Bodyshop July 2015

Bodyshop CANADA’S MAGAZINE FOR COLLISION REPAIR PROFESSIONALS SINCE 1970

July 2015

2015

Body shop of the YEAR

Pfaff Autoworks Takes the Chequered Flag

CELEBRATING

45

Plus:

Matte Finishes Working Safely with Aluminum CCIF Halifax Report NACE Preview Jeff Pabst

General Manager Pfaff Autoworks Visit www.bodyshopbiz.com

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We Live Coatings Innovative refinish systems recognized and trusted by body shop customers around the world.

Under the lens of Axalta, colours come to life.

Š 2015, Axalta Coating Systems Canada Company. All rights reserved.

Visit us at www.axalta.ca

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Bodyshop CANADA’S MAGAZINE FOR COLLISION REPAIR PROFESSIONALS SINCE 1970

CELEBRATING

45

contents

Features 18

July 2015 l Volume 44, Issue 3

Taking It To The Matte It used to be that being able to comb your hair in the shine of a beautiful paint finish was a matter of pride. But right now, matte is where it’s at. We take a closer look at this gorgeous, but tricky finish.

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CCIF Halifax: A Look into the Future CCIF Halifax reached a record high of 197 registrants on May 22 – the highest CCIF registration number to date in the province. Here are excerpts from CCIF mistress of ceremonies and director of collision programs, AIA Canada, Leanne Jefferies’ wrap-up.

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Working Safely With Aluminum In the coming years, more and more shops will inevitably require at least some capacity for repairing aluminum vehicles.

But there are certain considerations that cannot be overlooked when handling the material, or the results can be not just substandard, but potentially deadly.

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Preview: NACE | CARS 2015 Takes Detroit Now in its 33rd year, NACE | CARS 2015, held July 21-25 at the Cobo Center in Detroit, presents numerous opportunities for technical training, business education, demonstrations, networking, and technology showcases for the collision and service repair industries.

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2015 WIN Educational Conference

© 2015, Axalta Coating Systems Canada Company. All rights reserved.

The Women’s Industry Network’s 9th Annual Educational Conference, “Connect to Cultivate,” welcomed a record 172 attendees to Omni Shoreham Hotel, Washington, D.C. on May 4-6, 2015. The program featured industry speakers, the annual WIN Membership Meeting, and more.

Cover 14 Bodyshop of the Year: Pfaff Autoworks Takes the Chequered Flag It seems only fitting that Jeff Pabst, general manager of Pfaff Autoworks, Bodyshop magazine’s Bodyshop of the Year 2015, is a former racecar driver. As a competitor, Pabst learned early on that staying at the front of the pack means not just maintaining a competitive edge, but being quick to perceive and react to changing conditions, and always thinking ahead of the curve.

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In Every Issue

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Publisher’s Comment

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News

29 Products

Internet Directory

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Advertisers Index

visit us at bodyshopbiz.com In the next issue: Our annual Banners, Franchises and Networks Update, plus a look at integrated business systems, computerized measuring, NACE wrap-up, the newest in spray booth tech, and more. www.bodyshopbiz.com l July 2015 l Bodyshop 3

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Bodyshop CANADA’S MAGAZINE FOR COLLISION REPAIR PROFESSIONALS SINCE 1970

from the publisher

MEASURING FOR SUCCESS Now, I am as much a victim of our numbers-obsessed society as the next guy.

It seems that we can rarely set foot out of our homes without being bombarded with an over-abundance of metrics – reflecting everything from how this week’s leading batter is faring when faced with a southpaw with a wind out of the northwest, to measures that really matter, like how much household debt Canadians are accumulating.

But all these statistics lose their meaning in the veritable sea of numbers that wash over us every day. (My running app told me that I ran 86,909 steps in May, burned 8,960 calories, and spent 8.3 hours doing it. What it didn’t tell me was how much time I spent sitting down afterward, or the impact of that bag of Doritos I ate Saturday night.)

The point is that it’s important when considering how you measure your business that you strike a balance between information overload, and measuring enough (and measuring the right data) to provide a full, meaningful picture.

The trouble comes if you are unable to connect adherence to those metrics with a real depth of improved performance. With so much on the line, shops may be tempted to figure out how to generate the right numbers to meet the metric, even if it means shoehorning an otherwise efficient process into an artificial set of measures.

This is not to say that measurement is bad. In fact, it is imperative if you want to run a profitable business. Bob Greenwood, a noted consultant and friend, is fond of saying that if you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it. The difficulty comes when the metric you are choosing to track is not actually the one that will provide the bottomline results you want.

An example can be found in the mechanical repair world, where increasing car count has become shorthand for real growth – when the reality is that if taken only in isolation, increasing car count only builds activity without profit, as techs struggle to rush cars in and out of bays, rather than maximizing the repair revenues from each car.

For collision repair, it’s like focusing only on converting the maximum number of estimates to jobs, without regard to what those estimates are actually valued at.

To be effective, you need to closely track at least three points and share them with your team: estimates written and converted; average work order (severity); and one of any number of ways to track your process: touch time, technician efficiency or productivity, or cycle time.

Together they’ll tell you whether you’re getting enough prospects in; whether you’re converting them to customers; whether you’re getting enough business from each; and last but not least, whether you’re handling those jobs efficiently, which will have a direct result on your profitability and your customer satisfaction.

Other metrics can be very useful when you want to drill down into the process, but as rule-of-thumb metrics that everyone in your operation can understand and keep top of mind, these three should be king.

Because only when your entire operation is playing by the same numbers, can you count on achieving truly measurable success. B Andrew Ross aross@bodyshopbiz.com

MANAGING DIRECTOR, AUTOMOTIVE DIVISION Kathryn Swan 416 510-5221 kathryn@newcom.ca PUBLISHER Andrew Ross 416-510-6763 aross@bodyshopbiz.com MANAGING EDITOR Martha Uniacke Breen mubreen@bodyshopbiz.com EDITORIAL CONSULTANT Brian Harper CONTRIBUTORS Nate Hendley L. C. Smith PRODUCTION MANAGER Steven Hofmann 416-510-6757 shofmann@annexnewcom.ca ART DIRECTOR Anne Miron PRINT MANAGER Phyllis Wright CIRCULATION MANAGER Selina Rahaman 416-442-5600 ext.3528 srahaman@annexnewcom.ca CUSTOMER SERVICE Roshni Thava 416-442-5600 ext 3555 VICE-PRESIDENT Joe Glionna PRESIDENT Jim Glionna BODYSHOP is published by Newcom Business Media Inc, 80 Valleybrook Drive, Toronto, ON M3B 2S9 Phone 416-442-5600 Fax 416-510-5140 Subscription rates: Canada – $39.95 (add applicable taxes) per year, $62.95 (add applicable taxes) for 2 years, single copy $7.00. USA and all other foreign – US$61.95 per year. U.S. single copy US$10.00.

All rights reserved. Printed in Canada. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form, either in part or full, including photocopying and recording, without the written consent of the copyright owner. Nor may any part of this publication be stored in a retrieval system of any nature without prior written consent.

US Office of Publication: 2424 Niagara Falls Blvd, Niagara Falls, NY 14304-1118. Periodicals postage paid at Niagara Falls, NY. US Postmaster: send address changes to Bodyshop PO Box 1118, Niagara Falls, NY 14304-1118.

From time to time we make our subscription list available to select companies and organizations whose product or service may interest you. If you do not wish your contact information to be made available, please contact us via one of the following methods: Tel: 1-800-268-7742 Fax: 416-442-2191 E-Mail: vmoore@annexnewcom.ca.

Mail to: Privacy Officer, Newcom Business Media Inc., 80 Valleybrook Drive, Toronto, ON M3B 2S9 ISSN 0045-2319 Online 1923-354X Canada Post Canadian Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement No. 40069240 Return postage guaranteed. Send change of address notices, undeliverable copies and subscription orders to: Circulation Dept. — Bodyshop Magazine, 80 Valleybrook Drive, Toronto, ON M3B 2S9 “We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage”.

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DRIVE YOUR PRODUCTIVITY FRONT TO BACK

Boost your productivity. From the office, with bodyshop management and workflow planning for faster processes.

And marketing programs to help you attract new customers.

To the spray booth with local colour support. And benefit from our knowledge of economical application. With our business solutions, Cromax® is designed to help you develop your

bodyshop’s full potential. You can choose what is right for your shop: Cromax® Pro or Cromax® Mosaic™ basecoat in combination with either the Cromax® Premier LE or Cromax® LE undercoats and clearcoats. We are more than just paint.

We drive productivity so you can move your business forward. www.cromax.ca

The Axalta logo, Axalta™, Axalta Coating Systems™, Cromax® and the Cromax® logo and all other marks denoted with ™ or ® are trademarks or registered trademarks of Axalta Coating Systems, LLC and its affiliates, used under license by Axalta Coating Systems Canada Company. © 2015 Axalta Coating Systems. All rights reserved.

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news

I-CAR Canada Awards First Gold Class Shop Andrew Shepherd, executive director of I-CAR Canada, presented a plaque to CSN ~ 427 Auto Collision owners Frank and Lorenzo D’Alessandro on April 22, at a ceremony attended by industry members, media, and friends held at the shop’s main shop in west-end Toronto.

(Above) Frank (left) and Lorenzo D’Alessandro receive a plaque from I-CAR Canada director Andrew Shepherd. (Left) Friends, staff and media gather for a photo at the celebration.

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“ n 2014 the requirements for I-CAR Canada Gold Class were revised significantly,” Shepherd explained in his remarks. “Under I-CAR’s Professional Development Program, shops must now have a Platinum recognized individual in each of four key repair roles. This was a major improvement to Gold Class recognition, and CSN ~ 427 Auto Collision has really stepped up to the challenge.”

Gold Class recognition for collision repair facilities is increasingly important for insurer-run direct repair programs and for original equipment (OE) certified repair network programs that set training standards. It requires a greater degree of skill and knowledge from collision repairers across a variety of disciplines to ensure the highest quality of work within a given facility. Namely, a refinish technician, a nonstructural technician, a steel structural technician, and an estimator must hold Platinum certification, and all other staff must complete two courses. Also of note, the facility must maintain a current I-CAR Canada welding certification.

In all, each Platinum-certified candidate requires 22 I-CAR credits to qualify.

CSN ~ 427 Auto’s Rosanna Armata opened the proceedings by saying that training has always been paramount to the D’Alessandro brothers, who head the company founded by their father 40 years ago. Andrew Shepherd then presented a plaque to 427 Auto owner and general manager Lorenzo D’Alessandro, recognizing the facility’s achievement of Gold Class status.

Platinum recognition plaques were then presented to 427 Auto collision repair professional technicians Woosung Kang, for refinish technology; Mike Araujo, for non-structural technology; Tom Grunstein, for steel structural technology; and Lorenzo D’Alessandro himself, for estimating.

Lorenzo praised the I-CAR platform for making these courses available for staff, allowing them to keep up with the

ever-changing technology of the collision repair industry. He also mentioned that he had been eager to take the training himself as an example to the shop and the industry at large, and to show that he would never ask his employees to do anything he wouldn’t do himself.

“A collision repair facility is only as good as the experience and talent of its employees,” Lorenzo said. “We encourage all of our employees to be the best that they can be, and I-CAR Canada plays an integral role in advancing their knowledge and skill sets. I-CAR Canada is undoubtedly a valuable partner for our business.”

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Traders Bullish on Fenix IPO

enix Parts Inc.’s recent IPO appears to be getting a positive reaction in early trading and in the opinion of investment analysts. After the initial IPO on May 14 at $8, shares were trading as of June 4 at $11.04, suggesting that investors are bullish on the potential of the amalgamated recycled auto parts group.

Fenix Parts Inc. is a reseller and recycler of original equipment manufacturer automotive products in the U.S. and Canada. The firm’s eight founding companies have been in business an average of 25 years and operate from three locations in the U.S. and Canada. Standard Auto Wreckers of Scarborough, Ontario, is among its member companies.

The initial IPO raised $96 million by offering 12 million shares at $8, below the initial target range of $9 to $11. The company had initially planned to offer 11 million shares.

Fenix raised 13% fewer proceeds than initially anticipated and, at its offer price, is now valued at $143 million market cap. Fenix Parts lists on the NASDAQ under the symbol FENX.

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CR Students Go For Gold in Saskatoon

he 2015 Skills Canada National Competition took place on May 28th and 29th at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon, Sask., with over 500 competitors in over 40 different skilled trades contests. The collision repair industry hosted an Autobody Repair competition and a Car Painting competition, for both secondary and post-secondary provincial champions. Both events attracted excellent participation numbers, with a total of 26 competitors, including four female competitors in the Car Painting Competition.

The CCIF Skills Program and its sponsors, industry who provided parts, paint, and materials, and volunteers who generously donated their time to assist with planning, setup, and teardown and running the two-day competition, helped to ensure that the collision repair industry was represented in a professional way and attracted the attention of the 10,000 student spectators who attended the event.

The competition results are as follows:

Car Painting

GOLD AB Garrett Weiss P-SEC SILVER ON Brodie Gibson P-SEC

Post-secondary

BRONZE NL Ryan Parsons P-SEC GOLD MB Ashley Weber SEC

CROMAX® MOSAICTM A basecoat line for automotive body shops doing collision work that is designed to provide dependable colour match and a durable OEM quality repair.

Classic coat-flash-reflow technology allows application flexibility and promotes excellent metallic control.

SILVER ON Emily Fell SEC BRONZE Secondary AB Zachary Saranchuk SEC

Autobody Repair GOLD NL Brandon Drover P-SEC SILVER BC Bhupinder Singh Brar P-SEC Post-secondary

BRONZE AB Garrett Walsh P-SEC GOLD MB Devin Boger SEC SILVER AB Brett Thompson SEC

Secondary

BRONZE BC Jason Sherle SEC

For additional information about this technology please call your preferred Axalta distributor or the Axalta Customer Care Centre at 1-800-668-6945. www.cromax.ca

AN AXALTA COATING SYSTEMS BRAND The Cromax logo and Cromax® Mosaic™ are trademarks or registered trademarks of Axalta Coating Systems LLC or its affiliates, used under license by Axalta Coating Systems Canada Company. © 2015 Axalta Coating Systems Canada Company. All rights reserved.

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Mitchell RepairCenter, PaintManager Connect

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CARSTAR Shines For CF Research

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ARSTAR Collision & Glass Centres across Canada held their second annual Shine Month for Cystic Fibrosis throughout the month of June. This year CARSTAR planned to hit the $2.5 million milestone, an amount raised over 18 years in partnership with franchise partners across the country. In fact, this year over 120 franchise locations took part in Shine Month, the largest and most significant participation to date.

The CARSTAR Great Strides Walk for Cystic Fibrosis Canada took place May 31 at over 70 locations across Canada and June 7 in Montreal. As the Official Title Sponsor in more than name, CARSTAR franchise owners across the country supported their local Walks from the planning stage up to the big day, attending and bringing their funds raised. So far, CF Canada anticipates surpassing last year’s $3.2 million raised, largely a result of such a

strong partnership between CARSTAR and CF Canada. CARSTAR’s #AWorldWithoutCF tweet to donate campaign was also very successful, generating over 14.5 million impressions on social media.

Shine Month ran the entire month of June and supports many local charities, sports teams, and not-for-profits in addition to CF Canada. Beyond the fundraising, Shine Month and CARSTAR’s Great Strides Walk for Cystic Fibrosis Canada raises much needed awareness for such a common, but little known disease.

Top: CARSTAR’s Matt Bell, Norma Beauchamp of CF Canada with walkers. Centre: Some of CARSTAR’s team including Lisa Mercanti-Ladd and CF Canada’s Jeff Beach. Above: The starting line at Winnipeg.

itchell has implemented a seamless two-way interface of its Mitchell RepairCenter solution and the PPG Paintmanager software colour formula retrieval system.

Working in tandem, the two systems will help collision facility customers save time and reduce errors by eliminating the need for shop personnel to rekey vehicle and repair order information. Additionally, critical mix data from PPG’s proprietary PaintManager software will automatically be transported back to the RepairCenter solution to achieve accurate paint material costs.

The PaintManager software combines computerized colour mixing accuracy and efficiency with comprehensive reporting and tracking features. The product is part of the PPG Automotive Refinish line of paint and coating systems for the automotive and fleet refinishing industry. Mitchell’s RepairCenter solution enables collision repair facilities to select the features they want to manage the repair, their customers, and their business the way that best meets their needs. Repair facilities can also add modules as their business grows – all from within their own personalized workspace.

The integration also improves the accuracy of overall job costing. Collision centres simply enter information once in the RepairCenter solution, and the system will generate a seamless, easily accessible data stream for partner tools to monitor and manage repairs and paint procedures on behalf of the bodyshop. This helps shops manage materials more effectively, improve technician efficiency and ensure that invoices sent to customers and insurance companies reflect the true list price of the paint used.

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News July 2015.indd 9

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news

Vehicle Service Group Partners with Habitat for Humanity

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Jenna Machunas and Darian Smith of VSG work at the build site on Wednesday morning.

Charlie Perkins, Jason Bell and Anne Brewster were part of a VSG team that built floor decking and walls at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore before transporting them to the build site.

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ehicle Service Group, parent company of Rotary Lift, Chief Automotive Technologies, Forward Lift, and other well-known vehicle repair equipment brands, is partnering with Habitat for Humanity Jefferson County on a 2015 sponsorship program. The sponsorship includes a monetary donation plus over 200 hours of direct labour provided by VSG employees to Habitat’s current family build project.

“VSG is committed to our local community of Madison and Jefferson County. There’s no better way for us to show this commitment than to partner with a terrific organization like Habitat for Humanity,” says Matt Webster, VSG vice-president and general manager of the Americas.

“Our employees are a dedicated and talented group of people who are excited about the prospect of helping a local family reach their dream of home ownership. When the opportunity arose for VSG to pledge its support to the Habitat program, it wasn’t a question of if, but a matter of when. I am also very proud of our employees who, through a wellness campaign involving financial matching from the company, increased their own physical activity, walking more than 14,000 miles to determine our total financial commitment to Habitat.”

“Habitat for Humanity of Jefferson County is excited and grateful to partner with VSG to continue to eradicate sub-standard housing in our community. Their generous financial gift and the contribution of working hours by their employees will have a major impact during our 2015 building season,” says Amy Ray, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Jefferson County.

Habitat for Humanity of Jefferson County recently announced its next partner family. Future homeowner AJ Droddy adds, “I am really amazed by, and grateful for, the number of people from VSG willing to give of their time and talents for this Habitat for Humanity project for our home. Thank you.” The Droddy project is the renovation of an 1860s shotgun house in Madison’s downtown historic district.

More French I-CAR Canada Courses

he Automotive Industries Association (AIA) of Canada has partnered with the Comité sectorial de main-d’oeuvre des services automobiles (CSMO-Auto) and I-CAR U.S.A. to translate 25 additional I-CAR courses and two welding qualification tests into French so that they can be offered in both of Canada’s official languages. The new translation project is the result of a joint effort between several organizations to ensure continuous skills de-

velopment of workers in Canada’s collision repair sector.

The translation project is being funded by a grant from the Government of Quebec’s Commission des partenaires du marché du travail (CPMT) and by contributions from several industry businesses and organizations. It will be completed over the course of the next two years by the translation firm Textualis and a working committee made up of collision repair experts.

Transport Canada Notice

Transport Canada has issued an Equivalency Certificate #6690 (Ren. 7) that replaces the former certificate. The new version has been posted on AIA’s website and is available for download at http://bit.ly/TDG6690R7.

Please note that the issuance of this Equivalency Certificate in no way reduces the certificate holder’s responsibility to comply with any other requirements of the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations and other regulations not specifically addressed in this certificate. For further information, contact Jason Kerr at AIA Canada.

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People

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arProof Corporation is pleased to began her career in management welcome Karim Hemani to the with Flag Chevrolet in Vancouver. executive team as vice-president, con- Sawchuk was also operational mansumer vertical. In his new role, Mr. ager for the Collision Plus Network Hemani will be focused on aggres- and regional operational manager sively expanding CarProof’s value for Kirmac Collision, both British proposition and awareness with con- Columbia-based MSOs. Sawchuk is sumers. For the past 13 years, Mr. an active participant in the Collision Hemani has held influential roles Repair Division of the ARA, where across a broad range of consumer she has been on the board of direcfocused verticals including telco, re- tors and has served as vice-chairpertail, media, and financial services. He son.

Urethane Supply Company anheld senior roles with notable Canadian businesses including Sears, nounces two new instructors in Canwhere he led online operations for ada who are able to deliver the new Sears.ca, which at that time was Can- I-CAR Industry Training Alliance ada’s largest eCommerce business; course on plastic repair. “IntroducToronto Star Newspapers, Canada’s tion to Nitrogen Plastic Welding” is a largest daily newspaper; and, most three-hour course delivered in the recently, easyhome Ltd., as vice-presi- customer’s shop for up to three techdent, eCommerce and Omnichan- nicians. Each technician gets handsnel. Karim is an engineer by trade, on training with five common bumholds an MBA from Queen’s School per repair scenarios, including on of Business, and is a chartered profes- thermoset polyurethane, a.k.a. the sional accountant. Mr. Hemani will “yellow plastic.” Mark McIntyre has been with Treschak have offices in both London, OnEnterprises in tario, and Toronto, Ontario.

Barbara Sawchuk has joined Welland, Ontario, PPG Canada’s Automotive Refinfor 25 years as a ish Division as business solutions technical sales repmanager for western Canada. The resentative.

He announcement was made by Norm started out as a colAngrove, PPG Canada, collision lision repair tech business manager. Sawchuk’s reright out of high sponsibility will be to work with school and got his PPG multi-shop consolidators, Mark McIntyre Interprovincial Aubanner network customers, and tobody Repair Lilarge-volume strategic customers to cense shortly thereafter. Mark will deliver value-added solutions and provide the I-CAR Alliance training processes that will ensure continuous to shops in the GTA and farther improvement in all areas of their afield in Ontario. Normand Proulx business. She will cover recently started his own busiPPG Canada’s western ness doing plastic repairs, region of British ColumProulx Soudure Plastique bia, Alberta, Saskatchebased in Quebec City. He wan, and Manitoba and came to Urethane Supply’s report directly to Anfactory in Alabama, U.S.A. in grove. Before joining 2014 and got factory training PPG, Sawchuk was manin plastic repair and refinishager of estimating servicing. He is also serving as es for the Insurance CorUrethane Supply’s indepenporation of British Co- Normand Proulx dent sales representative in lumbia (ICBC), with reQuebec and the Maritimes sponsibility for regional claim centres and will be able to provide the I-CAR and out-of-province claims. She Alliance training in those regions.

Did you know that when you are spraying a catalyzed paint product in a spray booth or prep deck, the proper personal protection equipment is an air-supplied respirator?

Air supplied respirators must be supplied with Grade “D” Breathable Air. Quality Air Breathing Systems are designed to provide Grade “D” Breathable Air from your existing compressed air system, for compliance with current CSA Standards when using an air supplied respirator.

Systems sized from one person to twelve persons at the same time. We offer complete systems, with proper filtration and carbon monoxide monitors, panel mounted, and ready to use. Available in belt mounted, wall mount, and portable versions.

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Announcement Grants in Gear Winners

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he Automotive Recyclers of Canada and Summerhill Impact have announced the four winners of the Grants in Gear funding program. A five-member jury evaluated each application’s potential to achieve their stated environmental results and deliver against their proposed work plan and budget. The winners, located throughout Alberta and Ontario, will each receive up to $25,000 to help execute their programs and advance the environmental outcomes of their automotive-related projects.

Grants in Gear is a nationwide program in its second year that provides funding to Canadian environmental non-profit organizations to achieve tangible results in emissions reductions or pollution prevention in the transportation sector and/or excellence in automotive recycling techniques.

The four winners are: University of Waterloo Alternative Fuels Team, who will convert a 2016 Chevrolet Camaro into a hybrid vehicle, decreasing the vehicle’s emissions while increasing its efficiency and maintaining its

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performance.

Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources (CIER) (in partnership with Fort Albany First Nation (FAFN), Moosonee Transport Limited and Summerhill Impact), who will develop a longterm Waste Management Plan to recycle and responsibly manage end-of-life vehicles in the Fort Albany First Nations community.

Inside Education, who will deliver the Clean Air Responsible Schools (CARS) education project to develop an education and action plan aimed at educating students about air quality, specifically related to idling, around their school.

Sustainable Waterloo Region, who have developed the TravelWise@School pilot project to implement School Travel Action Plans that will increase active transportation and reduce emissions of both students and parents.

Further information about each of the winning projects can be found at www.autorecyclers.ca/grantsin-gear.

Women’s Industry Network Elects Board Leadership for 2015-2016

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he Women’s Industry Network has selected two new members to serve on the organization’s Board of Directors. The not for profit’s mission is to support and enhance the role of women in the collision repair industry, promoting education, professional advancement, and networking.

Joining the board to serve the organization for the upcoming term are Cheryl Boswell, DCR Systems, and Yen Hoang, UYL Finishing.

The WIN Board consists of various industry segments, including collision repair shops, jobbers, suppliers, consultants, information providers, and insurance companies. Board members may serve up to two three-year terms, working together to build the organization and foster an environment that encourages the education, recruitment, retention, and networking of women in the collision repair industry.

“The current WIN Board of Directors is excited to welcome Cheryl and Yen to our working team of volunteers. As WIN strives to achieve our strategic goals of growth and engagement, the addition of Cheryl and Yen’s talents are sure to add to our outstanding mix of WIN leaders,”

The Women’s Industry Network Board of Directors for 2015-16.

says Denise Caspersen, Chair of the Board Development Committee. “Following an orientation, our new members will hit the ground running by taking part in a round of WIN strategic planning just prior to conference.”

Returning Board members include Amy Nuttall, USAA; Beverly Rook-Twibell, Safelite Solutions; Denise Caspersen, National Autobody Parts Warehouse; Jaclyn Byers, estimatics team manager, State Farm Insurance Co.; Jessica Rob, business service development specialist, Akzo Nobel Coat-

ings, Inc.; Katie Henwood, Axalta Coatings Systems; Margaret Knell, I-CAR; Marie Peevy, owner, Automotive Training Coordinators, LLC; Melissa Miller, CARSTAR Franchise Systems; Michelle Sullivan, Akzo Nobel Coatings, Inc.; Nina Pedraza-Zinna, director of field operations, SCA Appraisal; Petra Schroeder, Axalta Coatings Systems; Shellie Andrews, Dana’s Collision; Susanna Gotsch, CCC Information Services; Terri Neely, Nagy’s Collision Centers; and Trish Gould, controller/human resources, Keenan Auto Body.

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Thank you to the thousands of stars that make up our CARSTAR universe — our franchise, insurance and vendor partners, and our employees for helping us achieve Gold status.

Over 200 locations in 10 provinces | carstar.ca

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2015

Body shop of the YEAR

Pfaff Autoworks

Takes the Chequered Flag

By Martha Uniacke Breen Photography by John Packman

I

t seems only fitting that Jeff Pabst, general manager of Pfaff Autoworks, Bodyshop magazine’s Bodyshop of the Year 2015, is a former racecar driver. As a competitor, Pabst learned early on that staying at the front of the pack means not just maintaining a competitive edge, but being quick to perceive and react to changing conditions, and always thinking ahead of the curve. His winner’s instincts have had much to do with steering Pfaff Autoworks – itself a familiar name to Ontario racing enthusiasts, having long sponsored Porsches and other cars in national races – through 18 years of consistent success.

Pfaff Autoworks’ sprawling Vaughan, Ontario, location employs 26 collision repair professionals, and comprises 42,000 total square feet, 26,000 of which is live working space. It processes an average of 170 vehicles per month, is OE-certified in half a dozen upscale makes, and is on track to post $6.5 million in total sales by the end of the year. Not bad for the collision repair spinoff of a dealership run by a guy who started out selling VW Beetles.

Pfaff AW’s parent company, Pfaff Automotive Partners, was founded by Hans Pfaff, a German émigré who began his career in sales at a Volkswagen dealership back in the 1950s. He went on to open his own VW dealership in 1964 in Newmarket, and later added Porsche (becoming Canada’s first Porsche specialist in the process) and, in the mid-seventies, Audi. As it grew, it added BMW, Toyota and a couple of more rarefied names, including the British maker McLaren and an Italian super-exotic, Pagani. Hans’ son Christopher (who is still the CEO of Pfaff AP) took over in the 1980s, and turned it into the multi-million dollar operation it is today.

By 1997, Christopher Pfaff began to see the potential in diversification, and collision repair work seemed a natural progression.

(The Pfaff automotive group now includes a third division, Pfaff Tuning, which does custom work and refinishing.) “We were send-

ing bodywork out at that point, and found the customer experience wasn’t at all what we wanted,” recalls Jeff.

Pfaff Autoworks started small, with a modest 2,800-squarefoot shop in Markham, Ontario, which it outgrew almost immediately. A second, larger space closer to the dealership soon also proved inadequate for the shop’s growing success.

“We honestly didn’t expect it to take off like it did!” he laughs. “It was in a strip location and we would add units as required, but eventually we ended up with 18,000 square feet, on several levels – it got pretty dicey there.” So in 2013, they bought the current Vaughan location, ensuring there would be plenty of spare room for the future.

Jeff himself is a company man, having started his career washing cars for Pfaff Automotive Partners 24 years ago while still in university. After obtaining his business degree, he began selling cars for Pfaff, and two years later went on to the service department. When Mr. Pfaff floated the idea of a bodyshop division, Jeff was approached to take the wheel, even though, as he freely admits, he had never seen the inside of a bodyshop. (“It was kind of a steep learning curve.”) But his fresh perspective may have been just what the new division needed.

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“From the beginning, I was focused on learning about the European manufacturers’ methods; at the time there was no such thing as OE certification, and the techs hadn’t had much collision experience. So we looked to the European model for guidance.”

Adherence to the manufacturer’s perspective continues to be central to how Pfaff AW operates. Today, it’s certified in VW, Audi, Porsche, BMW, and McLaren, and there are plans to add other mainly luxury makes in the coming months and years. “For tech support, we always go straight to the manufacturer; over 90% of our work is VW, Porsche, and Audi, but we rely on Alldata for other makes as a backup.”

At the heart of certification is, of course, training, and it’s a regular function of Pfaff techs’ working lives. “It’s scary to think there are shops out there that haven’t had the specific training and are working on these cars; they may be really good bodymen, but they could be using an approach that was fine five or six years ago, but is completely outdated now. In any given car, you could have ten different materials which all work differently, and you need to know where the crumple zones are, where to attach to the rails – so many small details like that, and if you get it wrong, it’s dangerous. And every manufacturer – every model, for that matter – is different. So manufacturer training is first and foremost. We’ve already had three guys out this year, and there are always new repair procedures with every new model. We also do regular ongoing I-CAR training here at the shop.” While formal plans are not in place yet to become an I-CAR Gold Class shop, he anticipates they will achieve the designation by the end of the year.

The bodyshop industry has been in flux in the last few years, and Pabst firmly believes that what’s good for the industry is good for Pfaff AW. For some 12 years, he and selected staff members have regularly participated in a Performance 20 Group sponsored by BASF,

whereby shops from across North America gather to talk shop, share best practices, financials, and techniques, and brainstorm on ways to improve the industry as a whole. Meetings usually take place at a host shop, which is critiqued as part of the process. “I think every shop in the industry should be involved with it,” he says, noting that putting aside competitive issues for collaborative experiences like this is beneficial for the entire industry.

In fact, Pfaff AW has also done its part independently, most notably through events like its Insurance Industry Evening last fall, in which members of the insurance industry were invited to interact directly with manufacturers and collision industry members to learn about issues that are often poorly understood by insurers. The evening started with an introductory address by Collision Advice director Mike Anderson on the state of the industry today, and then the audience broke into smaller groups to discuss issues directly. OEM reps explained and outlined program and equipment requirements, training and other requirements for OE certification. Some 55 insurance industry partners attended, and Pabst says another, larger event is in the works for this September and will be expanded, perhaps, to include brokers as well.

The shop also recently addressed another pressing problem in the industry, attracting and keeping young talent, when it organized a job fair in April. Some 150 students and other potential candidates signed up to come and talk to staff and tour the facility. The fair was promoted through industry media as well as colleges and high schools, employment agencies, local newspaper ads, and Pfaff’s own social media outlets, and several new recruits were hired as a result.

However, Pabst admits that recruiting new talent isn’t a major concern, as many of the staff have been with Pfaff AW for years. “We have a back-up painter who’s been here since the beginning,” he says; another employee is

“Every model

is different, so manufacturer

training is first

and foremost.”

Opposite page: Pfaff Autoworks general manager Jeff Pabst. Left above: A painter works on one of a half-dozen mostly upscale makes in which the company is OE-certified. Right above: Repairs to luxury vehicles such as Audi, Porsche, and BMW, along with Toyota, VW, and the British maker McLaren, make up the bulk of the business.

Left: One of the modified McLaren racecars that Pfaff AW fields at series across North America.

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Above: The 26-member Pfaff Autoworks team at the Vaughan, Ontario, facility, with one of several racecars the collision centre supports, a McLaren. Left: Pfaff AW’s spotless work area throughputs an average of 170 cars a month.

in his 14th year of service. Several employees are ten-years-plus; even some of the apprentices have stayed for six years or longer. It’s a good place to work, with benefits that go beyond niceties such as matching RRSP contributions and social and sports events, to the perks that go along with working for a company that’s into racing: there’s the annual Track Day, when the company rents the Mosport track and lets employees drive the snazzy cars they normally only work on. Employees can also get pit passes for races in which Pfaff AW is competing, including the Toronto Honda Indy.

Jeff brightens when the conversation turns to racing. He raced professionally for Pfaff for 20 years; in addition to piloting the company’s Porsches in the Porsche Cup and Super Cup, he’s competed in Players GM, American Lemans, and a long list of other series over the course of his career. The realities of a growing family forced him to give it up a couple of years ago, but like any born racer, he says he’d love to get back into it one day.

Racecars are close to the heart of Pfaff AW’s charity work as well.

The company’s chosen charity is Southlake Hospital in Newmarket, and its goal is to raise some $300,000 this year through efforts that range from Jeans Day (where, once a month, employees can buy the privilege of wearing jeans to work), to larger events such as fielding a team for the five- or ten-kilometre Southlake Charity Run. But it was Jeff himself who inaugurated the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park Children’s Wish event 25 years ago, in which terminally ill children get a chance to ride in the company racecars. The event is

open to the public, and along with ancillary events, has raised a total of some $350,000 over its run. This year’s event is scheduled for Thanksgiving weekend, if the weather plays ball.

So what lies around the next hairpin for Pfaff Autoworks? More expansion, in all likelihood. “We’d like to add more certifications, particularly in luxury makes, and we are planning to open a branch in Mississauga later this year,” he says. “Longer term, I have a personal goal to turn it into a $20 million dollar business, which would probably require a third or even fourth location. But for now, the focus is certainly on developing certification programs, and strengthening our relationships with manufacturers.”

But he adds that it’s crucial, not for Pfaff AW alone, but the collision industry at large, to build closer relationships with the insurance industry, and educating them that manufacturers require their vehicles to be repaired to a mandatory standard, which is unfortunately often costlier than insurers are willing to pay. “Everyone points fingers at the insurance industry, of course,” he says, citing longstanding frustrations such as the comparative door rates of collision and mechanical. He believes it’s really a matter of education, and perhaps a paradigm shift, to bring insurers onside about the realities of modern collision repair.

“Ultimately, I think the industry has to go in one direction, and that’s towards OE certification. Eventually, you will have three levels of shops: the OE-certified ones, the ma-and-pa shops who do minor repairs like door dents, and more and more consolidation in the middle. And those middle shops will have the toughest time, because OEs are going to become stricter about which shops they certify. But with the way cars are made now, it’s really not an option.”

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Taking it to the

Matte

Photo courtesy of PPG Canada.

matte finishes

Industry experts weigh in on the subject of low-gloss finishes.

By L. C. Smith

I

Photo courtesy of Axalta.

t used to be that being able to comb your hair in the shine of a beautiful paint finish was a matter of pride. But right now, matte is where it’s at.

The trend towards “lacklustre” – in the sense that they literally lack lustre – car colours began about five years ago at the exotic top end of OEMs, and has started trickling down to the

Spies Hecker Matte Finish

mainstream over the past few years.

But since repairing and repainting a matte finish requires a whole new set of skills for collision repair professionals, it’s fair to wonder if the current trickle will turn into a torrent, or if demand will sooner or later dry up.

And just what is involved in creating and maintaining this new look?

As Darlene Bolton, product manager for Axalta’s Spies Hecker brand (the company also produces Standox and Cromax), points out, “Automotive matte finishes have been around for a long time, being used in accessories such as windshield wiper blades, spoilers, and side-view mirror holders.

However, as of late, the finish is now being used for complete exteriors on cars and motorcycles.”

While Bolton says that her company believes the trend will continue to grow in popularity, custom mattes should remain only a small segment of the total finishes market. “It’ll still be niche, moving forward. We don’t expect to see it going mainstream, due to the cost and care requirements. Having said that, our industry needs to be able to repair matte fin-

ishes.”

Jennifer Boros, marketing director of collision segment, automotive refinish for PPG, agrees that the trend is still building, with more and more OEMs offering the option of vehicles with a low-gloss finish. “It’s very popular in the custom market,” she says.

“Matte finishes can also be used as an accent alongside a high-gloss finish in such things as hood stripes, distressed finishes, flames, and trims.”

For complete car coverage, Boros says the number-one shade by far is matte black, followed by silver grey and pearl white. Because the effect used to be achieved by a single-stage paint and these colours are consistent high-rankers, it made sense to stick with the basics. Recent technology, however, has moved the field forward.

Specialized flat or low-gloss clearcoats, which diffuse the basecoat’s lustre rather than enhance it, mean that any colour can become a unique finish.

“We are beginning to see more unique choices, like low-gloss root-beers and lime greens.”

Due to this process change, Axalta’s Darlene Bolton says you can also

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choose your own level of matte in your vehicle finish – flat, eggshell, satin gloss, and semi-gloss are now all available.

Achieving a gloss level that is consistent with the OEM finish is possible by following a modified clear coat application process, Bolton explains. Practicing on a couple of panels prior to proceeding with the actual repair is a good practice. “It is key to have a uniform application of product. Matte finishes are accomplished by using an additive to the clear coat. Each of Axalta’s collision brands have a solution for matte finishes.”

While it may sound relatively simple, the truth is a matte finish is much harder to perfect than a regular gloss. The problem, says Michael R. Carroll, new products introduction manager for BASF, lies not with the available paint products but in the application process. “The prep has to be meticulous,” he says. “Dirt cannot be buffed out as in highgloss clearcoats.”

And as hard as that is, Carroll adds, maintenance and repair prove even more difficult. “One cannot wax or buff the finish.

Brake dust, road tar, tree sap, even water droplets, must be removed by hand, without aggressive mechanical abrasion. Repair can be difficult, due again to the high degree of cleanliness demanded. Colour matching can be slightly more difficult to achieve, since the matte agents can change the colour when used at very high levels to achieve an extremely low-gloss finish.”

He suggests technicians take advanced training classes, such as those offered by BASF and other paint manufacturers, which address problems such as colour matching and application techniques.

Damir Banusic, global product manager for Sherwin-Williams’ AWX Performance Plus paint line, agrees that colour matching can be onerous. “The main difficulty is producing a uniform appearance across the repair, and it typically requires expanding the repair area to assure consistency.

“A lot of up-front work is required. Completing a sprayout to make sure that the desired gloss level is achieved and that it matches the current finish is a must. Assuring that the same process is followed when the repair is completed will increase the likelihood of producing an acceptable final finish.”

Banusic lists several things shops should

be aware of: • Air-drying a matte clearcoat will typically result in a lower gloss level, while forcedrying will typically result in higher gloss level.

• Lower dry film thickness results in a lower gloss level; higher dry film thickness results in a higher gloss level.

• L onger flash times between coats of clear result in a lower gloss level; shorter flash times between coats result in higher gloss level.

• It is recommended that matte clearcoat be used for complete panel refinishing only.

To remove any dirt/dust inclusions in the final finish, allow the repair to be fully

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MATTE 1.indd 19

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Photo courtesy of PPG Canada.

Photo courtesy of BASF Canada.

dried. De-nib the affected area and final sand the entire panel with P800-P1000 grit. Thoroughly clean and tack the surface. Apply an additional cross-coat of matte clearcoat. Remember that dirt removal from the final matte finish is not possible.

• In order to maintain the matte appearance, the use of any cleaners, abrasives, polishes, or waxes must be avoided. The vehicle must not be polished, since this will lead to a higher, uneven gloss appearance.

To this list, Darlene Bolton adds:

• T he gloss level match is equally important as colour match, as the matte finish cannot be blended.

• In zone repair, the best results are achieved by matte clearing the entire side, as it is easier to lose gloss difference to hood and deck lid as opposed to panel to panel.

And Jennifer Boros warns: • U nlike a standard high-gloss coating, damage to a low-gloss coating caused by scratches or aggressive cleaning cannot be polished or buffed out. Once an area becomes damaged or glossy, the original matte or low-gloss appearance cannot be restored.

OEMs offering matte-finished cars provide customers with detailed (and laborious) instructions for their care and cleaning – involving handwork only – while pointedly taking no responsibility for any post-sale issues.

One such guide, for the Hyundai Veloster, obliquely references the difficulties in achieving a perfect match after a repair. “The matte appearance is unique to every car. Each includes an element of mottling, ghost patterns, and dust nibs. These cannot be modified and are part of the nature of the finish.”

Lorenzo D’Alessandro, owner/operator of Toronto’s CSN ~ 427 Auto Collision, agrees that a perfect match is impossible, “but we can get it to about 95%.”

He says that 30 or 40 matte finishes have come into his shop over the last two years, mostly in higher-end vehi-

cles. “And I’ll tell you right now, we lose money on most of them. It’s very difficult to get reimbursed [from the insurance companies] for the amount of hours that you spend on them. I would say it would be triple to ­quadruple the time of a regular refinish. Once, we had an exotic car here with an orange matte. It took us, with the paint manufacturer, 40 hours to match.”

D’Alessandro says it’s mostly a question of hit and miss, with the test panel taking half an hour’s drying time between each coat, to figure out just the right combination of paint and clear matte.

“Once you get the colour down, you do the exact same thing for the real painting, including baking it for over an hour. You cannot polish the surface, so it has to be extremely clean and it requires double-masking every time. If there is any paint defect, you can’t wax or polish to remove it – you have to redo the whole job.”

Although D’Alessandro says his team has gotten rather good at repairing matte finishes over the past couple of years, he doesn’t particularly want to see any more coming into his place of business. “The complexity – the time involved – it’s just not worth it.”

For his sake, one can only hope that the matter of mattes does indeed turn out to be a flash in the pan.

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2015

JULY 23

COBO CENTRE

DETROIT, MI

CCIF SPECIAL EVENT AT NACE

GLOBAL TRENDS:

CHANGING THE COURSE OF

THE COLLISION REPAIR BUSINESS IN CANADA

Global trends provide a window into future developments in the Canadian collision repair business. Learn how repair segmentation, OE certification programs, and shifting relationships between industry stakeholders and customer expectations will continue to increase the complexity of doing business and impact the Canadian market moving forward. Be prepared to make the right decisions for your business, and drive your organization towards continued growth and success.

CCIF presents expert speakers, followed by an exclusive cocktail reception. Be sure to connect with other Canadian and International collision industry leaders during your visit to NACE at the CCIF Special Event at NACE.

DON’T MISS THIS SPECIAL EVENT! KEYNOTE SPEAKER:

DAVID LINGHAM - IBIS BOARD AND DIRECTOR, ORBIS BUSINESS IMPACT David will share his global perspective on trends that are developing in the UK, Western Europe and Australia, to provide us with validation on what we can expect to see develop in the Canadian market.

With his insight into industry developments in key global markets, you can be more effective in developing your strategic plan for your business.

Specifically, David with share information on the following topics: • Repair Segmentation - Market realities and their impact on the complexity of doing business between Insurers, Repairers and Vehicle Manufacturers • Changing customer needs and expectations • Evaluating future investment in your business - The importance of having a solid business plan

EVENT SCHEDULE 1-4PM: CONFERENCE 4-6PM: COCKTAIL RECEPTION

registration REGISTER NOW! $95/ticket

NEW THIS YEAR:

MATTE 1.indd 21

Your CCIF Special Event at NACE registration automatically includes a FREE NACE Exhibit Hall Pass (valued at $35).

No need to register for NACE unless you are attending educational sessions or other co-located events. NACE Exhibit Hall Pass Namebadges can be picked up at the NACE registration booth in advance, or at the CCIF Special Event at NACE registration table starting at 12 noon on July 23, 2015.

To register for this event, please visit www.ccif.ca

15-06-15 1:29 PM

ccif conference

CCIF Halifax: A Look into the Future CCIF Halifax reached a record high of 197 registrants on May 22, 2015 – the highest registration number to date in the province for a CCIF meeting. For over 25% of the audience, this was their first CCIF meeting – among collision repairers, this figure was closer to 40%. What follows are excerpts from CCIF mistress of ceremonies and director of collision programs, AIA Canada, Leanne Jefferies’ wrap-up of the event.

CCIF Chairman Larry Jefferies kicked off the meeting by recapping the key accomplishments of CCIF since AIA Canada assumed management. He also reinforced the need for CCIF to stay focused on three primary mandates – industry profitability, OE repair complexity, and people, in order to create meaningful change.

Larry also had the pleasure of introducing Joe Carvalho, manager of national auto vendor programs, claims for Economical Insurance, as the new CCIF Chairman, who will take the reins in January 2016.

30% of consumers are upside down on their loan, owing more than the vehicle’s value.

He said he had never seen a more motivated customer to have their vehicle repaired instead of settled as a total loss.

Greg also shared some interesting facts about aluminum. By 2025, 75% of new pickup trucks, 24% of full-size vehicles, 22% of SUVs, and 18% of minivans will be aluminum. Greg also shared insight into what he considers to be the next phase of claims cost increase. Side airbags were relatively rare in vehicles prior to 2009, and side impacts are roughly 25% of all collisions today. In the next four to five years the majority of vehicles repaired will have them, which could mean an additional $1500-$2000 per claim.

He finished by noting how the quality of Chinese vehicles has improved; they are already selling briskly in the U.K., and will be entering the North American auto market next year. This “globalization of cars” will change the future significantly.

CCIF Skills Program Larry Jefferies with incoming CCIF chair Joe Carvalho, Economical Insurance.

Global Auto Trends Forecast Greg Horn, VP industry relations for Mitchell International and author of the Mitchell Industry Trends Report, shared the latest trends in claims, severity, parts utilization, and other key areas. In Canada, he said, the average auto loan term is 69 months. As loans continue to be offered over longer terms, over

Leanne Jefferies, director of the CCIF Skills Program, spoke about the successful expansion of the program in 2015. She invited Aaron Hebb, a national and provincial car painting champion, previous Team Canada member, and current Canadian Car Painting expert who works in industry for Sherwin-Williams, to share his personal experience with the CCIF Skills Program. Aaron was a carpainting competitor at the first CCIF Skills Program in 2008, and found his calling to stay in the industry. He’ll be travelling to

Brazil with Team Canada competitor Kassandra Bilodeau in August.

Technology and Training Spotlight: Volkswagen VW collision program manager Scott Wideman presented the VW/Audi approach to collision repairs. Three years ago, the company adopted a new production platform called the MQB with a uniform platform between the centre of the front axle and the A pillar, regardless of vehicle model. This means that all vehicles are produced on the same assembly line, with the floor length extended and components varied for each individual model. This global platform ensures that approved dedicated fixtures can be used to fix most of the car lines. He also made reference to the heavy use of hybrid materials being used to design vehicles in order to meet fuel economy standards and noted that this will only accelerate between now and 2020, especially among European manufacturers, who must meet standards even sooner than North American manufacturers.

Haiti ARISE Technical School Leanne Jefferies joined the stage again to share exciting updates on the Haiti ARISE Technical School project. CCIF’s sister organization in the U.S., CIC (Collision Industry Conference), has joined Canada in working towards achieving CCIF’s goal of building a collision repair shop and classroom at Haiti ARISE. Leanne also urged the audience to join the “Buy a Brick” fundraising campaign

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Class facility, or working towards the designation. They also need to have completed the HON-01 course and a welding training course. Chris emphasized that the significant changes in vehicle build materials and design require increased training, equipment, and information.

Leanne Jefferies discusses the Haiti ARISE! porject.

to help fund the project. Visit the Haiti Arise page on www.ccif.ca to donate. Volunteer teams will arrive in Haiti March 2016, the expected construction completion date.

Creating a Culture of Learning in your Business I-CAR Canada executive director Andrew Shepherd shared his perspective on why it is imperative that repairers adopt a culture of learning in their businesses. His presentation explained why this matters, how to go about it, and how to extract the maximum benefit of training. Andrew illustrated by looking at CAFE standards: From 1982 to 2010, vehicle manufacturers were required to improve fuel economy by 3.5 mpg. In about half of this time, between 2011 and 2025, they are required to make a 27 mpg improvement. With over 240 debuts and vehicle redesigns, how will repairers keep up and ensure they are doing proper repairs?

Those who succeed will have a survival plan, accept the need to train, and adopt a management approach to training and knowledge acquisition. Andrew concluded that repairers who embrace training and knowledge management as part of their business will see improvements in cycle time, touch time, CSI, and a decrease in supplements.

Technology & Training Spotlight: Honda Canada ProFirst Program Chris Hogg, business planning specialist, Acura & Honda Collision Advantage Program, shared details of the ProFirst Collision Repair Facility Program, established to promote correct, complete, and safe repairs of Honda and Acura vehicles. There are several requirements to be considered for the program.

Independent repairers must be sponsored by a Honda or Acura dealer, be using Auto Parts Bridge (a minimum of four transactions per month), and be an I-CAR Gold

Technology & Training Spotlight: Toyota Recommended Repair Procedures Paul Stella and Rick Leos, from Toyota, and Nathan Sellers, from Mitchell, presented the new Toyota Recommended Repair Procedures program. They started off by showing a video of hydrogen-powered Toyota vehicles, to be launched in November of this year.

The humorous video illustrated how “the car can run on bulls***.” It’s true: manure was used to produce the hydrogen that mixes with oxygen in the carbon fibre fuel tank, producing the direct current that powers the car. Rick Leos pointed out that he feels that the vehicle manufacturer has a responsibility to work with insurers in order to provide information that is crucial to proper repairs, rather than leaving the burden at the shop level.

The highlight of the presentation was a live demo, where an estimate for several thousands of dollars in repairs was completed in seconds. During the Q&A session following the presentation, Rick disclosed that they are working with other vehicle manufacturers and service providers to share this groundbreaking technology.

What Does it Really Cost to Invest in Facility, Equipment, and Training?

AkzoNobel senior services consultant Tim Ronak presented a thought-provoking approach to evaluating the ROI of investment in collision repair facilities, equipment, and training. The rate of innovation and implementation in the auto industry is increasing, creating challenges for the collision repair industry, and he sees this rate of change continuing steadily in the next two decades.

Equipment we invest in today will have a much shorter life span before becoming obsolete and being replaced by new technology. This means that investment in equipment should be evaluated over a decreasing time period. Training costs follow a similar pattern. With new technology being introduced quickly, training must keep up.

Tim questioned the idea that investing in equipment and training is just a cost of doing business. Instead, he explained, it should be viewed as an investment that should produce a return equivalent to the return of other investments. Tim suggested that although he can present the numbers that illustrate the costs and what the ROI perhaps should be, it is up to industry to work together to figure out how to best move forward.

What Keeps You Up At Night?

CCIF Chairman Larry Jefferies closed off the day with a discussion of key industry topics.

Reviewing some of the VOICE feedback received at the last CCIF meeting in Toronto, he revealed that repairers were most concerned about the cost of acquiring equipment. Repairers feel that the complexity of working within DRP guidelines has increased over the past 12 months. This was interesting, considering a recent JD Power insurance customer satisfaction study showed that customer satisfaction with the claims experience has declined since last year with consumers. Larry’s update on the FNOL Harmonization Project, which aims to harmonize twenty pieces of FNOL information prior to a repairer completing an estimate, has a clear goal: to reduce inefficiency, provide a better customer experience, increase claims satisfaction, and reduce non-productive administration costs.

With 11 insurers and networks representing nearly 60% of the repair volume in Canada engaged in the project, hopes are that it will produce results before the end of 2015.

Larry also shared charts from the Business Conditions Survey showing the importance of timely, accurate information on industry trends. Repairers can receive the reports free by participating in the BCS, and sponsors can support the BCS financially to receive the information. AIA Canada will also be releasing an annual Collision Industry Yearbook with key information for understanding where the industry is heading (the report will not include BCS data).

Next Meetings The CCIF Special Event at NACE takes place in Detroit on July 23rd, 1-6 p.m. The last regular CCIF meeting of 2015 takes place in Calgary on September 18th. Regiser for all upcoming events at www.ccif.ca. www.bodyshopbiz.com l July 2015 l Bodyshop 23

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Working Safely with

ALUMINUM

By Martha Uniacke Breen

T

he arrival of the all-aluminum 2015 Ford F-150 has made headlines both within the collision industry and in the larger world, and so far, it’s a big hit. As Greg Horn of Mitchell International told attendees at last month’s CCIF in Halifax, right now dealers have on average a 12-day supply of F-150s on hand, which is considerably short of the ideal 30-day supply needed to meet demand.

The Ford F-150 has made aluminum big news lately, but of course, the material is hardly new. What really matters is that a material once confined mainly to a few luxury cars, and as parts of otherwise ordinary steel vehicles – F-150 hoods, for example – has gone mainstream, and will likely expand exponentially in coming years. Horn predicted that by 2025, 75% of new pickup trucks, 24% of full-size vehicles, 22% of SUVs and 18% of minivans will be aluminum. Which means that more and more shops will inevitably require at least some capacity for repairing aluminum vehicles. But there are a number of important considerations that cannot be overlooked when handling the material, or the results can be not just substandard, but potentially deadly.

Perhaps the single most important fact to be aware of when working with the material is that aluminum and steel are mortal enemies. Due to a chemical reaction called galvanic corrosion, even a few molecules of steel can alter the composition of aluminum, leading to corrosion (at the very least) and catastrophic failure (at the worst). Less well known, perhaps, is that the enmity is mutual: aluminum can damage some kinds of steel as well, with the same potential for compromising a repair.

Many of the extra measures that are required in order to work safely with aluminum stem from the imperative of keeping all traces of these two metals apart.

The hazards associated with aluminum dust are equally significant.

Aluminum dust is highly combustible, and can catch fire or even explode if not safely and thoroughly removed, especially in the presence of iron oxide (rust). It’s also very dangerous if exposed to magnesium dust – which is itself a highly combustible material, as is magnesium in metal form if handled unsafely.

These facts explain why it’s so important to isolate aluminum repairs in an enclosed, dedicated area, to ensure it is properly vented, and that fumes and dust are safely and thoroughly extracted.

To the initial surprise of some repairers, Ford does not require bodyshops to construct a completely enclosed clean room when working on the F-150. The manufacturer realizes that clean rooms can be very cost-prohibitive, and historically aluminum repairs have been conducted safely and efficiently in areas that are enclosed with curtains, as long as other safety procedures are followed correctly.

However, proper venting and extraction are a must. Aluminum dust is very fine and can hang in the air for extended periods if not consistently and thoroughly removed. Ford recommends a wet-mix or central vacuum system to thoroughly cleanse the air of any aluminum particles.

Never use compressed air around aluminum, as it can stir up the dust

and make it more difficult to remove. Also, the vehicle should be grounded to avoid the risk of a shock, which could cause an explosion.

Aluminum dust by itself is no more dangerous than other shop dusts if inhaled or skin is exposed to it, and standard shop ventilation and masking procedures are sufficient. The OHSA recommends a maximum of 15 mg per cubic metre for skin contact and up to 5 mg per cubic metre for inhalation; other jurisdictions have similar or only slightly lower maximums.

According to a blog on the booth manufacturer Global Finishing Systems’ site, a proper aluminum repair area should be large enough to allow room to move about freely and safely. For passenger vehicles, a space 12 to 14 feet wide and 24 to 27 feet long is sufficient; if you are planning to work on F-150s, 13 to 15 feet wide and 27 to 30 feet long should be minimum.

GFS also recommends locating the aluminum repair space as close as possible to the paint department, to minimize movement of the vehicle through the facility and reduce the chances of the surface coming into contact with stray particles of iron oxide, steel, or other metal dusts.

Remember, even a few molecules can pose a hazard.

As with any properly equipped repair area, adequate lighting is a must. Full-ceiling lighting has the advantage of presenting a fully sealed area to prevent dust from escaping, but other forms of lighting are adequate if properly sealed.

Proper tools, dedicated for use with aluminum only, are also mandatory. Many manufacturers supply and/or specify specific brands or types of tools to use to repair their vehicles; some of these may be identical to the tools you already use on conventional steel vehicles, but they must remain in the aluminum area and be used only with aluminum, to avoid cross-contamination. Some manufacturers require you to only use a specified brand with their vehicles, necessitating several tool kits for shops certified in more than one OE. And it’s a given that no one in your shop should be authorized to touch any aluminum vehicle, or even part, until they have undergone all the necessary training in handling, working with, and understanding safety procedures with the material. Training is available, essential, and mandatory for effecting proper repairs, even minor dent removal.

Reassuringly, to date there has never been a major explosion or fire associated with aluminum in North America, suggesting that if the proper safety and clean procedures are in place, the material is perfectly safe to work with. The one well-documented incident – in China in 2014, when a rim-polishing factory exploded, causing fatalities – was traced to not following established procedures.

Aluminum is sure to become a larger and larger part of the collision industry’s stock in trade, as fuel efficiency standards (along with costs associated with other materials, including steel) accelerate. If you’re not repairing aluminum in volume yet, it’s almost certain that, very soon, you will.

24 Bodyshop l July 2015 l www.bodyshopbiz.com

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nace

NACE|CARS 2015 Takes Detroit Cobo Center, Detroit, Michigan July 21 – 25th

N

ow in its 33rd year, NACE|CARS 2015, held July 21-25 at the Cobo Center in Detroit, Mich., presents numerous opportunities for technical training, business education, demonstrations, networking and technology showcases for stakeholders, owners, managers, and technicians in the collision and service repair industries.

The committees overseeing content development helped identify the industry’s best speakers to cover the topics most relevant to leadership in the service and collision repair industries. This year’s list of sessions is unmatched and covers business management and technical training.

NACE|CARS 2015 will also offer training programs from multiple OEMs on repairing their latest model vehicles. Some of these courses have never been seen before and will make their debut at NACE|CARS 2015.

In addition to the classes, registration will open May 1st for specialty programs including the return of the MSO Symposium, the Technology & Telematics Forum, the Service Repair Leadership Forum, and the Young Technicians Symposium, all featuring new and exclusive content.

NACE|CARS 2015 sessions will begin Wednesday, July 22, and continue through Saturday, July 25. The Expo with live demonstrations, the I-CAR stage, and evening receptions will open Thursday, July 23, following the general session and continue

through Saturday, July 25.

Brad Keselowski, Keynote Speaker Brad Keselowski, the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion, will be a keynote speaker Thursday, July 23. PPG will sponsor the general session where Keselowski will speak to the audience prior to the official opening of the 33rd NACE | CARS conference and exposition. Following his talk, Keselowski will appear at the PPG booth where he will greet attendees and sign autographs. The No. 2 Team Penske Ford Fusion will be on display as well.

Technology & Telematics Forum For its second year, the Technology & Telematics Forum will provide a deep-dive into the future of shops and an overview of emerging technology for the industry. Sponsored by Auto Alliance and ASA, the 2015 program will feature an enhanced agenda with relevant topics for both CARS and NACE attendees.

The event will take place in the afternoon of Thursday, July 23 from 2:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m., and a reception will follow immediately after.

MSO Symposium The MSO Symposium has been a popular event since its premiere in 2011, drawing attendance from the largest multi-shop operators in the collision repair industry. This year’s Symposium features a Chair and Advisory Board to increase industry input and direction relative to the content.

Michael LeVasseur, Chair of the Advisory Board, will act as the Symposium moderator with co-producers Dan Risley, Darrell Amberson, and Russell Thrall. The MSO will open Thursday, July 23 at 12 p.m. with a private welcome and strolling lunch. The program will take place from 1:00 - 5:30

p.m. followed by a private reception at the Cobo Center from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Service Repair Leadership Forum Maylan Newton, CEO and senior director of ESi, and Bob Greenwood, president/CEO of Automotive Aftermarket E-Learning Center, Ltd., will lead the inaugural Service Repair Leadership Forum on Friday, July 24th.

The Service Repair Leadership Forum is comprised of leadership from all industry segments in the automotive service repair industry. The Forum provides the industry an opportunity to discuss issues, share knowledge, network with decision-makers, and gain insight into the future of the industry. SRLF, limited to 200 attendees, is open to all individuals and companies interested in advancing the automotive industry.

To celebrate the inauguration of the event, a private reception will be held Thursday, July 23rd from 4 - 6 p.m. The SRLF Forum will begin at 7:30 a.m. on Friday and conclude at 1:00 p.m.

2015 CCIF Special Event at NACE The Canadian Collision Industry Forum is holding a special event, themed “Global Trends: Changing the Course of the Collision Repair Business in Canada,” on Thursday July 23. CCIF will present a roster of expert speakers from 1-4 p.m., followed by a cocktail reception from 4-6 p.m.

Global trends provide a window into future developments in the Canadian collision repair business. Be prepared to make the right decisions for your business, and drive your organization towards continued growth and success.

CCIF Keynote speaker David Lingham, IBIS Board and Director, Orbis Business Impact will share his global perspective on trends that are developing in the U.K., Western Europe, and Australia, to provide us with validation on what we can expect to see develop in the Canadian market. With his insight into industry developments in key global markets, you can be more effective in developing your strategic plan for your business.

Go online to CCIF.ca to pre-register.

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Automotive Internet Directory Visit these companies directly at their web addresses or check out the growing list of Hot Links at www.autoserviceworld.com.

To find out how your organization can be included in this directory and on the web, contact aross@jobbernews.com

AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRONICS

AUTOMOTIVE RECYCLERS

Allan’s Automotive Electronics Ltd.

Carcone’s Auto Recycling and Wheel Refinishing www.carcone.com With over 32 years of experience Carcone’s Auto Recycling & Wheel Refinishing is your one stop for quality recycled products and wheel refinishing needs. Call today at 1-800-263-2022 or visit us on line at www.carcone.com

www.allansautomotive.com Phone: 780-469-8060 Your Automotive Test Equipment Repair Specialist Tool Sales and Service.

We provide service and warranty for most makes of automotive test equipment.

Standard Auto Wreckers View Our Online Inventory @ www. standardautowreckers.com or call 416-286-8686.

Experienced Shipping Department to Ensure Parts Arrive Safely.

AUTOMOTIVE PARTS & ACCESSORIES Aisin World Corp. of America, Inc. (AWA), a leading Tier One automotive components supplier and one of the world’s largest manufacturers of aftermarket parts.

AISIN’s original equipment technology and know-how is used to ensure product quality and reliability. To learn more about our products, request a catalogue today. www.aisinaftermarket.com

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT SERVICES The Automotive Aftermarket E-Learning Centre Ltd www.aaec.ca AAEC - BEST - Business Evaluation Support & Training - Instructing and Coaching with the Proven Business Management Tools that drives a shop’s Bottom Line, Team Culture and Marketplace Credibility.

Continental ContiTech

www.contitech.ca “An Aftermarket line so premium you can only call it Elite®.”

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Enter promo code 50SAVE4 and SAVE $50* on your FIRST ORDER at canadapost.ca/ snapadmail

NGK Spark Plugs Canada Limited www.ngksparkplugs.ca The World Leader in Spark Plugs, Oxygen Sensors and Ignition Wire Sets.

Used by 87% of the World’s OE Manufacturers S.B International Inc. www.sbintl.com “We keep engines humming”

Vehicle Integrity Manager www.vehicleim.com/ More than just a replacement for your inspection sheet.

Electronic Inspections are just the beginning!

HAND CLEANERS GOJO Industries, Inc. www.automotive.gojo.com GOJO is a leading manufacturer of skin care products and services for many marketing including automotive and manufacturing. GOJO continues to pursue a commitment of creating well-being through hand hygiene and healthy skin.

TOOLS & EQUIPMENT AIR LIQUIDE CANADA INC. www.airliquide.ca Your one-stop shop for all your industrial gases and welding supplies.

Auto Test Tools.ca

Your one stop for specialized diagnostic tools and accessories.

Contact; www.auto-know.com, ronbrown@on. aibn.com, 1-800-665-8773

WAREHOUSE DISTRIBUTORS & BUYING GROUPS Bestbuy Distributors Limited www. bestbuydistributors.ca Independent buying group and warehouse distributor that allocates its profits to member shareholders and provides unbeatable value for independent jobbers.

The E.R.I. Group www.theerigroup.com Canada’s Premier Machine Shop Buying Group

advertiser index 3M

31

www.3M.ca/meetfoosecontest

Axalta

2

www.axalta.ca

Axalta

5,7

www.cromax.ca

BMW Group

32

www.bmw4ir.ca

CARSTAR

13

www.carstar.ca

CCIF

21

www.ccif.ca

Martech Service Company

11

www.breathingsystems.com

Mercesdes-Benz

9

www.mbwholesale.ca

PPG Industries

25

www.ppgrefinish.com

SATA

17

www.satacanada.com

Sherwim Williams Automotive Finishes

19

www.sherwin-automotive.com

Stay up to date at www.bodyshopbiz.com www.bodyshopbiz.com l July 2015 l Bodyshop 27

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Women’s Industry Network

WIN 2015 WIN Educational Conference Connects With Attendees

T

by Leanne Jefferies, Director, Collision Programs, AIA Canada he Women’s Industry Network’s 9th Annual Educational Conference, “Connect to Cultivate,” welcomed a record attendance of 172 attendees at Omni Shoreham Hotel, Washington, D.C. on May 4-6, 2015, including 81 first-time attendees. The educational program featured industry speakers, the annual WIN Membership Meeting, and more.

Conference MC Renee Ricciotti kicked off the conference, exclaiming, “Despite all the last minute changes in venue, we have made it to D.C. and still experienced record attendance.” (Civic unrest in the original host city of Baltimore forced a change in venue less than three days before the conference.)

Denise Caspersen, 2014-2015 WIN Board of Directors Chair, delivered a welcoming address inviting all attendees to “Connect to Cultivate” to receive the most benefit out of the learning opportuni-

put in place at a company or business, “People believe knowledge is an asset and learning is the only source of a sustainable competitive advantage. Top performers have a learning culture. Lowest performers just see training as something they ‘had to do.’” Peevy also explained that top industry performers share knowledge freely.

On Tuesday morning, over 106 attendees participated in the Annual Scholarship Walk, raising over $2,000 for the WIN Scholarship Fund. Walkers enjoyed the beautiful spring morning with a jaunt through the streets of D.C. Industry and motivational speaker Mike Anderson, president and owner of Collision Advice, delivered Tuesday’s keynote, “Choosing Your Destiny.” Anderson described the 3Cs of Life: Choices, Chances, Changes. Mike feels that we should make the choice to be positive every day. He shared his dream for the industry, which is to build, maintain, and restore trust between all parties through transparency. Anderson challenged the industry to get behind women and work together. He also generously donated an additional $1000 to the WIN Scholarship Fund.

Susanna Gotsch, CCC Information Services Inc. director and industry analyst of products and technology, spoke about “What the Future Holds for Our Industry.” She told attendees, “All companies are software companies. Fortyfive per cent of the vehicles that arrive at the door of our collision repair facilities will be seven years or older – leading to an increase in total loss claims.” She explained how we are living in an age of insurance that is totally different than it was even 10 years ago. Gotsch wrapped up by telling the audience that new technology is coming, and it’s not a bad thing.

Following lunch, the Annual Membership Meeting convened, at which Denise recognized Board Members and the new Executive Board. In addition to the new executive Paul Gange, president and COO of FIX Auto USA, speaks to WIN team, the Board welcomed two new industry representaEducational Conference attendees. tives: Cheryl Boswell, DCR Systems, and Yen Hoang, UYL ties set to happen.

Color Supply, Inc. Susanna Gotsch received the Cornerstone Award First on the list of presenters was Paul Gange, president and COO and was recognized for her outstanding contributions to WIN. Each of Fix Auto USA, with “Change Makes Me Happy…Or Is It the Other committee chair provided an update, recognized their committee Way Around?” Gange explained how half of all workers are unhappy, members, and asked for additional volunteers at the sign-up tables.

32% seriously think about quitting, and 21% have a negative view of Then Ruth Weniger facilitated an interactive session on the value of their employer. “Enable employees to have fun on the job,” im- WIN, and challenged members to step up to the microphone and plored Gange. He stressed the importance of instilling happiness in provide suggestions for WIN to improve the value they offer their your organization while driving change. “You must seek to under- members.

Attendees then broke out into workshop sessions. Guests could stand your co-workers, and we have to think differently in order to drive change. Reframe the fear to opportunity. Walk in their shoes, attend two out of the three sessions offered: Marianne Godwin and experience their reality, and you will understand how they will adapt Mary Yama’s “Feedback: Giving and Receiving,” Cheryl Senko’s “Reto change.” ality Marketing,” and Sandra Herron’s “Bridging Silos: Using MarJeff Peevy, I-CAR senior director of field support and segment keting Concepts to Attract, Retain and Grow Talent.” development, took the stage to present “Learning Culture: The SusThe WIN Gala and Most Influential Woman Celebration was held tainable Competitive Advantage.” When there is a learning culture on Tuesday evening. Attendees and other distinguished guests cele28 Bodyshop l July 2015 l www.bodyshopbiz.com

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brated the achievements of this year’s honourees: Cheryl Boswell, managing partner and CFO of DCR Systems, LLC; Lisa Siembab, CARSTAR Berlin, Conn.; Lauren Fix, The Car Coach; and Ruth Weniger, CFO of Airbag Solutions.

Scholarship winners were also recognized during the ceremony.

The College Student Tuition and Conference Scholarship Award is presented to students enrolled in a post-secondary collision repair technology program. Each scholarship recipient will receive a $1,000 scholarship to continue her post-secondary education in collision repair, a one-year WIN membership, plus registration fee and travel expenses to attend the 2015 WIN Educational Conference.

The first of Wednesday’s sessions was led by Sean Carey, president of SCG Management Consultants, who presented Connected Cars/ Connected Claims. Carey explained how data is the most vital thing that car companies possess. “Insurance companies have the most information on individuals,” says Carey. He explained that the connected car is reinventing the claims process, and showed a video where the car makes the claim upon collision. He encouraged those in the supply chain to strategize on how to link into the data. “Microsoft, Google, and Apple are in the car business,” said Carey. “If you don’t know that, you haven’t been watching.”

Next up, Ruth Weniger presented “Time Management: There’s

No Such Thing.” Weniger said, “Time management is the No. 1 stressor that we always come back to.” We need to decide how to spend our time, and be organized at home and work, she explained.

“If you spent your time like you do your money, would you spend it differently?” Learn to spend the currency of time wisely; it is about choice management, she advised. “Control what is yours, honour what is important, and live/work by design vs. default.”

Denise Caspersen concluded the conference by thanking all attendees, sponsors, speakers, and volunteers that made this year a success. Attendees are already anticipating the 2016 10th Annual Educational Conference, slated for Tampa, Florida.

Leanne Jefferies is Director of Collision Programs, AIA Canada and Director, CCIF Skills Program. Leanne has been a member of WIN since 2012, and is a volunteer on the WIN Communications Committee.

WIN is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to encouraging, developing and cultivating opportunities to attract women to collision repair while recognizing excellence, promoting leadership, and fostering a network among the women who are shaping the industry. For more information about WIN, go to www.womensindustrynetwork.com.

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The Model 50-WB can process up to 50 SCFM of breathable air or 35 SCFM of ultra clean/ultra dry air, or any combination within those parameters. The Model 50WB is designed to work with your existing compressed air source to properly filter and monitor the compressed air for Grade “D” Breathable Air, plus this system also provides ultra clean/ultra dry air for use in spraying waterborne or solvent-based paints.

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The new Snap-on 14.4 Volt 3/8-inch Drive MicroLithium Cordless Impact (CT761) allows users to access hard-to-reach places that they could never go with an air wrench, yet still have the power to get the job done right. Providing 120 ft. lbs. of torque output, the new Snap-on 14.4 Volt 3/8-inch Drive MicroLithium Impact produces 2,000 RPM of free speed to handle a wide range of torque applications. A nosemounted LED offers plenty of light and the CT761 warns the user if they are under voltage or over current, shutting down the impact before it overheats. The Snap-on CT761 is perfect for cramped engine compartments and other restricted access applications. It is also ideal for fender bolts, water pump pulley bolts, and seat removal.

Snap-on www.snapon.com

Door Skinning Tool The Skin Zipper2 air-hammer driven door skinning tool for the window flange opening can skin the window opening, using a self-lubricating reinforced nylon head that will crimp regular or adhesive-bonded skins. The Skin Zipper2 hems or crimps the door skin to the door shell at the window opening in an easy two-step process. The reduced height of the guide allows the tool to accommodate window opening areas that are not easily accessible with other tools. The Skin Zipper2 also reduces technician arm fatigue compared to the hammer and dolly method as well as door refinishing time.

Steck Mfg. www.steckmfg.com www.bodyshopbiz.com l July 2015 l Bodyshop 29

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products

Rivet Gun for Aluminum and Steel Chief Automotive Technologies’ self-piercing rivet gun for all common autobody riveting applications, including efficiently bonding aluminum and steel vehicle body panels, is part of Chief’s product line expansion to include “fusion” products shops need to properly repair collision-damaged vehicles.

In addition to the rivet gun, the fusion group includes a full line of welders that had previously been marketed under the Elektron brand. Chief’s new PNP90 rivet gun features a pneumatic-hydraulic design that offers improved consistency over battery-operated riveting systems. By utilizing air and hydraulics, the Chief PNP90 gun is able to drive the last rivet of the day as hard and as fast as the first.

Chief Automotive Technologies www.chiefautomotive. com

Axle Hub Socket The new Snap-on 9-Pin Axle Hub Socket is a must-have tool for professional service technicians who want to repair GM trucks quickly and efficiently. The new 9-Pin Axle Hub Socket eases the removal and installation of axle hub bearing retaining nuts on 2011 to current GM trucks with 11½-inch rear axles. This 1/2-inch drive impact socket has been heat-treated to a lower hardness to add impact and ensure optimum strength and durability.

Snap-on www.snapon.com/handtools

Bio-Renewable Aluminum Cleaning Solution

Trim Black Paint SEM unveils the next generation of industry leading Trim Black paint products: Trim Black Euro Jet. Available in aerosols and quarts, this new line boasts deeper black colour and better coverage. Trim Black Euro Jet aerosols’ optimal fan pattern minimizes waste and overspray. SEM’s tried and true industry standard 39141, 39143 and 39144 Trim Black products are still available. Trim Black Euro Jet is available in matte, satin, and gloss finishes so professional collision centre technicians can match any jet black OEM trim component. Use Trim Black Euro Jet on both imported and domestic vehicles for automotive trim components, window trim, wiper blade arms, windshield cowls, and fender flares.

Sem Products Inc. semproducts.com

Bio-Circle, a division of Walter Surface Technologies, introduces CB 100 ALU to its bio-renewable lines of cleaners and degreasers. CB 100 ALU is a heavy duty cleaner and degreaser that is specially formulated for use on aluminium and non-ferrous alloys. Similar to the original CB 100 cleaning solution made for steel and stainless steel, CB 100 ALU is a water-based solution that leverages the power of Nature Boost, a raw material derived from plant extracts. It can be used to clean ink, paint, rubber marks, tar, wax, resins, carbon, soot, pastes, adhesives, and many other hard-to-clean contaminants. By using a bio-renewable product such as CB 100 ALU with Nature Boost, the by-products that are produced float to the surface, allowing workers to easily skim the contaminants out of the cleaning solution. It can be used with industrial parts washing machines, immersion tanks, and ultrasonic baths. CB 100 ALU works well at room temperature or heated, is non-corrosive and bio-degradable. CB 100 ALU is available immediately in the following formats; 3.78L/1Gal, 20L/5.3 Gal, 208L/55 Gal, and 1000L/264 Gal. Walter Surface Technologies www.walter.com

Cutting Wheel For HD, SS Walter Surface Technologies introduces ZIP+ Xtra, a new cutting wheel specifically designed to easily cut through steel or stainless steel in heavy duty applications. The ZIP+ Xtra features Walter’s exclusive patented rib design to reduce friction on the surface for faster and cooler cutting. It is 1/16” thick, which allows it to last longer, and cut through heavy duty applications with safety and precision. With these added features, this new cutting wheel is the ideal solution for metal fabricators, manufacturers and contractors who are looking for a fast, smooth and efficient cut for their most demanding applications. The ZIP+ Xtra is designed with a new formulation of zirconium grains that are more durable against the toughest materials.

Walter Surface Technologies www.walter.com 30 Bodyshop l July 2015 l www.bodyshopbiz.com

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FOOSE™ and Chip Foose™ are registered trademarks and intellectual property of Foose Design and are used by 3M under license.

3M and Accuspray are trademarks of 3M. Used under license in Canada. © 2015, 3M. All rights reserved. BA-15-20131 1504-01113 E

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WIN July 2015.indd 31

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