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BY ALANA QUARTUCCIO
COLLISION INDUSTRY CONFERENCE (CIC): NOVEMBER 5
RECEPTION TO FOLLOW @ 6PM CIC is where you’ll traverse the auto body world’s most pressing topics with industry leaders around the country, offering in-depth education and insights into the national collision repair scene. LOCATED AT THE WESTGATE LAS VEGAS RESORT & CASINO (For info, visit ciclink.com.)
MESSAGE PRESIDENT’S
IT’S NOT JUST A JOB; IT’S A FAMILY
I hope this issue finds you at SEMA in Vegas for industry events. I had an opportunity to attend Automechanika in Frankfurt, Germany a few weeks ago. It is said to be the largest automotive show in the world. To say I was in awe would be selling it short. It was a true gathering of our industry worldwide. There were many takeaways from the show.
There were a vast number of companies that we never see here in the US, selling all types of equipment and tooling. In some ways, we are ahead, while other ways showcase how behind we are. We have access to a multitude of resources that many other countries do not.
One of the coolest things we were able to do was visit a couple of area collision repair centers. Something that jumped out at me was how shops there are mostly specialized in certain OEMs. There’s more of a focus on specialization, which, in my mind, shows that technology is pushing us in this direction. It also shows the transition of the market as it moves away from trying to fix all makes and models. Over the next few years, I believe we will continue to see shops focus on their niche and get really good at a few OEs.
For those of you not attending events like SEMA or Automechanika, I strongly encourage you to participate in every local and national opportunity you can. The insights into incoming technology, specialization, tooling and equipment
WMABA OFFICERS
PRESIDENT Kris Burton kris@rosslynautobody.com - 703-820-1800
VICE PRESIDENT Phil Rice phil@ricewoods.com - 540-846-6617
TREASURER John Shoemaker john.a.shoemaker@basf.com - 248-763-4375
SECRETARY Barry Dorn bdorn@dornsbodyandpaint.com - 804-746-3928
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Steven Krieps steve@gregclineauto.com 304-755-1146
Jordan Hendler (jordanhendler@wmaba.com) 804-789-9649
WMABA CORPORATE OFFICE
P.O. Box 3157 • Mechanicsville, VA 23116
advancements – and even networking opportunities – will change your perception of how you see your business. Especially, into the future.
If you’re attending SEMA, come find me! I’ll be attending the Repairer Driven Education classes put on by the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS), going to the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) and hanging out at the SCRS booth in the South Hall of the SEMA Show.
Other fun things happening during SEMA week are the Collision Industry Red Carpet Awards. Think “Hall of Fame” for collision repair. It’s a really great time on Tuesday night! Then, Thursday night, we all get together for the SCRS After Party in the Sky Villa at the Westgate Hotel. This party is not just a fun hangout; it’s a family reunion where many of our industry brothers and sisters let their hair down and enjoy being a part of our special community.
Collision repair isn’t just a job; it’s a family. How my relationships have grown with those I’m serving with – to make our industry better – is one of the most important aspects of why I do it. I want to help make our industry better, but it’s never something I can do alone. We all pull together, and because we do, all of the great accomplishments are shared, not just by those who have their hand to the plow, but by all! H&D
HAMMER & DOLLY STAFF
PUBLISHER Thomas Greco thomas@grecopublishing.com
SALES DIRECTOR Alicia Figurelli alicia@grecopublishing.com
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Alana Quartuccio alana@grecopublishing.com
SENIOR CONTRIBUTING Chasidy Rae Sisk EDITOR chasidy@grecopublishing.com
Tracy Dombrowski (tracy@collisionadvice.com) 571-458-0648 Bill Hawkins (hawkinswilliamjr@gmail.com) 510-915-2283
OFFICE MANAGER Donna Greco donna@grecopublishing.com
PRODUCTION Joe Greco
COORDINATOR joe@grecopublishing.com
www.grecopublishing.com @grecopublishing
MESSAGE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S
GOD KNOWS, I WISH YOU WERE HERE!
If I were betting on the blackjack table, I’d wager the majority of our Mid-Atlantic readership – that means you – are not making the trek to the SEMA Show and related events, and reading about it now. When you read the plethora of offerings and opportunities abounding in Vegas coming later in this issue, you may have a bit of FOMO… and, honestly, I hope you do! That means you’re on the path to getting here! So, do as the article says and save the date for ’25 and make it happen. You will not regret a minute of effort to get there.
If you ARE here, then get into the guide starting on page 26, use it as a planner, and see or hear everything you possibly can. The old adage of “sleep when you’re dead” was made for just a time as this! Just keep the caffeine on drip, head to SEMA, CIC, SCRS’ Repairer Driven Education and maybe even all the other fun parties happening during the week. Just as the article outlines, our recommendations for your attendance will not disappoint!
what I’m charging is accurate, and a consistent profit to educate and pay my people?” Or, golly, what about, “Hey WMABA, what can I do to improve my colleague interactions so that I can learn more from them?”
I know I often repeat what I say in my column, but if this is the only one you read, I want to be sure I always say to you, “We’re better together!”
Back at home, I’m constantly amazed by how resilient our industry is, but I know that comes at a high price. Dealing with the endless barrage of issues facing our shops, it’s hard to implement new strategies or address issues on a more global scale, rather than the one-at-a-time daily interruptions.
We need consistency to plan, strategize and implement. Without it, we are left to rely on history to show us how to best handle the ups and downs. It’s in these tight places, our instinct is to fall into old bad habits, to put on blinders and keep our nose in the grindstone. Please, don’t do that!
Take this as a knock on your door – maybe even a knockeddown door – to a better option: digest more, ask questions more, lean into vendor assistance even more. You have smart people you buy things from and we don’t ask them for their education enough. Think of this, as an example: “Mister (or Missus) Paint Vendor, how can I better track for paint materials, so that I know
You know that kids Disney movie, “A Bug’s Life,” where the ant colony figures out they can defeat the few grasshoppers, because there’s more of them than they knew, and together could rise up against them? It’s an analogy I love, because the enemy isn’t always the insurer, as you may be thinking right now.
Often, it’s really this phrase: “I have seen the enemy, and the enemy is Me.”
(Trust me, this is the most relevant.)
We, collectively, can enact the change we hope to see in the world. But only if “We” includes you, too.
See you soon! H&D
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TURNING VEHICLE OWNERS INTO YOUR GREATEST ALLIES
Protecting the vehicle owner is a collision repairer’s number one priority, as is symbolized by the “empty chair” at every Collision Industry Conference. Every action we take is on behalf of the consumer. But more often than not, repairers may neglect to see that the consumer isn’t just solely those we seek to protect; the consumer can also be our ally. It takes effective communication with the vehicle owner in order to do so, and in turn, that makes for a successful business practice.
How we talk to our customers – the most important partner in the entire repair process – is crucial. Having real conversations with your customers will not only build trust but also understanding.
The average customer likely isn’t aware of the step-by-step repair process. What is everyday for you and your staff might be a first-in-a-lifetime event for your customer. Most likely, they won’t be informed enough to think of any questions to ask you, so it’s up to you to inform them about the process.
This isn’t just about giving them information; it’s about setting the stage for the customer to see potential changes,
such as why the repair estimate might increase after a more thorough inspection. For someone not already familiar with the collision repair process, this goes a long way in creating a deeper understanding. When I coach shops on customer communication, I encourage them to use a visual guide to illustrate the collision repair process and help you explain the journey their vehicle will go through.
Setting the Stage with Realistic Expectations
One of the first things to share with your customers is how initial estimates are often just a starting point. Explaining that the first estimate from the insurer is based on a virtual inspection, and that the actual repair cost is likely to skyrocket once it’s been disassembled and hidden damage is uncovered, will help avoid surprises and frustration down the line.
Walking them through the repair authorization process is also key so the customer understands why what seems like a quick repair might actually take longer. Most likely, the vehicle owner is
John Shoemaker is a Business Development Manager for BASF Automotive Refinish Division and the former owner of JSE Consulting. His decades of experience in the collision industry include serving as a technician, vehicle maintenance manager and management system analyst while serving in the US Air Force; in the civilian sector, he has managed dealership collision centers and service departments and has consulted management system providers as an implementation specialist. John is a regular industry speaker and currently sits on the WMABA Board of Directors. H&D
unaware that many insurers have switched to virtual assessments post-COVID, resulting in approvals taking as many as 10 days. It really does come down to protecting their best interests as encouraging them to follow up with their claims handler keeps them involved and informed, and it helps your shop as well by making them your ally during the process.
Tackling Supply Chain Challenges Together
Today’s supply chain issues are a reality that no shop can ignore, but does your customer know that? Chances are they are unaware of the delays and back orders that have been plaguing the industry in recent years. Explain the parts ordering process in detail, including any extended delivery times or inventory shortages. Then, go one step further: Provide them with the vehicle manufacturer’s customer service number. Let them know that their call can often expedite parts delivery when delays occur, and it will help them understand the delay is not the fault of the shop, while also reminding them that you have their best interests at heart.
Communicating the Details Behind Each Repair Step
The customer doesn’t understand what exactly goes into these repairs; therefore, breaking down the repair process into understandable steps is crucial, especially for more technical repairs like structural alignments or bodywork.
Take the time to explain that the curing of products alone might allow for just three hours of productive work each day. This is particularly important when it comes to the paint process, where each layer has its own curing requirements. By breaking it all down, you help them see why an “eight-hour” repair might actually take a few days.
Highlighting the Importance of Quality Control and Detailing
Help the customer understand the reassembly process is like a “miniinspection” that ensures everything is back
BY JOHN SHOEMAKER, BASF
in place, giving them a fresh start with their vehicle. It involves much more than putting a car back together. Explain that this phase is where quality control inspections occur and necessary calibrations are performed. Make sure they know that, while it seems like one of the last steps, there’s still a lot of work to be done to ensure their car’s integrity is fully restored.
The detailing process can also take more time than they might expect. It’s not just about washing the car – it’s about removing all traces of the collision.
Building Confidence Through Final Inspection and Delivery
Every step in the repair process is an opportunity to build an ally in your customer. At the end of the repair process, don’t just hand over the keys; walk them through the final inspection. Inform them about the safety checks, test drive and the entire process of the repair. Reassure them that their car has been restored to its original condition. This step solidifies trust and helps create a satisfied customer who is more likely to leave positive reviews and become a repeat client.
Conclusion
When customers are included in conversations about the claims, parts and repair procedures, it reduces potential conflicts that usually stem from miscommunication. The confidence your customers feel about their repair will be reflected in their satisfaction surveys and online reviews. Positive feedback helps maintain a sustainable business and builds trust with potential customers looking for your services.
Remember, everything you do is on behalf of the customer, so why not treat them as an ally every step of the way?
An informed customer is an empowered customer – and a great partner in ensuring a smooth, efficient repair experience. H&D
CEILING FILTER TIPS
Beware of inexpensive ceiling filter media imported from Asia, which does not perform consisently in downdraft booth applications.
Downdraft booths are designed to be used with European filter media from manufacturers such as Viledon, AirFlow Technology, Filtrair, and Speritex.
When ceiling filters are only changed once per year, why skimp on the quality of your media?
Here’s to 241 years of combined service excellence
This year, as Albert Kemperle Inc. celebrates its 83rd anniversary, BASF also celebrates its 158th anniversary. We are proud of our decades of partnership with BASF and years of serving the auto paint and body industry together. Kemperle’s founders would be proud of this relationship and the growth their company has experienced because of it.
Today, as we look forward to many more decades of service to our customers, we find ourselves filled with gratitude. The creativity, hard work, and sense of responsibility of the people working for our two companies have made us what we are today.
Thank you for your many years of loyalty.
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With adjustable features including a mechanical drop safety device, 3-step handle and slopes on both axes, operators can be confident of precise positioning. An extendable platform (adjusting from 1830mm to 2130mm) fits various battery sizes, but the lifting table’s versatility means it’s not just
If you’re looking for a solution that combines safety, ease of use, and durability, this Mobile Battery Lifting Table is exactly what you need. The team at Reliable Automotive Equipment is ready to help with this and any equipment concerns you may have; please contact us today at raeservice.com to learn more about our array of collision repair products, training and support.
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WHAT IS ADAS CALIBRATION?
The competition skips procedures like alignments, test drives and checking all ADAS systems. At ADAS Elite, we run all processes and check all systems to ensure your customers are back on the road quickly and safely, with a focus on transparency and warmth. Our dedicated team offers honest guidance and unwavering support - including free pick-up and delivery.
At ADAS Elite, we offer more than services; we offer a partnership built on trust, quality, and a commitment to excellence.
ADAS calibration is the precise adjustment of your vehicle’s sensors and cameras, essential for the optimal functioning of advanced safety systems. This process is especially critical following significant repairs, part replacements, collisions, or windshield replacements, as these events can disrupt sensor alignment.
It’s important to avoid driving without proper sensor calibration. Uncalibrated ADAS sensors can compromise your vehicle’s safety features, leading to potential malfunctions and driving hazards.
The calibration of ADAS can be performed in two main ways: static and dynamic. Static calibration takes place in a controlled environment, ensuring accuracy and consistency. Dynamic calibration, on the other hand, involves driving the vehicle under specific conditions to fine-tune the sensors in real-world scenarios. This comprehensive approach ensures that your vehicle’s safety systems are reliable and effective, providing peace of mind on the road.
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1Source ADAS: Reshaping the Way for ADAS Calibrations
It takes an experienced technician to know what an experienced technician really needs, especially when it comes to ensuring that today’s vehicles are correctly repaired.
That is exactly what longtime industry supporter and automotive professional Tommy Ames has devoted his career to –ADAS calibrations. Automotive electronics is his specialty. Through his company, Automotive Electronic Solutions, they provide the solution to all automotive electronic needs, from pre- and postscanning to ADAS calibrations, providing service to anything and everything in the repair process that involves electronics.
Now, he’s taking things even further with the development of 1Source ADAS, software that reads or “scrubs” an estimate to decipher the post-repair calibrations and required safety procedures. The technician using the software receives an easyto-follow report with links to OEM procedures – everything they need post-repair in one document!
Although other software exists in the market, Ames and his partner Robby Read, along with their product manager Kirk Carlisle, recognized that technicians’ needs were not being met – so they set out to create their software to truly serve technicians.
“Sadly, we didn’t create the idea for estimate scrubbing, but we have made a software that’s more affordable and geared to the technician and the shop owner’s mindset,” Ames explains.
drives them in this business. “We don’t have any outside investors, so we don’t answer to anyone but our customers; We’re just industry professionals with the industry’s best interest in mind,” Ames expresses.
The purpose of 1Source ADAS is to assist the technician in the blueprinting process. “The blueprinter or the estimator doesn’t have to dive through pages and pages of OEM procedures to figure out what needs to be done after the car is repaired,” according to Ames. “This takes that out of their hands, gives them a report and saves them hours worth of blueprinting time for just a few dollars.”
Another huge part of following procedure lies in protecting the consumer and one’s shop from liability. “It’s about integrity,” shares Carlisle. “We want to make sure that we’re doing what the customer expects us to do – a correct and complete repair so that the vehicle looks and behaves like it did before it was involved in a crash. And from a business owner’s standpoint, when you put your hands on a customer’s car, whatever you touch, you own. So, even if you don’t do the calibration yourself, you interact with the systems, and ultimately you take on a degree of responsibility for it. If you’re going to carry that liability, it is imperative that you do it correctly and document that you’ve done it correctly to protect yourself and your customer.”
“With over 30 years in the collision industry, many of those specifically in ADAS and automotive electronics, we know exactly what is needed from a software platform like this,” he adds. “We knew that we could make it better. That was our goal. We also have a lot of experience knowing what is required and what is not required with these repairs. Our main focus was to not have our software be all bells and whistles, but rather be based on simplicity and accuracy. It provides accurate reports for the technician on an easy-to-use platform. Nobody has time to learn something new, so we wanted to make it as simple as possible.”
Read echoes his partner’s sentiments. “We saw the need and decided to build something that’s good for the calibration and collision market that is also user-friendly.”
It’s important to the 1SourceADAS team that their customers know that it’s their shared passion for fixing cars correctly that
Affordability was another need they set out to address.
“We bill per report, so there’s no minimums or contracts involved,” Ames explains. “One can cancel anytime and pay only for what they used. There’s no package pricing. It gets cheaper the more you use it. At the end of each monthly billing cycle you will be billed for your total reports at the respective pricing tier that you fall under.
“Another thing that sets our software apart is that collision industry experts designed it,” Read points out. “It wasn’t built by some software guy sitting behind a desk who had a good idea. We are in the industry doing this every day, and we run hundreds of cars a week, so we know what works and what doesn’t.”
Ames also stresses how important it is to follow OEM procedures. “My other business, Automotive Electronic Solutions, is really particular about OEM procedures. We’ll do it the way the manufacturer says, or we just won’t do the job at all.”
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COVER STORY Get Connected with EDUCATION THE FUTURE IS NOW:
The future is not solely defined as a time that is to come. There’s no expected arrival. The future isn’t marked on a calendar that hasn’t been printed yet. The future is here now, because what one does today actually sets the tone for tomorrow!
This is especially true in the ever-changing and advancing collision repair world. The introduction of new trends and technologies can be overwhelming at times, indirectly causing even the most engaged collision repair professional to become disjointed.
One of the best ways to get connected is to spend an entire week devoted to collision repair, and the SEMA Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center (November 5 - November 8) has it ALL! The Collision Industry Conference and its Red Carpet Awards are always among the biggest attractions, while the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) is equipped to fasten repairers with a complete educational package designed to leave every repair professional with the intellectual tools they need to combat challenges with AI, ADAS and telematics, to name a few. SCRS’ offering does not stop there. There’s also the always-insightful IDEAS Collide Showcase and the opportunity to witness the intelligence and mechanics behind tomorrow’s vehicles via the OEM Summit – a one-of-a-kind experience. And it would not be a true collision repair experience in Las Vegas without attending SCRS’ Sky Villa Afterparty.
One must also leave time to scope out the upper level of the South Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center to see and feel all the many tools and resources available to help equip one’s shop for today and tomorrow.
Turn the pages to get the details on the who, what, where and when so you can map out your week and soak up as much information as possible while having fun in the process. Remember, the future is already here, and SEMA 2024 is the perfect bridge to ensuring you have the knowledge and insights to keep pace with what’s happening now and what’s on the horizon!
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5
On the Agenda:
CIC 8am-5pm Westgate Ballroom AB
SEMA Show 9am - 5pm LVCC South Hall
RDE Education 9:30am - 4pm
LVCC South Hall Skybridge Classrooms
CIC Reception 6pm Westgate Ballroom C
Collision Industry Red Carpet Awards Night
7:30pm Westgate Ballroom AB
Chances are you’ve already been in town for a day or two and taken advantage of the downtime to relax, recharge and ready yourself for the hefty SEMA agenda that Tuesday has in store.
A full day of conference, education and celebration awaits!
CIC gets underway bright and early at 8am at the Westgate Resort and Casino. Find a colleague, take a seat, get out your notebook and listen closely as CIC Chairman Dan Risley sets the stage for a day of captivating conversations all focused on protecting the consumer in the “empty chair.”
On behalf of the Data Access, Privacy and Security Committee, Trent Tinsley (Entegral) and Pete Tagliapietra (DataTouch) will provide best practices for protecting one’s business from harmful security risks like ransomware with “Industry PSA: Data and Cyber Protections, Impacts to Business.”
Continuing on the theme of risk protection, get all you need to know about the complex collision repair space of today and tomorrow with “Risk and Liabilities in Collision Repair,” put on by the Industry Relations Committee’s panel of experts. Become more in tune with what you need to do in order to make your business attractive to new talent as Bud Center (I-CAR) will lead the Talent and Education Committee’s panel discussion, “Is Your Brand and Culture Attractive to New Talent?”
Low-voltage best practices will once again take center stage as the Emerging Technologies Committee takes “OEMs Talk Best Practices for Low Voltage Control Systems” one step further with OEM representatives providing specifics for their respective brands. The morning session concludes when the Governmental Committee presents “Balancing a Constructive Relationship with Public Entities while Avoiding Overreach.” Hear from panelists who will share experiences with governmental interaction and the positive and negative effects as a result.
When CIC resumes for its afternoon sessions, see Danny Gredinberg (Database Enhancement Gateway) and Erin Solis (Certified Collision Group) of the CIC Estimating and Repair Planning Committee to present “The ‘Forgettables:’ Repair Planning for Indirect Repair Operations,” which will explore the research that is necessary beyond the damage.
Kye Yeung (European Motor Car Works) and Barry Dorn (Dorn’s Body & Paint) of the Repair Process and Procedures Committee will educate collision repair professionals so they “Don’t ‘Set Up’ for Failure.” Learn all the considerations necessary for proper frame setup.
While you have that notebook out, be sure to note the new definitions for calibration terms submitted by the Emerging Technologies Committee.
2024 SEMA GUIDE
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5 cont.
Led by SCRS’ Aaron Schulenburg and Jeff Wildman (BASF), the Parts and Materials Committee will launch a discussion on “The CAPA Tier 1 Part Verification Process,” diving into what the CAPA verification process involves and the entities involved in this new parts designation process.
CIC surely provides a full day of insight and intellect, but if the classroom environment is more your speed, then start your day with SCRS’ RDE classes, taking place all day in the LVCC South Hall Skybridge classrooms.
You won’t want to miss Sheryl Driggers (Collision Advice) kick things off at 9:30am by challenging body shop owners to take a good hard look at the customer service experience. So head on over to S229 to learn what goes into “Creating an Extraordinary Customer Experience.”
Your other RDE options from 9:30am to 11am include:
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6
“Crafting a Collision Repair Powerhouse Through Process and Technology” (Taylor Moss, RepairLogic) in S230, and “Unleashing Paint Department Efficiency” (John Ascheman and Jason Garfoot, 3M Collision) in S231.
Lunchtime can bring you the opportunity to stretch your legs by walking the exhibitor hall, but most likely, you will want to secure a front row seat for the most dynamic speaker in the business! The one and only Mike Anderson (Collision Advice) will take the RDE stage at noon to inspire repairers with ways to combat insurer pushback during “Negotiation Best Practices, with Inspiration from Never Split the Difference.” Your other RDE option from 12pm to 1:30pm is “How to Catch Talent and Keep It” (Kena Dacus, Dacus Auto Body and Collision Repair) in S230.
From 2:30pm to 4pm, score a touchdown in S231 with “Revolutionizing Collision Centers: The Impact of Interconnectivity, Data and Innovation Inspired by the NFL” as BASF’s Jeff Wildman and Phil Knapp discuss how the automotive industry is transforming by way of the connected car and how that is enhancing vehicle safety and improving the passenger experience.
Your other RDE options from 2:30pm to 4pm include: “Collision Repair Marketing for the Digital Age: Engaging Gen Y and Gen Z Customers” (Nick Schoolcraft, Phoenix Solutions Group) in S229, and “The Business of Processing a Total Loss Vehicle - A Job Cost Approach” (Tim Ronak and Tony Adams, AkzoNobel) in S230.
Spend the last hour of the show perusing the exhibits in the South Hall before heading to your hotel to get dolled up for an exciting evening starting with the CIC Reception at 6pm and the Collision Industry Red Carpet Awards Night at 7:30pm, all happening at the Westgate Hotel. A magical night awaits!
On the Agenda:
SEMA Show 9am - 5pm LVCC South Hall
RDE Education 9:30am - 4pm
LVCC South Hall Skybridge Classrooms
*Catch classes on Restoring ADAS Safety Systems, Leveraging AI, Repair Planning, Glue Pull Repair and more
IDEAS Collide 2:30pm - 4pm
LVCC South Hall Skybridge Classrooms
Day two allows you to plug in to opportunities to grow your business by listening to some of the industry’s best speakers as SCRS’ RDE series continues over at the LVCC South Hall Skybridge. The exhibit floor opens at 9am sharp, so you have some time to walk the aisles, grab some brochures and interact with vendors you’re interested in learning more about.
Make sure to get to classroom S231 by 9:30am to hear from Andrew Batenhorst (Pacific BMW Collision Center) and Dr. David Ghodoussi (Opti-Coat) who will inform repair professionals about “The Benefits of Ceramic Coating for Your Customer and Your Collision Center.” The latest technology in car paint protection – ceramic coatings – are noted to have grown the last several years. Batenhorst and Ghodoussi will explore the opportunity this provides and how to share that with your customers.
Perhaps you want to focus on ADAS calibrations or repair planning instead? If so, you can catch one of the other RDE presentations taking place at 9:30am-11am: “Industry Realities of Restoring ADAS Safety Systems and Customer Confidence Through Calibration” (Panelists include Frank Phillips from ADAS Solutions USA Inc., Joel Adcock of REVV, Christina Sepulveda with SPARK Underwriters and I-CAR’s Scott VanHulle) in S230, or “Repair Planning with Precision” (Danyon Kirchner, Zimmerman Auto Body Supplies and Danny Gredinberg, Database Enhancement Gateway) in S229.
After taking a stroll on the exhibit floor and grabbing some lunch, head back to the classrooms to catch an insightful discussion led by Barry Dorn (Dorn’s Body & Paint), Kris Burton (Rosslyn Auto Body) and Michael Bradshaw (K&M Collision). The three shop owners will share their own experiences on how they transformed their businesses for the better via “Efficiency Unleashed: Rethinking Roles in
Collision Repair.” This worthwhile discussion will take place in S231 beginning at 12pm.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7
On the Agenda:
SEMA Show 9am - 5pm LVCC South Hall
RDE Education 9am - 4pm
LVCC South Hall Skybridge Classrooms
Other options down the hall between 12pm and 1:30pm include: “AI is Here: How Others are Leveraging AI Interactions with Automotive Consumers” (Ryan Taylor, BodyShop Booster) in S229, and “Lateral Tension and Push Tools are Taking GPR to a New Level” (Chris White and Danny Hacker, KECO Body Repair Products) in S230.
Don’t wander too far away during the break as one of the most exciting events of the year goes down at 2:30pm when the IDEAS Collide Showcase gets going. This popular segment features five industry professionals who will offer up fresh insight and innovations in a “TED Talk”-styled forum. Those engaging presentations include “The Era of the Singlestore Generalist Body Shop is Coming to an End” (Cole Strandberg, FOCUS Investment Banking); “UN-Divide and Conquer” (Jill Tuggle, Auto Body Association of Texas); “Sustainability’s Role in Every Layer of Collision Repair” (Christian Ruecker, DEKRA North America); “Peak Blue-Collar: The Evolution of Collision Repair Shops into White-Collar Enterprises” (Bill Park, Crunchit Financial Services); and “The Fine Print of REPAIR Politics” (Wayne Weikel, Alliance for Automotive Innovation).
After exploring all these great IDEAS, there’s only one thing left to do – head out for a night on the town with your colleagues!
SCRS OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit
12:30-4:30pm LVCC South Hall Skybridge Classrooms
SCRS Sky Villa RDE Afterparty 9pm -12am
Westgate’s Versailles Sky Villa
Thursday’s itinerary kicks off with an important, can’t-miss presentation from SCRS’ Executive Director Aaron Schulenburg on the outcomes that have come as a result of the “blend study” revealed during SEMA 2022, so be sure to head over to the LVCC South Hall Skybridge Classrooms by 9:30am. In this special FREE session, “Blend Outcomes in Black and White: Using Documentation to Drive Informed Conversation About Blending,” Schulenburg will review the response from information providers and advise painters and repair planners on how to have the right conversations when it comes to application of refinish for color match.
After taking a stroll through the halls, be sure to visit the SCRS booth to grab a pass to the SCRS Sky Villa RDE Afterparty taking place at the Westgate Hotel! Be sure to head back to S233 by 12:30 pm as the OEM Summit gets underway with Session 1: The Value of OEM Repair Information. Rivian team leaders Dan Black, David Sosa and Kelly Logan will present on the process an automaker undertakes to research, develop, validate and publish new repair procedures for the industry.
From 2pm to 3pm, Session II: How Telematics Technologies are continued on next page
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7 cont. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8
Evolving the Consumer Experience will feature Ryan McMahon (Cambridge Mobile Telematics), Hillary Cain (Alliance for Automotive Innovation) and John Eck (General Motors) who will outline how the consumer experience is changing thanks to telematics enhancing crash detection, accident reconstruction and consumer communication.
Session III: Laser Welding in Automotive and Aerospace Manufacturing and Developing Technologies for Repair Solutions will close out the OEM Summit at 3:30pm. Rex Alexandre (Handheld Laser Institute and former Sr. Welding Engineer for SpaceX ), Dean Brennan (IPG Photonics) and Jeff Poole (I-CAR) will inform attendees about the role laser welding plays in OEM automotive and aerospace production and how handheld laser welding technologies for repair process solutions are evolving.
The conclusion of the OEM Summit at 4:30pm signals the completion of the learning portion of the day, but the day is still young, and the night has plenty in store. Grab some dinner and explore the Las Vegas Strip, but be sure to be back at the Westgate’s Versailles Sky Villa by 9pm to have the time of your life at SCRS’ RDE Afterparty!
On the Agenda:
SEMA Show 9am - 4pm LVCC South Hall
As you prepare to head home, make sure you take one last lap around the South Hall to see what exhibitors have to offer! If you’re staying in town one more night, you can get tickets for SEMA Fest – the ultimate afterparty celebration featuring live performances by Sublime, Cage the Elephant and more! Visit semashow.com for more information.
All good things must come to an end, including SEMA 2024. But the connections you’ve made and the knowledge you’ve absorbed will continue to flow as you take it all back to your shop. Remember, the future is here. What you do today WILL have positive effects tomorrow.
Now that you’re prepared for a jam-packed week of activities, be sure to sign up for RDE courses by visiting scrs.com/rde Attend CIC by registering at ciclink.com. Can’t make SEMA 2024? Then mark your calendars for November 4-7, 2025, and start making plans now! H&D
*All events/times are subject to change.
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ADVICE INDUSTRY ASK MIKE:
What Are the Biggest Things to Consider When Investing in New Equipment?
This month, we “ASK MIKE” to share his thoughts on the most important things that shops should keep in mind before they purchase new equipment. We at Hammer & Dolly hope you find the following exchange useful, and we encourage you to reach out to us if you have a question for Mike on this or any industryrelated matter that he can answer in a future issue.
Hammer & Dolly: With so many advancements and financial demands impacting the industry these days, equipment purchasing decisions can’t be taken lightly. What are some of the most important things shops should consider before putting down serious money on a new piece of technology?
Mike Anderson: Number one, when it comes to equipment, I learned a long time ago to involve technicians in any discussions you have about it. When I still had my shop, I once went out and bought a bunch of dustless vacuum systems that my technicians almost never used. Number two, if I were to buy equipment today, I’d want to know about that equipment’s OEM approvals. If one piece of equipment was approved by multiple manufacturers but another piece was only approved by one, that would obviously influence my purchasing decision.
Equipment servicing is also critically important. If a spray booth goes down, you need to have someone who can fix it promptly. If you’re looking to purchase a frame machine or a welder at the same time you bring on a new technician, is there someone local to you who can help train and onboard that new hire on that equipment?
Also, a lot of the equipment you may see at various shows
may be knock off versions of the real thing. That’s not to suggest that the most expensive equipment is always the best, but sometimes you get exactly what you pay for.
A lot of people may get frustrated when an OEM requires a specific brand of tooling for their program. What people don’t always realize is that the equipment manufacturer submitted its products to the OEM to be tested to ensure that things work properly.
I was an Audi-certified shop back when you had to go to Germany. They would show us how they had used a hydraulic press to determine how well different boxes they had welded held up. Some of the boxes welded with their technology at the time held up very well, but other boxes just crushed due to the other type of welding equipment used. People need to keep in mind that OEMs test the equipment so that it performs as needed.
When you purchase equipment, a good rule of thumb is to copy whatever manual comes with it and keep the original on file. Laminate a copy of that manual and attach it to the equipment so that the user can access it easily. These days, there are a lot of manuals that can be downloaded right to a phone.
Shops should also consider the equipment’s maintenance requirements, especially when it comes to anything used as part of a certification program. One of the things I love about Wadsworth – which does in-shop inspections for Subaru, Jaguar and Land Rover – is they insist shops show proof that their torque wrenches have been calibrated. I used to create a ‘maintenance calendar’ at my shop. That way, I’d know that someone would come and adjust my garage doors twice a year or service my compressor every quarter.
Shops should always be proactive with their equipment. If something big breaks down due to neglect, you’re going to be in bad shape.
H&D: What are some equipment trends that you suspect will affect the industry going forward?
MA: Well, the big question mark right now is with ADAS equipment. I’m a big proponent of doing whatever the OEMs say. I’m only going to scan a vehicle with a tool that’s made or approved by the OEM. It’s the same with ADAS calibrations. There are a lot of aftermarket solutions out there. While I understand everyone’s desire to have a one-size-fits-all approach from an economic standpoint, those options are not approved by the OEMs. I’m anxious to see what happens in the future with OEMapproved third-party calibration systems that work for multiple brands.
Something that I would never have thought of 10 years ago is that most – if not all – OEMs now have very specific lighting requirements for shops. The owner of a shop I visited recently told me that they had a certification inspector go to the darkest corner of the facility to see whether the lighting was in spec.
Another thing I’d like to mention about equipment is that shops need to have an asset list kept off-site just in case they have a fire or another catastrophe. I’ve heard horror stories of shops having to replace everything after a fire and not realizing they had so many things. An asset list should be updated at least once a
Be
WITH MIKE ANDERSON
year, and your CPA needs to be kept up to date on any changes. Also, keep pictures of all your equipment and make sure you’re insured properly for whatever you have. Everything – even a mop or a broom – has value. (See “Your Business Insurance Coverage Isn’t Enough!” via grecopublishing.com/hd1024ntlfeature.)
Mike Anderson is an Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) and the former owner of Wagonwork Collision Centers, two highly acclaimed shops located in Alexandria, VA. He has served as a member of many industry organizations throughout his career, including the WMABA Board of Directors, the Mitchell Advisory Board, the MOTOR Advisory Board, the ASE Test Review Committee, the National Auto Body Council, the Collision Industry Conference and the Society of Collision Repair Specialists. Additionally, he is a past Virginia SkillsUSA chairman, serves as a facilitator for Axalta Coating Systems’ highly recognized Business Council 20 Groups in both the US and Canada and facilitates numerous courses for Axalta Coating Systems’ Educational Series. He currently offers expert industry consulting via his latest venture, Collision Advice (collisionadvice.com). H&D
