WMABA’S JOHN SHOEMAKER RECOGNIZED FOR HIS PASSION, DEDICATION AND EXPERTISE

Passionate. Dedicated. Going above and beyond. These are just a few of the characteristics many collision industry folks would use when referring to industry leader and WMABA Board member John Shoemaker (BASF).

It was no surprise that this industry leader was recognized by WMABA as Board Member of the Year during the association’s inaugural award ceremony held during the kickoff celebration of the Southeast Collision Conference (SCC) this past April. (For a full recap of all the winners, be sure to check out grecopublishing. com/hammer-and-dolly-june-2023/.)

WMABA used the opportunity to honor those who give their all to safe and proper repairs and if anyone meets that description, it’s Shoemaker!

His deep knowledge and devotion to helping others succeed have made him a household name in the industry. Whether it’s through his day-to-day work with clients through BASF, his writings or his informative presentations at SEMA, SCC or NORTHEAST®, Shoemaker is a teacher, a guide and a friend to the collision repair world.

“It really was a surprise,” reveals Shoemaker about the award. He has been serving on WMABA’s Board of Directors for the past three years. Just like his commitment to the industry and helping others, he devotes his time because he believes in paying it forward.

“I want to share what I know with people who need to know it,” he relays. “WMABA gives me another avenue in which to do so. It’s a great way to talk with people.”

Shoemaker’s passion for all things automotive started when he was 14 years old working at a body shop in Campbell, California, assisting a body man and painter.

Years later, while serving in the Air Force, he nurtured his skills further by performing vehicle maintenance. Honing this skill set launched him into the next branch of his career. Upon retirement from the Air Force, Shoemaker settled down in Virginia running the body shop at a dealership where he remained for 14 years. During that time, Shoemaker was recognized by Dupont as a top performer, and eventually launched his own consulting company, performing contract work for Dupont and other paint manufacturers. BASF was so impressed with Shoemaker’s work they offered him the opportunity to come on board to work exclusively for them. He’s been serving as BASF’s business development manager for the past eight years and counting.

Shoemaker works directly with BASF’s body shop customers helping them manage their numbers to maximize their profitability. He assists them in developing standard operating procedures and trains their employees in best practices. Estimating is a key factor and he puts a lot of time and focus into training in that area. “We have a business solutions portfolio that focuses on the entire business. It’s not just the paint side; I get involved in all aspects of the business to help them become and stay profitable.

“When I was in the body shop, it was the same thing day in and day out,” he continues.

“Doing what I do now, it’s new every day. I get to help different people with different things; there’s variety in every single day. The ultimate thing for me is knowing that when I leave a business, I helped them be better and that’s pretty satisfying. I get the opportunity to help people do better and BASF gives me the tools to help them do that.”

A sought after speaker, Shoemaker’s recent damage appraisal course has been generating a lot of attention. “Insurers are pushing back on almost anything they can. I’m showing people ways that they can document their steps and get paid for those steps. More importantly, every process that has to be performed on that vehicle must be identified.”

The most satisfying part for Shoemaker is getting feedback from folks who have attended his courses or read his articles letting him know they applied his techniques which brought upon positive results. He’s even had people reach out asking him what his

BY ALANA QUARTUCCIO

Whether lending support as a renowned speaker at events like SCC, NORTHEAST® and SEMA, assisting at association events or providing sage industry advice, 2022 WMABA Board Member of the Year John Shoemaker has been a longtime staple to not only the WMABA community but also the industry as a whole.

next SEMA presentation might look like so they are sure to make their travel plans.

Shoemaker may not be hands-on in shop bays at this stage in his career but he still gets his hands on vehicles. Every Saturday, he and a friend build motors for a local speedway. And because he probably wouldn’t be where he is today if he didn’t love cars, Shoemaker also has a collection of his own, including a hot rod Corvette.

“John is always the first one to step up to the plate whenever we need anything,” explains WMABA Executive Director Jordan Hendler. “He volunteers at every single WMABA event! He brings so many great ideas to the table and carries with him relevant information that is helpful to our membership.”

“I have a strong passion for the industry,” Shoemaker submits humbly, “and I love being able to present that passion in a way that helps people grow their business.” H&D