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AUTOBODYNEWS.COM Vol. 38 / Issue 10 / October 2020
Toby Chess: 40-Plus Years of Service to the Industry He Loves
Toby Chess Says SOPs, Industry Training & Networking are Key to Body Shops’ Future Success
by Ed Attanasio
by Stacey Phillips
If you’ve been in the world of body shops for more than a few years, you likely know the name Toby Chess. He’s the smiling bearded guy who brings gifts to people—and no, he’s not Santa Claus. His story all began in a salvage yard and has turned into a fantastic career of teaching, mentoring and helping the collision repair industry and other people on many levels. Chess, 75, has given his life to others through several channels and
Several weeks ago, a local body shop owner asked Toby Chess to help set up a welder to repair an aluminum deck lid on a Mercedes-Benz. When Chess arrived at the facility, he quickly realized the technician didn’t have an understanding of the process to repair the vehicle. As a result, Chess created a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the shop, laying out the steps to get the job done. Since then, Chess has created more than 30 SOPs for the collision repair industry and has been
See Toby Chess, Page 12
Toby has been involved in First Responders’ auto body extraction for many years.
‣ See Nonprofit Finds, Matches Living Organ Donors , Page 60
Toby’s SCRS presentations are often hands -on and use attendees to push concepts.
sharing them with shops across the country. See Training & Networking, Page 14
• Toby Chess: Best Practice for Air Conditioning Repair, R&I and Replacement, Page 60 • Toby Chess: Best Practice for Pre and Post Scans, Page 60
Expert Predicts Auto Industry Could Take 2 Years to Rebound to Pre-Pandemic Sales Levels
CAA More Essential than Ever, Director Rick Johnson Explains
by Dave Boucher, Detroit Free Press
by Ed Attanasio
It’s going to take at least two years for auto manufacturers to restore the sales and production numbers seen before the start of the coronavirus pandemic, an industry expert told Michigan lawmakers in Lansing on Sept. 2. Despite successful efforts from suppliers and manufacturers to keep their doors open and employees safe, staffing shortages and some overall drop in demand means the industry
The automotive industry did not take as big of a hit as many predicted due to the coronavirus pandemic. But experts and analysts told Michigan lawmakers on Sept. 2 their future is still a bit tenuous. Credit: Eric Seals, Detroit Free Press See Pre-Pandemic Sales, Page 23
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ing to CAA has become increasingly clear and critical to the industry as a California Autobody Association whole,” Johnson wrote in a recent let(CAA) Executive Director Rick ter to members. Johnson thought he had CAA’s mission has alseen it all during his 40ways been to enable the plus years in the industry— auto body industry to suruntil now. vive and prosper by helping These are surely unusuits members to produce a al times, he said, but by leadquality repair for the coning the way and keeping his sumer at a fair price for a troops informed, CAA and fair profit, Johnson said. its board are actively work- CAA Executive Director But now, with more uncerRick Johnson ing toward returning to a new tain times ahead, CAA is “normal.” more important than ever, The COVID-19 has impacted he said. every type of business nationwide, Now into the pandemic’s sevand collision repair in California is enth month with no definitive end in no exception. Johnson has seen some sight, body shops are going to have shops taking big hits and furloughing to navigate through new situations employees, while many are still doing that didn’t exist before. 70% to 80% of their pre-pandemic “That is why you need an orgavolume. nization like CAA, because there “As California’s auto body shops is power in numbers,” he said. “In have had to make it through the diffi- order to better serve our members, cult and unexpected challenges of the we offer invaluable benefits includSee CAA More Essential, Page 18 global pandemic, the value of belong-
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