New Jersey Automotive March 2023

THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A BETTER WAY TO BUY THE WORLD’S BEST ENGINEERED PARTS.

For Original BMW Parts, contact one of these authorized BMW centers:

BMW of Springfield

391-399 Route 22 E. Springfield, NJ 07081

Toll Free: 800-648-0053

Fax: 973-467-2185

bmwofspringfieldnj.com

BMW of Bridgewater

655 Route 202/206

Bridgewater, NJ 08807

PH: 908-287-1800

FAX:908-722-1729

bridgewaterbmw.com

Circle BMW 500 Route 36 Eatontown, NJ 07724

Parts Direct: 732-440-1235

Fax: 732-440-1239

wholesale@circlebmw.com

circlebmw.com

Park Ave BMW 530 Huyler Street

South Hackensack, NJ 07606

PH: 201-843-8112

FAX:201-291-2376

parkavebmw.com

Paul Miller BMW

1515 Route 23 South

Wayne, NJ 07470

PH: 973-696-6060

Fax: 973-696-8274

paulmillerbmw.com

BMW of Bloomfield

425 Bloomfield Avenue

Bloomfield, NJ 07003

Parts Direct: 973-748-8373

psantos@dchusa.com

THEY’RE CALLED “ORIGINAL BMW PARTS” FOR GOOD REASON. FOR UNCOMPROMISING PRECISION AND INCOMPARABLE QUALITY, YOUR BMW CENTER IS YOUR ONE-STOP SHOP FOR EVERYTHING BMW. ©️2023 BMW

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

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER

Thomas Greco / thomas@grecopublishing.com

VICE PRESIDENT/SALES DIRECTOR

Alicia Figurelli / alicia@grecopublishing.com

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

Bill Moore / bill@grecopublishing.com / (201) 209-1989

EDITORIAL/CREATIVE COORDINATOR

Alana Bonillo / alana@grecopublishing.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Chasidy Rae Sisk / chasidy@grecopublishing.com

OFFICE MANAGER

Donna Greco / donna@grecopublishing.com

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

Joe Greco / joe@grecopublishing.com

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Charles Bryant • Mario DeFilippis • Dennis

Cataldo • Mitch Portnoi • Ron Ananian • Keith Krehel • Jerry McNee • Jacquelyn Bauman

Published by: Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc. 244 Chestnut Street, Suite 202, Nutley, NJ 07110

Corporate: (973) 667-6922 / FAX: (973) 235-1963

@grecopublishing

www.grecopublishing.com

Joe Amato, Sr.

Ron Ananian

Jim Bowers

Charles Bryant

Don Chard

Guy Citro

Pete Cook

Ed Day

Dave Demarest

Phil Dolcemascolo

Tom Elder

Bob Everett

Alicia Figurelli

Thomas Greco

Dan Hawtin

Rich Johnson

Mike Kaufmann

Wes Kearney

Nick Kostakis

Jim Kowalak

Keith Krehel

Joe Lubrano

Michael Lovullo

Jeff McDowell

Sam Mikhail

Ron Mucklow

George Petrask

Russ Robson

Jerry Russomano

George Threlfall

Cynthia Tursi

Lee Vetland

Paul Vigilant

Rich Weber

Brian Vesley

Glenn Villacari

Stan Wilson

Back in the Habit

Before you go any further, STOP, go to aaspnjnortheast.com and register for the NORTHEAST® 2023 Automotive Services Show, taking place March 17-19 at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus, NJ.

Thank you.

Now…this month, I decided to write about habits. We all have them. Hopefully, more good than bad. So, how do you determine what is a habit? Beats the hell out of me. Even though I don’t smoke or drink (the two most obvious habits, I think), I’m pretty sure I have a list a mile long (just ask my wife), many of which I have written about in this space.

Oh, there’s my junk food habit. My Disney/Orlando habit (although they have basically priced me out these days). I have a Paul Newman lemonade habit. I have a habit of staying up all night. You must be saying “Geez, does this guy have any good ones?”

Ummmmmm…

Every day when I go downstairs to put my shoes on, I play with my dogs. Does that count? I generally don’t badmouth anyone (in public at least lol). That’s a good one.

Speaking of habits, you know what one of the best habits in our industry is? The NORTHEAST Automotive Services Show.

That’s right: NORTHEAST.

I never really thought of it that way until COVID hit. Once we were forced to cancel our 2020 show and then hold one in September 2021, the following March, one attendee told me that coming to the show had been his habit for over 40 years. He knew that when winter was ending and spring was on its way, NORTHEAST must be right around the corner. But after we lost that year, things got so mixed up and confusing that he had been knocked out of all his habits and rituals. He was so happy that we were back.

I thought about those words a lot, and he was right. NORTHEAST has been a habit for many automotive

service professionals for so long. It was also true that COVID threw everything off. But COVID is over. It’s time to get back into the habit of learning. The habit of seeing, trying things out handson and buying the equipment you are going to need to survive as technology and the industry keeps changing. The majority of shops have been

by THOMAS GRECO, PUBLISHER

full over the last two years, but it won’t stay like that forever. The best way to prepare for the future is to get back into the habit of NORTHEAST.

We have EVERYTHING there. Stop by and say hello. I’ll gladly buy you some Paul Newman lemonade.

A Changing Landscape

I don’t know what other shops have been seeing, but from where I’m sitting, the landscape of the collision repair industry has been changing consistently. In fact, it has already changed quite significantly compared to last year, last month, even last week. Yet, I sit on monthly Board meetings and hear about shops calling the AASP/ NJ hotline with many of the same complaints, often related to insurance companies and what they are or are not doing.

The 2023 NORTHEAST® Automotive Services Show – scheduled for March 17-19 at the Meadowlands

Exposition Center (MEC) in Secaucus, NJ – couldn’t pop off at a better time than right now as we’re dealing with this changing landscape of how to do business! NORTHEAST is always at the top of my list when it comes to the industry’s best education (check out this year’s educational slate on page 28), not to mention it’s an optimal opportunity to see the newest tools, equipment and software available on the market! And it’s right in your own backyard.

Now, I know what many of you are already thinking: “I’m swamped in the shop. I just cannot afford to take

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by JERRY MCNEE

the time away.” Well, I’m just going to tell you something…You’re looking at this all WRONG! You can’t afford to miss this opportunity to get educated about your business and to find ways to improve efficiency on the shop floors with modern tools and equipment. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. We’re all so stubborn; we think we’ve got it all figured out, but if that’s the case, why are we in the position we’re in, arguing with third-party payers about how we run our businesses, trying to convince them that we are the experts who know how today’s cars need to be fixed to ensure they’re safe to drive?!

With vehicles changing so drastically, so often, it can feel like we’re drowning to keep up with the ongoing evolution of technology, and the educational aspect of NORTHEAST is worth its weight in gold. There’s something on the agenda for everyone, but whether you’re willing to partake or not is completely up to you. Just like deciding how to run your business is completely up to you, though many shop owners fail to realize that’s true because they’ve neglected their education. Whose money is it? It’s yours, and it’s up to you to invest wisely by signing up for the classes that will best benefit your business.

We are currently hiring in the NY/NJ area for:

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Nothing in, nothing out. If you want to improve what you’re putting out, you’ve got to put more in, and that means coming to NORTHEAST 2023. You can’t just show up for a couple hours and expect to get everything you need. Make it worth your while by investing the time to get as much out of it as you possibly can. Stop thinking about it, and start making plans to attend the show on March 17, 18 and 19. Prepare the questions you want to ask the vendors on the show floor: What is that product, and what’s it used for? How’s it going to help improve my business? Because that’s the end goal…Improvement.

NORTHEAST is the second largest trade show in the country, and it’s taking place right here in New Jersey, just down the street from you. Why wouldn’t you take advantage of everything it has to offer?

Sherwin Williams Automotive supplies advanced technology paint and coating systems for automotive, fleet refinishing, and aerospace coatings to refinishers, distributors, military and business aviation markets worldwide.

The Photo Estimating v. Physical Inspection Controversy Continues

As I am sure everyone in the collision industry is aware by now, the biggest and latest change taking place at the present time is “photo estimates.” That’s right, photo estimates. The insurance industry is doing everything in their power to change the way estimates are prepared these days, continuing to move away from personal inspections to estimates based on photos of the damage. This extreme effort being made by the insurance industry is being pushed on the premise that the photo estimate concept is going to expedite the claim settlement process. In reality, the opposite is true.

In all my years dealing with the relationship between insurers and collision shop owners, I have never before seen an issue be pushed as hard as this one. Certain insurers are even at the point that they will actually state, “We no longer come out to physically inspect damaged vehicles” and then demand that the shop owner or representative take photos of the damage to a vehicle and send them to the insurer along with an estimate based on the photos. Wait, did I say that right? Let me go over that again. Insurers are demanding that shop owners or representatives take photos of damage to vehicles and prepare an estimate of the damage discovered while taking photos of the damage.

Just how stupid do insurers think people are? Estimates prepared by shops are still based on personal inspection of the damage to the vehicle. The difference is that insurers are not sending someone out. Instead, they force shop owners or their representatives to perform the insurer’s job for them – without compensation, I might add! The problem is, even when the shop representative goes along with the process and sends in the photos and the estimate of the damage discovered as a result, the insurer sends back their estimate for a fraction of the estimate prepared by the shop representative who physically inspected the damage, took the photos and prepared the estimate. From there, let the games begin!

When the shop representative questions the low estimate from the insurer, the response is usually, “That’s all we can see based on the photos you sent in, so we need more photos.” Now, I’m not talking about a small difference between the shop’s estimate and the insurer’s estimate. We are seeing differences by thousands of dollars. Just to give everyone a better idea of exactly how

by CHARLES BRYANT

ridiculous this photo estimate game is, the other day I received a call on the AASP/NJ Hotline from a member explaining that they were on the ninth supplement based on photos being sent in over and over, and the caller explained that they were only about halfway through the repairs. Talk about something that is causing a delay rather than expediting the process.

So, what’s the point? The point is no one can prepare an accurate estimate on a severely damaged vehicle based on photos of the damage, PERIOD! The technology needed to prepare an accurate estimate on a severely damaged vehicle has either not been created or has not been introduced to the industry yet. As a result, the settlement of collision claims and the repair of collision damaged vehicles are being delayed severely…PERIOD!

So, how did we get to where we are now? The regulations governing fair claim settlements have not changed to allow for photos estimates. The rules for collision shops that would allow for picture estimates have not changed. In fact, the opposite is true. (See the actual wording in the NJ Auto Body License Law Poster that is required to be posted in the office of every licensed auto body shop in New Jersey below.)

CHAPTER 53

An Act concerning licensing of auto body repair facilities, amending P.L.1987, c.280 and amending and supplementing P.L.1983, c.360.

C.39:13-4 Fine; refusal to grant suspension, revocation of license.

4. The director may fine or refuse to grant or may suspend or revoke a license of an auto body repair facility for any of the following acts or omissions related to the conduct of the business of the auto body repair facility:

f. Making appraisals of the cost of repairing a motor vehicle which has been damaged as a result of a collision through the use of photographs, continued on pg. 34

Applications for CREF’s 2023 School Benchmark Grants and Student Scholarships Open

Collision repair facilities around the country are in desperate need of new talent to address the ongoing workforce shortage, yet a lack of qualified young professionals are entering the industry for many reasons. Many schools’ collision programs are underfunded, and post-secondary students seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge often struggle to afford tuition and tools.

The Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) addresses these needs through its Collision School Career Readiness Benchmark Grants and Student Scholarship awards, thanks to support from many generous industry donors and sponsors.

In 2022, CREF awarded $436,000 in grants to nearly 70 schools, impacting over 35,000 students. The Benchmark Grants recognize those programs that excel at educating students but which require additional financial assistance due to constrained school budgets, providing funds to purchase the tools, equipment and supplies necessary to enhance their students’ learning experience and elevate the caliber of their graduates.

The 2022 Student Scholarships benefitted 46 students with almost $150,000 awarded in financial assistance

to ensure those students were able to continue their education, preparing them to pursue a successful career in body shops around the country.

Applications for CREF’s 2023 Student Scholarships are now open, with a deadline of March 9, 2023.

Applications for CREF’s 2023 School Benchmark Grants are open through June 28, 2023.

To apply for a Benchmark Grant or Student Scholarship, visit bit.ly/CREFapply. Learn more about supporting CREF’s efforts to promote the industry to future generations at CollisionEducationFoundation.org

Veteran Body Shop Instructor and Industry Leader Bob Magee Retires

Bob Magee never stops. At 6am, he is already on the go, setting up the auto body shop at Bergen County Technical School in preparation for classes which start promptly at 8am. Most days, he doesn’t leave the Teterboro campus until 3pm. He spends long days teaching the ins and outs of auto mechanics and engineering while simultaneously trying to motivate and inspire young minds into considering careers in this profession. Despite frustrations over the years, his passion has never worn.

Prior to life in the classroom, Magee spent more than 20 years running a successful body shop in Pompton Lakes before stepping away from the shop floor into the classroom to give back to the field he loves as an automotive instructor. He’s also devoted years to helping the industry as an AASP/NJ Board member.

Now, at age 75, with a well accomplished career under his toolbelt, Magee has decided to retire – or in his words: “I don’t even call it retiring; I see it as moving on because basically, every time I see people retire, they just sit around doing nothing…I’m 75 years old, and I don’t stop.”

Unfortunately, his decision to retire stems from health issues. Since having surgery on his back more than a year and a half ago, he’s suffered from chronic pain that therapy and other methods have not been able to relieve.

“It’s to the point where I don’t know if this pain is going to get any worse. I don’t want it to affect my job. I could be laying on a creeper with 20 students in front of me, and it’s hard for me to get off the creeper. I have to roll on my shoulder because it’s so painful,” he shares how his condition is affecting his movement on the school’s shop floor.

When it comes to working, Magee always puts in his all. Fixing things is in his DNA.

“My father was a flight mechanic working on B-17s in the 1940s while in the Army Air Corps. In the 1970s, he was a flight mechanic. When I was a kid, I’d go to work with him every weekend at the Chrysler Corporation dealership. I basically grew up around cars, and I’d get to clean and fix parts. Growing up, I didn’t have any money, so I’d go to a junk place and find something just to fix it up. I would buy bicycles, spray paint them and do whatever I had to do to fix them.”

During his four years in the military, Magee found himself working on cars, rebuilding engines and doing body work. When he returned home, life pretty much drove

him right to the door of his lifelong career.

“When I got out of the military, I rode my Harley down to see a friend’s car that was in a body shop in Pompton Lakes. A guy comes out and asks if he can help me. I tell him I’m there to see my buddy’s car. He saw me in my white sailor suit and asked how much longer I had in service. I told him I had two weeks. He asked if I needed work and what I could do. I told him I can paint, do body work and everything. This was 1969. I told him I’d need to make $100 a week, and he said, ‘Let’s see what you can do, and then I’ll let you take home $100 a week.’ I worked for him for about 11 years. I did go to some other places after that, but I came back and bought the place, and I’ve owned it ever since.”

Magee’s time on the AASP/NJ Board of Directors led him to develop lifelong friendships and a knowledge of the industry that went beyond his shop’s walls.

“The main complaint I heard from everybody was that more people were needed in the industry,” he recalls. He decided to step up and take the call to help shape the next generation of repairers by accepting an opportunity to teach.

“I was an industry person. I wasn’t a teacher. So, I had to go to William Paterson University for a year and a half. Twelve subjects with homework. It was pretty rough starting college at 50-something years old, but I’ve been teaching ever since. This has been my 21st year.”

Magee eventually went on to help shape the curriculum with his expertise by editing and reviewing four auto body repair and technology textbooks; he was the main contributor for a fifth book, Collision Repair

continued on pg. 34

Bob Magee and his wife, Evelyn

Co-celebrating decades of creating chemistry between two industry leaders

Here’s to 241 years of combined service excellence

This year, as Albert Kemperle Inc. celebrates its 83rd anniversary, BASF also celebrates its 158th anniversary. We are proud of our decades of partnership with BASF and years of serving the auto paint and body industry together. Kemperle’s founders would be proud of this relationship and the growth their company has experienced because of it.

Today, as we look forward to many more decades of service to our customers, we find ourselves filled with gratitude. The creativity, hard work, and sense of responsibility of the people working for our two companies have made us what we are today. Thank you for your many years of loyalty.

OUR SUCCESS IN BUSINESS COMES FROM OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH LOYAL CUSTOMERS.

With years of service and commitment to the BMW brand, we reflect on our past and look to the future, thankful for your loyalty and dedication by allowing us to serve you. We also want to extend our services to new and existing businesses who are looking for something more than just a parts supplier.

• We are part of the BMW NA delivery program that delivers to us three additional times per day

• We have a highly-trained and experienced team of BMW parts advisors

• Our team of advisors can be counted on to be knowledgeable when you need technical support

• We update our inventory daily to ensure we stock the most current items to meet your demands

• All original BMW parts carry a 2-year limited warranty

BMW of Springfield

Wholesale Parts Hotline: 800-648-0053 Wholesale Direct: 973-671-9321 Wholesale Fax: 973-467-2185 391 Route 22 East, Springfield, NJ 07081

Orders accepted by phone, fax, and email to speed your delivery and your repairs. Ask about our next-day UPS delivery. Email: wholesaleparts@bmwofspringfieldnj.com or visit us on the web: bmwofspringfieldnj.com

Join our growing list of satisfied customers. Save time, improve profits and keep your customers loyal.

* If your order is placed by 10:30am, we will confirm availability and provide you with and ETA for delivery.

THE FOUNDATION OF OUR BUSINESS SUCCESS IS YOUR LOYALTY.

©️2023 BMW of North America, LLC. The BMW name, model names and logo are registered trademarks.

Are you ready for THE premiere automotive services show on the east coast? From first-class education to a trade show floor packed with 100-plus vendors showcasing the industry’s latest and greatest equipment, the NORTHEAST® 2023 Automotive Services Show –scheduled for March 17-19 at the Meadowlands Exposition Center (MEC) in Secaucus, NJ – promises to deliver everything collision repair professionals need to take their careers and businesses to the next level…plus a few bonuses!

“NORTHEAST is THE automotive services trade show that repairers just can’t miss, and it’s easy to see why,” lauds AASP/NJ President Jerry McNee. “The industry’s best trainers, friendly vendors who will take time to answer your questions and the chance to see demos of tomorrow’s best tools and equipment, all in your own backyard. You can’t afford to miss out on this once-a-year chance to level up in every aspect of the shop!”

AASP/NJ’s flagship event draws thousands of 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 from more than 100 exhibitors. Attendance at the 46th iteration of

danish to start their day, and that caffeine jolt may be just what’s needed as there’s still plenty more to see and do!

Returning NORTHEAST Platinum Sponsor BASF always offers plenty to see and experience at their booth (#227), which will feature hands-on demonstrations of the Refinity digital platform as well as an opportunity to explore BASF’s Glasurit 100 Line.

“NORTHEAST offers BASF a wonderful opportunity to connect with our customers and the local market,” according to BASF’s Tina Nelles. “We’re excited to highlight some of our products, but it’s really all about visiting with the industry professionals who attend the show that makes NORTHEAST so exciting for us year after year. If you’ve ever visited a BASF booth at NORTHEAST or any other trade show, you already know that we’re going to be showcasing an amazing build…and we’ll probably have a special guest or two. But we’re keeping a few tricks up our sleeves this year, and you’ll just have to show up to find out what surprises we have in store for 2023!”

NORTHEAST offers a great opportunity to “connect and engage with our customers and business partners,” says Jen Poliski of Silver Sponsor AkzoNobel. “We enjoy talking to attendees about trends in the collision repair industry, refinish paint products we offer and the benefits

Get Ready to Level Up

NORTHEAST is expected to exceed the past two years with record-breaking numbers as repairers seek to learn more about their evolving businesses from the industry’s most sought-after speakers, including Mike Anderson, Aaron Schulenburg, David Luehr, Tim Morgan, Danny Gredinberg, Chuck Olsen and Tim Ronak who are all scheduled to appear on this year’s educational slate (see the full agenda on page 28).

“I always look forward to NORTHEAST, and I’m excited to see everything planned for this year’s show,” shares Chuck Olsen of Education Sponsor, AirPro Diagnostics. “I believe this year will be a true return to normal – or maybe better than ‘normal’ – in terms of attendance. The educational lineup looks awesome, and I’m honored to be opening the training sessions.”

Attendees definitely won’t want to miss perusing the trade show floor to check out the industry’s latest and greatest tools and equipment, available from some of your favorite vendors.

AirPro Diagnostics will be demonstrating AUGGIE, the company’s wireless device designed to revolutionize the world of vehicle recalibrations, and Steve Casella, vice president of client technical services and one of AirPro’s inventors, will be on-hand to showcase the AirPro scan tool. Attendees are invited to stop by AirPro’s booth #317 on Saturday and Sunday morning at 10am for a coffee and

our business services provide. AkzoNobel Service Consultants Tim Ronak and Sam Sherrill will be teaming up on Friday afternoon for a presentation titled ‘Overcoming Insurer Objections to Payment for Needed Repair Procedures,’ and we strongly encourage attendees to register to attend this discussion for some useful advice!”

Make sure to stop by booth #601 to check out the new features available on AkzoNobel’s digital process control solution Carbeat®. “We’ll be exhibiting a 1967 Nova with our premium Sikkens paint line, and you won’t want to miss the demonstrations of how AkzoNobel gets ‘first-timeright’ color match through our digital color retrieval tool Mixit cloud and AMV camera,” Poliski adds. “We are also planning to shoot content for our new TikTok channel – outtakes and all – so be ready to step into the spotlight as we capture customer testimonials to feature in our media campaign for 2023.

It seems like all the vendors are catching the excitement for NORTHEAST 2023, whether they’re firsttime exhibitors or if they’ve been coming since the show began.

“I am looking forward to connecting with people who are a part of the collision repair industry and making an impact in their business,” shares James Rome of first-time exhibitor, Rome Collision Management. “Our solution can help empower their team to live to their potential, and we’ll

be offering free consulting to ensure that our shops are getting the most out of their production space.”

Solidus Equipment has attended NORTHEAST “for many years, and we’re looking forward to reconnecting with customers who have our equipment, while continuing the branding and distribution of all of our equipment in the Northeast region,” notes Rob Sykora. “We have spot welders, mig welders and frame machines. We are also a national distributor of Celette equipment and will be displaying Celette measuring and frame machines. We will be conducting live welding demos and allow show attendees to use the equipment. We are an I-CAR Sustaining Partner, and our Solidus 3-gun mig welder, the ADP 200-3, has been featured in the I-CAR booth at SEMA the past two years.”

“Accudraft is looking forward to seeing our customers, friends and extended family as we return to NORTHEAST,” says Jeremy Winter (Accudraft). “For many years, Accudraft has had a presence at the show and is local to the area. We are excited to return!”

Mark Jackson (Perfect Pull) is eager to “help the body shop industry by demonstrating our glue pull to paint techniques. Our glue pulling tower allows for pulling larger dents than what can typically be pulled with slide hammers

meet new professionals in the collision business. Working with the NORTHEAST team is definitely a pleasure.

“Lift King Products is working on a couple surprises for NORTHEAST 2023,” Kerr teases. “We will also be unveiling a couple new products in our booth this year. Stop in and take a look to see all the great Lift King products!”

As great as the education and exhibitions are, nothing beats the EXPERIENCE available only at NORTHEAST. It’s hard to compete with the face-to-face 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. Simply pre-registering for NORTHEAST 2023 provides a chance for attendees to win $500 in NORTHEAST Dollars to spend on the show floor (10 winners will be chosen at random over the course of the weekend), and those who obtain a VIP ticket from their preferred vendor prior to the show can participate in a drawing to win a $500 gift card!

And you never know who you might see! Past celebrity appearances have included everyone from Chip Foose (Overhaulin’) and Ryan Friedlinghaus (West Coast Customs) to Ryan Evans (Counting Cars) and Bogi Lateiner (All Girls Garage). But we’re keeping this year’s guests a surprise for now – some hints may be shared

and bridge tools. We really enjoy educating repairers on the paintless dent repair side of the business and helping them see all the potential in glue pull repair.”

“What we are looking forward to most about the upcoming Trade Show is seeing and talking to customers,” according to Christine Rizzo (Ciocca Dealerships). “For our inside sales team, it is about putting a face behind the name. We are excited for the opportunity to explain the future of our wholesale parts operations as new ownership and adding more brands allows us to help service our customers.”

“I love reconnecting with the people at NORTHEAST!” Tim Morgan (Spanesi Americas) offers. “It is always a good show for us, and our products are well received. We will be demonstrating our Touch Measuring System, along with our line of benches and welders this year.”

Reliable Automotive Equipment looks forward to “educating customers on changes in the industry and introducing new products and solutions to help meet the need of these changes,” according to Mike Kirchoff. “A few of the new things we are introducing this year include advances in riveting tools and technologies as well as new EV equipment and EV safety tools.”

“This year, Lift King Products is again very excited to exhibit at the AASP/NJ NORTHEAST show,” Paul Kerr shares. “It is always a pleasure to see our old friends and

via the NORTHEAST social media pages during the week leading up to the show or wait to rub elbows with this year’s special guests on the show floor.

Did we mention that National Auto Body Council will be on-site to deliver a Recycled Rides vehicle to a worthy recipient? The show also provides many opportunities to celebrate the industry that we all love, including AASP/ NJ’s Third Annual Young Technician Award presentation where two young repairers will be recognized for their hard work and dedication to the craft. AASP/NJ will also be honoring the best of the best in the estimating, painting and bodywork fields during its inaugural Bodywork Bowl (get the details and learn how to register on page 32).

And all that is just what’s happening AT the show! Secaucus is just a few miles from plenty of afterhours fun at American Dream or in the Big Apple (check out some ideas for fun things to do after the show closes on page 29).

You’re still here…What are you waiting for? You don’t want to miss NORTHEAST 2023! Level up now by registering at aaspnjnortheast.com

2023 BOOTH #227 PLATINUM SPONSOR

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Helping

Flemington Audi

213 Route 202/31

Flemington, NJ 08822

Toll Free: 877 657 2787

Fax: 908 782 1795

email: rmuir@flemington com

www.NJPARTS.com

Paul Miller Audi 179 Route 46 East

Parsippany, NJ 07054

Toll Free: 800 35 MILLER

Parts Direct: 973 575 7793

Fax: 973 575 5911

www.paulmiller.com

Audi Brooklyn 211 63rd Street

Brooklyn, NY 11220

Phone: 718 492 6400

Fax: 718 492 8899

DCH Millburn Audi

2211 Millburn Ave

Maplewood, NJ 07040

Toll Free: 800 553 9250

Direct: 973.762.0262

Fax: 973 762 2381

www dchmillburnaudi com

rmerchant@audibrooklyn com

www audibrooklyn com

Bell Audi 782 Route 1 Edison, NJ 08817

732 396 9360

Fax: 732 396 9090

www bellaudi com

Town Motors Audi 400 South Dean Street Englewood, NJ 07631 201 227 6506/6536

Fax: 201 541 0314

www townmotors com

Jack Daniels Audi of Upper Saddle River

243 Route 17

Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458

201 252 1500

Fax: 201 254 1552

tbabcock@jackdanielsmotors.com

www.jackdanielsmotors.com

Audi Bridgewater 701 Route 202-206 N B ridgewater, N J 08807 929 600 9156

F ax: 908 595 0237

parts@audibridgewater com

www audibridgewater com

FRIDAY, MARCH 17 SHOW HOURS 5pm - 10pm

2pm: ADAS Procedures: Getting Paid for What's Needed Chuck Olsen (AirPro Diagnostics)

4pm: Overcoming Insurer Objections to Payment for Needed Repair Procedures

Tim Ronak (AkzoNobel)

6pm: SCRS Blend Study Results: What's Next?

Aaron Schulenburg (SCRS), Ron Reichen (Precision Body & Paint), Tim Ronak (AkzoNobel), John Shoemaker (BASF)

8pm: Bulletproof Negotiation Tactics

Mike Anderson (Collision Advice) & Danny Gredinberg (Database Enhancement Gateway)

SATURDAY, MARCH 18 SHOW HOURS 10am - 5pm

9:30am: Proper Pre-Repair Planning

Tim Morgan and Jeramy Holloway (Spanesi Americas)

9:30am: When an ADAS Calibration Fails

Dirk Fuchs & Bud Center (I-CAR)

11:30am: Supercharge Your Business & Attract the Best Employees! David Luehr (Elite Body Shop Solutions)

1:30pm: Slaying the Dragon: Manageable Actions for Shop Success (Panel Discussion)

Panelists: Charles Bryant (AASP/NJ), Ron Reichen (Precision Body & Paint Inc.), Robert McDorman (Auto Claim Specialists),Lucky Papageorg (AASP/MA), Ken Miller (821 Collision); Moderated by Joel Gausten

3:30pm: Be Extraordinary

Mike Anderson (Collision Advice)

5pm: What Does It Take to be a Shop of the Future? (Panel Discussion)

Panelists: Ron Reichen (Precision Body & Paint Inc.), John Shoemaker (BASF), Mike Anderson (Collision Advice), David Luehr (Elite Body Shop Solutions), Jerry McNee (Ultimate Collision Repair), Dirk Fuchs & Bud Center (I-CAR), Michael Bonsanto (Passaic County Technical Institute Vo-Tech), Robert McDorman (Auto Claim Specialists), Frank Terlep (OPUS IVS); Moderated by Joel Gausten

SUNDAY, MARCH 19 SHOW HOURS 10am - 3pm

9:30am: EV Intake Process and High Voltage Battery Handling

Dirk Fuchs & Bud Center (I-CAR)

11:30am: Own Your Calibrations

Josh McFarlin (AirPro Diagnostics)

1:30pm: BONUS SESSION: Inside the Appraisal Clause

Robert McDorman (Auto Claim Specialists) & Jerry McNee (Ultimate Collision Repair)

PRESENTED BY AASP/NJ WITH GENEROUS SUPPORT FROM Classes are $25 each* or save over $100 with a full access pass for $199!

NORTHEAST attendees who register for educational offerings can add a “plus one” to that same class for FREE!

Things to Do to Prepare For Your Trip to NORTHEAST 2023!

Register for NORTHEAST 2023: aaspnjnortheast.com

Register for educational seminars: aaspnjnortheast.com/education

Book your hotel reservation: aaspnjnortheast.com/hotel-area-info

Map your commute to the Meadowlands Exposition Center: aaspnjnortheast.com/directions

2023 4 5

Things to Do For a Fun Saturday Night After NORTHEAST!

Explore the Nickelodeon Universe, the DreamWorks water park, the New York Skyline Dream Wheel, Big Snow, North America’s only indoor ski resort and more at American Dream: americandream.com Visit New York City: bit.ly/NYC318

Watch the New York Rangers play the Pittsburgh Penguins at Madison Square Garden: bit.ly/Rangers318

Embrace the culture of a Broadway show: bit.ly/Broadway318

Grab a bite to eat with old friends - or maybe some new ones: bit.ly/Dinner318

Showcase Your Skills at the Inaugural Bodywork Bowl!

Calling all competitive collision professionals – or essentially calling ALL collision professionals because what body technician, estimator or painter doesn’t believe he or she is the best?!

Well, now’s your chance to prove it at the inaugural Bodywork Bowl Collision Repair Skills Competition, taking place on the trade show floor at NORTHEAST® 2023 on Saturday, March 18. Compete against your industry peers in one of the competition’s three categories: estimating, painting or welding for a chance to take home a $500 cash prize!

AASP/NJ President Jerry McNee looks forward to the show every year, but his excitement for the debut of AASP/NJ’s Bodywork Bowl is palpable.

“NORTHEAST is at the top of my list when it comes to industry events, and this competition gives us a chance to recognize the collision professionals who roll up their sleeves and get down to business every day in the shops, welding, painting and writing estimates. Their skills deserve to be celebrated, and this chance to compete against their peers allows us to do exactly that!

“I’m grateful to my good friend, Burl Richards and the Auto Body Association of Texas (ABAT) for coming up with this great idea and helping us implement our own version of the competition at NORTHEAST,” he continues. “Associations are all about bringing shops together because there’s strength in numbers, and when multiple groups come together to share ideas and strategies like this, it makes the entire industry better and stronger.”

As McNee mentioned, the idea originated with the Auto Body Association of Texas (ABAT) which has held a similar competition the past two years with a lot of success, and AASP/NJ thought it was high time to recognize some of the Garden State’s top talent. To ensure the Bodywork Bowl goes off without a hitch, the association has solicited the aid of ABAT Executive Director Jill Tuggle who graciously agreed to help get the competition off on the right foot.

“These types of competitions provide a great opportunity to recognize talent in the shops, and I’m very excited to see this concept grow outside of our

region,” Tuggle shares. “It’s particularly gratifying to see it at NORTHEAST because ABAT has a lot of friends in New Jersey and at Greco Publishing, NORTHEAST event managers. ABAT is happy to partner with other like-minded organizations because we want our industry to have as many successes as possible; we want to win together, and one of the ways we do that is by celebrating the amazing technicians, painters and estimators who work so hard in their facilities every single day. This is the perfect forum to do that, and I can’t wait to see how the Bodywork Bowl grows in 2023 and beyond!”

Estimators will demonstrate their skills using CCCsponsored estimating equipment to write off of an estimate originally produced by Collision Advice’s Mike Anderson, through collaboration with CCC. Winners will be selected by a team of judges, including Anderson and Danny Gredinberg of the Database Enhancement Gateway. Painters will test their talents by spraying panels and demonstrating blending techniques with the use of virtual spray booths and guns, sponsored by AkzoNobel, while body techs will apply seam sealer and demonstrate their aptitude for welding on equipment sponsored by Chief Automotive Technologies, Collision Equipment Consulting, Inc., GYS/Chisum USA, Pinnacle Automotive Equipment, Reliable Automotive Equipment, Solidus Equipment and Spanesi Americas. The painting and welding competitions will also be judged by high-profile industry experts who will be announced soon! The winner in each category will receive a $500 monetary prize to take home.

AASP/NJ is grateful to the multiple vendors that have already committed to sponsoring the inaugural Bodywork Bowl, including CCC, AkzoNobel, Chief Automotive Technologies, Collision Equipment Consulting, Inc., GYS/ Chisum USA, Pinnacle Automotive Equipment, Reliable Automotive Equipment, Solidus Equipment and Spanesi Americas.

Register for NORTHEAST at aaspnjnortheast.com now, and stay tuned for the chance to sign up to compete in the very first Bodywork Bowl…if you think you’ve got what it takes!

continued from pg. 14

telephone calls or any manner other than personal inspection;

There is a reason that this restriction against photo estimates was put in the NJ Auto Body License Law. So, how do you deal with it? The short answer is: JUST SAY NO! We will not prepare or accept an estimate based on photos, phone calls or any means, other than personal inspection of the vehicle.

The bottom line is, consumers’ vehicles are stalled in collision shops across the state of New Jersey as a result of the photo estimating process that insurers are attempting to push down the industry’s throat, like it or not, while falsely claiming that the process is expediting the repair process. In reality, the photo estimating process is saving insurers billions of dollars while hindering and delaying the repair process.

Let’s face it: There will likely come a day when the photo estimating process gets perfected and will then actually work. That day simply has not come yet. Therefore, the practice of preparing an estimate on a

AASP/NJ MEMBER PROFILE

continued from pg. 18

Fundamentals, which features his name on the cover.

For two decades, he has mentored and guided many collision and mechanical repair professionals who went on to open their own businesses and achieve much success. During his first few years as an instructor, one of his students brought home the gold medal, taking first place in the New Jersey SkillsUSA competition. That student and many others have “become like family to me.” He’s seen students go on to win awards, get married, open businesses and work for manufacturers.

Unfortunately, today, the interest in the profession isn’t what it used to be.

While there are upsides to retiring – or moving on – in that Magee will have time to ride his Harley, go hunting and maybe travel with his wife, the downside to leaving the school is the fate of the automotive program. Magee fears that the program may not live on the way he ran it after he leaves. Limited interest from young people paired with the school’s focus on careers outside of the trades, including automotive, are cause for concern.

Magee would like to help find someone to take over as the automotive instructor when he retires. Interested parties would likely need ASE certification and automotive experience. Anyone interested can reach out to Magee directly at bobmag922@gmail.com or Bergen County

severely damaged vehicle should be stopped immediately and not allowed again until the process gets perfected. In the meantime, AASP/NJ will be watching, and we welcome anyone who would like to report their experience with photo estimates, be it good or bad. Contact me (AASP/NJ Executive Director Charles Bryant) via the AASP/NJ Hotline at (732)-922-8909 or via email at Setlit4u@msn.com

Technical School Principal David Tankard at davtan@ bergen.org

As he closes out his career as an educator, he certainly doesn’t plan to leave the automotive world. Another item on his upcoming to-do list is to continue working on his 1940 Ford convertible.

“I’ll be working on my car and all the things I couldn’t do while I was at the school for 12 hours a day. I don’t consider it retiring. I’m moving on.”

HELP WANTED!

Bergen County Technical School is seeking an automotive and collision repair instructor for the 20232024 school year and forward. Ideal candidates should possess extensive automotive experience and an ASE certification at a minimum. Interested parties can reach out to Bob Magee at bobmag922@gmail.com or Bergen County Technical School Principal David Tankard at davtan@bergen.org

You’ve got the right tools, staff, technology and procedures to give your customers the best repair possible. The missing piece of the puzzle? Genuine Volkswagen Collision Parts. Contact an authorized dealer today and find your perfect fit.

Flemington Volkswagen

213 Route 202/31

Flemington, NJ 08822

TOLL FREE: 877-657-2787

FAX: 908-782-1795

email: rmuir@flemington.com

www.NJPARTS.com

Paul Miller Volkswagen

118 Morristown Road

Bernardsville, NJ 07924

TOLL FREE: 877-318-6557

LOCAL: 908-766-1600

FAX: 908-766-6171

Email: aaitchison@paulmiller.com

www.paulmillervw.com

Douglas Motors

491 MORRIS AVE.

SUMMIT, NJ 07901

PHONE: 908-277-1100

FAX: 908-273-6196

TOLL FREE: 800-672-1172

www.douglasvw.com

email: douglasparts@douglasautonet.com

Trend Motors

221 Route 46 West Rockaway, NJ 07866

888-267-2821

fax: 973-625-4985

www.trendmotors.com

email: dreinacher@trendmotors.com

Crestmont Volkswagen

730 ROUTE 23 NORTH

POMPTON PLAINS, NJ 07444

TOLL FREE: 800-839-6444

fax: 973-839-8146

www.crestmontvw.com

email: vwparts@crestmont23.com

“Volkswagen“ and the Volkswagen logo are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG. ©2023 Volkswagen of America, Inc.

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ARANJ Board of Directors

David Yeager - EL & M Auto (800) 624-2266 / elandmauto@aol.com

Ed Silipena - American II Autos (609) 965-0987 / esilipena@yahoo.com

Norm Vachon - Port Murray Auto (908) 689-3152 / portmurrayauto@yahoo.com

Dillon Rinkens - East Brunswick Auto (732) 254-6501 / ebautonj@comcast.net

ARANJ Officers

President - Rodney Krawczyk

Ace Auto Wreckers (732) 254-9816 / aceautonj@comcast.net

1st Vice President - Daryl Carman Lentini Auto Salvage (908) 782-4440 / darryl@las-parts.coms

2nd Vice President - Mike Ronayne Tilghmans Auto Parts (609) 723-7469 / tilghmans@snip.net

Past President - Bob Dirkes Dirkes Used Auto Parts (609) 625-1718 / dirkesauto@gmail.com

The Automotive Recyclers Association of New Jersey

Wharton Insurance Briefs

This article is similar to articles written in the past which discussed Dealer Physical Damage coverage. I feel it is very important for you to understand this coverage. It is sometimes referred to as Dealer “Plate” Physical Damage or Dealer “Open Lot” coverage; however, the name of the actual coverage is Dealer Physical Damage. This provides for physical damage (collision and comprehensive) that occurs to vehicles that you have for sale (on your lot or when using a dealer plate). The coverage can be on a “Reporting” or “NonReporting” basis. One of our companies advised that they are going to be addressing the claims for this coverage as outlined in the policy. Each company’s policy wording may differ, but the end results are similar.

The most important thing to know is the coverage limit on your policy must match the “total value” of all your vehicles held for sale, including vehicles with a dealer plate. For example, if you have 10 cars for sale (valued at $30,000) and another three cars with dealer plates (valued at $30,000), you need to have $60,000 of coverage listed on your policy. At the time of a loss, the company will take the total value of all your vehicles for sale (schedule of inventory plus dealer plated vehicles) to see if it matches the amount of coverage on the policy. If the limit on the policy is less, they will divide the limit of coverage on your policy by the total limit of your scheduled inventory (including dealer plated vehicles) and pay that percentage of the claim. For example, if you have a Dealer Physical Damage claim of $10,000 and your policy limit is $25,000, but your total value of all the cars for sale (plus dealer plated cars) is $50,000, the company will divide the $25,000 by $50,000 and pay 50 percent of the $10,000 claim.

Please make sure that your inventory matches the limit of insurance on your policy, and call your agent with any adjustments as soon as possible. If you have any questions, give me a call.

Mario DeFilippis AAI Vice President Wharton Insurance Group

800-221-0003 (ext. 1320) (908) 513-8588 (cell) mdefilippis@whartoninsurance.com

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