New England Automotive Report August 2016

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August 2016 U.S.A. $5.95

Serving the New England Collision and Mechanical Repair Industry MASSACHUSETTS BUILDING THE SUCCESS OF THE AUTO REPAIR INDUSTRY

Saving the School: AASP/MA Keeps a Vocational Program Alive

ADALB Tackles P&M Party Time at Putnam Why Scanning Matters www.grecopublishing.com

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August 2016 • Volume 14, No. 8

CONTENTS

DEPARTMENTS VICE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE by Adam Ioakim 8 | Why Scanning Matters VENDOR SPOTLIGHT by Chloe Durante 20 | Change without the Challenge: Inside the Collision Equipment Company LOCAL NEWS 22 | P&M Spurs Heated Exchange at ADALB

by Joel Gausten

23 | Body Shop Available for Lease 30 | Students and Volunteers Celebrated at Annual Putnam BBQ

by Joel Gausten

LEGAL PERSPECTIVE by James A. Castleman, Esq. 26 | A Legal Checkup for Your Business TECH CORNER by Chloe Durante 44 | Repair Scanning: What the OEMs Have to Say MEMBER SHOP SPOTLIGHT by Joel Gausten 48 | Knowledge is Power: Southwick Collision Center & Sales Stays Educated

ALSO THIS ISSUE 7 | TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES: I-CAR CALENDAR OF EVENTS 7 | NEWSFLASH: GRECO PUBLISHING WELCOMES EDITORIAL ASSISTANT CHLOE DURANTE 10 | A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 11 | NEWSFLASH: NAVY VET KILLED IN SELF-DRIVING CAR ACCIDENT 14 | AASP/MA PLANNED YEAR 15 | HIGH SCHOOL & COLLEGE COLLISION CAREER FAIR FLYER 18 | AASP/MA SPONSORS 49 | AASP/MA MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION 54 | INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

COVER STORY 40 | SAVING THE SCHOOL: AASP/MA KEEPS A VOCATIONAL PROGRAM ALIVE New England Automotive Report

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[NEWS] FLASH N

E

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AUT M TIVE STAFF PUBLISHER

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Thomas Greco (thomas@grecopublishing.com)

Lea Velocci (lea@grecopublishing.com)

SALES DIRECTOR

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Alicia Figurelli (alicia@grecopublishing.com)

Chloe Durante (chloe@grecopublishing.com)

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

PRODUCTION

Joel Gausten (joel@grecopublishing.com)

Donna Greco (donna@grecopublishing.com)

PUBLISHED BY: Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc. 244 Chestnut Street, Suite 202, Nutley, NJ 07110 Corporate: (973) 667-6922 / FAX: (973) 235-1963

www.grecopublishing.com New England Automotive Report is published monthly by TGP, Inc., 244 Chestnut Street, Suite 202 Nutley, NJ 07110. Distributed free to qualified recipients; $48 to all others. Additional copies of New England Automotive Report are available at $5 per copy. Reproduction of any portions of this publication is specifically prohibited without written permission of the publisher. The opinions and ideas appearing in this magazine are not necessarily representations of TGP Inc. or of AASP/MA. Copyright © 2016 by Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc. Images courtesy of www.istockphoto.com

MASSACHUSETTS BUILDING THE SUCCESS OF THE AUTO REPAIR INDUSTRY

AASP/MA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Greco Publishing Welcomes Editorial Assistant Chloe Durante Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc., publishers of New England Automotive Report, Hammer & Dolly, New Jersey Automotive, AASP-MN News and Wisconsin Automotive News, is pleased to announce the addition of Chloe Durante as the company’s editorial assistant.

A 2013 graduate of Montclair State University, Durante will assist Editorial Director Joel Gausten in developing editorial content for New England Automotive Report, covering industry events and interviewing members of the AASP/MA community.

“It’s always great to welcome new blood into the company,” offers TGP, Inc. President Thomas Greco. “Chloe brings a fresh perspective into TGP, and I’m sure she will do the same with the automotive repair industry.”

Chloe Durante can be reached at (973) 667-6922 or chloe@grecopublishing.com.

MASSACHUSETTS BUILDING THE SUCCESS OF THE AUTO REPAIR INDUSTRY

PRESIDENT Molly Brodeur VICE PRESIDENT Adam Ioakim SECRETARY Gary Cloutier TREASURER Kevin Gallerani IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Paul Hendricks

AASP/MA STATEWIDE DIRECTORS COLLISION DIRECTOR Rick Starbard

AASP/MA DIRECTORS Alex Falzone

in Massachusetts August 2, 2016 Steel Unitized Structures Technologies & Repair August 3, 2016 Measuring August 9, 2016 Structural Straightening Steel August 10, 2016 Vehicle Technology & Trends 2016

Kevin Kyes Michael Penacho

August 17, 2016 Aluminum Exterior Panel Repair & Replacement

Darlene Andrade Tom Ricci Ray Belsito, Jr.

August 23, 2016 Replacement of Steel Unitized Structures

Peter Langone

AASP/MA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Jillian M. Zywien 12 Post Office Square, 6th Floor • Boston, MA 02109 Phone: (617) 574-0741 Fax: (617) 695-0173 Email: jzywien@aaspma.org

August 25, 2016 Sectioning of Steel Unitized Structures August 30, 2016 Plastic & Composite Repair

All classes held at the Hampton Inn (Raynham, MA)

WWW.AASPMA.ORG

For more information, visit i-car.com New England Automotive Report

August 2016

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VICE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Why Scanning Matters ADAM IOAKIM

Like everyone else involved in today’s collision repair field, I’m awed by the changes in technology happening right before our eyes. We all know that aluminum is changing how we repair vehicles, and we’ve all seen presentations or read articles about how self-driving cars will one day be our reality. However, there is another development in our industry that needs more of our collective attention: Pre-and post-repair scanning.

Today’s vehicles are equipped with a staggering array of features that we didn’t have to deal with in the past. These include lane assist and accident avoidance technologies aimed to make the driver safer. I bet you that some – if not all – of the cars in your bay today have this stuff included. We’re not talking about autonomous vehicles that we can expect years down the line; these are things we’re seeing in our shops right now.

I recently had a 2016 Volkswagen Golf turn up at my shop with a small hit to the right front bumper. Believe it or not, that seemingly minor job required a recalibration of the car’s radar system. This wasn’t a BMW or Mercedes; this was

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New England Automotive Report

a car that shows up at our shop – and very likely at yours – all the time. To make matters even more complicated, you simply can’t rely on dashboard warning lights to alert you to a problem with a vehicle. There are several codes that won’t show up on the dashboard after an accident that will be pulled by a scanner. Just think about the fact that when you take off a bumper cover and later put it back on, you might inadvertently disable the car’s brake assist if the radar isn’t set in the exact spot it should be. How do you know if you’re on target? By using a scanner.

With so many technological changes hitting our industry at once, it is crucial that shop owners and technicians pay attention to what’s going on around them and get educated.

Now is the time to research the scan tools on the market and invest in the ones that will best serve you. If that is not a preferred option for you at this time, talk to your dealership contacts to see if they can handle scanning vehicles for your business. Whatever you do, don’t ignore the reality that you have to perform scans before and after a repair. We’re the continued on page 23

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A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

MEETING YOUR FUTURE EMPLOYEES JILLIAN ZYWIEN

Dear Members,

One of the strategies of AASP/MA is to work to solve industry-wide problems. One of the biggest issues the industry is facing today is the aging workforce. Recent reports state the average age of a technician is 45 years old, but the problem is not this fact. There is a steep decrease in students graduating from vocational technical schools willing to take jobs in the field.

One of the factors that contribute to the shortage of new technicians coming into the field is their lack of knowledge about the industry. As subject matter experts, AASP/MA’s leadership will be co-hosting a High School & College Collision Career Fair in conjunction with the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) and ICAR. On October 5 at Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School in Marlborough, we invite all students, shops, vendor partners, manufacturers and educators to attend this important event.

The purpose of the Career Fair is to educate students and their parents about all that the auto body industry has to offer. The auto body industry includes manufacturers, distributors, major company salespeople, technicians, appraisers and insurers, just to name a few. This career path has so many possibilities, and it is necessary to educate students and their parents about the opportunities within the industry. We hear from members about what a struggle it is to find new technicians, and this is an incredible opportunity to hire new professionals.

As you will read later in this issue, the association and leadership recently worked with Ken Townsend, Auto Collision Technology instructor from Cape Cod Tech, to save the school’s collision repair program. Because of budget cuts, the school was looking to cut some of their 12 programs – and the collision repair program was on the chopping block. Thanks to Ken’s efforts and our association leadership, we were able to convince the school board to continue to invest in the collision tech program. The students graduating from these schools are the industry’s future.

Employers should take note that the High School & College Collision Career Fair will host hundreds of Massachusetts-area high school and college collision students who are looking for internships and permanent full-time careers upon graduation. Not only will you have the opportunity to interact with prospective industry employees, but there will also be product demonstrations, giveaways and free food and refreshments. To be a part of the solution, you must be a part of this event.

If you’re a student, know that the Career Fair will offer the opportunity to meet prospective employers, hear from collision repair experts about their career story, learn about the various career paths within the industry, receive a free t-shirt and MORE! There is no charge to attend for students, but high school seniors should bring 20 copies of your resumes to hand out to prospective employers. You could be hired immediately after graduation in this exciting, technical field!

We encourage all of our members and industry partners to sponsor or attend this important event. These students are this industry’s future, and we need to ensure that they are educated about what an interesting, challenging and innovative field the auto repair industry is.

If you are interested in attending this event or registering your students, please see our event flyer on page 15 or on our website at aaspma.org.

Please support this effort and help AASP/MA continue building the success of the auto repair industry.

Sincerely,

Jillian Zywien, Executive Director MASSACHUSETTS BUILDING THE SUCCESS OF THE AUTO REPAIR INDUSTRY

AASP/MA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JILLIAN ZYWIEN has been a senior account executive at Lynch Associates for over seven years. She can be reached at (617) 574-0741 or via email at jzywien@aaspma.org.

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[NEWS] FLASH

Navy vet Killed iN Self-driviNg Car aCCideNt According to a June 30 story by the Associated Press (tinyurl.com/ zzbhjma), Navy SEAL veteran Joshua D. Brown of Canton, OH was killed on May 7 in the first major US accident using self-driving technology. Brown was driving a Tesla S sports car in Williston, FL while operating the vehicle’s “Autopilot” assist feature, which subsequently failed when a large tractor-trailer attempted to intersect with him. Neither Brown nor the assist feature applied the brakes to the vehicle, causing Brown

to crash directly into the side of the tractor-trailer. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the white side of the trailer (which was perpendicular to the Model S) was against the brightly lit sky, making it very difficult to differentiate between the two surfaces. In addition, Tesla says that before Autopilot can be used, drivers have to realize that the system requires both hands to be placed on the wheel at all times.

While Tesla acknowledges the

feature is not perfect, they said, “When used in conjunction with driver oversight, the data is unequivocal that Autopilot reduces driver workload and results in a statistically significant improvement in safety.” NHTSA’s Office of Defects is continuing the investigation.

MASSACHUSETTS BUILDING THE SUCCESS OF THE AUTO REPAIR INDUSTRY

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MASSACHUSETTS BUILDING THE SUCCESS OF THE AUTO REPAIR INDUSTRY

JANUARY

PLANNED YEAR MARCH

January 6 Board of Directors Meeting Statewide Meeting

March 22 Board of Directors Meeting Statewide Meeting

JULY July 20 AASP/MA Golf Outing Blackstone National Golf Course

MAY

May 24 Board of Directors Meeting Statewide Meeting

SEPTEMBER July 26

September 23

Board of Directors Meeting

AASP/MA Clambake

OCTOBER

September 27 Board of Directors Meeting Statewide Meeting

NOVEMBER

October 5

November 12

November 15

High School & College Collision Career Fair

AASP/MA Casino Night & Annual Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

For more information, visit aaspma.org or contact Executive Director Jillian Zywien at jzywien@aaspma.org or (617) 574-0741.

Check New England Automotive Report for updated event information throughout the year.

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8am - 2pm

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B

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New England Automotive Report

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AASP/MA ASKS YOU TO PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!

AASP/MA NEWSLETTER SPONSOR

WOLPERT INSURANCE

Contact AASP/MA at (617) 574-0741 / jzywien@aaspma.org for information on becoming an AASP/MA sponsor!

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[VENDOR] SPOTLIGHT

by Chloe Durante

Change without the Challenge:

Inside the

Collision Equipment Company GYS water-cooled resistance spot welder

It’s sometimes difficult to manage the ins and outs of running a collision repair shop, specifically the variety of ever-changing equipment that is vital to the productivity of this industry. As a business owner, you are held responsible for your repairers’ work – so why not reduce costly mistakes by investing in high-quality manufacturers that offer the highest level of in-service training? If the very people who work with these products every single day are available to show your repairers how to use them, then why not go to the source? The Collision Equipment Company (CEC) is here and ready to assist you.

All body shops are run differently, but the need to use quality equipment is universal. From resistance spot welders to top-notch scanning tools, the CEC provides technical solutions that repairers can count on.

With manufacturers including Prima (MIG welders), GYS (French providers of self-piercing riveters and resistance welders) and Betag Innovation (Swedish high-quality pulling equipment), the company possesses the most cuttingedge collision equipment and services available to the collision community.

“As our industry changes, there’s a need for different and more advanced equipment that most shops don’t have,” says CEC Business Development Manager Keith Egan. “We provide them with the tools to accommodate those changes.”

In an expanding market from Virginia to Massachusetts, the CEC is always looking for the opportunity to build relationships with individuals and organizations that share its same forward-thinking ideas. Since its creation, the company has been an active exhibitor at the NORTHEAST® Automotive Services Show hosted by AASP’s New Jersey affiliate. With that annual event drawing more attendees from Massachusetts each year, Egan acknowledges 20 august 2016

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Inside the Collision Equipment Company on-site training vehicle

New from Betag Innovation: Dentliner 4100 glue-pulling system

how beneficial it is to touch base with various people in the industry.

“When repairers come to that show, chances are they’re discussing an equipment purchase or an investment into the future with the people they’re going to do business with.”

The CEC is able to sell the most futuristic tools and products by maintaining a strong commitment to keeping up with technological advances. They are prepared for the rapid changes occurring in this industry – from hybrids to self-driving vehicles – and the company cannot stress enough the importance of repairers receiving the proper education.

By offering OEM certifications and I-CAR training, the CEC is setting the bar for the highest level of care and knowledge. With educators such two-time “I-CAR Trainer of the Year” Bruce Peters on board, repairers can rest assured they are receiving only the best in training.

“I-CAR training is something that shops need, and he is one of the most highly-educated gentlemen in the collision equipment industry,” Egan says.

Simply put, the Collision Equipment Company is constantly looking to fill a void in the collision repair industry that will impact productivity. By taking the time to consider the evolution of this field, Egan and his team are bound to reach immense success in the future.

“We are proactive leaders in our market; unlike our competition, we don’t just sit around and wait to see how things go. We’re invested in moving forward every single day,” he says. “We are changing the image of the auto collision industry and rebuilding trust with consumers.”

For more information on the CEC, please go to www.collisionequipmentcompany.com.

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[LOCAL] NEWS

by Joel Gausten

P&M Spurs Heated Exchange at ADALB On June 22, the Auto Damage Appraiser Licensing Board (ADALB) met at the Division of Insurance in Boston to continue their ongoing discussion on proposed amendments to 212 CMR

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2.00 et seq. As previously reported in New England Automotive Report, the Board held a special public meeting in May to allow members of the public to provide input regarding any possible

New England Automotive Report

changes they wanted the Board to consider addressed during the current regulation review. Since that time, Board members have debated the merits of these proposals and whether to take a formal vote on them. A highlight of the June meeting was an extensive discussion on suggested revisions to state regulations regarding the use of approved paint and material databases in the repair process.

The proposed change on the table would establish that if the formula of dollars-times-hours is not accepted by an appraiser, then a published database from a list approved by the Board and selected by the repair shop shall be used. Board member Lyle Pare, a representative from Plymouth Rock Assurance, questioned the need for the change and expressed surprise that carriers in the Commonwealth would refuse to pay shops based off the use of a database in the first place.

“Do you still have companies out there refusing to pay based off [for example] the Mitchell database?”

“Yes,” replied Board member Rick Starbard.

“The only thing I’m told is, ‘I was told by my boss that I couldn’t pay it,’” added Board member and repair facility owner Bill Johnson.

“In my opinion, that’s a lame excuse,” remarked Lyle. “There’s got to be a legitimate reason out there…

What excuse are they giving you?” “[They say], ’I was told by my insurance company that employs me and pays my check that I can’t negotiate that,’” offered Johnson. “[It’s the] same excuse they give for everything else.”

Starbard stressed to Pare that the paint and material reimbursement dilemma is alive and well in Massachusetts.

“I can appreciate that you have a

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hard time trying to wrap your head around this, because after all these years, I have a hard time trying to wrap my head around this,” he said.

Additionally, Starbard explained that the proposed amendment would update the phrase “published manual” to “published database,” allowing the regulation to encompass the many providers that now exist in the market.

“Back when that [original regulation] was written, there was really one company that was doing it,” he said.

Johnson reasoned that passage of the regulatory change would allow for better protection against dishonest activities in the appraisal process.

“We all use MOTOR or Mitchell for crash guides,” he said. “In that, there’s parts prices. Nobody tries to negotiate parts prices – that’s the price.

What we’re trying to say is if you have a proper database, and it’s got the proper paint and material numbers in

there, it’s basically the same thing as a crash guide…The problem is, now there are so many different systems out there; they are being manipulated easily…If we have a database that’s approved, it’s going to be like a crash guide. The actual cost will be fair to everybody.”

The motion passed on a 3-2 vote, with ADALB Chairman Gilbert Cox breaking the stalemate between the auto body and insurance representatives on the Board. The Board will officially vote on this and other proposed changes to Massachusetts regulations at their August meeting. Information on upcoming ADALB meetings is available at tinyurl.com/hngtb94.

Video of the entire June 22 meeting is available in the Members Only section of aaspma.org.

VICE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE continued from page 8

ones who are ultimately responsible and liable for the work that we perform. We need to follow the manufacturers and do what’s right to repair that car safely.

Of course, this also means that you have the right to receive compensation for this high-level work. When an insurer says they don’t pay for something, you need to educate them on why they should. This is where manufacturers’ position statements on scanning come into play. More and more automakers are stating their support for pre- and post-repair scanning. These documents can be used to illustrate to an insurer why these procedures must be performed. A sampling of some of the positon statements is available in our Tech Corner feature on page 42.

The future is here, folks. Embrace it, learn about it and get paid for it.

MASSACHUSETTS

MASSACHUSETTS

BUILDING THE SUCCESS OF THE AUTO REPAIR INDUSTRY

BUILDING THE SUCCESS OF THE AUTO REPAIR INDUSTRY

ADAM IOAKIM is the co-owner of Hogan & Van Auto Body in Medford, MA. He can be reached at (781) 436-0366 or adam@hoganandvan.com.

Body Shop Available for Lease 240 Eliot Street in the Ledgemere Industrial Park in Ashland is pleased to announce the availability of 35,000 square feet of industrial space on December 1, 2017.

240 Eliot Street is a free-standing building that is currently occupied by Herb Chambers Collision Center in Ashland. The building is part of the Ledgemere Plaza, a 245,000-square-foot plaza that is professionally managed and allows new tenants flexibility for growth and expansion.

Amenities include everything your employees will need, all in one place – Supermarket, restaurants and delis, banking, day care, dry cleaners, vet, fitness center, dentist and more!

PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS: Available space: 35,000-square-foot, free-standing building and a large parking lot Asking Rent: Aggressive lease terms, flexible landlord Uses: Some uses include automotive training/ educational center.

Collision Center: Auto body repair and more Centrally located off Route 126: The property is in the middle of an influx of routes, creating a middle access point to all target demographics. Routes within a fivemile radius of the properties include 30, 135, 9, 16 and Mass Pike.

Visibility: The properties are located in a highly traveled area with exceptional signage opportunities.

Affordable Space: The properties offer a costeffective alternative to pricier, adjacent markets.

Space can be subdivided.

Pre-existing exhaust system

For more information, please contact Arlon Brown (Parsons Commercial Group) at (508) 271-9215 or arlon.brown@svn.com.

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[LEGAL] PERSPECTIVE by James A. Castleman, Esq.

A LEGAL CHECKUP FOR YOUR BUSINESS A few weeks ago, while I was sitting in my doctor’s office waiting for my annual physical, I started to think about the value of businesses getting their own yearly legal checkups. We all hope that our businesses are healthy, that we don’t have symptoms of business failure and that perceived legal problems turn out to be benign. To properly make a diagnosis, it is worthwhile for business owners to regularly take the pulse of their business operations and verify that they are legally alive and well. Following, in no particular order, are some matters that business owners and managers should take the time to assess on a regular basis.

Licensing Compliance. For collision repair facilities – and for glass shops as well – the obvious primary licensing issue is to make sure that your Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Damage Repair Shop registration is in order. If you want to be able to legally charge customers to fix their cars, then you need to be registered with the Division of Standards and have your registration up to date. It sounds easy enough, but since your registration is good for three years, have you considered that you may have had some changes in your business that should be reported to the Division?

As an example, you are required to have a licensed auto damage appraiser in your shop’s employ in order to be registered, but is the person named on your registration form still working for you? If not, the change should be reported. Has your business location changed, or have you opened an additional location? If so, this must be reported. Is your bond (or letter of credit) up to date? If not, your registration is defective.

Are all of your appraisers still properly licensed? Have they filed their annual licensing forms with the Auto Damage Appraiser Licensing Board (ADALB) and paid the required fee?

Have they received their license renewal back from the Board?

As the shop owner, you may know the status of your own license, but how about your employees who are appraisers? Have you confirmed that they have renewed their licenses and are keeping them up to date?

In addition to your shop’s registration and your appraiser’s license, have you made sure that your shop holds all other required licenses and made all other required filings? Many municipalities require you to have local licenses, most notably a license to store flammable liquids or materials. Does your city or town require such licenses? If so, are yours up to date? Do you operate your business under a name other than yours or your formal corporate or LLC name? If so, you’re required to file a “DBA” certificate with your city or town, which then must be renewed every four years. If you do towing, have you made the proper filings with the Department of Public Utilities and made sure that you have the proper authority to do the particular types of tows that you perform? Do you do police-ordered tows, or just private towing? Do you do any out-of-state towing? If so, you must make sure that you are properly licensed to do so. And are you

EPA- and DEP-compliant as well?

Entity Compliance. Is your business incorporated or an LLC? If so, have you made the required initial filings with the Massachusetts Secretary of State? Have you also made the required filings of Annual Statements with that office? If not, your business may not be in good standing, and you may be subjecting your business to involuntary dissolution – meaning that you may be exposing yourself to personal liability for the debts of your business (which may have been the primary reason that you incorporated or filed an LLC in the first place). And if you have filed all of your Annual Statements, have you properly reported any changes in your business structure (or any change to location or in the officers and directors)? Too often, I see businesses that routinely just copy the information from the prior year without thinking about updates. It is important to make sure that your Annual Statement reflects any changes.

Beyond required filings, have you made sure that your business records are up to date? If you are a corporation, have you had annual minutes of stockholder and directors meetings prepared? If they are prepared, have you included anything in those documents to reflect relevant changes in your corporate structure or who the stockholders are?

If you are a partnership, do you have a formal partnership agreement? As explained by me in more detail in prior NEAR articles, it is imperative that you have a formal agreement, no matter who your partners are and how closely you are related to them. If you do have a partnership agreement, when was the last time that you reviewed it? Have circumstances changed? Have the roles of the partners changed? Is a son who used to be a junior partner now running the business? Has the profit split changed? All of these things should be addressed in amendments to the agreement. continued on page 35

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[LOCAL] NEWS

by Joel Gausten

Students and Volunteers Celebrated at ANNUAL PUtNAM BBQ

Former Putnam student Ashley Betancourt presented the school’s Collision Repair Technology program with a special citation from the Springfield City Council.

On June 16, the Automotive Collision Repair Technology Department at the Roger L. Putnam Vocational-Technical Academy in Springfield welcomed more than 400 people for its Fourth Annual Collision Repair Advisory BBQ. Created as a way to thank the members of the Department’s Advisory Board for their efforts throughout the school year, the evening event has grown in popularity

with each edition. Bolstered by bright sunshine, this year’s gathering attracted students, area shop owners, industry vendors, state representatives, school employees, community leaders and even Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno.

Delicious smoked chicken and ribs were provided to the crowd thanks to AASP/MA’s very own Gary Cloutier, who currently co-chairs the Advisory Board. Lombard

Left to right: student Nyasia Morales, instructor Ray Lapite, student Sharese Murchison, instructor John Kennedy, Springfield Police Commissioner John Barbieri, student Jerson Bravo, student Tianah Ruiz, student Tyrese Gordon, student Wilbert Cepeda, Springfield Police Lt. Norman Charest, Springfield Schools Superintendent Daniel Warwick and Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno

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Left to right: Putnam Assistant Principal Paul Nycz, Executive Assistant MJ Dutton, Vocational Assistant Principal Ray Adams, Past Principal Gil Traverso, Springfield Police Officer Ann Marie Condon and Putnam Principal George Johnson

Equipment was on hand to showcase new welding technology, aluminum repair systems and Spanesi Measuring systems.

Putnam Collision Repair Instructor John Kennedy tells New England Automotive Report that the BBQ has become a Springfield institution.

“People really look forward to this event. People call us months in advance asking when we’re doing it again. It’s great for the industry to network with the students and find future technicians, and it’s great for those future technicians to get job interviewing skills in a relaxed atmosphere. At least a half-dozen kids had job interviews that night. That’s what it’s all about – networking and thanking everyone for their participation and becoming involved in our Advisory Committee.”

A highlight of the BBQ was the unveiling of a special

antique phone box that was restored by Collision Repair Technology students and presented to the Springfield Police Academy. Later, Kennedy and fellow Putnam instructor Ray Lapite were presented with a special citation from the Springfield City Council in recognition for their department’s work in the community. The honor was presented

by Ashley Betancourt, an aide for Springfield Councilor at Large Kateri Walsh and a 2015 Putnam Collision Repair graduate.

The BBQ concluded with a special raffle of prizes donated by West Springfield Auto Parts, LKQ/Keystone Automotive, I-CAR, Hampden Zimmerman Electrical, Rick’s Auto Body and the Putnam Collision Repair and Electrical Technology shops.

MASSACHUSETTS BUILDING THE SUCCESS OF THE AUTO REPAIR INDUSTRY

AASP/MA members Craig Gridley (Larry’s Auto Body) and Gary Cloutier (Cloot’s Auto Body) were honored for their participation in the Collision Repair Technology Advisory Board.

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[LEGAL] PERSPECTIVE

continued from page 26

If you are incorporated, do you have a stockholders’ agreement? If you are an LLC, do you have an operating agreement? If not, you need one. If there have been any changes in the nature of the business or the relationship between the stockholders or LLC members, then these matters must be addressed in amendments to the governing agreements. Among other matters, it is crucial that you have made provisions for a change in ownership if a stockholder of a corporation or member of an LLC dies, becomes disabled or retires. It is also imperative that you have formally set out the financial consequences of these changes by determining who is going to pay whom how much (and over what period of time) for a deceased member’s interest in the business.

Legal Documents. When is the last time that you reviewed your Repair Order? Does it comply with the requirements of the Attorney General’s consumer protection regulations? If not, you may not legally charge for repairing a customer’s vehicle.

Do you own the real estate on which your business is located, or do you lease it? If you lease it, when is the last time that you reviewed the lease? Is it coming up for renewal? Does it require you to give your landlord notice of whether or not you intend to renew (and how far in advance)?

Do you have any type of retirement plan for your employees? Do you pay for any portion of their health insurance and/ or disability insurance premiums? This means that you have a “welfare benefit plan,” whether you know it or not. If so, do you have a formal written arrangement in place? If you do, when is

the last time that you reviewed it? Are the plans in writing and IRS-compliant? If not, the negative tax consequences can be devastating.

The list goes on...Aside from the topics discussed in this article, have you made all of your required tax filings, both for your business and for yourself? Is your workers’ compensation insurance policy up to date, with all employees listed and properly categorized? Is your garagekeeper’s liability policy in force and up to date? Is your own personal estate plan up to date? And yes, your estate plan is relevant to your business, since it may govern who is going to inherit the business when you die, or who is going to have the right to operate it if you become disabled. It may also determine how much your estate is going to have to pay in estate taxes, based on how your business is to be valued.

Conclusion. You probably already have regular medical checkups. But do you also regularly check on the legal health of your business? If not, maybe it is time to start to do so. As with medical issues, it is better to address legal issues early, before it is too late to effectively treat a condition that may be threatening the life of your business.

MASSACHUSETTS BUILDING THE SUCCESS OF THE AUTO REPAIR INDUSTRY

Attorney James Castleman is a managing member of Paster, Rice & Castleman, LLC in Quincy, MA. He can be reached at (617) 472-3424 or at jcastleman@prclawoffice.com.

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It Takes Genuine Honda Collision Repair Parts To Achieve a Genuine Honda Fit. Honda collision repair parts are engineered and manufactured to Honda standards.

In the collision-repair business, time is money, and you can’t waste time on parts that almost fit properly. Use Genuine Honda replacement parts. Your reputation depends on it.

For Genuine Honda parts, contact these Authorized Honda dealers.

Bernardi Honda 960 Worcester Road Natick, MA 01760 Parts Direct: 800-247-3033 FAX: 508-651-1220 www.bernardihonda.com

Lia Honda of Northampton 293 King Street Northampton, MA 01060 Toll Free: 800-369-7889 Direct: 1-413-586-6043 FAX: 1-413-585-0502 www.liahondanorthampton.com

Honda North 382 Newbury Street Danvers, MA 01923 Toll Free: 800-882-9797 FAX: 978-774-9483 e-mail: eadams@iclautos.com www.hondanorth.com

Kelly Honda 540 Lynnway Rt. 1A Lynn, MA 01905 Parts Direct: 800-779-7466 FAX: 781-595-2898 e-mail: awilliams@kellyauto.com

Honda of Enfield 20 Palomba Drive Enfield, CT 06082 Toll Free: 800-222-6632 FAX: 860-253-5419 www.liahondaofenfield.com

Schaller Honda 1 Veterans Drive New Britain, CT 06051 Toll Free: 800-382-4525 Direct: 860-826-2080 FAX: 860-826-2083 e-mail: jkiniry@schallerauto.com www.schallerauto.com

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Lundgren Honda of Auburn 525 Washington Street Auburn, MA 01501 Toll Free: 800-777-2044 FAX: 508-721-0872 e-mail:pmccarthy@lhonda.com www.lhonda.com

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Saving the School: If you’re looking for an example of how AASP/MA helps the automotive community, check out Cape Cod Technical High School in Harwich. Also known as Cape Tech, the school recently found itself seriously contemplating its future when it was determined that it was due for either an extensive remodeling project or a complete rebuild. In addition to restructuring its physical property, the school was also looking to re-do its internal operation by reducing the number of courses it offered. Earlier this spring, the administration identified Auto Collision Technology as one of three programs for possible elimination.

According to longtime Cape Tech Auto Collision Technology Instructor Ken Townsend, the school’s initial decision to put his program on the cut list was based on information that didn’t necessarily represent the realities of today’s automotive job market.

“The main reason why the program was there on the list was because the statistics they had [from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics] showed that there was zero-percent growth between now and 2022. It also stated that there were 112 collision techs on the Cape, and that was it.”

Faced with the possible end of his program, Townsend took action. In an effort to gain a realistic view inside today’s professional industry, he and his aide called shops throughout the Cape, asking owners to supply them with real information on how many employees they currently had, if these employees came from vocational schools and if any jobs were currently available at their facilities. At the end of Townsend’s research, the number of working techs in the area jumped from 112 to 230, with 37 prospective jobs available. Among the shops he contacted were area members of AASP/MA, many of whom offered to assist his efforts in any way they could. This gesture was greatly appreciated, as Townsend was about to go before an ad-hoc committee formed by the school to hear presentations on the programs being evaluated.

On May 14, AASP/MA President Molly Brodeur and Treasurer Kevin Gallerani joined representatives from the National Auto Body Council and shops throughout the region in helping Townsend deliver an extensive and educational overview of the value and legitimate career opportunities present in today’s market. Instead of utilizing outdated and questionable data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics and other non-industry sources, the AASP/MA presenters supplied facts and figures from the Mitchell Industry Trend Report as well as vocational school marketing materials developed by AASP’s Minnesota affiliate. By offering real-world numbers and a true look into where collision repair is going, the presentation succeeded in dispelling many of the common myths surrounding the trade.

“We were able to show live data just from the last quarter,” offers Brodeur. “We tried to eliminate the misconception that the 40 August 2016

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AASP/MA Keeps a Vocational Program Alive

by Joel Gausten

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collision tech program isn’t relevant anymore, and I think we accomplished that.”

“I was blown away with the amount of interest and support I got when I reached out to the industry,” adds Townsend. “Everyone pretty much dropped what they were doing when they saw our program in need. They really stepped it up and helped us out – it was incredible. When we did the presentations, you could see on the committee members’ faces that they were thinking, ‘Wow! This is not a dying industry.’”

Speaking with New England Automotive Report following the presentation, Gallerani stressed the importance of keeping Townsend’s program moving forward into the future.

“We can’t find people to do the job as it is. If you close the programs, we’re going to be in big trouble because there will be nobody out there. I know of at least 10 jobs in my area that can be filled today; it’s just a matter of getting people into the industry to get hired.”

He additionally noted that the industry provides a world of employment opportunities that might not be obvious at first glance.

“It’s not just technicians who are needed,” he said. “The industry needs painters, appraisers, people to work in the front office and parts managers. There are a lot of skills that people can develop in this line of work.”

After holding subsequent discussions on the matter, the school committee ultimately voted to keep Townsend’s program on June 23. From here, the school will determine whether to remodel or completely rebuild the department within the next three years. Brodeur is hopeful that this positive news will inspire more shops on the Cape to help Townsend in the interim.

“Ken cares a lot and puts his heart and soul into this program, but the current budget he has is largely spent on safety items,” she says. “He can definitely use assistance from area shops and vendors in fulfilling his equipment needs.

We need to stay committed to the school and help get them to a level where they can be more competitive with the other vo-tech collision programs.”

Currently, Townsend is experiencing Cape Tech’s Ken Townsend is hopeful for the future of his program. an increase in donations to his department from vendors like 3M and Kemperle, thanks to the Collison Repair Education Foundation (CREF), who became involved in helping out when he first reached out to the industry earlier this year.

“It’s definitely been an incredible relationship between the school and the Foundation, he says. “They always get us in contact with the right people to help us out.”

Encouraged by the positive outcome of AASP/MA’s work with Cape Cod Technical High School, Brodeur urges association members in other parts of the state to take a more active role in ensuring the health and survival of their area vocational school programs.

“These programs are in jeopardy. If you serve on an Advisory Board or are hearing whisperings that a program is possibly going to be eliminated, we have the data, information and resources to come in and hopefully change their minds.”

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[TECH] CORNER by Chloe Durante

Repair Scanning: What the OEMs Have to Say What’s the first thing you do when you drop your iPhone flat against a cement floor? You let out a dramatic gasp, of course, but what next? YOU CHECK IF THE SCREEN CRACKED! If that screen is still perfectly intact when you slowly turn it around to face you, it’s safe to assume IT’S FINE! You can now go on about your day…but is it really okay? Can you actually guarantee that crash didn’t shift the mechanical functions inside the motherboard of that smartphone? Your phone may work fine for a week or so, but when it starts to randomly turn off every five minutes and you can’t for the life of you figure out why, think back to that day when you accidently pushed your phone off the kitchen counter. When that happened, you created hidden damage.

That Ford Escape in your shop was in a relatively minor fender bender, but that doesn’t mean something with the vehicle’s backup camera sensors didn’t go terribly wrong. Taking off a rear bumper and replacing it with a new one seems simple enough; however, how can any repairer guarantee that every single wire or computer is running properly without a diagnostic check? That is where a scan tool is required.

There is no excuse for not scanning a vehicle following a part replacement, regardless of the extent of the damage.

More and more of the industry’s major OEMs are releasing position statements to bring awareness to all repairers.

This year, Mopar—which encompasses major manufacturers such as Chrysler, Jeep, Fiat and Dodge—released a position statement on pre- and post-repair scanning (available in full at tinyurl.com/hmbbxf7): FCA US LLC vehicles, systems and components are engineered, tested and manufactured to help protect vehicle occupants. They are engineered to meet or exceed both government-mandated and internal corporate requirements relative to durability, NVH (noise vibration and harshness) and vehicle safety. Use of the Mopar wiTECH vehicle diagnostic tester (Mopar Scan Tool) is an important part of FCA US vehicle service and maintenance. This tool contains software that aftermarket tools may not contain and can assess whether any FCA US vehicle’s safety and security systems contain active or stored Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs).

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electronic driver assistance systems MUST be tested for fault codes (DTCs) that could be active (current) or stored following a collision.

Use of the Mopar wiTECH vehicle diagnostic tester is necessary before and after collision repair. ANY of the following conditions could trigger DTCs prior to or during collision repairs, which could result in improper vehicle performance: Vehicle is involved in an accident or collision, even though the damage may appear minor Vehicle has been in an accident with or without air bag deployment Voltage loss, including battery disconnects and hybrid battery disabling Significant vehicle disassembly including, but not limited to, bumpers, door handles, headlamps and mirrors Interior trim repair or removal Glass removal and replacement operations Any repairs performed without using Mopar parts and not following published repair guidelines and procedures may expose current or future vehicle owners and occupants to unnecessary risk. If faults were stored in the DTC memory for any safety or security system, then these systems MUST be serviced according to the repair procedures in Service Information. After performing repairs, recheck the system to determine if any active or stored DTCs remain; if so, take appropriate service action to ensure proper function.

On June 20, Nissan also released a position statement on pre- and post-repair system scanning (available in full at tinyurl.com/zla5zvc): Nissan vehicles today have more technology and electrical components than ever before. Today, it is necessary in most repair situations for the vehicle to have a pre- and post-repair system scan so that the repairer is informed of any trouble codes present, even in cases where there are no identifier lights on the dash.

A pre-repair system scan can identify items up front that are malfunctioning on a vehicle. This helps the repair facility to fully understand the scope of the collision repair, even before starting. The post-repair system scan will confirm that trouble items have been properly repaired and systems are calibrated, helping to ensure our customers’ safety and satisfaction.

It is the stance of Nissan North America that all of our vehicles be scanned following a collision repair to help ensure the vehicles’ systems are communicating properly with no trouble codes outstanding.

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It is also recommended that, where appropriate, a pre-repair scan also be completed for reasons mentioned above. The safety of our customers is our number one priority, and we believe these pre- and post-repair scans are more and more integral to a safe, quality repair.

We ask the general repair industry to adhere to these strict guidelines going forward.

The fancier the car, the more intricate the repair will be.

Shop owners and technicians simply cannot take the risk of refusing diagnostic checks.

MASSACHUSETTS BUILDING THE SUCCESS OF THE AUTO REPAIR INDUSTRY

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[MEMBER SHOP] SPOTLIGHT

by Joel Gausten

KnOWlEdgE iS POWER:

Southwick Collision Center & Sales Stays Educated Celebrating eight years in business next month, Southwick Collision Center & Sales (Southwick) has steadily built an impressive customer base to become one of the region’s most popular auto body facilities. In addition to boasting a successful towing business that serves area municipalities, the 6,500-square-foot facility currently generates more than $1 million a year in sales thanks to a dedicated four-person crew in the back.

Positive growth has been a constant at the business since the very beginning; when current proprietor Todd Doiron bought the shop and re-named it Southwick Collision Center & Sales in September 2008, its first-month sales doubled those of the facility’s previous owner.

Doiron’s ongoing success at the shop is the result of a 27-year career that at one time included managing a multimillion-dollar facility in Connecticut. After the grueling nature of that enterprise fueled his desire for something new, he decided to go in a completely different direction by taking a job at The Hartford in 2005 as an auto appraiser.

“I was extremely burned out at the facility I was managing,” he recalls.

“The company had started a second shop, and it grew too fast for us to keep control of it. The stress level was too much. The insurance side was something I was always looking to try.”

Three years later, he got the itch to return to the collision side. Although

Southwick Collision Center & Sales was an immediate hit locally, Doiron admits that his return to the industry – this time as an owner – wasn’t entirely smooth.

“The biggest transition was getting out of the insurance mentality and back into the repair mentality. On one side, you’re trying to save as much money in a claim as you can; that’s your job in the insurance industry. On the repair side, you need to make as much as possible.”

So how does Doiron find a profitable balance in this often-contentious scenario? As he sees it, it all comes down to having the proper documentation.

“Ultimately, insurers are looking for cost-effective repairs. You need to provide them all the documentation and answers to move ahead. You’re not always dealing with people who are savvy in the repair business; you need to do all the work for them.

When they come to your shop, have all the answers – the photos and the cost to do the repair properly – so you can move forward quickly. We have all the documentation in place for the questions that are going to be asked.”

Of course, no body shop owner knows everything. Last year, Doiron joined AASP/MA as a way to not only strengthen his business’ knowledge base, but offer his time and help to those who are working hard to improve the industry.

“Over a period of time, I felt guilty that I wasn’t involved in what a lot of

these people were doing for the industry. I thought the least I could do was join and possibly add some input or help. This industry is a struggle. We’re in a border town to Connecticut; four miles down the road, the Labor Rate is much higher than it is here. Our biggest battle right now is with the Labor Rate and unfair claim practices.

Getting together with other shop owners and learning things helps to take some of the pressure away.”

With nearly a decade in business already behind him, Doiron anticipates a bright future. As he moves forward, he will do so with his wife, Erica, an insurance industry veteran who currently handles the shop’s front office, by his side. Additionally, his son, Devon, took home the Silver in this year’s Massachusetts SkillsUSA State Conference, is about to become a senior at Westfield Vocational Technical High School and is already an impressive technician.

Welcome additions to the AASP/ MA community, Doiron and Southwick Collision Center & Sales prove that prosperity can come to anyone willing to put in the necessary time to learn and grow.

“We do very good numbers for the personnel we have, but we always have to work at it. You can’t let anything get through your fingers.”

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2016 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION MASSACHUSETTS BUILDING THE SUCCESS OF THE AUTO REPAIR INDUSTRY

As a member of the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Massachusetts (AASP/MA), i will abide by the association’s bylaws and code of ethics. i understand that membership in AASP of Massachusetts is non-transferable, and i must remain current with my dues in order to be a member in good standing. i understand that if i discontinue my membership that i must immediately cease using any association promotions, logos or materials. Additionally, i understand that as part of my AASP of Massachusetts membership, i will receive New England Automotive Report, the official publication of AASP of Massachusetts, faxes, emails and other mailings.

*** PlEASE TYPE OR PRinT lEgiBlY *** Primary Contact Name: ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Business Name: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Street Address ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Street

City

State

Zip

Mailing Address ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ City

Street

Phone Number ( E-mail Address

)____________________________________ Fax Number (

State

Zip

) __________________________________________

________________________________________ Web Site Address ____________________________________________

MEMBERSHIP TYPE (check one) Collision Repair Shop

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE CONTACT: Name: __________________________________________________

Mechanical Repair Shop

Phone Number: __________________________________________

Both, Collision & Mechanical Repair Shops Vendor

Email:____________________________________________________

RS Number (if applicable) ________________________________ ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DUES

AASP/MA CHAPTER (check one) MidState Southeastern Northeastern Western

(The AASP membership year is from January 1 to December 31, 2016)

$40/month

$115/quarter

$425/year - BEST VAlUE!

Monthly & Quarterly Dues are Automatic Credit Card Transactions ONLY*

NEW! Political Action Committee (PAC) Donation ...............$_____ Personal Contributions Only

ADDITIONAL CONTACT FOR NEWSLETTERS AND LEGISLATIVE UPDATES name: ____________________________________________________ Email: ____________________________________________________ name: ____________________________________________________ Email: ____________________________________________________ name: ____________________________________________________

Check or Cash

Credit Card:

Visa

MasterCard

Amex

Card Number: __________________________________________ CID Number: ____________ (3#s on back for Visa, 4 on front for AMEX) Expiration Date: ________________________________________ Name on Card: __________________________________________ Billing Address of Credit Card: ____________________________

Email: ____________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

name: ____________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

Email: ____________________________________________________

Signature: ______________________________________________

name: ____________________________________________________

Date: __________________________________________________

Email: ____________________________________________________

PlEASE COMPlETE THiS MEMBERSHiP APPliCATiOn And RETURn iT WiTH PAYMEnT TO AASP-MA OFFiCE. 12 Post Office Square, 6th Floor • Boston, MA 02109 Phone: (617) 574-0741 | Fax: (617) 695-0173|jzywien@aaspma.org As required by the U.S. Tax Code, AASP of Massachusetts, Inc. informs its members that 75% of the dues paid to the association are tax deductible. The remaining 25% is allocated to legislative activities and is not tax deductible.

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Prompt &  Dependable Delivery

Experienced and Professional Parts Team

Ask about our Competitive Prices

Fax Line: 508.699.4761 Parts Hours: Mon-Sat: 7:30-5:00

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Parts Line:

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LET US TURN THEM AROUND! Contact New England Automotive Report Sales Director Alicia Figurelli

973.667.6922 ALICIA@GRECOPUBLISHING.COM 52 August 2016

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AUT M TIVE AD INDEX Audi Group ....................................................43 Audi Shrewsbury ..........................................19 Axalta Coating Systems ..................................4 Bald Hill Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram..............8 Balise Wholesale Parts Express ....................42 Baystate Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge ..................45 Best Chevrolet/Best CDJR..........................IFC BMW Group ..............................................16-17 BMW/Mini of Warwick ................................24 Clay Subaru ....................................................39 Collision Equipment Company ..................21 Colonial Auto Group ......................................6 MASSACHUSETTS BUILDING THE SUCCESS OF THE AUTO REPAIR INDUSTRY

Empire Auto Parts..........................................54 Enterprise ........................................................51 First Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram ..................51 First Ford ........................................................51 First Hyundai..................................................51 Ford Group ....................................................38 Honda Group..................................................36 Hyundai Group ..............................................37 Imperial Ford ..................................................38 Infiniti of Norwood........................................25 Ira Group....................................................12-13 Kelly Automotive Group............................IBC Kia Group........................................................34 Linder’s, Inc. ..................................................22 Long Automotive Group ..........................OBC Mazda Group..................................................50 Mercedes-Benz of Shrewsbury ....................19 Mopar Group..................................................32 Nissan Group....................................................9 PPG ....................................................................3 Robertsons GMC Truck ................................39 Sarat Ford Lincoln..........................................35 Sentry Group ..................................................27 Steck Manufacturing ....................................52 Subaru Group............................................28-29 Tasca Group ....................................................53 Toyota Group..................................................33 Village Auto Group........................................47 VW Group ......................................................46 Wagner BMW of Shrewsbury ......................19 Wagner Kia of Shrewsbury ..........................19 Wellesley Toyota/Scion ................................11 Wheel Collision Center ................................54

54 August 2016

New England Automotive Report

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