2022 Texas Auto Body Trade Show Guide

DIAMOND SPONSORS

Russell & Smith Logging Big Paint Hours with USI Booths & Prep Station

Buying a paint booth is a huge investment, and there are many factors to carefully consider before selecting one Will the booth work well in a region where there’s a ton of humidity and with drastic changes in the weather? How long do you think the booth will last and will it require a lot of maintenance? Will your painters be comfortable using it ever y day and finally, will the company making the booth provide solid training and reliable customer ser vice?

To answer these questions before acquiring two Chronotech spray booths and a prep deck from USI ITALIA back in 2004, Collision Center Manager Kevin McIllveen at Russell & Smith Body Shop in Houston, TX spent six months studying the market. He was looking for the best booths that matched his needs to use in a brand-new 36,000 sq ft facility that the company built from the ground up

Mcllveen, age 56, entered the industr y more than three decades ago as an estimator and has worked for Russell & Smith Body Shop since 1993 His goal with his new spray booths was to improve the efficiencies in his paint department and to accommodate his production, he said, while simultaneously saving time and energy if possible

The vetting process was arduous but worth it in the end "We did our research so that we could make an educated decision," he said. "I went to NACE two years in a row and talked to literally ever yone and asked a lot of questions We knew that this was going to be a ver y significant investment, so we took the time to perform our due diligence to cover all our bases We invested in their prep stations as well, which was another good decision, because my guys can work so much faster and effectively with five different places where we can spray We put a curtain up in the prep booth that provides us two additional spaces that are heated and properly ventilated So, when we are really jammed, we can handle the workload and maintain our cycle time without interrupting or slowing down our production "

After using them for a ver y short time, Mcllveen could clearly see that his Chronotechs were more than capable as they quickly became a centerpiece in his new, high-end, modern shop

"We have four paint teams here, consisting of a painter and a painter’s helper and we consistently log approximately 600-700 paint hours weekly,” he said “We switched to waterborne paint when we opened this facility because we want to provide a healthier climate for our employees and the community as a whole ”

Why was Mcllveen able to improve his numbers by simply adding two USI booths? “In the end, it all comes down to their airflow because we never need blowers or additional air to cure these vehicles The fans in these Chronotechs are exceptional because they feature variable speeds, so we can switch depending on the parameters of each job Our painters are producing an impressive product day after day, so these booths are saving us both time and money We paint an average of 400 cars ever y month, so

we push these booths and they never let us down ”

Any issues that Russell & Smith Body Shop have encountered with their USI ITALIA booths have been rare and far between But Mcllveen feels good knowing that if called upon, the company will respond and find solutions promptly “If you do your scheduled maintenance and keep ever ything clean, these booths will last you 30 years and maybe even longer The issues that we have encountered with the Chronotechs have been minor and quickly solved, which is impressive when you think that we have been using these booths daily for the last 16 years I tell people that these booths will be here long after I’ve retired!”

After training provided by USI ITALIA, Mcllveen’s painters were able to start spraying after one day, he said "The Chronotechs are designed to work with waterborne paint, which makes it easier for our painters to do their work After a ver y short time, all of our guys were comfortable and the results were consistently exceptional ”

Mcllveen is also impressed by the Chronotech's sturdy construction and durability "Some booths are just a box, but these are wellbuilt," he said “I know, because I've seen them all and there isn't anything like a USI ITALIA booth."

His career in collision repair industr y has been a great experience and products like his USI ITALIA spray booths and prep station are a part of that, he said “We haven’t had to furlough anybody here and that’s because we value our people and, in the end, our Chronotechs are part of the team ”

ABAT thanks the following sponsors for their generous support of the 2022 Texas Auto Body Trade Show!

DIAMOND SPONSOR

DIAMOND SPONSORS

PLATINUM SPONSOR

CELEBRITY SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSOR

SILVER SPONSORS

REFRESHMENT BREAK SPONSOR

HAPPY HOUR SPONSORS

BIG SHOTS SPONSORS

CAR SHOW SPONSOR

BIG SHOTS SPONSORS

EDUCATION SPONSORS

ABAT BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chairman of the Board Corey Pigg S&W Expert Collision Repair coreyp@swcollision.com (936) 634-8361

Welcome back to the Auto Body Association of Texas’ (ABAT) 7th Annual Texas Auto Body Trade Show!

We are thrilled to provide you with two full days of national-level educational opportunities, industry leading exhibitors to do business with, celebrity appearances, and most of all, FUN!

ABAT has once again knocked it out of the park to bring you the best in industry training, focusing on every hot button issue you face in the shop daily from data sharing to total loss, legislation, labor rates, the DEG, insurance relations, post-repair inspections, PDR, the tech shortage, legislative action, electric vehicles and so much more.

Outside the classrooms, our sold-out show floor features exhibitors showcasing every bit of technology, equipment, tools, products, services and information you can think of, all under one roof.

There’s plenty of fun to be had, too! Our second annual “Big Shots” Competition puts painters, body techs, estimators and PDR techs to the test to see who will walk away with cash and tool prizes, a cover shot on next month’s Texas Automotive and bragging rights as the top of their game! And don’t forget our Car Show, sponsored by English Color & Supply, as well as exclusive meet-and-greet opportunities with the incomparable Dave Kindig of Bitchin’ Rides (courtesy of Akzo Nobel), and Counting Cars’ Horny Mike (courtesy of Lift King)

ALL WEEKEND LONG!

The Texas Auto Body Trade Show wouldn’t be possible without the tremendous support of our vendors and sponsors. Thank you to every one of them. And a big thank you to the ABAT Board of Directors. We truly appreciate the work you put in all year long.

Once again, thank YOU for being a part of ABAT’s Texas Auto Body Trade Show! Please take advantage of all we have to offer (including the FREE BEER!), and have an incredible weekend with us. See you on the floor!

Burl Richards ABAT President

President Burl Richards Burl’s Collision Center burl@burlscollision.com (903) 657-8082

Bobby Beason DeMontrond Collision Center bobby.beason@demontrond.com (936) 577-2747

Larry Cernosek Deer Park Paint & Body lcwrecker@comcast.net (281) 930-1539

Kevin Ellison Westway Ford kellison@vtaig.com (972) 584-9033

Brandon Gillespy Park Place Bodywerks bgillespy@parkplace.com (214) 443-8250

Vice President Eric McKenzie Park Place Dealerships emckenzie@parkplace.com (214) 443-8250

Treasurer David Osburn Paint Works davidosburn@paintworkstyler.com (817) 648-5797

Executive Director Jill Tuggle jill@abat.us (817) 899-0554

ABAT BOARD MEMBERS

Chad Kiffe Berli’s Body & Fine Finishes chadk@berlisbody.com (512) 251-6136

Greg Luther Helfman Collision gluther@helfman.com (713) 574-5060

Robert McDorman Auto Claim Specialists rmcdorman@autoclaimspecialists.com (817) 756-5482

Chad Neal Innovative Collision Equipment Chadwneal@yahoo.com (817) 527-2143

Logan Payne Payne & Sons Paint & Body logan@paynescollision.com (214) 321-4362

Thomas Greco President / Publisher thomas@grecopublishing.com

Alicia Figurelli Sr. Vice President / Sales Director alicia@grecopublishing.com

Alana Quartuccio Bonillo Editorial Coordinator alana@grecopublishing.com

Joe Greco Production Coordinator joe@grecopublishing.com

Manuel Rubio Miracle Body & Paint manuelr@miraclebp.com (210) 843-9564

Albert Salinas South Houston Nissan asalinas@southhoustonnissan.com (833) 856-7871

Darrell Smith McDaniel’s Quality Body Works Inc darrell-mcdaniels@sbcglobal.net (903) 753-5391

Mike Williams All Star Collision Center sales@allstarcollision.us (903) 589-3160

Chasidy Rae Sisk Managing Editor chasidy@grecopublishing.com (302) 593-7002

Donna Greco Production donna@grecopublishing.com

Bill Moore Sales Representative bill@grecopublishing.com (201) 290-1989

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS!

PUBLISHERS OF NEW JERSEY AUTOMOTIVE

& DOLLY

NEW ENGLAND AUTOMOTIVE REPORT

TEXAS AUTO BODY TRADE SHOW GUIDE CIC ATTENDEE PROGRAM

The contents of the Texas Auto Body Trade Show Guide are Copyright © 2022 by Thomas Greco Publishing Inc. and may not be reproduced in any manner, either in whole or in part, without written permission from the Publisher.

Education Sponsor

Visit us at Booth #509

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26

7AM: Badge Registration Opens

8AM-9:30AM: What EXACTLY is a Prevailing Rate? (Classroom 3)

Presented by Tim Ronak (AkzoNobel)

The current geopolitical economic pressures have fueled historic inflationary pressures while driving unemployment to record lows. In an environment of scarce labor resources, in the midst of the Great Resignation, how do you create a reimbursement model that permits funding qualified staff in a way that keeps them engaged and employed by YOU? How do you price yourself in a market and avoid any Antitrust complications when updating or engaging in market surveys?

8AM-9:30AM: Complete Understanding of the Economic Total Loss Scheme (Classroom 4)

Presented by Robert McDorman (Auto Claim Specialists)

This presentation will reveal and analyze the differences between supported data and the manipulated unsupported data used by the insurance carriers to carry out the economic total loss scheme in Texas. Additionally, repairers will acquire an understanding of the Right to Appraisal process and how to best implement the strategy into your business, which can detour this systematic scheme used by insurance carriers to realign their liability.

9:45AM-11:15AM: Data Sharing and the Unintended Consequences (Classroom 3)

Presented by Pete Tagliapietra (DATATOUCH LLC)

The mystery of how repair information – correct or not – ends up on public VIN searching sites is becoming a big problem. Pete Tagliapietra discusses the importance of Personal Identification Information (PII) and repair data privacy along with security trends in the collision industry. The discussion includes the impact of data pumps on the industry and on industry stakeholders.

9:45AM-11:15AM: Change the Game! A New Way to Bill More Hours at Better Rates (Classroom 4)

Presented by Richard and Sam Valenzuela (National AutoBody Research)

National AutoBody Research (NABR) principals Richard and Sam Valenzuela will use industry-exclusive data, combined with purposebuilt tools, to enable collision repairers to collect more billable hours at better rates, in a way that they have never been able to do before. Labor rate topics include surveys, inflation, cost of living, cost of doing business, market competition, DRPs, customer pay, labor rate strategy and more. Billable hour topics include what procedures insurers are really paying, where, for how much, what concessions they make, labor rates paid, getting more out of total losses and more.

Seminars Powered By Our 2022 Education Sponsors:

11:30AM-1:30PM: Lunch & Legislation Panel Discussion (Junior Ballroom)

Featuring Texas Legislators, Jacob Smith (ABAT Lobbyist), Ware Wendell (Texas Watch), Pete Tagliapietra (DATATOUCH, LLC), Burl Richards (ABAT President)

A panel of legislators and industry experts will address safety and security-related issues in our industry, the upcoming legislative session and what changes we hope to see here in the Lone Star State.

1PM: TRADE SHOW FLOOR OPENS

3:30-5PM: Tech Shortage Panel (Junior Ballroom)

Featuring Dave Kindig (Bitchin’ Rides), Greg Luther (Helfman Collision), Amber Ritter (Collision Repair Education Foundation), Dave Robinette (I-CAR), Raven Hartkopf (Collin College)

Moderator: Tim Ronak (AkzoNobel)

Industry experts have warned us that a tech shortage was coming for years. Now that we are all seeing the effects first-hand, the need to take action is a requirement for the future of our businesses. Come hear from celebrity, national and local panelists who share your pain and have decided to take action. You will be provided with simple, proven solutions to this major industry issue before we land ourselves in a state of emergency.

5PM-7PM: HAPPY HOUR ON SHOW FLOOR

FREE BEER & APPETIZERS! Make sure to look for the symbol on the floor plan map (see pg. 15)!

8PM: TRADE SHOW CLOSES

8PM: AFTER PARTY AT BAR LOUIE

Located just across the street from the show! 360 Las Colinas Blvd W., Ste. 100 • Irving, TX 75039

MEET DAVE KINDIG

(Discovery TV’s Bitchin’ Rides)

ALL WEEKEND LONG at Booth #723!

Courtesy of Celebrity Sponsor Akzo Nobel

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 27

9AM-10:15AM: Repair Planning Using the DEG and OEM Owners Manuals to Earn the Vehicle Owner’s Trust

(Classroom 3)

Presented by Danny Gredinberg (Database Enhancement Gateway)

Do you have trouble earning customer or bill payer trust in repairing vehicles? Do you have a hard time explaining WHY you have to perform certain operations? DEG Administrator Danny Gredinberg will share the tools to find out WHY critical operations may need to be performed using information from the owner’s manuals and why it may NOT be an included operation.

9AM-10:15AM: Insurer vs. Customer: Who Pays? How to Approach Out-of-Pocket Costs Above Deductibles with Customers

(Classroom 4)

Presented by Logan Payne (Payne and Sons Paint & Body)

Led by local DFW shop manager, Logan Payne, this discussion will include labor rate and part price differences, labor shortages, reputably dealing with insurers…and more. Come learn how to have an awkward conversation when the insurer is unwilling to pay the actual cost of a quality repair and still keep your customer satisfied! The discussion is intended to be an exchange of ideas and experiences, addressing the scenario of what happens when repair costs exceed insurance deductibles, so audience participation is encouraged.

11AM: TRADE SHOW FLOOR OPENS

10AM-11:30AM: Conventional vs. PDR: The Great Debate (Classroom 1)

Presented by Chris White, KECO Products

In this 90-minute session, we invite BOTH PDR and conventional repair technicians to participate in a dynamic presentation about dent repair, followed by an open mic session where all technicians are invited to join the conversation. We will discuss how the two repair methods really aren’t as far apart as they may seem and open up dialog about what it takes to make a proper repair.

10:30AM-11:30AM: Not Your Grandfather’s Estimate: Part Two (Classroom 3)

Presented by Danny Gredinberg (Database Enhancement Gateway)

Join an interactive dive into the new era of repair planning. When dealing with multi-substrate materials and extensive electronics, today’s collision repairer must incorporate the OEM procedural information into every repair plan to protect the consumer and themselves, as well as to ensure the vehicle will function exactly as designed if a second loss occurs. This presentation will guide you through proven processes in repair planning and profitability and will change the way you manage the repair process in the future.

10:30AM-11:30AM: Post-Repair Inspections: The Devil is in The Details (Classroom 4)

Presented by Robert Grieve (Nylund’s Collision Center; SCRS Executive Committee)

Robert Grieve is a champion for safe and proper repairs, and his video series on his “GRIEVEances” has become quite popular nationally. Robert comes to Texas to unpack several case studies of his own post-repair inspections and discuss what we, as an industry, can do to raise the bar of quality and integrity. Rob and his team have been helping guests navigate through the painful process of postrepair inspections since 2013. You will walk away with a much deeper understanding that the “devil really is in the details” when it comes to the products and services that repairers deliver.

10AM-3PM: BIG SHOTS COMPETITION

11AM-3PM: CAR SHOW

3PM-5PM: OE–EV Panel (Junior Ballroom)

Featuring OEM representatives from General Motors, Rivian & more to come! Moderator: Frank Terlep (Auto Techcelerators, LLC)

Join us for a panel discussion about the upcoming technologies and repairabilities of electric vehicles (EVs) in today’s market. You will hear from manufacturers about vehicles that haven’t even hit the streets of Texas yet! Be the first to know what’s coming down the electric pipeline and what you may need to do to keep up with these emerging technologies.

4PM-6PM: HAPPY HOUR ON SHOW FLOOR FREE BEER & APPETIZERS! Make sure to look for the symbol on the floor plan map (see pg. 15!

4:30PM: BIG SHOTS COMPETITION PRIZES GIVEN

6PM: TRADE SHOW CLOSES

WHAT’S THE AVERAGE AGE OF YOUR FACILITY’S STAFF?

Can you afford NOT to be a part of meeting the future of the industry?

The Collision Repair Education Foundation is organizing Transportation Career Fair events in Dallas & Houston in November. Hundreds of high school & technical college students and industry employers are expected to attend. Don’t miss your chance to meet future industry pros. Participate in an upcoming CREF career fair near you!

Opportunities To Participate:

Lead Sponsor: $2,500 (6 available at each location)

Includes corporate logo on sleeve of student tech shirt, table at event & student resume list.

***To BE IncLudEd on sTudEnT shIrTs, sponsorshIps nEEd To BE sEcurEd By 9/30***

Table Sponsor: $1,000

Includes a table at the event to meet students & a copy of the student resume registration list.

Upcoming Dates & Locations

Wednesday, November 9

Kingwood Park High School

4015 Woodland Hills Dr., Kingwood, TX

7:30am-8:30am: Vendor Set Up

8:30am-1pm: Students arriving to meet employers

QUESTIONS, OR READY TO REGISTER?

EMAIL TIffAny.BuLAk@Ed-foundATIon.org

Thursday, November 10

Collin College

2550 Bending Branch Way, Allen, TX

8am-9am: Vendor Set Up 9am-1pm: Students arriving to meet employers

Booth #828

Big Shots

Competition Sponsor

Visit

LIST

BIG SHOTS COMPETITION

PAINTERS: Competing via virtual paint booth & 10 point quiz. Top finalists from Friday & Saturday rounds will continue to FINALS round where they will paint live and top 3 will win prizes. TOP PAINTER wins $1,000 cash, tools and magazine cover photo.

BODY TECHS: Competing via seam sealer replication & plastic repair. Top finalists from Friday & Saturday rounds will continue to FINALS round where they will complete a live weldtop 3 will win prizes. TOP BODY TECH wins $1,000 cash, tools and magazine cover photo.

ESTIMATORS: Competing via estimate writing & 10 point quiz. Estimates will be written at the show on an actual vehicle, not from photos. Estimates will be judged by nationallyrecognized trainers. TOP ESTIMATOR wins $1,000 cash, tools and magazine cover photo.

PDR TECHS: Competing via glue-pull dent removal & 10 point quiz- top 3 will win prizes. TOP GLUE PULL TECH wins $1,000 cash, tools and magazine cover photo.

BIG SHOTS COMPETITION RING

PROFILES IN SUPPORT

AUTO CLAIM SPECIALISTS

At Auto Claim Specialists, utilizing our auto appraisal subsidiary Vehicle Value Experts, we take the time and expense combined with a personal level of attention to effectively determine the true value of the totaled vehicle prior to the accident. In fact, once the correct valuation is established, it is not uncommon for an insurer to reclassify a case from a total loss to a fixable vehicle. This is because the value of the vehicle is the most important input into total loss formulas. Erroneous valuations result in wrongly totaled cars.

The founder of Vehicle Value Experts, Robert McDorman, has been involved in every phase of the car business, from car washing as a teen to owner of multiple auto dealerships in his 20’s, to receiving national recognition as National Quality Dealer of the Year and Certified Master Dealer by his early 40’s. Robert is a loyal supporter of the success of the collision repair industry, serving on the ABAT Board of Directors and contributing monthly insights in Texas Automotive magazine’s “Ask the Expert” column. For more information and to learn how Auto Claim Specialists can assist you, please visit www.autoclaimspecialists.com.

AutoEsolutions

At AutoEsolutions, we specialize in ADAS system calibrations and repair, and Pre and Post Scanning. We also offer an alternative to long wait times at the dealerships for programming, electrical repair, and diagnostics. If you are a collision repair shop in need of outside alternatives to your auto electronic repair services, we can help.

As a mobile company, our team of local auto electronics experts will come to you, at your convenience no need to carve time out of your busy schedule Once at your facility, we will use our specialized equipment and expertise to return todays advanced vehicles back to pre-accident condition and ensure the ADAS systems work properly.

We pride ourselves on attention to detail, and our goal is to provide a professional service and excellent customer service. At AutoEsolutions, we’re committed to providing the services you need, when you need them. We look forward to working with you and your facility!

Please visit us online at www.autoesolutions. com or www.facebook.com/AutoEsolutions.

BEACON EQUIPMENT RESOURCES

Beacon Equipment Resources is the premier full service automotive repair equipment source for Texas and Louisiana. With offices in Austin and Houston, Beacon Equipment can quickly respond to your equipment sales, service and maintenance needs. We represent a complete line of automotive collision equipment including paint booths, inverter spot welders, frame machines, electronic measuring and other body shop equipment. Our lines include Global Finishing Solutions spray booths, Pro Spot spot welders, Chief frame machines and the complete offering from The Collision Equipment Group and their 40 lines of body shop tools.

Automotive service equipment is also available from Beacon Equipment Resources. We are proud to represent Hunter Engineering and Challenger Lifts. Front end alignment machines, alignment racks, tire changers, and wheel balancers are all available from us in partnership with your local Hunter representative. We

carry the entire line of Challenger lifts including two post lifts, 4 post lifts, and more.

Our offering of air compressors include rotary vane, rotary screw, and reciprocating style compressors from Mattei and Champion. RTI supplies our filtering and coalescing filters for humidity, oil, and dirt removal from your lines. We can also offer air lines for your shop in aluminum or cooper.

All of the items we offer are able to be serviced by Beacon Equipment. Our factory trained technicians can diagnose and repair most brands and types of equipment in your shop.

Beacon Equipment’s preventive maintenance department provides both scheduled and one time service on your paint booths and compressors. We perform annual cleaning and inspections as well as monthly or quarterly service for your filters.

Please allow us the opportunity to help grow your business! Visit us online at beacon-equipment.com or call us at 888-737-1997.

THE COLLISION REPAIR EDUCATION FOUNDATION (CREF)

The Collision Repair Education Foundation, founded in 1991, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting collision repair educational programs, schools, and students to create qualified, entry-level employees and connect them with an array of career opportunities. CREF hosts a number of career fairs nationwide to connect high school and technical college students with future employers.

Industry members interested in getting involved and supporting the Collision Repair Education Foundation’s efforts to assist secondary and post-secondary collision repair training programs should contact Brandon Eckenrode, Managing Director, at 312-231-0258 or Brandon.Eckenrode@ed-foundation.org.

For information on how to donate to programs supported by the Education Foundation, visit us online at: www.CollisionEducationFoundation.org.

DENTS.CO

Booth# 805 | https://dents.co

Negotiating fair repair pricing is hard. Doing it remotely through images sent to a call center is next to impossible.

Dents.co was born in the shop environment. As a smaller regional MSO, getting paid competitive repair times was always a challenge. So we began developing the solution; accurate damage area measurement and reporting built into a powerful and accessible app.

Dents.co was founded in 2020 and began fullscale development of what is now the Dents.co app. Our Founder, Jonathan Pyle was inspired to start this company with his vision to create software that reduces friction between stakeholders in the auto body repair industry. Today, we are helping shops just like yours to be paid fairly for the work you do and to document those repairs so there can be no question as to the work needed.

At Dents.co, we understand that shop owners and insurers have difficulty negotiating a fair price for repairs remotely. So we’ve created a mobile app that can help shops and insurers negotiate a price for repairs by quantifying the scope of the damage, allowing work to start quickly and repairs to be done the right way.

We believe safe, correct, profitable repairs are the

only kind of repairs to make. We build the software tools to help you do just that.

Our flagship product is a mobile application that measures and visualizes auto body damage to ease repair time negotiations.

The Dents.co app measures the damage and provides reporting to quantify the damage in a way never before possible. Quantifying the scope of the damage allows negotiations to move more quickly with less friction so that repairs can get started promptly and completed the right way. Visit us online at https://dents. co/ or email contact@dents.co for more information. Come say hello at booth #805!

ECOTECH SYSTEMS

Booth# 828 | Ecotechsystems.net

Specializing in Spray Booth Systems & Service for Over 20 Years

Founded in 1992, EcoTech Systems LLC specializes in spray booth systems for automotive, trucking, industrial and aviation needs.

We proudly represent Accudraft, an industry leader that has been setting the standard in spray booth technology for over 30 years. Made specifically for customers seeking superior equipment and an optimal drying experience, Accudraft paint booths stand above the competition, whether you are looking for automotive and truck paint booth applications, waterborne drying systems or fully customized industrial enclosures.

EcoTech provides turnkey installations, emergency repairs, ongoing service/maintenance plans and tear down and moving services. Our uniformed, factorytrained technicians are all employees with years of experience and know-how.

To serve our customers best, we are fully insured. We also maintain separate specialized install and service crews, which allows us to provide the best spray booth installations and gives us the capacity and skills to provide the best service, repairs and maintenance.

EcoTech is owned by Chris Curran, who started in the automotive collision repair industry in 1985 as an automobile painter. When auto painting shifted to the downdraft spray booth method, Chris saw an unfulfilled need for servicing and maintaining spray booths. A pioneer in the industry in Texas, he started EcoTech to fill this need.

Today, EcoTech has grown to serve auto, truck, aviation and industrial customers in Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana with its experienced, in-house service and installation teams. To learn more about EcoTech and Accudraft, visit ecotechsystems.net, and come say hello at Booth 828!

FINDPIGTAILS.COM

Booth# 509 | Findpigtails.com

FindPigtails.com has over 350,000 connectors at your fingertips-delivered to your doorstep (Free, Same-Day Shipping).

Our website, findpigtails.com, was developed for you to quickly locate the connector you need, now. Complete with our entire online catalog, our pigtails will tell you exactly what functions & what vehicles they can be used for.

With many intuitive ways to search and find what you need, locating your connectors will be the easiest part of your day. Search by Year/Make/Model; keyword;

continued on page 19

PROFILES IN SUPPORT

continued from page 16

VIN number decoding; manufacturer; or number of terminals.

For immediate, need-it-now answers, Live-Chat with us now. Schematics help, technical support, pricing, availability and ordering can all be done in immediate, real-time. You can even live-share your photos so together, we can help you determine what you need. Visit us online at findpigtails.com, and see us in person at Booth 509!

INNOVATIVE COLLISION EQUIPMENT

Booth# 600 | Innovativecollisionequipment.com

Innovative Collision Equipment’s mission is to provide the highest quality auto body repair equipment and supplies at the best prices for automotive repair shops across Texas and Louisiana.

In the 20 years since the start of Paint Works Automotive Paint & Supply, the parent company of Innovative Collision Equipment, we have grown from a small distribution center to a state-of-the-art distribution and training facility. We supply the best brands in the industry including Spanesi, GYS, Kayco, Polyvance, AIM, Innovative Tools and Technologies and more. We are also proud members of the Auto Body Association of Texas!

Visit Innovative Collision Equipment at Booth 600 or check us out online at innovativecollisionequipment.com for a complete inventory of collision equipment and auto body painting tools, or for more information about our training programs and support services

KECO BODY REPAIR PRODUCTS

Booth# 815 | Kecotabs.com

KECO is the pioneer of GPR (Glue Pull Repair) and fueled by your passion for the automotive industry. If your auto body shop is looking for the least invasive repair method, KECO is the company that manufactures, distributes, and trains GPR tools, accessories, and techniques for your team. With over 60 years of manufacturing expertise, unrivaled post-purchase support, and in-house advanced training options, KECO ensures your success and stands by your pursuit of the highest quality repair for your customer.

GPR will enhance your operation and provide you and your technicians with an invaluable skill set. This will enable you to return vehicles to your customers without future risks of corrosion or a potential buy-back scenario due to improper repair.

KECO’s Collision System is the only system designed with Shop Efficiency in mind and the widest range of tools to cover all repair scenarios in your shop, increasing profitability. You can purchase the leading GPR system, as well as other tools, tabs, glue, and accessories directly from KECO at kecotabs.com. If you have any questions or would like a 1-on-1 demonstration of the system, please contact KECO’s customer service and technical support team at 888.532.6822.

Based in Oklahoma City, where their products are proudly designed and distributed, KECO’s domestic operation guarantees fast and effective support. They also have dedicated facilities in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia if you are an auto body

professional abroad. Visit KECO at Booth #815 and try GPR and have all your questions answered about how your shop can implement the least invasive repair method in the collision industry.

Visit KECO online at www.facebook.com/ KECOBodyRepairProducts and www.instagram.com/ kecodentrepair/

PAINT WORKS

Booth# 600 | Paintworkstyler.com

When Chad Neal first arrived in Texas with his simple truck-and-trailer operation, he knew he could make an impact in the region. By acting as a wholesaler and consultant for body shops and collision repair specialists throughout the area, he was able to establish Paint Works as a valuable resource for the local industry. By offering a modern coating and refinishing product line called U-TECH, Paint Works took East Texas by storm. In 1999, Paint Works was the only AkzoNobel, Sikkens, and Lesonal distributor in East Texas, providing the highest quality automotive paint, supplies, and equipment products on the market. To this day, Paint Works has maintained its reputation, setting the standard for the automotive paint supply industry.

Chad Neal continued to support his industry by founding the Auto Body Association of Texas in 2015 to help bring the business community together for educational opportunities, networking, and more. Paint Works serves the auto body and collision repair industry by providing innovative and cutting edge color matching and automotive paint supply. We proudly stock a comprehensive inventory of high quality collision repair solutions and offer industry training to our partners, making us one of the best equipped and best informed shops in the United States.

Paint Works exists because of our customers in East Texas, Southern Arkansas, and Northern Louisiana. As we continue to grow, we are committed to adding industry experience, increased efficiency, and total coverage for body shop and collision repair industry needs. Since our founding, we have been committed to bringing the newest, most innovative technology to our customers. For more information on Paint Works, our quality AkzoNobel, Sikkens, and Lesonal automotive paint products, our consulting services for the collision repair industry, and more, visit us online at paintworkstyler.com. Come say hello to Chad at Booth 600!

PPG

Booth# 607 | www.ppg.com

At PPG, we work every day to develop and deliver the paints, coatings and specialty materials that our customers have trusted for nearly 140 years. Through dedication and creativity, we solve our customers’ biggest challenges, collaborating closely to find the right path forward. With headquarters in Pittsburgh, we operate and innovate in more than 75 countries and reported net sales of $16.8 billion in 2021. We serve customers in construction, consumer products, industrial and transportation markets and aftermarkets.

As we continue to make PPG the best place to work, where we can all thrive, deliver and grow, a consistent leadership model is key to improving retention, engagement and performance. Through The PPG Way to Lead, we will improve the quality of our leadership which will enable higher performance across our businesses. The PPG Way to Lead is another way we will continue to do better today than yesterday – every day. To learn more, visit www.ppg.com, and make sure to come visit us at Texas Auto Body Trade Show Booth 607.

RELIABLE AUTOMOTIVE EQUIPMENT Over 30 Years of Dedicated, Superior Service History!

Founded in 1987, Belford, NJ-based Reliable Automotive Equipment (RAE) has a first class presence in the automotive aftermarket. RAE has demonstrated superior customer service for over 30 years while tailoring its equipment solutions to the ever-changing automotive market. Our business has been built on exceptional employees who consistently offer fast turn around, outstanding service and first-rate training.

Repair technology is ever-increasing. It is our goal to support new technology and provide our customers with the correct resources to repair vehicles consistent with manufacturers’ approved methods and procedures.

To be successful in the 21st century, you need to create a sustainable competitive advantage for both you and your customers. We at RAE have built collaborative relationships with a network of global companies to give you the best of both worlds: World-class product development expertise combined with unrivaled local support.

The result? Outstanding product performance, unsurpassed product quality and most of all, the human touch. So no matter what your equipment needs, RAE is here.

Visit RAE online at raeservice.com.

TASCO AUTO COLOR

Booth# 910 | Tascoautocolor.com

For over 50 years Tasco Auto Color has been setting the standard for distribution of refinish coatings to the auto body repair industry. At TASCO, we believe that a trusting relationship and superior customer service, along with high quality paint and repair products, are the keys to success. Throughout our markets we are proud to be aligned with some of the top performing independent collision centers, multiple shop operations, car dealerships, and national automotive collision centers. The commitment to our customers’ overall success has lead to us fostering the highest customer satisfaction, and retention rate in the country. As a result we were awarded PPG’s Platinum Distributor of the year in 2005 and 2016, and have grown to be PPG’s largest Platinum Distributor in the country. So, whether you need an auto body shop management program, paint, equipment, training, or technical support, we hope to be the one phone call you make for all of your collision repair center needs.

For more information on Tasco Auto Color, please visit tascoautocolor.com or call us at 800-842-7608.

USI OF NORTH AMERICA

Booth# 806 | USIus.com

The USI journey began in the 1970s, and things have really expanded over the years! For over four decades, we’ve been providing our customers’ unrelenting dedication, commitment and pure passion. We are now an international company, as we’ve grown to include three worldwide branches – USI North America, USI Iberia and USI Brazil.

By keeping up with the ever-changing demands of the collision repair industry, and being at the forefront of innovation, we’ve maintained a great deal of success. Quality and customer service are our top priorities, and in remembering those ideals, we’ve kept USI Italia as an undisputed leader in the spray booth market. It is due to our hardworking staff – everyone from our technical expertise, to our specialized workers, designers and engineers, that USI North America is a world-class leader in the collision repair refinish industry.

Visit us at Booth 806, or online at usius.com.

Education

The Blueprint is Right in Front of You.

TOUCH

Electronic Measuring System

The

MULTIBENCH

Spanesi® Touch Electronic Measuring System and Multibench

Structural Repair Workstation are designed to work together seamlessly.

The Multibench allows technicians to drive most vehicles directly onto its low-profile ramps. After the vehicle is disassembled to evaluate the damage, the Touch rolls right up, letting the technicians gather measurement data in no time.

With its 10-ton pulling column, the Multibench also serves as a single-bay repair solution. Finally, technicians use Touch to check structural repairs and ensure proper OEM specifications are achieved.

Structural Repair Workstation

Touch Electronic Measuring System:

Comparative Measurements

Complete Documentation

Mechanical Parts Measurements

Suspension Parts Measurements

User Added Points with Photos

Vehicle Frame and Structural Items

Wheel and Tire Alignment Checks

Multibench Structural Repair Workstation: Loading Capacity 3,175kg (7,000lbs)

Lifting Height 1.45m (4’ 9”)

Lift Time (Ascension) 45 seconds

Pulling Force 10 Tons