AASP-MN News January 2020

January 2020

“Power Up Your Leadership” 2020 Annual Meeting and Leadership Conference Announced

PLUS: WE NEED YOU! Board and Committee Volunteers Needed

Your Champion. Your Ally. www.aaspmn.org

AASP-MN News is the official publication of the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers, Minnesota, Inc. 1970 Oakcrest Ave., Suite 102 Roseville, MN 55113 Phone: 612-623-1110 Fax: 612-623-1122 email: aasp@aaspmn.org website: aaspmn.org. To keep its readers better informed, AASP-MN News allows its columnists to fully express their opinions. All views expressed are not necessarily those of the publication. AASP-MN News is published by Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc. 2020 All rights reserved. Cover image www.istockphoto.com.

AASP of Minnesota is an association of independently-owned automotive service businesses and industry suppliers dedicated to improving the state’s automotive service industry and the success of its members.

AASP-MN BOARD MEMBERS 2020 - 2021 PRESIDENT Carl Thomas

CONTENTS Vol. 29 No. 1

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE ..........................................4 An ‘Ah-Ha’ Moment

by Judell Anderson, CAE, AASP-MN Executive Director LEGISLATIVE UPDATE................................................................5 How the Projected State Budget Surplus Keeps Taxes in Check

by Kevin Walli, AASP-MN Lobbyist

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Will Latuff

LOCAL NEWS ............................................................................6

SECRETARY-TREASURER Matthew Feehan

NATIONAL NEWS ......................................................................10

COLLISION DIVISION DIRECTOR Randy Miller

INSURANCE I.Q. ........................................................................12

MECHANICAL DIVISION DIRECTOR Tom Archambault

COMPLETE HEALTH, ENVIRONMENTAL AND

ASSOCIATE DIVISION DIRECTOR Loren Feldkamp

SAFETY SERVICES (C.H.E.S.S.)..................................................14

COLLISION SEAT Jesse Jacobson

DEG ESTIMATING TIPS ..............................................................16

MECHANICAL SEATS Tony Newman Randy Notto, AAM

CASH IN ON YOUR MEMBER BENEFITS! ....................................20

STAFF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Judell Anderson, CAE OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Jodi Pillsbury MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR Tom Kluver PUBLISHED BY: Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc. 244 Chestnut St., Suite 202 Nutley, NJ 07110 PHONE: 973-667-6922 FAX: 973-235-1963 PUBLISHER Thomas Greco | thomas@grecopublishing.com SALES DIRECTOR Alicia Figurelli | alicia@grecopublishing.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Lea Velocci | lea@grecopublishing.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER Lisa M. Cuthbert | lisa@grecopublishing.com EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Joel Gausten | joel@grecopublishing.com EDITORIAL & CREATIVE COORDINATOR Alana Bonillo | alana@grecopublishing.com OFFICE MANAGER Donna Greco | donna@grecopublishing.com

AASP-MN MEMBER BENEFIT PROGRAMS..................................22 UPCOMING EVENTS January 14, 15 & 16, 2020 18th Annual Race for Automotive Education ProKart Indoor Racing 14350 Rosemount Drive Burnsville, MN 55306

April 23, 2020 Annual Meeting & Leadership Conference Delta Hotels by Marriott Minneapolis Northeast 1330 Industrial Blvd.

Minneapolis, MN 55413

June 16, 2020 26th Annual AASP-MN Golf Outing Keller Golf Course 2166 Maplewood Drive Maplewood, MN 55109

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX aaa Parts................................................................15 AmeriPride ............................................................10 AkzoNobel ............................................................21 Axalta......................................................................IFC Buerkle Hyundai..................................................9 Dentsmart ............................................................16 FinishMaster ........................................................14 Inver Grove Honda/Inver Grove Toyota ....8 Jack McClard........................................................17 Keystone ..............................................................17 Maplewood Toyota............................................9 Mills Parts Center ................................................20

AASP-MN News

Morrie’s ................................................................19 Motorwerks BMW ..............................................IBC MPA ........................................................................11 PAM’s Auto ..........................................................4 Proven Force........................................................OBC Reliable Automotive Equipment....................13 Rosedale Chevrolet............................................19 Roseville Chrysler ..............................................20 Straight & Square................................................5 Toyota Group ......................................................18

January 2020 | 3

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

An ‘Ah-Ha’ Moment

by Judell Anderson, CAE, AASP-MN Executive Director

The scene: At the conclusion of a recent advisory meeting in the conference room at the AASP-MN office, a number of members continued to hang out, talking amongst themselves in various small groups.

The observation: Kevin, the Alliance lobbyist, turned to me and said something along the lines of, “Look at this. They’re still here and talking to each other. In most other groups, as soon as the gavel drops, members can’t leave fast enough. I think that speaks to the value they receive from their participation in the association.”

The response: “Wow, you’re right!” I said. “That’s pretty cool.”

The lesson: It’s human nature to take something for granted, and not think about it, when it’s happening every day - or at least on a regular

4 | January 2020

basis. And because that scenario of members really engaging with each other and, in some instances, forming lifelong friendships, has always been the norm at AASP-MN, I had stopped noticing and appreciating it for what it was. Shame on me.

The challenge: With a new year ahead of us, what better time than now to reflect on the little joys and victories that are in front of us each and every day? Let’s make a point to savor them and appreciate them for the good things that they are. That appreciation is sure to make us aware of, and receptive to, creating more situations where those positive things can happen.

The opportunity: There are lots of good things that happen every day at the Alliance. We advocate, we

AASP-MN News

educate, we inform, we share and we facilitate connections that not only improve your business, but also your life.

We don’t take your membership for granted and you shouldn’t, either. Notice, appreciate, join in. We are happy to have you! If you don’t, shame on you.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS:

DECEMBER 2019 AAMCO Transmission, Hopkins O’Keeffe’s Collision, St. Paul Riverside Automotive, Red Wing

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

How the Projected State Budget Surplus Keeps Taxes in Check

by Kevin Walli, AASP-MN Lobbyist

Every year, state officials work with an outside consultant to forecast the flow of state revenues. This work is done every November and February and sets the financial parameters for spending decisions at the Capitol.

Early in December, state officials announced that tax revenues were coming into state coffers ahead of the rate that was budgeted last spring and state spending was slightly less than had been projected.

The result is a projected budget surplus of approximately $1.3 billion for the remainder of this biennium – which runs through June 30, 2021.

The total projected surplus was actually somewhat larger. By law, a portion of surplus funds must flow to the state’s Rainy Day Account. The first $284 million of the projected surplus

has been set aside in that fund. The reserve is now something in excess of $2.3 billion, which will provide a cushion in future cycles when the budget picture is less rosy.

Legislators from both parties and the Governor are all noting the surplus is a byproduct of responsible fiscal decision making in the last session. They are not wrong to pat themselves on the back, but there have always been ups and downs in our budget cycles, and we know from experience that we will inevitably see some downturns.

One very positive result of this type of projected surplus is that there will be virtually no appetite for any kind of tax increase in the coming session. In fact, there will likely be calls for holding back certain taxes. There will also be calls for increased spending on a variety of programs.

This may be a good time for legislators to consider limiting much of their new spending to one-time expenditures, which do not commit the state to long-term financial obligations. Under this approach, you could make capital investments with cash or address programmatic needs that will not have fiscal impacts in the future and those obligations will be met in a limited timeframe without renewed funding.

As the state tax and spending evolves in the 2020 session, we will be looking at any changes which may be of interest to the automotive repair industry. Look for our analysis of this work at the close of the legislative session in late May.

124 Osseo Ave N • St. Cloud, MN 56303

THE GENIUS OF SMART WELDERS!

AASP-MN News

January 2020 | 5

LOCAL NEWS

Happy New Year!

2:00-4:00pm

from the

2:00-4:00pm

AASP-MN Board of Directors & Staff

2:00-4:00pm

We Need You! AASP-MN is looking for automotive industry professionals who are interested in advancing the industry by serving in leadership positions on the Alliance’s Board of Directors and advisory committees. If you have a personal interest or would like to nominate someone to fill one of the board positions, nominations must be received by February 20. To be considered, an individual must be nominated by five or more regular members*. The Nominating Committee may also nominate a person whose name was not submitted by regular members.

If, by March 1, only one person has been nominated to fill the open seat(s) on the Board of Directors, the person so nominated shall be declared to have been elected to the Board without further action. If more than one person has been nominated to fill these positions, the Nominating Committee will prepare an electronic ballot setting forth the names of the persons who have been nominated and will send it to the regular members by March 10.

There are also a number of positions open on the Collision, Mechanical and Associate Advisory Committees, as well as the Government/Regulatory Affairs Committee. If you are interested in serving on any of the committees above, please contact the Nominating Committee Chair Will Latuff (Latuff Brothers Auto Body) at wlatuff@latuffbrothers.com or the Alliance office at aasp@aaspmn.org by February 20. *Note: Only an individual representative of a member which performs collision repair work may be nominated to fill a Collision Division Seat, and only an individual representative of a member which performs auto repair and service work may be nominated to fill a Mechanical Division Seat.

2020 Annual Meeting & Leadership Conference Announced The Alliance is pleased to announce its Annual Meeting and Leadership Conference will be held April 23 at Delta Hotels by Marriott Minneapolis Northeast, 1330 Industrial Blvd.

NE, Minneapolis. The event, with the theme “Power Up Your Leadership,” offers a line-up of seminars that are tailor-made for auto service and collision repair shop owners and managers and presented by some of the industry’s top trainers.

In addition to the impressive agenda of educational programming, there will be ample opportunity for attendees to network and socialize with their peers and industry vendors as they showcase new products and services during happy hour.

Here’s what’s in store: 8:00-9:30am

Opening General Session: Leadership Redefined: Ownership, Engagement, Results Meridith Elliott Powell, MotionFirst 9:45-11:30am ADAS Panel Discussion & Roundtables 11:30am-1:30pm Luncheon Keynote: Make Accountability Your Competitive Edge™ Sam Silverstein, Sam Silverstein Enterprises

6 | January 2020

4:00-6:00pm

How to Use the Storybrand Framework to Clarify Your Message Kim Walker, Shop Marketing Pros Prove it! File Documentation for Profit Kristen Felder, Collision Hub Top 8 Front Counter Mistakes & How to Avoid Them Rick White, 180Biz Vendors Showcase, Social Hour & Grand Prize Drawings

Meet this year’s Leadership Conference speakers: Meridith Elliott Powell is a business growth expert. She will kick off the 2020 conference with “Leadership Redefined: Ownership, Engagement, Results.”

She is an award-winning author, keynote speaker and business strategist. With a background in corporate leadership and sales, her career expands over several industries including banking, healthcare and finance. She is a Master Certified Strategist, Executive Coach and Certified Speaking Professional, a designation held by less than 12 percent of professional speakers. In addition, Meridith is an invitation-only author for LinkedIn, having published more than six courses on their prestigious education networks.

Meridith is regularly featured in publications such as Forbes, Fast Company, Inc., Investment News and American Banker among others. Highly energetic and highly interactive, Meridith helps leaders and business owners learn the new rules of success today and the strategies they need to thrive in uncertainty. In her highly engaging keynote speaking sessions, she shows her audiences how to attract more business, retain top talent and leap into a position to win in this new economy.

Sam Silverstein’s mission is to empower people to live accountable lives, transform the way they do business and to thrive at extraordinary levels. He will present the luncheon keynote, “Make Accountability Your Competitive Edge.”

As a former executive and owner, Sam’s manufacturing and distribution companies sold over $100 million in products and services. He successfully sold one of his businesses to a Fortune 500 company. Today, he writes, speaks and consults with organizations around the globe to think differently, work with renewed purpose and achieve record-breaking results.

As a keynote speaker, Sam challenges audiences to discover and reach their best selves. He helps leaders build accountability throughout their organization. Sam works with entrepreneurs, multi-national companies, corporations and government agencies to drive increased engagement and productivity.

Global Gurus recently announced Sam Silverstein as one of the World’s Top 30 Organizational Culture Professionals.

The author of seven books, Sam is the founder of The Accountability Movement™, an organization focused on building powerful communities filled with like-minded people who know and live their values and honor their commitments. To that end, Sam hosts Accountability Roundtables™ to address and break through the barriers that restrict organizations and communities from living an accountable culture.

AASP-MN News

Kim Walker and her husband are former shop owners and automotive industry veterans. She will present “How to Use the Storyboard Framework to Clarify Your Message.”

After working for other companies for several years, the couple decided to utilize their combined skills and opened Peak Automotive, LLC in 2002.

Kim’s primary role in the business was as its sales and marketing representative. She quickly became an early adopter of email marketing, eventually becoming a Constant Contact Business Partner.

In 2007, an extended road construction project forced the couple to shut down Peak Automotive, so they moved back to their home state of Louisiana, where Kim became the associate director of the Louisiana Children’s Discovery Center.

In 2011, Kim and her husband opened 5 Stones Media, a web design company. As the business grew, people were added, as well as additional services. Before long, the web design company grew into a full-service marketing agency and in 2019 Shop Marketing Pros was created as a division of 5 Stones Media, which brought Kim and her husband full circle back to the automotive industry that they love.

Kristen Felder is the CEO of Collision Hub. She will present “Prove It! File Documentation for Profit.”

She is an industry recognized leader with a lifetime of experience in the collision repair and insurance industries. Kristen grew up in the family body shop performing repairs, painting and managing the shop before her senior year of high school.

She graduated with honors from Arkansas State University with a B.S. in public relations and immediately accepted a position with State Farm Insurance Companies, beginning a 14-year career in the insurance industry.

Over the years, she has been the recipient of many awards, including the 2011 Society of Collision Repair Specialist Industry Service Award, 2011 Finalist Car Care Council’s Woman of the Year Award, 2010 Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) Impact Award-Top Four Executives Under Forty and the 2007 AkzoNobel Most Influential Women Award (the only insurance employee ever selected).

Born with a paint gun in her hand and marketing in her soul, Kristen is changing the collision repair industry one story at a time.

Rick White has been working in the automotive-related and coaching industries for greater than 30 years and is an AMI-approved training instructor. He will present “Top 8 Front Counter Mistakes and How to Avoid Them.”

He brings to the table a career’s worth of technical and management experience, which includes owning and managing several successful automotive repair shops.

Currently, Rick is founder and lead coach for 180BIZ, a training and business coaching company proudly serving the independent auto and truck repair owner since 2006. Rick is acknowledged as an industry expert and has been featured in many automotive trade publications such as AutoInc., MotorAge, Parts & People, Auto Report, Automotivation, Ratchet & Wrench and Success Magazine.

Sponsorships Support AASP-MN’s Educational Programs & Other Activities in 2020 Sponsorships are now available for the 2020 AASP-MN Annual Meeting & Leadership Conference on April 23 at Delta Hotels by Marriott Minneapolis Northeast and for other events throughout the year. Sponsorships help the Alliance deliver quality programs and keep registration fees affordable.

Sponsors are rewarded by increased visibility and recognition within the Alliance membership and industry at-large.

It’s a great way to stand out, expand marketing dollars and connect with the best shops in the industry.

To date, the following companies have made sponsorship commitments: Platinum Sponsors LKQ Minnesota Lube-Tech & Partners Gold Sponsors Auto Value Parts Stores/APH Axalta Coating Systems Finishmaster PPG Automotive Finishes Silver Sponsors aaa Auto Parts

Enterprise Rent-A-Car O’Reilly Auto Parts PAM’s Auto, Inc. Sherwin-Williams Suburban Chevrolet Bronze Sponsor C.H.E.S.S. Other Sponsors 1 Collision Network

If you are interested in sponsoring any events in 2020, sponsorship information can be found on the Alliance’s website, aaspmn.org, or by calling the office at (612) 623-1110.

Industry Help Sought For 2020 SkillsUSA Competition The Alliance is facilitating the automotive-related events at the upcoming SkillsUSA Competition on Saturday, April 4.

High school and technical college students from around the state will be on hand to demonstrate their skills in automotive service and collision repair.

Industry leaders play a vital role in the SkillsUSA program. You can help by doing any of the following: • Providing general guidance and help with automotiverelated contests during the event • Volunteering to judge the contests • Encouraging high schools and community colleges in your area to get involved with the SkillsUSA contest • Promoting the event within the industry – and community!

The benefits you’ll receive for your involvement include: • Satisfaction of being able to provide assistance and encouragement to the next generation of automotive technicians • Increased exposure to potential employees for your shop • An expanded network of personal business contacts If you are interested in helping out, please contact Judell Anderson at (612) 623-1110.

Minnesota Careers in Auto Repair & Service (MNCARS) MNCARS is a nonprofit organization established in 2016 by AASP-MN. Its sole purpose is to promote careers in the automotive industry, recruit young people into the state's college-level automotive service and collision repair programs and, ultimately, into industry workplaces.

Take advantage of the resources in the MotorMouth toolbox! Get out and get active in your local community to promote industry careers!

continued on page 8

AASP-MN News

January 2020 | 7

LOCAL NEWS continued from page 7 2020 Membership Dues Are Due! Annual membership renewals were mailed in December.

By now, all AASP-MN members have received at least two membership renewal notices. If you have not paid your 2020 membership dues, PLEASE do so today.

Your timely payment will save the Alliance additional costs and time incurred with re-billing and other collection efforts. We’d much rather be dedicating those resources to programs and initiatives to improve the automotive service industry – and your business. Thank you!

Lights On! Is Connecting Auto Shops and Police to Make a Difference Over 50 auto shops in the Twin Cities, Rochester and Duluth are already a part of the rapidly growing Lights On! program. Working together with local police, sheriffs and the Minnesota State Patrol, these shops are making a difference in their communities by helping drivers with burned out headlights, taillights or turn signals. For many people, a simple bulb replacement can be a significant financial burden, especially if it results in an expensive ticket or an accident.

Lights On! gives auto shops the opportunity to create community goodwill by giving back to their neighbors.

According to Bobby & Steve’s Auto World Co-Owner Jeff Bahe, “I believe when we do great things, great things come back to us. I really do believe this program has greatly increased business. We do it more because we want to help

8 | January 2020

people, but at the end of the day we do want to pay our bills and succeed.”

Auto centers must be willing to forgo profits for the cause, but they will not lose money, as Lights On! pays auto centers for the labor and parts required to fix the light - even for the expensive bulbs and problems beyond the bulb.

Auto centers have also found that many drivers who come in to redeem their Lights On! vouchers become repeat customers.

Through the Lights On! program, which is operated by the Minneapolis-based nonprofit MicroGrants, instead of giving out warnings and tickets for light infractions, law enforcement officers give out vouchers for a free bulb replacement. Drivers then bring the vouchers to participating auto shops and MicroGrants is billed for their costs. Throughout the past two years, bulbs have been replaced in over 1,200 cars. In 2020, with the MN State Patrol, Lights On! will expand to cover all of Minnesota and, in order to make this work, the program needs more auto shops across the state to come on board.

“I think it’s a great program and auto centers should get involved with it,” says Bahe.

If you want to bring Lights On! to your community and are interested in being a part of this program’s great work in Minnesota, contact Lightson@microgrants.net or go to lightsonus.org/autocenterpartners for more information.

AASP-MN News

AASP-MN News

January 2020 | 9

NATIONAL NEWS

www.langmarketing.com Domestic Nameplates Dominate DIY Domestic nameplate vehicles hold a dominant share of Do-It-Yourself (DIY) product volume, despite their declining product strength across the overall aftermarket. Domestic nameplates account for a 50 percent larger product share of the DIY sector than they represent of the light vehicle Do-It-For-Me (DIFM) market.

Domestic nameplate cars and light trucks generated over 75 percent of 2018 DIY Replacement Parts volume, stronger than their DIY share across all other products. Although foreign nameplates are surging in car and light truck product sales, they represent less than 27 percent of the DIY product share in the U.S. Quick Service Drives Dealer DIFM Surge In the wake of shuttering more than 45,000 service bays across the U.S. between 2008 and 2013, vehicle dealers have repositioned themselves in the DoIt-For-Me (DIFM) market, with many

using innovative strategies centered on quick service.

As service bays generate a large portion of their profits, many dealers are making their bays more convenient and price competitive with the aim of attracting an expanding range of vehicle age groups and nameplates.

Six Major Takeaways: • Quick Service occupies a key role in the aggressive strategies adopted by many dealers aimed at attracting to their bays a broader mix of vehicle age groups and nameplates.

• While many variations of the Quick Service strategies are being applied by dealers, the goal is the same: Provide consumers with convenient, fast and economical vehicle repair and maintenance.

• The focus of Quick Service operations is to divide vehicle repairs into two major groups: Repairs that can be completed within a relatively short time and complex repairs that require more time.

• Dealer Quick Service strategies have five major characteristics: 1. Menu of services

2.

3.

4.

5.

No appointment required Expanded service hours Competitive pricing Appeal to all vehicle nameplates and years

• Quick Service not only helps to increase dealer bay traffic, it also leads to add-on repairs once the vehicles are in dealer bays. Quick Service also is an added benefit that dealers use to promote used vehicle sales.

• Independent (non-dealer) outlets should be aware of the Dealer Quick Service growth across the country and how this is changing the competitive landscape, particularly in terms of older and mixed nameplate vehicles, which are the core business of independent service (DIFM) outlets.

Young Americans Shun Driving The unprecedented share of teenagers without a driver’s license is slowing the rate of licensed driver growth across the U.S. The number of licensed drivers in the U.S. increased much more slowly over the past five years than it did between 2000 and 2013. This trend has longterm implications for vehicle use and, therefore, aftermarket volume.

Six Major Takeaways: • Approximately one-third of U.S. teenagers today do not have a driver’s license, more than double the share in 1985.

• Although Americans have long had a love affair with their automobiles, this special relationship could be changing, particularly among young Americans. The two strongest factors shaping the attitudes of young Americans toward vehicle use are environmental concerns and social media.

• Over 40 percent of Americans 18 to 30 years old believe that reduced vehicle use would help improve the environment. This is important to environmental preservation (avoiding climate change), which is among the top three values held by young Americans today.

• Social media has caused many Americans 30 years and younger to regard traveling to see friends as unnecessary, since they can interact act with them through social media from virtually any location. continued on page 15

10 | January 2020

AASP-MN News

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AASP-MN News

COMPLETE HEALTH, ENVIRONMENTAL AND SAFETY SERVICES (C.H.E.S.S.)

A Bad Mix On November 7, 2019, a 32-year old restaurant manager died. The cause? Chlorine gas. It’s a good thing nothing like that can happen in your shop, right? Wrong.

The restaurant manager’s death made national news because a death from chlorine at a Buffalo Wild Wings is unusual. But when we look at what actually happened, the tragedy was predictable.

The restaurant used an eight to 10 percent bleach solution to sanitize the floors. The strong bleach solutions you can buy at your local grocery store are likely to be about eight percent bleach. Bleach is corrosive, but that isn’t what killed the manager.

A container of a product used to remove scale and lime deposits evidently spilled when the floor was being sanitized. That product was 50 percent water, about 25 percent phosphoric acid (the same acid used in toilet bowl cleaners) and about 25 percent nitric acid.

When you combine a strong acid with bleach, chlorine gas is created. Your lungs don’t fare well from an assault like that.

Do you use any strong acids in your shop? Wheel brightener, perhaps? Battery acid? Do you have any strong alkalis, such as Blue Max cleaner or Mono White degreaser, often used as a floor cleaner? Cleaning agents such as bleach?

It isn’t hard to tell what chemicals are corrosive. They’ll have the red-bordered corrosive symbol. If the package was

14 | January 2020

large enough to ship by itself (such as a 55-gallon drum), it’ll have the black and white corrosive placard. The two labels are very similar: Both show a dissolving block of metal and a dissolving thumb.

Corrosives have some key characteristics in common.

They can cause permanent eye damage, tissue damage or can dissolve metals. But they aren’t interchangeable chemicals. Some corrosives are strong acids. Others may be alka-

line or caustic. Still others may be neutral but still able to cause permanent eye damage.

How do you know what’s a strong acid or a strong base?

Go to section nine of the product’s safety data sheet and look for the pH. pH measures acidity or alkalinity on a scale from zero to 14. Acids have low pHs, around zero to two. Alkalis have pHs above 12. Seven is neutral. Confused? Section seven of the SDS, Safe Handling and Storage, will advise on what materials to avoid.

Wheel brightener and battery acid are very strong acids, with a pH of one or less. Blue Max cleaner is alkaline, with a pH above 13. Water-based degreasers are likely to be strong alkalis. Solvent-based degreasers are neutral.

The best way to ensure you don’t have a mix-up such as the one that killed the restaurant manager: Don’t have incompatible chemicals. That’s easier for an automotive repair shop than it is for a restaurant, because the sanitizing agents used in food service are usually very strong.

But what if you’re convinced that nothing will make wheels look better than an acid wheel brightener? Go look at how you’re storing and using that product. Is anything else with the corrosive symbol stored near it? If containers leak or are spilled, what could happen? Don’t store incompatible materials together. Don’t store one on top of the other – you don’t want a leak to drip onto an incompatible product.

Look at how people are using the corrosive chemicals.

Do they know to use them only according to the manufacturer’s directions? Do they know the dangers of mixing?

Even experienced detailers may not know the dangers of mixing. There are plenty of stories of cleaners mixing product A and product B because “there’s only a little of this left in the bottle” or “if product A cleans okay and product B cleans okay, then product A mixed with product B will clean even better.” Those naïve actions are dangerous.

Make sure products are clearly labeled with the product name and hazard warning. We’ve seen alkaline materials labeled “degreaser.” Mineral spirits is a degreaser – but it won’t cause a violent reaction when mixed with an acid. If employees don’t know the product name, they can’t read the precautions on the original product label and they can’t look up more information about it.

Two weeks after the Buffalo Wild Wings manager died, a

AASP-MN News

NATIONAL NEWS continued from page 10

• The combination of environmental concerns, social media and other cultural factors is reducing the interest in driving for many young Americans and increasing the percentage of teenagers in the U.S. without a driver’s license.

• As a result of the changing attitudes of many younger Americans, transportation could evolve from vehicle ownership to mobility as a service (MaaS). Vehicle sharing could change how Americans use and own vehicles and alter the design of vehicles. All this would have massive implications for the aftermarket.

Red Robin restaurant, only four miles from that Buffalo Wild Wings, was evacuated when an employee mixed two cleaning chemicals. Three people were brought to the hospital.

This one wasn’t so bad – no one died. Again, it was preventable.

What’s Wrong With This Picture?

ANSWER: It shows bleach stored next to a strong acid. They are not the same products involved in the Buffalo Wild Wings fatality, but similar. They should not be stored together.

15 | January 2020

AASP-MN News

ESTIMATING TIPS •

All Three Systems: Transparent Basecoat Colors to Achieve Coverage – The DEG has made a quick reference chart showing included and not included operations for transparent colors to achieve hiding situations. https://degweb.org/ wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Quick-reference-transpareny-color-basecoat.xlsx.

•

•

All Three Systems: Emblem Adhesive Templates – Repairers may see scenarios where an “Adhesive Templates” option may be available to reuse existing emblems, nameplates and badges.

When this option is available (typically from a third-party supplier), the labor and material associated to prepare the existing part for reuse is NOT INCLUDED in the emblem, nameplate, badge labor time per the estimating system.

You may see this component come up as an A/M part when selecting a replacement nameplate, emblem or badge. This is typically serviced as an adhesive backing only that has been precut to mimick the original orientation to reuse the old badge, nameplate and emblem.

Considerations to reuse an existing part can include the following: • Cost of replacement template • Removal of adhesive from individual lettering/nameplate • Applying template onto existing nameplate, badge or emblem • Trimming any excess material • Cost of any solutions, adhesion promoters, razor blades

Any additional repair required for component to be reused Measure, mark and align individual letters for correct spacing Some OEMs list nameplates and emblems as one-time use; refer to appropriate repair manual.

CCC: Included/Not Included Headliner Update – In November, CCC/MOTORS updated the “HEADLINER” section of the Guide to Estimating P Pages specifically calling out “Interior lower moldings/trim” and “weatherstrip r/i” being NOT INCLUDED. Scenarios where this would apply are when the lower trims overlap the upper trims touching the headliner. Additionally, some surround weather strips around door openings may be overlapped with additional trims to gain access to the upper trims touching the headliner. This would be NOT INCLUDED as per the GTE. Lastly, H notes/footnotes of specific operations would take precedence over the GTE pages.

CCC: Filling Additional Fluids in Cooling System – Some radiators/condensers have built-in cooling systems for transmissions and power steering systems.

Labor to replace these cooling units (radiators/condensers) does not include any additional labor that may be needed to fill additional fluids (transmission/power steering/oils) when being R/I or R/R. Fluid cost is NOT INCLUDED in CCC labor values.

Note: The estimating databases are all intended to be used as a GUIDE ONLY - it is important to remember that the auto body professional performing the repair is in a position to thoroughly inspect, diagnose and identify the methodology and their unique cost of the vehicle damage repair. You can view these tips and others on the DEG website, DEGWEB.ORG.

16 | January 2020

AASP-MN News

AASP-MN News

January 2020 | 17

WHY GENUINE PARTS? It’s the Right Thing to Do

You lose money when aftermarket parts don’t fit. Toyota Dealers are your best source for Genuine Toyota Parts. All it takes is one call.

For Toyota Genuine Parts please call one of these authorized local Toyota Dealers: Inver Grove Toyota 1037 Highway 110 Inver Grove Heights, MN PH: 651-306-4630 FAX: 654-457-8705 www.invergrovetoyota.com

Rochester Toyota 4365 Canal Place SE Rochester, MN 55904 PH: 507-424-2956 FAX: 507-424-0301 parts@rochestertoyota.com

Burnsville Toyota 14730 Buck Hill Road Burnsville, MN 55306 800-448-5912 PH: 952-435-8401 FAX: 952-435-8515

parts@invergrovetoyota.com

Maplewood Toyota 2873 Highway 61 Maplewood, MN 55109 PH: 651-490-2648 FAX: 651-490-2652 TOLL FREE: 877-574-0667 parts@maplewoodtoyota.com

ToyotaPartsAndService.com 18 | January 2020

AASP-MN News

We carry a large inventory of Medium Duty truck parts.

• • • •

800-247-0585 651-639-2120 PARTS DIRECT:

Your Minnesota GM Wholesale Collision Parts Headquarters

Huge Inventory Competitive Discount Pricing Free Shipping on All Collision Parts Free Metro Delivery

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PARTS HOURS: Monday-Thursday: Friday: Saturday:

7:00am-8:00pm 7:00am-6:00pm 8:00am-4:30pm

www.rosedalechev.com email: cody@rosedalechev.com

2845 Hwy 35W North Located at I-35W & County Road C Roseville, MN

AASP-MN News

January 2020 | 19

CASH IN ON YOUR MEMBER BENEFITS!

AASP National Benefits Available to AASP-MN Members Did you know that by being a member of AASP-MN you have access to many other AASP National benefits?

Check them out here!

Website and Internet Marketing Solutions Autoshop Solutions, the leader in internet marketing for the automotive aftermarket, has developed and launched the most cutting-edge marketing platform for auto shops. RPM is an all-in-one program that bundles your website, pay-per-click, search engine optimization, social media and much more! By using every marketing tool in the toolbox, you’re guaranteed to have a stronger online presence that brings more cars to your bays. With five levels of “Really Powerful Marketing” to match your budget, goals and competition, RPM is built to drive your shop forward.

For more information, contact Tony Mercury at (919) 267-1731 or

20 | January 2020

888-991-3449 or email tony@autoshopsolutions.com.

Information Providers IDENTIFIX offers AASP members discounted prices on the industry’s number one technical repair information subscription, Direct Hit. For more information, contact customer service at 800-288-6210.

Mitchell International offers AASP members a 15 percent discount on any Mitchell RepairCenter™TechAdvisor package. Visit repaircenter.mitchell. com/Catalog/OEMRepair.aspx or call customer service at 800-238-9111 for more information.

Mitchell1 offers AASP members significant discounts on the ProDemand, Manager SE and Teamworks products. For more information, contact customer service at 888-724-6742, ext. 6986.

AASP-MN News

Business Coaching 180BIZ offers members a 20 percent discount on one-on-one sales and management coaching programs (covering financial planning and analysis, strategic marketing, leadership and personnel development) without longterm commitments. Members also receive a 25 percent discount on monthly sales and management webinars, as well as a 20 percent discount on all 180BIZ advisor training programs.

For more information, call (540) 8332014 or visit 180biz.com.

Online Education Portal AASP members have access to free webinars designed to enhance management skills and help their business thrive. Visit elearning.autoserviceproviders.com to check it out.

For more information about any of the AASP National programs above, contact the AASP-MN office at (612) 623-1110 or aasp@aaspmn.org.

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AASP-MN News

January 2020 | 21

AASP-MN MEMBER BENEFIT PROGRAMS PROPERTY/LIABILITY AND WORKERS’ COMP INSURANCE CBIZ AIA Contact: Brad Schmid 763-549-2247 / bschmid@cbizaia.com CBIZ AIA and United Fire Group (UFG) have created a program for members that includes a special premium discount, exclusive coverage and potential safety group dividend. CBIZ AIA can present quotes from multiple carriers and, as an added bonus, offer members an exclusive 10% discount on their property/liability insurance premiums.

WEBSITE AND INTERNET MARKETING SOLUTIONS Autoshop Solutions Contact: Tony Mercury 919-267-1731 / tony@autoshopsolutions.com Autoshop Solutions has developed the most cutting-edge marketing platform for AASP members. Really Powerful Marketing (RPM) is an all-in-one program that bundles your website, pay-per-click, search engine optimization, social media, and much more!

With five levels of RPM to match your budget, goals, and competition, it’s built to drive your shop forward!

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS Business Planning Professionals Contact: Dennis Begley 612-308-6577 / dennis@begley-group.com Business Planning Professionals will provide AASP-MN members with quotes from multiple carriers for life insurance, health insurance, long-term care and disability insurance.

Net Driven Contact: Rich Mullen 877-860-2005, ext. 224 / rmullen@netdriven.com Net Driven is a market leader in website and internet marketing solutions designed exclusively for the automotive industry.

AASP-MN members who choose Net Driven are eligible for a $500 discount off their 1st year setup fees.

UNIFORM & LINEN SUPPLIES AmeriPride Services Contact: Joel Hogstad 612-362-0318 / Joel.Hogstad@ameripride.com Discounted pricing to members on rental of uniforms, entrance mats, shop rags, etc.

Purchases are also discounted. Members receive annual rebate equal to 10% of their business with AmeriPride each year.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION HOTLINE IDENTIFIX 800-288-6220 Members enjoy discounted prices on the industry’s #1 technical information hotline, Direct-Hit.

INFORMATION PROVIDERS Mitchell1 CREDIT CARD PROCESSING Contact: Mitchell1 Representative 888-724-6742 x 6986 Association BankCard Services Mitchell1 offers AASP members special Contact: Mac Hardin savings on Mitchell 1’s ProDemand, 952-933-2026 / Manager SE & Teamworks products. For mach@retailfinancialservices.biz Competitive rates for AASP-MN members. more information, contact Customer Terminals and printers sold at cost. Monthly Service at 888-724-6742, ext. 6986. rental of equipment is also available.

Mitchell International Contact: Mitchell International Representative LEGAL CONSULTATION Fryberger, Buchanan, Smith & Frederick 800-238-9111 800-496-6789 AASP members receive a 15% discount on Members receive free, over-the-phone any Mitchell RepairCenter TechAdvisor legal assessment and consultation (some package. Visit repaircenter.mitchell.com/ restrictions apply) with an attorney who Catalog/OEMRepair.aspx for more specializes in the area of law that is the information. subject of the call.

22 | January 2020

AASP-MN News

AUTO EMPLOYEE ASSESSMENT Assessment Associates International Contact: Nate Page 952-854-6551 / nate@aai-assessment.com Designed to help facilitate and enhance hiring decisions. AASP-MN members receive 50% off retail price, starting as low as $15 per assessment.

BUSINESS FORMS/CALENDARS AASP-MN Contact: Jodi Pillsbury 612-623-1110 / jodi@aaspmn.org Discounted rates on printed business forms and calendars.

CHECK GUARANTEE SERVICES Certegy Check Services 877-520-2987 Discount rate of .75% to AASP-MN members. Use existing credit card terminal.

Fast claim payments.

SAFETY COMPLIANCE Complete, Health, Environmental & Safety Services, Inc. (CHESS) Contact: Carol Keyes 651-481-9787 / carkey@chess-safety.com AASP-MN members receive a 20% discount on Safety Data Sheet Management (SDSLinks), Right to Know(RTK)/Hazard Communication program customized for your facility and monthly safety reminders, and other safety, OSHA or environmental assistance.

PAYROLL PROCESSING CBIZ Payroll Contact: Carrie Hobrough 612-436-4620 / chobrough@cbiz.com Members receive 20% discount off standard payroll products and services (excluding 401k).

BUSINESS COACHING 180BIZ 540-833-2014 / info@180biz.com Members receive a 20% discount on oneon-one sales and management coaching programs (covering financial planning & analysis, strategic marketing, leadership and personnel development) without longterm commitments. Members also receive a 20% discount on monthly sales & management webinars as well as a 20% discount on all 180BIZ advisor training programs.

TRUTH IS THE MOST IMPORTANT REPLACEMENT PART. Your customers’ confidence is priceless. Original BMW Parts are identical to Series production parts and just as reliable. Choose the parts you can trust. Choose Original BMW Parts. · · · · ·

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Motorwerks BMW 1300 West American Blvd., Bloomington, MN 55420 Wholesale Parts Hotline: 1-888-204-2700 24-Hour Parts Fax: 612-884-6065 Wholesale Email: epeterson@penskeautomotive.com Hours: Mon - Fri 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Sat 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. ©2020 BMW of North America, LLC. The BMW name, model names and logo are registered trademarks.

AASP-MN News

January 2020 | 23