Bodyworx 4#2, August 2015

SPECIAL EDITION OF

SPOTLIGHT: WHY CLEARS CHANGE YOUR COLOURS

FROM THE FLOOR Keith Hudd left the shop to rise in insurance.

IRON MAIDEN

YOUR HANDS How to protect the most important tools you have.

HILARY NOACK AND THE STAFF AT INK & IRON ARE CARVING OUT THEIR OWN SPACE.

PLUS

Results from our first reader contest, inside the program at Red River College, the latest from Skillscompetitions and much, much more!!!

Summer 2015

l

$4.95

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Canada Post Canadian Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement No. 40841632

l  86 John Street, Thornhill, ON L3T 1Y2

ONLY ONE THING LASTS LONGER THAN OUR COATINGS. OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU. As the world leader in coatings our long-term commitment to our customers is reflected in the numbers.

2,000,000+ COLOR FORMULA GLOBAL DATABASE 28,000+ CUSTOMERS USING PPG WATERBORNE 15,000 TECHNICIANS TRAINED ANNUALLY 9,000+ SHOPS USING MVP BUSINESS TEACHINGS 1,200+ U.S. AND CANADIAN DISTRIBUTORS 111 YEARS OF INNOVATION IN REFINISH COATINGS 1 COMPANY DELIVERS ALL OF THIS

Bottom line? As long as there are vehicles to paint PPG will be there to help you paint them.

Follow us online: www.ppgrefinish.com

©2015 PPG Industries, Inc. All rights reserved.

The PPG Logo and Bringing innovation to the surface are registered trademarks of PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.

CONTENTS

17

profile 17 A League of Their Own Ink & Iron is grooming the next generation of talented techs - who just happen to be women. regulars 4 Publisher’s Page

by Darryl Simmons Summer school.

6 News I-CAR and CARSTAR provide free welding training for Skills competitors, hot tools, and much, much more!

42 Final Detail

by Mike Davey View finder.

31

14

35

Show and Tell

Forward Movement

We asked our readers to show their best work, and now we’re sharing the goods.

The CCIF Skills Program is attracting and educating tomorrow’s workforce.

features 12 Weather Proof

27 Handy Work

Unless you’re prepared, the elements can take a toll on your wheels. Your best defense depends on the season.

Tips and tricks for taking care of a technician’s most important (and indispensable) tool: your hands.

Transferable Skills Economical’s Keith Hudd forged a path from technician to insurance industry heavyweight.

SPECIAL EDITION OF

on the cover: 23 In Colour

41 Cutting Edge

An expert sheds some light on clearcoat’s colour-changing effects by test driving the results.

The Collision Repair and Refinishing Progam at Manitoba’s Red River College offers up a future-focused course load.

Hilary Noak of Ink & Iron in Toronto, ON. Photo by Mike Davey.

SPOTLIGHT: WHY CLEARS CHANGE YOUR COLOURS

FROM THE FLOOR Keith Hudd left the shop to rise in insurance.

IRON MAIDEN

YOUR HANDS How to protect the most important tools you have.

HILARY NOACK AND THE STAFF AT INK & IRON ARE CARVING OUT THEIR OWN SPACE.

PLUS

Results from our first reader contest, inside the program at Red River College, the latest from Skillscompetitions and much, much more!!!

Summer 2015

l

$4.95

l

Canada Post Canadian Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement No. 40841632

l

86 John Street, Thornhill, ON L3T 1Y2

AUGUST 2015  BODYWORX PROFESSIONAL

3

PUBLISHER’S PAGE

SUMMER SCHOOL

BODYWORX THE VOICE OF COLLISION REPAIR TECHS & PAINTERS

PROFESSIONAL PUBLISHER Darryl Simmons 647.409.7070 publisher@collisionrepairmag.com

It’s the perfect time to showcase the industry, firsthand.

EDITOR Mike Davey editor@collisionrepairmag.com ART DIRECTOR Candace Taylor candace@mediamatters.ca ASSISTANT EDITOR Melissa Hayes melissa@mediamatters.ca

BY DARRYL SIMMONS

T

here’s still some summer left, and that means you’ve got an opportunity. Actually, you’ve got lots of opportunities, but I’m thinking of one in particular: introducing new people to the business and showing them that there are careers being made.

Our schools are still on the farm schedule: a few months off in the summer so the kids can help out. You might have noticed that most kids and teens these days aren’t doing this during the summer.

This is where the opportunity comes in for you to help your industry and the people you know.

STAFF WRITER Jeff Sanford jeff@collisionrepairmag.com

They can see the skills that you and your colleagues have honed and now bring to bear to solve complex technical issues. They can see the team utilize creative problem solving to get the job done.

They can witness the application of science and engineering. They can see the passion, the craft and the sheer artistry that goes into repair and painting.

Last, but certainly not least, they can see that there are careers being made.

In short, you can show them some of what you do, and let them know your reasons for doing it.

I don’t recommend you just start

A FEW HOURS IN A BUSY SHOP CAN CHANGE SOMEONE’S PERSPECTIVE.

VP INDUSTRY RELATIONS & ADVERTISING Gloria Mann 647.998.5677 advertising@collisionrepairmag.com DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING Ellen Smith 416.312.7446 ellen@mediamatters.ca MARKETING ASSISTANT Will Jacques will@mediamatters.ca MARKETING COORDINATOR Aleecia Cameron COLUMNISTS Justin Jimmo, Leanne Jefferies, Michael Carcone

SUBSCRIPTION One-year $19.95 / Two-year $34.95

Bodyworx Professional™ is published bi-monthly, and is dedicated to serving the business interests of the collision repair industry. It is published by Media Matters Inc. Material in Bodyworx Professional™ may not be reproduced in any form with out written consent from the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertising and disclaims all responsibilities for claims or statements made by its advertisers or independent columnists. All facts, opinions, statements appearing in this publication are those of the writers and editors themselves, and are in no way to be construed as statements, positions or endorsements by the publisher.

PRINTED IN CANADA ISSN 1707-6072 CANADA POST CANADIAN PUBLICATIONS MAIL SALES PRODUCT AGREEMENT No. 40841632 RETURN POSTAGE GUARANTEED Send change of address notices and undeliverable copies to: 86 John Street Thornhill, ON L3T 1Y2

A lot of teens are at a loose end during the summer months. They may have a summer job, but they probably still have some more spare time than they do during school. That’s an opportunity for them to learn about what you do all day.

Think about it. Your younger friends and relatives may have no idea what goes on in a collision repair facility. They’ve probably got a vague idea, but they’ve never been exposed to the many small miracles that you take as a matter of course.

They’ve never seen a car repaired.

Anything you’re not familiar with can be like magic. Learning how the trick works is exciting.

A few hours in a busy shop can change someone’s perspective.

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BODYWORXMAG.COM  BODYWORX PROFESSIONAL

dragging your younger cousin to work with you one day. Check in with your other team members first. Most importantly, check in with your boss.

There might be some reluctance at first, but people will likely come around once you explain your intent.

We all want more bright and creative young people to join the industry. This is probably especially true of your boss.

He or she knows that young people are the key to the future.

We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

Bodyworx Professional is published by Media Matters Inc., publishers of:

BODYWORX THE VOICE OF COLLISION REPAIR TECHS & PAINTERS

PROFESSIONAL

Trainingmatters.ca T H E T RA I N I N G P O RTA L F O R C O L L I S I O N R E PA I R

magazine

Sikkens proudly presents

Tom Cross

Rodney Holdstock

George Langhorn

Lawrence Manning

Ian Bates

Darren Smith

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NEWS

Steck expands Soft Strike line with Light Toe Dolly Cover Steck Manufacturing Company has released the Soft Strike .625 Light Toe Dolly Cover.

Installing aluminum door skins requires a hammer and dolly for corners and body lines, but using everyday steel tools can cause galvanic corrosion on aluminum components.

The Soft Strike .625 Light Toe Dolly Cover is made from Buna rubber for your steel dolly to allow you to easily transition from working body tools on steel to aluminum without the worry of cross contamination and galvanic corrosion.

According to Steck, you can reduce your investment in redundant body tools by applying the red rubber removable cover to the tool you already own, giving you the ability to work on aluminum with no worry of galvanic corrosion.

The Soft Strike .625 Light Toe Dolly

Steck’s .625 Light Toe Dolly Cover allows for simple transitioning between steel and aluminum.

Cover also eliminates the problem of a rubber dolly not being heavy enough to work effectively by allowing you to simply add the cover to your existing steel dolly.

The Soft Strike .625 Light Toe Dolly Cover can also be paired with Steck’s Soft Strike 4 Piece Aluminum Conversion Kit (Part # 35000) and Soft Strike Hard Cap Cover for Body Hammer (Part # 35025) to allow you to repair the vehicle after you see the contour of the damage.

For more information, please visit steckmfg.com.

New Trim Black Euro Jet from SEM SEM has unveiled the next generation of its Trim Black paint products: Trim Black Euro Jet. Available in aerosols and quarts, SEM says this new line boasts deeper black colour and better coverage. SEM also says that Trim Black Euro Jet aerosols’ optimal fan pattern minimizes waste and overspray. SEM’s Trim Black products (39141, 39143 and 39144) are still available.

Trim Black Euro Jet is available in matte, satin, and gloss finishes, designed to allow professional repairers the ability to match any jet black OEM trim component.

“SEM creates products with the technician in mind. These new high performance trim paints make it quicker and easier for technicians to restore OEM trim appearance,” says David Vivian, SEM Product Manager.

SEM’s Trim Black Euro Jet. Trim Black Euro Jet can be used on numerous areas on both imported and domestic vehicles, including automotive trim components, window trim, wiper blade arms, windshield cowls and fender flares.

Trim Black Euro Jet Matte and Trim Black Euro Jet Gloss are available in 16 oz. aerosols. Trim Black Euro Jet Satin is available in both 16 oz. aerosol and quart sizes.

For more information, please visit semproducts.com.

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BODYWORXMAG.COM  BODYWORX PROFESSIONAL

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.

>>>

NEWS

Spanesi Americas TOUCH Virtual system set for NACE 2015 debut Spanesi Americas is set to premiere a new technology at NACE that the company says will allow technicians to go hands-free.

The system, TOUCH Virtual, utilizes a pair of glasses similar to Google glasses to put everything techs need front and centre in their vision, without the need to turn to a PC or mobile device.

Tom McGee, Business Development Manager of Spanesi Americas, demonstrates a few of the new system’s capabilities in a short video.

“The entire time they’re working on the car with the measuring system t h e y ’ re s e e i n g a c o m p u t e r s c re e n with their measurements, or it can be showing them the OEM repair procedures for the vehicle they’re working on as well,” says McGee in the video.

McGee also demonstrates how the system is controlled with a touch pad, and allows technicians to call up any information they need, noting how it makes technicians more efficient and more productive.

TOUCH Virtual also records video and photography of the work being performed, allowing the collision repair facility to fully document the repair process.

Tim Morgan is the Managing Director of Spanesi Americas. In an interview with Collision Repair magazine, Morgan discussed what he sees as some of the primary advantages of TOUCH Virtual.

“You can call up repair procedures, use the TOUCH system, go to I-CAR, even access your estimating resources and at the same time document the repair order,” he says. “You can document both the damage and the process.

“When it comes to blueprinting, it’s absolutely priceless. You can shorten the whole repair time.”

The new TOUCH Virtual system will be officially released at NACE 2015, taking place in Detroit from July 21 to 25, 2015.

For more information, please visit Spanesi at Booth #153 at NACE.

The TOUCH Virtual system allows techs to go hands-free, using specs akin to Google glasses.

Aluminum Tech Tools are here!

E NACTH BOO53 #8

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0.625 Light Toe Dolly Cover

Hard Cap Body Hammer Cover

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MORE GREAT TOOLS FROM…

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NEWS

<<<

Mirka launches Aquastar for wet hand sanding Mirka has released Aquastar, a new patented flexible film abrasive for wet hand sanding applications.

Traditionally, paper has been used as a backing material for abrasives developed for wet hand sanding applications.

However, dimensional stability Mirka’s and strength of paper in water Aquastar. are always a problem. Moreover, a flexible abrasive that adapts its shape to the object’s surface is important for a smooth and uniform finishing. Other parameters have to be taken into consideration for an optimum performance, like a good cutting rate, long life time and good scratch pattern.

A statement from Mirka says Aquastar was developed with these factors in mind. The product has a flexible plastic based backing, and a pattern consisting of multiple abrasive zones surrounded by interconnected channels. The company says polypropylene (PP) is an excellent backing material due to its flexibility, durability and water tightness, avoiding the need of pre-soaking of Aquastar before use.

Aquastar uses a “channel system” with several functions. It imparts flexibility to the material, minimizes the amount of water used in the sanding process, improves flushing of the abrasive and provides an efficient conveying away of the swarf created during the sanding process, thus minimizing clogging and sucking effects. The patter n is Aquastar was developed to adapt its designed so that Aquashape to an object’s surface to achieve star can be used in any a smooth and uniform finishing. direction on the surface with the same efficiency, giving a consistent sanding result.

Aquastar also includes an integrated antislip backing on the backside of the material, for ease of use.

Aquastar is mainly developed for wet sanding of clear coats and primers used in collision repair, vehicle manufacturing and other OEM applications. Mirka says Aquastar can also be used with good result in different dry sanding application and is available in grits from P400 to P2000 as “perforoll” sheets, packed in a new box.

For more information on Mirka, please visit mirka.com.

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.

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 AUGUST 2015  BODYWORX PROFESSIONAL

9 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.

>>>

NEWS

I-CAR and CARSTAR team up to offer free welding training for Skills Ontario participants Improper welds can easily compromise a vehicle’s structural integrity. This makes the need for welding training critical, especially when combined with the constant drive towards lightweighting and new material combinations in the auto industry.

I-CAR offers training in these areas, but it can be expensive for students, especially those just starting in the trade.

Recently, I-CAR and CARSTAR Automotive Canada came together to offer steel welding qualification and certification, free of charge, to Skills Ontario competitors and volunteers.

The course offered was Welding Training & Certification: Steel (GMA) MIG Welding (WCS03), covering an introduction to gas metal arc welding, proper use of equipment, and techniques for making various types of welds. It is a required course under both the Non-Structural Technician and Steel Structural Technician roles in ICAR’s Professional Development Plan.

The training took place at CARSTAR Vision Park in Hamilton, Ontario. The course was conducted by Jim Speed, Operations Specialist with CARSTAR. Four competitors took advantage of the opportunity, as did two instructors. The competitors were Jordan Cardinelli, Taylor Hadaway, Aaron Cassidy and Colin Bailey.

The I-CAR course includes a classroom portion, but most of the time is dedicated to hands-on application.

Bill Speed, an instructor at Danforth CTI in Toronto, and Mike D’Agostino, an instructor with Robert Bateman High School in Burlington, also took advantage of the opportunity to practice their welding skills.

The day started with a short classroom session, but the bulk of the eight-hour course is taken up with hands-

Co-Auto supports Education and Training through continuous learning

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BODYWORXMAG.COM  BODYWORX PROFESSIONAL

on application of the techniques.

For more information on I-CAR, please visit i-car.ca.

The training covers metal arc welding, proper use of equipment, and various welding techniques in the course.

NEWS

<<<

Axalta provides material, technical assistance for national car painting competition

Axalta’s Tom Flaman, Gord Wry and Gerry Silbernagel at Skills Canada National Car Painting event in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

The Canadian National Car Painting Competition recently wrapped up in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Sponsored by Axalta Coating Systems, the event drew together competitors from across the country.

The Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC) is the only national, multitrade and technology competition for students and apprentices in the country.

Every year, more than 500 young people from all regions of Canada come to SCNC to participate in over 40 skilled trade and technology contests. The forum allows Canadian youth to compete against each another at the national level, while gaining hands-on work experience.

One category is the Car Painting competition. Both secondary and post-secondary provincial champions competed to finish prepared auto-bodies. Axalta provided its Cromax Pro paint system for the competition.

“Axalta is committed to a strong refinish industry in Canada and being part of developing the people and skills required for the industry’s future is an important part

of our commitment,” says Brent Jamieson, Axalta’s Canada Country Manager.

According to a release, the brand received great reviews on the speed and ease of application.

Axalta’s trainer, Gord Wry, and technical specialists Tom Flaman and Gerry Silbernagel, served as mentors and judges.

“This is the Olympics of trades and hosts the best from each of the provincial competitions,” says Wry. “We are privileged to work with these students and recognize the hours and commitment it has taken each of the competitors to get here.”

The event attracted 10,000 student spectators. The popularity of the event helps to bring awareness to the refinish industry.

Skills/Compétences Canada was founded in 1989 as a national, not-forprofit organization that works with employers, educators, labour groups and governments to promote skilled trades and technology careers among Canadian youth. This year, the competition was open to the public at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

College enforcement promotes compliance through education Two of the Ontario College of Trades’ (the College) primary responsibilities are protecting the public interest, and promoting the skilled trades. Sometimes, the College has the opportunity to do both at the same time.

College enforcement officers are on the road every day, ensuring that those doing the work of one of Ontario’s 22 compulsory trades are, indeed, certified to do the job. The goal isn’t to hand out as many tickets as possible; it’s to promote education and compliance.

Educating those in the industry on the legal requirements of certification is not only an important opportunity to protect the public interest, but also to increase the number of certified professionals in the industry.

And that’s exactly what is happening, with assistance from groups like Collision Industry Information Assistance (CIIA) www.ciia.com/.

CIIA offers training courses designed to help experienced but uncertified individuals successfully challenge the Certificate of Qualification (CofQ) Auto Body Collision Damage Repairer trades exam.

College enforcement practices are spurring many individuals into taking the steps necessary to become certified.

“A significant number of the individuals in our classes are there because of College of Trades enforcement activity, and they’re preparing themselves to become certified,” says CIIA’s John Norris “Our program helps techs successfully completing these exams.”

“Best of all, under the Canada Ontario Job Grant program, almost all of their employers qualified for a twothirds rebate on fees paid.”

For more information on what to expect from inspection, go to: www.collegeoftrades.ca/wpcontent/uploads/ WhattoExpectInspectionOnepager1.pdf.

info@collegeoftrades.ca 1.855.299.0028 DECEMBER 2014 BODYWORX PROFESSIONAL 11 collegeoftrades.ca 

HOT WHEELS

WEATHER PROOF

many motorists will find themselves taking to the roads for holiday traveling and long weekend getaways. Longer days mean more traffic, and more travel time compared to any other season.

With more driving comes more wear and tear. Simple neglect such as curb rash, sand blasting, or not washing the brake dust off your wheels will all affect the condition and could bring upon damage to your wheels.

Don’t let the lazy days of summer make you lazy when it comes to looking after your wheels.

Keep your wheels roadworthy with proper care and prevention year-round.

BY MICHAEL CARCONE

L

iving in today’s climate, there are various factors that contribute to wheel damage. To properly protect your rims and tires from wear and tear, you need to be aware of weather conditions, know your options and arm yourself accordingly. The best course of action, unsurprisingly, changes with the season.

WINTER During the winter months, there are a few key elements that can wreak havoc on your wheels, but the biggest offender would have to be road salt. The de-icing chemical that covers the pavement as temperatures dip below zero needs next to no explanation. Any car owner knows the effects of salt on their vehicle. Road salt is a true car killer, slowly working its way into nooks and crannies and eating away at the materials, usually targeting the wheels first and resulting in corrosion. Your best defense against the ravaging effects of salt is to regularly hose down or wash your wheels. If nothing else, this will slow down the decaying process and allow your wheels to stay true to their original state longer.

The colder season also brings snow-covered and icy roads, upping the chance of minor slip and slides.

Such road conditions set the stage for potential damage to your wheels due to collisions with other vehicles or curbs. In this case, your greatest line of defense is a good offence. Slow down, drive to your ability and always be mindful of the conditions at hand.

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BODYWORXMAG.COM  BODYWORX PROFESSIONAL

SPRING We all know the phrase, “April showers bring May flowers.” They also bring slippery, mucky and grimy roads and reveal potholes. Rainfall

FALL Fall is a transitional time, and the same notion applies to your wheels.

Autumn is typically the time of year where summer tires are swapped out for winter tires. By removing and re-

THERE ARE A FEW KEY ELEMENTS THAT CAN WREAK HAVOC. mixed with oily or grimy streets leads to slippery driving conditions, and any time driving conditions are compromised, the result of wheel damage is heightened.

The spring thaw also uncovers potholes, which can cause extensive damage to your vehicle and your wheels. Potholes come in various sizes, but it’s the speed with which you hit one that makes the difference between a minor or disastrous result.

Small bends in your wheels will have a direct effect on your vehicle’s drivability, and will need to be addressed immediately. You have two options when dealing with this situation. You can either look at the potentially expensive task of replacing the wheel, or consider having it refinished and straightened by a reputable refinishing company. Otherwise, exercise caution and avoid potholes when at all possible.

SUMMER Once the long, dark winter is far behind, and the sun is out in full force,

installing tires year after year, your wheels will surely take a beating.

Small scrapes and scratches that might result from this process, although minor in nature, will allow for corrosion to set in. You can help prevent this problem by having two sets of wheels and tires should your budget allow it. If this is not an option, do your homework and make sure that the company you choose to remove your summer tires for winter tires are using the latest touchless tire and wheel equipment.

The Bottom Line: Your wheels are susceptible to damage no matter the time of year or weather conditions.

Drive according to your ability and do your part to look after your tires. The better you take care of your wheels, the longer they’ll look and act brand-new.

Michael Carcone is the co-owner of Carcone’s Auto Recycling and Wheel Refinishing, located in Aurora, Ont. He can be reached via his company’s website at carcone.com.

Works faster

Lasts longer

Finishes better 3M™ Cubitron™ II Clean Sanding Disc Introducing the 3M™ Cubitron™ II Clean Sanding Disc, a revolutionary advancement in automotive abrasive technology for body technicians featuring triangular shaped ceramic grain that: • Cuts 30% faster than premium abrasives • Lasts up to twice as long • Delivers a finer, more uniform finish

Visit our NEW Website at www.3Mcollision.ca

“LIKE” us on FACEBOOK www.FACEBOOK.COM/3MCollisionCanada 3M Automotive Aftermarket Division 3M Canada

London, ON N6A 4T1 Call 1-800-3M-HELPS (364-3577) www.3MCollision.ca

3M and Cubitron are trademarks of 3M. Used under license in Canada. © 2014, 3M. All rights reserved.

1406-01179 E BA-14-19135

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WORKING LIFE

Entrant: John Scally Jr.

SHOW OFF! Readers of Bodyworx Professional share their work.

BY MIKE DAVEY

Y

ou work hard every day, and there’s nothing like knowing you’ve done a hard job, and have done it well to give you a sense of accomplishment. There’s no need to show off, right? You know and your boss knows that you’re in there giving it your all. Even the customer knows—even if they don’t get all the technical details—when they drive away in the car you saved with your skills and your tools.

Here’s the thing: we don’t want you to keep your work under wraps. We want to show the world.

Recently we ran a contest on our Facebook page, asking our readers to share a photo of their work with us and include the tag #BodyworxPro. Thanks to sponsorship from Pro Spot, we were able to give one lucky entrant some tech gear, a brand-new Samsung tablet and a one-year free subscription to Bodyworx Professional.

The winner was selected by random draw.

The prize was taken by Larry Wingett of D’s Collision Centre. Larry is also one of the more frequent commenters on our posts, and everyone knows he’s a straight shooter who doesn’t pull any punches.

Thank you to everyone who entered, and watch for more exciting contests in the near future from Bodyworx Professional!

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BODYWORXMAG.COM  BODYWORX PROFESSIONAL

Rod MacDona ld of Fix Auto Ne Glasgow sent us this shot of w a on an SUV th at’s all wrappe job d up.

WORKING LIFE

<<<

Steve Hartley of Collision Magicians sent us some before and after shots of his PDR work.

Contest winner Larry Wingett.

t us ou Check ook at ceb on Fa k.com/ oo faceb rxPro for wo Body contests, more ons and oti prom st news! te the la

AUGUST 2015  BODYWORX PROFESSIONAL

15

ADVERTORIAL

Top

Performers WANTED

Sandro Perruzza, Speedy Collision’s Ontario Operation Manager and Daniel, a painter with a Speedy Collision store in Toronto.

Speedy Collision is growing with teams that put the customer first.

A

re you a top performer? Do you want to join an has allowed us to rollout the next stage. While continuing to organization where your skills are valued and you greenfield new sites, we launched turnkey franchise opportuniare encouraged to build them and become even ties that ensured the platform was successfully deployed and better? Do you want the opportunity to move up profitably run. Speedy Collision soon grew to nine shops in Aland take on more responsibility? If you answered berta and expanded the customer base to include the largest yes, Speedy Collision might have the keys to your future. insurers and fleet customers in the province. Today there are Like-minded individuals pursuing a common goal are one over 20 locations and growing, operating in three provinces. of the most powerful forces in the world! We’re the founders Speedy Collision’s core values are Customer Satisfaction, of Spee dy Collision , Courtesy and Ethics, Professional Conduct and Results. Our Terr y Allen and Paul culture is positioned around our people, community and Hookham, and we’ve the environment. Commitment to the Lean Production Prodemonstrated this with cess facilitates this and ensures efficiencies are realized. This t wo businesses sucis achieved through a combination of continuous improvecesses. The first was ment, waste reduction and overall compliance to standard a successful risk manoperating procedures and health and safety standards. agement software We invest heavily in our people through training including c o m p a n y, w h i c h w e I-CAR Gold certification for our facilities and a world-class bensold in early 2008. The efit program which continues to make us the employer of choice. second was to serve the Speedy Collision can bring you new opportunities. There Pat, one of the body techs at Speedy Collision. Customer collision repair industry are Speedy Collision franchises operating in three provinces, service is important to every with Speedy Collision and we’re growing all the time. member of the team.

Repair Corporate.

A growing network means opportunity for our team We saw an oppormembers to grow as well. We’re always looking for great tunity in the collision technicians and painters to join our team, and we believe repair industry to apply Terry’s information technology very strongly in the principle of recruiting from within. and customer service background and Paul’s corporate At Speedy Collision, we know that today’s superstar tech finance and business compliance discipline. may be tomorrow’s superstar manager or franchisee. We With a focus on the customer experience, we realized encourage all of our staff to reach as high as they can. early on that small improvements had dramatic effects for Our team members enjoy numerous opportunities to the customer. Internally, effective communication, setting build their skills through training, an excellent benefit customer expectations and customer service training were package and the chance to move up. More to the point, critical success factors in developing a sustainable model. they enjoy a corporate culture that puts the focus where This overall approach is combined with it really belongs: the customer. the latest equipment; shop estimating, The Speedy Collision Performance management customer facing software Repair Network is positioned to lead and best in class paint systems. the way. Do you have what it takes Your Full Service Collision Centers The success of the first two locations to join us?

TM

CUSTOMIZERS

<<<

Hilary Noack, owner of Ink & Iron in Toronto, Ontario.

THiNK PiNK

Hilary Noack of Ink & Iron has moved from the classroom to the floor, but she’s still teaching.

BY MIKE DAVEY AUGUST 2015  BODYWORX PROFESSIONAL

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CUSTOMIZERS

One of the first projects to come out of Ink & Iron is this hotpink Thunderbird.

INK & IRON ISN’T JUST A FACILITY OWNED BY A WOMAN, OR A FACILITY THAT EMPLOYS WOMEN. IT’S NOTHING LESS THAN A TRAINING GROUND FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF GREAT PROFESSIONALS.

A

lot of ink has already been spilled regarding Ink & Iron and its owner, Hilary Noack. Most of the coverage has focused on the fact that she’s a woman who fixes cars. A few have focused on the fact that she’s a woman who owns her own shop. Words like “shattering stereotypes” are bandied about.

However, those of us close to the business know that there have been women working all throughout the collision repair industry for many years. Women have an obvious presence among office staff, but there are quite a few women who are body techs, painters and managers or owners of large, high-volume collision repair facilities.

It’s important for young women considering a career in the automotive world to see

18

other women who are already in the field, but simply stating that Hilary Noack is a tech, a shop owner and a woman doesn’t do justice to her or what she’s achieved.

Ink & Iron isn’t just a facility owned by a woman, or a facility that employs women.

BODYWORXMAG.COM  BODYWORX PROFESSIONAL

It’s nothing less than a training ground for the next generation of great professionals. The vast majority of the techs and painters working at Ink & Iron are young women. They’re enthusiastic and passionate about their work and their future.

CUSTOMIZERS

<<<

) and the Noack (centre Right: Hilar y than just e or m It’s n.

Iro staff of Ink & essional of pr r fo ce pla a shop. It’s a eir skill th nd pa ex to ers techs and paint doing what they love. sets, while

The daily grind

.

Above and Below: More projects on the go at Ink & Iron.

“I was looking for something to set us apart,” says Noack. “As well, by meeting other women along the journey, hearing their stories and their struggles, I started to think that we could help them. There simply weren’t very many opportunities for them to learn their trades in an environment where they don’t feel there are about 500 guys creeping on them.”

Noack got her start in the business as a co-op student in high school, working at Mark’s Custom Collision in Prince Edward County. Her interest was piqued by a need to fix up a personal vehicle.

“I was driving my parents’ cars, and I kept getting grounded, and that’s the first thing they’d take away,” says Noack. “I didn’t know anything about cars then, but I figured they wouldn’t be able to do that if I got my own. I bought a 1970 Oldsmobile

from an ad in the paper and fixed it up.”

Bear in mind that this was in 2003, so that 1970 Oldsmobile was over 30 years old by that point and showing its age. Noack put a lot of work into it to get it ready for the road. It’s true that hard work pays off. For Noack, it paid off with a car that was her very own, and it put her on the path to her current career.

“At first I thought I might want to be a mechanic, but it turned out that I liked the aesthetic end more,” she says.

Aside from Noack, the staff at Ink & Iron are mostly part-timers who have other jobs in the industry. However, working part-time at Ink & Iron has its advantages. The facility does some collision work, but the main focus is on custom and restoration. It’s a chance to work on jobs the average tech or painter doesn’t get to touch. It’s also a

chance to build a bigger skill set.

“A lot of the learning process for anything is trial and error,” says Noack. “But when you’re working in a high-pressure fast paced collision repair facility, there isn’t time for your boss to let you make mistakes or try something new. A lot of the girls who work here have other jobs in the industry, but they’re doing really specific jobs. Here, they get to try new things and build new skills.”

That opportunity for cross-training might be part of the reason that other facility owners don’t mind their staff putting in a few hours at Ink & Iron. Lorenzo D’Alessandro is the owner of CSN-427 Auto Collision, one of Toronto’s biggest and busiest collision repair centres. More than a few of the women working at Ink & Iron also hold down full-time positions at his facility.

AUGUST 2015  BODYWORX PROFESSIONAL

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>>>

CUSTOMIZERS

Don and Fabia na O’Connor, owners of the pink T-b ird. Don says the two plan to ta ke the car to vario breast cancer fundraising ev us ents.

Noack takes a moment to pose for our photographer outside of her shop in Toronto.

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BODYWORXMAG.COM  BODYWORX PROFESSIONAL

“We’re very production focused and making sure we’re getting work done better, faster and cheaper,” says D’Alessandro. “There’s opportunity for some cross-training here, but frankly there’s no time for making mistakes, and that’s part of learning your trade. Hillary’s not just fixing cars. She’s providing opportunities, and I think the benefits are going to show up all around the industry.”

Anthony Iaboni would likely agree.

Iaboni is the owner of Collision 360, an industry distributor based in Toronto.

He liked the idea of Ink & Iron so much that he started reaching out to his vendors to help get the shop up and running.

“I approached Pro Spray, and they donated paint mixing machinery, toners, with both of us absorbing the cost,” says Iaboni. “PBE Distributors helped quite a bit with that and with training, and SATA donated a few spray guns. Norton kicked in with some cabinets. Opening a new facility is a big investment. I see the numbers every day, and I know it’s not easy.”

Iaboni viewed this as simply helping to pay back the industry.

“A lot of it was karma,” he says. “My business is relatively new and a lot of collision shops helped me get up and running. Some people loaned me staff, others simply paid me promptly. Every little bit helps. When I saw a young person, which the industry desperately needs, trying to open a new shop, it was a nobrainer. We need people who can teach and encourage others.”

There’s more to being a teacher than just knowing the subject. There are plenty of great body techs who can’t teach what they know, but Hillary Noack isn’t one of them. She taught at Centennial College for a number of years. Recently, she became the first woman to teach autobody full-time at the college, but she left when she decided to start her own business.

“This is what I’ve always wanted to do,” she says. “I like teaching, but I’m really more hands on.”

At Ink & Iron, Noack gets to do both. And she just might be helping to train and mentor the next generation of collision superstars.

Noack is also blogging regularly on our blogging site, Collision Repair Plus. You can see her first blog now by visiting collisionrepairmag.com/easyblog.

Richer Nahm, Assured Scarborough West

Indarjit (Dave) Devendranauth, Assured Scarborough West

Paulo Spedaliere, Assured Downtown

assuredauto.ca

22

Assured Automotive

CONGRATULATES

Congratulations go out to Assured Scarborough West’s Richer Nahm and Indarjit (Dave) Devendranauth, and Assured Downtown’s Paulo Spedaliere on their successful completion of the Red-Seal Interprovincial Certificate of Qualification.

Paulo, with 14 years of industry experience joined Assured Downtown in 2013 and Richer who has been employed at the Scarborough West Location since 2008 have both completed their autobody apprentiship with Centennial College. Dave, with 17 years of industry experience and has been employed with Assured Scarborough West since 2007, challenged the C of Q Exam through the College of Trades “Trade Equivalency Assessment”. To properly prepare for the exam, Dave and Richer attended the 9 part C of Q Pre-Certification prep course held at the Assured Academy. The combination of collision repair knowledge, experience and ongoing training has resulted in all 3 successfully passing the Red-Seal Exam and becoming licensed

BODYWORXMAG.COM  BODYWORX PROFESSIONAL

310B Collision and Structural Damage Repair Technicians.

The Pre-Certification cour se, instructed by Jean-Marc Julien, lead trainer of the technical and estimatics training department at Assured and a 310B licensed tech as well, incorporates all facets of the collision repair industry from detailing, body and structural repairs to occupational health.

Training has always been a priority for our collision repair technicians and now with the creation of the Assured Training Academy, our technicians will have convenient access to all of the updated training available. Our thanks go out to all of the team members at Assured for their hard work and commitment to training and education.

TECH TALK

VIEW?

<<<

BY JUSTIN JIMMO Technical Representative – Refinish Sales for Co-Auto Co-Operative

Your clearcoat can change your colour.

g, r testin ards fo 8M - Honda Three c 67 H N in Jade painted P4 - Chrysler P , r r le e s v il ry S h PB7 - C Met. & lue.

B Patriot

C

learcoat may be clear, but only compared to your colour coat. If it was completely clear, it would literally be invisible. It’s pretty close, but it still reflects light and refracts light. It’s not completely transparent if there’s light bouncing off it. However, this difference is probably too small to see with the naked eye. So why do the colours change when we add more coats of clear?

Let’s take a look at how building up clearcoat can affect your colour match. Many OEM manufacturers recommend not bringing your first coat of clear right to the edge, because it can change the appearance of the colour and how it

is going to match up to your next panel.

On some colours the effect is really minor, but it can be much more severe on others. In general, two coats likely won’t make a huge difference, but this demonstration will show how the colour can give off a different effect.

A guy I know, Ryan Brown, gave one of the best analogies I’ve ever heard on this subject, so I’m going to borrow it for this purpose.

Think of a swimming pool. Looking in the shallow end, you will observe that it appears much lighter than the deep end. It’s the same liner and the same lighting, so what is changing the look? The answer is very simple. The light has to travel further in the deep end to hit the bottom of the pool. What you’re actually seeing is how long it takes for the light to reflect back at you. In the case of clear coat it’s on a much smaller scale, but the principle is the same. Let’s see what the test reveals.

First, we took an assortment of sprayout cards in various colours (NH678M - Honda Silver, PP4 - Chrysler Jade Met. & PB7 - Chrysler Patriot Blue). Next, we scuffed them quickly and taped off to apply more clearcoat to half of each card.

After removing the tape, you can already see the slight difference in colour. Notice how the bottom looks a little bit darker than the top, just like the deep end of the swimming pool

AUGUST 2015  BODYWORX PROFESSIONAL

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TECH TALK

<<<

All three cards scuffed and halfmasked, ready for clearcoat.

By Bill Davidge, National Technical Manager at CARSTAR Automotive Canada

Take a look at that colour change! All of that from just one extra coat of clear.

The difference in the silver was actually more pronounced in the booth than under direct sunlight.

Something to do with the mica flake perhaps?

looks darker even thought we know it can’t be. Our eyes didn’t change, the paint didn’t change. It’s just that the light has to travel further through the clearcoat to hit the base layer and bounce back.

Depending on what kind of light you’re using, the difference can look even more dramatic. Try looking at them in direct sunlight and you’re sure to notice the difference. However, the base colour can affect how much difference we’re seeing. For example, if you look at these particular cards in the sun, you’ll notice that the Patriot Blue looks a bit darker and so does the Jade. The Silver, however, is relatively unchanged in direct sunlight. The shift under the booth lights was much more dramatic

The Challenges of Refinishing

in this case. The Silver really reflects the blue mica when out in the sun and still has a bit of a change to it outside.

In conclusion, clear isn’t just clear. The more you spray, the more you’ll end up changing the final colour.

Justin Jimmo is a Technical Representative – Refinish Sales for Co-Auto CoOperative. He is also the founder of refinishnetwork. com, an online community for automotive painters. His videos can be seen online at youtube.com/ user/jimmo4life.

I realize there are lots of young people getting into the trade and maybe a lot more interested in the refinish side of things. So my last article on welding was not that interesting to these readers. We know the structural integrity of the vehicle is a critical safety factor, but the refinish is critical to the customer’s satisfaction; therefore training in this area is also needed.

You may think painting is not a difficult task. Well, let’s look at some of the things that can make a person question this. First of all—and the most obvious—is the colour. How hard can that be? The first obstacle is the number and types of toners the OEMs have available compared to the average repair facility. The OEMs have far more than we do for a number of reasons which makes this our first challenge.

Then we have to look at the amount of paint and the colour that may be under that paint. The issue here is the transparency of the actual colour of the vehicle and its ability to hide the colour of the primer under it. So, what’s the big deal? Well we will most likely not have the same colour primer and on top of that we are then applying colour which is close to the colour the OEM applied, but slightly different.

Then there is the transparency which may allow the primer to change the look of the final colour. This is the second obstacle which that identifies why refinishers need training on colour theory and how to tint the colour.

As you can see, I have barely scratched the surface here and we have already run into issues that you may not have been aware of. Therefore the proper training and knowledge is absolutely necessary to overcome these obstacles. If you are interest stay tuned to discuss more on the refinishing side of the process in my next article.

AUGUST 2015  BODYWORX PROFESSIONAL

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Most hand cleaners can be pretty rough on your skin. That’s because they contain grit which can cause microabrasions and harsh chemicals that can irritate and dry your skin. But not KrestoGT. It’s got natural smooth-edge scrubbers that clean hands better and moisturizers that keep skin healthier for about the same cost as those other guys.

THE DRIVING FORCE FOR CLEAN HANDS. Learn more at KrestoGT.com • 888 332 7627

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TEARS THROUGH DIRT, GREASE AND GRIME. NOT YOUR HANDS.

HEALTH & SAFETY

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A technician’s hands are subjected to a lot of stress in a day’s work. Hand care should be a top priority at every facility.

A Hands

Up! Protecting the most valuable tools a technician has.

BY PATRICK BOSHELL

ccording to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), auto service technicians and mechanics are significantly more likely than the average worker to be injured or killed on the job. Nearly 45 percent of these injuries and illnesses are due to contact with objects and equipment, such as parts, materials, tools and vehicles themselves. Contact injuries may be the most prevalent, but they are not the only type of occupational hazards that automotive workers face. Other illnesses and injuries include overexertion, falls, strains, sprains and exposure to harmful chemicals.

One common occupational hazard that is oftentimes overlooked in the automotive industry is the incidence of skin disease. A study from the Occupational Medicine Journal found that 41 percent of car mechanics said that dry skin on their hands was often a problem and 46 percent reported the occurrence of hand eczema. Additionally, an even more severe skin disease known as contact dermatitis is of particular concern for those workers in an industrial and

AUGUST 2015  BODYWORX PROFESSIONAL

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HEALTH & SAFETY automotive setting. The Canadian Centre for Occupation Health and Safety (CCOHS) states that occupational contact dermatitis is “an inflammation caused by substances found in the workplace that come into direct contact with the skin.” Symptoms can include redness, blisters and swelling of the skin. Contact dermatitis may spread to other parts of the body if left untreated, and workers can even develop chronic skin disease.

In an automotive setting, these contact substances can include oil, grease, paint, brake fluids, detergents, adhesives, degreasing agents and even some ingredients found in hand cleansers themselves like pumice and solvents. CCOHS reports that skin disease, like contact dermatitis, accounts for approximately 35 percent of all cases of occupational illness, and in Ontario alone, 1,000 compensation claims are reported for contact dermatitis annually. Additionally, according to the Center for Economic Vitality at Western Washington University, 77 percent of shops offer medical coverage but only 33 percent of shops offer paid sick days. This can have an incredible effect on a shop’s efficiency and bottom line as well as the workers’ well-being.

While many autoworkers think skin irritation is an unavoidable part of their job, new products provide significant prevention and relief

from this painful and often costly problem. How can workers protect themselves from developing dangerous skin disease in the shop? As a leader in workplace skin care, Deb has put together a few skin care best practices.

move the skin’s natural oils. Instead, try a low-solvent or solvent-free hand cleanser.

• Workers in an automotive setting primarily work with their hands and generally cannot use obstructive personal protective equipment (PPE), like gloves. However, if and when workers do use PPE, they should be used in accordance with the instructions.

• Protective prework creams can be used under gloves or without gloves to help prevent skin irritation, maintain healthy skin and can make skin cleansing easier.

• After cleansing hands, the skin can lose important oils and moisture. An after-work conditioning cream should be used to balance and replenish the moisture in the skin.

• Not only can hands get soiled, but rags and clothing can, as well. Workers should frequently change soiled clothes and keep dirty rags out of pockets to keep hands from getting re-soiled.

• The location of cleansing products in the shop can make a huge difference in compliance. Many times, bottles and tubes of product can get misplaced, so the installation of wall-mounted product dispensers is highly encouraged.

• If skin problems occur, they should be reported and cared for right away to prevent further damage.

Just as auto mechanics take care of and repair automobiles, the mechanics and their managers must learn to take care of their skin. To become and stay a top performing shop, managers need a healthy and productive workforce. With quality products and proper skin care knowledge, the occurrence of skin disease in the automotive industry can be significantly reduced, protecting workers and saving time and money.

CONTACT INJURIES MAY BE THE MOST PREVALENT, BUT THEY ARE NOT THE ONLY TYPE OF OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS THAT AUTOMOTIVE WORKERS FACE. • Not every hand cleaning job requires a heavy-duty cleanser. It is best to use the gentlest cleanser for the particular condition.

• For the tougher jobs, choose hand-cleansing products with natural scrubbers, like cornmeal or walnut shell scrubbers. They will be better on hands and won’t clog the drains.

• Many cleansers in industrial and automotive settings contain dangerous ingredients like solvents or pumice that can re-

Soap and water can remove moisture from the hands. Creams and lotions can help to restore moisture and maintain the skin’s resilience.

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BODYWORXMAG.COM  BODYWORX PROFESSIONAL

Patrick Boshell is the Canadian Marketing Director for Deb Group; the world’s leading awayfrom-home skin care company. Deb’s KrestoGT heavy-duty automotive hand cleansers are engineered exclusively for automotive professionals.

For more information, please visit krestogt.com.

Deb acquired Stoko Skincare to create the world’s leading away-from-home skin care company. To learn more, please visit www. debgroup.com.

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CAREER PROFILE

<<<

Keith Hudd worked as a body tech before entering the insurance world.

BY MIKE DAVEY

Competitive

Advantage

Keith Hudd made his mark on insurance with lessons learned on the shop floor.

A

mountain may have just one peak, but several routes to the top. When it comes to collision repair and the broader auto claims economy, it’s more like a mountain range. There are numerous peaks, and even more numerous paths to the summits.

Throughout the collision repair and insurance industries, you will find many executives who started out wearing coveralls and holding a dolly, rather than a suit and tie, holding a briefcase. They started their careers on the shop floor and ended up in the stratosphere.

Keith Hudd started his career as a mechanic, before switching to the collision repair industry. His formal career recently came to an end with his retirement, but he didn’t retire as a body tech. Instead, Hudd followed a path that led to the insurance in-

dustry. Specifically, he was the National Manager, Physical Damage Vendor Programs in Economical’s claims department before retiring, a position of considerable influence within the Canadian auto repair industry.

A well known figure in the industry in the years leading up to his retirement, Hudd was frequently requested as a speaker at industry events and conferences. The collision repair and the insurance industries are inextricably linked, but very few people cross the boundary from one to the other. Hudd did cross that boundary, and it provided him with a perspective that was much in demand.

“Understanding the full scope of what both sides are trying to achieve is important,” says Hudd. “Insurers and repairers both want vehicles repaired safely and cost-effectively. Having worked both sides, I can sometimes see where repairers and insurers are crossing their wires

AUGUST 2015  BODYWORX PROFESSIONAL

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CAREER PROFILE

Hudd served as a panelist at the Collision Solutions Network (CSN) conference in 2014.

Right: Keith Hudd with Tony DeSantis and Steve Leal of Fix Auto. Throughout his career, Hudd maintained good relations with the collision repair industry.

INSURERS AND REPAIRERS BOTH WANT VEHICLES REPAIRED SAFELY AND COSTEFFECTIVELY. HAVING WORKED BOTH SIDES, I CAN SOMETIMES SEE WHERE REPAIRERS AND INSURERS ARE CROSSING THEIR WIRES WHEN THEY SHOULD BE COLLABORATING.” when they should be collaborating.”

It’s this sense of collaboration that best exemplifies Hudd’s career. For example, working together with AkzoNobel, Hudd and his team at Economical Insurance developed an assessment program for the collision repair facilities on the company’s direct repair partner (DRP) network. Rather than simply looking at key performance indicators, the assessment examined exactly where each individual facility is on its journey to leaner and more efficient processes, and then gave concrete suggestions for how they could improve. It wasn’t entirely for the facility’s benefit, of course, as Economical could use the same information to make predictions about the DRP network.

“The assessments were a necessity, as it helped to indicate which collision repair facilities stood the best chance of surviving well in the future,” he says.

The program was a success, leading Ak-

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– KEITH HUDD

zoNobel to invite Hudd to sit as a panelist on one of the company’s Sustainability Leadership Symposium events, designed to discuss methods to ensure the future viability of the collision repair industry.

“They wanted the Canadian perspective, because we’ve found success with including vendors in our processes,” says Hudd. “We understand that lean is really continuous process improvement, and it takes investment. We need to know they’re doing it, and the shops that are making that investment will be rewarded.”

It’s an understatement to say that Keith Hudd has had a profound influence on the collision repair business in Canada. The people he’s worked with over the years have often gone to long careers in the industry themselves, sometimes with profound effects.

Bill Speed is a figure familiar to anyone

BODYWORXMAG.COM  BODYWORX PROFESSIONAL

who follows Skills competitions, whether local, provincial, national or even WorldSkills. An instructor at Danforth Collegiate and Technical Institute in Toronto, Speed is also a regular volunteer and organizer at Skills events, and has had an incalculable effect on the industry as a whole. Quite a few of today’s top techs and managers got their start thanks to encouragement and training from Speed. He worked under Keith Hudd in the early days of his career, right after he finished his apprenticeship.

“He was managing Vaughan’s Collision at the time, and you could tell pretty quickly that he was headed for big things,” says Speed. “He was very good at spotting talent and encouraging the best. Once he was on the appraisal side,

CAREER PROFILE

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BEST BEST O F

T H E

FIX AUTO TEAM MEMBERS WANTED! his estimates were always fair. I think it’s absolutely the case that his experience as a body tech influenced this.”

Hudd left Ban’s Collision to work for Crawford & Company, an appraisal management service. Later, he worked as an independent appraiser, before joining Economical Insurance.

“Someone studying to be a tech today needs to understand the full scope of what they’re doing,” says Hudd. He’s not just referring to the technical side of vehicle repair. “Repairing the vehicle is a given. You have to repair it to satisfaction. You really need to think about what other value-added services you can offer the vehicle owner or contribute to the claims repair process to distinguish yourself from your competitors.”

Others have spoken about the creative problem solving skills that a good technician must develop, and just how portable those skills are. Every employer, in every field, can use creative problem solvers who know technology. However, there are other skills, or at least other mindsets, that can seriously increase your value.

“You need to look at and understand the full scope of what you’re doing,” says Hudd. “A lot of technicians have a tendency to see things in black and white: it’s repaired or it isn’t. That’s true enough, but most situations aren’t quite as clear cut.

Seeing the full scope of the repair means

looking at the process and everyone it affects. That’s the motorist, the techs and production staff, the facility owner and the insurer. They all have skin in the game.”

Transitioning from the life of a working technician to that of an estimator or an appraiser is not always easy. There are new challenges, especially in terms of acquiring knowledge. Hudd believes the process could be much simpler.

“You can take young techs and teach them how to estimate, but then they’re usually thrown into the front office where the first thing they see are 18 different manuals for how to prepare estimates for different insurers,” says Hudd. “In an ideal world, there would be just one manual sitting over that desk.”

Hudd notes that more cooperation between insurers could help the industry towards a day when only one manual is needed. After all, insurers are generally looking for the same thing: vehicles safely repaired, quickly and at an efficient cost.

“It can be frustrating when we’re trying to get consensus,” says Hudd. “People talk about protecting competitive advantage, but I think that’s a load of crap, frankly.

There’s only competitive advantage, really: if I can get the car fixed first, I win. If I get it totaled first, I win. Anything that lets you make those decisions quicker, without sacrificing accuracy unnecessarily, is the real competitive advantage.”

Fix Auto is currently seeking qualified Collision Repair Specialists who are ready to advance their career with Canada’s number 1 Collision Repair brand.

When you join one of our 220+ Collision Repair facilities across Canada, you join a dynamic team environment that is driven by innovation and quality.

Are you ready to join the best of the best?

IT’S EASY TO APPLY ONLINE! Visit fixauto.com/careers to get started!

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AUGUST 2015  BODYWORX PROFESSIONAL

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INDUSTRY SKILLS

<<<

Bill Suzuki, 3M Technical Service, provided polishing instruction during Skills Ontario.

TARGETING TALENT

The CCIF Skills Program is working towards a bigger, brighter future for collision repair.

BY LEANNE JEFFERIES

T

he CCIF Skills Program was established in 2008 to promote careers in collision repair to thousands of students attending Skills Canada competitions across the country.

Major challenges have been met to get the program where it is today. Establishing a national car painting competition, and bringing it on-site has made the collision repair industry a main attraction at Skills Canada competitions, helping to maximize industry exposure to students. To date, student impressions exceed 700,000. The Virtual Paint System is another point of attraction, providing a unique, hands-on experience with a lasting impression.

tions. The program has established a strong network of volunteers across Canada, and our high level of professional engagement at competitions is unique to our industry. Competitors have the opportunity to meet with industry experts and try the latest and greatest tools, equip-

ment and technology. We also provide hands-on, industry-provided education and training during select competitions, ensuring that young people leave with enhanced skills and knowledge.

The second day added to the Ontario Skills Competition offered students train-

Axalta technical training instructor Gordon Wry led the competitor orientation at the Skills Canada National Competition.

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES Today, the CCIF Skills Program is about more than just hosting great competi-

AUGUST 2015  BODYWORX PROFESSIONAL

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>>>

INDUSTRY SKILLS

Nova Scotia provincial Car Painting champion, Nicole Hamilton, at the Nova Scotia skills competition.

“THE CCIF SKILLS PROGRAM ATTRACTS YOUTH TO OUR INDUSTRY, HELPS DEVELOP YOUTH IN THE INDUSTRY, AND HELPS RETAIN THEM AS WELL.” - AARON HEBB, WORLDSKILLS TEAM CANADA EXPERT

Secondary car painting competitor Emily Fell (left).

Cecile Bukmeier, Chair, Alberta Provincial Technical Committee, Car Painting.

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BODYWORXMAG.COM  BODYWORX PROFESSIONAL

ing courses on paint from AkzoNobel, polishing from 3M, and gun setup, cleaning, and safety from Caruk & Associates. For those studying autobody repair, I-CAR and CARSTAR Automotive Canada partnered to offer the opportunity to sign up for the I-CAR Welding Certification Program early this summer, at no cost. Additionally, CARSTAR hosted a teacher-training session after hours at the competition site.

At the Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC) in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, I-CAR and the CCIF Skills Program teamed up to provide the New Technology & Trends I-CAR class to attending industry and educators. Over 20 people from 15 different businesses participated, and in addition to earning I-CAR credits, they had a chance to tour the site, support our competitors and network.

I am working closely with Skills Canada offices across the country to add more educational opportunities to our events.

We will have educational components included in Ontario, Alberta, and at the national event in New Brunswick in 2016.

LIFE-CHANGING EVENTS During SCNC, I spoke with William Fell, father of Emily, a Secondary car painting competitor. I asked how he felt about Emily’s experience. She won gold in Ontario, where we hosted a full-day training session prior to competition day, and travelled to Saskatoon with her parents to compete.

He said, “She’s not even the same girl.

Her determination and focus is unbelievable. She knows exactly what she wants to do, and nothing is going to stop her.

She has learned so much at the competitions. It’s been a life changing-experience for her, and I am sure she will be in your industry for the long term.”

Both Emily and her father will be featured on our CCIF Skills Program video, to be released this fall. Emily is a high school co-op student at Budds’ Collision in Oakville, Ontario.

WOMEN IN COLLISION REPAIR Just a few short years ago there were very few female competitors. Today, the number of young women participating in skills competitions is on the rise. At the Manitoba Provincial competition, half of the painting competitors were female.

Similarly, in Alberta six of 18 competitors

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© Saint‑Gobain June 2015

>>>

INDUSTRY SKILLS

SATA surprised Post Secondary Car Painting champions with paint gun prizes. From left to right: Winners Brodie Gibson of Ontario (silver), Garrett Weiss of Alberta (gold), and Ryan Parsons of Newfoundland (bronze).

Left: Scott Kucharyshen (left) and Dale Hawkins (right) from Saskatchewan Polytechnic volunteered their time to teach an I-CAR class at the Skills Canada National Competition.

AUTOBODY REPAIR

CAR PAINTING

SKILLS CANADA NATIONAL COMPETITION RESULTS

38

AB

Garrett Weiss

Post Secondary

GOLD

ON

Brodie Gibson

Post Secondary

Silver

NL

Ryan Parsons

Post Secondary

Bronze

MB

Ashley Weber

Secondary

Gold

ON

Emily Fell

Secondary

Silver

AB

Zachary Saranchuk

Secondary

Bronze

NL

Brandon Drover

Post Secondary

GOLD

BC

Bhupinder Singh Brar

Post Secondary

Silver

AB

Garrett Walsh

Post Secondary

Bronze

MB

Devin Boger

Secondary

Gold

AB

Brett Thompson

Secondary

Silver

BC

Jason Sherle

Secondary

Bronze

BODYWORXMAG.COM  BODYWORX PROFESSIONAL

were women — five in autobody repair and one in car painting. The Nova Scotia provincial Car Painting champion, Nicole Hamilton, joined me at CCIF Halifax, excited to be representing her province at the nationals in Saskatoon.

Women are also claiming their space on the podium. At the Skills Canada national competition, two of the four female painting competitors brought home medals.

Young women are finding their place in industry, and getting involved with organizing our events. Cecile Bukmeier is a past Alberta Car Painting champion, and this year she stepped forward to become the first female Chair for one of our provincial events. I had the pleasure of working with Cecile to assist her in bringing car painting on-site during her first year as Chair of the Alberta Car Painting competition. Cecile was also named Skills Alberta “Alumni of the Year,” and was honoured at the event. She also joined the National Technical Committee, responsible for organizing our events. Having female representation on the national committee is a significant step forward, as it sends the message to women competitors that there is a place for them in the collision repair industry.

ADVANCING CAREERS & GIVING BACK National and provincial car painting champion Aaron Hebb addressed the CCIF Halifax audience in May, sharing his personal experience with the CCIF Skills Program. He told the audience about his experience as a young car painting competitor, starting out in 2008 – the year of the program’s inception.

Nervous and unsure of himself at first, he then relaxed and gained focus, ending up the Canadian champion. It was during this event that Aaron found his calling. He went on to compete at WorldSkills in the UK, and today he works for Sherwin Williams. He is also the Canadian Car Painting expert supporting current Team Canada member Kassandra Bilodeau, who will travel to Brazil for WorldSkills in August. Aaron is also Co-Chair of the National Technical Committee for the Car Painting competition. He gives credit to the CCIF Skills Program for launching his career forward.

“The CCIF Skills Program attracts youth to our industry, helps develop youth in the

INDUSTRY SKILLS

industry, and helps retain them as well,” he said to the crowd. “Without the program I wouldn’t be here talking to you today [at CCIF], and there’s a good chance I may not even be involved in the industry today. It really makes a difference!”

GREATER REACH & STAYING CURRENT The CCIF Skills Program expands its reach every year by adding new events, expanding competition sites, and adding components like education and training. This year, the introduction of two new on-site Car Painting events in Alberta and BC ensured that an additional 15,000 students saw painting in person, for the first time.

Competitors at these new events had a chance to be a part of the main attraction — to feel the excitement of competing in front of thousands of spectators. Both events will be on-site again in 2016, and in Alberta we are planning to add an educational component to the event, providing the young competitors with training from industry experts.

Another key aspect of our competitions is to stay current with the technology being used in industry. Projects are designed to accurately represent the work being done. This year, the Car Painting competition in Ontario included UV primer, allowing students to see the advanced materials and equipment needed to complete repairs quickly. Next year, the national autobody repair competition will be adding aluminum repair to their scope, along with an instructional session on aluminum for those students who may have had no or little previous exposure.

By showcasing the exciting technology and advanced training needed to repair vehicles, we can attract bright, ambitious students to consider a career in collision repair as their first choice.

Leanne Jefferies is the Director of the CCIF Skills Program and AIA Canada Collision Programs.

She is based in Ontario, and can be reached at 905-628-3401, or at ljefferies@bell. net. To learn more about the CCIF Skills Program, please visit ccifskillsprogram.com.

<<<

Randy Hearn, Technical Consultant for AkzoNobel, delivers a waterborne paint course to Skills Ontario competitors.

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AUGUST 2015  BODYWORX PROFESSIONAL

39

SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

Red River COLLEGE Students are prepped for the future at Manitoba’s career college.

BY ADRIEN MONTOYA

R

ed River College is one of the largest institutions of applied learning in Manitoba, spreading its programs over eight campuses in the province.

The main campus is the Notre Dame campus, which also happens to be where the Collision Repair and Refinishing program takes place. The Notre Dame campus is located at 2055 Notre Dame Avenue in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW The Collision Repair and Refinishing program at Red River College prepares students with basic working knowledge of all different metals and spray painting. Throughout the program, students will either develop or enhance their knowledge on auto body repair, collision repair and spray painting. The program also teaches students about patching, finishing, and preparing a panel for painting. In this program, safety and environmental safety are thoroughly enhanced. In order to graduate, students have to complete two mandatory work placements.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS To apply for this program, students must either have graduated from high school or be enrolled in a post-secondary course. The regular admission requirements are a successful completion of Grade 12 English, Grade 12 Mathematics and Grade 10 Science.

GRADUATION OUTLOOK Upon graduating from the Collision Repair and Refinishing program of Red River College, one can be hired as an auto body mechanic, metal finisher, painter’s prepper, as well as body frame specialist.

Other jobs such as claims adjusters, collision estimators, and shop supervisor are also possible outcomes.

PROGRAM LENGTH The Collision Repair and Refinishing program at Red River College lasts nine months or 38 weeks. The college also offers a strictly car painting program which lasts 15 weeks.

<<<

GETTING STARTED: Your First Term TERM

COURSE NAME

HRS

AUTO-1011

Basic Metal Working - Theory

1

AUTO-1013

Basic Refinishing Preparation - Theory

1

AUTO-1026

Estimating - Theory

0

AUTO-1035

Basic Metal Working - Practical

2

AUTO-1036

Basic Refinishing Preparation - Practical

2

AUTO-1051

Basic Machine Shop

1

AUTO-1054

Machine Shop Theory

1

AUTO-1055

Refinishing & Top Coating - Theory

0

AUTO-1066

Vehicle Construction - Theory

1

AUTO-1067

In-Industry Training - 1

1

AUTO-1068

PC Fundamentals Training

1

AUTO-1070

Safety

0

AUTO-1071

AC-043 Accreditation for Level 1

0

AUTO-1072

Handtools/Powertools

1

AUTO-1101

Related Math

2

AUTO-1115

Frame Damage Diagnosis - Practical

1

AUTO-1307

Refinishing & Top Coating - Practical

1

AUTO-1509

Frame Damage Diagnosis- Theory

0

AUTO-1545

Hardware, Glass & Trim - Practical

1

AUTO-1546

Hardware, Glass & Trim - Theory

0

AUTO-1583

Hydraulics, Principles & Equipment - Theory

0

AUTO-3004

Advanced Metal Working & Rust Repair Theory

1

AUTO-3116

Advanced Metal Working & Rust Repair Practical

3

SCIE-1016

Related Scence

2

SEMR-0229

WHMIS Workshop

0

SEMR-9209

General Safety Training

0

WELD-1018

Gas Welding

1

WELD-1019

MIG Welding

2

AUGUST 2015  BODYWORX PROFESSIONAL

41

FINAL DETAIL

VIEW FINDER Diversity helps drive a business forward.

BY MIKE DAVEY

D

iversity can be complicated. At its simplest, diversity just means a range or variety of different things that are nevertheless in the same group.

Most of the time that we use the term, though, we’re not talking about things. We’re talking about people.

Almost anyone talking about the issue of workplace diversity assumes that it’s a good thing. Don’t get me

valuable, simply because we don’t have that viewpoint. More points of view from more people can help move a business forward, or at least help it avoid missteps. You have everything to gain and nothing to lose from listening to people who are different from you.

Second, there’s the issue of representation. My kids have a book called “Why Are All The Taxi Drivers …” that talks about this, and it puts it in the simplest possible terms. We tend to

YOU HAVE EVERYTHING TO GAIN ...

FROM LISTENING TO PEOPLE WHO ARE DIFFERENT FROM YOU. wrong. It absolutely is a good thing and always brings benefits. However, why that is the case is almost never explained. There are a couple of different reasons why workplace diversity should be encouraged and sought out.

First, there’s an issue of viewpoint.

Different experiences can’t help but give people different points of view.

We’ve got a lot of white males in this industry. There’s nothing wrong with that. I’m one myself. However, it does mean that we’ve got a lot of similar experiences. Not exactly the same, of course. We’re quite diverse, even with that group.

However, other viewpoints from people who are different from us are

42

BODYWORXMAG.COM  BODYWORX PROFESSIONAL

think that what we should do is what other people like us do. If you never see men taking care of children, you probably won’t do it yourself. Believe it or not, this even applies if it’s something you really want to do. When people like you don’t do it, it often doesn’t occur to you that you can.

Think about a world where all the lawyers you ever see are black women. Would you think you could be a lawyer? There are no legal restrictions preventing you, and the government may even have some programs available to encourage you to do so. Chances are you still won’t go for it. It isn’t what people like you do.

That’s why representation is important. You’ve seen this issue’s cov-

er with Hilary Noack, owner of Ink & Iron. Hilary isn’t the first woman to pick up a body hammer, or the first woman to own a facility. However, she’s showing other women that this is something they can do.

Hilary has also recently joined us as a blogger at Collision Repair Plus, giving us her unique take on issues impacting the collision repair industry. You can find her posts and more great content at collisionrepairmag.com/easyblog.

Speaking of which, we’re always seeking more diversity from our bloggers. Are you gay, bi or trans?

Then we’d love to hear from you. You have unique experiences to share and sharing them will help the industry as a whole to grow and prosper. Are you a person of colour? Then we’d love to hear from you as well. Again, you have a perspective that can bring wisdom to others if they’re willing to listen. Are you a white, heterosexual male? We want to hear from you as well. You have unique experiences too, just because you are who you are, not someone else.

We are, each and every one of us, a contributor to overall diversity. Bring your own unique perspective and the collision industry will be better for it.

Our bloggers come from all parts and levels of the industry. Step up, shoot me an email and let the world know who you are.

Mike Davey is the editor of Bodyworx Professional. He can be reached at 905-3700101 or via email at editor@ collisionrepairmag.com.

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