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Two MSOs Team Up for North Bay, CA, Fire Relief by Ed Attanasio
Most of the time, Cook’s Collision and Mike’s Auto Body, two of the largest body shop chains in the Bay Area, are friendly competitors. But when the Napa, Sonoma and Santa Rosa communities called out for assistance after the North Bay fires that destroyed 3,500 structures and killed 40 people in By calling out to employees, friends and customers, Cook’s October, both companies were Collision and Mike’s Auto Body delivered two large moving more than willing to work to- trucks and two pickup trucks full of supplies to the victims gether and help those in need. of the North Bay fires This collaboration illustrated that when tragedies occur, there See CA Fire Relief, Page 28
SCRS Panel Tackles Major Topics at 2017 SEMA
Well, in this case, things got a little heated and the language became a little spicy, but in the end, the infor-
See SCRS Panel, Page 12
P.O. BOX 1516, CARLSBAD, CA 92018
What happens when two lawyers, an OEM and a former body shop owner talk about the hottest topics in the collision repair industry?
mation offered was invaluable for those in attendance. On Nov. 2, at this year’s SEMA Show, the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) presented a fourperson panel forum titled “The Hidden Dangers of Vehicle Technology, Improper Repair Methodology and Your Liabilities.” The panel, which was moderated by John Ellis, the managing director at Ellis & Associates, featured two attorneys—Todd Tracy of the Tracy Law Firm and Erica Eversman of Vehicle Information Services, in addition to Mark Allen, collision programs director of Audi of America and Aaron Clark, a
Change Service Requested
by Ed Attanasio
VOL. 35 ISSUE 12 DECEMBER 2017
Attorney Who Sued Texas Body Shop Urges Shops to Stand Up to Insurance Companies by John Yoswick
Shortly after gaining notoriety within the industry in 2013 for suing State
Texas attorney Todd Tracy told shops at SEMA in Las Vegas in November what they can do to avoid a suit like the one he brought against a shop for failure to follow OEM repair procedures
Farm over its mandated use of PartsTrader, Mississippi attorney John Eaves was speaking to shops during SEMA week in Las Vegas, recruiting participants for lawsuits against insurers that he said would revolution-
ize the industry. Four years later almost to the day, Texas attorney Todd Tracy told shops in a packed Las Vegas ballroom during this year’s SEMA that his recent $42 million lawsuit against a dealership body shop—and a subsequent related lawsuit against State Farm—also potentially marks the start of a profound shift for collision repairers. “This is a defining moment in your industry,” Tracy said. “You have a verdict that can change the industry.” Tracy was careful to point out that his goal isn’t to sue body shops for failure to follow OEM repair procedures, the basis of his legal victory against John Eagle Collision Center. Instead, like Eaves, Tracy has insurance companies in his legal crosshairs. See Stand Up, Page 22
Where Do OE Certification Programs Go Now, in a Post-John Eagle World? by Gary Ledoux
The John Eagle verdict that occurred back in October, and the $42M judgement for the plaintiffs, Matthew and Marcia Seebachan, who were severely injured in an incorrectly repaired Honda Fit was, no doubt, the biggest collision industry story of the year—if not the decade. Subsequently, shops have become acutely aware of the severe liability they open themselves up to when a repair is not performed according to OE procedures. Shops have a huge stake in this game. After all, when you come right down to it, the choice to follow OE procedures and a correct repair, or not, is solely up to the shop – the technician and shop owner or manager. But the OE’s have a big stake too. An OE’s brand is on the line at a cer-
tified shop. When a consumer sees an OE emblem attached to a shop’s office wall or on their website, they assume it is a quality shop and their car, the second largest investment they have, will be repaired correctly and safely. Consumers trust the OE brand – so the OE must be able to trust the shop. Unfortunately, there are so many other forces that drive the industry and may have an over-riding effect, even on those shops that are OE certified. On October 3, 2017, the day after the $42M verdict was rendered, the industry entered the post-John Eagle era. Times have changed. So where do we go from here? How does the industry make sure this doesn’t happen again? What role will the OE’s play? Will OE certification programs adapt and change with this paradigm shift? See Post John Eagle, Page 20
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2 DECEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
Contents
NATIONAL 3M Automotive Aftermarket Division to Hold Silent Auction Featuring Custom-Painted Hoods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Auto Care Association Names Kirsten Zaremba New Senior Director, Marketing. . . . . . . . . . 70 Automotive Collision Repair Market Is Projected To Be Around $246.78 Billion By 2022 . . . . 60 AWDA Presents Annual Awards Honoring Excellence in the Automotive Aftermarket Industry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Axalta Coating Systems New Products: Cromax EZ, Acquire Quantum EFX, and
Cromax Chromapremier Pro Ultra Performance Primer Filler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Caliber Collision Creates New Executive Roles to Accelerate Teammate & Client Satisfaction . . 63 Certified Collision Group™ Now Fifth-Largest Collision Repair Services Organization in U.S.72 CIC: New Vehicle Technologies Bringing Fresh Challenges for Collision Repairers. . . . . . . . . 4 Eleventh Circuit Restores Auto Body Shop Antitrust Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Estimating Tip: Mitchell, CCC, Audatex— Storing Electrical Presets and Redeploying Customer Presets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Fighting for Safer Auto Repairs in Texas, ABAT Hosts Todd Tracy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Gerber Collision & Glass Establishes a Presence in Tennessee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 GFS Now Offering Consulting Services for Improving Shop Throughput . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 GFS Partners with RollSeal to Offer Durable and Affordable Fabric Roll-Up Doors . . . . . . 64 Guidewire Software Announces Enterprise as New Solution Alliance Partner . . . . . . . . 60 I-CAR Honors Contributions to Collision Repair Industry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 I-CAR Honors Gene Scambray with Chairman’s Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Me & My Car: ’49 Chevy Pickup In Better Shape Than When New . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Milton Unveils Modular, Auto-Draining Filter-Regulator-Lubricator Line . . . . . . . . . . 72 Mitchell Providing Collision Repair Industry Instant Access to Real-Time VIN-Specific Recall Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 More than $600,000 in School Grants through CREF. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 NABC Receives Prestigious National Power of A—Summit Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Nationwide Achieves I-CAR Insurance Gold Class Corporate Status . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 New Federal Report Highlights Demand in the Skills Trade, Automotive . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 New I-CAR Hands-On Skills Development Courses Launched . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 New Metalux® Platinum Primer Delivers Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Reports of AkzoNobel Approaching Axalta about Possible Merger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 SCRS Panel Tackles Major Topics at 2017 SEMA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Second Annual “Insurer Report Card” Now Open . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Three Driven Brands Companies Named to Elite Franchising Times for Top 200 Ranking . 63 WIA Plans 4th Conference; 2nd Conference in 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 WIN Announces Opening of Most Influential Women Nominations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 WIN Jumps in the Tank with Traci Brown. . . . . 75 Wizards Products Introduces the ‘Wizard 12 Big Throw Mini’ Orbital Polisher . . . . . . . 60 Young Auto Care Professionals Seeking Professional Development, Education, Mentorship, Join YANG. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
On Oct. 9, five homes in Santa Rosa’s Fountaingrove community belonging to the family of the late Gene Crozat, founder of Santa Rosa-based G&C
The Crozat family will rebuild their homes but, for now, 13 of them are living in the same house. Credit: Jihan Cerda Photography
Auto Body, burned to the ground in the North Bay, CA, fires. Sons Patrick, Josh and Shawn Crozat, as well as daughter Jamie Crozat-Keck, and their mother, Teri, lost their homes. Teri had just recently purchased a home in Fountaingrove to be near her children and grandchildren, but had yet to move into it when it burned down. When the fires hit, several of the siblings were in Charlotte, NC, at a NASCAR race as guests of PPG. The phone rang at their hotel around 3 a.m. telling them that their homes were in imminent danger and that their mother and children were being evacuated immediately. By the time they landed in
Publisher & Editor: Jeremy Hayhurst General Manager: Barbara Davies Contributing Writers: John Yoswick, Janet Chaney, Toby Chess, Ed Attanasio, Chasidy Sisk, David Luehr, Stacey Phillips, Victoria Antonelli, Gary Ledoux Advertising Sales: Joe Momber, Sean Hartman, Bill Doyle, Norman Morano (800) 699-8251 Office Manager: Louise Tedesco Digital Marketing Manager: Bill Pierce Art Director: Rodolfo Garcia Graphic Designer: Michelle Lucas Online and Web Content Editor: Rochelle Beckel Accounting Manager: Heather Priddy Sales Assistant: Randi Scholtes
A Few Old Shops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Anchorage Chrysler-Dodge-JeepRam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Audi Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . .61 AutoNation Chrysler-Jeep-DodgeRam-Fiat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Axalta Coating Systems . . . . . . . .2,23 BMW Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . .73 Bob Smith BMW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 Bob Smith MINI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 Capitol Subaru . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76 Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA) . . . . . . . . . . .19 ChemSpec USA, LLC. . . . . . . . . . . .18 Chevrolet of Anchorage. . . . . . . . . . .9 Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram of Seattle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74 Colortone Automotive Paints . . . . . .28 Cutter Auto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 Dave Smith Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 DCH Auto Group Temecula . . . . . . .14 Del Grande Dealer Group . . . . . .16-17 Dent Magic Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Downtown Motors of LA (Audi, VW, Porsche) . . . . . . . . . . .53 ECS Automotive Concepts . . . . . . .10 Enterprise Rent-A-Car . . . . . . . . . . .34 Equalizer Industries, Inc. . . . . . . . . .33 First Auto Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Ford of Kirkland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 Ford Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . .57 Galpin Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 Glenn E. Thomas Dodge-ChryslerJeep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 GM Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . .71 Haddad Dodge-Kia . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 Herkules Equipment Corporation . .32 Honda-Acura Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38-39
See Family Loses 5 Homes, Page 6
Serving California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming. Autobody News is a monthly publication for the collision industry. Permission to reproduce in any form the material published in Autobody News must be obtained in writing from the publisher. ©2017 Adamantine Media LLC. Autobody News P.O. Box 1516 Carlsbad, CA 92018 (800) 699-8251 (760) 603-3229 Fax www.autobodynews.com editor@autobodynews.com
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COLUMNS Attanasio - 3M Hosts Reunion of 10 of the World’s Best Car Painters at SEMA . . . . . . . 48 Attanasio - SEMA Announces Collision Repair & Refinish New Product Award Winners . . . 18 Attanasio - WD-40 Features Boosted Bronco at SEMA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Attanasio - WyoTech Launches Alumni Association at SEMA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Ledoux - Early Industry Pioneers Left Their Mark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Ledoux - Post-Repair Inspectors: Their Past and Possible Future . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Phillips - AkzoNobel Meeting Held in CA to Help Shops Become ‘Repairers of Choice’. . 40 Phillips - Military Veteran Attributes Shop’s Success to Building Lifelong Relationships with Customers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Yoswick - Information Providers Made it Clear Five Years Ago Shops Can’t Opt-Out of Data Collection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
by Ed Attanasio
Index of Advertisers
REGIONAL Antelope, CA, Man Sentenced to Year in Prison for Selling Counterfeit Airbags . . . . . . 6 Antonelli - CTEC in OR Adds Collision Repair Program with State-of-the-Art Equipment, Facilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 CAWA Installs 2018 Officers of the Board of Directors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 CIF Extends Assistance to Victims of Puerto Rico and CA Natural Disasters. . . . . 75 Fix Auto USA Announces Two New CA Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Fix Auto USA Welcomes New San Diego Location. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Kim’s Auto Body in Santa Clara, CA, Provides Customer-Focused Collision Repair Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Prominent Body Shop Owner’s Family Loses Five Homes in North Bay, CA, Fires . . . . . . . 3 Roadtrip Nation Hosts Event for CA High Schoolers Interested in STEM, Auto Industry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Southland, CA, Shop Owner Sentenced to State Prison in $180,000 Fraud Case . . . . . . 9 Two MSOs Team Up for North Bay, CA, Fire Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Wheels ‘n Windmills Distributes $15,000 to Charitable Groups in Solvang, CA . . . . . . . . . 8
Prominent Body Shop Owner’s Family Loses Five Homes in North Bay, CA, Fires
Hyundai of Kirkland . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 Hyundai of Seattle . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 Hyundai Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52 Insta Finish Car Care . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Kearny Mesa Subaru-Hyundai . . . . .69 Kia Motors Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58-59 Matrix Automotive Finishes . . . . . . . .5 Mazda Wholesale Parts Dealers . . .66 MINI Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . .72 Mitsubishi Wholesale Parts Dealers . .46 MOPAR Wholesale Parts Dealers . . .41 Moss Bros. Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge . .31 MWMtools.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 Nicolosi Distributing, Inc. . . . . . . . . . .6 Nissan/Infiniti Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 Penske Hyundai . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Polyvance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Porsche Wholesale Parts Dealers . .60 ProLine Tool & Supply, Inc . . . . . . . .15 Puente Hills Subaru . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Riverside Kia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Roy Robinson Subaru . . . . . . . . . . .49 SATA Dan-Am Company . . . . . . . . .11 Shingle Springs Subaru . . . . . . . . . .54 Sierra Chevrolet-Honda-Subaru . . . .63 Spanesi Americas . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Subaru Wholesale Parts Dealers . . .67 Tacoma Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep-Ram .25 The Bay Area Automotive Group . . .51 USI of North America . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Valley Auto Dismantlers Association, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Volkswagen Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68 Volvo Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . .66 Wizards Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
www.autobodynews.com | DECEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 3
CIC: New Vehicle Technologies Bringing Fresh Challenges for Collision Repairers by John Yoswick
New challenges posed for collision repairers by increasingly complex vehicle technology were discussed during several presentations at the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) held in Las Vegas during SEMA week in early November. “I would challenge you, whether you are a repair facility [relying on] the dash light, or if you are an insurer that is still saying, ‘I’m not going to perform a post-scan because the light isn’t on.” There are very valid reasons why that light might not be on,” committee chairman Clint Marlow, an Allstate executive, said. Automakers at previous CIC meetings had outlined that not all of the hundreds of potential diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that many vehicles
Allstate’s Clint Marlow said shops and insurers shouldn’t decide not to conduct post-repair scanning based solely on a lack of dash lights being lit
track are even tied to a specific dash light. But Marlow said dash lights also might not be triggered by temporary disruptions to a system’s functionality, such as the spray from a passing truck momentarily disabling the lane-departure sensors and system. Having dash lights not continually coming on and off can help build consumer confidence in the systems, he said. But members of the committee in Las Vegas also noted that many DTCs found in a post-repair inspection may not be related to the claim or repair process. Matthew McDonnell, CEO of three Big Sky Collision shops in Montana, said he sees opportunity for shops and insurers to work together when such codes are found in a prerepair scan. That’s an opportunity for you [as a shop] to bring that information to [the insurer] and say, ‘How would you like me to proceed with this,’” McDonnell said. “Because each case is going to be different, [so don’t] put the customer in the middle in the begin-
ning. Maybe it’s an opportunity to win a customer over because together we’re going to go ahead and [handle the issue] anyway. We leave that in [the insurers’] ball court. That builds trust.” Virginia shop owner Barry Dorn said some vehicles have date and time stamps that help clarify which are claim-related and which are not. “That takes my opinion and your opinion and everyone’s opinion out. It is what it is,” Dorn said. Discussion throughout the meeting also emphasized the importance of vehicle scanning. McDonnell said a recent pre-repair scan during the blueprinting process in one of his shops included a recommendation to check a rear camera on the vehicle; upon close inspection, he said, it was determined the camera was damaged. “When would be the best time to find that out? After the car was delivered? Or during that disassembly?” McDonnell said, noting that finding it any later in the process could have impacted cycle time and customer satisfaction. But scanning has to be done hand-in-hand with checking the automaker repair procedures, Jake Rodenroth of asTech said during another CIC committee presentation. He said he learned through OEM procedures that replacing the muffler on a BMW X5, for example, requires hooking up the vehicle to a scan tool. Similarly, Audi’s OEM procedures spell out that there are two windshield options for the 2016 A6, and the VIN alone will not indicate which is needed.
Montana shop owner Matthew McDonnell said shops often need OEM training not only for their own employees, but in order to help train insurance adjusters and other shops in their market
“It requires a visual inspection to determine which camera kit it has,” Rodenroth said. “So how would you know that if you don’t research the OEM procedures? In reality, you’d probably only find out at the end that you put the wrong windshield in the
4 DECEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
car. This is just one example of how the business is changing and that we cannot assume things.” Marlow said another area of agreement among the “Insurer-Repairer Relations Committee” has been the need for “a mechanism for the industry—
Virginia shop owner Barry Dorn said automaker systems that time stamp diagnostic trouble codes make it easier to determine which are related to a claim or repair process
both insurers and repairers—to bubble up questions [to the automakers] about repair procedures, or to recommend changes to repair procedures as technologies evolve.” He said I-CAR is increasingly serving in that role. “Vehicle makers will take our feedback,” Jason Bartanen, director of industry technical relations for I-CAR, said at the CIC meeting. “We’ve had several instances where we’ve escalated issues to a vehicle manufacturer, laid out some ideas for improved repairability, and that’s been very well received.” He cited an example of a Honda CR-V for which Honda originally serviced the inner quarter panel only as a complete assembly. “That created a very intrusive repair, having to replace that inner quarter panel and inner wheel house even when there’s just damage to the wheel house area,” Bartanen said. “We had that exact type of damage on a vehicle: the lower part of the wheelhouse. We purchased the part, and noticed a nice factory joint. We documented our repair process…and escalated that to Honda and got approval for that procedure. That’s just one example of how the vehicle manufacturers are listening and will take the feedback that the industry has and will try to make improvements, when possible.” Montana shop owner McDonnell was also a participant in another panel discussion at CIC that, although focused on government regulation regarding autonomous vehicles, drifted into other related areas. McDonnell said
that for shops, a key challenge to working on autonomous vehicles will be the same as working with any new vehicle technology: training. He said training was his sole goal in pursuing Tesla shop certification for his business. “The return on that investment is: never,” McDonnell said, drawing laughter from CIC attendees. “But we want to know how to fix those cars. I think I represent a large pool of people out there that may not want [some] OEM certifications, but do want to know how to fix the cars.” His company needs that training for more than just his own employees, he said. “We’re not only training our folks, but we [end up] training adjusters because they don’t have this information available to them,” he said. “We might be training our market, too. Something we see that’s frustrating is when we’re fixing a vehicle using OEM procedures, and then [are told], ‘Well, the dealership doesn’t do that, and shouldn’t they have more information than you, because you’re just an independent?’” McDonnell said even if autonomous vehicles don’t cause accidents, that won’t prevent the industry from needing the training to work on them. It will be decades before the majority of vehicles on the roads are autonomous, for example, and autonomous vehicles will be hit and damaged by non-autonomous vehicles during that transition. Hail storms, too, will result in the vehicles coming into shops. Panelist Wayne Weikel of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers said given that automakers will be accepting liability for accidents caused by their autonomous vehicles, the technology will mean other changes for shops. “There will be a need to document how the vehicle is being repaired, and to what standards,” he said. “How all that is going to be recorded and maintained…through the life of the vehicle…is something that hasn’t really been contemplated yet.” John Yoswick, a freelance writer based in Portland, OR, who has been writing about the automotive industry since 1988, is also the editor of the weekly CRASH Network (www.CrashNetwork.com). He can be contacted by email at john@CrashNetwork.com.
www.autobodynews.com | DECEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 5
Roadtrip Nation Hosts Event for CA High Schoolers Interested in STEM, Auto Industry
Hundreds of Inland Empire high schoolers and teachers got a private screening of Roadtrip Nation’s new documentary, “Changing Gears.” Roadtrip Nation is renowned for its New York Times best-selling career guide and award-winning documentary television series. The event, hosted at Universal Technical Institute’s Rancho Cucamonga campus, also offered a day of hands-on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) workshops for students interested in learning more about careers in the automotive and diesel industries. The special event held in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, complete with an iconic 1985 green RV emblazoned with the motto “Define Your Own Road in Life,” was geared at promoting career exploration, and is part of an RV tour to UTI campuses nationwide. Changing Gears, which airs on public television stations nationally, follows three aspiring technicians on a 1,000-mile journey that introduces them to legendary car enthusiasts and automotive and diesel technicians, including Roger Penske, founder and chairman of the Penske Corporation, Continued from Page 3
Family Loses 5 Homes
Oakland that afternoon, all of their homes were completely gone and the entire family was homeless. “I never imagined that this could happen to all of us like this, so we’re still in shock and trying to deal with the tragedy,” Shawn Crozat said. “Currently, 13 of us are living at my
mother’s former home and staying positive. None of our shops were seriously threatened by the fire, so we will come back from this, but it’s a life-changer, that’s for sure.” Luckily, Teri was watching Shawn and Govinda’s children that evening. When a neighbor pounded on the door at 11:45, their oldest, 11-year-old Maddie, answered. She woke Teri, gathered
and Dennis McCarthy, picture car coordinator for the Fast & Furious movies. In addition to the screening, high schoolers were able to speak with local employer partners to learn more about the demand for automotive and diesel technicians in the Inland Empire and tour UTI-Rancho’s state-ofthe-industry campus. 200+ local high schoolers participated in hands-on STEM workshops and private screening of Roadtrip Nation’s new documentary, Changing Gears 1985 RV. Rapid advances in transportation technology mean today’s technicians must have an evolving set of hightech skills. The pace of technological change, in tandem with the technician shortage already facing the nation, has led many in the field to fear that the number of students entering training programs won’t be enough to meet the future needs of this growing industry. Changing Gears strives to increase exposure to the field in an inventive new way, presenting an inspiring exploration of the automotive and diesel industries, and the career opportunities in the technician trade.
very few belongings, woke her younger brothers and they were able to get out of the house just in time, with the fires dangerously close. “She grabbed our passports and birth certificates and left everything else behind,” Shawn Crozat said. “We lost everything, but no one was hurt, which is of course the most important thing.” Always a leader when it comes to helping the 13 communities in which they do business, the Crozat family is distributing supplies to fire victims on an ongoing basis, Shawn Crozat explained. “We currently have a 22,000square-foot building dedicated to collecting, storing and sorting supplies and three full-time employees doing the work. We’ve always believed that if we are in a position to help others, we will do whatever we can,” Shawn Crozat said. G&C Auto Body’s Community Outreach Coordinator, Carlynn Tocchini, started working right after the fires and is still on the job, the company’s Outreach Program Director, Govinda Crozat, explained. “Carlynn has been amazing, reachSee Family Loses 5 Homes, Page 27
6 DECEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
Antelope, CA, Man Sentenced to Year in Prison for Selling Counterfeit Airbags
Vitaliy Fedorchuk, 28, of Antelope, CA, was sentenced Oct. 4 by United States District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller to one year and one day in prison and a $5,000 fine for an international scheme to sell counterfeit airbags via eBay and other internet sales sites, United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. According to court documents, between June 23, 2014, and July 27, 2016, Fedorchuk offered for sale airbag modules, covers, and manufacturer emblems at his eBay online store, redbarnautoparts. Fedorchuk falsely advertised that the counterfeit airbags were original equipment from major automobile manufacturers such as Honda, Fiat, Chrysler, Nissan, Toyota, GMC and Ford. During the scheme, Fedorchuk sold hundreds of counterfeit airbags and obtained more than $95,000. Fedorchuk was ordered to pay $1,334 in restitution to identified victims in this case. This case was the product of an investigation by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Rodriguez prosecuted the case.
CAWA Installs 2018 Officers of the Board of Directors
At the CAWA 2017 annual dinner meeting, held in conjunction with Industry Week in Las Vegas, Jack Gosnell of Next Level Parts, Inc. was installed as the Association’s 2018 Chair of the Board. Other officers installed included: Vice-Chair Dan Hanson Jr. of Hanson Distributing Company; Treasurer Matthias Kopecky of SSF Imported Auto Parts; Secretary Tom Seboldt of O’Reilly Auto Parts and; Immediate Past Chair Michael Antonelli of Vantage Marketing Global. The dinner was once again exclusively sponsored by Motorcar Parts of America, and all proceeds from the event will go to CAWA’s Memorial Scholarship Fund. The keynote speaker of the evening was Ted Wise, former COO and Co-President of O’Reilly Auto Parts, who gave an informative and compelling presentation regarding the evolution of O’Reilly’s and how it corresponded to the evolution of the auto parts industry. Next year’s event will be held, as is customary, the Sunday night (Oct. 28, 2018) before the AAPEX and SEMA Shows. For further information regarding these events, contact programs@cawa.org.
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www.autobodynews.com | DECEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 7
Wheels ‘n Windmills Distributes $15,000 to Charitable Groups in Solvang, CA Bob Stokes, president of the board, told the assembled group the organizaArea schools and a research organiza- tion has been holding the car show for tion were the beneficiaries of $22,000 19 years, with the first six shows held on distributed Oct. 16 by the organizers the Avenue of Flags in Buellton before of the 13th annual Wheels ‘n Wind- it was moved to Solvang. mills car show that was held in August The first show in 1998 drew 80 in downtown Solvang, CA. cars, he said. This year, more than 300 vehicles were signed up. “Last year, we reached a milestone. We hit $250,000,” Stokes said, adding the show this year almost pushed the funds raised and distributed to charity since the show was launched to $300,000. Santa Ynez Valley Union High School received the lion’s share of the funds raised this year, with $10,000 presented to Rob Hill, the automotive meTammy Misner tells Wheels ‘n Windmills President chanics teacher, for the purBob Stokes and members of the audience about how chase of a compressor for the important the $2,000 donation from the organization new paint booth added to the is to the Progeria Research Foundation. Credit: Mike program this year. Hodgson In addition to teaching stuSome of the members of the dents to work on a wide range of vehiWheels ‘n Windmills board of direc- cles, the Pirate Garage program includes tors brought their classic cars to Santa the Pirate Racing Team, whose pit crew Ynez Valley Union High School for is made up of students. the distribution of checks to represenMany of those students were in the tatives of four schools and the Proge- audience wearing their orange and black ria Research Foundation. team shirts. by Mike Hodgson, Lompoc Record
8 DECEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
A donation of $3,500 went to the Santa Maria High School automotive program, which is in the process of rebuilding under industrial arts teacher Matt Almaguer after losing its previous instructor to health problems. Stokes noted Santa Maria High also has had a racing program and
Representatives of Solvang Elementary School received $5,000 to help with after-school programs and the administration of art and music programs for Valley schools. Another $2,000 was presented to Tammy Misner for the Progeria Research Foundation, which seeks a cure to the rare congenital disorder that causes rapid, premature aging among children. Stokes noted that previously this year, the organization joined forces with the Vikings of Solvang to purchase a van that was presented to the Senior Center during the car show. He added that the highperformance crate motor that was raffled off was won by a Classic cars owned by members of the Wheels ‘n Solvang sheriff’s deputy and Windmills organization sit outside the Santa Ynez has already been installed in Valley Union High School administration building a 1959 Chevy El Camino that while donations from the car show are distributed will be on display in next outside. Credit: Mike Hodgson year’s Wheels ‘n Windmills needed help replacing items that went show. “missing in action” while it was on hiaThat show has been tentatively tus. set for August 25, but the date must be Lompoc High School automotive approved by the city before it becomes instructor Mike Johnson was presented final. with the $1,500 the program needed to We thank the Lompoc Record for purchase parts. reprint permission.
Southland, CA, Shop Owner Sentenced to State Prison in $180,000 Fraud Case Hani Abujudeh, 55, of Rancho Cucamonga, CA, was the leader of an auto insurance fraud scheme. On Nov. 2, he was sentenced to six years in state prison for involvement in the scheme in which he filed more than 35 fraudulent claims, manipulated used car odometers and vehicle titles to make the vehicles appear more valuable and then used false identities of other victims to sell those cars on Craigslist and Auto Trader to unsuspecting customers. Abujudeh pleaded guilty to seven felony counts, including auto insurance fraud, money laundering, perjury, false impersonation and grand theft. Abujudeh was required to pay victim restitution in the full amount of $183,475.22. The victims included 15 individuals and four insurance companies who appeared in court yesterday to receive their restitution checks. “California is ground zero for auto insurance fraud, which is paid for by consumers when insurers pass along their fraud losses through higher premiums,” said Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones. “Thanks to the hard work of our investigators at the Department of Insurance, our taskforce partners, and the San Bernardino District Attorney’s office, Abujudeh’s crimes were
exposed and he was successfully prosecuted.” An investigation by the Inland Empire Auto Insurance Fraud Task Force, led by the Department of Insurance, revealed Abujudeh, owner and operator of Perfect Auto Detailers, filed more than 35 claims on his company insurance policy, claiming various fictitious employees crashed customer vehicles as they were being moved. Abujudeh claimed the vehicles were being taken to his shop for auto detailing when the collisions occurred. During a search warrant conducted at Abujudeh’s residence, 25 fraudulent California drivers’ licenses were recovered with Abujudeh’s picture on them, as well as evidence of the various fraudulent insurance claims and vehicle sales. By following the title transfers on each of these vehicles, the team began to unravel the complex web of fraud involving Abujudeh and his co-defendants. Investigators revealed the licenses were used by Abujudeh in various curbstoning and grand theft schemes. “This prosecution is a prime example of how much can be accomplished when our law enforcement agencies network their information and resources,” said San Bernardino Deputy District At-
torney Karen Parker-Parent. “Because Mr. Abujudeh used so many different identities in the many various auto insurance fraud schemes he committed, it would’ve been difficult for any one agency alone to identify the perpetrator.” Task force investigators found Abujudeh conspired with additional suspects Eduardo Hernandez, 27, of Rancho Cucamonga, Francisco Aguilera, 26, of Santa Paula, and Dane Santibanez, 29, of Rancho Cucamonga, to damage their vehicles in order to use the insurance proceeds to get their vehicles painted for free by Abujudeh. The Inland Empire Auto Insurance Fraud Task Force consists of detectives from the California Department of Insurance, the California Highway Patrol and the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office. The California Department of Motor Vehicles, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and the Department of Homeland Security Investigations joined the investigation with other open cases against Abujudeh. The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) assisted the department in working with the many insurance carriers involved. The San Bernardino District Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case.
Estimating Tip: Mitchell, CCC, Audatex—Storing Electrical Presets and Redeploying Customer Presets
Modern vehicle technology may have memory function set by the vehicle owner, which may need to be considered during the repair process. Memory functions may include the following: seat position, radio presets, clock, mirrors and ADAS features (Advance Drivers Assist Systems). Customers rely on these settings being restored as they were when the vehicle arrived to the repair facility. Documenting and resetting these features are NOT included in labor times from all three estimating systems. A good check-in process will document these settings prior to starting repairs, as well as communication with the vehicle owner to make them aware of the possibility of losing certain presets during the repair process. 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.
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www.autobodynews.com | DECEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 9
Fix Auto USA Welcomes New San Diego Location
Fix Auto USA announced its continued expansion with the addition of Fix Auto Sports Arena, bringing the total number of Fix Auto franchise locations to 117. Fix Auto Sports Arena, the 10th location in the San Diego market and the 64th in California, is owned and operated by Mark Gruwell, who also operates Fix Auto Mission Valley. “I originally joined Fix Auto USA because I wanted to secure the future of my body shop,” stated Gruwell. “Today, I am able to grow and expand my operations to include a second location because I know I have the full support of Fix Auto USA and can leverage their established platform for long-term success, and that’s very comforting to me.” “We’ve developed a platform to allow independently owned and operated body shops the ability to grow and thrive in a competitive market,” said Fix Auto President and CEO Paul Gange. “Working with Mark and his team to grow their business and expand to a second location has been fulfilling for all of us here at Fix Auto USA.”
WIA Plans 4th Conference; 2nd Conference in 2017
cult to travel to Orlando. We’re hoping to attract 200 attendees for our For the first time ever, Women in Au- debut West Coast event. Nothing tomotive (WIA) will host two con- happens unless you try!” ferences within the same year to help The two-day seminar will provide accommodate its West Coast mem- a variety of educational opportunities bers. pertaining to leadership, personal development, sales and marketing. WIA is also excited to offer a breakout session on driving sales for dealers. However, Roman Prize winner from WIA’s summer 2017 stressed, “Our event isn’t conference just for dealers. It’s for any- females to work in, but we try to proone working with dealers vide women with the tools to stick and women in particular. with it,” Roman noted. It’s a really cool event with WIA is still filling the schedule great speakers and informa- for its 2017 winter conference and will tive content.” begin announcing speakers in NoWIA holds its confer- vember. Sponsorship opportunities are ences to provide education also still available. General admission WIA’s summer 2017 conference attracted a large to members and empower is available for $495, or a one-day pass crowd. Roman hopes the association’s debut West both women and men to can be purchased for $195. Coast event will be equally successful create a culture for women. For more information, visit: www The additional conference will “This is a difficult industry for .womeninautomotive.com. take place at the Omni Rancho Las Palmas in Palm Springs, CA, from Dec. 10–11, 2017. www.autobodynews.com WIA founder Christy Roman explained, “This is our first attempt at holding two events in one year, and is based off feedback from our West Coast members that it’s diffiby Chasidy Rae Sisk
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Fix Auto USA Announces Two New CA Locations
Fix Auto USA continues its expansion with the addition of two California locations, bringing the total number of Fix Auto franchise locations to 119. Fix Auto Santa Maria, the first location in California’s Central Coast, is owned and operated by Hector Paz, who is recognized by insurance companies as being a consistently high performer in his market. “It’s truly an honor to have received and accepted an invitation to join such an elite organization,” stated Fix Auto Santa Maria Owner-Operator Hector Paz. “Now, I have the best of both worlds: my shop remains locally owned and operated by my family, and I have the support of a national brand that will allow me to thrive in a consolidating market. By far, this is definitely the best business decision I’ve ever made.” Fix Auto Sunnyvale, the 17th franchise location in Northern California and the 66th in California,
is owned and operated by Steve Springer and Mary Oliver, who also jointly operate Fix Auto Gilroy and Fix Auto San Jose. “When we made the decision to join Fix Auto USA, we knew that this was the best long-term solution for our business,” stated Fix Auto Sunnyvale Owner-Operator Steve Springer. “Since joining, our business is thriving like never before and I’ve been able to leverage Fix Auto USA’s platform to expand my operations to a third location, thereby extending our reach to more markets and customers.” “To see existing Franchise Partners expand their operations, like Steve and Mary, and to add new operators, like Hector, simply underscores our mission—providing a platform for independently owned and operated body shops to achieve long-term success,” said Fix Auto USA President and CEO Paul Gange. “We welcome both of them to the Fix Auto family.”
10 DECEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
www.autobodynews.com | DECEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 11
Continued from Cover
SCRS Panel
former collision repair facility owner and the current VP Certification and Network Development at Assured Performance Network. The panel addressed an industry struggling to reconcile how to move forward when certain automotive manufacturer requirements are expected to be performed on every occasion, but insurance claims positioning leans toward “case-by-case” approval. Participants were carefully vetted, and those with experience in facing lia-
bility and safety implications with performing repairs in today’s environment were chosen for the panel, according to SCRS Executive Director Aaron Schulenburg, who was delighted with the turnout and the quality of all of his panel discussions at this year’s SEMA. “I was so pleased to see so many fill the seats of the OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit, hungry for information and an exchange of ideas,” he said. “It was particularly noticeable as attendees were provided question cards to write out questions and comments that we delivered to the moderators during the event so they could integrate the audience feedback into the panel discussion. The audience’s questions largely fueled the dialogue, filling every possible minute of the 90 and 120-minute sessions. The questions and comments were thoughtful, and steered the panelists on stage into some really interesting areas of conversation, and demonstrated the importance of connecting thought leaders and industry members. For me, it was just proof that the people in our industry, on both sides of the stage and microphone, are who truly make our events special.” The panel began when Ellis made opening remarks and posed the main question every collision professional in the room was waiting for. “As we move to total autonomy, how do we as the collision repair in-
dustry prepare ourselves for a world in which the vehicle is so much more than steel, a combustion engine and paint?” he said. “How do we train ourselves and the next generation so that we can fix these cars with a level of competence that is equal or better than the OE manufacturers’ standards? That is our challenge, our journey and the point we all need to get to. So, what are we doing about it today?” In a previous SCRS presentation made the day before, attorney Todd Tracy used what is referred to as “salty talk,” so before this panel began, Ellis asked everyone to take “country roads” rather than use colorful language, and for most of the two hours, Tracy obliged. Here are some excerpts from the two-hour panel. Attorney Erica Eversman of Vehicle Information Services was asked: When asked what the danger of liability is, what does it look like and how real is it? “Yes, liability is very, very real and potentially devastating for not just your business but personally as well, in some cases. As a shop, you’re obligated to be properly equipped to repair consumers’ vehicles in which they return back to the road ably and properly repaired. Proper and safe repair—that is a phrase I like to use frequently, because that is your obligation. If you neglect to do a proper and safe repair, you could end up in jail or have lost your business because you destroyed someone. Or even worse, you can lose your business altogether. I’m not trying to be catastrophic, but this cannot be said strongly enough. We have had too many non-professional repairers out there doing unsafe repairs that were influenced by the insurance companies, and that has to stop right now!” From Todd Tracy when asked about the John Eagle Collision civil case in which he represented a couple who was seriously injured due to a subpar repair: “A Dallas County jury just made a very resounding statement when 12 jurors with one voice and one verdict can change an industry to the tune of $42 million. A very well-respected $1 billion company in Texas that chose to get bullied by an insurance company and glue a roof on a Honda rather than put on the 108 welds that the OEM specifications directed them to do lost a lot of money because the couple was badly injured. The jury came back and
12 DECEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
said that if you’re going to make a business decision and let the insurance companies dictate safety to you, we’re going to make a business decision for you.”
Mark Allen, collision programs director of Audi of America, was asked: Where do you see the OEs going in regard to providing repairers with current and accurate data about repair procedures on today’s highly sophisticated cars? “From an Audi perspective, yes—we do have repair procedures and we’re German, so we’ve been doing them for a very long time. But with the complexity of these vehicles, [and] all of the new materials that are going in them, the amount of this data is growing and the demand on us is increasing. We see a need to provide this information to the consumer through a network of shops and connect that to
the dealerships where those cars live, so that the consumer has a choice. That being said, if you look closely at the industry, other carmakers are starting programs that vary. Some are subscription-based and others provide special training much like our program. We feel that this is the right way to go with our business model and this is where we feel the industry is going. Realistically, as a repairer, the onus is on you and in the end, you’re responsible for the safety and well-being of the people whose cars you are fixing.” Aaron Clark, a former body shop owner, was asked: Are the OEs providing sufficient information to the market to make a safe and proper repair, and are we asking enough of them? “I think some are better than others, but the trend recently is that more and more shops are inquiring and building that information over time. Let’s face it, the OEMs are still learning too. There is always need for improvement, so the ones that are doing a good job should continue on that path, while the ones that are doing a poor job need to get better. But overall, the trend is moving in the right area.”
www.autobodynews.com | DECEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 13
You Can Easily Trace a Car’s History, but Not Necessarily Their Parts by Gordon Gibb, LawyersAndSettlements
Amongst the steady stream of media reports decrying the emerging issue of recycled airbag injuries and their relationship to recalled airbags inex-
plicably returned to circulation, is a television report produced by News 12 New Jersey (06/07/17). While injuries attributed to defective, originalequipment airbags have been an issue for some time, the emergence of recycled airbags that may have been the subject of a recall poses a safety risk to occupants, and a corresponding risk of lawsuit litigation against would-be defendants. The concern, in part, is founded upon the 69 million defective airbags that were subject to the widest global recall in automotive history. A less-ex-
pensive propellant utilized by airbag manufacturer Takata, of Japan, was found to become unstable with age and in areas of high humidity. When the airbag is deployed, it does so with such force that the metal airbag casing is blown apart, sending shards of metal into the passenger compartment, seriously injuring occupants. Many have not survived their injuries. News 12 quoted Christopher J. Basso, of Carfax, about the issue.
cled parts salvaged from other cars for a repair do not show up in a search based on a car’s unique VIN number. Thus, someone buying a used car that had seen a major repair may not be aware that a previously recalled airbag may have been salvaged from another vehicle and installed in the car they are buying. While every vehicle is in a database, and a car’s accident and repair history will be reflected in data that
Scores of media outlets have sourced Basso for comments. Identified in his LinkedIn profile as the Public Relations Manager for Carfax since 2004, Basso is uniquely qualified to comment on airbag failure and the potential for airbag injuries. “Without the recycled airbags being properly checked, they can be put into cars almost anywhere,” Basso said, in comments to News 12. The news outlet noted that recy-
follows a vehicle throughout the course of its lifetime, the origins of used and salvaged parts are not. While a serial number of an airbag can be traced, a mechanic is required for that—and the consumer is out-ofpocket just to secure the information. While it is unlawful for a salvage yard to knowingly sell a used part that has been recalled, many proprietors simply advocate that they didn’t know. The National Highway Traffic Safety
“Without the recycled airbags being properly checked, they can be put into cars almost anywhere,” — Christopher J. Basso, Carfax
Administration (NTHSA) is entrusted with educating salvage yards on the issue. However, there is no lasting enforcement. The rules are strictly voluntary. News 12 advocates that would-be buyers of a used car avoid purchasing a vehicle that has been saddled with a salvage title. Additionally, if a vehicle’s history suggests that an airbag had deployed, then it tells the individual about to purchase the vehicle that the airbag(s) had been replaced. The replacement airbag can be checked by a qualified mechanic in order to establish its origin and whether or not the replacement airbag had been subject to an airbag recall of defective airbags. Such information could cost a consumer upwards of a couple hundred dollars. Takata, meanwhile, is in the process of filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Law 360 (10/23/17) reports that late in the day on Oct. 22, Takata asked a federal judge in Delaware to extend its exclusive plan filing period by 90 days, “so the debtor can continue to oversee its highly complex See Not Their Parts, Page 28
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14 DECEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
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Kim’s Auto Body in Santa Clara, CA, Provides Customer-Focused Collision Repair Services by Melissa McKenzie, Santa Clara Weekly
James Kim isn’t a car guy, which makes his owning a collision center a bit peculiar. It’s his initial lack of knowledge, however, that has helped Santa Clarabased Kim’s Auto Body grow into a customer-focused, often raved-about small business. Kim, 36, took control of the auto repair shop when his father was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2006. Having recently graduated from college, Kim initially had plans to take his life in another direction, but when his family needed him to take over while his father had surgery and went through chemotherapy, he obliged. Kim admits the first two years were rough, but he was determined—reading every magazine, industry book and catalog he could find while taking classes to better understand the technical side of the business. Being surrounded by his father’s competent staff kept the business afloat the first couple of years, but Kim’s gap in auto knowledge quickly became an asset when he noticed that most repair shops spoke in technical terms that made little sense to the customer. His customer-focused vision, combined with his father’s practice of
finding customized solutions to repairs, has helped propel the business. “We took more of a consumer approach,” said Kim. “Repairing the car properly, that’s just a given. You do proper work to stay in business and it doesn’t set you apart, but what we
earning potential business—based on the customer’s needs. “There’s a lot of different factors that we take into account and it’s something that my dad did too, because people came with a problem, a car accident … [and] a lot of people didn’t have much money,” said Kim. “So, finding customized solutions and trying to get them in and out and back on the road is a priority. It’s not just looking at the damage, but looking at the customer’s situation and trying to address that … Nobody likes to get into an accident, and even if you have insurance it still is painful in some way to your life. So, we try to ease that as much as we can through explaining and being insightful.” One factor greatly affecting Kim’s Auto Body’s ability to find customized solutions is that it doesn’t contract with insurance companies, making it possible for every repair recommendation to be based entirely on a client’s needs. Kim said initially the decision was made because other auto body shops in the area were holders of insurance contracts, and insurance companies will not contract with multiple shops in one area. But as the business grew and moved, then moved again to Santa Clara earlier this year, obtaining contracts felt like a
tried to do was almost like the service and hospitality industry where the experience paves the way. Nobody really wants to get into an accident, but we try to make it as pleasant as possible throughout the process.” That pleasant experience begins in the lobby—a sleek, modern lounge area with snacks and beverages. It is there that customers first meet Kim’s cousin, Charles Seo, who walks them through the details of their vehicle’s damage and recommends solutions— sometimes keeping the company from
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conflict of interest; he couldn’t serve the customer properly if he was confined by insurance company obligations. And, as the company continues to grow—with a projected three-fold increase over the next five years—Kim is committed to working with insurance organizations, but remaining contract-free to keep the shop’s focus on the consumer. “Even when the customer is paying out-of-pocket, our intentions are going to be what’s best for them, not what’s easiest for us or the most profitable for us because we look at the long game in the relationship,” said Kim. “It’s not a quick service business. If [the customer] trusts the shop, then you usually have the lifetime business of that customer, if you do it right … The customized solution approach is looking at every person individually and finding what’s best for them because doing what’s best for them is what’s best for us in the long run, as a company.” Kim’s Auto Body is at 1300 Norman Ave. in Santa Clara. For more information, visit www.kimsautobodysj .com, or call 408-294-7633 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. We thank Santa Clara Weekly for reprint permission.
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SEMA Show Goes On
Ed Attanasio is an automotive journalist based in San Francisco, California. He can be reached at era39@aol.com.
SEMA Announces Collision Repair & Refinish New Product Award Winners with Ed Attanasio
If you can come up with an innovative, cutting-edge piece of equipment, tool or product that can help the collision repair industry, the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is willing to give you a shot at the bigtime.
and Refinish category this year went to ALLDATA for its Collision Advantage system, while the two runners-up were the Welding Gun Holder by MiG BUDDY by GeorgeB Design and Avery Dennison for its Supreme Wrapping™ Film Metallic Series. ALLDATA General Manager Satwinder Mangat proudly displayed the first place trophy at his company’s booth throughout the show. “Now service writers and technicians can get OEM-accurate estimates the first time and help limit their shop’s liability,” he said. “At ALLDATA, we are all about continuous improvement, because we want the best system that we can possibly have for our shop members. With ALLDATA captured first place in the Collision Repair and Refinish category in the 2017 SEMA New Products Show50 brands, 24,000 models and case. From left, Mechanical Field Rep Joe Foti and Genmore than 300,000 wire diaeral Manager Satwinder Mangat proudly display their grams, we have built sometrophy thing that is unmatched in the It’s called the SEMA New Prod- industry, and that’s why SEMA recogucts Showcase Award, and it can pro- nized us with this incredible honor.” vide a shortcut to success for an Working with the three major esestablished or growing business that timating systems, ALLDATA’s Collicaptures one of these highly respected sion Advantage rapidly analyzes awards that are recognized throughout estimates and then displays them on a the automotive industry worldwide. single screen as a time-saving device. They have also added a new feature that specifies Vital Repairs. On each estimate, “Vital Repairs” describe the OEM-specified inspections and repairs required after a collision, including high voltage system disable/enable. They also feature Manufacturer Positioning Statements that allow one-touch access to the latest vehicle-specific OEM manufacturer positioning statements. One of the two runner-up spots went to Avery Dennison Graphics SoOne of the runner-up spots went to MiG Buddy for its welding gun holster. (l to r) lutions of Glendale, CA, for its Engineering/Quality Assurance Manager Bill Supreme Wrapping™ Film Metallic Foote and Owner George Bertolotti at their Series, automotive window films and SEMA booth switchable window films. More than 3,000 products were North America Marketing Direcentered into 16 different showcase cat- tor Jeff Losch has seen this new prodegories to be considered for the uct line gaining major momentum. SEMA New Product Awards this year. “Avery Dennison, much like a Winners were judged on a wide range customer who uses our products, is of criteria, including quality, marcreative, confident and resilient, and ketability, innovation, technology and our displays at this year’s SEMA consumer appeal, among others. Show were a reflection of these charFirst place in the Collision Repair acteristics,” he said. “We are proud to
18 DECEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
show that we’re innovating within our current product lines while adding exciting technology that has a lot of potential impact.”
The other runner-up recognition went to Avery Dennison for its new line of Supreme Wrapping Film colors. At SEMA, the company demonstrated its new film on this classic lowrider pickup truck
The company’s new Supreme Wrapping Film colors, which feature special effects, are named Spark, Magnetic Burst, Radioactive and Eclipse. At the SEMA Show, the new colors were used in demonstrations by Justin
Pate of The Wrap Institute, Jim Miller of Miller Decals and Joffrey Van der Jagt of Prowrap Professional Carwrapping on a lowrider pickup truck. Professional installers also demonstrated the new portfolio of Avery Dennison automotive window films on freestanding windshields and will retrofit switchable film technology on a car door window. The switchable films use cutting-edge Avery Dennison Liquid Crystal Technology to “switch” from transparent to opaque for comfort, privacy and content projection with just a touch of a hand. The other runner-up award went to the MiG Buddy, manufactured by GeorgeB Design in San Ramon, CA. The MiG Buddy is a welding gun holder for MIG welding guns that acts like a third hand and keeps the welding gun at the ready and off every inappropriate surface (floor, welding machine, work piece, etc.), according See New Product Awards, Page 70
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Post John Eagle
To find out, Autobody News contacted several OE’s, an MSO executive, and an independent consultant to capture different perspectives. Because it is so soon after the verdict, and the OE’s may not have had ample time to digest it all and begin making plans (if any), to start the conversation, we suggested that post repair inspections by a third party be conducted periodically at all OE certified shops to ensure proper and safe repair. Here is what they said:
Toyota George Irving, Senior Manager for Wholesale Parts & Collision for Toyota Motor North America said, “Logistically it might be difficult for an OE to get post repair inspectors to every shop, for every repair, not to mention the cost… although the idea does have merit. Perhaps a more feasible approach would be to ensure that the repair procedures are delivered to the technician at the time of repair and a technology based validation is integrated with the repair procedures as a guide.
Honda Leigh Guarnieri, National Manager Collision Marketing for American Honda, made an enlightening comparison between the aircraft industry and auto industry: “Going to post repair inspections is a giant leap. Financially, this may not be feasible. Not only that, how do you inspect a car properly after it’s been completely repaired and closed? Most structural repairs are not visible at that point. And… the inspector has to be really knowledgeable. In the aircraft industry, when a plane is being repaired, a team of inspectors reviews each repair as it is completed. The technician cannot move on to the next operation until the inspectors sign-off on the prior operation. This way, you are sure that the plane won’t fail due to a faulty repair. This seems like it could be feasible.”
Audi Mark Allen, Collision Programs and Workshop Equipment Specialist for Audi and well-known industry veteran also made a comparison between the collision industry and the medical industry.
“Like the medical industry, people’s lives depend on a doctor, or in the case of a collision repair, a technician, performing a proper procedure using the correct tools, and equipment,” said Allen. “Every procedure must be done correctly every time but it’s not feasible to have a third party proctor every operation. “I am not sure that there are enough qualified post repair inspectors around to do this type of work for multiple OE’s. But let’s say we find enough to do periodic PRI’s at hundreds or thousands of shops around the country. You are only checking a few of the many repairs a shop does. Then, if you find something really wrong with a repair, what does the OE do? Who is going to have the conversation with a shop customer that their car that was in the process of being repaired may now be totaled? Who is responsible to bear the cost? There are many facets to be considered in what seems to be a simple answer.” Allen suggested that a better idea may be for a shop to meticulously document every step of every repair. Then, if an OE wanted to audit those, it could be done in a more efficient and costeffective manner. “Shops should be doing this anyway,” said Allen. “Good documentation could help insulate them from possible litigation if a later problem arises. That’s exactly what the medical field does.”
Assured Performance Assured Performance provides certified program administration for a number of OE’s including Nissan, FCA, Ford, Hyundai, Infinity and Kia. Scott Biggs, CEO of Assured Performance and long-time industry veteran already has counter measures in the works. He replied, “We know that proper repair is crucial. This is why we have recently launched two new programs; Shop Ops and OE-QC to help shops make better repairs. These tools are focused on: : 1) helping the shop document quality, 2) help the shop document and follow oem repair procedures, 3) help the shop and the technician document how they repaired the vehicle efficiently using a smart app. These programs are provided free to Assured Performance shops as an integral part of the certification program so that they can maintain their compliance and address the quality assurance challenges. The OEQC program both documents the way the vehicle was repaired and it also
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has a quality control checklist, as well as documentation for pre and post scan. We also believe that once we prove to the insurers it was in their best interest to support what we were doing, they too would join the effort to find ways to refocus on a quality repair and not low-cost provider. It is a false positive to believe that we can continue to grind shops to be low-cost providers and not substantially destroy quality. We can find efficiency that will save both sides billions if our focus is to find efficiency. However, we have to find common ground so that we are not constantly twisting the dials of the way a car is repaired so that it can be done more cheaply.”
P&L Consultants Industry icon, trainer, and consultant Larry Montanez, a partner in P&L Consultants LLC in New York offered the following:
Some of the OE certified programs do not address the repair. However, some do. These are what I call the real OEM Certification Programs generally referred to as the Certified Collision Repair Facility (CCRF), which would be the European OE programs, such as
Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mercedes Benz, Porsche, etc. All these OE’s restrict parts (except BMW), have assessments checks on the OEM parts, materials and information usage and require technicians to attend hands-on training classes annually, in addition to certain I-CAR training classes and ASE certifications. Audi, Jaguar, Land Rover and Mercedes require ISO 9606-2 welding certifications in addition to passing the I-CAR welding qualification test and Jaguar Land Rover require steel welding certification in MAG, Structural and MIG Brazing. Some of the other OE programs only check to see if a shop has the minimum proper equipment just to open a shop, which should be mandatory by every state licensing department. Many programs require I-CAR Gold Class training, but that doesn’t provide any real hands-on training. Assured Performance requires some training or Gold Class, but no hands-on training at all. Honda, Cadillac CT-6 and Tesla have excellent online training programs but drop the ball with no hands-on training requirements. Now the Chevrolet Corvette Z06/ZR-1 and Nissan GT-R have great
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hands-on training programs, but no OEM support at all. Now this is not to say the CCRF shops are perfect, but they can be held to a higher standard of “you knew better and were trained for this” and the OEM is protected to an extent as far as “we provided, classroom, handson, on-line training and independent testing to ensure the facility technicians have the proper knowledge and skills to repair our vehicles.” Conversely, the way some of these OE certification programs are constructed, the OE’s are probably not protected in the event of another case like John Eagle. If the John Eagle shop was in fact Honda ProFirst Certified at the time they installed that roof panel, things might not have gone
well for American Honda. Another place where the OE certification programs fail is to train the estimators about diagnosis and required procedures and what exactly the laws are as to vehicle repair. Meaning insurers have no say on repairs, nor does the opinion of an insurer trump the OE. Do I see post repair inspectors being used by the OE’s in the future? Sure I do, but they would have to be qualified and trained inspectors, which we all know that almost no one wants to spend the money and time to be trained. Some of the current post repair inspectors know little to nothing about proper repair, most are relevant due to the poor quality of repairs produced that a layman can identify it. There would need to be extensive
training and requirements to be a PRI technician. The OE’s also need to set up a program that requires CCRF’s to perform Department QC’s and Final QC’s. Many of the German CCRF Programs are now requiring the CCRF’s to Prerepair diagnostic scan and pre-repair measuring of the vehicle. More OE’s need to require this.
Caliber Collision Centers Caliber is one of the largest and fastest growing MSO’s with over 500 locations across the country. Many of their locations hold multiple OE certifications. Jeff Brewer is their Director of OE Certifications and keenly aware of what OE certifications mean, and the shop’s role as a certified facility. Here
is what he had to say: Post repair inspection is certainly one idea. However, Dr. Edwards Deming, the father of the quality movement, said you can’t force quality at the end of the production line. Quality has to be built into the production. In the shop, the quality process needs to start when the customer is first engaged and carry through the entire repair process. At Caliber, we have a ten-step quality process where each department manager is held accountable for what process their department performs. As the car moves through the shop, each manager must sign-off on their department’s work, before it goes to the next step. There is no point in doing good work on top of bad. Each vehicle repair is spot checked by the center manager. That said, a post repair inspection might not be a bad idea, just as a check. But, that leads to another question – where will the post repair inspectors come from? Many of the inspectors used today for the various OE programs come from the same pool of shops that need to be fixed. Some are conscientious and do a good job. Others walk through the job putting check marks in boxes. Inspecting is not a full time job for them. That said, the problem is not their fault, nor is it the fault of the OE’s. Some of the OE certified programs were founded before the advent of the MSO. Subsequently, they cater more to the small, independent shop. Even the programs that came later were built on that same business model. They cater to small shops and a fragmented industry. An MSO has a different operating model and different needs. Twenty or more years ago, the same collision repair model could be applied to most cars out there because they were all constructed similarly with similar materials. Today so much is different. The same model car made by the same manufacturer can have a completely different repair procedures from one year to the next. The same is becoming true for certification programs. One size does not fit all any more… if it ever did. The real answer to better quality in the collision repair business is not the rules or requirements of any OE certification program, but in the culture of the industry. Technicians and shops have to want to make the right See Post John Eagle, Page 27
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Stand Up
“By dictating improper vehicle repairs for decades, insurance companies have seriously injured and killed thousands of customers who were driving around in time bombs they didn’t know about,” Tracy said. “If you don’t think I’m on your side, folks, this…ought to tell you I am absolutely on your side.” Tracy shared many of the details of his lawsuit against John Eagle Collision on behalf of a Texas couple, Matthew and Marcia Seebachan. The Seebachans were driving their 2010 Honda Fit in late 2013 when another vehicle hydroplaned and crashed into the Honda. The Seebachans sustained severe injuries, including extensive burns after their vehicle’s gas tank ruptured and the car burst into flames. The suit began as a liability lawsuit against Honda, Tracy said, but after reviewing how the roof of the Honda Fit separated from the vehicle in the crash, it became clear that it had been previously repaired. “After handling 2,700 different cases against every vehicle manufacturer in the world, with the exception of Volvo…I said, ‘Something is wrong here,’” Tracy said. “I had never seen a roof do this. OEM roof panels don’t separate like this. The OEM frame members and rocker panels don’t collapse like this underneath the survival space where the occupants are sitting.” With more research, Tracy learned that a previous owner of the Honda Fit had it repaired at John Eagle for hail damage, and the shop had used adhesive bonding, rather than welds as called for by Honda, to attach the replacement roof. “I am a vehicle crashworthiness lawyer,” Tracy said. “I sue car manufacturers for a living. I don’t sue repair facilities. You guys are like me: You’re small businessmen. But when you guys [expletive] up my vehicle manufacturer defect case, I have to go after you.” He said the jury clearly understood that the shop’s use of adhesive rather than welds went against what both the automaker and 3M (the adhesive maker) called for. “And I refuse to call it ‘adhesive bonding,’” Tracy said. “We called it glue. No different than Elmer’s glue
that those jurors’ kindergarten children use in their art projects… It’s all about smoke and mirrors, what I do for a living, ladies and gentlemen. I don’t know [expletive] from shinola, like you guys do. But I can say it louder, and I’ve got a bigger megaphone, and I’ve got a big personality.” The lawsuit against State Farm, the insurer who paid for the hail damage repair to the Honda Fit, was the result of a deposition of the director of the John Eagle Collision Center, who indicated that an insurer can overrule OEM repair procedures based on payment practices. “Well, unfortunately, we’re guided by insurance,” the shop’s director said in the deposition. “So... if you brought your car into my shop, the insurance company’s going to dictate... how we’re going to repair your car.” But the insurer cannot trump the OEM procedures, can they, the director was asked. “Yes, they can,” he responded. “By not paying the bill.” Although Tracy said he’s not looking to sue additional shops, he offered a number of steps shops should take to protect themselves against lawsuits such as the one he brought against John Eagle Collision. First and foremost, he said, always follow OEM repair specifications. If there are no such procedures, document efforts you made to locate them, and keep your customer informed. “Never forget who your customer is,” Tracy said. “When they entrust you with their vehicle repairs, they are putting their lives and the lives of their loved ones in your hands.” Avoid language on your website or other marketing that overpromises what you can deliver, he suggested. He called the John Eagle Collision website “insane” in that it said the shop’s goal for repairs is to “achieve ‘better than new,’” and that the shop has what is needed “to restore the vehicle to its condition prior to the incident that caused the damage.” “Don’t tie yourself down to stupid [expletive] like this,” Tracy said. “If you have a website, make it vague. Make it ambiguous.” He said shops should never admit that “you’re letting insurance companies dictate how you’re repairing vehicles.” Better yet, he said, stop allowing that to happen. “If you take away one thing from
22 DECEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
this talk, that is: Never put your company’s profit over your customer’s safety,” Tracy said. “That’s a good way to get your ass whipped. And that’s what happened [to the Texas shop].” Instead, he suggested, “Tell your customer in writing what the insurance company is doing, that you recommend against it because the vehicle will not be as safe in the event of an accident, and that their family or a future owner of the vehicle can be seriously injured or killed,” Tracy said. “Be a hero and stand up to the insurance companies and tell them and your customer in writing that the insurance company’s [suggested] repairs violate OEM repair specifications and will cause serious injury or death…if an accident occurs in the future, and that you will not repair the vehicle knowing you are placing someone’s life at risk.” If the customer won’t back you up, Tracy said, have them “sign off on your shop performing the insurance company’s repair so you can cover your ass.” Tracy didn’t sugarcoat the impact this could have on a shop’s business, acknowledging “you’ll lose some
money at first,” and “there’s going to be a few casualties along the way.” But he said if more than just the handful of shops currently standing up to insurers start doing so, the industry can change. “When you all give that insurance company that same piece of paper, and you put it to them like this, that your customer is going to die or be seriously injured or maimed, I don’t think they’re going to go take [that vehicle] down to the Service Kings or the Caliber Collisions,” Tracy said. “I don’t think they’re going to take it to the Julio Smith’s of the world.” Like Mississippi attorney Eaves did four years earlier, Tracy promised to “be a warrior” for the shops that stand with him against the insurers. “I will fight these [expletive],” he said. “If I can take on car manufacturers, I can assure you I can take on a [expletive] little company like State Farm or Allstate. John Yoswick, a freelance writer based in Portland, Oregon, who has been writing about the automotive industry since 1988, is also the editor of the weekly CRASH Network (www.Crash Network.com). He can be contacted by email at john@CrashNetwork.com.
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www.autobodynews.com | DECEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 23
Post-Repair Inspectors: Their Past and Possible Future by Gary Ledoux
Post repair inspectors (PRI) are a relatively new part of the industry being “officially” a little over 25 years old and still a niche part of the business. However, in light of the recent John Eagle case, their numbers could be growing. Autobody News checked in with several post repair inspectors to get their story about their place in the collision repair world. In 1994 a man named Jim Lynas was operating a body shop in Marietta, Georgia when he had an idea for operating a post repair inspection business. He started developing the idea and left his shop in 1996 to pursue it full time. He founded a company called Wreck Check. Wreck Check, and other post repair inspection companies deal primarily in four areas, assessment of total loss, diminished value, non-disclosure, and become involved if a consumer invokes their appraisal clause in the event of a disagreement between the vehicle owner and insurance company regarding a vehicle’s value. Rocco Avellini owned a collision repair facility in Long Beach, CA for almost 20 years. In 1994 he was the 4th Wreck Check licensee for Jim Lynas. In 1997 he became the US distributer for CadScan 3D scanning equipment which would provide vehicle 3D dimensioning against information from Mitchell to confirm the structural accuracy of the vehicle after an accident or was not damaged by comparing measurements which was used for the inspection. In 2001, Jim Lynas left the industry and Avellini became the principal behind Wreck Check, changing the name to Wreck Check Car Scan Centers with his flag ship center in San Pedro CA. The corporate offices are now located in Las Vegas, NV. When asked if his PRI business was growing or staying about the same he replied emphatically that he had just signed three new franchisees and was now up to 45 locations across the US. After his visit to CadScan in Canada Avellini posted on the Pro Discussion board that he was going to start a Post Repair Inspection Industry [PRII] and started Wreck Check Car Scan Center. Billy Walkowiak heads a North Carolina PRI business called Collision Safety Consultants. Asked if his business is growing he replied, “We started in 2010 with one location. Now, seven
years later, we have seven locations. We will soon have 10, and it won’t be long before we have 20!” Interestingly, Walkowiak did not start out in the auto body business as one might expect, but in the boating
industry. “Inspecting a boat is similar to inspecting a car,” said Walkowiak. “You look for bad welds, frame damage, a crack in the boat’s hull or a crack or tear in the car’s sheet metal, paint that doesn’t match and so forth. In both cases, a lot of money, and safety is at stake.” Bob Isham, together with partner Jan Vesely own Collision Safety Consultants of Arizona, LLC which includes the Phoenix metropolitan area and north. Isham commented, “When I was a shop owner from 1988 to early 2013 I started doing post repair inspections on bad work done by other shops. Very few shops during the 1990’s and even today had the guts to call something ‘bad.’ Perhaps they were afraid of insurer reprisal? We got a lot of horrific repairs taken off the road and declared total losses. We developed a niche market and lawyers often referred their clients to us who complained about repair problems. It was bad back in the 1990’s and is still bad with no sign of getting better. PRI is not going to go away.” Bill Byrne is a PRI in St. Charles, IL., and travels across the county inspecting vehicles after repairs have been completed. He likes to introduce himself as “Bill Byrne, consumer advocate.” A former shop owner and still considers himself a technician, Byrne was around when Wreck Check, and the PRI industry was born. He notes, “At that time, in the mid-1990’s the whole industry should have been talking about post repair inspection and what a good thing it was for the consumer – to calculate what diminished
24 DECEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
value really was. Even way before the 1990’s everyone knew what diminished value was. Notification of estimate deficiencies outlined the defects which would occur if necessary procedures were eliminated or not completely compensated for, holding the responsible party accountable for proper repairs and payment. That’s what Jim Lynas gave the industry.” The same issues we still face today! Byrne continues, “Unfortunately Wreck Check and the concept of a post repair inspection was not seen as a benevolent thing. Many shop owners and even some associations thought it would be used to ‘beat up’ shops over bad repairs when exactly the opposite was true. Back then, I was the first Wreck Check facility West of Georgia, SCRS was not happy with the concept and would not support it. At that time, industry veteran John Loftus was head of SCRS. He came out to my shop, I showed him what we were doing. The analysis of documentation and how I conducted myself during the
post repair inspection along with communications with a customer amazed John. After spending the whole day with me, John realized what we were doing was right for the customer and right for the industry. Unfortunately, for whatever reason, SCRS would not change their position. On the other hand, the CCRE, (Coalition for Collision Repair Excellence) formerly (Coalition for Collision Repair Equality) being more consumer oriented at that time, endorsed the principals of vehicle inspections for proper repair methods and the necessity of proper documentation to show the cause and effect of improper repairs from denial of payment. However, since the late 90’s there have been many technological changes we have all seen. SCRS has had many changes since then including many board members. With Executive Director Aaron Schulenburg at the helm, along with past and current National Directors and Executive Committees, vast improvements have been made for both the collision industry and consumers. All these changes have resulted in a cohesive asSee Post Repair Inspections Page 27
We’re Looking for a Few Old Shops! Do you think you have the oldest, continuously-operated body shop in your area? Would you like to see your shop’s colorful history in print? If so, we want to hear from you. A Autobody News and collision industry journalist Gary Ledoux are working on a joint project to find, and highlight the oldest continuously operated body shops in America. Some shops may have sstarted out in the early 1900’s as a blacksmith or carriage shop. Some may have started as a mechanical repair service at a parking garage in New York or San Francisco during the 1920’s, and then turned to body work. In the latter part of the 1940’s, many ex-servicemen started body shops with skills they learned working on GI trucks and equipment. There are so many unique and interesting stories out there that should be recorded and preserved for posterity. Each qualifying shop submitted will be highlighted in Ledoux’ forthcoming book; YesterWreck: The History of Collision Repair in America. The estimated publishing date is the first quarter of 2019. No book of this sort has ever been published for the collision industry. This is a unique opportunity to be part of something special. Ledoux will provide a signed, first-edition copy of the book, upon its publishing, to any shop whose photos are used in the book. In addition, Ledoux will contact one shop from each of the five regions served by Autobody News for a complete interview and a feature story to be run in that region’s edition of the magazine. What To Send If you think you have the oldest continuously-operated body shop in your state please send us: • Shop’s Name • Address / City State and Zip • Phone number • Email address • Current owner’s name • A brief history of the shop, most importantly what year the shop was founded. Include the month if you know it. • Two to three photos of the shop, especially from its earliest days with any recognizable persons identified. These could be a picture of the front of the building, a group shot of everyone that worked in the shop at the time, people working on cars in the shop, etc. All photos should be scanned as a JPG with a minimum of 300 DPI. (Please do not take a telephone picture of a photo. The quality of such a photo cannot be satisfactorily reproduced.) All people in the photos should be identified if possible. Please send all information via email to yesterwreck@yahoo.com. For any questions, please contact Gary Ledoux @ yesterwreck@yahoo.com
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Post Repair Inspections
sociation with safety and quality at the forefront. SCRS hit a grand slam this week during SEMA having speaker Todd Tracy, the plaintiffs’ attorney, explaining the John Eagle Collision case during several forums. A strong association is only as good as its members. This is the exact reason I became a member and I would encourage as many shops to join as possible. When we have strength in numbers we can accomplish anything, as individuals we are limited to ourselves. There are too many vehicle being repaired improperly under the direction of insurance company representatives.” Continued from Page 21
Post John Eagle
repair. And to get to that point, we all must address the inevitable question, “What is the right thing to do for the consumer?” Another issue that kept coming up is how shops are paid by insurance companies. How is it that a shop that
You’ll probably never see a highway billboard advertising post repair inspection. The gentlemen interviewed all said their business comes from referrals from past customers, attorney’s, car dealers and even some body shops who want an unbiased opinion of a repair of their own, or a past repair that they encountered while making a current repair. Walkowiak noted, “Very recently, in the wake of the John Eagle verdict, an MSO sent us a car they repaired for a third party inspection – just for their own peace of mind. There were some flaws in the repair. We pointed them out, and the errors fixed immediately.” Knowing what a PRI sees on a daily basis, we asked what the worst car they ever inspected was. Bill Byrne
has little or no training, obsolete equipment and a poor facility gets paid the same as a shop that has invested thousands of dollars in training, equipment and facilities and qualifies as an OE certified shop? So… how can the industry best serve the customer and what change will evolve in a post-John Eagle world through the OE’s or otherwise? Stay tuned…
got the prize. “I ran across a Mustang that had been totaled in 2005, then repaired and had the title washed and the car re-sold. The same car totaled again in 2010. It had been totaled a second time, repaired and the titled washed again, and re-sold to an unsuspecting family with young kids. I was looking at it for the customer who seemed to think that the front bumper shouldn’t move a full 2 inches with no more force than you could give it with your little finger.” Asked what effect the John Eagle decision would have on the PRI business, Walkowiak noted, “I think it will help this part of the industry to grow. I can see more demand for post repair inspectors. And I can see a number of shop owners that are older, who maybe Continued from Page 6
Family Loses 5 Homes
ing out to the Red Cross, the Marines and other local organizations to receive supplies from the shelters and then consolidating them and redistributing them out of a warehouse that was donated. This effort has brought a lot of people together and Carlynn has been a huge
don’t want to work all the hours and have all the headaches it takes to run a shop on a day-to-day basis, who will become inspectors. These guys already have the knowledge, and it doesn’t take a whole lot of tools and equipment.” Byrne noted, “The tools necessary to do a post repair inspection are very important and should not be understated, just like any qualified technician; his specialized equipment is necessary. Technical knowledge is also critical, you need to delineate how the vehicle was repaired compared to vehicle manufacturer specifications and what was actually done. In order to help the client, one must be able to manage a client through the complete process.”
part of it,” Govinda Crozat said. Looking on the bright side of a tragedy, Govinda Crozat went for humor instead of tears. “I wanted a new house and Shawn didn’t want to move, so now we both get what we wanted,” she said. “It will take at least 18 months to rebuild, but we’ve lived here for seven years [and] our kids have grown up here, so we’re not going anywhere.”
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CA Fire Relief
are things more important than business. That is why Matthew Wood of Cook’s Collision decided to pick up the phone when news of the fire began to spread. “None of our employees in the fire areas lost their homes or were displaced, but many of them have family members or relatives who did,” Wood said. “We decided rather quickly that we wanted to do something significant and see if we could get some other companies to assist us in the effort, so that’s why we called the people at Mike’s Auto Body.” The Woods and the Roses go back many years, so when Matthew Wood called Brennan Rose at Mike’s Auto Body to assist in the efforts, his answer was an emphatic yes. “Our families have been associated [with each other] for a long time, and we know that the Rose family does a lot of charity work, so we were confident that they’d step up and work with us,” Wood said. “Once they said okay, we started the collection and began looking for ways to transport the items to the fire drop-off areas.” In addition to collecting and categorizing all of the donations, transportation and logistics had to be considered, Wood explained. “We were able to get two large moving trucks and two pickup trucks to do the job,” he said. “We took everything to our Fairfield location to repack it for the drop-off spots.” The items donated included blankets, canned food, pillows, socks, iPhone chargers and toiletries. They were dropped off at five different donation sites, primarily near Sonoma Raceway. Because many people who were impacted by the fire have pets, animal cages, water bowls and cat and small dog carriers were in high demand. “We could see some of the fires when we did our deliveries and the air quality was so bad [that] we had to wear masks,” Wood said. “It was satisfying to see that our donations were getting to the people who needed them, and that everyone worked as a team.” Local companies that joined Cook’s and Mike’s in their efforts included Martin Auto Color, which donated 7,000 3M dust masks, and Enterprise and Prism Logistics of Livermore, CA, which donated the two moving trucks. The Rose family responded to the
call from Cook’s without hesitation, and immediately rallied the troops to follow their company’s motto, “One Mission, One Team.” “The supplies we received for the Napa Fire recipients were completely overwhelming,” Ragen Rose said. “Thanks to all our vendors, partners, agents, employees, family and friends who got involved. So many people, including some of our customers, lost everything, so we felt like we had an obligation to help.” Once Mike’s was onboard, Customer Service Rep Bridgett Molino at Mike’s Auto Body posted Facebook ads and reached out to all of Mike’s managers to disseminate the information and begin the collections. With a tight deadline of Oct. 13, employees and customers at Mike’s and Cook’s knew that the clock was ticking. “We put out an announcement stating that in light of the ongoing fires that have impacted so many people in the North Bay, we reached out to the managers at all of our shops to help those devastated by this tragedy by collecting items at each of our shop locations,” Molino said. “Sincere thanks go to everyone for their donations and support. We really appreciate your help and prayers for the victims impacted by these fires.” Dane Dearlove, Marketing Manager at Mike’s Auto Body, is proud of the fact that two large Multi-Shop Operators (MSOs) were able to work together as a team to achieve this grassroots fire relief effort. “When tragedies happen, we feel as though we’re obligated to help, es-
thank the people at Cook’s Collision for calling us to be part of the effort.” In other news about the fire, Dino Di Giulio, owner of Body Best Collision Center in downtown Sonoma, didn’t have to evacuate his shop, but it was touch and go there for a while, he said.
Collecting, sorting and distributing supplies to the communities impacted the most were a huge undertaking for both MSOs
“The smoke was coming over the hill and we could see flames, but we kept working with the help of respirators,” he said. “When the fire got within a quarter mile, we had to shut down for one day and things were scary for about a full week. Then one day, the big planes came in and started dumping retardant on the fires and we knew then that we were probably okay.”
Continued from Page 14
Not Their Parts
plan that requires coordination of efforts in the United States, Japan and Canada,” Law360 said. A young woman from Las Vegas, Karina Dorado, is lucky to be alive after she sustained serious injuries to her trachea and vocal cords from a relatively mild front-end collision. When the airbag in her used Honda deployed, shards of metal were sent flying into her throat. The car she was driving had been given a salvage title under a previous owner. The replacement airbag was a Takata airbag that had been the subject of an airbag recall, but never addressed. The airbag was removed intact from a different car, and sold as a recycled airbag as part of the repair for the car Dorado was driving. Dorado and her family have filed an airbag failure lawsuit. We thank LawyersAndSettlements .com for reprint permission.
www.autobodynews.com
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Dino Di Giulio, owner of Body Best Collision Center in downtown Sonoma, took this photo as the fires approached his shop. Luckily, he never had to evacuate, but he did have to close for one business day
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Me & My Car: ’49 Chevy Pickup In Better Shape Than When New Chad, have made a show truck out of a very tired work truck. After World War II, automakers were “I was going to Clayton Valley interested in building newly styled High School in Concord from 1968 to trucks, as well as cars. 1970. I was taking auto shop and Trucks had always played second wood shop. My graphic artist teacher, fiddle to the car business, but that has Mr. Ellis, had an old blue ’49 Chevy definitely changed. Chevrolet didn’t truck for sale, and it was just beat up. even start producing trucks until 1918, Everywhere you looked there was a almost 100 years ago, but by the mid- ding, a scratch or a dent. It was just 1930s, Chevrolet was producing half worn-out. It had belonged to the Clayof all of the American light-duty ton Valley Lumber Yard and was a work truck. I paid $125 for the truck and took it home and started working on it. It was my first vehicle.” Mr. Ellis had installed a 235cubic-inch six-cylinder engine from a 1953 Chevy truck. As a result of his auto shop classes, Worth was able to check the engine and learned of a valve problem, which he got corrected. “I drove that thing for (r to l) Antioch resident Guy Worth and his son, Chad, show years—to high school, to coltheir 1949 Chevrolet 3100 pickup. Credit: David Krumboltz lege, and I used it as a work trucks. When World War II started, truck doing side jobs hauling trash to Chevrolet had manufactured more the dump.” than 2 million trucks. When the father-son restoration General Motors was the first man- plans were being discussed about 17 ufacturer to bring out newly designed years ago, “we thought about making trucks after the war. The “advanced it into a hotrod and putting a Chevy Vdesign” Chevrolet trucks launched in 8 in it, but we decided to keep it stock. 1947 and were produced through The truck comes apart in big pieces, 1955. They were bigger, stronger and the fenders, side panels, door panels, sleeker than prior models. The cab hood and bed. I took everything apart was 8 inches wider and 7 inches taller, and took all the parts to Scotto’s Auto so sitting three people inside became Body in Antioch.” more comfortable. Previously an option and considered a luxury, a heater and defroster became standard for the first time. But these were work trucks, and the truck business was booming. In 1949, Chevrolet assembled 345,519 trucks. There were no engine options in 1949. The standard engine was a 216cubic-inch engine with a three-speed manual transmission. There were two The dashboard in the 1949 Chevrolet 3100 cab models, the standard three-winpickup. Credit: David Krumboltz dow cab and the optional five-window cab. The two extra windows, marEach piece was sanded and preketed as “Nu-Vue Rear-Corner Win- pared for painting. The parts and dows” were curved glass (very spiffy panels were painted 2004 Corvette for the day), giving the driver better Victory Red with four clear coats aprear visibility. The truck sat on a 116- plied and brought back to Worth’s inch wheel base and had a 6.5-foot home. box with the fenders outside of the “I began assembling it myself. I box. The half-ton pickup was desig- did everything from the cab back to the nated as the “3100” model. Antioch rear bumper. Then illness set in, and I resident Guy Worth, a law enforce- had to stop working on the truck. My ment officer for 42 years, and his son, son, Chad (who was living in Boise, by David Krumboltz, Mercury News
30 DECEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
Idaho) came down and helped me.” Sadly, Guy Worth was diagnosed with brain cancer. “The reason I wanted it painted red was because my goal when I re-
stalling the rebuilt engine. The truck is clearly better than when it rolled off the assembly line. It now has a curved, one-piece windshield, an original-style radio (but with Bluetooth), white sidewalls tires, all new glass, chrome molding around the windows, a saddle tan leather interior and a beautiful wooden truck bed. About the only thing that gives a clue that at one time this was a basic work truck is the single inside sun visor. Worth estimates he has about $33,000 invested, which is probably a little more than the current market value, but he The bed on the 1949 Chevrolet 3100 pickup. Credit: David feels it was money well spent. Krumboltz “What really got me going tired from law enforcement was to was I came down with this illness, and buy a red Corvette with saddle tan the doctors gave me a timeline. I put leather interior, but illness hit and that getting this truck put together on my bucket list and to get it done before I went out the door.” Guy and Chad took everything to kick the bucket.” Mission accomplished, hopefully Antioch Muffler, which had become a with many years to spare. hot rod shop. They did everything forward of the cab that Guy could no longer do, including installing the We thank the Mercury News for reprint doors, hood and fenders as well as in- permission.
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Victoria Antonelli is a freelance writer and editor for the automotive industry. She has a journalism degree from University of Rhode Island. She can be reached at vantonelli.autobodynews@gmail.com.
Western Events
CTEC in OR Adds Collision Repair Program with State-of-the-Art Equipment, Facilities with Victoria Antonelli
area,” explained Terry Wilson, collision repair instructor at CTEC. “We take juniors and seniors only.” Wilson explained that these students have to be on target to graduate and must maintain passing grades in their other courses as well. “The cool part about the students we get over here is their high maturity level and their desire to really be a part of this program,” he added. Wilson said all the programs, which include construction, home building, and cosmetology, meet under one roof in a 150,000-square foot Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC) in Salem, warehouse. Each section is delOR has 51 students in their brand new collision repair egated roughly 10,000 square program feet of work space. “We have a private partnership “When our students come in, they between Mountain West Investments, are with us the whole day,” said Wila private company, and Salem-Keizer son. “We have three core subjects that Public School District, which consists they are responsible for taking every of six to seven high schools in the day here too; English, Science, and The Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC) in Salem, OR, added collision repair to its roster in August 2017, as part of the school’s initial expansion plan. CTEC, which opened three years ago, has been adding two programs per year, and will reach its goal of 10 programs in 2019.
Electronics.” Wilson explained that whatever the students in his classes learn in these three subjects will directly relate to collision repair. “In their English courses, whether they’re doing research or writing papers, they’ll learn how to articulate what they’re taught here,” he said. “The vocabulary they’re learning is completely shop-related and goes hand in hand with the auto collision business.” As for the science courses, students will be taught physics and chemistry that is related to the industry. “In physics, they’ll learn crush zones and everything to do with crashes,” Wilson explained. “Then in year two, students take chemistry and get deep into the chemical reactions on body fillers, paints, and other products.”
In the electronics courses, students will learn about sensor diagnostics and how to communicate with cars using computers. “We have the latest and greatest scan tools,” added Wilson. For their paint courses, CTEC utilizes a state-of-the-art ventilation
mixing room, paint booth, and prep booth from Accudraft. “We can have up to five students in the booth painting at one time,” said Wilson. “As far as technology goes,
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the Accudraft prep paint booth and mixing stations are second to none.” He added that their equipment has all the heating capabilities with a full down draft set up.
“We’ve also hooked up with PPG, so I’ve been training with them,” Wilson said. “We’d like to get PPG down here for some student trainings as well.” CTEC uses PPG’s DBC line for their solvents and Envirobase for their water-based paints. “PPG has also installed their new TOUCHMIX® Computerized Paint Mixing System, which I’m super proud of,” said Wilson. Wilson added that the collision repair program also acquired 25 SATA paint guns. “When students are divided into smaller groups, each crew will have five SATA guns to work with, which to
me is just phenomenal,” said Wilson. He added that the students also have a room stocked with 3M products. “All of the gear the students need, including safety gear, they’re provided with,” Wilson said. As far as training programs, Wilson said CTEC recently registered with ICAR. “This year, the students will take a series of tests, and then next year, they’ll have an actual class study before taking the exam,” he explained. “The beautiful thing about these partnerships is that our partners pay for all of the kids to get these certifications, so they’re leaving with this cost free.” When students graduate from the two-year program, they will have earned I-CAR's Platinum™ certification. Although the program’s main focus is collision repair, Wilson said the students will also do some metal fabrication work. “We have a ‘37 Lincoln Zephyr that the collision repair program and 3D animation program are working on together,” said Wilson. “The 3D animation students have been taking a lot of pictures and measurements of the Zephyr, so they can sketch it out.”
From there, Wilson said the 3D animation students will draw on custom touches in real-scale, while the collision repair students decide on a paint formula. “Then the 3D animation students will ‘paint’ the vehicle, so we’ll have a full drawing of the finished product,” explained Wilson. “The collision
Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC) accepts high school juniors and seniors
repair students will then be able to build this car, so it will be an ongoing project but a really cool one.” Right now, there are 51 students in the collision repair program at CTEC. “We’re a two-year program, but since this is year one, we only have half the students,” Wilson said. “At full capacity, we’ll have 100 students set up on A and B days; 50 students on
one day and 50 on the next.” Out of the 51 students, six are female. “Our goal is to at least double that number by next year, if not more,” said Wilson. “The girls we have in here now are super talented and hard workers.” Wilson estimates about 12 of his 51 students will be dedicated enough to compete in the SkillsUSA competitions. “There has been a lot of interest, but I think when it comes to committing to after school and weekend practice time, the numbers will go down,” he said. As far as plans for after graduation, Wilson said CTEC encourages students to continue their education. CTEC has even looked into partnering with Portland Community College. “Once the students graduate, they’ll already have a certain number of credits [that can carry over to college] and they’ll be able to take off from there,” Wilson explained. CTEC and all other Salem-Keizer schools use a “career tree” system. Within the system, there are 36 different auto industry careers. “There are 12 entry-level jobs, 12 See CTEC in OR, Page 49
www.autobodynews.com | DECEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 33
National Associations
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.
Auto Care Association Hosts First Legislative Summit in Five Years with Chasidy Rae Sisk
by Chasidy Rae Sisk
On Oct. 3 and 4, the Auto Care Association stormed Washington, D.C. for its first Legislative Summit in five years. David Pinkham, Manager of Government Affairs for the Auto Care Association, shared, “We were incredibly pleased with how the Auto Care Legislative Summit turned out. Eighty industry professionals attended a total of 121 meetings with congressional offices, 36 of which were with the actual members of Congress. The response was very positive. Attendees we spoke with during and after the Legislative Summit found it to be not only educational from a professional standpoint, but rewarding on a personal level. Participating in the public policy process is something everyone should have the chance to experience. “Those who participated in the Summit were passionate about the issue topics and understood the importance of advocating on behalf of their company and the industry as a whole. The issues we chose to focus on included consumer ownership and access to wirelessly-transmitted vehicle data, protected access to copyrighted
tion Administrator of Vehicle Safety Research, Nat Beuse. “While the Auto Care Association has brought members to Capitol Hill numerous times in recent years, this
repaired at a fair price and in a short amount of time; however, that is only possible if there is an interconnected, competitive vehicle repair market. The issues that concern our industry,
The first day of the 2017 Legislative Summit focused on preparing attendees for the next day’s legislative meetings
was the first Auto Care Legislative Summit since 2012. With a new administration and numerous industryspecific issues garnering attention in Congress, we felt it was important to bring back a large-scale Capitol Hill event in order to reintroduce legislators to our industry and further engage our membership on the issues,” Pinkham stated. “While we hope to grow the total number of participants at future events, the impact our members had during their meetings on Capitol Hill far exceeded our expectations. Not only did our guys meet with more members of Congress than expected, but the issues we discussed happened to be top-of-mind for many offices, as autonomous vehicle legislation, which included an Small groups of automotive aftermarket industry amendment supported by our professionals meet with members of Congress on industry, was being marked up Oct. 4 to bring attention to the industry’s issues that very same day.” vehicle software by service providers The Auto Care Association held and replacement parts manufacturers, its 2017 Legislative Summit in order and comprehensive tax reform.” to bring attention to issues the indusThe first day of the Legislative try faces. Summit was dedicated to preparing atAccording to Pinkham, “With 4.6 tendees for the next day’s legislative million jobs nationwide and over $380 meeting, briefing them on the issues. billion in annual economic impact, we The day also included Bob Woodward’s are the largest U.S. industry no one Keynote Address and an overview of has heard about. When people take NHTSA’s autonomous vehicle guidtheir vehicle in for service, they exance presented by NHTSA’s Associapect to have the right parts installed or
34 JANUARY 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
including access to vehicle data and software, have to do with preserving that competitive marketplace for the
consumer. “The Auto Care Association is unique in that it represents the entire industry supply chain, from parts manufacturers to wholesale distributors to retailers and service facilities. Our members attend our events because they get exposure to other parts of the business, which in many cases are their customers. And when everyone has the same objective, as was the case with the Legislative Summit, the environment of collaboration and engagement is unmatched.” Although the Auto Care Association has not decided when it will hold its next Legislative Summit, the association does not intend to wait five years again because of the success of this year’s event. The association will continue to facilitate issue-specific meetings with smaller groups on Capitol Hill in the meantime. For more information on association, visit www.autocare.org.
www.autobodynews.com | JANUARY 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 35
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.
Information Providers Made it Clear Five Years Ago Shops Can’t Opt-Out of Data Collection with John Yoswick
20 years ago in the collision repair industry (Dedember 1997) Representatives of State Farm, USAA, Geico, Allstate, Farmers and Nationwide stated that their respective companies do not have plans to introduce preferred provider organization (PPO) type programs as an option for customers buying insurance policies for their vehicles. The Automotive Service Association Collision Division sought the statements to help identify any changes to the insurers positions concerning PPOs. A PPO-type program would likely allow a consumer the opportunity to buy a policy that offers substantial premium discounts. In exchange, at the time of purchasing the policy, the consumer would agree to certain conditions, such as the use of aftermarket parts and [allowing the insurer to decide] where to have their vehicle repaired in the event of an accident. “It’s not in State Farm’s planning,” State Farm’s Bill Hardt said. “The PPO might work in certain niche markets, but we’re too big.” Hardt’s personal opinion is that the customer would agree to use aftermarket parts up front, but after the wreck would change his mind. USAA’s Israel Yzaguirre said the company has no plans to incorporate PPO-type policies. “We think there’s no savings for us in terms of money or people with PPOs,” he said. “I would hate to see PPOs happen. They would just drive another wedge between the industry.” “I am unaware of Geico offering such an option at this time or over the next 12 months,” Geico representative Bill Mayer said. – As reported in Collision Expert. No major auto insurers have moved toward a PPO model in the 20 years since this was reported.
15 years ago in the collision repair industry (December 2002) Arizona Collision Craftsman Association (ACCA) members have selected their annual picks for the best insurance companies to deal with, and State Farm has come out on top for the second year in a row. ACCA member shops were asked,
“Do insurance companies’ overall policies, attitudes and payment processes focus on quality and timely repair for the customer.” The shops rated each insurer on a scale of 1 to 10.
In 1997, Bill Mayer of State Farm said the company had no plans to offer consumers a PPO-type auto insurance policy
State Farm topped the list at 9.04, followed by Farmers (7.64), USAA (7.17), and The Hartford (7.13). Outside the top 10 were Geico (6.43), Travelers (6.4), Liberty Mutual (6.04), Allstate (5.4) and Progressive (5.14). – As reported in Autobody News. CRASH Network (www.crashnetwork .com) conducted a similar “Insurer Report Card” in late 2016, and out of 86 insurers graded by body shops, the insurers named above all ranked below 40 other insurers. USAA (#41), Travelers (#43) and State Farm (#47) were the only three with above average scores. The others were ranked between #65 and #76, with grades of C+ or C.
10 years ago in the collision repair industry (December 2007) NACE Chairman Darrell Amberson, president of Lehman’s Garage, a sixlocation business based in Bloomington, Minn., kicked off the 2007 event’s opening session with a speech offering his laundry list of the key issues he believes the industry needs to address. Amberson said the decrease in auto insurance claims and the increasing percentage of totals have helped fuel an “overcapacity” in the industry, with too many shops chasing too little work. That and a lack of unity in the industry have helped add to the imbalance in shop-insurer relationships, something Amberson said that some insurers have taken undue advantage of. The industry, he cited as one example, must have a more fair way of determining fair and
36 DECEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
equitable rates, and that government involvement in such issues – as is being discussed in some states – may not be something either side finds as the best solution, Amberson said. – As reported in Autobody News. Amberson in 2012 became vice president of operations at LaMettry’s Collision, another MSO based in Minnesota. There is still some discussion of government involvement in labor rates; legislation under consideration in Massachusetts, for example, would require that a minimum labor rate be established by the Massachusetts Insurance Commissioner based on the average rates paid by insurers in surrounding states (Connecticut, New York, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont).
5 years ago in the collision repair industry (December 2012) Aaron Schulenburg of the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS)
said the repairer associations that asked the information providers for an “opt-out option” for shops that don’t want their estimate data aggregated are disappointed with the negative responses they received. “Is there going to be a choice? Really, the answer is no,” Schulenburg said at the recent Collision Industry Conference. “You can either choose to use electronic estimating systems (to communicate with insurers) or you don’t. I don’t think it’s the answer that we wanted, but they answered the question.” He cited as one example of the concerns repairers have about the use of data a report published by Mitchell International on differences seen in bumper refinish costs. Schulenburg said some insurers used the report to urge field staff not to overpay on bumper refinish on certain vehicles. But Schulenburg said, the differences See Information Providers, Page 43
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H OND A C AL I FO RN I A
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National Events
Stacey Phillips is a freelance writer and editor for the automotive industry. She has 20 years of experience writing for a variety of publications, and is co-author of “The Secrets of America’s Greatest Body Shops.” She can be reached at sphillips.autobodynews@gmail.com.
AkzoNobel Meeting Held in CA to Help Shops Become ‘Repairers of Choice’ with Stacey Phillips
by Stacey Phillips
Body shops from across the country recently joined distributors and AkzoNobel employees to share information, learn about best practices in the collision repair industry and conduct a financial analysis of their businesses. It was all part of the AkzoNobel North American Performance Group (NAPG) meeting held in San Diego, CA, in September. The meeting is planned twice a year at different destinations across the country, and is an important component of the Acoat Selected program.
Begun in Europe in 1976, the Acoat Selected program was first held in North America in the early 1990s. Since then, national and regional performance group meetings have been planned for shops on a regular basis. “What sets our events apart from the industry is our focus on having collision repairers spend time working ‘on their business’ and not ‘in their business,’” said Rick Fifer, North American services manager. “The shops come to our events to work.” There were more than 200 in attendance, including 147 body shop owners and managers representing 187 collision centers, 32 distributors and guests. During the week-long event, participants spent time in one of the eight performance groups focused on peerto-peer consulting. “We are careful to not put competing shops in the same groups,” said Fifer. “We not only encourage open dialogue, but our consultants are trained to facilitate it so that attendees usually learn more from one another than from us.” Whether they are coming for the first time or are regular attendees, Fifer
said shops understand that it’s a giveand-take relationship. “They come to the meeting prepared to give to their group members and especially the first-time attendees, but know that as long as everyone is giving, they all get to take something away.” He said the ultimate goal is to help shops be “the repairer of choice” and “employer of choice” in their respective markets. In addition to attending the performance group meetings, attendees
also had the opportunity to take part in the early-bird training sessions that were offered as well as listen to se-
lected speakers who discussed topics and/or services related to the collision repair industry. They included 3M, Enterprise, Fine, Boggs & Perkins LLP, the American Skilled Labor Association, Estify, Body Shop Nation and Phoenix Solutions Group. Performance groups associated with the Acoat Selected program include: BC RPG: The British Columbia Regional Performance See Repairers of Choice, Page 44
NAPG Attendees Share Thoughts on Performance Group Meetings Paul Cook, general manager of “A” Auto Body in Midlothian, VA, has attended the Acoat meetings for the last three years. “The desire to improve and grow as a business and to know where we stand in our improvement and growth is what made us want to start coming. It’s nice to know other shops face the same issues we do. It’s also great to be able to set goals to achieve as a company and know that our peers will hold us accountable at the next meeting. It really makes you focus on the business and improve it—not just for us, but for our employees and the customers. It has helped us focus on our processes and improve them so we are able to be more organized and streamline the repairs to be able to decrease our cycle time without making our quality suffer. They are also a great place to share new ideas, and to hear that what works for some may work for us as well. If at any time we have a question, we know we can call another shop in our group and they are there to help us and answer questions.” Tim Doyle, collision center director at Lindsay Collision in the Washington D.C. area, has been coming to the Acoat meetings for the past 12 years. “I originally started when I switched to their paint and was looking for more business solutions. I soon realized how helpful they were for my business, and I never
40 DECEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
looked back. They have helped me grow from one store to four, and my flagship store produces over 650 cars per month. I would never have been able to process or handle that volume without AkzoNobel’s help. They have helped me with everything from pay plans, shop layout, equipment recommendations, processes and taught me about PCE (process-centered environment) all along the way. It’s always good to get away from your shop and learn from other people. We share financial in formation with the group and review the good, the bad and even the ugly, but we are all there to help one another. If one shop is struggling in a certain area, the shop that is performing the best shares what they do and we all learn from it.” Jay Flores, owner and president of Tony’s Body Shop in Oxnard, CA, has been involved in the Acoat program for more than 20 years. He is currently mentoring another shop owner and encouraged him to get involved in the performance groups. “I tell him, ‘You’ve been in the dark and trying to run your business and learn things on your own. Now, you’re not in the dark and you get to associate with other good businesses.’ I was a small mom-and-pop shop and wasn’t exposed to other businesses. I decided to attend the Acoat program and what it did was in-
spire me to learn more about my business. I remember meeting shop owners earning $1 million-plus a month in sales. Over the years, my shop has grown because of my affiliation with the program. I’ve found that the performance groups tend to include shops from across the United States that are also looking to better their businesses. Shops are looking for answers because they are in the dark--they are in their little box, never leaving their towns and wondering why things don’t change. Sometimes we get tired of working in our industry and all the things that come with it. After attending the meetings, I get rejuvenated. I hear other people talk about their problems and solutions and I come back ready to work again and be successful.” Gabriel Francis, sales representative for LKQ, was a first-time attendee. “As a first-time attendee, I think it was very beneficial. I had a chance to see how the groups operate. I had a customer with me and it was her first time too, so she had a chance to share her experiences with me. Also, I had the opportunity to see new products. I thought it was a great experience.” Eric McKenzie, director of body shop operations, attended his first Acoat meeting in 2007 after joining Park Place Dealerships, located in the Dallas/Fort See NAPG Attendees, Page 44
www.autobodynews.com | DECEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 41
Shop Strategies
Stacey Phillips is a freelance writer and editor for the automotive industry. She has 20 years of experience writing for a variety of publications. She can be reached at sphillips.autobodynews@gmail.com.
with Stacey Phillips
Military Veteran Attributes Shop’s Success to Building Lifelong Relationships with Customers Before working in the collision repair business, Robert Castellano had a different career path—the United States Marine Corps. He enlisted on Sept. 10, 2001— the day before 9/11 when the towers were hit—and served for six years. During that time, he spent three years
awarded the Combat Action ribbon and Presidential Unit Citation. With a passion for cars, Robert decided to join his brother, Will, at Brookston Body Shop, where they have run the shop as co-owners for the past decade in Houston, TX. “I just love cars and love helping people,” said Robert. “I guess that’s why I also volunteered to serve. I wanted to help people who could not help themselves.”
After leaving the United States Q: Marine Corps., how did you get involved working at the body shop?
Co-owners of Brookston Body Shop in Houston, Texas: Robert Castellano (right) and his brother, Will
and nine months in Iraq and was promoted to sergeant. Later, he volunteered as a private security contractor working personnel security detail. As a combat veteran, he has been
A:
I have been around the body shop business and cars since I was a kid. My father had a shop, and that’s how my brother, Will, started in the business. Will opened a body shop in 2002, and I joined him in 2005 when I was getting out of the military. My purpose was to help expand the
business. We were in an older neighborhood where the clientele was a little shady and always looking to cut corners. My brother told me to start looking for a new location, and I found the perfect place in the Heights area of Houston, Texas. We started op-
ployees strong and our focus is always on the customer. We do not work for the insurance companies—we work for the customer. Without the customer, neither us nor the insurance company would be in business.
How have you set your body Q: shop apart from others in Houston? What sets us apart from others A: in the industry—at least around our area—is that we are “old school.”
Robert Castellano while serving in the United States Marine Corps. He is carrying a .50 caliber machine gun
erating there and have been doing better and better every year! We expanded to our second shop across the street, where we do our assembling and detail the vehicles for delivery. We are currently at 10 em-
We love to interact with the clients and are available 24/7. Our customers deal with us directly and we strive to make sure that everything is perfect. We value our customers and do whatever it takes to accomplish the job, no matter how big or small. We go out of our way to make our customers happy and hope to make a lifelong relationship. I think people are surprised because we were both young when we
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I think hiring veterans is a good A: idea because they are used to structure, thinking outside the box, doing
started the shop here in the Heights 10 years ago. I was in my late twenties, but at that time looked younger! My brother was about 32, but also looked like he was in his late twenties. Most of our customers seriously do become our friends and are known to just show up at the shop and hang
more with less and usually have a good work ethic. Arriving early is a big thing and failure is never an option. They are usually dedicated to their unit, which is the equivalent of their working team. I’m sure you can find these qualities in the civilian world as well, but I think in the military you learn them at a really young age. Who would trust an 18-year-old to work on a $50 million jet or with the cryptography that is set on the radios for communication? In the corporate world, most people would not trust someone this age with running the coffee maker or copy machine. However, in the military an 18-year-old is entrusted with the life of his comrades and to make decisions that would keep the civilian population alive. We had an 18-year-old Forward Observer. He is the guy calling in the airstrikes or artillery. If he made a mistake giving the pilots or artillery men the wrong coordinates, innocent civilians or even his comrades could have been killed. I think that’s a pretty massive responsibility for someone this age who cannot even drink beer yet. If a shop has the opportunity to hire a veteran, I highly recommend it.
Brookston Body Shop’s motto is “Where we meet most of our friends by accident.”
out. That is why our motto is: “Where we meet most of our friends by accident.” I know a few people use that, but we really mean it! We are lucky to do what we have a passion for. When you love what you do for a living, it quits being a job.
With the shortage of technicians in the industry, what is Q: your advice about hiring veterans?
companies use the data. “Your issue is not with the information. Your issue is with how the information is being used,” Tuuri suggested to the associations. “People use power tools for the wrong reason every day, and you don’t go to Black & Decker and
Continued from Page 36
Information Providers
in the costs were more attributable to differences on estimates than on what was actually happening in shops. The data may seem to indicate that older vehicles need less time, he said, but it’s actually more an issue of appraisers not being as likely to allow procedures such as tinting and final sand and polish on estimates for older cars as they are on newer cars. The estimate data that Mitchell was touting as a trend, Schulenburg said, didn’t reflect that those procedures are still being done on the older vehicles. But Greg Horn of Mitchell International said the report was actually pointing out that additional bumper refinish operations such as tint and blend vary by geographic region. “So why are the body shop associations not reading that same report and saying, ‘Why are our brethren down in the Southeast or up in the Northeast getting this when it’s a valid operation, but we’re not in this area,’” Horn suggested. Audatex’s Rick Tuuri said his company and the other information providers cannot control how other
In 2012, Greg Horn was with Mitchell International, and defended the company’s release of data that showed regional variations in billing for bumper refinishing
complain that someone tried to pound a nail with your power drill and put a hole in their hand. It’s not Black & Decker’s fault.” – As reported in CRASH Network (www.CrashNetwork.com), December 3, 2012. Schulenburg remains executive director of SCRS; Tuuri retired from Audatex in 2016; Horn in 2016 became national auto physical damage claims director at The Hartford.
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Continued from Page 40
Repairers of Choice
(BC RPG) Group consists of Acoat shops from British Columbia, Canada. The group normally meets in Canada, but every two years they choose to participate at the NAPG. “The big attraction in San Diego (besides the location!) was the ability to attend the variety of Early Bird classes that are not normally available to them,” said Robert Dubreuil, senior services consultant, Canada. “Most of the members took part in several classes and really appreciated the information.” Dealer: Approximately a dozen dealer shops gathered to discuss common issues they have in their businesses. “Although they are from all over the United States, they do have similar challenges within their own organizations,” said Greg Griffith, services consultant. Griffith said, for the most part, the performance groups are run the same way, although some spend more time on certain topics, such as financials, processes and marketing. “Like the other groups, we help shops set an action plan of what they are going to work on at the end of every meeting and then we have them report back at the beginning of the Continued from Page 40
NAPG Attendees
Worth area. “I came on the advice of several AkzoNobel employees who worked with me and recommended the meetings. The knowledge and insight that I learn from meeting with my industry peers twice a year have been invaluable. It is great to be around people who do the same things I do every day in other parts of the country and to be able to exchange best practices and ideas for improving each of our businesses. I have learned too many marketing ideas to count as well, such as ideas for production and personnel management, to name a few.” Wes Steffen, owner of Elmer’s Body Shop in Elkhart, IN, said that at
next meeting,” said Griffith. “Almost everybody follows that up with a financial discussion.” He often encourages shops to get involved in the industry, especially if they want to see changes occur. “What we always do in the dealer group is have a couple of shops that are involved in their local auto body associations and discuss what’s going on in the industry to try to get people involved,” said Griffith. Overall, he said, the networking is very beneficial to all of the shops. “They are able to reach out to one another, and in between the meetings a lot of the guys have become friends and talk to each other all the time,” he said. Distributor: James Lamb, business services manager, said the Distributor Group is unlike a traditional Performance Group, but is a great opportunity for distributors from across the country to stay up-to-date on issues and solutions affecting their customers. “It’s also a good way for us to communicate new developments from AkzoNobel and discuss, as a group, possible implications and opportunities,” he said. Lamb said that one of the group’s long-term collision center owners, Van Takemoto from Island Fender in Hawaii, spoke to attendees about the value he has realized from participatleast one member of the family business has participated in the Acoat program since 1999. “I’m the fourth-generation owner of our facility and we’re in our 10th decade. We’ve seen a lot of changes, and we’re going to see more. I’ve looked at the other programs offered by the manufacturers in our industry, and I believe AkzoNobel is the only program that is out there with a dedicated staff to help with business development. They are not a paint rep first and talk about business development second [company]. I think that’s what is unique about what they offer through Acoat. Over the years, I’ve found the interaction with other shop owners has been very beneficial to our family business. The meetings foster ideas you probably wouldn’t have been exposed to by just staying inside your
44 DECEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
ing in Acoat over the years. “His sales and his profitability are significantly better than when he started with AkzoNobel over 15 years ago,” said Lamb. “Takemoto encouraged the distributors to push their customers to participate, as he strongly feels it brings the shops more value than they can get in any other way.” Gold: The Gold performance group is composed of independent shop owners with locations in California, the Carolinas, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Michigan, New Jersey, New York and Nova Scotia. The shops range in size from $70,000–$600,000 average sales per month, and the majority have more than $300,000 per month in sales. Henri Rich, senior services consultant for the east region, said the members have agreed to a charter that focuses on financial improvements. “The members rely on open discussions based on the topics presented, as they feel they gain the most from each other at that time,” said Rich. “All members must provide input on nearly every topic we set to ensure all opinions, issues and suggestions are heard.” He has found that the members not only have formed great relationships with one another during the meetings, but also outside of the meetings, which creates a “family effect.” Kryptonite: The Kryptonite own sphere of influence that you have locally. It can force you to broaden your horizons a little bit and give you exposure to those new ideas. AkzoNobel has brought things to the table several different times that have been game-changers. They are directly focused on having people there who can help you drive your business.” John P Stegenga Jr., vice president and co-owner of Woodcock Auto Body in Washingtonville, NY, has been studying and implementing the repair planning process with the support of AkzoNobel staff for the past few years. “The process has revolutionized our business. The PCE method of thinking has been the biggest game-changer for us. It is more of a journey to adapt such processes to our shop and takes years. Our decision to join the Acoat program
Group consists of a mixture of shop types, including independent collision repair facilities and MSOs. “The Kryptonite group was started with a very forward-thinking core group of really successful collision repair professionals,” said Ryan Ross, eastern market services manager. “Because of this core group, we are able to really shape our new members’ thinking on so many provable and well-documented business solutions to help them achieve unprecedented levels of profit and sustainability.” Ross said the open dialogue format creates a more enhanced learning environment where the members not only learn from one another, but also feel accountable for one another to achieve their individual business goals. Platinum: The Platinum Group is composed of a large number of multishop operators, as well as a few singlelocation operators. “They all are above-average, progressive businesses interested in the latest best practices,” said Jim Lovejoy, services consultant. He said the Platinum group has always been known to prefer discussions rather than being “talked to.” “When Jeff Baker and I create segments for each meeting, our goal is to create more of an outline,” said See Repairers of Choice, Page 52
and also our selection of a paint provider was based first on how a paint company would help grow our business through training, and second the quality of the product. Although we are focused on the best financial margins with our paint selection, we are more focused on the constant support and coaching that we receive from the AkzoNobel team and our Acoat group meeting partners. Attending the meetings two times a year gives us the time to get away from the shop to work on our business while also allowing us to spend time with like-minded shop owners [and build] strong peer relationships in a non-competitive environment. This environment allows you to open up and share numbers (confidentially) with no fear of a local competitor trying to find your secret sauce.”
www.autobodynews.com | DECEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 45
In Reverse
Early Industry Pioneers Left Their Mark with Gary Ledoux
Even before there were cars on the road, a number of people created products, provided services or simply had inauspicious beginnings that, although may have seemed trivial at the time, had a profound and lasting effect on the industry. Even back then, they would influence the way the auto industry in general, and the collision repair industry in particular, works. Escaping the French revolution and leaving their printing business behind them, on Jan. 1, 1800, Pierre and his son Eleuthere Irenee (E.I.) arrived in America after a grueling 90-day voyage. Father and son eventually found their way to Bergen, NJ. Pierre wanted to engage in the elaborate scheme of international trade. E.I. took a more practical approach—the manufacture of gunpowder, something he was already familiar with and with which he was quite proficient. The chemistry and manufacture of gunpowder would lead to a multitude of products, not the least of which was paint—DuPont Refinish paint over 100 years later, thanks to the foresight of Pierre Samuel du Pont de Nemours and his son, E.I du Pont de Nemours. And then there was Henry, born Sept. 27, 1842. He would later be described in his company’s history as being “self-taught and self-propelled” and an “entrepreneur and inventor.” His formal education in his hometown of Baltimore, VT, ended at the young age of 13 when he began work in a general store. From there, he became a photographer and then moved to Cleveland, OH, where he became a clerk then a bookkeeper for Freeman & Kellogg dry goods. He then became a partner in the George Sprague Company, purveyors of groceries, and managed to save $2,000—quite a hefty sum in the mid-1860’s. The grocery business obviously gave young Henry a good income, but he wanted something more. Opportunities with a wholesale drug company, a bank and a wholesale paint company then presented themselves. Henry chose the paint company, not because it offered the most money initially, but because he thought it “gave the promise of a future greater than others.” Truer words were never spoken. Henry bought into and became a
Gary Ledoux is an industry veteran with 48 years’ experience in the automotive and OEM collision parts industry. His column appears exclusively in Autobody News. He can be reached at YesterWreck@yahoo.com
partner with Truman Dunham & Co., purveyors of paint ingredients. He learned all he could about the paint business, endeavoring to “bring a fine sense of order” to it. The partnership did not last long. By 1869, Henry discovered that his partners were more interested in producing linseed oil and he was more interested in paint. In 1870, Truman Dunham & Co. faded into history. Henry had a pal named Edward, born May 10, 1843 in Cleveland, OH. Edward attended Cleveland High School, graduating in 1859, and then went on to earn degrees at Hudson College. He also found time to serve in the 85th Volunteer Infantry of Ohio during the Civil War. On Feb. 3, 1870, Henry Sherwin and his pal Edward Williams decided to pool their resources, including $15,000 of Edward’s own money and Henry’s knowledge of paint, to start their own company, naming it after themselves— the Sherwin-Williams Company. But it wasn’t enough for early pioneers to create a quality paint for factory-finishing and refinishing cars. Factories and “shop men” had to have a way to get the paint onto the vehicle. Prior to 1926, automotive paint was applied with a brush in multiple coats with a lot of drying time in between; an extremely laborious and time-consuming job. There had to be a better way. In 1887, a maintenance supervisor for the Boston-based Marshall Field’s department stores was charged with painting the store’s basement walls white—miles and miles of basement walls on several different levels in several different stores. Painting by hand would take large crews weeks to accomplish. Seeking a faster way, the maintenance supervisor developed a spray apparatus with paint in a bucket pressurized by a hand pump. The paint sprayed out through a wand mechanism with a nozzle, not unlike a device used to spray weed killer today. It was a success. He would later go on to use his paint sprayer to paint many of the buildings at the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The Exposition, on the scale of a world’s fair, was known as the Great White City, thanks in no small part to the maintenance supervisor’s invention. In 1919, he developed his first
46 DECEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
air-powered spray gun as we know them today, and by 1926, the DuPont Company produced a spray-able lacquer called Duco, suitable for automotive refinishing. That maintenance supervisor’s name was Joseph Binks. But Mr. Binks was not alone—he had a little competition. In 1888, a doctor created an atomizer to spray medicine on his patients’ sore throats to help them heal faster. In 1907, his son, Thomas, expanded on the idea and created a hand-held, air-powered spray gun for paint. By blowing compressed air across the top of a siphon tube submerged in liquid, the gun could create a controllable pattern of material. The first spray guns were used primarily for furniture finishing but by 1926, they were used for automotive refinishing. That doctor’s name was Dr. Allen DeVilbiss. Most people reading this have probably owned or handled a Binks or DeVilbiss spray gun. Of course, body shops can’t work
on a collision-damaged car until or unless it arrives at the shop. And as we all know, sometimes, they are not drivable. That is where Ernie’s invention helps the industry. In 1916, Ernie helped a friend pull a car from a ditch in Chattanooga, TN. It was back-breaking work. They succeeded, but Ernie thought that there must be a better and easier way. He acquired a used 1913 Cadillac, removed the body behind the driver’s seat, attached an A-frame and a system of pulleys, and created the first wrecker. It was a great idea, but didn’t exactly work as planned. It wasn’t steady enough when trying to winch a car out of an odd spot. He needed a set of outrigger feet to keep the Cadillac from tipping over. After attaching the outriggers, and some boxes in which to carry tools, his tow truck was a success. So much so, he started making them for other people and thus, an inSee Industry Pioneers, Page 49
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SEMA Show Goes On
Ed Attanasio is an automotive journalist based in San Francisco, California. He can be reached at era39@aol.com.
3M Hosts Reunion of 10 of the World’s Best Car Painters at SEMA with Ed Attanasio
Every year, the 3M Automotive Af- ieu, Kyle Morley, Ryan “Ryno” termarket Division makes a major im- Templeton and Mark Oja to headline pression at the with SEMAEd Show. This the 3M Automotive Aftermarket OutAttanasio year, it pushed the envelope even door Showcase, while other events, more with a busy schedule packed such as a live wrap competition, took with activities and celebrity appearplace at its booth on the convention ances. floor. Also taking place at the 3M D.E.M.O. trailer parked outside the front lot of the Las Vegas Convention with Stacey Phillips Center was the 3M and the Collision Repair Education Foundation auction of custom-painted hoods designed by leading painters from around the world. The auction benefited the 3M Hire our Heroes program. with Stacey Phillips The hoods were created during the 2017 3M PPS World Cup, held The 3M booth at SEMA was busy all day, with in conjunction with the Woodward live demonstrations, celebrity appearances Dream Cruise in Detroit last sumand live interviews, including a visit by the mer. 3M invited leading automotive legendary Richard Petty painters from around the world to 3M featured big names such as come to Detroit to demonstrate their with Stacey Phillips Richard Petty, Chip Foose, Charley painting skills with the latest 3M soHutton, the Ringbrothers, KC Math- lutions for vehicle painting, includ-
ing the 3M™ PPS Media and Publicity for Shops Cup System.
Shop Strategies
™
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The 10 leading painters who featured their amazing artwork on car hoods during the event included: Pablo Prado, KandynChrome, USA; Jacob Miles, Milestone Paint & Body, USA; Connie Manjavinos, Passion-
ateInk, USA; Clay Hoberecht, Best Body Shop, USA; Justin Jimmo, Refinish Network, Canada; Carl-André Giroux, Canada; Danny Schramm, SchrammWerk, Germany; Christian Wilke, Germany; Carmine De Maria, C.A.D. Custom, Australia and Shane Wanjon, Exclusive Image Paint and
Body Shops Giving Back Tips for Busy Body Shops My SEMA with Stacey Phillips
Shop Strategies
3M’s Automotive Aftermarket Division invited 10 leading painters for a reunion at SEMA after their participation in the 2017 3M PPS World Cup in Detroit this summer
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Body, USA. Canadian Painter Carl-André Giroux was thrilled to be involved in the 3M PPS World Cup in Detroit this summer, and the reunion at SEMA made it even sweeter, he said.
ticipants went head-to-head using their design skills with a combination of 3M Wrap Film Series 1080 and the 3M Design Line Knifeless Tape. “With so much talent under one roof at SEMA 2017, we wanted to create an atmosphere where creative energy from both contest participants and attendees will produce very exciting designs,” said Janelle Pizzi, product marketer for 3M Commercial Solutions Division. “The 3M 1080 Live Wrap Competition is a great opportunity for installers to show off their unique talents while using Wrap Film Series (l to r) Steve Carney, Joe Alexander, Rio Torres and Carl 1080 and Knifeless Design Brewer won the 2017 3M 1080 Live Wrap Competition at Line Tape.” SEMA Team contestants had a “These are some of the greatest chance to win some of the $32,000 in painters in the world, so it’s an honor to prize money and merchandise, inbe associated with these amazing cluding Wrap Film Series 1080. Adartists,” he said. “The hoods we created ditionally, the winning team gained will be raising money for a much- major bragging rights by having a needed charity, and that is a big deal for photo of its design incorporated into all of us.” the Knifeless Design Line Tape pack3M hosted a live wrap competi- aging. Congratulations to this year’s tion that attracted crowds to their winning team, consisting of Steve booth throughout the show. Twelve Carney, Joe Alexander, Rio Torres teams consisting of two to four parand Carl Brewer.
Continued from Page 46
Continued from Page 33
dustry of building and using tow / recovery trucks was born. As the auto industry grew, and the need for recovery work grew, so did Ernie’s business. He earned a worldwide reputation for quality products and innovation. He devised the first two-winch cable system so the recovery vehicle could be tied off to an anchoring object for heavy pulls. He developed a pivoting boom so cars could be recovered from an odd angle. At first, cars were “hooked” to the frame with a rather crude steel hook. Eventually, the company that Ernie founded developed a dolly that enabled a car to be completely lifted off the road in the event that a vehicle’s wheel was completely disabled. In the 1930s, winches that had been hand-cranked became powered by the truck’s transmission, greatly increasing the pulling power. Today, body shop owners see these trucks pulling cars into their shops every day. The next time you see one, think of Ernie with his 1913 Cadillac and say thanks to Ernest Holmes towing equipment.
intermediate jobs, and 12 professional jobs, so these kids get to decide which direction they want to go, and then we can really focus and try and get those kids headed that way,” said Wilson. Wilson added that teaching professionalism is a fundamental part of the CTEC curriculum. “We really try to teach students to look people in the eye, hand-shaking skills, and proper dress,” he said. “Students are given auto top uniforms, so they all walk around looking nice, and they can get use to a professional dress code.” Wilson said that CTEC is also working on securing internship opportunities for students next year. “Since there’s such a huge need for auto body technicians, auto body shops are really dependent on us to say hey we have five to 10 students and they’re ready to go,” he added.
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SEMA Show Goes On WD-40 Features Boosted Bronco at SEMA
Ed Attanasio is an automotive journalist based in San Francisco, California. He can be reached at era39@aol.com.
with Ed Attanasio
Every year when SEMA hits Vegas, four-wheel drive, but gets a modern show attendees start looking around spin with its hand-built 20” Detroit for the WD-40®with booth Ed because they Steel Wheels, Diode Dynamics BiAttanasio know that it will contain an over-the- LED round headlights and Distinctive top, one-of-a-kind vehicle that will Industries touring seats and upholstery. From its WD-40-themed mattefascinate car lovers worldwide. metallic paint, to its twin-turbo V6 EcoBoost powered drive train, everything about the vehicle stands out, according to a press release from the with Stacey Phillips company. The WD-40 booth was once again built to look like a mechanics garage, located just outside the Las Vegas Convention Center’s South Hall where WD-40 Specialist products were This year, WD-40 unveiled Phillips the demonstrated, visitors played games with Stacey WD-40/SEMA Cares Boosted Bronco for WD-swag and visitors shared how at the 2017 SEMA Show as part of its they use WD-40 products on social annual restoration build, which blends media to earn branded hats, T-shirts old with new and highlights the many and more. The WD-40/SEMA Cares Boosted automotive uses for WD-40 MultiUse Product and the WD-40 Special- Bronco will soon be auctioned off at with Stacey Phillips Barrett-Jackson Auction Company, ist line. “This original 1966 Ford Bronco with proceeds benefitting SEMA Cares, is an iconic cult classic vehicle, and Childhelp and the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund. The build partners we’ve created a modern, unique version with the WD-40/SEMA Cares on the Boosted Bronco were AIRAID, AMSOIL, AutoMeter, B&M, BASF, Baumann Electronic with Stacey Phillips Controls, Blood & Grease, Detroit Steel Wheel, Diode Dynamics, Flowmaster, General Tire, Grip Royal, Mishimoto, POR-15, The Club, VMS Racing and XS Power. It all started with cars. Designing and building with Victoria Antonelli award-winning custom cars has been a passion of the Vaccar family since the mid1970s, eventually leading to the establishment of ACV Motorsports in 1999. Aaron and his father, Carl Vaccar, work with Ed Attanasio side-by-side on every project Aaron Vaccar, master car builder, created this year’s WDbecause they bring different 40/SEMA Cares Boosted Bronco at the 2017 SEMA Show skills to each car they create, Boosted Bronco,” builder Aaron Vac- Aaron Vaccar said. car said. “WD-40 Brand is an industry “We took a different approach icon, with a long history of support- with this vehicle, because we wanted ing automotive professionals with it to be fresh and unprecedented,” products that help us get the job done Aaron Vaccar said. “We had to submit right, and were an integral part of get- a 10-page proposal and then wait for ting the Bronco ready for the SEMA the response. When they contacted us Show.” and gave us the news, we were obviThe WD-40/SEMA Cares ously thrilled. We worked 30 days Boosted Bronco retains its original non-stop to get it done, but we’re de-
lighted with the result.” Media and Publicity for Shops The tight deadline didn’t dissuade
Shop Strategies
Body Shops Giving Back
fore Aaron was even able to graduate, the school had invited him to speak to other core classes and at events such as the Extreme Entrepreneurship Tour to motivate fellow business students. Aaron’s second major SEMA Show project vehicle came in 2011 from Ford Motor Co., along with a Design Award from Ford for his outstanding achievement. In the same year, Aaron also unveiled Aaron and his father, Carl Vaccaro, worked side-by-side his first venture into a new into create this amazing vehicle that will soon be auctioned off at Barrett-Jackson with proceeds benefitting SEMA dustry—Blood & Grease “kusCares, Childhelp and the SEMA Memorial Scholarship tom klothing” was introduced Fund at a later date into the market as an edgyCarl Vaccar as the clock kept ticking, retro, hot rod-influenced premium apbecause he believes in his son and his parel and accessory line, which quickly abilities, he said. achieved cross-country and international “My floor is Aaron’s ceiling and sales. I’m so happy to see his success, beAs recently as 2012, Aaron had cause he deserves it. The fact that this the honor of being one of the largest
Tips for Busy Body Shops My SEMA
Shop Strategies
Product Innovation
50 DECEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
As part of a lengthy proposal, Aaron Vaccar submitted this rendering
vehicle will raise money for a great cause like SEMA Cares makes it even more special,” he said. It has been a fast track to success for the Vaccar family, but it started early for Aaron. By the time he graduated from high school in 2005, he had already started branding his own custom car “signature series” for sponsors and had an online aftermarket parts store, ACV Mailorder. As he entered Youngstown State University for a Business Administration degree, he learned more about being a real entrepreneur and tested out new ventures wherever he saw opportunities. Be-
builders at the SEMA Show, with a total of three vehicles awarded to him by Ford Motor Company and General Motors to design. In addition, he debuted the re-branding of his car designer identity under the name “Vaccar”.
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Continued from Page 44
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Lovejoy. “We don’t try and give them all of the answers. Rather, we acknowledge that they are the experts because they are immersed in the business every day.” During the meetings, Lovejoy said the group focuses on financial benchmarking and robust discussions about industry topics. Members are also asked to create three action plans at the end of each meeting, and review the results at the beginning of the next meeting. “Most 20 group members will tell you one of their most valuable benefits is the opportunity to talk with other business owners,” said Lovejoy. “They can discuss what best practices others use, rather than have to reinvent the wheel themselves.” RWB Group: There are several new members of the Red, White and Blue Group, which is made up of experienced independent shop owners who share best practices to improve their businesses. Jeff Rhoads, services consultant, said the group is currently focusing on building an improved cul-
ture in their respective shops. “Our AkzoNobel sales training leader, Adrianna Marino, spent two days with our group and helped describe culture-building techniques, including creating a purpose for em-
method of monitoring it to improve production flow and reduce potential problems. Rhoads said RWB members conduct an in-depth goal-setting process at the end of the meeting that helps
ployees and some autonomy in doing their job,” said Rhoads. “She also spoke to the group about recruiting new employees and effectively developing them into top performers in the business.” During the performance group meeting, RWB members discussed the importance of having the “right amount” of work at the shop and a
them develop their individual financial and operational goals. “Everyone in the group contributes to the discussion and is actively engaged in helping other group members develop a solid plan for improvement,” he said. Titanium: Tim Ronak, senior services consultant, said the Titanium group is the first U.S.-based national
Young Auto Care Professionals Seeking Professional Development, Education, Mentorship, Join YANG
Young auto care industry professionals attending this year’s AutoZone National Sales Meeting in Memphis, TN, had the chance to see the newest products and explore networking opportunities with their industry peers through the Young Auto Care Network Group (YANG). Begun in 2014, YANG is a rapidly growing program offered by the Auto Care Association that is proving to be beneficial to businesses seeking to cultivate the next generation of leadership. YANG’s mission to help young professionals establish a circle of peers to grow alongside throughout their careers resonated positively with the meeting’s attendees, attracting 100 new members to the group on the spot at the group’s exhibit booth at the AutoZone National Sales Meeting. “AutoZone is proud to support our young professionals through our AZ NEXTGEN business resource group and its connection to YANG and the Auto Care Association,” said Lani Glancy, AutoZone’s Director, Diversity and Talent Development, Customer Satisfaction. “Both AZ NEXTGEN and YANG offer powerful networking and career development opportunities for our industry’s
future leaders. Leveraging YANG’s regional meet-ups and through its own sponsored events, AZ NEXTGEN will help our team members explore the many career opportunities available to them at AutoZone and in the broad, continually evolving automotive aftermarket industry.” YANG provides auto care professionals under the age of 40 the opportunity to network with industry peers, enhance knowledge and improve leadership capabilities. According to Harvard Business Review, research shows that these opportunities are often linked to “increased productivity, improved capacity to innovate and faster advancements” in the workplace, The new 2017 YANG Report provides readers with information on YANG’s latest accomplishments, future initiatives, corporate sponsorship opportunities, regional meet-up event hosting opportunities, testimonials from current YANG members and encouragement of support for YANG’s mission from industry leaders. To view the latest YANG Report and see how to infuse YANG into your corporate culture, go to: http://bit.ly /2zX57dS
52 DECEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
Acoat Selected performance group formed by AkzoNobel in 1992, and has been continually meeting twice annually for more than 25 years. Ronak said that collectively, they represent more than $8.5 million in monthly sales volume and approximately $102 million in annual sales. The group comprises 18 independent organizations that currently manage 30 locations and include independent shops as well as several MSO operations. The Titanium Group primarily focuses on using standardized benchmarking to create a platform that allows shops to identify where they can improve operationally. “The open discussion leads to action plans and goals that individual shops are accountable for,” said Ronak. “The real value is the peer group format that has peers act to hold individuals accountable for specific actions and management goals they have set for themselves.” The next AkzoNobel North American Performance meeting will be held in San Antonio, TX, March 14–16. For more information, contact your local AkzoNobel representative or distributor.
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SEMA Show Goes On WyoTech Launches Alumni Association at SEMA with Ed Attanasio
Ed Attanasio is an automotive journalist based in San Francisco, California. He can be reached at era39@aol.com.
After 50 years of educating next-gen- and glut of unfilled positions,” Hurd WyoTech, they learn what it takes to beeration mechanical and technical pro- said. “Through our new alumni asso- come a highly sought-after technician fessionals, WyoTech launched its first ciation, we want to send the message from master instructors. But their trainwith Ed Attanasio alumni association at the 2017 SEMA Show to connect more than 64,000 graduates with ongoing career development opportunities, community involvement, volunteer engagement, mentorship programs and philanthropy. with Stacey Phillips With a mission to provide jobs in the U.S. automotive, diesel, collision/refinishing, motorcycle and marine technology industries while creating a pipeline of future applicants, WyoTech’s new alumni organization was established to connect with Stacey Phillips employers and hiring managers with highly skilled technicians and facilitate easy networking among alumni WyoTech’s booth at 2017 SEMA displayed re-built Ford trucks designed by Master Builders from its three campuses, according to Bryan Fuller and Mikey Brown John Hurd, AVP Strategic Relations for WyoTech. that WyoTech graduates are uniquely ing doesn’t stop there. We’re dedicated with Stacey Phillips “Technical education is the an- qualified to enter some of the most into providing alumni with lifelong career swer to America’s widening skills gap demand careers of the 21st century. At development and a meaningful place to
Media and Publicity for Shops Shop Strategies
Body Shops Giving Back
Tips for Busy Body Shops
connect with others driven by their passion and ready to start or advance their careers.” The alumni association’s activities will commence in January 2018. WyoTech gave all of its alumni attending this year’s SEMA Show a sneak peek at some of the opportunities during a Nov. 1 networking event and supercar driving experience at Exotics Racing in Las Vegas. The networking event was free to all WyoTech alumni, who were also encouraged to stop by the WyoTech booth to enter a drawing to win one of 20 racing spots. While visiting WyoTech’s booth, alumni and other show attendees also got up-close looks at custom-built 1940 and 1956 Ford trucks, fabricated by alumni Bryan Fuller and Mikey Brown, respectively. Bryan Fuller is a master builder, designer, TV personality and author of how-to-build books through his own
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publishing company, Full-Bore Publishing. He is a host of the TV series “Caffeine and Octane”, which highlights the culture and community of the largest monthly gathering of auto enthusiasts in the USA. This TV series is currently in its second season on NBC Sports Network, previously on Velocity. In addition, Bryan is the co-author of a series of how-to-build books, Full-Bore Welding and FullBore Sheet Metal, published by his own publishing company, Full-Bore Publishing. Bryan and the Fuller Moto team specialize in unique custom car and motorcycle builds and are well-known for their shop motto, which is “Dream Big, Build Strong, Ride Hard!” According to its 2017 SEMA announcement, WyoTech’s new alumni association will be committed to representing its peers and professions to the industry and soliciting insight from companies that have hired graduates. In addition, it will provide invaluable trend data and real-world perspectives to assist WyoTech in tailoring programs to best prepare students for long-term career success. See WyoTech Launches, Page 56
New Federal Report Highlights Demand in the Skills Trade, Automotive
A surge of skilled automotive and diesel technicians is needed nationwide over the next decade, according to new employment projections recently released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). With its new 2016–2026 report, the BLS has more than tripled its 2014 estimate for the number of “new entrant” transportation technicians necessary to meet industry demand. The BLS now estimates more than 120,000 new technicians—on average—are needed each year in the coming decade to work as automotive and diesel technicians and in collision repair. By 2026, that equates to approximately 1.2 million new technicians nationwide. “The transportation industry leaders who employ our graduates consistently say they need more skilled, trained technicians—and now the demand we’re seeing on the ground is backed up by these new federal employment projections,” said Kim McWaters, president and CEO of Universal Technical Institute (UTI). “UTI is well-positioned to help meet this industry demand as the nation’s leading provider of training for students seeking careers as transportation technicians. Better still, our graduates are poised to benefit from the strong employment market for their skills and
training.” “One of the biggest challenges we face is in recruiting enough skilled technicians to meet the needs of our customers,” said Paul Neumann, Vice President of Human Resources for Penske Automotive Group. “This federal report should be a clarion call to students, parents and policymakers about the growing workforce opportunities across the skilled trades, especially in the high-tech service shops of the automotive and diesel industry.” According to the latest BLS data, between now and 2026, the transportation industry will require, on average, approximately 76,000 new automotive technicians, 28,000 diesel technicians and 17,000 collision repair technicians each year to fill new positions in the industry, or to replace technicians who leave the occupation due to retirement or other reasons. TechForce Foundation, a nonprofit corporation focused on helping solve the technician shortage, has identified a handful of primary factors driving increased demand for new transportation technicians, including: • A sustained cycle of economic growth, resulting in more demand for automotive and transportation services; • “Catch-up” demand due to the num-
ber of technicians who left the industry during the Great Recession; • Workforce attrition as Baby Boomers reach retirement age; and • The increasingly complex nature of modern vehicles, which makes advanced training a must for new technicians. According to TechForce Foundation, meeting the workforce needs of the transportation industry requires a coordinated, concerted effort within the industry to educate Americans about the quality jobs available to technicians. Includes: shifting outdated, negative public perceptions toward work in skilled trades, and building a stronger employment pipeline among young students who have demonstrated an interest and aptitude for automotive and technicianrelated work. “It is going to take all of us working together to educate students and the general public about the great career opportunities in the skilled trades,” said McWaters. “UTI students graduate with strong job prospects and excellent opportunities to build a rewarding career in the transportation industry. We’re going to continue partnering with our automotive, diesel and other employer partners to help give this growing industry the trained, ready workforce it needs.”
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more. Most importantly, the site will act as a virtual networking forum where alumni can expand their WyoTech connections and support one another in By joining the association, alumni professional growth. will have full access to continually upWyoTech’s burgeoning alumni asdated news feeds populated with feasociation and its online channel will tures about graduates working in the supplement its spectrum of postgraduate career services programs. Dedicated career services teams at each campus will guide current students and alumni to reach their professional goals by providing assistance in developing and distributing resumes, alerting qualified candidates about job listings that match their skills and goals, and organizing career fairs. Also in advance of the January 2018 start date for the alumni association, WyoTech is seeking nominations for the inaugural board of directors. Ideal candidates are graduates of WyoTech, leaders in their The highlight of WyoTech’s SEMA Show was the profession, committed volunannouncement of its new alumni association teers, members of workforce field, job postings, career resources, boards or industry associations, and mentor recommendations, event anindividuals who are passionate about nouncements, campus updates and the value of a WyoTech education. Continued from Page 55
WyoTech Launches
New Metalux® Platinum Primer Delivers Performance ChemSpec USA has announced the introduction of its new METALUX® 9155 2K Platinum Filler Primer. With a high-build, this two-pack pre-
mium primer filler (surfacer) is ideal for automotive refinishing and new bodywork. 9155 offers fast dry times and excellent sanding characteristics while delivering a stable substrate for all refinishing essentials. METALUX® 9155 2K Platinum Filler Primer offers outstanding adhesion and durability. Featuring easy sanding and quick drying times, along with good color holdout and minimal shrinkage, this primer offers universal appeal to shops using the METALUX® System. Available in
one gallon cans. ChemSpec USA has manufactured a wide array of collision repair products for the Automotive, Fleet, OEM and Industrial Markets for more than 40 years. ChemSpec is now part of the Axalta Coating Systems family of brands and is dedicated to growing and strengthening relationships with customers in the USA and worldwide. Founded in 1976, ChemSpec USA, LLC., is a global manufacturer of premium coatings for the automotive refinish, fleet, OEM and industrial markets. Centrally located in Orrville, Ohio, the company features a broad range of brands including their METALUX® Premium Automotive Coatings, and MONTANA® BIG SKY® Quality Coatings for Auto, Fleet & Industrial and METACRYL® High Performance Topcoat System. For more information visit: www .chemspec paint.com.
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Second Annual “Insurer Report Card” Now Open
Consumers and insurance companies are paying attention. So now it’s time to update the list of the Top 100 auto insurers around the country. The second annual “Insurer Report Card” is now open, providing a chance for collision repair professionals to grade the claims handling performance of auto insurers in their state. Like last year, the survey is not just focusing on the Top 10 national insurers. You’ll also be grading some of the smaller or regional carriers in your state as well. Nationally, the survey will be collecting data on more than 120 different insurers. This gives the industry a chance to let consumers know if, for example, there’s a smaller insurer that may not be running ads on TV all the time, but is really great at taking care of its customers. The Insurer Report Card, open only to collision repairers, can be completed in as little as three minutes (though you also have an opportunity to tell consumers what they should know about each insurer you grade), and all your personal information will remain absolutely confidential.
Shops that complete the Report Card and provide optional contact information will receive the results once they are compiled. (If you didn’t get the results of the first Insurer Report Card earlier this year, there’s a link at the end of this year’s survey to get that.) Please visit the following URL to fill out your report card: https:// www.crashnetwork.com/grade book. 1. The Insurer Report Card asks you to grade insurers you deal with from an ‘A+’ to an ‘F.’ The grade you give should reflect how well each insurer’s policies, attitude and payment practices help ensure quality repairs and customer service for motorists in your state. 2. The Report Card should be completed by the shop owner, manager or estimator with the most current experience interacting with insurers on a regular basis. Only one response per shop location.
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AWDA Presents Annual Awards Honoring Excellence in the Automotive Aftermarket Industry The Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA), a community of the Auto Care Association, launched the general session of its 70th Annual Conference by recognizing the winners of its annual awards. The AWDA’s 70th Annual Conference took place from Oct. 28–Oct. 30 at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas, coinciding with the annual AAPEX show, which also took place in the city. Each year, AWDA presents four awards highlighting the excellence of its recipients in the automotive warehouse distribution industry. This year, the Jack Creamer Leader of the Year Award, which acknowledges an aftermarket professional who has contributed to the industry in a unique and significant way, was presented to Bill Maggs, president and CEO of the National PRONTO Association, co-CEO of the Automotive Parts Services Group and co-CEO of 1 Parts Global Aftermarket Services. AWDA Board of Governors member and current executive vice president of global procurement of Genuine Parts Company, Scott LeP-
rohon, presented Thomas C. Gallagher, former president and CEO of Genuine Parts Company, with the Martin Fromm Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his unselfish commitment to, and high level of performance within, the motor vehicle aftermarket industry. The Art Fisher Memorial Scholarship Award is given annually in memory of former AWDA Chairman Art Fisher, and grants scholarships to two students enrolled in the automotive aftermarket management program at Northwood University. This year, the NAPA/Genuine Parts LEAD Store Manager Training Program received the scholarship award in recognition of its outstanding commitment to education and training. The Pursuit of Excellence Award was given to Corey Bartlett, president and CEO, Automotive Parts Headquarters, Inc., St. Cloud, MN, in recognition of his excellence in business performance and the setting of high standards as an example for others to follow. To learn more about the AWDA annual awards and this year’s winners, visit: http://bit.ly/2zJFfTM
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909-390-0948 909-390-0982 Fax
scunningham@citrusmotors.com
Colley Ford GLENDORA
Wholesale Parts
800-253-3807 909-592-8577 Fax E-mail your orders parts@colleyford.com
Fairview Ford
SAN BERNARDINO
Wholesale Direct
909-386-0220 909-889-1741 Fax
SO. CALIFORNIA
Fritts Ford RIVERSIDE
951-343-7556 951-687-3044 Fax wsparts@frittsford.com
Future Ford of Clovis CLOVIS
800-350-2552 559-294-0816 Fax
Galpin Ford
VAN NUYS
818-778-2005 818-778-2090 Fax
Kearny Pearson Ford
Palm Springs Motors CATHEDRAL CITY
760-328-7149 760-328-5092 Fax
Penske Ford LA MESA
800-648-7431 619-668-7765 619-668-7719 Fax
Tuttle-Click Ford Lincoln Mercury
SO. CALIFORNIA
NO. CALIFORNIA
Vista Ford Lincoln Serramonte Ford WOODLAND HILLS
COLMA
www.vistaford.com Rabi_kadi@vistaauto.com
Wholesale Parts Dept. Fax
818-710-9594 818-251-4339 Fax
Worthington Ford LONG BEACH
800-622-4225 562-421-4033 562-496-1871 Fax
tonyc@calworthington.com
Wholesale Parts Dept. Phone
650-301-7190 650-301-7087
www.serramonteford.com
Sunnyvale Ford Lincoln Mercury
NEVADA
Friendly Ford LAS VEGAS
702-877-6546 702-870-6280 Fax
Gaudin Ford LAS VEGAS
702-796-2762 702-792-5370 Fax
SUNNYVALE
408-738-1530 408-738-3125 Fax
www.fordautodirect.com.com
IRVINE
949-472-5230 949-472-0327 Fax
SAN DIEGO
858-560-5033 800-635-6669 858-560-9648 Fax
Largest wholesaler in San Diego with 17 delivery trucks.
www.autobodynews.com | DECEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 57
NO. CALIFORNIA Concord Kia
Concord (888) 811-3058
(925) 685-2952 Fax M-F 8am - 5:30pm Sat 9am - 1pm
Kia Marin
Novato (415) 897-8686
(415) 898-9860 Fax M-F 7:30am - 5:30pm
Michael Stead’s Hilltop Kia Richmond (510) 758-2227
(510) 758-8853 Fax
Momentum Kia Vallejo (707) 638-1825
(707) 554-2637 Fax M-F 8am - 5pm Sat 8am - 3pm bvahl@momentumautogroup.com
SO. CALIFORNIA AllStar Kia
Pomona (909) 664-2200
(909) 455-9016 Fax M-F 8am - 6pm Sat 8am - 2pm parts@allstarkia.net www.allstarkia.net
AllStar Kia
San Bernardino (909) 763-4755
(909) 763-4744 Fax M-F 8am - 6pm Sat 8am - 2pm parts@allstarkia.net www.allstarkia.net
58 DECEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
Contact These Dealers For Your Kia Genuine Parts Needs Car Pros Kia
Carson Toll Free (800) 553-0940 Parts Direct
(310) 221-9101
(310) 816-9811 Parts Fax #1 Wholesale Dealer Serving Southern California
Car Pros Kia Glendale Glendale (818) 745-1103
(818) 244-0017 Fax M-F 7am - 6pm duncan@carpros.com
Car Pros Kia Huntington Beach Huntington Beach (714) 274-6178
(714) 847-4410 Fax M-F 7am - 6pm Sat 8am - 4pm jasonr@carpros.com
Citrus Kia Ontario
(800) 583-7042 (909) 390-0948
(909) 390-0982 Fax scunningham@citrusmotors.com www.citrusmotors.com M-Sat 7am - 6pm Free Local Delivery Ask for Ike, Jimbo, Chris, Juan, Sean, Jeff Se Habla Español
First Kia
Simi Valley (805) 306-1077
(805) 306-1085 Fax Free Local Delivery M-F 7am - 6pm Sat 8am - 5pm Se Habla Español Ask for Germán
Galpin Kia
North County Kia
(818) 778-2090
(866) 888-3074 Fax parts@autogrp.com www.northcountykia.com M-F 7am - 6pm In San Diego Over 10 Years
North Hills (818) 778-2005
Imperio Kia of San Juan Capistrano San Juan Capistrano (949) 276-2000
(949) 443-5223 Fax M-F 8am - 5pm Sat 8am - 2pm bhernandez.nsjc@imperioautogroup.com
Kearny Pearson Kia San Diego (800) 635-6669 (858) 560-5033
(858) 560-9648 Fax Largest wholesaler in San Diego with 17 delivery trucks
Kia of Alhambra Alhambra (626) 289-7803
(626) 289-8807 Fax kip@kiaofalhambra.com
Kia of Garden Grove Garden Grove (888) 992-1850
(714) 823-4929 Fax M-F 7:30am - 6pm Sat 7:30am - 4pm pelledge@ggkia.com www.ggkia.com
Kia of Irvine
Escondido (760) 945-9939
OREGON
Kia of Portland Portland (971) 271-8581
(503) 542-0413 Fax M-F 7:30am - 5:30pm Sat 8am - 4pm rsnyder@kiaofportland.com www.kiaofportland.com
Precise fit and finish, easy installation and a limited warranty direct
WASHINGTON
from Kia — all genuine
Renton (425) 204-6635
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Car Pros Kia Renton (425) 793-3889 Fax M-F 7am - 7pm Sat 8am - 5pm jgaeir@carpros.com
advantages of
Your local Kia retailer has all the parts you need.
Lee Johnson Kia Kirkland (425) 823-0188
(425) 284-1790 Fax M-F 7am - 5:30pm Sat 7am - 5pm tthompson@leejohnson.com
Irvine (855) 847-3592
(949) 777-2342 Fax
Kirby Kia of Ventura
Ventura (805) 656-9212
(805) 644-0517 Fax M-F 7am - 6pm vzavala@kirbyautogroup.com www.kiaofventura.com www.autobodynews.com | DECEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 59
Wizards Products Introduces the ‘Wizard 12 Big Throw Mini’ Orbital Polisher
Wizards Products introduces The Wizard 12 Big Throw Mini, a 12 mm throw DA (dual action) orbital polisher, designed for use with 3” and 4” faced pads.
A perfect companion to The Wizard 21 Big Throw Polisher, now more detail is available in tight areas and style lines where the 6” pads won’t allow full access. The Big Throw Mini is much faster than traditional smaller orbitals because of its larger 12 mm orbit; also safer to use than a rotary polisher that can burn quickly if user is not experienced. The Wizard 12 Big Throw Mini is perfect for the professional body shop, detailer and DIY Motorcycle enthusiasts for easily removing swirls, buffer marks and imperfections with minimal skill or effort, and without
leaving nasty swirl marks or holograms. Features include: 12 mm orbit, soft start/locking trigger, 2,500 – 5,500 OPM with constant speed control, supported with speed dial 1-6 adjustment and a 5 meter (16’5”) rubber cord. Unit is supplied with a 3” backing plate that operates well with 3” or Wizards 4” faced pads, both included in the (recommended/optional) SSR12 Kit (Scratch and Swirl Removal Kit) part number: 99123. See the Big Throw Mini Polisher live at SEMA, booth #10723, North Hall. Available 10-31-17. Wizard 12 Big Throw Mini Part number: DAPM12 UPC: 6-06435 00012-9 $229.95 ● Large 12 mm orbit ● Low profile design ● High Performance ● Soft/Safe start ● Speed control 1-6 ● 2,500 – 5,500 OPM ● 16’5” rubber cord
For more information visit: Wizards Products.com.
Automotive Collision Repair Market Is Projected To Be Around $246.78 Billion By 2022
In 2012, the global Automotive Collision Repair Market was valued around $163.39 billion and is anticipated to reach approximately $246.78 billion by 2022, while maintaining a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.78 percent during the forecast period. The automotive collision repair market involves the materials and repair services utilized for the reconstruction of an automotive after damage due to accident. Escalating road accidents and damages they caused to vehicles and the damage due to natural disasters are all unfortunate events driving the automotive collision repair industry growth. Additionally, technological innovations in automotive repair services and equipment, accident claims and insurance have contributed to the additional growth of the automotive collision repair industry. Coatings, paint, consumable and spare parts, amongst other components of automobiles, are the key materials utilized for automotive collision repairs. Coatings and paints are employed to conceal any
sort of dents and scratches on vehicles following the damage. A few of the coating and paint materials involve refinishing materials, colored paints and scratch resistant coatings. Resin materials and engine motor oil are amongst the key consumable products. Repair materials, mechanical parts, crash parts, and other tools are the spare parts. The global automotive collision repair market is expected to witness substantial growth, while registering a significant compound annual growth rate over the forecast period of 2012 to 2022, owed to rising concern for safety on the road and escalating strict automobile measures and rules. The global automotive collision repair market growth is directly linked to the expansion of the global automobile industry. Moreover, rising usage and production of electric and hybrid vehicles are determined to boost the application scope of automotive collision repair worldwide. Hence, with the rising sales and maturing of automobiles worldwide, the automotive collision repair demand is set to expand.
Guidewire Software Announces Enterprise as New Solution Alliance Partner
Guidewire Software, Inc. (NYSE: GWRE), a provider of software products to Property and Casualty insurers, today announced that Enterprise Rent-A-Car has joined Guidewire PartnerConnect™ as a Solution partner. Guidewire also announced Enterprise’s participation in the Ready for Guidewire accelerator validation program. Enterprise Rent-A-Car’s Automated Rental Management System (ARMS®) Web Application accelerator makes it easier and quicker for an insurance company using Guidewire ClaimCenter® to integrate with ARMS. The ARMS accelerator provides insurers access to over 13 rental solutions, from reservations to rental management and invoicing. From within ClaimCenter, insurers are connected to real-time repair information, with electronic data and repair status updates that flow directly from repair facility partners using the ARMS Automotive products. “Enterprise is dedicated to streamlining the rental process between insurance companies, collision centers, and our car rental
offices, helping insurers save on loss adjustment expenses,” said Mary Mahoney, vice president, Insurance Replacement Division for Enterprise. “Making our solutions Guidewire-ready will enable insurers to focus on the evolving needs of their business and allow for greater flexibility and efficiency in rental management for improved customer service.” “We are pleased to welcome Enterprise to the Guidewire PartnerConnect program as a Solution partner. We have worked with Enterprise for a number of years and are excited to expand our relationship with them. This comprehensive accelerator will make it easier and quicker for our mutual clients to integrate ClaimCenter with multiple Enterprise rental solutions, improving claims handling efficiency and enhancing policyholder customer experience,” said Neil Betteridge, vice president, Strategy, Guidewire Software.
www.autobodynews.com
60 DECEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
Genuine Porsche Parts...Only The Best. The Dealers Below are Genuine Porsche Parts Distributors.
IDAHO
CALIFORNIA
Porsche of Boise
Porsche Fresno
800-621-1775
559-860-4000
Boise
208-672-3494 Fax M-F 7:30am - 6pm
partspc@lylepearson.com www.lylepearson.com
Fresno
559-476-1734 Fax M-F 8am - 5pm; Sat 8am - 1pm www.porschefresno.com
Audi dealers strive to make you an Audi Genuine Parts fan.
• Your Audi customers expect quality and reliability from your repairs. Help meet those expectations by installing Audi Genuine Parts. • Audi dealers are supported by a nationwide network of parts distribution centers to help ensure that non-stocked parts are delivered the next day.
Helping you do business is our business. Order Audi Genuine Parts from these select dealers. California
Washington
Audi of Downtown LA
Audi Rocklin
Niello Audi
Audi Seattle
Los Angeles 213.747.7248 213.222.1261 Fax Ask for Carlos or Fausto
Rocklin 866.948.0048 916.836.1286 916.836.1293 Fax M-F 7:30am-6pm Sat 8am-5pm parts@audirocklin.com
Sacramento 800.590.8611 916.480.2851 916.483.1963 Fax M-F 8am-6pm audi.parts@niello.com
Seattle 206.634.8200 206.547.1581 Fax M-F 7am-6pm parts@uvwaudi.com www.audiseattle.com
Audi Fresno Fresno 559.860.4000 559.476.1734 Fax M-F 8am-5pm Sat 8am-1pm www.audifresno.com
Audi of Oakland Oakland 510.893.7282 510.786.0193 Fax M-F 8am-5pm oakaudiparts@yahoo.com
Santa Monica Audi Circle Audi Long Beach 562.597.4892 562.343.5088 Fax M-F 7:30am-5pm wholesale@circleaudi.com www.circleaudi.com
Santa Monica 877.842.9692 310.481.8216 310.393.6982 Fax M-F 7:30am-6:30pm Sat 8am-4pm wholesale@santamonicaaudi.com
Keyes Audi Van Nuys 818.907.4482 818.907.4405 Fax M-F 7:30am-5:30pm wholesale@keyesaudi.com www.autobodynews.com | DECEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 61
WIN Announces Opening of Most Influential Women Nominations
Women’s Industry Network (WIN®) announced that nominations for the prestigious Most Influential Women (MIW) awards opened Wednesday, Nov. 1 and will be accepted through Monday, Jan. 15, 2018.
The winners will be recognized at a gala held during the 2018 WIN Educational Conference, May 7–9, 2018 in Indianapolis, IN. Nominations of women working in any segment of the collision repair industry across the United States and Canada are welcomed. Once again, WIN has retained an independent consultant to interview those who have been nominated for the award and select the winners, so that WIN can remain un-
biased in the selection process. Marie Peevy, owner of Automotive Training Coordinators and MIW co-chair commented, “The MIW winners represent an amazing group of women who not only excel in their careers and community, but still find a successful balance by putting their families first.” The Most Influential Women program has recognized 88 women who have enriched the collision repair industry with their leadership, vision, and commitment to excellence. WIN acquired stewardship of the Most Influential Women program in 2013 and continues to evolve the program to align with WIN’s mission to “enhance the role of women in the industry.” The award recognizes women for their leadership in four areas: industry influence; professional accomplishments; mentoring and support for others in the collision repair industry; and for going beyond the requirements of their professional lives to give back to their communities. The 2018 nomination form can be found on the WIN website at www .womensindustrynetwork.com.
Nationwide Achieves I-CAR Insurance Gold Class Corporate Status I-CAR® has awarded Insurance Gold Class® business recognition at the corporate level to Nationwide, an achievement that places Nationwide in the vanguard of insurers that are committed to enhancing the quality of auto collision repairs. To achieve Insurance Gold Class status, Nationwide’s appraiser staff was encouraged to fulfill the Platinum Auto Physical Damage Appraiser (APDA) training requirements in ICAR’s Professional Development Program (PDP). Nationwide set a goal to become I-CAR Insurance Gold Class by the end of 2017 and, due to its strong commitment to developing an effective learning environment, the company achieved Gold Class four months ahead of schedule. By becoming a corporate Gold Class organization, Nationwide is actively confirming that its associates understand the proper techniques and procedures necessary to ensure that complete, safe and quality repairs are made for its customers. “I-CAR is pleased to recognize Nationwide’s commitment to becoming a corporate Gold Class organization,” said Brad Gutcher, I-CAR’s
manager, segment development - insurance. “With the technical complexity of today’s vehicles, training has become an increasingly critical element throughout the collision repair industry. Nationwide has had a longtime focus on serving customers and valuing employees, and we look forward to maintaining our strong partnership in the years ahead.” -CAR has now secured its 12th major insurance carrier to support the organization’s vision of connecting the collision repair industry with the information, knowledge and skills required to perform complete, safe and quality repairs for the ultimate benefit of the consumer. “We are excited to achieve this highly coveted industry standard,” said Dave Bano, Nationwide’s senior vice president and chief claims officer. “This distinction is especially significant because of I-CAR’s leadership position in providing knowledge and training to the collision repair industry. Nationwide is committed to investing in continuing education and training for our associates in order to benefit our members, and Gold Class is a perfect example of that dedication.”
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Parts: Fax:
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62 DECEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
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Three Driven Brands Companies Named to Elite Franchising Times for Top 200 Ranking
Caliber Collision Creates New Executive Roles to Accelerate Teammate & Client Satisfaction As an organization passionately focused on customer, teammate and client satisfaction, Caliber Collision, the largest collision repair company in the U.S., announced two promotions to the Executive Leadership Team effective November 1, 2017.
Promoted from Senior Vice President of Operations to Chief Talent Officer is David Goldstein, a 20year veteran of Caliber. A graduate of the UCLA Anderson Executive Program in 2015, David has more than 30 years of collision repair experience as he rapidly grew from a body technician to Center Manager to Senior Vice President overseeing more than 167 locations across California. “As a company dedicated to restoring the rhythm of lives, we focus on our teammates first who
represent the single most important asset in our growing organization. David’s leadership skills, proven operational expertise and ability to develop people will serve to further inspire and engage our teammates as he takes the reins of our overall talent management strategy”, said Steve Grimshaw, Caliber Collision Chief Executive Officer. “David’s promotion represents our continued commitment to have the best trained, most satisfied teammates in the industry.” Also promoted is Shawn Hezar, Senior Vice President – Strategic Accounts who will now serve as Chief Client Officer. Shawn will be responsible to ensure Caliber is exceeding the expectations of our strategic partners in the increasingly complicated collision repair industry. Shawn’s experience runs the gamut from operations to client services to OEM certifications. “With more than 30 years of hands-on experience in the collision repair industry, Shawn has grown to become the consummate leader of our strategic client relationships as we work to improve customer and client satisfaction across 527 Caliber locations”, added Grimshaw.
SIERRACHEVROLET
Both Mr. Goldstein and Mr. Hezar will report directly to Mr. Grimshaw. Caliber Collision Centers is the largest collision repair company in America with 527 I-CAR Gold Class Professional certified collision repair centers across 17 states. Caliber is consistently ranked among the highest customer satisfaction scores in the industry and backs all repair work with a written, lifetime warranty available at any of its 527 repair centers.
Three leading companies among the Driven Brands, Inc. family of automotive aftermarket franchise brands have been ranked in Franchise Times magazine’s Top 200, the most comprehensive ranking of the 500 largest U.S. franchise systems. Recognized by entrepreneurs and franchisors as a top competitive tool of measurement, the Franchise Times Top 200 placed CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts 108th on the list with more than 550 independently owned collision repair facilities. Meineke Car Care Centers was ranked 136th, with nearly 1,000 locations. Maaco Auto Painting and Collision Repair was 140th with more than 500 locations. Among top 10 automotive franchises, CARSTAR ranked fourth, Meineke was seventh and Maaco was eighth. “We have strengthened our operational and financial performance at these three dynamic companies, grown tremendously, integrated our operations and developed new cross-functional opportunities for all three brands,” said Dennis Elliott, Vice President of Development and Franchising, for Driven Brands.
For more information visit: www .CaliberCollision.com.
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SIERRASUBARU
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HONDA www.autobodynews.com | DECEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 63
Mitchell Providing Collision Repair Industry Instant Access to Real-Time VIN-Specific Recall Data
Mitchell, a leading provider of technology, connectivity and information solutions to the Property & Casualty (P&C) claims and Collision Repair industries, has now integrated VINSpecific Recall Notices into its estimating solutions, providing real-time recall data directly from the manufacturer when the VIN is decoded.
Debbie Day, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Auto Physical Damage for Mitchell, says, “It is estimated that tens of millions of vehicles on the road today currently have open recalls, and there are many reasons why vehicle owners might not be aware that the vehicle they are driving has a safety system recall. As part of our commitment to proper and safe repairs within the automotive collision repair and claims industries, we are working closely with original equipment manufacturers
(OEMs) to give their customers and their repair facilities access to these and other important recall notifications.” To better enable its recall data to reach the collision industry market, Mazda is the first OEM to provide Mitchell access to its recall data, giving collision repair users of Mitchell Estimating/UltraMate estimating solutions instant notification of an open Mazda recall when the VIN is decoded. “As our vehicles age, many owners turn to independent repair and body shop facilities to have service work performed,” said Rob Milne, Director, Takata Action Team, Mazda North American Operations. “Our partnership with Mitchell enables us to increase the opportunity to inform Mazda owners that their vehicle is affected by an open safety recall.” Mitchell is currently in discussions with other OEMs to make sure this important safety data gets out to the market in a smart and efficient manner—every time a vehicle goes in for a repair.
GFS Partners with RollSeal to Offer Durable and Affordable Fabric Roll-Up Doors
Global Finishing Solutions® (GFS) has partnered with RollSeal™ Automated Door Systems to offer a space and cost-saving roll-up door
option for paint booths and other finishing equipment. Exclusive to GFS, RollSeal Doors can be installed easily at the booth’s entrance or exit, or positioned between bays in sideload booth systems. By eliminating the extra space needed for traditional swing or wing-style doors,
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Fighting for Safer Auto Repairs in Texas, ABAT Hosts Todd Tracy
that has been repaired properly and is safe for them and those around them The fight for safety took a major step on the road. But the end result of forward on Oct. 24. these insurance industry pressure-tacTexas Watch was honored to join tics is a steady stream of vehicles that national safety advocate and attorney are ticking time bombs, and even Todd Tracy, the Auto Body Associa- rolling coffins. With the shoddy retion of Texas and leading auto body pairs buried under metal and paint, shop owners from around the state for you and your family may not know a wide-ranging conversation on how that the job wasn’t done right until the insurance industry illegally steers you are in a wreck and it is too late. consumers to insurance-friendly “re- We saw tragic evidence of this recently. The Seebachan couple was trapped in their car, suffering crushing injuries and major burns, when their Honda Fit catastrophically failed in a crash. Before it was sold to them, John Eagle Collision Center had essentially glued the roof onto the vehicle while repairing it inBurl Richards (l) discusses safe repairs with members stead of welding it according of ABAT and Texas Watch to manufacturer specifications. When the case repair” facilities, underestimates dam- cently went to trial, the jury found for age, refuses to pay for important the Seebachans and sent a strong safety scans and other necessary pro- message that safety should not be saccedures, and suppresses labor rates all rificed. in the name of padding their bottom Todd Tracy represented the couline. ple in court. He stated, “A Dallas The consumer has a right to a car County jury has spoken in its $42 milby Staff, Texas Watch
64 DECEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
lion damage verdict for defective auto body repair. The message is clear to auto insurance carriers in Texas. Get out of the repair business and quit bul-
lying body shops into using unsafe repairs that don’t meet manufacturer standards. I believe that collision repair businesses that choose to do it right by following the Original Equipment Manufacturer standards should receive immunity.” The Seebachan case is an example of how our civil justice system, entrusted to us by the Founders and enshrined in the Seventh Amendment of the Constitution, is supposed to work. Citizen jurors examine the evidence and guard the community by enforcing the rules and holding bad actors accountable. Accountability
RollSeal Doors minimize the total equipment footprint and save valuable floor space. An alternative to traditional metal roll-up doors, RollSeal Doors save costs because they require less structural support. The unique, patented design features a triplelayered fabric door with an airtight seal to prevent overspray and heat from escaping the booth, and keep contaminants out of paint jobs. In addition to the lower upfront cost, RollSeal Doors cost less to maintain since the impact-resistant fabric can be repaired or replaced at a significantly lower cost. As with all of GFS’ equipment, RollSeal Doors are built in compliance with NFPA, UL/CUL and ETL/ETL-C safety standards, and can be safely used in paint spraying and curing applications.
www.autobodynews.com makes all of us safer. Burl Richards, President of the Auto Body Association of Texas (ABAT), stated, “At ABAT, we are committed to safe and proper repairs. We appreciate that Texas Watch has provided a voice to get this safety information to the public.” Professional auto body shops that care about their customers and the public should not be subjected to pressure by the insurance industry to “cheap out” repairs. The job must be done right the first time so we are all protected. ABAT and professional auto body shops should be commended for leading the way. Texas Watch, and these groups and individuals, are committed to fighting for as long as it takes to see that insurance companies aren’t able to dictate dangerous repairs any longer. Money is on the line for the insurance industry, but lives hang in the balance for all of the rest of us. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and Texas Watch expects the insurance industry will fight tooth and nail. However, Texas Watch says, we are all committed to the fight. We thank Texas Watch for reprint permission.
Genuine Nissan Parts
Genuine INFINITI Parts Call any of these following dealers.
Genuine Nissan and INFINITI OEM Wholesale Parts are Superbly Crafted to Strict Quality Standards.
NISSAN
S. CALIFORNIA
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FIRST NISSAN SIMI VALLEY
855-397-1744 (805) 526-5007 Direct (805) 526-0979 Fax M-F 7-6, Sat. 7:30-5
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888-505-9211 (909) 583-9021 Fax M-F 7-6, Sat. 8-4
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NISSAN OF BAKERSFIELD BAKERSFIELD
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N. CALIFORNIA
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818-408-5870 M-F 7-7; Sat. 7-5
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INFINITI
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Easy installation, precise fit, finish and a limited warranty direct from Nissan / INFINITI — all the advantages of Genuine Nissan / INFINITI Parts. Visit your local Nissan / INFINITI retailer for all the parts you need.
www.autobodynews.com | DECEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 65
Eleventh Circuit Restores Auto Body Shop Antitrust Case by Staff, Baker Donelson
On Sept. 7, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals handed a big victory to a class of auto body shops in Quality Auto Painting v. State Farm, et. al, reversing a lower court decision that had dismissed the auto body shops’ complaint for failure to state a claim. In a 2-1 decision, the court held that Middle District of Florida Senior Judge Gregory Presnell had acted too quickly in dismissing the plaintiffs’ complaint, finding that the plaintiffs had “supplied enough allegations” to “raise a reasonable expectation that discovery will reveal evidence of illegal agreement.” The Eleventh Circuit’s ruling is the first to consider a series of decisions by Judge Presnell that dismissed both Quality Auto and a group of similar cases (approximately 20 in all) that had all been consolidated before him by the Panel for Multidistrict Litigation, over the last two years. In Quality Auto, the auto body shop plaintiffs from Kentucky, Missouri, New Jersey and Virginia alleged that the auto insurers, in their respective states, had agreed not to pay more than the “market rate” for repairs, which was pegged to the amount that State Farm
paid to those shops in its direct repair program (which did not include plaintiffs). Judge Presnell dismissed the plaintiffs’ claims, finding that the plaintiffs had failed to allege facts that suggested agreement rather than independent, but parallel, conduct. In reversing Judge Presnell’s decision, Circuit Judge Wilson, writing for the majority, began his analysis by acknowledging that, under the Supreme Court’s decision in Bell Atlantic Corp. v. Twombly, 550 U.S. 544 (2007), a party claiming horizontal price fixing based on an inferred agreement “must show more than parallel conduct” because parallel conduct “falls short” by itself of the necessary requirements for pleading unlawful agreement. Typically referred to as “plus factors,” Judge Wilson identified two plus factors in the plaintiffs’ complaint that he concluded supported plaintiffs’ allegation of unlawful agreement—(1) the adoption of a uniform price despite variables that would ordinarily result in divergent prices and (2) uniform practices by the allegedly conspiring insurers with respect to the nature of the repairs. Finding that Judge Presnell had failed to give these allegations sufficient weight, Judge Wilson held that
GFS Now Offering Consulting Services for Improving Shop Throughput
Global Finishing Solutions (GFS), a world leader in innovation for paint booths and accelerated curing technologies, announced a partnership with Pat O’Neill to provide its customers with body shop workflow consulting services. “We are excited to introduce this new service offering to our customers to help them improve shop processes, properly incorporate REVO Systems into their workflow, decrease key-tokey time and improve insurance payout,” says Mick Ramis, vice president of automotive refinish sales for GFS. O’Neill, a prominent body shop owner and business partner of Bodyshop Revolution, has long been interested in emerging technologies and tools that body shops can use to improve their process flow and increase revenue. Over the past few years, infrared curing has proven itself as an effective way to speed up the curing process and significantly decrease shop lead time. Previously an advocate for Bodyshop Revolution’s Greentech Robots, O’Neill has since changed his endorsement to GFS’ REVO Accelerated Curing Systems. According to O’Neill, REVO Systems have fewer ®
points of failure, aren’t hindered by any proprietary booth requirements and offer better access to service and replacement parts. However, REVO Systems alone won’t eliminate every shop bottleneck. According to O’Neill, REVO Systems are a great start, but to get “the biggest bang for your buck,” you also need to implement the best processes around that equipment. O’Neill’s shop consultative services typically take place during the installation of new equipment to guarantee the best placement and most effective flow. His philosophy has four key strategies: consolidate departments to reduce time, eliminate estimating mistakes, decrease cure time and affect the shop’s culture and belief system. He and his team meet with the owners and key stakeholders of the shop, train the entire team on the new process and teach them how the equipment can be used most efficiently. When paired with proper body shop workflow, O’Neill believes that REVO Accelerated Curing Systems are the best, most cost-effective IR curing products in the industry today and can significantly improve shop throughput and increase profits.
66 DECEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
“the body shops have consistently alleged parallel conduct and plus factors allowing an inference of an illegal agreement” and reversed the lower court decision on that basis. Circuit Judge Anderson, however, authored a spirited dissent that disagreed at almost every turn with Judge Wilson’s antitrust analysis, stating, “Binding case law indicates to me that the allegations of the complaints do not give rise to the necessary reasonable inference of agreement or conspiracy.” As to Judge Wilson’s first “plus factor”—a uniform price—Judge Anderson maintains that a uniform price only excludes the possibility of conscious parallelism if it is “secret” and “simultaneous” and that the complaints expressly allege that “the insurers conform to State Farm’s rate, whatever it may be” rather than agreeing on a rate in advance. This, Judge Anderson writes, is “textbook price leadership, a practice that we have repeatedly stated is insufficient to establish the existence of an agreement.” As to Judge Wilson’s second “plus factor”—uniform practices— Judge Anderson challenges it as well. While Judge Anderson acknowledges that uniform practices can be a plus
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factor, he contends that the contention that the insurers engaged in common tactics is found in the auto body shops’ appellate brief, but not in their complaint, and that the allegations in the complaint seem to contradict it (“the majority’s analysis of its second plus factor suggests that the insurance companies’ tactics are highly uniform when even the complaint does not seem to believe that”). Accordingly, finding no support for either of the plus factors relied upon by the majority, Judge Anderson concludes by stating: “I submit that the majority’s analysis is inconsistent with Supreme Court and Eleventh Circuit precedent” and that he would affirm the dismissal of plaintiffs’ antitrust claims. Not surprisingly, given the significance of this MDL proceeding and the split decision by the Panel, the insurer defendants have requested rehearing en banc by the entire Eleventh Circuit. That request, filed on Sept.28, is currently pending. Accordingly, while the Panel decision constitutes a major victory for the auto body shops, it remains to be seen whether the decision will stand. Stay tuned. We thank Baker Donelson for reprint permission.
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www.autobodynews.com | DECEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 67
3m Automotive Aftermarket Division to Hold Silent Auction Featuring Custom-Painted Hoods ST. PAUL, MN (October 26, 2017) – 3M Automotive Aftermarket Division, along with the Collision Repair Education Foundation, are auctioning off custom-painted hoods designed by leading painters from around the world
to benefit the 3M Hire our Heroes program. The auction begins Friday, Oct. 27 and will run through the SEMA show in Las Vegas, which concludes Nov. 3. Bids on the hoods may be placed at the 3M PPS Hood Auction Site. The hoods were created during the 2017 3M PPS World Cup, held in conjunction with the Woodward Dream Cruise in Detroit this summer. 3M invited leading automotive painters from
around the world to come to Detroit and participate. They demonstrated their painting skills with the latest 3M solutions for vehicle painting, including the 3M™ PPS™ Series 2.0 Spray Cup System. The painters designed and painted the hoods to reflect their perspective on classic car culture. Also included in the auction are four patriotic themed hoods created by Ryan “Ryno” Templeton. These hoods will all be auctioned to benefit the 3M Hire Our Heroes program, which since 2013 has raised more than $825,000 for scholarships and tool grants for military veterans and their family members. Nearly 270 military veterans and their families have already received scholarships and grants, and many have graduated from school and are working in the collision repair industry. To bid, visit 3M PPS Hood Auction Site and register to participate. Registration is quick and easy. Then select the painter and hood on which to bid. Check back often to see how the bid is progressing. Hoods available for auction were created by the following painters:
• Pablo Prado, KandynChrome, USA • Jacob Miles, Milestone Paint & Body, USA • Connie Manjavinos, PassionateInk, USA • Clay Hoberecht, Best Body Shop, USA • Danny Schramm, SchrammWerk, Germany • Christian Wilke, Lackabilly, Germany • Carmine De Maria, C.A.D. Custom, Australia • Shane Wanjon, Exclusive Image Paint and Body, USA • Ryan “Ryno” Templeton, Blasted by Ryno, USA
“These painters all created spectacular designs and incredible paint work showcasing classic car culture and patriotism. Their works of art are certainly collectible, and this auction provides car lovers a chance to take home one of these creations and benefit a great cause at the same time,” said Dale Ross, U.S. Marketing Operations Manager, 3M Automotive Aftermarket Division. “It’s an honor to work with them, and collectively be able to help our military veterans and their families pursue a career in the collision repair industry.”
The Boyd Group Inc. announced the October 27 acquisition of an MSO in Tennessee, consisting of nine collision repair centers located in the Nashville region. The MSO was founded in 1970 and previously operated as Auto Art Body Shop. “This is an important acquisition that provides an entry point into the Tennessee market, expands our reach to new customers, increases our geographical footprint for our insurance industry partners and also provides us with a new region from which to execute our growth strategy,” said Tim O’Day, President and COO of the Boyd Group. Danny Wallace and Twila Harris, who owned and managed the locations, will continue to lead their teams as part of the Gerber family. “We look forward to joining Gerber,” said Danny Wallace. “We can assure our customers that they will continue to receive the best service and the highest quality of repairs, using the latest innovations in processes and technology that Gerber is known for.”
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michael.potter2@hendrickauto.com
68 DECEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
Gerber Collision & Glass Establishes a Presence in Tennessee
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Axalta Coating Systems New Products: Cromax EZ, Acquire Quantum EFX, and Cromax Chromapremier Pro Ultra Performance Primer Filler Axalta Coating Systems is a leading coatings supplier to OEMs, smaller traditional body shops and larger aftermarket refinish centers. Recently, Axalta announced information about these new products:
Cromax® EZ • Axalta is introducing Cromax® EZ to its well-established Cromax® line of waterborne and low-VOC solvent basecoats • Cromax® EZ is a low-VOC waterborne basecoat designed to spray wet-on-dry, much like traditional solvent-based paints • Because of its easy spray and blending characteristics, and the simplicity of its single mix ratio across all environmental conditions, this new paint offers many advantages for both small and high-volume shops, including easy training for new users • Cromax® EZ will launch with a huge library of colors that stretch back to 1997 • Cromax® EZ is compatible with almost all Cromax® undercoats and clearcoats Acquire™ Quantum EFX
• Axalta’s industry-leading spectrophotometer is designed to greatly speed up the color-matching process and make it more accurate • 3 years ago, Axalta introduced the Acquire™ Plus EFX, which was the first commercial instrument to measure both color and flake appearance coating data. The new Acquire™ Quantum EFX is the latest evolution with a smaller and more compact design to enable one-hand use • The Acquire™ Quantum EFX offers completely wireless communication with Axalta’s software and library of color formulas • The smaller 3/4-inch aperture requires a smaller sample area • Body shop refinishers can find an accurate color match even for complicated metallic, pearl and effect paint formulations using advanced optic technology • The Acquire™ Quantum EFX is also valuable for matching faded paint color is achieved • Although no computer screen will depict color 100 percent accurately, the Acquire™ Quantum EFX can be used to compare relative differences to achieve a match
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Cromax® Chromapremier® Pro Ultra Performance Primer Filler • This newly launched Cromax® 3600 Series Ultra Performance Primer Filler is ideal for bodyshops that want to significantly improve throughput • It can be applied without flash between coats • It has an impressive 20 to 40 minute air-drying performance • The cure can be significantly accelerated with IR and bake processing • It is easy to apply, and up to 4 coats can be applied with good vertical stability • The high quality and smooth flow provide an outstanding appearance after top coating • It has a simple 1:1 mixing ratio with Axalta’s 36305S Ultra Performance Primer Filler Activator • It works on any type of metal repair, and multiple repairs can be handled at the same time thanks to its quick air-drying performance • A Cromax® ValueShade® product, the primer filler is available in white (VS1), grey (VS4) and black (VS7) For more information, visit www.axalta .com.
I-CAR Honors Gene Scambray with Chairman’s Award
I-CAR has named Gene Scambray as the recipient of its 2017 Chairman’s Award. The award recognizes an individual or organization whose contributions to I-CAR have been significant or extraordinary. The Chairman’s Award recipient is selected by the Executive Committee of the ICAR International Board of Directors. Scambray has over 40 years of experience in the collision industry, including more than 20 years as director of industry relations at Copart. Prior to Copart, he was employed for 20-plus years with AAA Northern as a claims executive. “I have known Gene for over 25 years. He is a man who is fair and reasonable with his decisions and resolutions. said Ron Vincenzi, I-CAR Treasurer & Executive Committee member of the International Board of Directors. “I am thrilled to present this award to him as congratulations for all of his efforts in support of I-CAR and the collision repair industry.” The Chairman’s Award was presented on November 1, 2017 in conjunction with SEMA in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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www.autobodynews.com | DECEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 69
Continued from Page 18
Auto Care Association Names Kirsten Zaremba New Senior Director, Marketing The Auto Care Association has announced the addition of Kirsten Zaremba as senior director, marketing. Zaremba brings more than 20 years of auto industry knowledge to the role, having most recently served as the senior retail marketing manager at Volkswagen Group of America. In this newly created role, Zaremba will lead the marketing team’s strategic direction for marketing and sales efforts across all association properties, programs and products. As the senior director of marketing, Zaremba is focused on driving awareness of the Auto Care Association, growing the market for its products and services, and will be accountable for the digital product sales strategies. Zaremba will establish a new online marketing vision for the association that will be transformed into a coherent digital marketing strategy, aimed at increasing sales and growing market and sponsorship opportunities. During the nearly two decades Zaremba spent at Volkswagen, she served in several roles spanning across sales marketing, product launch and new car retail marketing. In her most recent role, she led traditional and
I-CAR Honors Contributions to Collision Repair Industry
I-CAR announced the winners of its annual I-CAR Awards, which recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to advancing technical education and professionalism in the collision repair industry. The winners were revealed on Nov. 1 at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino during the annual SEMA Show. The Russ Verona Award, which honors a business that actively promotes technical training and a positive image for the industry, was awarded to Car Crafters of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Car Crafters and owner Jim Guthrie were chosen for their ongoing commitment to training, their support of I-CAR and their work in the community. The Jeff Silver Award honoring an individual who demonstrates true passion for training and professional growth was awarded to Richie Webb of Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance. “I-CAR is proud to honor Jim Guthrie and Richie Webb for their significant contributions to the promotion of technical education and professionalism in the collision repair industry,” said John Van Alstyne, I-CAR CEO & President.
progressive media strategies, longterm strategy for marketing initiatives, competitive analysis and generating engagement across dealer networks, and local marketing asso-
ciations spanning the country. She was also responsible for spearheading and delivering a website and digital marketing solutions program to the dealer body, offering a menu of vendor choice while increasing the ability to view brand analytics and optimize campaigns nationally and locally. Zaremba’s time at Volkswagen steered the strategy and execution of advertising campaigns, including television, digital, social and collateral, to produce branded creative content with focused calls to action. This approach resulted in highly branded communications and scored an average of 20 points above industry norms in creative effective-
New Product Awards
ness metrics (including ad recognition, salience, involvement and persuasion) as recorded by Hall & Partners, a leading brand and communications research agency. Prior to her tenure at Volkswagen, Zaremba held positions at Tenneco and Federal-Mogul. At Tenneco, in her role as program marketing planner, she oversaw daily program administration and implementation of corporate marketing initiatives. During her time at Federal-Mogul, she was responsible for ongoing management of its North American aftermarket trade and consumer promotions, as well as the key external suppliers involved in program execution. “We are thrilled to have Kirsten join the Auto Care Association and bring her extensive knowledge of the auto industry to our marketing team,” said Bill Hanvey, president and CEO, Auto Care Association. “Her proven record of leadership in marketing strategy, management and implementation will help advance our stakeholder outreach and overall awareness of our products and services.”
to its owner and inventor George Bertolotti. “The MiG Buddy won two awards this year at SEMA 2017,” Bertolotti said. “The first award was for Best New Product: Collision Repair & Refinish, for providing all welders a tool for better welding outcomes. The second award was an International Global Media Award Winner, recognizing a best product from a panel of international SEMA judges. Made from industrial grade materials, the holder provides easy docking and easy retrieval, and fits welding guns from many manufacturers. The included universal mount allows the MiG Buddy to adapt to any work environment. A magnetic mounting base accessory provides mobility to the MiG Buddy. The MiG Buddy saves time, saves money, and keeps you safe. Once you use it, you won’t work without it.”
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New ICAR Hands-On Skills Development Courses Launched Two new courses were announced Oct. 23 as additions to the I-CAR Hands-On Skills Development lineup: Plastic Repair and Squeeze-Type Resistance Spot Welding. Further acting on the positive industry response to I-CAR’s HandsOn Skills Development curriculum launch in 2016, Plastic Repair and
Squeeze-Type Resistance Spot Welding join the previously introduced Rivet Bonding and MIG Brazing courses. All Hands-On Skills Development courses are specifically designed to provide collision repair technicians with cutting-edge techniques and skills that target today’s innovative vehicles. Plastic Repair Hands-On Skills Development is a four-hour course that will provide students the opportunity to perform a variety of plastic repairs in a hands-on environment. Students will use adhesives and vari-
70 DECEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
ous welding options on actual bumper covers. After completing the course, students will be able to perform plastic repairs using adhesives, hot air and airless welding techniques using specific welding tools and other procedures. Squeeze-Type Resistance Spot Welding Hands-On Skills Development is a five-hour course that will provide students the opportunity to perform spot welds on a variety of metal thicknesses and with a variety of flange treatment techniques. Students will also learn the importance of proper planning and preparation to ensure safe welding. Following course completion, students will know how to properly set up a spot welder, spot weld on coupons of different metal thickness, and spot weld a prop using a variety of flange treatment techniques.
“I-CAR understands the changing needs of today’s vehicles, new attachment methods, and OEM-required procedures, which prompted the creation of the Hands-On Skills Development curriculum track last year,” said Josh McFarlin, I-CAR director of curriculum and product development. “Technicians and the industry need this type of hands-on, instructor-led training with adequate practice time in order to fully understand these complex repair procedures. I-CAR’s training programs have been developed to provide the most comprehensive instruction and critical skill development opportunities.” These new Hands-On Skills Development courses are available today. To learn more about the courses, visit www.i-car.com/handson. For information on I-CAR and the full training portfolio, visit the ICAR website at www.i-car.com.
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www.autobodynews.com | DECEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 71
Milton Unveils Modular, Auto-Draining Filter-Regulator-Lubricator Line The new EXELAIR by Milton line of FRLs (Filters Regulators Lubricators) maintains clean, dry air, consistent pressure, and lubricated pneumatic lines to improve performance and extend the life of air-powered tools and components. EXELAIR FRL Filters work to screen out moisture and contaminants like rust and pipe scale that can reduce airflow or damage downstream equipment like valves, cylinders and impact wrenches. Regulators keep lines at a constant and safe pressure to avoid overdriving tools and motors. And lubricators ensure a consistent and reliable oil supply that extends tool life. Auto-draining filters maintain the shop air system by automatically emptying moisture throughout the day as needed. The drain tube connection channels drain water safely away to avoid slipping hazards. EXELAIR’s premium bronze sintered filter elements are washable and provide a longer life in humid conditions than cheaper filter materials. “Milton’s slogan is ‘Simply Better Air’ and that’s just what our new line of EXELAIR FRLs provides – at a competitive price,” said Greg Carlson, President and CEO of Milton Industries. “Our FRLs are available individually or as pre-configured sets that are designed to work together bet-
ter while reducing the time and effort of looking up and coordinating the purchase of separate components.” The EXELAIR FRL line includes side-by-side duo and piggyback FRs, FRL trios and FR+Ls, as well as a variety of modular brackets and accessories
to customize the system. Available sizes range from 1/8” NPT miniature units up to 1” NPT high flow. Each configuration is designed to keep the vital shop air system running at peak efficiency by dramatically reducing the impact of contaminants in lines and tools. As an added feature, new color-
coded EXELAIR packaging “practically sells the product itself,” making self-service purchases easier by clearly explaining the function and benefits of each FRL, simplifying the decisionmaking process and reducing the retail staff’s sales and service time. EXELAIR by Milton FRLs are available at most automotive/heavyduty dealers, jobbers, farm & agricultural retailers, hardware stores, and industrial distributors. EXELAIR FRLs are also available online via the ecommerce divisions of Milton customers and Internet resellers. Milton Industries was founded as a family business in 1943 with a handful of products and a simple idea: “provide the highest quality products for our customers.” For over 70 years, Milton has been the pneumatic fittings and accessories of choice in the automotive, agricultural, construction, home, heavyduty and industrial workplace. Milton invented many industrystandard products, such as the M-Style® “I/M” KWIK® Change Coupler and Plug, Window Inflator Gage, Safety Blow Guns and the iconic Driveway Signal chimes and bell. Today, Milton makes over 1400 product SKU’s and continues to be a privately held company.
Reports of AkzoNobel Approaching Axalta about Possible Merger by Autobody News Staff
According to recent news reports, AkzoNobel has approached Axalta Coating Systems regarding a merger.
Based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, AkzoNobel is a global paints and coatings company as well as a major producer of specialty chemicals. Axalta, headquartered in Philadelphia, PA, is a global coatings company dedicated to the development, manufacture and sale of liquid and powder coatings. According to industry sources, Axalta is considering the deal, but no decision has been made. Earlier this year, AkzoNobel was approached by PPG Industries regarding a takeover. In July, the Dutch paint and coatings maker announced it was looking at spinning off its specialty chemicals business.
Certified Collision Group™ Now Fifth-Largest Collision Repair Services Organization in U.S.
Certified Collision Group (CCG), the OE Certification and KPI-focused solutions provider to the collision repair and insurance communities, announced the signing of more than 30 new locations since August, growth into 27 states and it now being the fifth-largest collision repair services operator in the U.S. “Each day we hear from our affiliates, strategic partners and the industry at large that we are in step with both the current and future needs of forwardthinking repairers and insurance carriers alike. CCG’s consistent monthly double-digit growth onboarding highperforming, OE-certified single-store and MSO operators keeps us firmly on pace to eclipse $1B in annualized repairs in the very near future,” stated Bruce Bares, CCG President and CEO. CCG provides the strongest performing, well branded, OE Certified, and succession-plan anchored independent collision repairers a sustainable platform that levels the playing field by providing proven business development and supply chain benefits. Now operating in 27 states, CCG is rapidly expanding, offering strategic partners and consumers the opportunity to leverage the power of more
than 1,000 OE certification badges within CCG’s highly differentiated national collision repair network. Bares stated, “CCG multi-channel efforts bring together OE Certified repairers with both consumers and insurance carriers who recognize the importance of matching today’s complex vehicles with repairer capabilities, driving our continued success. Simultaneously, expanding partnerships with the industry’s best providers and respective brands will continue to add value for affiliates, consumers and their b2b trading partners. By leveraging our expansive network’s supply chain and business development resources, CCG affiliates are realizing stronger bottom line performance while successfully utilizing the finest automotive products and services in the world. “Our commitment and abilities to truly help the industry’s top operators, while providing CCG constituents a network offering predictable consistency and more than 1,000 OE certification badges, are very humbling to us. With that in mind, we look forward to both recognizing and thanking our affiliates and strategic partners during our SEMA CCG Partner and Peer Appreciation event.”
72 DECEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
Choose Original MINI Parts. SO. CALIFORNIA Bob Smith MINI
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The Dealers Above Are Original MINI Parts Distributors ©2017 MINI, a division of BMW of North America, LLC. The MINI name, model names and logo are registered trademarks.
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www.autobodynews.com | DECEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 73
AUTOBODY MARKETPLACE VACANCY NOTICE - AUTO BODY TECHNICIAN Precision Auto body Design (1278 Lincoln Ave SW/Huron, SD) is currently looking for a professional trained in repairing damage to vehicles. Prior experience in auto body repair and refinishing preferred but would be willing to train the right individual. Modern 15,600 square foot, air-conditioned shop with the latest equipment .. down-draft bake booth, PPG waterborne paint, Chisum 5-tower frame rack, Chief laser-lock measuring system, and all the equipment needed to repair the aluminum F150.
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Call or e-mail now for rates: 800-699-8251 or ltedesco@autobodynews.com 74 DECEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
WIN ‘Jumps in the Tank’ with Traci Brown by Chasidy Rae Sisk
On Oct. 25, the Women’s Industry Network (WIN) hosted an educational webinar titled “Jump in the Tank,” presented by body language and persuasion expert Traci Brown. Michelle Sullivan, co-chair of WIN’s Membership Committee, shared, “WIN’s Membership Committee hosted this webinar as part of our 2018 #ALLIN4WIN Membership Drive. We are excited to have Traci present this follow-up to the presentation she gave at this year’s WIN conference and to learn persuasive techniques and the success formula.” After being introduced by Sullivan, Brown began by noting, “It can be challenging to create things you want to happen, so we’re going to learn how to hear ‘yes’ more often.” Brown’s presentation focused on an anecdote about her opportunity to pitch a business investment to billionaires from ABC’s “Shark Tank” during the National Speakers Association Conference several years ago. She admitted, “I was so nervous. If I succeeded, I was on the road to riches, but if I failed, I’d be embarrassed in front of my peers. There were no do-overs, so I had to use all
I knew about persuasion and influence.” Noting that everyone has sharks in their life, whether the shark is a boss, co-worker, spouse, or so forth, Brown said, “Life would be easier to hear ‘yes’ from them. How different would life be if you could get those people to say yes? The key is to pay attention differently because people are telling you what they need—the signs are in front of you. Pay attention to the little things to make the big things happen!” Defining four main personality types, Brown stressed the importance of profiling the shark and personalizing your pitch by always asking, “How will people respond? What will they do next? Use what you see to shift the pitch to answer unspoken questions and fill unspoken needs. Persuasion is about understanding what happens next, and to do that, you need to realize people like people who are similar to them. Take time to reach people where they’re at and guess what’s going on in their minds in order to connect with them. “I grew so much from working with my shark. Understanding shark thinking helped me reach levels I never thought possible in business. Anyone
can use the same thought process to build their business, too. Successful people pay attention to every little detail. Don’t be afraid to jump in your shark tank. There’s always more information available, and if you use it right, there’s always a way to get to ‘yes!’” WIN hosted Brown’s webinar as part of the association’s #ALLIN4WIN 2018 Membership Drive. Anyone who joins WIN during the drive, which runs through Dec. 31, will receive membership for the remainder of 2017 along with their 2018 membership for the special rate of $109. Those who sign up during the drive will also be entered into a drawing for a chance to win paid registration to the 2018 WIN Educational Conference in Indianapolis, IN, from May 7–9, 2018, valued at $450. Sullivan noted, “As WIN enters its 12th year, I am thrilled to see the membership growth and program expansion. I want to encourage women and men to increase their professional network and become WIN members. WIN’s mission is to engage women in our industry through education, networking and sharing of resources.”
For more information about WIN, visit: www.womensindustrynetwork .com.
More than $600,000 in School Grants through CREF The Collision Repair Education Foundation announced more than $600,000 in Ultimate Collision Education Makeover school grants supported by donations from industry partners and local I-CAR committee fundraising activities. The Ultimate Collision Education Makeover school grants will support 162 schools in 38 states with over 6,000 students enrolled in collision repair training programs and incorporates the Foundation’s Collision School Career Readiness Benchmark, launched in 2016. The grants will assist schools to advance to the next tier and further expand their program’s capabilities. “School collision programs are facing tremendous pressure on their budgets. It is difficult for many to maintain their program at current capabilities, no less increase their abilities to satisfy the industry’s current and future needs for its workforce,” said Melissa Marscin, Director of Operations/Administration for the Foundation. “The Makeover grant program is designed to help collision schools get the much needed tools, equipment and supplies they couldn’t get otherwise and increase their capabilities.”
NABC Receives Prestigious National Power of A— Summit Award
CIF Extends Assistance to Victims of Puerto Rico and CA Natural Disasters
recognition of the tremendous impact NABC’s Recycled Rides™ program has made to change and save thousands of lives across the country. The National Auto Body Council was one of six associations presented with the award at ASAE’s recent Power of A—Summit Award Dinner in Washington, DC. The award is given to associations that make exemplary commitments to creating a stronger America and world. According to ASAE, 149 nominations were submitted for this year’s award program, which was created to showcase how associations leverage their unique resources to solve problems, advance industry/professional
affected by the fires in California, as well as the Hurricane damage to Puerto Rico. CIF has raised funds that are being distributed directly to all industry professionals, including body techs, painters, CSRs, estimators, adjusters, paint distributors and all other professionals in the collective collision repair industry.
The National Auto Body Council (NABC) was honored by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) with its highest award, the Power of A—Summit Award, in
performance, kick-start innovation and improve world conditions. “Through Recycled Rides, we have found a way to serve the folks who do not have transportation. They have shelter, they have a job and food, but they need transportation to get there.” said Chuck Sulkala, NABC Executive Director. “Recycled Rides involves every segment of the collision industry, whether it’s the insurer, repairer or vendor, many of whom do business with one another daily. When it comes to this program, everyone works together to make this successful. It is, frankly, the highlight of our industry.” Since the program’s inception 10 years ago, nearly 2,000 vehicles have been donated through Recycled Rides. “The success of Recycled Rides is a testament to the generosity and commitment of our NABC members and colleagues,” said Domenic Brusco, NABC Board Chairman. “We thank everyone in our industry who has sponsored and contributed their time, talent and resources as we continue to implement community service programs that exemplify the professionalism and integrity of collision industry professionals.”
The Collision Industry Foundation (CIF) announced on Oct. 23 that its current relief efforts to Hurricane Harvey and Irma victims would be extended to those
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“Our focus has widened as these other natural disasters have impacted more collision industry professionals beyond Hurricanes Harvey and Irma,” stated William Shaw, CIF Chair and PPG Director of Business Development. “We are prepared to help more thanks to the generous donations by the industry at large.” Those seeking aid or those wanting to make a tax-deductible donation can visit: http://www.collision industryfoundation.org “Our committee of volunteers contacts and vets those seeking aid and ensures that all donations are going directly to our fellow industry professionals,” stated Michael Quinn, CIF Relief Chair. “We have local ‘boots on the ground’ who are getting the word out and vetting individuals and repair facilities.”
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76 DECEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com