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P.O. Box 734 Neptune, NJ 07753
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Charles Bryant 732-922-8909 / setlit4u@msn.com 2021 - 2023 OFFICERS
PRESIDENT Jerry McNee, Ultimate Collision Repair, Inc. 732-494-1900 / ultimatecollision@att.net
COLLISION CHAIRMAN
Dennis Cataldo, Jr., D&M Auto Body 732-251-4313 / jr@dnmautobody.com
MECHANICAL CHAIRMAN
Keith Krehel, Krehel Automotive Repair, Inc. 973-546-2828 / krehelauto@aol.com
TREASURER
Tom Elder, Compact Kars, Inc. 609-259-6373 / compactkars@aol.com
SECRETARY
Thomas Greco, Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc. 973-667-6922 / thomas@grecopublishing.com
BOARD
Brad Crawford, Livingston Collision, Inc. 973-992-5274 / livingston.collision@gmail.com
Gary Gardella, Jr., County Line Auto Body 732-363-5904 / countylineautobody@gmail.com
Dave Laganella, Peters Body and Fender 201-337-1200 / petersbandf@gmail.com
Sam Mikhail, Prestige Auto Body 908-294-1985 /prestige@goldcar.us
Ken Miller, 821 Collision, LLC (973) 949-3733 / kmiller@821collision.com
Danielle Molina, Perfect Bodies Collision Center (973) 777-7881 / Danielle@PerfectBodiesCollision.com
Ted Rainer, Ocean Bay Auto Body 732-899-7900 / ted@oceanbayautobody.com
Anthony Trama, Bloomfield Auto Body 973-748-2608 / anthony@bloomfieldautobody.com
BOARD ALLIED
Joe Amato, The Amato Agency 732-530-6740 / joesr@amatoagency.com
Mike Kaufmann, Advantage Dealer Services 973-332-7014 / mkaufmann@advantageds.com
PAST PRESIDENT ATTENDING
Jeff McDowell, Leslie’s Auto Body 732-738-1948 / chacki@aol.com
I am writing this on the day I turn 62 years old. As I look toward another new year in a few weeks, I am thinking about how blessed I am to have had such a wonderful life. Great family (some not so great), great friends (some not so great), great co-workers (some not so great)...You get the picture. If you are blessed enough to have just one of these things, you are a lucky person. Me? If it all ends tomorrow, I was the luckiest guy in the world.
But that’s my sentimental side. My unsentimental side looks at the world we live in today and gets pissed off. I mean, I wrote an article called “People are Pri#ks” just a year ago, and if I look back, the people I mentioned in it were angels compared to what is out there today. Just spend some time on Facebook. Or Twitter. Or watch the news. Or read a newspaper. People are no longer just pri#ks; they are as$%oles too!
And you can’t even say anything about it. If you do, you get canceled. You get labeled as some kind of “ist.” That’s why the rules of life we used to live by are no longer acceptable. Remember “sticks and stones will break my bones, but names will never hurt me?” In today’s world,
by THOMAS GRECO, PUBLISHERa mere criticism is considered as bad as an axe murder. Make a joke about someone’s looks? Canceled. Make a joke about someone’s clothes? Canceled. Make a joke of any kind? Canceled! We are all like individual human TV series waiting to be canceled. I’ve written about “Sticks and Stones” before so I won’t go there, but remember this one?
“The buck stops here.”
Originally made popular by President Truman in the ’50s, the phrase basically meant, “I’m the boss, so the screw up is mine.” Truman was acknowledging, “I’m the President. I’m accountable for the problems in the country. Blame me.”
Sadly, he may have been the last President ever to say those words. Because you certainly won’t hear those coming from President Biden’s lips. (Nor did we ever hear it from President Trump’s, so no, this isn’t a propaganda article, Mr. V.) Look: I’m fine when the President (whoever it is) takes credit for something he had nothing to do with. That’s part of the job, too. But you can’t have it both ways.
Let’s talk about gas prices. A few months ago, they were at record highs. Did the President make himself accountable? If you think he did, then you must also believe his hair is real. According to CNN: “Biden made it sound like gas prices have fallen significantly during his presidency when they have actually increased significantly.” But now gas prices are low again, is he taking credit? Of course he is!
“The decline in gas price is giving consumers a break they need, helping them keep our economy growing. It’s a big deal,” the President stated. Yeesh. This isn’t an attack piece. Every President since Truman has done it. But at least in the years prior to Trump, the media called them out
Six percent. Seven percent. Eight and even nine percent! Those were the overall inflation rates month over month in 2022, and even though forecasts indicate that it’s supposed to drop some this year, we’re still anticipating inflation of close to three percent in 2023. But those are just general numbers.
In our industry, costs are rising even faster. Just look at paint & material prices! Over the past two years, P&M has increased by 38-39 percent, yet insurers only want to compensate an additional one percent. I’m not really sure how that truly justifies the need for proper compensation, but carriers like to insist that they only need to pay the amount they can get another shop to do it for. Well, who’s doing these jobs at those prices?
There are shops out there that are only turning a gross profit of one to two percent each year…and they see themselves as “profitable” because they aren’t losing money! The majority of shops report a 10 percent profit margin, and the elites are running at 20 percent. Seriously – we’re telling the best of the best that all they deserve is 20 to 25 percent gross profit?! That’s a hard pill to swallow, especially when banks, law firms, technology companies and other businesses frequently report gross profit margins of 50 percent or higher. We work hard, and we deserve to see the fruits of our labor.
Our industry needs to find a way to maximize our profits; that means we’re not breaking even or losing money. Now, many shops are cutting corners by buying the cheapest parts, materials and supplies to put on cars to make up the difference, and while I cannot tell anyone how to run their business, it’s not benefitting any of us if we keep racing each other to the bottom. Shop owners need to pay attention to their businesses and to their industry. It starts with writing proper estimates, but it’s also a matter of looking at how we’re going to approach things differently.
One of the insurance industry’s biggest wins is being able to tell a certain shop that it’s only them and two others asking for it, and that’s a big part of our problem. We should all be asking for increases every year because our costs increase every year! Just look at the blend study that the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) conducted last year (check out page 28 for a recap and New Jersey shops’ reactions) – they
by JERRY MCNEEfound that blending takes almost 32 percent more time than a basic refinish, but how much more material are we using when we blend? Because most of us aren’t getting compensated for the additional labor hours OR the additional paint expense.
I really appreciate SCRS for performing that time study in such a way that the validity behind it is unquestionable. Yet, insurers don’t want to accept the truth of the matter, so what are we going to do about it, as an industry?
We need to pay attention and get involved. Too many folks want to sit on the sidelines and simply watch the game. Well, guess what…You’re fixing these cars, so you’re IN the game, whether you want to admit it or not. If all you’re doing is nodding your head and agreeing to the scraps that the insurance companies are willing to toss our way, you’re actually part of the problem. Don’t tell me that you’re running a different type of business; we’re both fixing cars. Refusing to make waves doesn’t make you a different kind of shop. It just means you’re going to keep losing money, and you’re making it harder for the rest of us to charge what we deserve too.
For our industry to be successful, for our businesses to be profitable, everyone needs to get involved. Join your associations, attend classes and educate yourself. I’ve had guys tell me that they’re going to the NORTHEAST® Automotive Services Show only on Friday night. So, you’re going to attend a couple classes AND walk the entire floor in a few hours…What do you expect to get out of it if you’re putting so little in? We have to read the articles, spend time with other shop owners who also want to make a difference and invest the time and energy to push our shops to success.
We should all be running our shops like true businesses, and that means understanding the nuances of our KPIs and how to make money. And that doesn’t mean accepting scraps and just pushing more and more cars out the door, half-a$$ repaired. More for less isn’t the answer. Mark your calendars for NORTHEAST on March 17-19 so we can work together to uncover the answer for your shop and our industry.
Porsche
Manhattan
Porsche
Paul
The Cadillac XLR is a two-seater, front-engine, rear wheel drive car built in a single generation between 2004 and 2009. It is a very unique car with a lot of neat features. Since owning it for a while, I have really grown to appreciate driving it but have noticed there is a great deal of confusion regarding this car, which I will try to correct. I have owned the car pictured on this page for years. It really is a favorite of my wife and I. Cadillac introduced this car as its flagship model at the North American International Auto Show in 2003.
Features:
• Hardtop convertible: I consider this to be a “good” convertible. With the push of a button, the factory hardtop lifts and folds into the trunk (providing it is empty). Now, you have a convertible. While driving with the top down is often enjoyable on select days, to be honest, on most days I personally prefer to have the top up so I can hear the radio and not the wind. But if
by KEITH KREHEL
my wife is with me, I usually prefer to “drop the top” and allow the wind to prevail (LOL).
• The engine is forward mounted, but with the trans rear mounted, it gives the car a near 50/50 front-torear weight distribution, which is desired. This, along with “magnetic ride control” active suspension, delivers good handling despite its weight, which is surprisingly heavy. In perspective, this two-seater car weighs 3,840 pounds, while a five-passenger Mercedes E350 (no small car) weighs 15 pounds less, at 3,825. One thing I don’t care for is how the vehicle understeers. I am used to sports car steering (Lotus Esprit, Ford GT, even the E350), and driving this car simply involves too much steering wheel movement.
• The 4.6 North Star high tech V8 engine moves the car well with 0 to 60 at 5.6 seconds, which is fast and takes 13.9 seconds in the quarter mile. It does not have a Corvette engine as many believe.
0-6 ¼ mile
Engine 4.6 L North Star V8 standard 320 SAE HP 5.6 13.9 310 ft. lb. @ 4,400 RPM
Engine type 4-valve/cylinder, naturally aspirated, dual overhead cam Model years 2004-2009
Trans 5 speed 5L50 automatic 6 speed 6L80 optional automatic Wheel base 105.7 inches Length 177.7 inches Width 72.3 inches Height 50.4 inches Curb weight 3,840 pounds Weight to Power 11.4 lbs./HP Camshaft Variable timing Compression 10.5:1 Optional engine supercharged 443 HP & 414 ft. lbs. torque
Experience is key in success. Not just the experience one can gain from training, studying and perfecting a skill, but the experience one can get from listening, watching and learning from others, which can help shape the path one is meant to take.
Ultimate Collision Repair in Edison wants to help make sure the next generation of collision repairers has the opportunity to see, learn and experience collision repair up close and in person. A big supporter of local magnet schools, such as the Middlesex County Magnet School in Piscataway where owner Jerry McNee serves on the Advisory Board, Ultimate Collision recently welcomed auto collision repair technology program students to tour the facility, meet the technicians and get exposure to an industry that can really offer a promising career.
The shop has been welcoming Middlesex County Magnet students for years, but this past November’s visit had been the first since the pandemic. McNee and fellow collision repair specialist Anthony Thompson were pleased to see an enthusiastic amount of students walk through the doors – more than they remembered seeing in the past. They were also pleased to see a healthy amount of female students in the group, especially since there are gender gaps in most shops. In fact, Thompson says they were told that one of those students was noted for being “the best estimator in the class.”
“Jerry took the class through the whole facility, showing them the different areas of the shop such as the teardown base, our first steps, to familiarize them with what life is like here,” Thompson explained.
“We talked to them about estimating, repair procedures, ADAS and the importance of it,” added
McNee. “We also spoke about painting techniques and paint quality, frame and speciality equipment and scanning.”
Overall, the day in the shop was designed to “entice them a bit and show them that this could be a career for them,” also came up from the magnet school training as did Thompson.
“It was such a good experience for the students,” confirms Auto Collision Repair Technology Instructor Sammy Lopez. “Jerry is a great contact to have. He really understands what the students need. Taking us through his shop allowed them to see what opportunities may lie ahead. Maybe they will even be the next Jerry McNee! The students got to witness jobs in progress, what kind of cars were being worked on and what types of technologies are used; they don’t easily have that opportunity otherwise.”
Educational facilities can’t always easily keep up or make available the ever-changing technology in the industry, which is why it’s so important for the students to have an opportunity to visit shops, Lopez stressed. Today’s students are growing up in a different time. They are a part of the TikTok generation where they see 20-second clips of a car being flipped over and painted, but as Lopez points out, “It doesn’t happen that way, and that’s what we want them to know. This is a skilled trade. There are a lot of people who don’t realize that. Things need to be aligned, headlights need to be leveled and sensors calibrated. The industry has evolved to such a degree, and it’s so important to get out there with the students and show them how it is being done in the shops.”
What does it take to be among the best collision repair facilities in the state? Recently, New Jersey Automotive polled various members of the industry, checked out a slew of online reviews and read numerous consumer comments to answer this question. Here are the top 10 body shops in New Jersey that our research revealed.
508 Market Street, Saddle Brook Established in 2006
This family-owned shop has become quite the go-to place for collision repair in the Saddle Brook area. New Saddle Brook Auto Body takes “great pride and excellence when performing every repair, big or small.” And as many can attest all across the web, “the quality of our work is shown as a reflection of our great reputation throughout Northern New Jersey.” One Yelp reviewer claims, “This shop, run by its owner Jose, is so professionally run that you practically look forward to returning here.” A Google reviewer boasts, “Will recommend to family and friends. Very professional and organized, and I’m very happy with the final results. You can’t see where my car was damaged. Great work!!!”
This well-respected establishment with more than 30 years of experience attributes its success to “a simple philosophy that’s focused on honesty and respect.” With more than 366 reviews on Google alone, customers are singing their praises with comments such as: “After an accident, CARSTAR did the repairs, and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. They did really well with communication and getting things done in a timely manner; super helpful and pleasant whenever I called with questions.” Another boasts: “Super efficient, super nice. They made the experience totally painless. Highly recommend!”
Golden Touch Auto Body 402 Broadway, Newark Established in 1993
More than 150 Google reviews alone support this family-owned business’ claim of “delivering the best end-toend customer service experience” as per their company website. One Google reviewer left a five-star rating, but “If I could, I would give them an even higher rating! They were super friendly and professional and very helpful in making sure my car was taken care of with the utmost priority. I would highly recommend them to anyone!” A Yelp user reports, “So, I was in need of some passenger side damage repair. Had a few estimates done, but Golden Touch had the best price. Caesar was very nice and was able to complete the job within the timeframe I requested. He even repaired a small scratch at no additional charge after the work was done. My car looks beautiful, and I am so very happy with the results.”
195 Newman Springs Road, Shrewsbury Established in 2005
The team at Anthony’s Auto Body (which has a second location in Toms River) prides itself on putting safety first, always working to ensure their customers’ vehicles will be repaired properly upfront. One driver shares his experience with fellow Google users, “My Mazda was involved in an accident affecting both passenger side doors, trimming and everything that comes with it. We worked with Jimmy who was very personable and able to answer all of our questions. Jimmy and the rest of the team were able to get our car fixed up in a timely manner even sooner than they originally estimated (huge plus!), and we were given frequent updates through email. We were very impressed with our experience with Anthony’s Auto! If needed, we would definitely use them again and would recommend them to anyone in the area.” A Facebook writer states, “Just picked up our daughter’s car from being repaired. From the minute we called for an estimate to the pick up, everyone was knowledgeable and friendly. Highly recommend!”
This Burlington-based shop prides itself on attracting and maintaining its customers by repeats and referrals, according to its website. Proof lies in the many voices championing the shop on the web. One Google writer proclaims, “If you need body work done in the Burlington area, don’t walk to Five Points…RUN!!! Fran, Jimmy and the team did such a fabulous job on my plum crazy purple Challenger that had white paint splattered all over it by an irresponsible driver. The whole team was so professional. Fran has such pride in the work his shop produces, and it truly shows. I couldn’t be happier!!!” A Yelp user agrees, “Just picked up my Mercedes (and my BMW two days ago). Unfortunately, people love hitting my vehicles. Fortunately, I know the best body shop in South Jersey! Fran Dungo and his team have been exclusively taking care of my vehicles ever since 2003 when the local Ford dealer referred him to me. His work is excellent, and I wouldn’t trust anyone else with my repairs!”
301 W. Water Street, Toms
Kreans Auto Body has been around for 77 years and counting. The shop’s success can be attributed to stellar customer service and care which the longtime business always strives to provide. As one customer wrote on Facebook: “You won’t find a better place for vehicle repair. Chad and Ty are friendly, honest and most importantly do an amazing job. My car looked like it did the day I bought it and the dealership just detailed it. Ty also made things super easy with the rental process. I will 100 percent go back if any of my vehicles need work.” In fact, their reputation is what has been keeping them going for so long as one Google reviewer proves by writing, “Kreans Auto Body is the best around! Professional. They do outstanding work, and they are so nice to deal with! I went to them based on their excellent reviews and just had to add my own five-star review to the list!”
This longtime family establishment prides itself on producing quality work with its state-of-the art shop and top-notch team of certified technicians. As one Google reviewer shares, “Excellent service. Beautiful work done on my car. Sent text messages daily to keep you informed on the progress of your car. Completed job exactly as and when advised.” Once again, an online reputation is key in helping this business achieve its success as this writer boasts on Yelp: “Quality, efficient and professional repair done in a minimum amount of time. Their website convinced me to try them, and I’m glad I did! Randy and the crew did outstanding body repair on my Chrysler. By far, the best auto experience I’ve had in Jersey!”
1620 Paterson Plank Road, Secaucus
Established in 1990
For more than 30 years, Secaucus Auto Body has been serving its community and surrounding area with reliable service in a relaxed environment that includes their team of friendly dogs who are there to keep customers company while they wait. “Richie did such a great job on my scrape and dents that you would never know that any work was done. The car was ready on time and at the price he quoted. I wouldn’t go to anybody else,” says one five-star reviewer on Facebook. Another customer sings the shop’s praises on Google: “Rick, the owner, is the most responsive human being. He is KIND. He worked with me, and he assured me everything would be okay. (I was freaking out about my fender bender.) The parts came immediately, and the work was done so fast. He exceeded all of my expectations, and I know if I am ever in another bind, Rick is getting my call.”
Dale’s Custom Auto 108 East Avenue, Hackettstown
As its motto affirms, Dale’s has been delivering “showroom-quality collision repair since 1983.” They strive to be the neighborhood’s trusted source for putting drivers back on the roads safely. A happy customer shared before and after photos with fellow Google reviewers stating, “Honestly, I rarely leave reviews, but Dale’s Custom Auto did such an amazing job fixing my Kia Forte from a deer hit, I had to. Super nice and helpful the entire process. They exceeded my expectations, and I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND this auto body shop to anyone I know.” A longtime customer went to Yelp to share her experience: “I have been going to Dale’s for many years, and he has always done first class body work and painting. I would not go anywhere else.”
Union Collision proudly boasts on its website that it has been treating its customers “with a sense of respect and compassion” since it first opened its doors. Success has led to many expansions over the years, and the family-owned business continues to “make the unfortunate occurrence of a car accident as painless and hassle free as we possibly can.” More than 200 customers sang their praises on Google. “Mike and his team are absolutely fantastic. Great attitude about the work and life in general. Our car was badly damaged at a time when parts are hard to come by – and wait times for deliveries are long. Creative problem solving made it possible for Union Collision to get our car back to us within the original time frame and in perfect condition! I will always recommend Union Collision to anyone who asks!” writes one reviewer. Another states, “It’s inevitable that one day your car will need help. Of course, it wasn’t your fault. That said, I would only trust Union Collision to come to the rescue. They are fair, efficient and very nice to work with!”
continued from pg. 10
on it. Not anymore.
Last week, I went to Subway to get a six-inch sub, a bag of chips and a soda. A few years ago, that would have cost me under 10 bucks. Now? $15!!! That’s right; I’m blaming my super expensive roast beef sub on the President. Just like I blame our empty supermarket shelves on the President.
continued from pg. 16
Lopez is also grateful to McNee who recently was able to obtain a CCC One estimating program for the school. Exposing students to estimating as well as customer service are other important factors in helping students see the career possibilities.
McNee devotes time to the school because he knows it’s important to support the next generation of collision repairers.
“We need more people to get involved and step up and help with the schools,” advises McNee, who encourages anyone reading this article to consider becoming part of their local school’s advisory committee.
“A lot of people say no one is getting into this business, but I don’t think that’s true. I think the best kids are spoken for and hired at shops by people who volunteer on school advisory committees,” suggests Thompson.
As for the hope of the future, Thompson maintains there is a future for the young technicians.
“One really can do well and thrive in this business. We can provide for our families and have a successful life. Collision repair is a good career path to choose.”
Just like I blame why everything that used to be a dollar in the Dollar Tree is now a buck and a quarter on the President. You know why?
Because the buck stops with him – that’s the freaking job! You can’t take the glory when it’s good but not the blame when it’s bad. You have to be accountable. That’s what all great
leaders are. If the man or woman in charge refuses to be accountable, why should anyone else be? No wonder the country is so f@#ked up.
Unfortunately, instead of a “buck stops here” society, we now live in a “pass the buck” society. Enjoy the new year.
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Blending panels takes more time and skill than a simple refinish job, yet for decades, shops have charged fewer labor hours based on the formulas provided by the major information providers (IPs). While Audatex, Mitchell and CCC define refinish times differently, they all utilize a uniform blending formula of 50 percent of the refinish time on two-stage refinish, with CCC and Mitchell utilizing a 70 percent formula when blending three-stage colors…values proven to be grossly underestimated, based on the recent blend study conducted by the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) in collaboration with AkzoNobel, Axalta, BASF, PPG and Sherwin-Williams.
“For decades, we’ve asked the IPs to address this issue, and they didn’t. So, rather than continue to ask, we performed the study ourselves, in the company of all five major North American coatings providers and an independent audit firm to validate the process, the data collection and the reported results,” explained SCRS Executive Director Aaron Schulenburg.
Demonstrating the consistency of the overall average which reflected a variance of less than six percent between all five participating companies, he shared the overall average when looking at all colors, companies and variations was “31.59 percent greater than the full
refinish value. That’s certainly different than 50 percent less than.”(Check out the recap of the study unveiling at grecopublishing.com/hd1222cic2022.)
New Jersey shops weighed in on the study’s findings.
“I have said all along that it takes more time and skill to blend a panel than it is to paint a new panel,” said Dave Thompson (Lakeside Collision CARSTAR; Mt. Laurel).
Dennis Cataldo Jr. (D & M Auto Body; Old Bridge) sees the blend study as “an accurate assessment of the blending operation. In order to blend a panel, you need to sand the entire panel and then clear the entire panel once the blend is completed. To allow for half the amount of time to complete the same procedures of a full refinish is ludicrous. I have been listening to my father make that argument for 30 years, and I regret to say I will be making it for another 30. I think most of the posted labor times in the repair/estimating guides are inaccurate. Furthermore, when you compare system to system, you get broadly different figures. Something is wrong. The Database Enhancement Gateway (degweb.org) does what it can to help us resolve some of the issues; however, most of the errors fall by the wayside as most shops do not challenge them.”
As a painter, Ken Miller (821 Collision; North Haledon)
insisted, “We all knew in our hearts that it took more time. But this study finally proved it, and SCRS covered every single base in making their case.”
Michael Bavaro (Bodymotion; Ocean Township) also praised SCRS for taking the time to conduct the study. “If body shops did this test, they would be accused of bias, but this unbiased study adds credibility to our experiences over the past 40 years; the blend formula wasn’t right back then, and it’s even less so now. Their results honestly seem pretty conservative. It takes every bit as much time as the study shows, if not more.”
Bavaro discussed the study with several team members, including his painter and shop manager, and they all shared a “united opinion. Blending a panel requires more preparation, and then once it’s ready, it takes more time to paint. You keep going when you paint an entire panel, but with blending, you spend extra time to get that right. And blending also requires consistently more material than merely refinishing a panel, yet shops get compensated based on those IP systems, and I don’t know where they even get their numbers from. They probably did their research on a black 1955 Chevy and never updated it since then.”
“CCC’s study was done 40-50 years ago, based on lacquer, and they won’t share their ‘proprietary information’ with anyone,” according to Jerry McNee (Ultimate Collision; Edison). “Well, how does the wet bed include blending when a wet bed wasn’t even available half a century ago?! Water-based paints don’t lay the same, so I don’t see how it’s feasible to use a formula that was developed long ago based on a completely different product.”
Shops already knew that blending took significantly more time (and skill!) than refinishing, so what’s next?
“We are speaking directly with all three of the information providers. It is our understanding that each has received a tremendous amount of feedback from the industry and their collision shop end-users, as a result of the research we’ve presented in the blend study,” Schulenburg advised. “I think each is navigating their own internal process to determine how to move forward based on the presented results of our findings, and their internal procedures relative to addressing challenges raised by the industry.
“Some of this is discussion, and in other cases, it’s commitment to research and updates,” he continued. “CCC has committed that based on the recent database inquiries regarding MOTOR’s guidelines for blending adjacent panels, and in accordance with MOTOR’s standard operating procedures, MOTOR will conduct observational studies of the blend process. MOTOR will provide an update at the end of the first quarter of 2023. This is a great example of an action that we had previously requested prior to the study, that is now taking place because of the study. It’s our hope that the feedback, the research we’ve produced and a closer look at complexity of colors and advancements in color systems will lead anyone who earnestly researches this topic to the same conclusion that we came to.”
New Jersey shops believe that the IPs will need to play a large role in insurers accepting the results of the blend study.
“I am hopeful that something good comes out of this study so that the information providers change the times to reflect the times it takes to do these repairs correctly,” Thompson expressed. “One of the intangible things is the skill it takes. I have recently seen videos of robots painting bumper covers. That just shows the skill needed to do a blend. They can program a robot to paint a panel but not to do a blend to a panel!”
Bavaro agreed that blending requires skill, as well as education and equipment, yet “with the low rates that insurers pay, shops are subsidizing these blends if they do them correctly; we’re losing money. You can’t get someone to mow your lawn at these rates, and blending is a difficult task that nobody seems to appreciate, but it’s sure obvious when you see a mismatched panel in a parking lot. I’m not sending anything out of my place that doesn’t match, and we do this day in and day out, so we know how much time it takes and the amount of material we spray. For years, we’ve been talking to adjusters, but they just shrug and point to the IPs. It feels like we’re talking to a wall, but we’re not going to give up. Hopefully, the IPs will take this study into consideration and adjust their formulas to a more reasonable rate.”
On the other hand, each shop should be run as an individual business, and while insurers often exert pressures, typically based on data found in the IPs’ systems, they are not the customers. Some shop owners believe that the onus for change lies in their own hands.
“I do not know how the providers will respond, but I am certainly curious if they do. I think a response is needed, and I feel our industry requires a response,” Cataldo stressed. “As for the insurers, it’s just another item they can say no to. I think the only way to effect change in this industry is to start having vehicle owners question why their insurance companies are not reimbursing them correctly.”
“As a former painter, I recognize the blends needed to accommodate today’s color matches, and we all know the amount of talent that goes into it,” McNee emphasized. “I don’t want this to be a flash in the pan, like the John Eagle case, where it’s huge news one day and then everyone goes back to the status quo. It’s really the shops’ fault for letting that happen. So, now that we’re faced with this blend study, what are we doing with it? I’ve talked to every insurance company that comes into my shop about it, and while they’ve all heard about it, what they’re going to do with it is a different case from one company to the next. Many will do whatever benefits them, but it’s up to the auto body industry to keep pushing it and keep it alive so we can see the change we need.”
Schulenburg offered a similar viewpoint.
“The study shifts the conversation from anecdotal, to evidence-based. It’s data to point to when evaluating whether or not to use the formula presented in the guides.
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The joy of the holidays is behind us, and ahead lies the anticipation of what the new year will bring. Much remains unknown, but one thing holds true: the largest regional automotive show on this side of the country is sure to provide the unparalleled experience, education and exhibitors that attendees have come to expect over the past 45 years!
And the 46th NORTHEAST® Automotive Services Show aspires to new heights by bringing in the industry’s biggest stars to conduct training while the show floor promises heavenly equipment to make the job that much easier.
As AASP/NJ prepares for its flagship event to return to the Meadowlands Exposition Center (MEC) in Secaucus, NJ on March 17-19, automotive and collision repair professionals are getting amped up for this year’s rendition of the largest and fastest growing show of its kind. NORTHEAST typically draws over 6,000 industry professionals every March as shop owners, technicians, painters, estimators, suppliers and others flock to the 65,000 square foot show floor to check out the latest tools, products, equipment and services.
“NORTHEAST is THE automotive services trade show that repairers just can’t miss,” insists AASP/NJ President Jerry McNee. “It’s pretty simple to see why. NORTHEAST delivers top-notch training, exhibitors and demos on the floor. It’s my favorite show of the year, even compared to SEMA. SEMA is great, but it’s SO big, so vast…It’s just too much! It’s difficult for us on the East Coast to take a full week away from our shops to fly across the country, and once we get there, it’s impossible to see everything because it’s all spread out so far.
“NORTHEAST offers the same atmosphere in your own backyard,” he adds. “For many of us, a simple road trip that requires minimal travel provides a chance to see the same vendors who can take the time to answer your questions, plus we’ll be bringing the same nationally celebrated educators right to the Meadowlands to allow shops in this area to benefit from their knowledge. Everything you could ever ask for in an automotive trade show, just a short drive away. It doesn’t get any better than that!”
When it comes to education in the collision repair industry, it’s impossible to find anyone who is more
respected and generally admired than Mike Anderson of Collision Advice, and NORTHEAST organizers are ecstatic to welcome the industry icon back to the MEC in 2023.
“I am very excited to get the opportunity to return to the NORTHEAST Trade Show this year to share some insights in regard to some of the OEMs that we at Collision Advice work with,” Anderson hints at the topic of his presentation. “I’m looking forward to seeing some old friends as well as making some new friends. If you haven’t circled the dates on your calendar, don’t delay; do it today!”
AASP/NJ likes to keep things fresh, and while Anderson is only one of the industry’s top trainers planning to participate in NORTHEAST 2023, attendees can expect to see some new faces as well, including respected industry leader, David Luehr from Elite Body Shop Solutions, who will be attending his very first NORTHEAST this year.
“I have heard people talking about how incredible the NORTHEAST Show is for many years, so I am very excited for the opportunity to bring our best collision management training to the amazing shops there!” he shares.
AASP/NJ Board member Ken Miller is over the moon about this year’s educational slate.
“We’ve got some of the industry’s very best coming from all over the country to deliver training for NORTHEAST attendees. Expect to learn and grow from seminars and panel discussions on today’s top issues. Our industry is changing quickly, and we’re providing everything shops need to be successful today and in the future. We’re really looking forward to a great turnout in March.”
NORTHEAST always attracts a wide range of vendors, promoting tools, products, services and equipment that are also designed to ensure shops’ success, and each year, demonstrations on the show floor leave participants feeling enlightened about different techniques they can implement in their own businesses.
“Our exhibitors will be displaying and demonstrating some of the newest and most cutting-edge equipment available,” Miller promises.
“GUNIWHEEL is a regular exhibitor at the
NORTHEAST trade show because it is the perfect place to market our products to new and existing customers,” according to Michael Dunlap (GUNIWHEEL). “Our universal shop wheels are designed specifically for auto body shops, and we look forward to attending again in 2023!”
“CCC is excited to be back at AASP/NJ’s NORTHEAST in 2023,” agrees Joe Weaver, Manager, Automotive Market Sales for CCC Intelligent Solutions. “Meeting face-to-face with our current and future clients at events like this is something we don’t take for granted, and we’re looking forward to a great show.”
What makes NORTHEAST vendors so beloved is their commitment to their customers.
“When I think about NORTHEAST, I think about our valued customers and the changes to our industry they must evolve to deal with…from the growing national chain body shops to constantly changing OEM programs to the way insurance companies take advantage of body shop services,” says Nick Mattera (Innovative Solutions and Technology). “The NORTHEAST show gives a platform for our customers to come and not just see our new equipment, but to get educated from all of the offered classes on how
to navigate their businesses. Right outside of the classroom area of the show, we will be in the Innovative Solutions and Technology booth ready to show you the latest in technology for your welding needs, the new opportunities that ADAS calibrations can do for a proper and documented repair process, and how this can be profitable for your company’s bottom line.”
Education and exhibitions at NORTHEAST 2023 sound amazing, but that’s not all…There’s also the EXPERIENCE. Nothing competes with the face-toface networking at an event of this size and caliber, and attendees will enjoy the chance to win a number of prizes while catching up with old friends and getting to know new ones. The show also provides many opportunities to celebrate the industry that we all love, including during AASP/NJ’s Third Annual Young Technician Award presentation where a young repairer will be recognized for his or her hard work and dedication to the craft.
Pre-registration for NORTHEAST 2023 is now open. To pre-register and to stay up to date on all the latest information and announcements, visit aaspnjnortheast. com.
Earlier this month, I attended the wake for the parent of a close friend of mine. (If you’re a shop owner in northern New Jersey, he’s probably a friend of yours, too, actually. This is a longtime active AASP/NJ member who’s done a lot of good for this industry in the time he’s been a part of it.) While I was paying my respects and talking with my friend, I noticed something very strange: The viewing was packed with family and friends, but I didn’t see any fellow shop owners or AASP/NJ members in attendance. I made a mental note and in asking around later, was disgusted to learn that three of “us” showed up or sent flowers to express our condolences. THREE. In an association of over 250 shops with an average of five employees in each facility. THREE PEOPLE showed their support for this person in their time of need, who has for sure been there for us countless times over the years.
I hate to be the person that talks about how things were “in my day” – but take a minute and think back to the culture of our industry 10, 15, 20 years ago. Back then, we were a tight-knit group. And it wasn’t limited to the AASP/ NJ board of directors: If you were a collision shop out there trying to make a living, you had an unspoken fraternity with your fellow shops. Competition aside, at the end of the day, we recognized that we were all just trying to put food on the table to feed our families. Facing similar challenges and fighting the same fight bonded us together, and many of us built lifelong friendships out of those shared experiences. When needed, we would show up in force – whether that was down in Trenton giving our voice to legislation, filling a ballroom with 200 repairers or more to populate an AASP/ NJ general meeting or filing into a funeral home to be there for a shop in mourning. I’m talking friendly shops, competitor shops, suppliers, Board, non-Board, ex-Board, insurance adjusters. EVERYBODY came. Our experiences, struggles and successes became a glue, holding us together through the best and the worst of times.
And when I say a fraternity, I mean it. We were a tight-knit community of friends who just happened to work in the same industry. We did everything together. We drove to NACE together, went to each other’s barbecues, kids’ birthday parties and christenings. We regularly went out to dinner together, our families knew each other...you get it. What started out as colleagues became my oldest and closest friends.
Fast-forward 20 years, and three people came to support
one of us in an instance where there should have been hundreds. Instead of close friends who happen to work in the same industry, we see each other as “that guy I see at AASP/ NJ meetings who likes my Facebook posts once in a while.” Where is that glue? Have we become too busy to look after each other?
Now more than ever, unity should be the most important thing in this industry. Collision repairers are at a crossroads like never before; we are constantly bombarded with the threat of technology or outside parties trying to take our businesses away from us. The only way to succeed is through constant and COLLABORATIVE evolution. That means bettering yourself, but not doing it on an island. I get it: With all of the information and misinformation out there, and the “every man for himself” attitude that has become the norm these days, we simply don’t know who to trust. But do you know who you can trust? Your fellow shop. Sure, they’re your competition, but if you have a question about something, I can guarantee you that they either have the answer to that question, or they’re also stumped and just too busy, too proud or too scared to reach out to anyone for assistance. Together, you can pool your many resources to find a resolution on any number of challenges you’re both experiencing. Along the way, you might just transcend from competitors to colleagues, to friends. That kind of mindset is how we all rise to the top.
If you haven’t already made a New Year’s Resolution, do me a favor: Make it a goal to connect with ONE shop owner you’ve never spoken with before this month. (Yes, I know you’re busy. We’re all busy. Do it anyway.) Share your frustrations and your successes, and encourage them to do the same. It’s very possible you each have solutions the other can use to make things run more smoothly. If you’re an AASP/NJ member and they’re not, make sure they’re aware of all of the great things this association has to offer a repair facility. If you’re both members, maybe you sit together at the next AASP/NJ general meeting. And in the meantime, get to know each other. What do they do outside the shop? Are they married? Do they have kids? Pets? You get the idea. If in the course of establishing a professional relationship you also make a friend, all the better. THAT’S how we get the glue back in this industry. We’ve forgotten how to show up –literally and figuratively – for our fellow shops. But we can get back to that, and we should. All it takes is a little bit of effort.
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It’s important to reinforce that all three estimating products are just that – guides – not fixed or rigid solutions, even if that is how they are sometimes used. Until there is change, the study provides clear transparent information that can be used like any other documentation to substantiate a repair operation or charge on a repair order.”
He also believes “There is value in helping to carry the water. If you are familiar with the study (available at scrs. com/blendstudy), have you shared it with your jobber? Have you raised awareness amongst your team members? Have you communicated your perception of the results to your information provider? All of these are conversations that help benefit the end-user.”
Miller agreed that it’s up to the shops to use this data to benefit their businesses. “What will the industry do versus waiting for someone else to do it for us? We need to have discussions around this study and come up with ideas about how we can deal with this issue. This information is great, but it’s only as useful as the hands it’s in, and I don’t want to see it die as useless because it’s not…but we need to get out there, promote this and discuss how to utilize it. We need to stop waiting for things to happen. It’s time to take the initiative and MAKE things happen!”
McNee took it a step further, as he asked, “Will the IPs increase the formulas like they should, or will they minimize
it like they normally do, to keep their biggest purchasers (insurers) happy? It’s currently in the public eye, and I don’t want our industry to let it fall by the wayside. It’s up to us to make a move; we can’t wait for someone else to step up to the plate to make our industry better. They’re not going to deviate from the book because that’s not to their advantage. It’s up to us as shop owners, as collision professionals, to push harder, to step up to the plate. It’s just a big game for them, and it’s our own fault that we let them dictate the rules while we just sit on the sidelines and take it.”
“The saying goes, ‘If you always do what you always did, you’ll always get what you always got.’ We decided to do it differently, and with substance, and I think there is a reason the results align with the industry’s perception of the task,” Schulenburg added. “Ultimately, repair facilities are responsible for independently choosing how to identify and bill for their services. Waiting for someone else to make a decision – whether it is an IP, insurer, etc. – may be the equivalent of always doing what you’ve always done. I am aware of many repairers who are already actively using the information in their repair planning process effectively, a decision they’ve made based on the information available to them and their own knowledge of what is necessary within their business.”
AASP/NJ mourns the passing of Jack Wilson, former owner of Coury’s Auto Body in Toms River, and Sebastiano “Sal” Failla of Sal’s Auto Body in Green Brook, two longtime members, supporters and friends of the association who passed away in December.
Jack passed away on December 5, 2022 at the age of 68. He was the prior owner of Coury’s Auto Body and a past vice president of an organization that Jack assisted in starting to address the problems of the collision shops in that area, which ultimately turned into the Ocean County Chapter of AASP/NJ. He retired with his wife to Florida, where they enjoyed living along Jupiter Inlet and made many new friends.
Jack’s accomplishments and contributions to the industry helped make it a better one, and he will be remembered as a friend to many and a longtime supporter of AASP/NJ.
He is survived by his wife Deborah TravisanoWilson, his daughters Melanie Lowden and Dawn Nolan, stepchildren Valerie Travisano and Daniel Travisano, five grandchildren, siblings and many other family members and friends.
Sal passed away December 11, 2022 at the age of 93. He was one of the oldest living members of AASP/NJ and a much valued one. Sal’s voluntary participation and fundraising activities in too many charitable organizations to mention allowed him to share a wealth of knowledge to all he came in contact with, including so many in the automotive repair industry. He will be remembered as a great guy and good friend to those who knew him.
“Losing two great members of AASP/NJ, who passed within one week of each other, really makes for a sad time,” shared AASP/NJ Executive Director Charles Bryant. “Both men were long time members of the association and were good friends of many, including myself. They will be remembered for all they did to improve the collision industry. It’s pretty amazing how much the two had in common, like their pleasant smiles which were always visible no matter what difficulties either may have been enduring at the time. I would like their families to know just how much they will both be missed and remembered for all they did.”
AASP/NJ offers the families, friends and colleagues of Jack and Sal its deepest condolences.
• The XLR is the first Caddy to offer radar-based cruise control (ACC) as well as heated and cooled seats.
Some of the confusion regarding the car probably comes from it being manufactured at the Bowling Green Production plant alongside the Corvette, often earning the nickname the “Cadillac Corvette.” They both share a hydroformed perimeter “Y” frame, along with the Corvette also having a rear-mounted transmission.
Other features include: Bose AM/FM/CD, touchscreen GPS navigation, satellite radio, full voice controls (which I am still trying to master), Bulgari instruments, (HID) High Intensity Front headlights and memory seats, etc.
Sales projections were between 5,000 to 7,000 per year, but this was never achieved as sales were disappointing with only 15,460 units sold during its run, compared to 164,220 Corvette C6s being sold and 47,042 Mercedes SLs over that time, its closest competition, I believe.
In my opinion, the XLR is a great car – much better than its predecessor, the Allanté. I have driven both, and the XLR is worthy competition to the Mercedes SL series. With its retractable hardtop, it is one of the few convertibles I would choose to own.
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Providing a strong employee benefit program is still an important part of attracting and retaining valuable employees. Even more crucial is the ability to provide a good employee benefit package at an affordable cost.
Years ago, the employee benefits market evolved from indemnity style plans to managed care plans, commonly referred to as HMOs. Traditionally, doctors have been paid on a “fee for service” system. The more services they provided, the more fees they collected. Insurance carriers have been moving toward a “fee for value” system. Providers are getting paid more based on the wellness of the patient.
Consumers and employer groups are increasing their deductibles and co-payments to help offset the continuing premium increases. High Deductible Health Plans (HDHP), also known as Consumer Driven Healthcare Plans, mimic the indemnity style plans and are designed to encourage employees to become better consumers of healthcare. Consumer Driven Healthcare Plans utilize higher deductibles to decrease costs which can be offset with employee-owned or employer-funded bank accounts, also known as Health Savings Accounts (HSA), Flexible Savings Accounts (FSA) and Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRA). Consumers can use pre-tax dollars to pay for all their eligible unreimbursed medical expenses including health, dental and vision. These options have become very popular with both small companies and larger corporations as it meets the needs of employees and the budget of employers.
Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs) and designing an employee contribution through payroll deductions are two other ways employers have initiated the reduction of costs. Lastly, the uncertainty of the Affordable Care Act has created many questions for even the most insurance savvy clients.
If you would like more information about reducing insurance premiums or have an interest in learning more about the options, please contact me.
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