Editor’s Message

THANK YOU AND GOODBYE

(973) 600-9288 joel@grecopublishing.com

After 21 years covering the automotive industry on a full-time basis, I have made the difficult decision to move on from my role as editor of Hammer & Dolly.

Way back in 2000, Greco Publishing hired me right out of college, and I was put in charge of running several automotive trade publications. At the time, I was new to the inner workings of the collision repair industry; I couldn’t even change a tire! Thankfully, Tom Greco saw something in me and gave me a shot.

Since I was not an industry expert by any means back then, I figured the easiest way to learn about the auto body world was to focus on its people. Every person I encountered had a story to tell, and I soon discovered that the collision repair industry is comprised of dedicated professionals who deeply care about doing the right thing and protecting their customers. It was inspiring to see so many volunteers taking time away from their businesses to improve the profession.

Since my return to Greco Publishing in 2007 following a three-year stint in Los Angeles, Hammer & Dolly has regularly put me in contact with some of this industry’s greatest leaders and personalities. Listing them all would fill this magazine, but I want to express my appreciation to a few who made this experience so special to me. Mike Anderson was the first person I ever interviewed for this magazine. Talk about being spoiled right out of the gate! Shortly after that initial conversation with Mike, I looked at Tom Greco and said, “This is going to be great!” Mike has been one of my biggest supporters ever since, and I am a better automotive industry journalist – and a better person – for knowing him and learning from his positive spirit and deep love for all things collision repair. When I first came on board, WMABA members Aaron Schulenburg (now executive director of the Society of Collision Repair Specialists) and Barry Dorn were instrumental in providing me with a sense of direction in shaping Hammer & Dolly’s voice; their ideas were inspirational, and their enthusiasm for the industry was contagious. They encouraged me to hit the road and cover the national scene at the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) and other key events, and my relationship with them continued as I covered SCRS, the Database Enhancement Gateway (DEG) and other industry endeavors extending beyond (but still greatly impacting) the WMABA community. The level of time and dedication they have devoted to the WMABA region and beyond can never be overstated.

A few issues into my run as editor, Jordan Hendler joined the team as the association’s new executive director. For the next 14 years, Jordan and I worked together to develop the content for every issue of Hammer & Dolly. Her commitment to WMABA’s ongoing success is matched only by her kindness. Jordan is more than an industry colleague to many of us; she is also our friend.

I’d also like to thank former WMABA Presidents Torchy Chandler, Mark Boudreau, Brad Whiteford and Mark Schaech, Jr. for their contributions to Hammer & Dolly. Special thanks go to fellow Past President Don Beaver, who has written volumes of material for us over the years. I wish current President Steven Krieps (already one of the easiest people I’ve ever worked with) much success moving forward in achieving the association’s goals. I tip my hat to current Board members Bill Hawkins, Rodney Bolton, Kris Burton, Phil Rice and John Shoemaker – all of whom I’ve known for more than a decade – for their time and help at various points during my Hammer & Dolly journey. I also thank original Hammer & Dolly Publisher Sheila Loftus, whose fierce advocacy for repairers set the bar for auto body journalism so many years ago.

Naturally, my 21 years in this industry would not have been possible without my second family at Greco Publishing. Throughout this fast-paced job of mine, Tom Greco remained a man of quiet strength and guidance, always inspiring me to shine and grow through his trust, support and peerless generosity. I’m lucky to have built my career with him. I was also fortunate to have such a fantastic co-worker and sounding board in Alicia Figurelli; her natural ability to find a sense of calm and good humor in tough times set a bar for me that I’ll always strive to reach. It was great fun working with former Art Director Lea Velocci for nearly 20 years, and it’s been a joy working with Alana Bonillo, Joe Greco and Donna Greco in more recent times.

Lastly, I’d like to thank the members of WMABA for welcoming me into your world and giving me the opportunity to be your voice every month. It has truly been an honor.