New England Automotive Report December 2015

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Serving the New England Collision and Mechanical Repair Industry MASSACHUSETTS

December 2015 U.S.A. $5.95

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BUILDING THE SUCCESS OF THE AUTO REPAIR INDUSTRY

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December 2015 • Volume 13, No. 12

CONTENTS

DEPARTMENTS VICE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE by Adam Ioakim 8 | P-Pages: Your BFF in the Shop IN THE AREA by Joel Gausten 18 | Annual Clambake Brings Excitement to Western MA 20 | I-CAR Presentation Explores Opportunities for Schools 23 | Education & Innovation: Inside the New England Automotive Repair Expo LOCAL NEWS by Jacquelyn Bauman 28 | AASP/MA Hits News Report on Insurer Interference 30 | Community in Charity: Heartwarming Donations Made Following Vandalism 34 | Local Body Shop Recognized for Charity Towards Veterans NATIONAL NEWS by Joel Gausten 44 | OEM Summit Explores New Materials & Repair Demands 50 | AASP/MA Represented at National Affiliate Meeting 53 | Repairer Driven: The Industry Hits SEMA 2015

COVER STORY 36 | EVERYONE WINS AT 8TH ANNUAL AASP/MA CASINO NIGHT

ALSO THIS ISSUE 7 | TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES: I-CAR CALENDAR OF EVENTS 10 | A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 14 | AASP/MA SPONSORS

45 | THOMAS GRECO PUBLISHING LAUNCHES REDESIGNED WEBSITE 58 | AASP/MA MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION 62 | INDEX OF ADVERTISERS New England Automotive Report

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December 8, 2015

ADALB Meeting Division of Insurance, 1000 Washington Street, Boston, MA

December 15, 2015

AASP/MA Board of Directors Meeting Doubletree Hotel, 5400 Computer Drive, Westborough, MA

FOR A FULL LISTING OF UPCOMING AASP/MA EVENTS AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES, PLEASE VISIT WWW.AASPMA.ORG

in Massachusetts December 2, 2015

Aluminum Exterior Panel Repair & Replacement Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School Haverhill, MA

December 3, 2015 Automotive Foams Fuller Auto Body Auburn, MA

Understanding & Preventing Refinish Defects Amherst Insurance Agency Amherst, MA

December 8, 2015

2015 Ford F-150 Structural Repair Training Course Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School Wakefield, MA

December 10, 2015

Collision Repair for Toyota, Lexus & Scion Vehicles Fuller Auto Body Auburn, MA

December 16, 2015

Alternative Fuel Vehicle Damage Analysis & Safety Fuller Auto Body Auburn, MA

For more information, visit i-car.com

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AUT M TIVE

December 1, 2015

AASP/MA Western Chapter Holiday Party Slainte Restaurant, 80 Jarvis Avenue, Holyoke, MA More information: aaspma.org/chapters/western-chapter/

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STAFF PUBLISHER

ART DIRECTOR

Thomas Greco (thomas@grecopublishing.com)

Lea Velocci (lea@grecopublishing.com)

DIRECTOR OF SALES

MANAGING EDITOR

Alicia Figurelli (alicia@grecopublishing.com)

Jacquelyn Bauman (jacquelyn@grecopublishing.com)

EDITOR

PRODUCTION

Joel Gausten (tgpjoel@verizon.net)

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 © 2015 by Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc. Images courtesy of www.istockphoto.com

MASSACHUSETTS BUILDING THE SUCCESS OF THE AUTO REPAIR INDUSTRY

AASP/MA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 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 CHAPTER DIRECTORS NORTHEAST CHAPTER DIRECTORS Alex Falzone Kevin Kyes SOUTHEAST CHAPTER DIRECTORS Michael Penacho Darlene Andrade MIDSTATE CHAPTER DIRECTORS Tom Ricci Ray Belsito, Jr. WESTERN CHAPTER DIRECTOR 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

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VICE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

P-PAgES: yoUR bFF IN thE ShoP P-Pages should be the best friend of any shop and estimator writing and negotiating an appraisal with an insurance carrier. I want to empower everyone to take the time to read the P-Pages that go along with the database you’re writing on, whether it’s Mitchell, Audatex or CCC One. It’s important to not only read the P-Pages for the system used in your shop, but to read the P-Pages for the other major database providers as well. The reason I suggest this is that insurance companies might be writing with a different program than your shop, and you need to know better than them what is or isn’t included in terms of items and procedures. This way, they can’t take advantage of you or pull the wool over your eyes. If Mitchell’s P-Pages say that an item is not included, I can turn to the insurer and tell them that it’s only appropriate that I bill for and get paid for that item. If you’re unsure

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as to where you can locate your PPages, you can find the ones for your database included with your program.

Many of the P-Pages on other systems are available on the Information Providers’ websites. For those who have “subscriber-only” availability, you should take advantage of the wonderful tool that is the Database Enhancement Gateway (DEG). The DEG has all of the different P-Pages in PDF format. I highly suggest downloading these files to your desktop so that you can have easy access to them whenever you write an estimate. Print out the pages and staple them to your appraisal in negotiations to prove that your case is fact and not simply a matter of opinion.

Take the time to read the P-Pages and then take a walk through your shop. You’ll see all of the things you’re doing on a daily basis that you will notice are not included procedures.

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You’re not getting reimbursed for these things unless you’re putting them on your appraisals.

Use these P-Pages as your best friend. Bill for anything and everything that you’re doing that is not included, and utilize the documentation at your disposal to back up your argument against insurers. If you have any questions on where to find P-Pages or need more tips on how to use them properly, contact a member of the AASP/MA Board of Directors. We are always happy to help.

MASSACHUSETTS 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.

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A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

AASP/MA 2015: A yEAR oF FIRStS Dear Members, As I write my final message of 2015, I cannot help but reflect. This was a year of many firsts and great successes on behalf of the industry.

For the first time ever, AASP/ MA’s Legislative Committee filed five matters before the Legislature. For the last several sessions, the Labor Rate was our only filed matter. While it is still a priority piece of legislation, the Committee has diversified its efforts in order to address other issues of importance, such as the ADALB, steering and aftermarket parts. All filed and tracked matters can be viewed on our website at aaspma.org under the “Legislative Initiatives” tab. We have also included an update as to the status of each bill so our members can follow our legislation. Please also pay close attention to our Damage Report

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newsletter and legislative updates for timely reports.

With this year’s election of Governor Baker came the appointment of our new ADALB members Rick Starbard, Bill Johnson and Lyle Pare. (Joe Coyne and Chairman Gil Cox remain from the previous Board.) During the July 21 meeting, the Board voted to rescind the previous Board’s Advisory Ruling relative to photo and video being considered personal inspection.

This was the first time in the Board’s history that an Advisory Ruling has been repealed. The Ruling was rescinded by a 3-2 vote, with Rick Starbard, Bill Johnson and Joe Coyne voting in the affirmative to remove the Ruling. The original language of the Ruling did two things: It opened the door for a non-licensed individual (a consumer) to take photos and/or video of the damaged vehicle, which

New England Automotive Report

we know from experience creates a litany of issues for shops, including unseen damages, damages greater than expected, safety concerns and more. Additionally, the language of the previous Ruling allowed for many insurers to ignore the applicable $1,500 deductible, as outlined by 212 CMR 2.04, Section 1 (a). AASP/MA is pleased the ADALB repealed this Ruling.

In September by unanimous vote, the ADALB issued another Advisory Ruling relative to the use of certain used parts that contain wear items. We believe this is a big win on behalf of the industry. Not only does the Advisory Ruling state the Board’s opinion that the use of these parts (in certain circumstances) may impact the operational safety of the vehicle, but it also reinforces that the use of aftermarket parts needs to be negotiated. The Board

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advised that used parts that would impact the operational safety of the vehicle should not be used, and COMPLETE negotiations should occur as mandated. To watch any ADALB videos, log into the “Members Only” section of the AASP/MA website.

The Division of Insurance (DOI) announced in August that it would host a listening session relative to 211 CMR. A listening session allows for the DOI to hear comments from interested parties. The association, led by your president, Molly Brodeur, was on hand to testify, urging the DOI to address some of the industry’s concerns with the regulation, specifically on enforcement issues. Although she was not present to testify, Attorney General Maura Healey submitted a letter echoing our testimony. If the DOI decides to open the regulation, we expect a formal public hearing sometime in the spring. To review comments relative to 211 CMR 133.00, visit tinyurl.com/DOI-211CMR-133-00.

In addition to our regulatory successes, the association had many firsts in relation to our events and relationships. Our desire to recognize our valued vendor partners culminated with AASP/MA’s first Vendor Appreciation Night. We invited all of our sponsors to attend a complimentary night of food, fun and entertainment. New England’s number one hypnotist, Joe DeVito, provided the night’s entertainment. Thanks again to all of our volunteers who were very good sports! In September, SCRS Executive Director Aaron Schulenburg gave our members a taste of SEMA and an update on national issues at our Statewide Meeting.

More recently, we hosted the first New England Automotive Repair Expo with the New England Service Station and Auto Repair Association (NESSARA). (See page 23.) There were over 100 participants for the day, and our collision training programs were packed with attendees. Special thanks to all of our guest speakers: Rick Palmer of PMCLogic; Larry Montanez of P&L Consultants; Bill Johnson of Pleasant Street Auto Body; and Matt Mitchell, Esq. Lastly, by the time you read this, we’ll have just concluded our 8th Annual Casino Night, which was a huge

success! With the “freeing” of Tom Brady and the incredible Super Bowl win, everyone wanted a piece of Gillette Stadium! We expanded our gaming table offerings, improved our raffle prizes and added buffet stations. We also added stops on our private stadium tour and a dance floor for those who weren’t interested in gaming.

We could not have had these firsts and successes this year without the support and participation of our members. We know how valuable

your money is, and we take it very seriously that you choose to spend it with AASP/MA. I am extremely motivated by this year’s accomplishments and look forward to the year ahead with great anticipation. If you are not a current member of the association, I would urge you to join today. We are the only association fighting on your behalf in the Commonwealth. We can’t build the success of the auto repair industry without the support of the

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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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IN THE AREA by Joel Gausten

ANNUAL CLAMBAKE BRINGS EXCITEMENT TO WESTERN MA On October 16, hundreds from the AASP/MA community gathered at the Polish American Club in Feeding Hills for the association’s Western Chapter Clambake. Offering a complete chicken barbeque dinner (with steamed clams and chowder) and more than 100 raffle prizes, this year’s event provided a great way for attendees to relax and have fun after a long week in the industry.

Emceed by Western Chapter Past Vice President Andre Marcoux (Western Mass Collision) and Treasurer Mike Boucher (Custom Auto Body), the annual raffle made a Super Grand Prize winner out of James Ortiz of Central Chevrolet (who went home with a 55-inch Sony TV courtesy of LKQ/Keystone Automotive), while Grand Prize winner Andrew Bordoni (BodyWorks Unlimited) received a special Berkshires getaway package donated by Linder’s, Inc. First Prize, a 40-inch Insignia TV generously donated by BAPS Auto Paint & Supply, went to Tina Billings of Felix Auto Body.

This year’s Clambake was made possible by the amazing support of numerous industry sponsors. Gold Sponsors included ABSAP, AkzoNobel, Amherst Oakham Auto Recycling, Axalta, Bald Hill Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep/ Kia, Balise Wholesale Parts Express, Central Chevrolet, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Hoffman Auto Group, Long Automotive Group, LKQ/Keystone, Transtar Autobody Technologies, Sarat Ford/Lincoln and West Springfield Auto Parts. This

The 2015 Clambake Gold Sponsors. Back row (L-R): Don Cushing (Bald Hill Dodge/ Chrysler/Jeep/Kia), Bob DeYoung (Axalta), Gordy Palley (Amherst Oakham Auto Recyclers), Eddy Ravetto (Hoffman Auto Group), Chris Morin (ABSAP). Center row (L-R): Steve Creanza (West Springfield Auto Parts), Mike McPartland (Transtar), Jack Sarat (Sarat Ford/Lincoln), Cat Demers (Enterprise Rent-A-Car), Mark Bird (Central Chevrolet).

Front row (L-R): Rick Casey (LKQ/Keystone Automotive), Alan Montalbano (Long Automotive Group), Ariel Valdes (Balise Wholesale Parts Express), Jeremy Ostrout (AkzoNobel)

year’s group of invaluable Silver Sponsors included BAPS Auto Paint & Supply, KwickSilver/Mass Wheel Works, PPG and Tasca Automotive. Bronze Sponsors included CCC Information Services, Lia Honda of Enfield, Marcotte Ford and Westover Auto Salvage.

In addition to the abundant raffle gifts donated by the various above sponsors, prizes were also generously donated by A&R Auto Glass, Affordable Auto Glass, Bald Hill Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep/Kia, Cloot’s Auto Body, Designer Office Systems, Formula Products, Firestone, FL Roberts/Golden Nozzle, Greenfield Auto Salvage, Hampshire Towing, Interstate Battery, Linder’s, Inc., Lia Honda of Enfield, Marcotte Ford, Mitchell Auto Group, River Auto Service, Larry Skorupski, Snap-On Tools, Jim Ekmalian/Snap-On Tools, Tasca Automotive, V&F Auto Carquest, Westover Auto Salvage and West Springfield Auto Parts.

A special “shop owners only” drawing offered an array of great prizes generously donated by 3M, Bald Hill Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep/Kia, BAPS Auto Paint & Supply, Crest East Coast, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, the Gold Sponsors, Kemperle, KwickSilver/Mass Wheel Works, Marcotte Ford, PPG, Tasca Automotive, Sherwin-Williams, Donny and Jake from U-POL and West Springfield Auto Parts.

The 2015 AASP/MA Clambake was the result of months of hard work and planning by a dedicated volunteer Committee comprised of Marcoux, Boucher and fellow Western Chapter members Dan Lamontagne (acting president), Mike Beal (MABA past president), Gary Cloutier (AASP/MA secretary), Don Vermette (Western MA past president) and Paul Zollner (West Springfield Auto Parts).

Prior to the start of the Clambake, Bob DeYoung of Axalta Coating Systems and Scott MacDonald of West Springfield Auto Parts offered a special EPA 6H certification clinic at the Polish American Club to help bring attendees up to speed on environmental requirements for shops.

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1.

2.

3.

5.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: 1. Bob DeYoung (Axalta Coating Systems) and Scott MacDonald (West Springfield Auto Parts) presided over a special EPA 6H certification clinic prior to the Clambake.

2. The 2015 AASP/MA Western Chapter Clambake Committee. (L-R):Mike Boucher (Western MA treasurer), Andre Marcoux (Western MA past vice president), Gary Cloutier (AASP/MA secretary), Don Vermette (Western MA past president), Paul Zollner (West Springfield Auto Parts), Mike Beal (MABA past president) 3. Grand Prize Winner Andrew Bordoni (Body Works Unlimited) received a special getaway package from the Cranwell Spa & Golf Resort located in the scenic Berkshires. The prize was donated by Linder’s, Inc. and presented by Chris DiMarzio.

4. First Prize Winner Tina Billings (Felix Auto Body) took home a 40-inch Insignia TV generously donated by BAPS Auto Paint & Supply.

5. Super Grand Prize winner James Ortiz (Central Chevrolet) went home with a 55-inch Sony TV presented by Rick Casey of LKQ/Keystone Automotive. The TV was very generously donated by Rick, Scott Carney of LKQ Paint and Jeremy Ostrout of AkzoNobel.

4.

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industry said, ‘Hey, this is crazy.’ We actually spent three years looking at our business model with the industry...

[With PDP], we define the roles that touch the car in that repair process; we define the skills and competencies required.”

As of this writing, there are 1,059 career and technical schools in the US currently offering collision repair training.

Of this amount, 420 schools use the Education Edition of the On October 30, the Assabet Valley Regional Technical Professional Development Program.

High School in Marlboro hosted a special meeting between According to I-CAR literature, the organization provides vocational directors and collision instructors from throughthese schools “with the education, knowledge and solutions out the state to help both parties gain a greater understandneeded to produce students that are well prepared and ing of the opportunities for training available to today’s auto highly desirable for competitive collision repair careers.” body students. The gathering featured a special presentation AASP/MA member, Assabet graduate and multi-shop

by Bill Stage, senior director of segment development for Iowner Bob Waldron praised the role-specific nature of the CAR, on the Education Edition of his organization’s ProfesEducation Edition as a means of addressing the evolving sional Development Program (PDP). needs of the industry.

Launched in August 2012, the Education Edition is the “Years ago, we’d have somebody take an electrical result of years of research and extensive conversations with course, a refinishing course and maybe a welding course hundreds of professionals from the education and repair and something for the office – a jack of all trades, a master of communities. As previously discussed in this magazine none,” he offered. “Today, that’s changed.” (“From Pupil to Platinum: Inside I-CAR’s Vocational School Following Stage’s presentation, collision repair audience Curriculum,” March 2015), this special two-year curriculum members moved to Assabet’s auto body classroom for a diswas designed to give vocational school students an opportu- cussion on aluminum hosted by Glen Bresnahan, national nity to reach ProLevel 1 status in the PDP’s Refinish Technisales manager of Hutchins Manufacturing. A major compocian and Non-Structural Technician roles and leave school nent of Bresnahan’s talk was a strong warning against mixwith I-CAR Platinum recognition. By entering the workforce ing steel and aluminum in the repair process, as the act with these achievements already in place, a young technicould lead to galvanic corrosion. cian has the credentials necessary to not only become a val“Aluminum is a sacrificial metal; it will deteriorate beued member of a professional collision repair team, but also fore other metals will,” he explained. “What that brings into aid his or her employer by being one of four Platinum indiplay is the need to separate aluminum from steel. Galvanic viduals needed on staff in order for that facility to earn corrosion happens when you get cross contamination. You I-CAR Gold status. see it with steel to aluminum, but it’s also prominent from As Stage told the Assabet attendees, “An individual aluminum to steel. The bulk of those metals are not compatiwho graduates from the Education Edition has the same cer- ble...If you sand an aluminum panel and you’ve got a glove tificate in Platinum that an industry technician earns.” on and wipe that panel – and [then] you go over to a steel reStage explained that the Professional Development Propair on a fender and wipe [it] – you’ve now contaminated gram is I-CAR’s attempt to do away with the “random acts that fender with aluminum.” of training” provided by the organization in the past and Bresnahan insisted that galvanic corrosion is a growing create a more structured, narrower path focused on individissue that demands greater attention from technicians. ual areas of learning.

“When you go into the Target parking lot or Walmart, “We had over 80 courses, but we did not require a take a look at the fronts and tails of some of the vehicles refinish technician to focus in that area,” he recalled. “The there,” he suggested. “You’ll see this everywhere.”

For a complete overview of the Professional Development Program – Education Edition, please visit tiny url.com/p3ee8yo. Information is also available through collisioncareers.org, a special I-CAR-created site for students interested in pursuing a career in collision repair. More information on Hutchins Manufacturing is available at hutchinsmfg.com.

Left to right: I-CAR’s Bill Stage discussed the benefits of the Professional Development Program;

IN THE AREA by Joel Gausten

I-CAR PRESENtAtIoN ExPloRES oPPoRtUNItIES FoR SChoolS

Glen Bresnahan, national sales manager of Hutchins Manufacturing, gave a presentation on aluminum repair; AASP/MA member Bob Waldron showed his support of I-CAR. 20 December 2015

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IN THE AREA

by Joel Gausten

O

n October 24, AASP/MA and the New England Service Station & Auto Repair Association, Inc. (NESSARA) presented the New England Automotive Repair Expo (NEARE) at the Marlborough Courtyard Marriott. The first event of its kind in the state in decades, the daylong gathering boasted dozens of industry vendors and one of the most extensive educational programs ever presented in the New England industry.

The Expo’s collision-related agenda kicked off with a special discussion on paint and materials reimbursement hosted by Rick Palmer of ComputerLogic. Palmer explained how the use of a paint and materials cost accounting system (such as ComputerLogic’s PMCLogic) can assist shops in determining how to control costs and get paid more for what they do. By having true data at their fingertips, accounting system users have the ammunition necessary to properly negotiate with insurers for the payment of these items.

“We don’t set prices,” Palmer said. “We’re just going to give you the facts.”

At a time when shops need to make as much profit on a job as possible, paint and materials cost accounting systems help collision centers live by the greatest message of Palmer’s seminar: “You can’t manage what you don’t measure.”

Of course, no collision repair professional in today’s market can survive without measuring the countless changes occurring in automotive technology. How many shops out there truly know how to handle the aluminum-intensive vehicles landing in their bays with greater frequency each day? This was one of the crucial topics explored by noted industry instructor and New England Automotive

EDUCAtIoN & INNovAtIoN: INSIDE thE NEw ENglANd AutoMotIVE REpAIR Expo MASSACHUSETTS BUILDING THE SUCCESS OF THE AUTO REPAIR INDUSTRY

Report Technical Writer Larry Montanez during “Repair U – Aluminum Repair Procedures, Techniques & Requirements.”

In terms of aluminum heating basics, Montanez informed his audience that aluminum softens at elevated temperatures, which makes deformed areas easier to straighten. Quenching the panel with water or compressed air should be avoided, and the panel should be allowed to cool naturally; otherwise, you run the risk of crystalizing the panel and causing microfractures (cracking).

“Aluminum will not let you repair it improperly,” offered Montanez. “It’s going to rip, tear, shred – it does a whole bunch of stuff. If you try to heat it too much, it just disappears and melts away...Basically, it will tell you when you’re an idiot.”

Not surprisingly, the instructor urged students to learn all they can about the materials hitting today’s

market – and the equipment and shop specifications they demand.

“Most shops can’t fix full-frame trucks now; they don’t have the equipment. Now, [Ford] just made it 20,000psi stronger [with the 2015 F150] – now’s it’s 70,000psi.”

For shops that want to stay ahead of the technology curve and perform jobs safely and properly, Montanez suggests getting into the habit of following OEM repair procedures at every turn.

“Your business has changed,” he said. “You have to do research; you have to [refer] to repair information.

Unless you’re fixing a dent in the door or changing an emblem, you have to do all this stuff.”

As New England Automotive Report readers know, there has been considerable news coming from the Auto Damage Appraiser Licensing Board (ADALB) recently. To get the Massachusetts automotive community up to

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speed on everything that has been occurring, veteran shop owner and recently appointed Board member Bill Johnson presented “Understanding the ADALB.” During the intriguing seminar, Johnson made it known that he intends to represent the interests of auto body shops in the Commonwealth without adhering to the influence of insurers.

“I have never been a referral shop, and I’ve grown to be one of the largest [facilities] in my area,” he stated. “I’ve been marketing myself as a consumer shop since 1989; it works.

“I believe, with [fellow new appointee] Rick [Starbard] and I on the Board, this is the first time since ’89 that the collision industry has true representation,” he added. “I can make my decisions based solely on what I feel is right for the collision industry, i.e., the repair shops.”

Perhaps the biggest ADALBrelated event to hit the news in 2015 was the current Board’s decision to rescind a May 2014 Advisory Ruling

ADALB member Bill Johnson

Attorney Matt Mitchell (“Never Have Another Short-Pay”)

NESSARA Co-Executive Director Matthew LeLacheur

Rick Palmer of ComputerLogic

AASP/MA Executive Director Jillian Zywien

that had equated digital photography to a personal inspection during the appraisal process. Johnson called the event “huge,” while AASP/MA executive team member Peter D’Agostino opined that the event was “significant in what the Board accomplished [by] having that rescinded.”

Johnson’s discussion also touched on exactly what the ADALB can and cannot do in the legal arena – including what an Advisory Ruling actually means for the collision repair industry.

“An Advisory Ruling does not change CMRs,” he noted. “An Advisory Ruling is somebody’s opinion. It does carry weight, but it doesn’t carry law.”

Above all, he stressed the importance of repairers making the time to learn about the state regulations that impact their professional lives.

“If you’re going to be in a business, you need to know what your business is,” he said. “Read the CMRs; that is your Bible.”

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Later, Johnson joined attorney Matt Mitchell for “Never Have Another Short-Pay,” a presentation focused on ways shops can better ensure they receive proper compensation for the work they perform. One way Johnson achieves this is by publishing a special guide with his shop’s policies and procedures and sending it to every insurance company CEO in the state.

“Take control of your business,” he insisted. “Send out your policies and procedures to the insurance companies, and go by it.”

Additionally, Johnson works to properly identify his business’ posted Labor Rate – a figure based on realworld numbers and not just what insurers prefer to pay. “[The insurer’s rate] is not your rate,” he insisted. “You need to take your overhead, your technicians and the hours [they] work and figure out your rate.”

Diagnostic expert Eric Ziegler

Industry speaker Larry Montanez

When it becomes clear that a shop needs to pursue the legal system to receive proper payment from an insurer, Mitchell recommended utilizing the Assignment of Rights.

“That means you step into the customer’s shoes and you’ve got all the rights that they have,” he said.

Of course, Expo attendees on the NESSARA side also received a complete day of incomparable information. Third-generation technician and owner Cecil Bullard presented “The Art of Profitability – Improving Your AASP/MA’s Peter D’Agostino

Financial Position,” while ASE Certified Master Technician Eric Ziegler presided over “Essential Diagnostic Steps Techniques for Drivability and Electrical Issues.”

For those who committed their Saturday to attending the Expo, the event provided a world of knowledge and tools to greatly improve conditions in their day-to-day businesses.

Addressing attendees during the lunch break, NESSARA Co-Executive Director Matt LeLacheur was quick to express his appreciation for the enthusiastic industry turnout.

“We’ve obviously had numerous people who have been trainers and doing this type of work for years up here in New England, but we haven’t tried to centralize it into a day, a weekend or anything along those lines for a number of years,” he said. “It is our intention to do nothing but grow this.”

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LOCAL NEWS by Jacquelyn Bauman

NEwS REPoRt oN INSURER INtERFERENCE The best weapon that collision repair shops can have in the fight against insurers is a well-informed and educated customer.

On November 3, local ABC News affiliate WCVB 5 of Boston aired an important report about the interference of insurers in the daily business of automotive repair shops with a segment that posed the question, “Are auto insurers putting the bottom line ahead of safety?”

The news report opened with an investigation of a repair done on Massachusetts vehicle owner Katherine Spears’ 2010 Toyota Corolla.

Spears had taken her vehicle to one of her insurance company’s preferred shops and, on the surface, the car seemed fine. However, upon closer inspection, there were a multitude of problems that still remained.

“These haven’t been crash tested,” said Rob DelGallo of Factory Collision and Restoration in East Weymouth while pointing out the rear bumper on the car. Further indicating the rear quarter panel, he noted the substandard repair process used to reassemble the car, including inappropriate gluing and a lack of welds.

He went on to reveal the mold forming in the backseat as a result of leaks and moisture penetrating the car after the faulty repairs. Other issues with Spears’ car included her gas door opening whenever she shut

her door and a number of aftermarket parts that had not been crash tested.

The situation is nothing new for anyone who has been in the repair field for any amount of time. Jobs like these constantly come through the door, but for a driver who only has one or two accidents in their life, this can potentially be a shocking report. DelGallo didn’t pull any punches in his interview with the news team.

“You’re heading toward the windshield and you have an aftermarket or non-original part that hasn’t been crash tested,” he noted. “[The insurance companies] want you to be the crash dummy.”

AASP/MA President Molly Brodeur was also featured in the segment, during which she discussed the relationship between the policyholders, the insurer and the body shops.

“Policyholders feel afraid and intimidated at times by their carrier,” she explains. “[Consumers are] afraid to exercise the rights that are available to them for fear that the insurance company is not going to ultimately pay the claim.”

“When you get your car fixed, your insurance company will tell you they’ll guarantee the work if you bring your car to one of their preferred auto body shops,” news correspondent Kathy Curran explained to

Photo courtesy of wcvb.com

AASP/MA hItS

the public in the report. “But what some drivers may not know is that by law here in Massachusetts, you can bring your car to any registered auto body shop of your choice, and they’ll guarantee the work and the insurance company will pay the bill.”

Although Paul Tetrault, state and policy affairs counsel for the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies, was also present to defend the insurance companies and their practices (noting that the use of aftermarket parts keeps repairs cheap and therefore keeps costs and premiums low), the segment ultimately came down hard on insurers.

The piece closed by distributing an imperative bit of information to viewers that they may not have previously known: “You as the customer have the right to say no to cheaper aftermarket parts if you feel the safety of your car may be compromised.”

This is a substantial step forward in addressing some of the major issues in the industry. While these major companies may not pay heed to the cries of repair shops, they are infinitely more likely to address these matters if enough consumers are aware of and take issue with the companies’ practices.

The news report is available online at tinyurl.com/p229dv7.

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LOCAL NEWS by Jacquelyn Bauman

CoMMUNIty IN ChARIty: hEARtwARMINg DoNAtIoNS MADE FollowINg vANDAlISM

Isbell's girlfriend Becky Check added this special message to the items donated to Cloot's.

Local resident Robert Isbell (pictured with Gary Cloutier and Gary's wife, Liz) graciously donated replacement decorations to Cloot's Auto Body after hearing about the shop's situation.

A

s anyone who has met him knows, Gary Cloutier is a character. A man with a heart of gold and a personality to boot, it’s no wonder that Gary’s shop matches his persona.

Sitting out in front of Cloot’s Auto Body in Westfield is a classic 1950s pickup truck, decorated to fit the upcoming holiday.

“The idea to put the truck out there came up a few years back while I was at a family gathering,” says Cloutier. “It took me almost nine months to find something like what I was looking for. I finally spotted one on Craigslist from Connecticut and picked it up. It was in pieces, so I had to work on it between jobs at the shop.

Within a week, I had it put together and lettered up. Eventually, I came up with the idea that we should decorate it for the holidays, starting out with

the major ones. More and more people started to notice, which was my intention.”

The shop would constantly get comments from customers about how much they enjoyed the truck on the front lawn. For Halloween last year, Cloutier dressed the old vehicle up with inflatable figures, fake skeletons, Styrofoam tombstones and more.

Cloutier’s wife, Liz, spent nearly seven hours decorating their shop centerpiece. But very soon after the dressings went up, they were stolen, broken or strewn across the lawn. It had clearly been vandalized.

The next step for Cloutier was to purchase a camera to set up outside.

They put up new decorations, hid the motion-activated camera in some cornstalks and closed up shop for the night. That Monday, their fake witch had her head turned backwards, their inflatable cat was cut up, the tombstones were smashed and the camera was missing.

Ever active in social media, the disgruntled shop owner made a video explaining his situation and posted it on the shop’s Facebook page.

“Last time I checked, the video had over 32,000 views,” Cloutier explained. The Internet-based exposure helped him reach a new audience, as members of the media soon reached out to cover the story. Channel 40, Channel 22 and more called to ask if they could do a segment on the vandalized truck.

A few days after the stories aired,

a gentleman strolled into the shop with a box full of Halloween decorations.

“This guy came in and told me that his girlfriend had seen my story on Facebook and felt bad about my situation,” Cloutier recalls. “She went out and bought decorations to donate to us. It was totally unexpected. For someone to spend their own money for something like that to help another person is so moving. They took the time to buy the decorations and come down here to us. Another woman drove down with her three sons just to tell us how much her children loved the truck. The amount of people watching this was far more than I ever even imagined. My wife went to get lunch the other day and was bombarded by people who asked her if we caught the vandals and how we’re going to decorate the truck for Thanksgiving. We knew people liked it, but we didn’t realize how many people were looking at it. You can’t put a price on that.”

Cloutier is overwhelmed by the community ’s response to his situation, and he is thankful for the people who have stepped up to help.

“These people took the time to stand up and say, ‘I’m sorry this happened to you,’” he says. “It goes to show that there are probably even more people who thought about doing the same but weren’t able to take the time to do so. We’re grateful for that kindness in our customers and in our community.”

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LOCAL NEWS by Jacquelyn Bauman

loCAl boDy ShoP RECogNIzED FoR

ChARIty towARDS vEtERANS With Thanksgiving just behind us and the winter holidays approaching, this is a time when many stop and reflect on all of the things they’re thankful for – and think about those who have not been as fortunate. Throughout the year, James Marshall of Marshall’s Autobody Experts in Billerica gives as much as he can to those who have given their time – and often much more – to defend our country.

Having been a member of the Air Force in the 1980s during a time of peace, Marshall feels a sense of responsibility to give to those who were not afforded the same luxury.

“For me, I was serving our country out of a desire to be patriotic and to give back,” he explains. “Because we weren’t in the contingency situation, I feel like I had an easier time and an easier tour of duty – maybe even to the point where it was tremendously enjoyable. Some of our soldiers today and in the past have suffered so greatly, whereas I never have. I want to do anything I can within my means to take some of the daily pain they go through away from them and to show them respect and thanks for what they’ve done. Because I was never put to that challenge, sometimes I feel a little guilty. ” If there had been any debt remaining, Marshall would have paid it off, and then some. Over the years, he has participated in general donations for soldiers, contributed to specific programs such as iPods for Wounded veterans and personally visited Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD to deliver entertainment devices and letters from elementary school students to wounded veterans. Additionally, he raised $35,000 for the hospital.

“There are so many big needs that these returning soldiers have financially,” he says. “When they’re disabled, the government can’t provide for them to have the same level of living when 34 December 2015

Michael Shoemaker and his family were greatly appreciative of the gift bestowed to them by James Marshall and other local businesses.

they come back to live comfortably. They have copays, apparatuses and more that they can’t always afford.”

Marshall’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. For all that he has given back to the soldiers who put everything they have on the line for our country, he was recognized by Care Dimensions, a hospice that provides end-of-life care to veterans, during their “We Honor Veterans” breakfast in Waltham on November 12.

Additionally, Marshall and his wife, Dawn, were recognized by State Representative Marc Lombardo, who nominated them for the 2015 Retailers’ Association of Massachusetts Award of Excellence for Community Service on November 19.

But for Marshall, it’s not about the awards or the recognition.

“Someone has to stand up and shake hands and take the award from the person, and it just happened to be me this time,” he states. “But it’s a group-entrenched effort every time we do something. When people read this or hear about this, they may be inspired to do something. That’s how things get paid forward. It doesn’t take a lot of

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money; it takes a village. It takes a lot of people doing a little bit of work, and then it just expands so fast. It’s unbelievable.”

Marshall has seen firsthand how a community can come together to improve the life of another person.

During one of his visits to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center three years ago, Marshall met veteran Michael Shoemaker, who was suffering from a cranial contusion and a broken knee. They remained in contact with one another.

Paul Lashua, one of Marshall’s appraisers (who was also a veteran and equally interested in aiding those who have returned home from war), explained that a man he knew by the name of Brian Maloney wanted to donate $5,000 to send a veteran on vacation. Marshall suggested a different idea. Michael Shoemaker’s church was in the process of building the veteran a home as a way of thanking him for his service. After some discussion, Lashua, Marshall, Maloney and fellow donor Mary Ellen Barry decided that the $5,000 was better donated towards furnishing Shoemaker’s new home.

They reached out to a number of other body shop owners, and $5,000 quickly turned into $18,500. Even though Shoemaker lives out in Chicago, a group of Massachusetts shop owners and appraisers were able to make a difference, even from almost 1,000 miles away.

Marshall extends warm thanks to all of the businesses that donated to this cause and that continue to join him in these endeavors, and to the friends and family who have worked with him. He also thanks his Rotary Club, who take on any project any member is passionate about with enthusiasm.

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COVER STORY

ni was the ’s Kevin Gallera Cape Auto Body

by Malcolm a photo signed high bidder of Butler.

Raffle winner Rosann Caliento (Gon nello SEO) took home a Lottery Tree donated by Lind er’s, Inc.

O

n November 14, AASP/MA hosted its 8th Annual Casino Night at the Putnam Club at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro. Returning to the incredible venue for a second year, the Saturday night event offered special tours of the stadium, incredible food and hours of gaming. This year’s Casino Night included an extensive Silent Auction with a slew of breathtaking sports memorabilia such as items autographed by legendary athletes. Additionally, attendees had an opportunity to win an array of raffle prizes including New England Patriots vs. New York Giants tickets for MetLife Stadium donated by Thomas

36 December 2015

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the usive tours of AASP/MA-excl new e th ed time at stadium includ Optum Club.

Greco Publishing, beautiful pedal cars donated by Colonial Ford, a Windows 8 tablet donated by CCC Information Services, tickets to see Pippin donated by Lexus of Watertown and a lottery tree donated by Linder’s, Inc. Additionally, Raffle Sponsors Balise, Lynch Associates and Spraybooth Services & Equipment Sales, LLC provided prizes including a Discovery Drone with an HD camera, a GroPro HERO starter bundle, an Apple Watch Sport, four lift tickets to Loon Mountain in New Hampshire, a Yankee Candle gift basket and a Ticketmaster gift card.

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Appreciative AASP/MA Board members gather with representatives from High Roller Sponsor Ira Motor Group (Left to right: Ben Irving, Matt Leonard, Darlene Andrade, Kevin Gallerani, Molly Brodeur, Hans Jean-Louis, Ray Belsito, Jr., Alex Falzone, Tom Ricci, Kevin Kyes, Rick Starbard and Paul Hendricks).

Raffle winner Mike Berggo li (right) and guest Joe Min ardi enjoying the New England Patriots vs. New York Giants gam e at MetLife Stadium, a prize donate d by Thomas Greco Pub lishing, Inc. (Photo courtesy of Rick Sta

rbard)

nal es an up-close-and-perso Casino Night gave attende view of Gillette Stadium.

The assorted AASP/MA Board members with representatives from Tournament Sponsor Enterprise Rent-A-Car: Tim Varitimos (far right), Steve Pacios (second from right) and Andrea Kershaw (fourth from left).

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Ken DeLuze (DeLuze Collision Center) won a fire truck pedal car donated by Dana Nevens of Colonial Ford.

Jamie Benge of Accurate Collision, Inc. went home with a police pedal car donated

by Dana Nevens of Colonial Ford.

Rob Harlan of LKQ won the Silent Auction for a photo signed by Superbowl champion Rob Gronkowski.

Jay O’Brien (Cape Auto Body) took home a Bose Soundlink Mini BLUETOOTH Speaker II donated by the Raffle Sponsors.

Congratulations to this year’s Casino Night winners

(clockwise from top left)

Silent Auction item winner Rick Starbard with the “Welcome to Boston, Loozah!” issue of ESPN with Belichick’s address.

Tom Ricci with the Patrice Bergerom-signed photo he scored at the Silent Auction

Texas Hold’em

(sponsored by Best Chevrolet in memory of Jim Simeone, with trophies and gift cards donated by the AASP/MA Western Chapter): First Place – Sidney Urena (LKQ) Second Place – John Lundy (Imperial Parts) Third Place – Jim Boughner (Weymouth Automall)

High Roller Silent Auction winner Patrick Cibotti (Boston Body Works) took home three Boston Bruins vs. Toronto Maple Leafs tickets autographed by Johnny Bucyk.

Board member Darlene Andrade won the Silent Auction for “Crossing the Charles.”

(sponsored by Ira Toyota of Danvers) Tim Varatimos (Enterprise Rent-A-Car)

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Gaming Table Sponsors Bernardi Auto Group FinishMaster Corp.

LKQ/Keystone Automotive Lombard Equipment Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc.

General Sponsors AASP/MA Western Chapter Paster, Rice & Castleman

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NATIONAL NEWS by Joel Gausten

oEM SUMMIt Explores New Materials & Repair demands On November 5, the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) welcomed automotive leaders and professionals from around the globe for the 2015 OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit. Held at the Las Vegas Convention Center during the 2015 SEMA Show, the all-day event offered various discussions devoted to the past, present and future of OEM technologies and repair procedures.

Not surprisingly, a fair amount of the Summit focused on how aluminum is driving innovation within the automotive industry – even if its use is not as revolutionary as some in the industry might believe.

“Aluminum has been involved in the auto industry since the inception of the auto industry,” offered Doug Richman, vice president of engineering and technology for Kaiser Aluminum. “Vehicles in the early 1900s had aluminum bodies...

It’s not new.”

According to Richman, repairers need to become better prepared to handle vehicles with more than one material, as the days of “monolithic” autos will soon come to an end.

“The multi-material approach to vehicle design is now the norm in Detroit,” he said.

Naturally, an increase in the use of aluminum and other complex materials has increased the demand for specialized expertise. Mark Allen, collision programs and workshop equipment specialist for Audi of America, noted that today’s students are expected to demonstrate greater skills in the classroom than ever before.

“When we give our welding training, one of the things that we do is x-ray the samples,” he offered. “[There’s an] old adage, ‘If it looks good, it must be a good weld,’ [but] xrays don’t lie.”

Repair technicians hoping to competently work in today’s industry must also be aware that some modern vehicles have millions of lines of software code.

“A lot of people love to say that today’s cars and trucks are computers on wheels. Well, that’s not true; they’re

six computers,” offered SEMA Vice President of Vehicle Technology John Waraniak, who added that cars like the Ford GT are known to generate as much 100 gigabytes of data every hour.

Clearly, if repairers are not regularly performing full system scans on the vehicles in the shop, they could be causing irreparable harm to those jobs. According to OEM Summit panelist Jake Rodenroth (director of client services for Collision Diagnostic Services), jobs involving bumper covers and paintless dent repair have among the highest numbers of codes in the industry. If a tech ignores or is simply unaware of these codes, a repair that appears correct at first glance could actually cause the disconnection of a backup camera, blind spot detector or another critical safety component.

Later in the day, Summit participants tackled questions submitted by the audience. Responding to a request for feedback on the ever-controversial topic of salvage parts, American Honda Co. Instructional Designer Chris Tobie made his feelings known.

“We don’t know where that [salvaged] part’s been,” he cautioned. “We have no idea where that part came out of.

Has it been in a wreck before? Was it up in the Salt Belt? All those things are going to affect the integrity of that part’s future.”

The OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit was designed to put SEMA show attendees in a room with innovators in automotive structural design and technology. The Summit’s focus was on emerging trends in vehicle construction and technology and how both of those aspects influence vehicle repairability and collision industry preparation. For information on upcoming SCRS-hosted events (including the annual Repairer Roundtable on April 20 at the DoubleTree by Hilton SeaTac in Seattle), visit scrs.com.

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Doug Richman of Kaiser Aluminum discussed the evolution of multi-material vehicle design.

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SEMA’s John Waraniak offered insight into the complexity of today’s computerized vehicles.

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Audi’s Mark Allen stressed the importance of properly testing aluminum welds.

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THOMAS GRECO PUBLISHING, INC. Launches Redesigned Website

Networking.

Education.

For over 25 years, Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc. has provided the automotive repair field with regional, industry-focused and association-specific publications.

Recently, TGP (the team behind New England Automotive Report, as well as New Jersey Automotive, Hammer & Dolly, AASP-MN News, Wisconsin Automotive News and the NORTHEAST® Conference Journal) launched a new, completely redesigned website. The innovative upgraded design of grecopublishing.com features a multitude of updates, including a refreshed interface with a modern aesthetic, an easily navigable archive of old and new titles, information about their numerous services and more.

Innovation.

Technology.

IT’S ALL HERE. AASP/NJ’s

March 18, 19, 20, 2016 Meadowlands Exposition Center Secaucus, NJ

www.aaspnjnortheast.com

“Like the associations we partner with [AASP/NJ, AASP/MA, WMABA, AASP-MN and WACTAL], our company is always looking for ways to evolve and advance the industries we serve,” says Thomas Greco, founder and president of TGP. “By creating a website that is full of educational, informative and entertaining content that is easy to navigate on every platform, we feel we are well prepared for the ever-changing technical advancements the future brings.”

Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc. provides a number of services to the automotive repair field including their monthly and quarterly publications, advertising, trade show management and administrative services. To find out more about TGP or the NORTHEAST 2016 Automotive Services Show, visit the new website at grecopublishing.com.

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NATIONAL NEWS by Joel Gausten

AASP/MA REPRESENtED At NAtIoNAl AFFIlIAtE

MEEtINg

On November 4, AASP/MA President Molly Brodeur and Executive Director Jillian Zywien represented the association at the AASP National Board meeting in Las Vegas, NV. Held during the 2015 SEMA Show, the morning gathering provided AASP state affiliate representatives from across the US an opportunity to provide reports on their associations’ individual efforts and gain insight into what their peers in other areas are doing to improve the collision repair industry.

In her report, Zywien outlined an especially active time for AASP/MA, with recent work on Beacon Hill including providing written and oral testimony in support of the long-running Labor Rate Bill (“Hope at the State House: AASP/MA Brings Labor Rate Campaign Back to Boston,” NEAR, September 2015), participating in a listening session on Division of Insurance regulations (“AASP/MA Participates in Regulatory Listening Session,” NEAR, September 2015) and promoting a bill that would better protect a consumer’s existing vehicle warranty (“Fighting for the Consumer: AASP/MA Submits Written Testimony on Senate Bill 134,” NEAR, November 2015).

Zywien also updated attendees on the recent appointment by Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker of three new members to the Auto Damage Appraiser Licensing Board (ADALB) – AASP/MA mainstay and former AASP National President Rick Starbard (Rick’s Auto Collision, Revere), industry veteran Bill Johnson (owner of Pleasant Street Auto Body in South Hadley and current president of the Statewide Towing Association) and auto insurer representative Lyle Pare (Plymouth Rock Assurance 50 December 2015

AASP/MA provided an update on the association’s legislative work.

Corporation). The current incarnation of the ADALB has been making headlines lately for a number of actions including the rescinding of the previous Board’s Advisory Ruling that a photo or video was considered a personal inspection for initial appraisal purposes (“ADALB Rescinds Controversial Advisory Ruling,” NEAR, September 2015 ). Zywien noted that AASP/MA considers the ADALB’s revised position on this matter a considerable victory for the state’s auto body industry. “[The old Ruling] opened the door for a non-licensed individual to take photos and videos and turn them in, and the insurer would send him or her a check,” she explained. “It also opened the door for insurers to ignore the $1,500 deductible as outlined by our regulations in Massachusetts. We were thrilled that they decided to rescind that Ruling.”

Additionally, the ADALB issued a crucial Advisory Ruling relative to the utilization of used suspension parts (“ADALB Issues Advisory Ruling on Used Parts,” NEAR, November 2015).

“In their opinion, the use of used suspension parts...may impact the occupational safety of the vehicle,” Zywien said.

Following Zywien’s report, Brodeur discussed the association’s efforts to build membership (including a soon-to-be-implemented monthly subscription for dues) and provided a summary of a number of recent key events in the Commonwealth. Held on September 11, the AASP/MA MidState BBQ (“MidState BBQ Offers Fun in Support of Education,” NEAR, November 2015) raised thousands for area vocational programs. Coordinated in partnership with the Collision

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Top: AASP/MA President Molly Brodeur discussed ongoing efforts to grow membership.

Repair Education Foundation, the funds are used to outfit select schools in the state with epoxy floor coating.

“The students do all the labor,” said Brodeur of the coating process.

“We just help them secure all the products necessary so they can do it.”

On October 24, AASP/MA joined the New England Service Station and Auto Repair Association (NESSARA) to co-host the 2015 New England Automotive Repair Expo (see page 23).

Encouraged by the success of this initial joint venture, Brodeur expressed AASP/MA’s desire to work with the group again in the future. “[NESSARA] has some members who are interested in having access to collision information and education,” she said. “We’re in the beginning stages of talking about what a relationship with them might look like going forward.”

In addition to providing AASP state affiliates an opportunity to share news on their recent activities, the meeting showcased the ongoing collaboration between the national association and the Society of Collision Repair Specialists. SCRS Executive Director Aaron Schulenburg gave a guest presentation to update affiliate representatives on the work the national groups are doing together via the Database Enhancement Gateway (DEG) to address database issues with the three major Information Providers. continued on pg. 62

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NATIONAL NEWS

REPAIRER DRIVEN: The Industry Hits SEMA 2015

by Joel Gausten On November 3-6, more than 170,000 people got lucky in Las Vegas.

Drawing in crowds from around the globe, the 2015 SEMA Show offered four incredible days of everything you could possibly want in the automotive world. From high-quality training and seminars hosted by the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) to breathtaking hot rods and celebrity appearances, the Las Vegas Convention Center housed a celebration of cars and the people who love them.

For the sixth year running, the Show’s Collision Repair & Refinish section boasted some of the most popular vendors in the field.

“What stands out to us about SEMA is obviously the booth traffic, the excitement of the attendees and the venue,” offered Kurt Lammon, president of exhibitor Urethane Supply Co., from the Show floor. “Urethane Supply Co. came back to SEMA in 2013, and we’ve been blown away by how strongly it was supported by the industry. It’s also very well managed, and they put a good show on. Traffic is really the best thing for an exhibitor, but the support we receive throughout the

TV legend Jay Leno stopped by the BASF booth to meet his fellow auto enthusiasts.

process is very helpful.”

This year, Lammon’s company displayed its new 6066-CG Nitrocell Nitrogen Plastic Welder at its SEMA booth. Urethane Supply introduced the first commercialized nitrogen plastic welder to the collision repair industry in 2006; the 6066-CG Nitrocell is the newest version.

“SEMA’s been great; we’ve gotten a lot of traffic to our booth from all over the country,” he said. “We’ve gotten lots of good distributor coverage; just about all of our major distributors are here.”

Speaking from her company’s impressive booth in Central Hall, BASF Automotive Refinish Marketing Services Manager Tina Nelles also had a fantastic time at the Convention Center.

“This has been a really good week for BASF,” she said. “We had several different activities to expand our presence at SEMA. In addition to having our main BASF booth in Central Hall, we added a smaller booth in the Collision Repair section that focused on our value-added tools and services. We also partnered with Custom Upfits in the outdoor booth to perform spray demos.

It has been an extremely busy week with a lot of excitement from all directions, allowing us a great deal of exposure. Our guests at the booth included Jay Leno, Chip Foose and Richard Petty; everyone had a lot of good conversations and a great time interacting with one another. We’re looking forward to seeing the positive results from our participation in this year’s Show.”

(Leno, Foose and Petty weren’t the only big names to visit SEMA. Other celebs spotted throughout the week

World-famous restaurateur and TV host Guy Fieri at the House of Kolor booth

include Social Distortion singer/ guitarist Mike Ness, pro skateboarder Tony Hawk and TV personality Guy Fieri.)

In meeting rooms through the Convention Center’s North Hall, SEMA collision repair attendees had an opportunity to take in dozens of Repairer Driven Education (RDE) courses courtesy of SCRS. This year’s extensive list of presenters included New England Automotive Report Technical Writer Larry Montanez (“Aluminum Damage Analysis and Joining Methods,” “PostRepair Inspections”), Tim Ronak of AkzoNobel (“Getting Paid for Investing in Facility, Equipment & Training”), California-based instructor Toby Chess (“Welding Technologies – A Comprehensive Tutorial on Modern Equipment,” “Repair Planning Considerations for Welding Components”) and Mike Anderson of CollisionAdvice (“Business Financials: Balance Sheets, Income Statements and Cash Flow”), among many others.

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NATIONAL NEWS Additionally, SCRS presented a slew of special events and activities that gave collision repair industry attendees a chance to experience even more. The OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit (see page 44) continued to be a crowd favorite, while the November 5 Repairer Driven Education (RDE) Sky Villa After-party allowed hundreds of guests a rare opportunity to relax in one of the city’s most opulent locations. Other industry-related events held during the week included an AASP National Meeting on November 4 (see page 50).

AASP/MA Executive Director Jillian Zywien believes that participating in the AASP National meeting provides value to her as a regional association leader.

“As a state affiliate of a national association, we are afforded the opportunity to have a unique perspective of the industry,” she says. “We work hard within the state to advance initiatives that benefit our member shops, and we have other state partners doing the same. Additionally, we have a parent organization monitoring national regulatory and legislative projects that could ultimately affect shops. It’s important that association leaders come together to understand threats and provide solutions based on our shared experiences.”

“I definitely think there’s tremendous value in being at the table for these Board meetings,” adds AASP/MA President Molly Brodeur.

“It’s a very intimate way to be able to get a handle on what the other AASP affiliates are working on in their individual states and markets. All of the groups bring something unique to the table.”

SEMA 2015 also demonstrated the ongoing relationship between AASP and SCRS. In addition to working together in overseeing and promoting the Database Enhancement Gateway (DEG), AASP National served as a sponsor of SCRS’ RDE Series.

“We’ve always had such a great relationship with AASP and really view them as a sister organization to ours,” says SCRS Executive Director Aaron Schulenburg. “I think we always have a very similar vision [for] the industry and perspective on where the industry needs to go, so it’s really great to have

their support. They’re the only other group of their nature that’s involved from a support standpoint in this program. For us, it’s really nice to be able to show the industry that there’s some collaboration there and they support the programs that we’re putting together.”

“Having a partnership with another national group such as SCRS is another avenue of information,” comments Brodeur. “Aaron really has his finger on the pulse of what’s going on in this industry across the country, and they’re very effective in getting that information out to repairers. At a state and national level, AASP recognizes the importance of having synergy between the two groups.”

With the energy produced by this unforgettable event still being felt throughout the industry, it is no surprise that Zywien encourages the AASP/MA community to attend next year’s SEMA. “Think of the largest trade show event you have ever attended and then multiply that by 10 – that would be SEMA,” she says. “It’s impossible to

This 1915 Ford Model T was one of hundreds of classic cars displayed at SEMA 2015.

see everything SEMA has to offer; if you are afforded the opportunity, it’s a must-attend event. AASP/MA, in conjunction with NESSARA, plans to bring a similar trade show event to our membership again next year. Please look to our newsletters and future New England Automotive Report articles for a calendar of events.”

Additional information on SEMA is available at semashow.com.

MASSACHUSETTS BUILDING THE SUCCESS OF THE AUTO REPAIR INDUSTRY

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A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR continued from pg. 11 entire industry. Please join in the fight today. We have several new membership options including monthly and quarterly payments. Call AASP/MA today, fill out the application included on page 58 of this issue or visit aaspma.org.

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 six years. She can be reached at (617) 574-0741 or via email at jzywien@aaspma.org.

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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 *** BUSINESS INFORMATION: Mr.

Mrs.

What benefits motivated you to join AASP of Massachusetts?

Ms.

__________________________________________________________

Business Representative Name: ______________________________

__________________________________________________________

Business Name ____________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

Street Address ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Street

City

State

Zip

Mailing Address ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Street

Phone Number ( E-mail Address

City

)____________________________________ Fax Number (

State

Zip

) __________________________________________

________________________________________ Web Site Address ____________________________________________

Enrolled By (Name and Address) ________________________________________________________________________________________ MEMBERSHIP TYPE REPAIRER MEMBER (check one) Collision Repair Shop Mechanical Repair Shop Both, Collision & Mechanical Repair Shops Other Repair Shop

PERSONAL INFORMATION: Name ____________________________________________________ Nickname ________________________________________________ ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DUES (The AASP membership year is from January 1 to December 31, 2016)

$40/month SUPPLIER/ASSOCIATE MEMBER (check one) Auto Paint/Crash Parts/Auto Parts/Wholesaler Equipment/Tool Supplier Manufacturer/Sales Agent Services (Computers, Software, Vehicle Rental, Other)

$115/quarter

$425/year - bESt vAlUE!

Monthly & Quarterly Dues are Automatic Credit Card Transactions ONLY*

NEW! Political Action Committee (PAC) Donation ...............$_____ Check or Cash

Credit Card:

Visa

MasterCard

Amex

Card Number: __________________________________________ LIST OTHER SPECIALTIES ______________________________________ __________________________________________________________

CID Number: ____________

(3#s on back for Visa, 4 on front for AMEX)

Expiration Date: ________________________________________ Name on Card: __________________________________________

Just like good tools and equipment, membership in AASP of Massachusetts is a valuable investment. AASP of Massachusetts works for you through such outstanding programs as: (1) management and technical training; (2) discount uniform rental; and (3) a wide variety of other business services.

Put AASP of Massachusetts to work for you today.

COMPLETE THE MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION AND RETURN IT WITH PAYMENT TO AASP OF MASSACHUSETTS.

Billing Address of Credit Card: ____________________________ ________________________________________________________ Signature: ______________________________________________ Date: __________________________________________________ *Additional authorization form needed. Please contact AASP/MA Office.

FoR oFFICE USE oNly Check Number ______________________________Check Date ________________________Check Amount ______________________________ Date Joined ______________________________Member Number ______________________Next bill Date ______________________________

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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NATIONAL NEWS

continued from pg. 50

These endeavors include continued discussions with IPs on more global issues as well, with topics such as raw bumper prep, mechanical times inappropriately categorized as “body,” the ability to capture specialty Labor Rates (such as aluminum), welding times on advanced structures and feather, prime and block. Many of the more macro-level issues have been

62 December 2015

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generated from feedback on the DEG “Top 10” list.

More information on AASP National is available at autoservice providers.com.

New England Automotive Report

MASSACHUSETTS BUILDING THE SUCCESS OF THE AUTO REPAIR INDUSTRY

E

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G

L

A

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AUT M TIVE AD INDEX Allen Mello Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram ......15 AP Media ........................................................56 Audi Group ....................................................48 Audi Shrewsbury ..........................................52 Axalta Coating Systems ..................................4 Bald Hill Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram..............8 Balise Wholesale Parts Express ....................21 Baystate Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge ..................61 Bernardi Group ........................................32-33 Best Chevrolet/Best CDJR..........................IFC BMW Group ..............................................26-27 BMW/Mini of Warwick ................................61 Clay Subaru ....................................................61 Colonial Auto Group ....................................29 Empire Auto Parts..........................................55 Enterprise ........................................................10 First Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram ..................59 First Ford ........................................................59 First Hyundai..................................................59 Ford Group ......................................................9 Future Cure ....................................................17 G&M New England LLC ..............................56 Honda Group..................................................22 Hyundai Group ..............................................54 Imperial Ford ..................................................43 Infiniti of Norwood........................................31 Ira Group....................................................12-13 J&R Auto Body Supply Co. ............................6 Kelly Automotive Group............................IBC Kia Group........................................................40 Linder’s, Inc. ..................................................62 Long Automotive Group ..........................OBC Mazda Group..................................................43 Mercedes-Benz of Shrewsbury ....................52 Mopar Group..................................................41 Nissan Group..................................................51 NORTHEAST® 2016 ......................................45 PPG ....................................................................3 Robertsons GMC Truck ................................57 Sarat Ford Lincoln..........................................23 Sentry Group ..................................................49 Subaru Group............................................46-47 Tasca Group ....................................................35 Toyota Group..................................................42 Village Auto Group........................................16 VW Group ......................................................60 Wagner BMW of Shrewsbury ......................52 Wagner Kia of Shrewsbury ..........................52 Wellesley Toyota/Scion ................................59

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