “State Farm intentionally suppresses and fixes body shop labor rates, and that State Farm’s labor rate survey is a sham to justify its intentional fixing of labor rates.” The anti-trust lawsuit was first filed in Mississippi by 20 auto repair
shops in February 2014 against 39 insurance companies. Eaves Law Firm subsequently filed more than 20 others. The lawsuits were eventually consolidated for pretrial purposes and the law firm now represents 500 shops across the country. In the lawsuits that have been filed, the plaintiffs allege that the defendants, “engaged in an ongoing, concerted and
Firm filed an objection to the magistrate’s report and recommendations in both Mississippi and Indiana. Fry pointed out that in the MS case, the court did not dismiss four of the tortious interference claims. “At this moment they are alive,” she said. “Unfortunately there is no final answer on that at this moment because of the very unusual nature where they separated the
“We have direct admissions of price fixing and other illegal acts” — said Allison Fry, the litigation director and designated plaintiffs’ liaison counsel at Eaves Law Firm.
combined intentional course of action and conduct to improperly and illegally control and depress automobile damage repair costs to the detriment of the plaintiffs and the substantial profit of the defendants.” The plaintiffs also claim that the defendants engaged in price fixing, compulsory use of substandard parts and boycotting shops that refuse to comply. Eaves Law Firm plans to file the same motion to reconsider in IN, MS, TN and Utah, citing the new evidence obtained. Meanwhile, the court is going through the claims on a rolling basis. “What is unusual about the current crop of orders is that the court has made a separation,” said Fry. “Other than the very first order two years ago, the court has handed over to the magistrate [Judge Thomas Smith] the duty to prepare a report and recommendation for all of the claims, state and federal.” Magistrate Smith has prepared the report and recommendation on the state law claims and District Judge Gregory Presnell entered an order on the federal claims, which Fry said is a break from their previous habit. The next step is to wait for the court to rule on the motion to reconsider, which Fry said can happen at anytime because there isn’t a specific deadline set. “If he does agree to reconsider and reverse itself on dismissal, then we will move forward with ordinary practices of litigation,” she said. “If he does not, we will appeal it to the 11th circuit.” In March of this year, Eaves Law
30 APRIL 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
claims, federal vs state.” Tortious interference occurs when a person intentionally damages the plaintiff’s contractual or other business relationship. Although the report and recommendations issued by the magistrate judge stated that there are sufficient facts to move forward, Judge Presnell
will still make the final ruling. Eaves Law Firm plans to file an amended complaint in the states that the judge hasn’t dismissed yet, in order to include the new evidence. Fry wants shops to know that “…there is still a great deal of life to go here. We will be pursuing each and every avenue that is required, whether that is an appeal or additional motion to reconsider.” State Farm provided the following statement to Autobody News magazine: “Our court filings speak for themselves; we believe that the allegations made by the plaintiff are without merit. We will ask the court to deny the motion for reconsideration. We have nothing further to add at this time.”
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www.autobodynews.com | APRIL 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 31
Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes 2016 Second Quarter Training Schedule
Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes announced its second quarter 2016 collision repair industry courses taking place nationwide at training sites from April 4 through June 27. Participants will learn through a combination of classroom, digital and hands-on settings at various metropolitan Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes training centers, according to Rod Habel, Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes director of training operations. “In today’s constantly changing industry, training has become more important than ever for a customer to be successful in business,” Habel says. “For instance, with today’s new factory finishes, our Color Adjustment and Blending class is a great way for technicians to stay ahead of the curve.” He also noted that special hands-on, paint and processes application-based courses will be offered during the second quarter featuring the brand’s AWX Performance Plus™ Waterborne Refinish System, as well as painter certification classes. 2016 Second Quarter Training: Atlanta / 04/04/2016 / AWX Performance Plus™ / Waterborne Basecoat
2016 Digital Collision Repair Trends Report
The Auto Care Association (ACA) has expelled a 2016 Digital Collision Repair Trends report—an online 70page investigation of information gathered from primary ACA research and other sources. The news highlights a distance and range of the U.S. collision industry, including a paint, physique and apparatus (PBE) segment, with a brief investigation of the Canadian collision industry. It also includes analyses of the collision industry and the Direct Repair Program (DRP). Users can: download Excel-based files, charts, tables and graphs that can be copied and pasted for presentations; view pages in an accumulation of sizes and formats; locate information by a “word search” feature; and print the publication. According to this year’s report, trade deaths, totaling 29,867 deadly collisions in 2011 (the lowest ever), have increased by 10 percent to 32,317 in 2013. Copies of a new 2016 Digital Collision Repair Trends news are now accessible for $125 for Auto Care Association members and $250 for non-members. For information, visit www.autocare.org/marketintelligence or by call (301) 6546664.
Painter Certification / 3 days
Atlanta / 05/10/2016 / Painter / Certification / 3 days
Atlanta / 05/17/2016 / Color Adjustment and Blending / 3 days Chicago / 04/11/2016 / Painter Certification / 3 days
Chicago / 04/27/2016 / ATX™ Refinish System Painter Certification / 2 days
Chicago / 06/27/2016 / Color Adjustment and Blending / 3 days
Dallas / 05/10/2016 / Color Adjustment and Blending / 3 days Dallas / 06/27/2016 / Painter Certification / 3 days
Reno / 04/11/2016 / AWX Performance Plus™ Waterborne Basecoat Painter Certification / 3 days
For information about courses, visit the training section at www.sherwinautomotive.com/refinish/trainingsupport/ or call 1-800-SWULTRA (1-800-798-5872).
B-Tec Systems Releases The Infrared Handbook
The Infrared Handbook from B-Tec Systems was written by Peter Phillipson who has over 30 years automotive experience. Phillipson spent 18 years with Edwin Trisk where he was responsible for developing short wave infrared systems and global technical training. He has also been acting as a consultant for several infrared manufacturers in recent years. He has been working recently for B-Tec Systems in the USA, as technical sales & marketing manager (IR). Phillipson commented, “I have been writing educational pieces for several years, but finally found the time to write another book on infrared. It basically covers everything about infrared, what it is, how it works and also covers most of the applications you can use it for in the automotive refinish industry. I hope it will enable both distributors and body shops better understand infrared equipment and its benefits.” The book is available from BTec Systems. The electronic version is priced at $9.95. For information, call B-Tec corporate office phone (480)-621-5304 or email btecusaoffice@gmail.com.
32 APRIL 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
Best Practices Shared After CARSTAR Merger
grow the franchisee network in Canada to more than 240 centers. “He has CARSTAR’s U.S. and Canadian op- worked in multiple roles and we’re erations have merged and Michael very excited to give him the opportuMacaluso has assumed the top lead- nity to lead both enterprises,” said ership role for CARSTAR North Costa. America. Macaluso, former presiCARSTAR’s top initiatives, acdent of the Canadian entercording to Costa, will focus prise, will now lead approon growing insurance relaximately 500 CARSTAR tionships, franchisee proflocations. itability and further exThis follows the Februpansion. “We always knew ary 25 resignation of Dan that Canada had a strong Young, head of CARSTAR business, much stron-ger U.S. Young was named presthan the U.S. and this gives ident during Driven Brands’ us the opportunity to let the acquisition of CARSTAR in Michael Macaluso Canadian infrastructure perwas named November 2015. meate the U.S.,” he said. president of Autobody News spoke to “We’re going to absorb the CARSTAR North Jose Costa, Driven Brands Canadian best practices into America paint and collision group presthe U.S.” ident, about the recent changes at the Costa explained that Canada company. supports its field structure differently “The merger was planned later than the U.S. with a head of developon but with Dan Young’s resigna- ment, head of operations and head of tion we had to accelerate some of insurance by territory. Upcoming our plans,” said Costa. “We respect plans also include hiring more field Dan’s decision and thank him for support in the U.S. being an invaluable asset during Dean Fischer, head of U.S. operthese pivotal months of on-board- ations, and Arlo Johnson, head of U.S. ing.” insurance, will both report to Macaluso. Macaluso has been with the CAR- No other changes were made to the exSTAR brand since 2008 and helped ecutive team. by Stacey Phillips, Assistant Editor
Looking Outside of Industry for New Ideas Prompted Maaco Partnership With Pep Boys
Costa said it’s a fraction of the cost to set up a satellite location beShortly after Maaco announced a na- cause the repair is still done in one of tional partnership with Pep Boys in Maaco’s main facilities. “It’s basically March and the opening of two GA satel- a concierge service,” explained Costa. lite locations, Autobody News inter- “You write the estimate, you get a loaner viewed Jose Costa, the group president for the consumer and you take the keys of the paint and collision divithere. Then we transport the sion for Driven Brands, which vehicle to the production faowns Maaco. We asked Costa cility, which is usually three what it takes for a body shop to five miles away.” to think outside of the box Over the last 18 months of and continually advance their testing, they have averaged business. about eight to 10 cars a week, His advice is to do a lot generating about $275,000 to of reading. “I encourage our $300,000 incremental to the Jose Costa team to read and learn as production facility. much as they can and to be inquisitive The first two Maaco shops opened and learn from other industries,” said in March in existing Pep Boys locations Costa. Many people just look at their at 1531 Cobb Parkway S, Marietta, GA competitors and their industry. There and 5000 Highway 138, Union City, is so much learning that other indus- GA. Plans are in place to open additries can teach the aftermarket auto- tional locations in Los Angeles, CA. motive industry.” The shops offer full-service autoCosta said the satellite model has motive services, including auto paintbeen implemented in other industries ing, collision repair, insurance claims, with much success. fleet and industrial services, paintless Maaco spent the last two years dent repair, scratch repair, detailing, testing the concept, opening 18 loca- trim insulation and decaling, with the tions. They currently target affluent support of nearby Maaco production female consumers who spend more shops. money in car repair and visit a shop Costa said they plan to use a momore regularly. bile estimating platform in some of by Stacey Phillips, Assistant Editor
the Pep Boys’ satellite locations as well as digital merchandising boards, with the intent of saving space and enhancing the customer experience. “The footprint varies from location to location so where we have more space we can have more merchandising,” said Costa. “Easy access to Maaco’s services will be a great addition for our customers,” said Joe Cirelli, SVP Real Estate & Construction for Pep Boys. “Maaco has a reputation for quality work, and Pep Boys’ customers now have a truly full-service automotive maintenance shop for all of their needs.” “It was a great fit,” said Costa, referring to the partnership. “They have a lot of foot traffic that they bring to their stores. They don’t offer the type of service we offer so it was complementary. Our consumers are very similar so it made sense to develop this partnership with Pep Boys.” The goal is to open 25 to 50 satellite locations a year. CARSTAR, also owned by Driven Brands, uses a similar model in Canada. “We’re very excited about this concept and we feel it puts our brand in front of the consumer,” said Costa. A fan of the franchise model, Costa said it helps the middle-Amer-
ica small business owner take their company to the next level. “There are incredible benefits to being a franchise owner,” he said. “I call franchisees ‘light entrepreneurs’ because you get a playbook and you are getting a support structure from a national brand so it’s a lot easier to play within the guardrails of the brand versus being a small independent.” He said it also gives an owner more purchasing power and access to technology and marketing. Maaco invests more than $25 million in marketing. “There is no way a small independent can do that,” said Costa. “Our training arm—with Maaco University and CARSTAR University—are best-in-class schools for technicians.” Maaco currently has more than 490 locations in the U.S. and Canada and plans to have 1,000 by 2020. “A lot of people gave us a hard time when we first joined because we didn’t have automotive experience, but we brought a very fresh perspective and that’s where those ideas, like our partnership with Pep Boys came from,” said Costa. “We like to be pioneers and we hope that we can help the industry and help raise the tide for everyone.”
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7802 Broadway • Galveston, TX 77554 www.autobodynews.com | APRIL 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 33
Shop Strategies with Stacey Phillips - ASSISTANT EDITOR
Female Shop Owner in NY Says Success is Due to Being Prepared & Connecting With Customers Autobody News spoke to Audra Fordin, owner of Great Bear Auto Repair in Flushing, New York about the body shop she has run since 1997. Fordin began working with her father at Great Bear at a young age and ultimately fell in love with the industry. She prides
Audra Fordin, owner/operator of Great Bear Auto Repair and Auto Body Shop in Flushing, NY
herself on running her shop differently than most, and said that a successful business requires being prepared and establishing a relationship with customers and the community.
some time to develop that skill. I found other ways to help in the meanwhile. Service writing and telemarketing come to mind. I’m a big extrovert and love to meet new people. Talking to drivers is my favorite thing about this job. Chatting with customers has taught me more about the auto industry than market research ever could. Leading workshops is another favorite. It’s fun and fulfilling to help women understand how cars work.
changes have you seen in Q: theWhatindustry?
A: The auto industry changes fast. I remember working on carburetors and fuel injection. Now, engines are controlled by a computer. Auto bodies used to be made of steel and iron. Now it’s fiberglass and plastic. All of this happened within decades and bigger changes are coming. Today, we’ve got hybrid and electric cars, not to mention the upcoming rise of self-driving cars.
you please share the history Q: ofCanGreat Bear? Great Bear was established by A: my great grandfather in 1933. This presents several problems. A: First and foremost, it’s hard for He ran the business with his four sons. Once upon a time, there was another mechanics to keep up with technology.
business called “Great Bear” that sold brake pads. My family loved the name and asked if we could use it. They said yes, so we did. There used to be 72 Great Bear auto shops in the family franchise. Today, there are about 10 left. They’re all individually owned, so I can’t speak for those businesses. Eight employees work at my shop. I’m the last of the Mohicans. No other Fordins own or operate an auto shop anymore. My dad ran my shop until I took over in 1997. Now he’s a snow bird, living in Florida. I was jealous during the recent blizzard!
How did you get started in the Q: business and what do you enjoy most?
I got started when I was super A: young. At age eight, I could help file papers. As soon as I learned to
count, I could keep track of inventory. When I developed enough strength and dexterity, I started to use power tools. I was excited to repair cars, but it took
Within months of graduating trade school, significant changes could occur. Second, this gives an unfair advantage to mechanics who work with big car dealers. Automakers tend to monopolize information. Thank goodness for the Right to Repair Act. There are also organizations like I-CAR and ASA that offer training programs for mechanics. I do my best to stay on top of the latest trends. In the mid ‘80s, check engine lights became a feature. My dad and I didn’t know what to do at first. I remember him shrugging and giving the cliche advice of, “Just put some black tape over it.” At this point, I decided to enroll in automotive trade school. I’ve also been certified with ASE, I-CAR, the NYS DMV, and other organizations. I expect the same from my staff. All of my mechanics have a minimum of two certifications, plus we hold mandatory training twice a year.
What is it like running the busiQ: ness as a woman business owner in this industry and what advice do you
34 APRIL 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
have for others in a similar situation?
First, let me give newbies a pep A: talk. This is an awesome industry. Don’t let your friends or family dis-
courage you. People might be surprised you want to go into an industry known to be a boys’ club. That’s okay. I feel empowered when I help a driver get back on the road. Know the feeling? Make no mistake. You will be judged and stereotyped. Men have doubted my expertise many times. Once, a male driver didn’t trust my diagnosis, and asked to speak with a “real mechanic.” I found my janitor (a man) and told him exactly what to say. The customer trusted him without question. You’ll also have to deal with defensive customers. Often, cars break down or malfunction due to neglect. No one wants to believe they’re at fault. In reality, it’s hard to blame drivers. Marketing hasn’t done a great job of educating the public about what it takes to
2118 Padre Island Drive Corpus Christi, TX 78416
keep a vehicle in good shape. Here’s my advice: Brace yourself for negative situations. I’m not implying you should worry or stress out. Instead, consider the common objections you might hear from drivers. If you’re a female mechanic or business owner like me, there might be questions about your credentials. How will you handle them? Write down a response and say it out loud until you feel confident. Do the same for buyer objections. You’ll close more sales when you’re prepared to manage the situation.
What sets your collision repair Q: facility apart from others? My shop is an extension of my A: home. The setting is quite cozy. It invites people to relax and stay
awhile. I want people to feel comfortable. It comes down to remembering names, greeting people with a smile, See Female Shop Owner, Page 36
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www.autobodynews.com | APRIL 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 35
National Associations with Chasidy Rae Sisk
Chasidy Rae Sisk is a freelance technical writer from Wilmington, Delaware, who writes on a variety of fields and subjects, and grew up in a family of NASCAR fans. She can be contacted at crsisk@chasidyraesisk.com.
Why WIN? Webinar Explains Why Everyone Should Be a WINner On Thursday, February 18, the Women’s Industry Network (WIN) hosted “Why WIN? An Introduction to the Women’s Industry Network” to explain WIN’s mission, how WIN engages women, why the industry needs WIN and how to get involved. The informative webinar was conducted by Michelle Sullivan and Mary Kunz, cochairs of WIN’s membership committee, who expressed the desire for all participants to learn something new about WIN. WIN was founded in 2006 by a small group of women who had made significant contributions to collision repair. They began the organization to support and encourage women in all segments of the industry. Sullivan explained that WIN provides great leadership opportunities through their Board of Directors and various committees, plus their annual educational conference offers plenty of developmental and breakout ses-
sions. WIN also awards scholarships for students and professionals, and recognizes exceptional women in the collision repair industry through their Most Influential Women (MIW) program. WIN is very involved nationally and engages in its targeted campaign through the association’s leadership, which is comprised solely of volunteers who donate their time and talents to growing the organization. There are a variety of ways to get involved with WIN, according to Sullivan. If members want to help advance the organization’s strategy and further its direction, they can join one of the following committees: scholarships, industry outreach, membership, communications, sponsorship, strategic planning, governance and conference planning. Kunz explained, “Most committees have a monthly call, but there are no required time commitments. It’s what you can contribute and where
Continued from Page 34
ishing headlights, checking auto fluids, and changing bulbs and wiper blades. We collected donations from participants and local businesses. The proceeds covered the cost of repairs for single working moms. I’m sharing this story because it illustrates the power of community. People want to feel connected to the businesses they work with. Providing workshops (or any kind of educational event) is a great way to do that. If you can find a way to serve your community in a way that people notice, you’ll make a difference and drum up new business.
Female Shop Owner
and addressing their concerns compassionately. We offer snacks and drinks (not alcoholic ones); plus, there are bar stools lined up at the counter, like in the sitcom Cheers. “Everybody knows your name. And they’re always glad you came.” We also prioritize driver’s education. For example, we’ve got a tire pressure gauge in the waiting room. Customers are welcome to read the instructions, take it outside, and check their pressure while they wait.
Q:
reason to drive. Others held onto their jobs, but took a bus or taxi to save money. Business wasn’t good. This is what inspired me to host auto awareness workshops for women. We taught them how to do basic repairs like pol-
Don Carlton ACURA OF TULSA
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arships recipients are mentored by MIWs and board members. WIN’s website also features an employment center for job postings and resumes. Sullivan noted, “There’s a lot of talent in this industry and getting involved with WIN helps industry engagement and improves retention.” Over the past few years, WIN has increased its visibility by attending a lot of national events. This year will be the first time WIN makes an appearance at AASP/NJ’s NORTHEAST Conference and Tradeshow. Kunz said, “WIN is looking to constantly be visible in the industry and really engage women.” WIN’s “There’s a Place for You” campaign focused on educating women about all the different opportunities in the industry and allowed them to open a dialogue about the various career paths available. As part of its efforts to create a recognizable brand, WIN has created brochures and other marketing
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Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers in the collision repair industry? In the Great Recession of 2008, A: my shop hit a sales slump. Lots of folks lost their jobs and didn’t have a
your talents best fit. Joining a committee is the best way to engage with this organization and get the most out of your membership.” WIN also offers opportunities on their Board of Directors, and the organization is looking to bring new people and ideas in. The deadline for this year’s Board of Directors has been extended through the end of February. The deadline for scholarship applications has also been extended through the end of the month. WIN offers scholarships for high school students, as well as post-secondary/continuing education students to allow recipients to further their development and help women advance in the industry. Scholarship recipients receive WIN memberships, and some are selected to attend WIN’s annual conference where they’re given the opportunity to network with women in the collision repair industry. Schol-
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36 APRIL 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
materials which are available to members for distribution. Sullivan and Kunz are proud of WIN’s MIW awards which they took over from AkzoNobel in 2013 to honor women who have “enriched the collision repair industry with their vision, leadership and commitment to excellence.” Nominations are collected each fall and then reviewed and selected by an independent third party; MIW honorees are acknowledged at the MIW Gala during WIN’s annual conference. “Why does the industry need WIN?” Sullivan asked. “What does the face of your business look like, and how is your organization positioned for growth? Looking at diversity and sustainability, we need an organization like WIN whose mission is to engage women. For years, shops have struggled with a shortage of technicians; our scholarship program sees a number of women entering that segment of the industry.” Sullivan continued, “Join WIN, join committees and encourage others to join. There are still people who don’t know about WIN, but membership is beneficial and provides great networking opportunities. Become a corporate sponsor or donate individu-
ally as a Friend of WIN to support our scholarship fund. Even better, attend WIN’s annual conference - we’re always looking for people to share their experiences!” Kunz said, “It’s a unique experience to be in a room filled with women from this industry. The camaraderie is great. I got hooked at my first conference and have been a member ever since. It’s been a wonderful opportunity to grow myself professionally and personally. Attending a WIN conference will serve you well.” When WIN was founded in 2006, the organization had 140 members. Thanks to their membership drive, they ended 2015 with 478 members, the highest number to date, which represents a 29 percent increase over 2014. Going forward, WIN plans to enhance its member profiles in order to focus conference sessions on specific segments of the industry. WIN memberships run from January through December and are available online for $75 annually. Kunz and Sullivan “encourage you to join and to spread the word about WIN.”
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Mercedes-Benz USA Reveals Plans for New HQ in GA
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) has unveiled the first rendering of its new Atlanta headquarters in Sandy Springs in GA. The company plans to break ground in the spring of 2016, with a target completion date of early 2018.
Rendering of planned Mercedes-Benz headquarters in metro Atlanta
MBUSA, which moved to a temporary facility in July 2015, will construct a new, state-of-the-art headquarters facility on a greenfield site located at the corner of Abernathy and Barfield road, near the intersection of Georgia 400 and Interstate 285. The 225,000 sq. ft. headquarters will be located on a 12-acre campus at the south side of the 76-acre property, formerly owned by Glenridge Hall. The company said the four-story building will contain innovative architectural elements designed to provide a performance-oriented and collaborative environment.
Facebook Contest for New Flooring at School The Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) and RustOleum are collaborating this spring on a Facebook contest that will help provide high school and college collision school programs with a professional appearance upgrade through the donation of epoxy floor coating. Eighteen schools that applied for the Education Foundation’s 2015 Makeover school grant, submitted pictures of their collision program floors. Industry members can then vote for a school by visiting the Education Foundation’s Facebook page and “Liking” the picture of their choosing. The picture that receives the most “Likes” by May 2 will receive RustOleum’s, RockSolid floor coating for their floors. “We’re proud and excited to contribute to such a worthwhile effort,” said Steve Gillmann, vice-president human resources, at Rust-Oleum. “We know that giving these students a chance to work in a professional environment can ultimately lead them to success in their careers.” For information, contact Brandon Eckenrode at 847-463-5244.
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Lean Operations
How to Hold People Accountable with David Luehr
If you struggle getting people to do what you want them to do, it may be time to learn a few new accountability skills. Many collision shop leaders are frustrated that people seem to ignore them when asked to perform simple tasks such as picking up after themselves, or living up to quality standards. This disregard for the rules may come across to leaders as a lack of respect, and sometimes it could be, but very often these indiscretions are a result of insufficient leadership skills. There is a lot to know about motivating and keeping an engaged work force. Here are some tips that will get you started in the right direction and keep your team doing the right things in order to win:
Don’t assume your team knows what you expect Much of the frustration felt by my clients are brought on by themselves because they don’t have written standards. Standards take on a whole new level of seriousness when in writing. I highly recommend creating a simple written “playbook” to document how you want repeatable actions performed in your collision center. Once this information is in writing you can sit down with your staff and clearly communicate what the expectations are. Some of the best collision companies even ask their staff to take a short test
David Luehr is the owner of Elite Body Shop Solutions, LLC, a collision business consulting firm based in Nashville, Tennessee. He is a 30 year veteran of the collision repair industry. David is an expert in Body Shop Operations and specializes in Lean, and Theory of Constraints methods. Email him at dluehr@msn.com
to prove they understand what is expected of them. Again, don’t make the assumption that your team knows what is expected of them, you have to overcommunicate what you expect.
Know how to hold an accountability conversation One of the things that leaders hate the most is, unfortunately, having those little talks with people that aren’t living up to expectations. Leaders need to learn to become comfortable being uncomfortable and go ahead and have that talk! If you have done a good job letting people know what is expected of them, these conversations are much easier to have. Especially if the standards are in writing. What makes these “coaching” conversations difficult is when the discussion is based on the arbitrary, such as “Dan, I don’t think you are communicating with your customers well enough.” The conversation is much easier and effective when you are explaining a gap in the employee’s current performance versus a known standard. “Dan, our company values excellent customer communication as you know, and you know our standard is to contact our customers every two days as outlined in our playbook. Dan, please explain to me why this behavior is not taking place?”
Inspect what you expect Many of my clients find that inspect-
NACE | CARS 2016 Registration is now OPEN
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38 APRIL 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
ing or auditing their systems and standards pay huge dividends. Many of the world’s fastest growing MSOs have found regular periodic audits to be the real secret sauce to standards being consistently met. Once deviations are discovered, you should provide immediate feedback through employee coaching or holding a company meeting to reinforce the standards. Again, you must over-communicate the standards and what is expected.
Why consistency is the key Most people actually prefer structure. Like children, many of us may not like being held accountable at first, but almost everyone learns to appreciate the consistency and healthy structure of a company that lets people know what they are supposed to be doing and how they should be doing it. Far too many leaders simply hire people and stick them in a position with the full expectation that all the experience they have
accumulated over the years at other body shops will translate into meeting the expectations at your company. This rarely works well! You have the choice to run your business or let the employees run it their way. Consistency also means that you have to quit turning your head the other way when standards are not being met. If you choose to keep stepping over your employee’s pile of tools and parts laying on the shop floor instead of correcting the behavior immediately, you will have a difficult time getting anyone to take you serious as a leader. Your job is to be a leader, not a buddy! Take back control of your business by setting clear expectations, and holding people accountable in a professional way! If your company would like help with leadership training or creating and documenting standards please contact us today. Visit www.elitebody shopsolutions.com for more information.
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www.autobodynews.com | APRIL 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 39
The Body Shop of the Future
Mike Anderson shares tips on how to “thrive and not just survive” by Stacey Phillips, Assistant Editor
What will it take for an auto body shop to prosper in the future? Industry expert Mike Anderson shared tips on what shops need to do in order to “thrive, not just survive,” during a recent California Autobody Association’s chapter meeting. It was held in March at Mitchell International in San Diego, CA. Regardless of the type of business, Anderson said a company needs to focus on three specific areas: marketing, production, and finance–human resources.
Sales & Marketing Currently, if a vehicle owner does not have a shop in mind to go to after an accident, the insurance company will make a referral to a DRP (direct repair program) shop. Anderson said that moving forward, OEMs will become more involved in this process. In the future when someone is in a collision, Anderson said the technology in the vehicle will automatically notify the OEM about the drivability of the car. This will give the OEM an opportunity to direct where the car will be repaired, also known as “virtual steering.” During his presentation, Anderson showed CAA members a Collision Hub video released in 2015 titled, “Virtual Steering The Future Of Automotive Collision Claims.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= MWqYWDdRvu4 Several OEMs have already incorporated this technology into their vehicles and are in the process of building vehicle networks. Meanwhile, insurance companies are in discussions with OEMs to be their preferred carrier of choice. Anderson shared information from Erica Schaefer at Chrysler: “Statistics have shown that 60 percent of consumers who have to return their car back to a body shop for a problem no matter how minor, will sell or trade that car in within one year. Sixty-three percent of that number will change vehicle brands when they sell or trade in their vehicle.” “At the end of the day, the OEMs want to protect their brand,” said Anderson. “DRPs are not going away; however, I do believe that as shops we need to set ourselves up to win and this OEM trend needs to be clearly considered.”
He said in the past a prosperous companies are now tracking and that they are losing work,” he said. shop was either part of a DRP or had should be monitored – Assignment Another factor affecting CSI is high-end OEM certifications. This is no Received to Estimate Start Date. This whether the vehicle is delivered on longer the case, according to Anderson. is the time period that insurance com- time. “The number one thing that “The shop of the future that is going to panies measure a shop from the time contributes to on-time delivery being thrive and not just survive, is going to they send an assignment at FNOL missed is that we give them a false be a blend of both,” he said. (First Notice of Loss) on a date to start with,” said Anderson. Al“If you have not started down customer’s car until the body though shops often feel pressured to the path of OEM certificashop actually begins writing give customers a date, one of the tions, you have already started the estimate. things Anderson said he learned from to lose the race.” The industry average is Cheryl Hart at 3M was to change our In addition to pursuing currently 5.5 days. “Insurword tracks with customers and let OEM certifications, he said it ance companies want it to be them know that we will be able to is critical to monitor and less than 1.6 days because provide a more accurate date once the Mike Anderson from Collision maintain your shop’s online they see a direct correlation car has been disassembled, the shop Advice gave presence. He talked about enbetween the time it takes has received full authorization from CAA San Diego suring your business presence from FNOL to when the shop the insurance company and find out members tips on is consistently representing contacts the customer and bewhen the parts are available. how to run a your brand. Regardless of the gins writing that estimate,” He stressed the importance of ensuccessful business search engine used—Google, said Anderson. “The longer suring vehicles are repaired properly Yahoo, Facebook, Bing, white pages the period between FNOL and a shop the first time and suggested using the or Yelp—having a consistent and acbeginning an estimate impacts what asTech Scan technology from Collision curate listing is critical to success. Anthey pay on bodily injury claims.” Diagnostic Services to identify issues derson advised having the shop’s logo, Some of the MSOs he works with with a vehicle. After being hooked up shops hours and website link accurate have call centers that contact the ve- to the car, the vehicle is connected to across the board. hicle owner within seven minutes of an OEM SCAN Tool in Dallas, Texas Websites such as www.yext.com when they receive an assignment. “If where they have factory-trained techcan provide information on how con- shops are taking up to 5.5 days to con- nicians who use OEM scan tools to sistent your shop ranks in regards to tact the customer, they can be assured provide relevant information. your online presence. In order to “thrive and not just survive,” Anderson noted that the following are important to consumers – trust, empathy and direction (TED), while insurance carriers are looking for servThe right part makes the difference. ice, speed and accuracy. To meet these needs, Anderson recommended that shops focus on the three C’s—CSI, closing ratio and cycle time.
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Another idea he shared is having an after-hours emergency number for customers. The recording should include information about whether the shop is open or closed; if it has a towing service and provide the phone number; the address of the shop as well as a nearby landmark; and where the key drop is.
Closing Ratio Anderson discussed the advantage of devising sales scripts to use when contacting customers. “The day after you deliver the vehicle, call the customer so you can ensure if there is a problem, you can head it off before the CSI survey is completed,” he said. He also recommended following up with customers after writing the estimate to ask if they have any questions as well as conducting sales training with staff. Anderson said that every good business does what he called “corporate espionage” to find out what their competitors are doing well and what they are struggling with. He encouraged attendees to conduct a SWOT analysis, checking the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats of their business as opposed to the competition. This may include looking at their Face-
book page, website, online reviews, what OEM certifications they have and how they rank with insurance companies.
Cycle Time A year ago, Anderson said he would have recommended that in order to be successful in cycle time, a shop needed to repair vehicles at least two days faster than the market average, based on Enterprise’s Length of Rental ARMS Reporting. “Today, you need to be four days better than the industry average because everyone else has gotten that much better,” said Anderson. “Having a complete and thorough understanding of Enterprises ARMS reporting is critical to a shop’s success.”
Production In regards to production, Anderson said it will be necessary for shops to retain more labor gross profit in order to pay for OEM certifications and training. Otherwise, they won’t be able to afford it. “The body shop of the future is going to have to retain 65 to 70 percent gross profit unloaded without benefits,” said Anderson. This can be accomplished through bonus-based pay plans, a team system, a tiered approach
and labor rate increases. Adding more non-included operations to an estimate will also help a shop’s sales mix, said Anderson. One of his recommendations to improve additional labor hours per estimate is to utilize Automotive Service Association’s (ASA) not-included chart. The free reference chart highlights the “non-included” operations when installing new replacement parts. He also encouraged the use of estimatescrubber.com, which analyzes an estimate and shows what NOT included operations may have been overlooked on the estimate. It costs $25 per month for unlimited use. “The shop of the future is going to have to focus on more repair versus replace opportunities,” said Anderson. “We’ve got to look at some repair opportunities when we know we can do a quality repair. More labor equals more gross profit.” Anderson recommended purchasing a nitrogen welder for plastic repair since insurance companies are currently tracking repair versus replace on front and rear bumpers. In 2013, the industry average for rear bumpers was about 42 percent repair versus replace; front bumpers were 29.86 per-
cent. That metric has since changed. Shops are now closer to 45 percent for rear bumpers and 32 percent for front bumpers. He encouraged shops to stay upto-date and educated as estimators. Some of the websites he has found helpful include www.boronextrication .com; www.drivealuminum.org; www .worldautosteel.org; and www.intlmag .org.
Finance & HR In order to be successful, data will continue to remain key. “Data is going to be very critical to you as an OEM-certified shop,” said Anderson. “If you don’t measure it, you can’t manage it.” The body shop of the future will use an accrual accounting system rather than cash, said Anderson. This means that they will adjust their work in process each month and reconcile prepayments with receivables. “Shops need to know how to manage cash flow and determine their ROI [Return on Investment],” said Anderson. He said that although he hopes he is proved wrong, he believes that parts price matching will no longer be available in a year or two because OEMS See Body Shop of the Future, Page 42
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Automotive Body Parts Association Announces 2016 Annual Meeting The 2016 Annual Meeting & Trade show of the Automotive Body Parts Association (ABPA) will be held April 2629, at the Miami Hyatt Regency Hotel,
in Miami, Florida. The event is a gathering of aftermarket parts manufacturers, distributors, insurance industry executives, and collision repair companies. In addition to ABPA’s organizational business meetings, the event features keynote speakers who will discuss legislative, legal and management topics, with educational breakout sessions and panel discussions on key issues affecting attendees’ businesses. More details and online registration for the event can be found by visiting the ABPA’s newsletter Body Language (www.abpabodylanguage .com). Attendees can also reserve a hotel package that includes a room rate of $159 per night. Continued from Page 41
Body Shop of the Future
are realizing a decrease in their profits. “This system is not working,” said Anderson. “It is a band aid for an issue that is not being discussed.” It is for this reason he said parts discounts will continue to shrink. Therefore, he recommends shops focus on making more gross profit on labor. “If you want to maximize your gross profit, you need to focus on the 30-2020 sales mix to achieve the maximum gross profit,” said Anderson. This equates to 30 percent of sales coming from body, frame and mechanical labor; 20 percent of sales on paint labor; 10 percent of sales on paint materials; 36 to 38 percent on parts; and two to four percent on sublet. “If you hit this sales mix, you will make a 46 to 48 percent gross profit unloaded [without benefits], said Anderson. However, most shops are 26 to 28 percent body, frame and mechanical labor; 13 to 15 percent paint labor; 7 – 9 percent paint materials; 40 to 42 percent parts; and the remainder on sublet. This amounts to 43 percent
“Our 2015 annual meeting in Robert Passmore, CPCU, assistant ● CCC – Dave Boden Chicago was one of the best attended vice president, Personal Lines Policy, ● NSF – Bob Frayer and most successful ever, but Property Casualty Insurers ● Aktion Associates – David Gneiser I think everybody is looking Association of America, ad- ● Partstrader – Ken Weiss forward to warmer weather dresses legislative and regu- ● Google Analytics – Khrysti Nazfor this year’s meeting,” said latory issues related to zaro, VP, Brand Strategy, Inc. Ed Salamy, executive direcinsurance and collision repair, tor of the ABPA. “Our annual with an emphasis on parts is- Friday, April 29 meeting is a great opportunity sues. He will also cover the for the leaders of the afterbroader topic of collision re- NSF Update: market parts industry to get pair insurance issues and how Bob Frayer of NSF provides the latRobert Passmore together, discover the latest they affect the replacement est news on the NSF Parts Certification trends, and make valuable connec- parts market. program as well as the NSF Distributor tions.” Certification program. ABPA Lawsuit Update: Speakers & Presentations Dan Morrissey brings us up to speed Legislative Report – PARTS Act: on the current status and latest move- Will Nordwind of Venable and repreThursday, April 28 ment in the ongoing lawsuit against senting the Quality Parts Coalition Ford Motor Co. (QPC) delivers the latest news on the Servicing the Insurance-Driven Marprogress of the important ket: CAPA Parts Certification PARTS Act that is moving This panel discussion features partici- Update: forward in Congress. pants from Nationwide, Farmers, NSF, Jack Gillis of CAPA provides Caliber Collision, and Service King, the latest trends and numbers Dynamic Pricing Defense: and is moderated by Jim Smith. You'll from CAPA’s parts certificaDavid Bauders of Strategic gain insight into the complex dynam- tion program. Pricing Associates, Inc. presics between insurance companies, colents ideas on countering the lision repair shops, parts manufacturers Thursday Breakout Sessions: David Bauders threat of dynamic pricing. A and parts distributors; and gain an un- Those knowledgeable in the recognized leader in the field derstanding of what it takes to become aftermarket industry provide informa- of strategic pricing, Bauders has worked a trusted supplier. tion and ideas on issues and activities. with companies across a variety of industries to help them develop competiLegislative and Regulatory Update: ● Carpart.com – Jeff Schroeder tive pricing strategies.
gross profit. “If you do $100,000 a month in sales, that three percent difference is $3,000. If you do $300,000 a month in sales, that is $9,000 additional money to your bottom line,” said Anderson. He suggested looking at the possibility of bringing in some of a shop’s sublet in-house. “If your sublet is more than two percent of your sales, you need to ask yourself, ‘what can I bring in-house?’” This might include looking at more repair versus replace opportunities; more non-included operations to bump up the sales mix; more refinish operations and if the paint materials percentage is low, an invoicing system. While taking steps to become a successful body shop in the future, Anderson recommended aligning yourself with people who will help you grow. “Surround yourself with people who are positive, not negative, and have the same vision and hope,” he said. “In my opinion, it’s a bright future in the industry,” said Anderson. “I don’t think our industry is doom and gloom. It’s one of the most exciting times I’ve ever seen in my life.” For more information, visit www .collisionadvice.com.
42 APRIL 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
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www.autobodynews.com | APRIL 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 43
Historical Snapshot
—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.
Mike Anderson in 1996, Incomplete Estimates, Feather Prime and Block, PartsTrader with John Yoswick
20 years ago in the collision repair industry (April 1996) “We are our own worst enemy. Every day I try to collect for color sand and buff or other procedures, only to be told that now one else charge for them. You may say I am a fool when I tell you that I believe insurers when they say this, but you are a bigger fool if you do not believe them. This industry is made up of cowards, people who talk the talk but don’t walk the walk. Wise up. Insurance companies are only going to pay for what they are asked for or what the industry demands. “State Farm is not necessarily our industry’s worst enemy. Take payment of claims, for example. Does State Farm stretch your receivables out over 30 days? I’m not saying State Farm pays better than all other companies, but let’s give credit where credit is due. “If you want to get angry with someone, get angry with the guy down the street who doesn’t charge for the items you do and should charge for. The guy who tapes up door handles, doesn’t know the P-pages, doesn’t know his cost of doing business, doesn’t charge for colorsand and buff. “We need to clean up our act and look inward for solutions to our problems, not outward where place blame on a third-party.” —From an April editorial in Hammer & Dolly by Mike Anderson, at that time the second-generation owner of a body shop in Virginia and the president of the Washington Metropolitan Auto Body Association. Anderson sold his collision repair business in 2010 and founded Collision Advice, a training and consulting firm. Among his projects: Quarterly “Who Pays for What?” surveys asking shops about how frequently they bill for and are paid for not-included labor operations.
15 years ago in the collision repair industry (April 2001) A call to define some total loss vehicles as ‘unrepairable’ was among the resolutions passed at the National Industry Issues Forum held recently in Minneapolis, MN. The event, sponsored by the Society of Collision Repair Specialists, was designed to give collision repair-
ers an opportunity to discuss issues “without outside interference or fear of retribution” from other segments of the industry that participate in most other industry events and discussion. Shop owners and representatives of SCRS state affiliate associations attending the event voiced support for three “resolutions” created during the meeting. Attendees unanimously voiced support, for example, for efforts to declare total loss vehicles “unrepairable” and salable only to dismantlers if they are less than 8 years old and have damage exceeding 100 percent of their value. Auto recycler Herb Lieberman said his industry has introduced such legislation nationally but the bills have never moved out of legislative committees. “Of the vehicles declared total losses and removed from repair facilities to salvage pools and sold as total loss vehicles, our industry is only purchasing 30 percent of those vehicles, and that has an adverse effect on all of us,” Lieberman said. In 2001, Nebraska He and others at shop owner Boyd the meeting pointed Dingman said out that the current incomplete initial estimates impact situation results in cycle time and higher prices and overall costs for lower availability shops and insurers, and quality of salessentially advovage parts; surgical cating for the process known stripping of vehitoday as “blueprint- cles, VIN swapping ing.” Dingman’s and other fraud; infamily now opersurers re-insuring ates four shops poorly-rebuilt total purchased by unsuspecting consumers; and high salvage values that result in more vehicles being totaled. National Industry Issues Forum attendees also urged insurers to consider how the accuracy and completeness of initial estimates impact cycle time and overall shop and claims costs. “We have some insurers that ask us not to write a complete estimate,” said Boyd Dingman, owner of Dingman’s Collision Center in Omaha, NE.
44 APRIL 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
“They say, ‘Let’s not put blend time on there,’ or ‘Let’s not put R & I trim on there.’ Then they want cycle time. The car comes in and we don’t have blend time or the R & I time on the sheet. All of a sudden we went from the 15-hour job to a 25-hour job. That certainly slows our cycle time down because we didn’t schedule for 25 hours. They’re hurting our cycle time by asking us to write a short-sighted estimate.” —As reported in The Golden Eagle. Little has changed in terms of total loss vehicles in the 15 years since the Forum was held, but shops and insurers have for the most part come to realize the value of “blueprinting,” fully documenting all vehicle damage up front to reduce delays and expense created by the supplement process. Dingman continues to operate four shops in Nebraska. Lieberman is an industry liaison for LKQ Corporation.
10 years ago in the collision repair industry (April 2006) The “gap” has been defined. One of the long-simmering debates among shops and insurers involves when body work ends and paint work begins. The transitioning processes, which is called different things including “feather, prime and block,” are a frequent source of conflict in terms of whether and how shops should be compensated. The Collision Industry Conference (CIC) Estimating Committee has spent much of the past year holding panel discussions and working to craft a written statement that “defines the gap” in order to try to bring some clarity to the issue. At the CIC held in Portland in April, the committee received a nearly unanimous vote in favor of its ninth version of the feather / prime / block explanation. “The repair process associated with damaged painted body panels
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typically involves multiple operations: body repair, feather, prime, block, and refinish,” the statement reads. “The body repair process includes metal finishing and/or the use of body fillers to return the body panel to its undamaged contour. The repaired area is finished to 150 grit and free of surface imperfections. Feather, prime and block are not-included refinish operations that complete the process from 150 grit to the condition of a new undamaged panel. The refinish process starts at the condition of a new undamaged panel and is outlined and documented in printed and electronic time guides. The body / paint labor and materials necessary to prepare the repaired area from 150 grit to the condition of a new undamaged part is a
valid and required step in the process. The labor and material allowance for these operations requires an on-thespot evaluation of the specific vehicle and damage.” —As reported in The Golden Eagle. Despite the adoption of this definition, “feather, prime and block” continues to be a matter of some debate within the industry. A 2015 “Who Pays for What?” survey (www.collision advice.com/survey) of more than 900 shops nationwide found that two-thirds of them reported receiving body labor, rather than paint labor, for this operation—yet less than 14 percent said this work was performed solely by body technicians. In fact, well over half said the operation is performed solely by the paint department.
5 years ago in the collision repair industry (April 2011) State Farm says in the coming months it will develop a new electronic parts ordering system for its Select Service shops. In a video message to those shops, State Farm’s Gregg McDonald said the insurer will work with all segments of the industry to develop a system to “reduce the amount of time and effort needed to search for, source and order all part types,” and “to give suppliers a better view of the process, and access to complete parts orders.” McDonald said that the system will include a review tool to allow shops and vendors to provide feedback on the parts ordering experience. “Supplier choice and decisions regarding which parts are best suited
automotive glass manufacturing, and retailer alliance partnerships. PGW operates 120 distribution branches serving over 7,000 automotive glass retailer shops across North America. In addition, PGW operates 12 automotive glass fabrication facilities in North America, Europe and China. The transaction is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2016 and is subject to customary closing con-
ditions and necessary regulatory approvals. “We are excited to be partnering with PGW, and look forward to working with the existing core management team at PGW to continue to invest in and grow its business while continuing the high quality service to all its customers. PGW reflects LKQ’s commitment to provide a one-stop-shop solution to the North American collision repair industry by adding au-
LKQ to Acquire Pittsburgh Glass Works
LKQ Corporation announced on February 29 that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Pittsburgh Glass Works LLC from private equity firm Kohlberg & Company LLC and PPG Industries, Inc. for an enterprise value of $635 million. PGW is a global distributor and manufacturer of automotive glass products. PGW’s business comprises wholesale and retail distribution services,
for the individual repair will remain in your hands,” McDonald tells Select Service shops in the video. In 2009, State Farm halted an electronic parts ordering test it had rolled out in California and Indiana, saying it had no plans to implement such a program nationally, but that it had found that electronic parts ordering “has value.” The Select Service agreement that participating shops must sign gives the insurer the right to require electronic parts ordering. —As reported in CRASH Network (www.CrashNetwork.com), April 11, 2011. The system State Farm was referring to was PartsTrader, which it began requiring Select Service shops to use in 2012, rolling it out nationally by mid-2014. tomotive glass to our product offerings. PGW is the largest pure-play provider in the $3.5 billion North American automotive glass market. This acquisition will expand our addressable market in North America and globally, and simultaneously offers tremendous distribution synergy opportunities with our existing network,” stated Robert L. Wagman, president and CEO of LKQ Corporation.
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The Legal View
A Primer on Diminution in Value Claims with Gary Wickert
One of the recurring questions Matthiesen, Wickert & Lehrer, S.C. (MWL) is called on to answer involves when and under what circumstances the insured suffering automobile property damage, or his or her subrogated automobile insurer, may recover for diminution in value of a damaged automobile. This article is intended to provide a global answer to many of the questions we have been asked on this subject. When a vehicle is damaged in an accident and then repaired, the resale value may be less than a comparable vehicle that has not been damaged. In other words, the damage results in a reduction or “diminution” in the market value of the vehicle, even after competent repairs have been completed. An insured’s claim for this reduction in value may be made against a third party that negligently caused the damage to the insured’s vehicle, or it may arise from a first-party claim against the physical damage coverage under the insured’s own automobile policy. The term “diminished value” can be confusing. There are three types of diminished value: 1. Immediate Diminished Value: This is the loss in value that results immediately after an accident before any repairs are made. It is the difference in market value immediately before and after an accident caused by a negligent tortfeasor. In many states, this is the measure of damages for injury to personal property.
source for timely 2.The Inherent Diminished Value: This information that every refers to the loss in value of a vehicle thatbody remainsshop after itneeds! is completely and professionally repaired. It is the loss of CALL value that800-699-8251 results from the simple fact that the vehicle has been in an accident. This type of diminished value is also Mailas Subscription known “stigma damage.” Given two identical vehicles on a car lot, the one which hasn’t been involved in an accident is preferable to the one which has
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3. Repair-Related Diminished Value: This refers to the additional loss in value to a vehicle which results from incomplete or poorly-performed repairs. It could include simple cosmetic damages that remain after repair or major mechanical or structural deficiencies. The most common and widelyused form of diminished value is inherent diminished value. There are two types of inherent diminished value claims, both of which are discussed in this article:
1. First-Party Claims: These are claims made by the vehicle owner/policyholder against his or her own insurance company to recover the difference in the value of the vehicle before the collision and value of the vehicle after the damage caused by the collision had been repaired. This type of claim is usually governed by contract law and the terms of the insurance policy. When a vehicle is damaged, a policyholder generally expects to be “made whole” by its first-party property insurer, but an insurer is legally responsible only to pay according to the terms of the policy.
2. Third-Party Claims: These are claims made by the owner of a vehicle against a third-party tortfeasor (person other than the insured and insurer) for negligently damage to the Promote causing your business with owner’s vehicle. This typefeaturing of claim is an exclusive article governed by tort law.or services. your products
First-Party Claims With regard to first-party claims, the Insurance Services Office (ISO) contract language the Limit of Call(specifically for details! Liability Condition) arguably appears to cover800-699-8251 only the Actual Cash Value (ACV) of the damage or the actual cost to repair the damage. There is often nothing in the policy language that would contractually cover any reduction in market value, even if the insured
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Gary Wickert is an insurance trial lawyer and a partner with Matthiesen, Wickert & Lehrer, S.C., and is regarded as one of the world’s leading experts on insurance subrogation.
were able to prove the amount of reduction in value. On the other hand, the policy clearly allows the insurer to deduct for “betterment” or depreciation, although the burden of proof is on the insurer to demonstrate such depreciation or betterment. In physical damage claims, the policy allows the carrier to deduct for an “improvement” in value (i.e., betterment) due to repairs with newer parts, but will not compensate the insured for a reduction in value due to the same accident. There is a disparity among the various states regarding recovery of diminution in value in first-party cases. Insurance claims professionals should be aware of when and how the laws of each state deal with diminution in value. Georgia is in the minority of states which require insurers to pay the diminished value as well as the cost of repair of a vehicle even if the insured does not make a claim for the diminished value.
Third-Party Claims In third-party claims for property damage to automobiles that are the result of a collision for which a third party was at fault, the measure of damages is traditionally, but not always, the difference between the market value before and after the collision (“diminution in value”) or the reasonable repair value, whichever is greater. Such third-party diminution claims have generally been found by the courts to be covered by automobile insurance since the measure of damage in tort claims (which the insurer promises to pay) is the difference in the value of the property before the loss and the value of the property after the loss. The Restatement of Torts § 928 states as follows: Where a person is entitled to a judgment for harm to chattels not amounting to a total destruction in value, the damages include compensation for: (a) the difference between the value of the chat-
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tel before the harm and the value after the harm, or at the plaintiff’s election, the reasonable cost of repairs or restoration where feasible, with due allowance for any difference between the original value and the value after repairs. It should be remembered that diminution in value of a vehicle after repairs have been conducted can be difficult to prove and, in some states, the burden is quite high. In some cases it may be necessary to actually sell the vehicle in its damaged condition in order to establish its post-crash market value or, at a minimum, engage an expert appraiser to provide a detailed report. A comprehensive summary of how first-party and third-party inherent diminished value claims are treated in all 50 states can be found at www .claimsjournal.com
Gary Wickert is the author of several subrogation books and legal treatises and is a national and international speaker and lecturer on subrogation and motivational topics. He can be reached at gwickert@mwl-law.com. Thank you to the Claims Journal for permission to reprint this article.
Rotary Lift Introduces Video Series
Rotary Lift is drawing on its more than 90 years of experience designing and manufacturing vehicle lifts to answer frequently asked lift operation, maintenance and installation questions in a new video series dubbed “90 Second Know How.” These short videos cover light-duty and heavyduty lifts, including two-post lifts, four-post lifts and inground lifts. “Rotary Lift’s customer service team gets more than 190,000 phone calls a year,” says David Fischmer, Rotary Lift marketing director. “Our customers are busy, and when they need help, time is money. But when a customer isn’t standing at the lift when calling, verbal explanations can be difficult to convey and hard to understand. This new video format is like being in the customer’s shop to demonstrate the answer—in just 90 seconds.” The first six videos are online, with additional releases scheduled monthly. The videos are currently available at: www.rotarylift.com/ training-videos. To learn more, contact your local Rotary Lift distributor, visit www.rotarylift.com or call (800) 640-5438.
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Service King Launches Revitalized Website
Service King Collision Repair Centers® recently unveiled a revitalized look and experience to its consumerfacing website—www.ServiceKing .com The website was designed and developed by award-winning, fullservice digital agency Blue Fountain Media. “We place a priority on providing customers and business partners a cutting-edge, user-friendly digital experience,” said Jeff McFadden, Service King president. “The new Service King homepage was rebuilt from the ground up to enhance the repair experience for our customers and provide an engaging platform to connect with our brand.” “We’ve very pleased to have provided Service King with a website that takes their online presence to the next level,” said Gabriel Shaoolian, VP of digital services, Blue Fountain Media. “The site’s focus on providing cutting-edge design that drives measurable results will help their brand continue to establish itself as an industry leader while also making the collision repair process even more convenient and hassle-free for their customers.”
PDA Extends Expertise to Financial Services Sector
Property Damage Appraisers (PDA) is spreading the word about one of its core business practices—financial services. PDA’s appraisal services can be utilized by banks, credit unions and leasing companies that hold liens and force-placed insurance on vehicles. PDA inspects vehicles anywhere in the country and estimates damages in the event of an accident or total loss. “At PDA our work is quite versatile. From vehicle estimates to financial services inspections, we want companies to think of our appraisers as an extension of their team that they can rely on when workloads are heavy,” said Ken Loose, COO, PDA. “We complete estimates quickly to help get customers back on the road or get better returns on your repossessions.” “With more than five decades of experience, we’ve got the expertise to deliver high quality, accurate estimates in less time. That means you can control your costs and higher returns for your repossessed and lease turn-in vehicles,” Loose said. Visit http://www.pdacorporation .com/financialservices.php.
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Shop Strategies OH Auto Body Shop Benefits from Hiring & Training Students with Stacey Phillips - ASSISTANT EDITOR
In business for more than 56 years, Brown’s Body Shop in Zanesville, Ohio has 15 employees, including two students who work on a parttime basis. Autobody News spoke to Dusty Brown, the owner of the auto body shop, about the benefits of hiring students to assist with their collision repair work.
When did you first begin hiring Q: students and what prompted your decision?
They work every day after A: school and all day on days that school is not in session. One stu-
dent works in our paint department prepping cars, masking parts and doing final clean up before paint. The other student works in our tear down department where he disas-
sembles incoming vehicles. Both are paid positions.
What is the benefit and chalQ: lenge of hiring students? What is your advice to other One major benefit of hiring Q: body shops considering using A: students is the fact that they students to help out in their facility? I would encourage them to do so. It is hard to find good qualA: ity technicians in this field and this is a great way to train them the proper way.
We first hired a student from A: Mid East Ohio Vocational School in 2007. I wanted to get in-
Can you tell us about the reQ: cent relocation of your shop and some of the new technologies
volved in order to help train young people coming into the field the correct way. In 2010, I hired another student who is now our head painter.
How often do the two students Q: work at Brown’s and what are their primary responsibilities?
that you added?
My father started the business in 1960 in a shop the A: size of a two-car garage. I took over the business in 1996 when we built an 8,000-square-foot shop. In Sep-
Located in Zanesville, Ohio, Brown’s Body Shop has 15 employees, including two students who work there part-time
Altra Products Supply, a Car-O-Liner Distributor, Celebrates 30-Year Milestone in Business
Car-O-Liner®, a global provider of collision repair equipment to the automotive aftermarket, announced that Car-O-Liner distributor, Altra Products Supply Inc., is celebrating 30 years in business.
Richard Post, owner of Altra Products
Altra is owned by Richard Post and opened on March 1, 1986, in Wayland, MI. The 10,000-square-foot facility provides products such as Car-O -Liner measuring, welding and holding products, Garmat USA paint booths and booth products and Col-Met powder coat booths and ovens. “I opened Altra because I wanted to help people,” Post said. “This is a very technical industry, and we wanted people out in the field to know the right ways to correct damaged vehicles.” Altra began selling Car-O-Liner products in 2011, and Post said sales of
have not developed any bad habits. A challenge is that they require a lot of hands-on instruction and supervision.
these products have really taken off locally. “We chose to work with Car-OLiner because they are a local company with great products,” he said. “They have a great local facility. Our customers recognize that Car-O-Liner is top notch in the industry. They like that we are supporting them so they are supporting us through that as well.” Post is a 1975 graduate of the Kent Career Center in Grand Rapids and holds an Associate’s Degree from Ferris State University’s auto body program. He has been married for 30 years and have four children. Post said support from family has been vital in the success of his business. His sister, Rose Wiers, has been the controller for Altra for 20 years. He also credits his employees for their continued hard work and support of the customers and their business. “Our employees here are second to none. They work very hard to take care of the customer and to make sure things are right for them,” Post said. “I couldn’t do it alone. I am very pleased to have these top notch people to do what we have done for the past 30 years. They have helped establish an honorable relationship with our customers. We’re looking forward to the next 30 years!”
48 APRIL 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
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tember of 2015, we moved into our new 19,000-square-foot state-ofthe-art facility.
The new shop has two Nova Verta 31 foot heated downdraft with wind system paint booths; four Car-O-Liner frame machines with computerized Car-O-Tronic measuring systems; three phase-resistant welders; and drivethrough estimating. It is also a complete Sikkens Autowave water collision repair center.
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Auto Care Assoc. Aims to Broaden Copyright Law
The Auto Care Association submitted comments to the U.S. Copyright Office regarding embedded software in vehicles. While the association appreciates granting limited exemptions to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) for purposes of vehicle repair, the association told the copyright office that, “broader relief is necessary to address the needs of consumers and aftermarket competition.” The association cited the fact that vehicle manufacturers are adopting technological protection measures that prevent service facilities and consumers from accessing the software, not to protect the copyright, but to thwart competition.It requested that the copyright office make it so the DMCA does not prohibit circumvention of techPromote your with prevent lawful thatbusiness measures nological and of products, patent law repair anunder exclusive article featuring that operation is controlled by embedyour products or services. ded software. The association also called for the office to, “extend exemptions to entities that perform the exemption activity on behalf of others, where the activity itself requires specialized skills or professional equipment to avoid for details! work or the the copyrighted damaging Call product in which it is embedded.” Con800-699-8251 Lowe at 240-333-1021 or tact Aaron aaron.lowe@autocare.org.
ASA Launches New OEM Resource Website
The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has launched a new information resource for automotive repairers. The ASA Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Resource website will serve as a consolidated hub for manufacturer-specific scan tool information, calibration and reprogramming updates; training materials; and service information. The website was developed by repairers for repairers, with direct input from the manufacturers. During a Feb. 17 online press conference, Donny Seyfer, ASA chairman, explained that each manufacturer has its own landing page and scan tool page. Dan Gage, director of communications and public affairs for the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, said, “The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers and its 12 member companies are proud to collaborate with ASA in this effort to assist technicians in improving timely and easy access to needed service and repair information, tools and training resources.” The website is http://oerepairinfo .com. To view the media demonstration by Seyfer, go to https://youtu.be /G1hkuhh3aAQ.
CREF and Akzonobel Sustainability Grant
For the third year, the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) and AkzoNobel are collaborating to offer the Sustainability Challenge Grant for collision repair programs in secondary and post-secondary schools throughout the US. The application is part of CREF’s Ultimate Collision Education Makeover grant, and the deadline for both grants is June 3. Schools are invited to submit proposals for applying continuous improvement and sustainability principles that improve the processes in the school's body shop or improve the way the shop interacts and impacts the community. Projects are to be driven by teams of students with the instructor serving as a mentor. Winning schools will receive funding to implement their proposed ideas and report on the success of their projects. Clark Plucinski, CREF executive director said, “Since the program began three years ago, over 200 collision students have participated in it. Their ideas about improving sustainability are very forward-thinking and have definitely made an impact on their program, school and community.”
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PPG MVP Conference Registration is Open Registration is now open for PPG’s annual spring MVP Business Solutions Conference April 24–26 at the JW Marriott Camelback in Scottsdale, AZ. This MVP Conference venue in the desert is slated to provide advanced business strategy and innovative solutions to PPG customers. The conference has a notable lineup of prominent keynote speakers, meaningful seminars and interactive workshops all focused on aiding attendees with improving their collision center performance. The conference is structured to give participants exposure to fresh approaches for advancing their competitive capabilities. “PPG remains committed to supporting our customers with training, consulting and value added programs that help position our customers as winners in the industry. As their needs evolve our services evolve and as they grow we grow” says Jim Berkey, PPG, Director, MVP Business Solutions. “A working partnership around performance has never been more appropriate.” The comprehensive conference schedule is highlighted by prominent keynote speakers: Josh Linkner, Jim Carroll, and David Avrin
The conference commences on April 24 with leisure actives that include the Randy Dewing Memorial Golf Tournament or relaxing at the JW Marriott spa or pool and followed by a welcome reception. Some of the breakout sessions include: • “Fusion Marketing – 2020 Marketing & Beyond” • “Servicetopia -The Ultimate Customer Service Experience” • “Predictive Hiring?!” • “The Secret Weapon to Get Results!” • “Handling Public Relations when the Negative News is Looking at You” • “Getting the Most from Your Parts Vendor Relationships” • “Your First Aluminum Estimate, Are You Ready?” • “Effective Non-Verbal Communication -Body Language” The conference is open to owners and managers of collision centers using PPG Refinish products. Prospective attendees are encouraged to visit http://ppgmvp.com/Conferences /Welcome.aspx for complete conference information and registration details.
3M™ and Festool Announce Collaboration to Serve Collision Repair Industry
3M Company and TTS Tooltechnic Systems AG & Co. KG, maker of Festool brand products, announced on February 29 a strategic collaboration to provide customers in the global automotive collision repair industry a new and comprehensive surface preparation and finishing system. The collaboration brings together 3M’s abrasives, global sales and distribution capabilities with Festool-branded power tool and dust extraction technologies. 3M’s Automotive Aftermarket Division (AAD) will eventually become the exclusive supplier of 3M and Festool Automotive Systems products in the automotive aftermarket. The new system is expected to launch in the U.S. and Canada later in 2016, with additional countries to be added. “Our collaboration with Festool Automotive Systems combines 3M’s leadership in abrasives technologies and Festool´s premium power tools, dust extraction technologies and service to deliver customers an unparalleled solution for complete dust extraction needs,” said Laurie Altman, vice president and general manager, 3M’s AAD. “With this agreement, customers in the automotive aftermarket will now have access to one of the most comprehen-
sive portfolios of offerings in the industry from one provider.” “We are proud to enter into this collaboration with 3M to offer a premium surface treatment system for body shops,” said Christian Oltzscher, chief sales officer, TTS Tooltechnic Systems AG & Co. KG. “With the combined world-class portfolios of tools and abrasives, and the expertise and extensive distribution capabilities of 3M sales and service professionals, we will be able to serve customers in the automotive aftermarket even better. Our goal is to make body shops more profitable.” 3M’s Automotive Aftermarket Division spans the globe, serving the automotive collision repair industry through more than 70 subsidiaries. 3M abrasives, including new 3M™ Cubitron™ II Abrasives, will now be offered in conjunction with Festool Automotive Systems surface prep tools, dust extraction capabilities and services. For 90 years, Festool has been a manufacturer of power tools, including pneumatic and electric sanders, polishers and backup pads, vacuums and surfaceprep workstations. The company also continues to develop a new line of connected “smart tools.”
50 APRIL 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
BASF Names N. America Distribution Director
Paul Whittleston, VP BASF Automotive Refinish North America, announced the appointment of Denise Kingstrom as the North America distribution director in Southfield, MI. “In line with our strategy to grow market share, Denise and her team are accountable to execute our North America distribution strategy. This includes enhancing the compelling value proposition distributors gain when partnering with BASF and growing their sales. Strategic leadership of ColorSource®, the BASF single line distributor program, and of the National Distribution Accounts are also part of her responsibilities,” said Whittleston. Kingstrom began her career with BASF in 1999 with assignments in New Jersey and Mexico. In 2003, she joined the coatings OEM team as a field technical sales representative. In 2010, Kingstrom joined the refinish business, leading both key and strategic account teams. For more information, visit www.basf.com.
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Auto Glass Academy Training Begins in April
Equalizer has announced the opening of its Auto Glass Academy. Auto Glass Academy provides instructordriven, hands-on technician training to the auto glass and body industries. The four-day course focuses on technical training, time-management, customer service and safety using Equalizer® brand products. Auto Glass Academy instructors are AGRSS/AGSC certified. “When Gilbert Gutierrez, global education director, began his career at Equalizer in 1992, he created a training process to support our products,” said Eric Asbery, president of Equalizer. “Gilbert has now expanded that service that we have provided our customers over the years into the Auto Glass Academy. This is an accredited Auto Glass Safety Council (AGSC) program, and is a registered I-CAR® Industry Training Alliance Member.” Auto Glass Academy utilizes a hands-on, small-team style instruction at their three national campuses to serve areas across the USA. To enroll and/or learn more, contact info@autoglassacademy.com, toll free USA & Canada: 800-2130136, international: 512-387-5785.
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Team PRP Announces Addition of Three New Automotive Recyclers to Nationwide Network Team PRP’s nationwide network of automotive recycling professionals announced the addition of Reno’s Auto Parts in Ohio, TLS Auto Recycling in California, and Mullins Auto Parts in Springfield and Mt. Olive, Illinois. “Welcoming these three new exceptional recyclers to our Team PRP organization is a wonderful start to 2016,” noted Mark Gamble, Team PRP’s executive director. “These businesses further strengthen our network of parts trading and logistics, offering even more for our many repair shop
by Kenneth and Tyler Reno, Reno’s is a full-service auto recycling facility carrying all types of new and used auto parts, while specializing in late model foreign and domestic cars, trucks and
SUVs. Approximately 500-600 vehicles are processed annually. Seventeen employees work at the facility that sits on 25 acres.
cling businesses in Northern California, which processes 400-600 vehicles annually. TLS specializes in recycling quality used auto parts for Toyota, Lexus, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Land Rover and Porsche. The company said they are particularly proud to be known for customer service excellence. With two locations in Illinois (Mt. Olive and Springfield), Mullins Auto Parts is a familyowned company headed by Brent Mullins. Originally started as a small recycling business in 1987, Mullins now offers an inventory of recycled
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customers across the country. We are extremely pleased to have these quality-minded businesses join with us.” Reno’s Auto Parts, founded in 1969, is a family-owned, third-generation business in Hillsboro, OH. Owned
TLS Auto Recycling in Rancho Cordova, CA, was established approximately six years ago by George Trunyan, company CEO. This relatively new and advanced facility is one of the largest automotive recy-
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parts and processes approximately 650 vehicles each year on their 12-acre property. The business said it takes pride in its continual growth, its wellmaintained and up-to-date facilities, and its emphasis on eco-friendly practices.
Portacool Introduces New Jetstream™ Coolers
The new Portacool Jetstream™ series of portable evaporative coolers is engineered to generate airflow and provide cooling options for a variety of hot working environments. The Portacool Jetstream™ 240, 250, 260 and 270 are equipped with KUUL Comfort™ evaporative media to provide maximum cooling comfort, according to a company press release. Available in four sizes, there is a Jetstream portable evaporative cooler option that ranges from 1,125 to 5,625 square feet. Some of the features include: ● Equipped with KUUL Comfort™ evaporative media, the highestquality evaporative media available and made in the USA exclusively for Portacool products. ● Liquid level indicator with automatic pump shut-off ● Large drain allows for easy, effective cleaning ● Built-in handles for easy mobility; heavy-duty casters ● Comes with Portacool Protect™ lifetime warranty on evaporative cooler housing against manufacturing defects; three year warranty on all electrical components Visit www.portacool.com.
Audatex: Seam Sealer is a Body Operation
SCRS has pointed out that Audatex states in DEG inquiry number 1157 that seam sealer is a body operation. “The Audatex database includes the labor for seam sealing where required per the OEM manufacturer service procedures and this labor is allotted in the body repair allowance not the refinish allowance. The cost of body materials are not addressed within the Audatex database.” The Audatex time for replacement of a panel includes the labor to apply the seam sealer, but does not included the removal of the existing seam sealer per DEG inquiry 2951. The estimating databases are all intended to be used as a GUIDE ONLY—it is important to remember that the auto body professional performing the repair is in a position to thoroughly inspect, diagnose and identify the methodology and their unique cost of the vehicle damage repair. You can view this tip and others on the DEG website: http://www .degweb.org/ For more information about SCRS visit www.scrs.com, or call toll free 1-877-841-0660.
Mirka USA Introduces Aquastar® Abrasive
Mirka USA recently introduced Aquastar® to their abrasives product line. Aquastar is a film abrasive providing flexibility, and durability for hand sanding, either wet or dry, accoding to a company press release. Aquastar® was developed with a pattern consisting of multiple abrasive zones surrounded by interconnected channels. This channel system provides flexibility while minimizing the amount of water used in the sanding process, allowing debris to flow freely away from the abrasive, according to a company press release The pattern design also allows Aquastar® to be used in any direction. Aquastar® can be used for wet sanding of clear coats and primers, automotive OEM applications, mold and plug sanding in Marine applications, dry sanding small areas and spot sanding. For more information, visit: www .mirka.com/en-US/us/
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www.autobodynews.com | APRIL 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 51
2016 Second Quarter Training Schedule Announced by The Martin Senour Company
The Martin Senour Company announced its 2016 second quarter training schedule, with courses running from April 19 to May 19. Training courses emphasize painter certification and maximizing shop profits, and will be held at training facilities nationwide. Martin Senour Automotive Finishes Director of Sales Jeff Hartl noted the brand’s training sessions are designed to help shop owners, managers, and technicians better execute environmentally-responsible practices, as well as improve their repair techniques and knowledge of today’s new innovative painting systems – particularly the brand’s popular Pro//BASE™ refinish system. In addition, customized classes are being held for NAPA Jobber professionals on specific Martin Senour product and process knowledge to help them better service to their NAPA collision shop customers. In particular, Martin Senour professionals will teach the following courses during the second quarter of 2016: ● Color Adjustment and Blending ● Fleet FPG
● Jobber Level 1 ● Painter Certification ● Pro//BASE™ Refinish System Painter Certification Training Schedule: Atlanta // 04/19/2016 // Painter Certification // 3days
Atlanta // 04/26/2016 // Color Adjustment and Blending // 3 days
Atlanta // 05/03/2016 // Jobber Level1 // 3 days
Chicago // 05/10/2016 // Jobber Level 1 // 3 days Chicago // 05/16/2016 // Color Adjustment and Blending // 3 days
Chicago // 05/19/2016 // Pro//BASE™ Refinish System Painter Certification // 2 days Dallas // 05/02/2016 // Fleet FPG // 3 days
For information, visit www.martinsenour-autopaint.com or call 1800-526-6704.
VA Photo Bill Passes with WMABA’s Suggested Amendments
by Chasidy Rae Sisk
In January, VA Senate Bill 193 was presented to allow photos of collision damage to be used during the appraisal process, creating a stir among industry advocates who feared its passage could pose potential risks to consumers and collision repair professionals in VA. The Washington Metropolitan Auto Body Association (WMABA) quickly went to work to negotiate a compromise, and according to WMABA’s Executive Director Jordan Hendler, “The bill passed with our suggested amendments, which was great.” The original verbiage in VA Senate Bill 193 did not seek to remove the requirement for vehicle appraisals to be based on physical inspections, but it would have permitted an initial appraisal based on photos to be used as the final appraisal. This provision caused Hendler to fear that consumers would cash out a claim without a physical inspection, which could reduce the value of their vehicles since over 90 percent of VA estimates require a supplement. Because WMABA also saw potential benefits for consumers and shop owners from the proposed legislation, Hendler focused on refining the language in Senate Bill 193 to minimalize the possible risks. Attempts at compromise were successful, ensuring that the physical inspection receives precedence over pho-
tos provided when writing the appraisal. The original proposed amendment to VA Code 38.2.510 stated, “Notwithstanding the requirement that an appraisal be based upon a personal inspection, the repair facility or the insurer making the appraisal may prepare an initial, which may be the final, repair appraisal on an automobile that has been damaged as a result of a covered loss either from the representative’s personal inspection of the vehicle or from photographs, videos or electronically-transmitted digital imagery of the automobile; however, no insurer may require an owner of an automobile to submit photographs, videos or electronically transmitted digital imagery as a condition of an appraisal.” This verbiage was revised to include: “Supplemental repair estimates that become necessary after the repair work has been initiated due to discovery of additional damage to the motor vehicle may also be made from photographs, videos or electronically-transmitted digital imagery of the motor vehicle, provided that in the case of disputed repairs, a personal inspection is required.” WMABA is pleased that the bill passed with their suggested amendments which place emphasis on the physical inspection and promotes consumer safety by allowing the collision repair professionals to determine what is necessary to properly restore these vehicles to their pre-loss condition.”
52 APRIL 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
AkzoNobel Reveals 2016 Distributor Council
AkzoNobel’s Vehicle Refinishes announced on February 24 the members of its 2016 Distributor Council. The Distributor Council is a legacy activity of Vehicle Refinishes that spans its 30-year history in North America. Over this period of time, Vehicle Refinishes has looked to advisory bodies drawn from its distribution network to assist AkzoNobel in establishing frameworks for business practices as well as provide inspiration for creating new polices, products and programs. Those advisory bodies have gone under various names; however, the purpose of the group has remained constant….provide counsel.
Council Members are: Paul Fus – PF3 Paint Supply, Wixom Michigan Robbie Brinkley – C&D Auto Paint & Body, Thomasville, Georgia Doug Richau – Auto Color and Industrial Supply Peter Kilkenny – Providence Lacquer & Supply Centre, Cranston, Rhode Island Layla Maus – Gladwin Paint, Austin, Texas Kim Snyder – Body Parts Store, Inc. Des Moines, Iowa Peter DeLuca – Industrial Finishes
& Systems, Inc., Salt Lake City, Utah Don Treschak – Treschak Enterprises, Ltd., Welland, Ontario “The council, comprised of eight representatives throughout North America, is a visible and proactive sign that AkzoNobel’s Vehicle Refinishes business in North America is dedicated to distribution as our primary method of going to market,” said Dave Recknagel North America customer services manager. “As a result, we are constantly striving to innovate. This includes Go-To-Market business models which ensure that we are engaging, evolving and advancing practices and processes that enhance current relationships as well enable growth and expansion to create new.” Council members are asked to serve as ambassadors to other members of the AkzoNobel distribution network within specific geographic market sectors to ensure that information is received, delivered and comprehended in as equitable a manner as possible. The council physically meets three times a year with intermittent conference calls to help bridge time gaps or address critical and immediate issues. For information, call Bill Orr at 770- 441-8973.
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IABA February Meetings Address Changes to FLSA by Chasidy Rae Sisk
In February, the Indiana Auto Body Association (IABA) held five chapter meetings to present upcoming changes to the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). These presentations were delivered through the association’s Virtually Live (VLive) training initiative. According to IABA Executive Director Tony Passwater, these meetings were held to discuss “new regulations coming from the federal government over the next two to four months. The government will be making some major changes to the FLSA.” Currently, an employee must make a salary of $23,000 to be considered exempt, but the government is discussing raising that requirement to $50,000. Passwater predicts, “Shops will need to convert employees to hourly wages, making them eligible for overtime, or raise their salary over $50,000. Even if an employee makes the minimum amount, they’re still unlikely to pass the duty test that requires them to have direct reports to qualify for exempt status; 90% of positions within the collision repair industry don’t meet this requirement.” Passwater also discussed the importance of employee handbooks, re-
minding attendees that it’s not complete once it’s put together. “It must be legally correct, and shops must update their handbooks regularly because they will be held to it. Most importantly, the handbook must include arbitration clauses, or court costs could rise into the hundreds of thousands.” In addition to qualifying as a service business, a shop must pay its employees at least one-and-a-half times the minimum wage for them to be exempt. Shops must also require employees to clock in and out, even if they work on commission. “Many shops don’t do that which can allow employees to go to the labor board and say they’re working 5060 hours weekly,” Passwater warns. “The employee is always right if there’s no documentation.” Passwater also talked to attendees about protecting themselves in terms of liability, and he predicts that these new requirements will cause much concern in the next few months. The New Albany chapter held their meeting on Monday, February 8 at Tuckers, and the next day, the Bloomington chapter’s meeting took place at the Crazy Horse Food and Drink Emporium. The Fort Wayne chapter held their meeting at the Lucky Moose on Wednesday, and on Thursday, February 11, the Indiana NW
chapter held a morning meeting at Gino’s Steakhouse in Merrillville, IN, with the Indianapolis chapter holding their meeting that evening at Rick’s Boatyard and Café. Passwater said attendees responded well to the information shared, but attendance fluctuates drastically. While he believes there’s a lot of value in attending meetings and networking with peers, it is not necessary for shops to receive the education they need. The VLive concept was created because of the difficulty of finding speakers to travel to five locations in one week, so Passwater has begun interviewing industry speakers remotely or acquiring permission to use content which can be distributed electronically to IABA’s five chapters. Since meetings generally last no more than two hours, the VLive system also contains an online training portal that is free to members. Here, Passwater posts the full content of the educational sessions, giving industry professionals a chance to learn more at their convenience. Non-members ca purchase access to this useful information. Passwater says, “We want to create more value for our membership. We’re trying to get this information out there, regardless of attendance, and I see virtual learning as the future for all of IABA’s meetings.”
Tsunami Compressed Air Solutions Launches The Rove
Tsunami Compressed Air Solutions, a company that specializes in providing compressed air filtration and dryer products, announced a new product in its line of clean air solutions. The company, based in Minnesota, said The Rove was created to provide the industry with a versatile filtration and drying system that can be easily wheeled across a shop or transported to another location where dry air is required. “Its unique quick-connect design makes the system extremely user friendly and provides waterborne-ready air for point-of-use applications,” said Steve Thompson, sales manager, PBE. He said that depending on the facilities air consumption, The Rove can provide down to -80° dew points for the entire facility. Developed for release in March of 2016, Steve Thompson, said that The Rove is changing the way body shops deliver dry air to their applications. The company’s other products include the Ultra Drying System, Moisture Minder Automatic Drain, and Ultra-flo Spray Hose. For information, contact Chase Marshall, cmarshall@gosuburban.com, 800-782-5752 or www.tsunami.us.com.
WIN Announces 2016 Educational Conference Content and Celebration of 10th Anniversary
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The Women’s Industry Network (WIN) announced details of the 2016 Annual Educational Conference, scheduled to take place in Tampa, FL, May 2-4 at the Tampa Downtown Hilton. “Power of the Past-Force of the Future,” is the theme for the 10th annual conference. Olympian, Shannon Miller is the featured keynote speaker who will take main stage on May 3. Her message “The Gold Medal Mindset” will be heard by attendees from all segments of the collision repair industry. “I was there to see her claim the gold medal and now we will hear about her incredible journey to that professional accomplishment,” explained Yolanda Sandor, BASF, and co-chair of the Conference Planning Committee. Additional guest speakers include David Leuhr, Elite Body Solutions; Laurie Altman, VP 3M; Susan Lombardo, Sr. VP Vehicle Acquisitions – Enterprise Holdings; Collette Bruce, owner, Team Safety, LLC; Karen Fierst, principal, KarenOr Consultants; Jeff Peevy, president, Automotive Management
Institute (AMI), Kristen Felder, Engage Target Media and Mark Claypoole, chairman and CEO of Optima Automotive. In addition to the professional development that will be presented, attendees will also have an opportunity to participate in the annual WIN Scholarship Walk that benefits the WIN Scholarship Fund and hear from some of WIN’s founding members during a Q&A panel. The WIN Gala and Most Influential Women Reception will be held on May 2 to celebrate past recipients as well as the 2016 Most Influential Women Award Recipient, Michelle Sullivan, regional vice president of FinishMaster, Inc. Members registering before April 1 will receive a discounted rate of $400. For member registration after April 1, the rate is $450. Nonmembers may attend at a rate of $650 and attendance for the Most Influential Women Reception is $75 per person. For more information and to register, visit www.womensindustrynetwork.com.
www.autobodynews.com | APRIL 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 53
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Axalta’s Custom Finishesbmwusa.com Calendar Competition
Axalta is once again on the hunt for the very best in custom cars to feature in its annual Custom Finishes Calendar. Collision repair professionals, hot rodders and artists compete to appear in the custom calendar that Axalta Coating Systems has produced annually since 1993. If your car was painted with Axalta’s coatings, it might just
make the cover. Axalta is looking for motorized passenger vehicles including automobiles (imported or domestic), motorcycles and aircraft or watercraft that are finished with Axalta’s custom Cromax, Nason, Spies Hecker, Standox brands, or with Hot Hues products. The Axalta Custom Finishes 2016 Calendar Competition officially began at 12:01 a.m. EST on Monday, March 7 and ends at 11:59 p.m. EST on Tuesday, May 31. Entrants must own or have finished the vehicle they enter into the competition
and must provide two photographs of the vehicle. To enter online, visit the contest website, then select “Call for Entries,” and complete the registration Original BMW form in itsParts entirety. Properly submitted entries that meet all eligibility requirements are subject to the official rules of the contest. Judging will be based on “best use of color” includbmwusa.com ing finish quality, technical difficulty, design originality and artistic merit. Twelve winners will be selected on or before Monday, August 1. OriginalOne BMWgrand Parts prize winner will receive $1,000, a complimentary professional onsite photo shoot of the winning vehicle, cover position on the 2016 Custom Finishes Calendar, one calendar page highlight and 35 bmwusa.com copies of the 2016 calendar. Eleven first place winners will each receive $500 cash, a complimentary professional onsite photo shoot of the winning vehicle, one in-calendar page position and 35 copies of the 2016 Calendar. For more information on Axalta’s Custom Finishes 2016 Calendar Competition, including how to enter, visit axaltacalendars.com. The official rules are available at axaltacalendars.com/ competition/content-conditions.php.
(800) 564-8222 BMW Ramping Up in Autonomous Vehicle Space www.ncountybmw.com
Klaus Froehlich, BMW’s board with Mercedes Benz and Volkswagen member responsible for research and to buy Nokia’s HERE, a digital map development, told a remaker company. The porter from Reuters at idea was to create a platthe Geneva Auto Show form for cars to share North BMW that “it is aCounty core compedata on road conditions. tence to have the most BMW has already reintelligent car.” cently hired 200 people During the interto work on digital innoview,www.ncountybmw.com Froehlich devation at its facility in (800) plans 564-8222 scribed for an Chicago. Even with overhaul of the comthese hires, BMW will pany. This includes an likely need to increase its enormous boost in the number of soft- knowledge base substantially to comwareNorth and County computer pete with others in the autonomous veBMWprofessionals on the payroll. Currently, software engi- hicle space. neers make up just 20 perAccording to the report cent of 30,000 people that filed by Reuters, Froehlich work on research and develindicates that the company www.ncountybmw.com opment BMW. needs to improve its knowl(800)for 564-8222 “If I need to get to a edge of cloud computing ratio of 50:50 within five and analysis of data gathyears, I need to get manered by the vehicle’s senpower equivalent to ansors. other 15,000 to 20,000 “Our task is to preserve Klaus Froehlich, people from partnerships our business model withboard member with suppliers and elseout surrendering it to an responsible for where,” Froehlich said to Internet player,” Froehlich research and Reuters. told Reuters. “Otherwise development The news that BMW we will end up as the Foxat BMW will be developing an auconn for a company like tonomous vehicle doesn’t come out of Apple, delivering only the metal nowhere. Last year, BMW partnered bodies for them.”
Larson Electronics Releases Two New Products
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“This new portable light tower is a self-contained lighting solution designed to be easily deployed for applications such as emergency rescue, fire, police, and utility maintenance,” said Rob Bresnahan, CEO of Larson Electronics. “For storage and transport, the light assembly and tower can be stored within the wheeled case, aiding in mobility and providing operators with a compact lighting solution when storage space is of the essence.” Larson Electronics also announced the release of a four-watt
Class 1 Division 2 LED strip light equipped with a 20-foot cord terminated with a standard two wire flying lead. The HAL-6-IPS-LED-20 hazardous location LED strip light from Larson Electronics is designed for applications where Class 1 Division 2 compliance is required. “Featuring a low profile design, this fixture provides optimal light output for applications requiring hazardous location classifications,” said Bresnahan. “The adjustable moun-ting brackets make this hazardous area LED light versatile and is a perfect solution for applications with common exposure to wetness or dusty conditions.” To learn more about Larson Electronics, visit www.Larsonelectronics .com or call 1-800-369-6671. Larson Electronics will be attending the 2016 OTC show in Houston, Texas from May 2-5. Visit them at booth 6716 to inquire about their lighting solutions for many industrial applications.
www.autobodynews.com | APRIL 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 55
56 APRIL 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com