New Jersey Automotive August 2021

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ALLIANCE OF AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE PROVIDERS/NEW JERSEY (www.AASPNJ.org) AND THE AUTOMOTIVE RECYCLERS ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY (www.ARANJ.org)

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IT’S ALMOST TIME! Inside the Return of

SECAUCUS, NJ

SEPTEMBER 10-12

MEADOWLANDS EXPO CENTER

For the

MOVIES SMALL. MEDIUM. LARGE Three Shops. Three Solutions.

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SOME SEE ONLY PAINT. WE SEE A REFLECTION OF WHO WE ARE. Every vehicle finish mirrors what we value most as a company—our commitment to delivering the industry’s most advanced coatings that meet the demands of an ever-changing marketplace.

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New Jersey Automotive | August 2021 | 5

CALL: 1-800-221-1256

800-221-1256

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P.O. Box 734 Neptune, NJ 07753 EXECUTIVE DI­REC­TOR Charles Bryant 732-922-8909 / setlit4u@msn.com

VOLUME 51 NUMBER 8 | August 2021

2019 - 2021 OFFICERS PRESIDENT Jerry McNee, Ultimate Collision Repair, Inc. 732-494-1900 / ultimatecollision@att.net

CONTENTS

COLLISION CHAIRMAN Dennis Cataldo, Jr., D&M Auto Body 732-251-4313 / jr@dnmautobody.com

10 OUT OF BODY (AND MECHANICAL) EXPERIENCES

16 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

MECHANICAL CHAIRMAN Keith Krehel, Krehel Automotive Repair, Inc. 973-546-2828 / krehelauto@aol.com

14 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

46 NJA ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

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 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

LOCAL NEWS

18 AASP/NJ Partners with Utica National to Award $5,000

Tool Grant at NORTHEAST®

20 Four New Jersey Veterans Receive Recycled Rides from NABC

by Alana Bonillo

NATIONAL NEWS

22 President Biden Issues Executive Order on Right to Repair 26 AASP/NJ Hall of Famer Jim Kowalak Builds

a Better Future for Florida Techs

by Joel Gausten

JUST FOR FUN

28 Famous Repair Shops of TV and Film

COVER STORY

32 It’s Almost Time! Inside the Return of NORTHEAST®

by Alana Bonillo & Joel Gausten

PUBLISHER Thomas Greco / thomas@grecopublishing.com SALES DIRECTOR Alicia Figurelli / alicia@grecopublishing.com EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Joel Gausten / joel@grecopublishing.com EDITORIAL/CREATIVE COORDINATOR Alana Bonillo / alana@grecopublishing.com OFFICE MANAGER Donna Greco / donna@grecopublishing.com PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Joe Greco / joe@grecopublishing.com

“SMALL, MEDIUM, LARGE” 36 A 2017 Ford Escape

AUTOMOTIVE RECYCLERS ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY 45 Wharton Insurance Briefs

by Mario DeFilippis

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

www.grecopublishing.com NEW JERSEY AUTOMOTIVE is published monthly and is sent to AASP/NJ and ARANJ members free of charge. Subscriptions are $24 per year. NEW JERSEY AUTOMOTIVE is published by Thomas Greco Publishing Inc., 244 Chestnut St., Nutley, NJ 07110. The editorial contents of NEW JERSEY AUTOMOTIVE are copyright © 2021 by Thomas Greco Publishing Inc. and may not be reproduced in any manner, either in whole or in part, without written permission from the publisher and/or editor. Articles in this publication do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Thomas Greco Publishing Inc. Stock Images courtesy of www.istockphoto.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

Thomas Greco Dan Hawtin Rich Johnson 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

New Jersey Automotive | August 2021 | 7

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OUT OF BODY (AND MECHANICAL) EXPERIENCES

For the Movies

by THOMAS GRECO, PUBLISHER I’ve written about my love of movies many times in this space. It is a longtime family tradition. Memories such as seeing The Beatles’ Help! (1965) at the Capitol Theater in Belleville. Planet of the Apes (1969) at the Franklin in Nutley with my best friend, Dean. The Poseidon Adventure (1972) at the Anthony Wayne Drive-In in Wayne with my parents and my sister Diane. Taking my dad’s Lincoln Continental to impress a carload of friends when we saw Heaven Can Wait (1978) at the Cineplex Odeon Route 17 Triplex in Paramus. Sneaking off with my college crush, Judy, instead of my “big eyes” girlfriend to see Demon Rage at the Paramus Drive-In (1982).

That one I’d like to take back. When I kept pulling away from her and wiping away the steam from the windshield to watch the nude scenes, my companion got fed up and demanded I take her home. I mean, come on. It was Lana Wood up there!

I guess I deserved that.

Some of the memories are bittersweet. Going to see a matinee of Scarface (1983) with my dad at the Allwood Theater in Clifton not long before he passed. Looking back, it was kinda awkward but in a funny way, since Scarface had more “fu#ks” in it than any other movie up until that time. (My

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dad loved it, by the way.) Independence Day (1996/Route 17) was the first movie I saw after heart surgery, so that has special meaning, as does John Q. (2002), the first movie I saw after my second heart attack. I remember walking about a mile to the AMC in Clifton worrying if I’d make it or not.

My wife is gonna kill me, but the only thing I remember about seeing movies with her is that she always fell asleep and I had to constantly elbow her to wake up. My daughter’s first movie was Mousehunt (1997) at the Allwood, and my son’s was Ali (2001) at AMC Loews Meadow 6 in Secaucus.

In the early ’90s, the Sunday night tradition began with my nephews, Michael and Danny. After an afternoon of NFL football, they would come by my house and we would head out to the late movie in Paramus, Secaucus or Edgewater and see whatever came out that week. It wouldn’t matter if it was Christmas or Easter or bad weather; we were like the old postal saying, “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night…” Nothing would prevent us from seeing a movie.

I have to admit that sometimes they did have a date, so I ventured out on my own. I have never had any qualms about continued on pg. 37

Let talent shine.

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New Jersey Automotive | August 2021 | 13

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

It’s Time to Step Up

by JERRY MCNEE We’re now in the middle of summer, and it looks like things are really beginning to get back on track. The phone at my shop keeps ringing, and more cars are showing up here all the time. Every AASP/NJ member I’ve talked to lately is experiencing the same thing. This is definitely a great thing to see, and I hope it’s a sign of what’s to come for the rest of the year.

Unfortunately, this increase in our workloads hasn’t removed many of the problems our industry is dealing with on the insurance front. We’re still fighting to receive the proper compensation we need from insurers to repair these cars properly as per OEM guidelines. This is nothing new, but it’s more stressful than ever. Due to COVID-19, many shops are struggling to pay their employees what they deserve. If the money’s not there, our invaluable technicians and crew members won’t get what they need to stay with us. Additionally, we’re now

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fighting against the allure of unemployment and stimulus money in our attempts to entice people to work at our businesses and stay in this industry. To make matters worse, we’re all doing our best to make ends meet while working with an outside industry that doesn’t possess the common sense to realize that their actions hurt the repair industry and their own policyholders.

Yes, times are tough, but none of us have to deal with these things alone. AASP/NJ is always working to bring education and value to every person who pays membership dues. Our NORTHEAST® Automotive Services Show is right around the corner, and we’ll have other special events this fall. Of course, nothing we offer will matter if you don’t take advantage of it.

Nobody is above learning new things, and nobody is above doing all they can to support and help the greater continued on pg. 42

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New Jersey Automotive | August 2021 | 15 5/27/21 5:03 PM

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

The Collision Industry Has Changed: Get With It or Get Out!

by CHARLES BRYANT

Ten years ago, who would have thought a car would need to be scanned before and after a repair? Who would have thought shops would have to create a blueprint prior to commencing that repair? Who would have thought that an automobile could actually drive itself while the occupants – including the driver – sit back and read a book while on the way to work or elsewhere? These are all things that we see in the industry today. The problem is that the collision industry and the insurance industry appear to be failing to acknowledge and accept these ultramodern vehicles and their necessary repair procedures.

Collision shops that have been in the business 30 or 40 years can no longer repair the vehicles that are coming through their doors, basically because they don’t have the necessary training and equipment. The equipment that shops have purchased over the past 20 to 30 years is now basically useless when it comes to repairing these vehicles.

There were only a few shops that had the foresight to make the investment in the equipment and training ahead of time in order to be prepared for these changes.

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Even the technicians who are used to fixing the highline vehicles in the past are not ready for the models coming out now and in the very near future. In reality, the best technicians can’t fix them because the shops don’t have the right equipment to perform the repairs. The bottom line is that these vehicles have the technology to avoid accidents.

I remember years ago when vehicles changed over from body-on-frame to the unitized body. When that change took place, it was gradual and, yes, collision shop owners and technicians panicked because things were so different.

However, the change that is taking place now is not gradual.

It came all of a sudden, and it requires technicians to be trained all over again because these vehicles and equipment are completely different than those of the past.

To add to the shops’ problems, the insurance industry is acting like this is no big deal. They are unwilling to increase the Labor Rates to cover the additional cost of the required equipment and training and pay for the necessary repair procedures. This is a problem that can be dealt with by way of legislation or by taking the insurer to court to force it to pay the cost of the repairs, whether it be the difference in Labor Rate or for the different procedures that are required to repair vehicles safely and properly.

When shops are asked about how to deal with these changes, many say, “Well, we won’t repair those types of vehicles that require different equipment and training.” The problem is, it won’t be long before that is the only type of vehicle on the road coming into shops for repairs. So, what’s the answer?

The answer is that shops will soon have no choice but to purchase the required equipment and send their people out to receive the required training if they intend to stay in the collision repair business. Shops have to get with it or get out! We will be watching and reporting on the changes in the industry as they take place to keep AASP/NJ members updated.

NJA

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Co-celebrating decades of creating chemistry between two industry leaders

Here’s to 235 years of combined service excellence This year, as Albert Kemperle Inc. celebrates its 80th anniversary, BASF also celebrates its 155th anniversary. We are proud of our decades of partnership with BASF and years of serving the auto paint and body industry together. Kemperle’s founders would be proud of this relationship and the growth their company has experienced because of it.

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

Thank you for your many years of loyalty.

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LOCAL NEWS

AASP/NJ Partners with Utica National to Award $5,000 Tool Grant at NORTHEAST

Thanks to a generous donation from the Utica National Group Foundation, AASP/NJ plans to award a $5,000 Snap-On tool grant to a rising young technician employed at a member shop.

AASP/NJ Allied Board Member Joe Amato, Sr. of Amato Insurance Agency (a division of World Insurance Associates, LLC) says Utica National Insurance Group expressed interest in providing a benefit to AASP/NJ through its charitable foundation. He suggested that funds toward a scholarship or grant would be a good way for the association to provide a stepping stone to those who are up and coming in the industry.

AASP/NJ’s Scholarship Committee consulted with Snap-on, which will provide the association with a generous discount on tools to be purchased with the $5,000 award money.

“We are really excited about giving this opportunity to someone who has recently committed to the industry and needs some help filling their tool chest,” Amato shares.

“We know that tools can be extremely expensive. We were

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able to secure this money from Utica’s foundation, and AASP/NJ felt it would be a great idea to give it to someone who is just starting out.”

“This is a great way to help give a young technician a head start,” AASP/NJ Scholarship Committee member Ken Miller (821 Collision; North Haledon) states. “Snap-on has been more than generous in assisting us to help make this a reality.”

AASP/NJ will award the grant to a worthy candidate employed at a member shop who has been working in the industry for less than five years.

The award will be given out at AASP/NJ’s flagship event, the NORTHEAST® Automotive Services Show, which will be held September 10-12 at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus, NJ. For more information on AASP/NJ, please visit aaspnj.org. More information on the NORTHEAST Automotive Services Show is available at aaspnjnortheast.com.

NJA

New Jersey Automotive | August 2021 | 19

LOCAL NEWS

Four New Jersey Veterans Receive Recycled Rides from NABC

by ALANA BONILLO

Industry volunteers and supporters bring hope – and cars – to veterans in need.

The National Auto Body Council (NABC) recently brought life-changing magic back to the Garden State with the return of its annual Pars for Cars fundraiser at the Mountain View Golf Course in Ewing in support of its Recycled Rides program. This year, NABC gifted four restored vehicles to local veterans in need of wheels.

“What really makes the magic happen is what we are about to do shortly – to really save and change people’s lives,” Darren Huggins, immediate past chair of NABC, commented at the start of the presentation. “Not everyone has that gift of transportation. Most of us here have a car or two or three; we don’t think about it. One breaks down, we go to another. What if you don’t have transportation to go to work or take the kids to school or go to a doctor’s appointment?

We are here to raise money and here to keep the gift going.

We want to continue to gift cars and make a difference in people’s lives every day.”

NABC President/CEO Bill Garoutte (left) with Recycled Rides recipient Sean Mangin

With the help of generous supporters and sponsors, NABC has restored and gifted 2,750 vehicles – the equivalent of $36 million – back into communities all around the United States.

NABC worked with the New Jersey Veterans Network to find this year’s recipients. All four vehicles were donated

by GEICO, and repair work was donated by local collision facilities throughout the state. Parts and materials were donated by various vendors.

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Recipients included Sean Mangin (a 2016 Hyundai Sonata, with repairs donated by Cherry Hill Collision; Cherry Hill), Dina Bowers (a 2018 Toyota Corolla, with repairs donated by Ray Mees Auto Coach; North Bergen), Pedro Muriel (a 2017 Hyundai Elantra, with repairs donated by Caliber Collision; Pennsauken) and Hazel Rodgers (a 2018 Hyundai Elantra, with repairs donated by Caliber Collision; Pennington).

Surrounded by their family members, each recipient had an opportunity to express their gratitude for this gift of transportation with the NABC and all event participants.

“I thank everyone who had anything to do with this,” Muriel, a single father of four boys who works to give back to other veterans in need, shared. “For a single father, it’s hard to get around, but I don’t make excuses. I do what I have to do as a dad, and this is going to help me tremendously. This is a huge blessing for me, so to have this will allow me the opportunity to help more veterans. I will continue to do that. So, I thank you all.”

Adding to the smiles, cheers and excitement of Pedro Muriel with his 2017 the presentation, another Hyundai Elantra repaired by surprise for the veterans was Caliber Collision in Pennsauken revealed: Each recipient was also sent home with a 55-inch screen TV courtesy of FindPigtails, one of the event sponsors.

“It was nice to be back together as a group and do what we do, which is helping veterans,” Keith Egan, NABC Board member and event organizer, said. “All of our fundraising is about keeping people in cars. The Golf Outing event is driven around supporting the veterans through the New Jersey Veterans Network and recognizing their contributions to our country.”

NJA

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New Jersey Automotive | August 2021 | 21

NATIONAL NEWS

President Biden Issues Executive Order on Right to Repair

On July 9, President Biden issued an extensive Executive Order that could have a considerable impact on the independent automotive industry’s ongoing efforts to promote Right to Repair.

In his “Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American Economy,” the President urges the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to address and remove restrictions imposed by manufacturers against independent entities that seek access to those manufacturers’ repair information and procedures.

Although the Executive Order does not specifically identify the independent automotive repair and service industries, provisions found in the document could be interpreted to apply to these fields as well.

22 | New Jersey Automotive | August 2021

In a special Executive Order Fact Sheet, the White House noted that the President “encourages the FTC to issue rules against anticompetitive restrictions on using independent repair shops or doing DIY repairs of your own devices and equipment.” Further, the Executive Order targets “unfair data collection and surveillance practices that may damage competition, consumer autonomy and consumer privacy” and “unfair anticompetitive restrictions on third-party repair or self-repair of items, such as the restrictions imposed by powerful manufacturers that prevent farmers from repairing their own equipment.”

The complete text of the Executive Order is available at bit.ly/EO7921. The White House Fact Sheet can be found online at bit.ly/EO7921FactSheet.

NJA

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New Jersey Automotive | August 2021 | 23

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New Jersey Automotive | August 2021 | 25

NATIONAL NEWS

by JOEL GAUSTEN

AASP/NJ Hall of Famer Jim Kowalak Builds a Better Future for Florida Techs During his career in New Jersey, Toyota veteran and AASP/ NJ Hall of Fame member Jim Kowalak was an avid supporter of tomorrow’s workforce. From volunteering at the annual SkillsUSA competition to providing mentoring opportunities at his previous facility, he was committed to doing his part to build a future workforce to fill the industry’s employee gap. Now based in Florida, he is helping students get their foot in the door to a career in the field in new and exciting ways.

Currently the director of operations at Daytona Toyota in Daytona Beach, Kowalak recently partnered with Daytona State College to participate in the State of Florida’s Apprenticeship System and provide greater educational and career opportunities to promising young service technicians in the area.

Through the new two-year Daytona Toyota Registered Apprenticeship Program, students are presented with a tuitionfree pathway to reach Toyota’s Expert-level status at the dealership upon graduating from Daytona State. The program is structured to provide 3,000-4,000 hours of on-the-job training (including a tool allowance) in addition to a two-year National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF)-certified school schedule comprised of 1,800 hours and 11 courses.

Students start out at the dealership in the Toyota Express Maintenance area and move on through the operation from there.

As they complete each semester, students take an appropriate Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) test for each course taken at school. As they complete each course and test, Daytona Toyota increases their level of pay at work.

Jim Kowalak (center) with appendices Nick Hanlon (left) and Julian Henao at Daytona Toyota. (Photo by KC Film Co.; kcfilmco.com)

Daytona State College’s ability to offer this program to students is a result of the Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant Program plus another special grant that awarded $64,000 to the school for new equipment and an additional $10,000 to cover the students’ tools and ASE test and registration fees. Additionally, the dealership received a grant from CareerSource to provide financial incentives to experienced in-house technicians to serve as student mentors. This perk has been a huge help in 26 | New Jersey Automotive | August 2021

Hands-on training is a critical part of the apprenticeship program’s success. (Photo by KC Film Co.; kcfilmco.com)

encouraging these mentors to actively educate and support the participating students.

“In a lot of big flat-rate shops, it’s difficult to get experienced techs to work with the new people,” Kowalak says. “They ask a lot of questions, and you lose money every time they stop to talk. Since we’ve been doing this, the mentors have been proud to be asked to be a part of the program, and it has built a lot of camaraderie between them and the students. Everybody is willing to help everyone.”

Although Kowalak has offered mentoring opportunities at Daytona Toyota for years, this is the first time something of this nature has been offered by the dealership tuition-free from the college. Not surprisingly, he has been inundated with student applications throughout the region. Currently, he has four students working at the dealership and has plans to launch a similar program for collision repair by the fall.

“The students we have right now are doing fantastic! The enthusiasm here has never been better. When they come into the shop, they don’t hear, ‘Oh, you’re just an oil changer; don’t bother me.’ The older techs are very encouraging; they’re always teaching them things and asking if there is any way they can help.”

Excited to see the program thrive so quickly, Kowalak encourages AASP/NJ members to pursue and/or create opportunities in their markets to help students thrive in their training to become future employees.

“Get involved and find out what’s in your backyard. There are a ton of vocational-technical schools in New Jersey; see which ones are in your area. Take a look at which colleges are out there that have mechanical or collision programs as well.

Knock on their door and introduce yourself to the instructors, and ask what you can do for them.”

A promotional video with further details on the Daytona Toyota Registered Apprenticeship Program is available at bit.ly/DTapprenticeship.

NJA

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NJA_FULL_2021.indd 1

New Jersey Automotive | August 2021 | 27 5/27/21 5:43 PM

Cleveland Auto Body, The Sopranos Run by Big Pussy’s widow, Angie Bonpensiero, the shop appears in only a few episodes of the HBO hit TV series, but it made for a memorable storyline. In one episode, Phil Leotardo shows up in a neck brace, looking to cause all sorts of drama over the repair of his vehicle. Declaring, “This is unacceptable,” he points out any mark he can find and insists the passenger seat is “askew.” Tony Blundetto reasons that the repaired car “seems okay,” while a frustrated Angie declares that Phil is “hosing” her business “for a $2,000 factory seat.” We think the problem may have been Phil.

Delta House, National Lampoon’s Animal House Although the iconic fraternity Delta House of the 1978 movie National Lampoon’s Animal House may have been home to many activities, auto body work wasn’t usually among them. However, when Flounder wrecked his older brother’s Lincoln Continental, the Deltas turned it into the “Death Mobile,” causing quite the commotion – and collision – at a parade to get revenge on Dean Vernon Wormer. Looks like maybe some Deltas could have had a career in the repair field.

Reno's "Jump Pass" Auto Body Shop, The Best of Times Auto repair shop owner Reno Hightower (Kurt Russell) thought his football days were over until an obsessed banker and failed former player, John Dundee (Robin Williams), blackmails him into giving the game one more try for a chance to get the financing to save his struggling business. As we learn from one scene where Hightower welds a front-end while wearing a tuxedo, his reborn football career doesn’t stop him from working on cars.

D•T Precision Auto Shop, The Fast and the Furious If any set of movie characters needs a repair shop the most, it’s this street racing crew. So, it’s a good thing that D•T Precision Auto Shop is run by their leader Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel). The shop is first shown in the debut 2001 installment of the long-running film franchise. Brian (Paul Walker) shows up with a wrecked Supra that the crew winds up restoring. Once it’s all shiny and new, Dom and Brian take it for a test drive and – of course – wind up challenging a Ferrari F355 Spider to a race. After all, they are fast and furious!

Teller-Morrow Automotive Repair, Sons of Anarchy In the world of Sons of Anarchy, Teller-Morrow was an automotive repair facility and a whole lot more. When cars weren’t being driven in and out of bays to serve the people of the fictional town of Charming, CA, it served as a front for a close-knit outlaw motorcycle club: Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club, Redwood Original (SAMCRO).

Cervantes Mufflers and Brakes, Chicago P.D. The police drama Chicago P.D. has kept millions riveted for nearly a decade now. One such fan is an AASP/NJ member who coincidentally called us just as we were putting the finishing touches on this month’s “Just for Fun” to say that he spotted Cervantes Mufflers and Brakes, a colorful shop in the heart of the Windy City, in the background of a scene while catching up on a past season. If a TV show aims to present real life, then the chances are high that a body shop will turn up on the screen sooner or later!

JUST4FUN 28 | New Jersey Automotive | August 2021

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New Jersey Automotive | August 2021 | 29

30 | New Jersey Automotive | August 2021

New Jersey Automotive | August 2021 | 31

COVER STORY

by ALANA BONILLO & JOEL GAUSTEN

IT’S ALMOST TIME! INSIDE THE RETURN OF

SEPTEMBER 10-12 MEADOWLANDS EXPOSITION CENTER SECAUCUS, NJ

The long wait is almost over!

In just a few short weeks, the much-anticipated NORTHEAST® Automotive Services Show returns September 10-12 to the Meadowlands Exposition Center (MEC) in Secaucus. AASP/NJ’s flagship event will serve as a reunion of sorts, as this will be the first regional automotive industry event of its size to be held live and inperson since the pandemic began.

In addition to bringing automotive professionals and vendors to the aisles to interact for the first time in roughly 18 months, the event once again features the Washington Metropolitan Auto Body Association’s (WMABA) Collision Professional Repairer Education Program (Collision P.R.E.P.), which will take place live throughout the threeday event.

After more than a year of virtual educational programs, repair professionals can now fill seats in a classroom setting to see and hear from some of the best presenters in the industry.

The 2021 Collision P.R.E.P. will feature the return of veteran NORTHEAST presenter John Shoemaker (BASF), who will preside over the September 11 course “Productive Refinishing Processes.” His presentation will explore how to utilize proven best practices to maximize paint shop productivity by reducing common shortfalls, 32 | New Jersey Automotive | August 2021

minimize paint flaws, improve paint hours per booth cycle and increase overall throughput.

“Why they’re attending the course is because there’s probably some kind of an issue somewhere, and they’re looking for me to help them fix it.”

After doing dozens of virtual classes throughout the pandemic, Shoemaker is one of many who can’t wait to see live faces again.

“In-person presentations bring a lot more interactions from the attendees. There are a lot of times when I learn just as much by presenting a course as they do by being at that course, and that’s all because of the attendee involvement. We didn’t get a lot of that by being virtual.”

Oregon-based shop owner and educator Ron Reichen (Precision Body & Paint) is set to travel to New Jersey for the NORTHEAST debut of his course, “Structural Identification for Profitability – Knowing and Understanding Structural Damage.” In light of the demands facing today’s industry, it’s no surprise that he intends to use part of his discussion to emphasize the importance of OEMrecommended/required repair procedures.

“It couldn’t be more important than it is now […] You can’t assume [the procedures will be the same] because you did that repair a month ago on the same vehicle. You continued on pg. 34

2021

COLLISION P.R.E.P. SCHEDULE FRIDAY, SEPT. 10

SHOW HOURS 5pm - 10pm

3pm OEM Workshop: Ford Discusses Accessing Repair Information, Collision Sectioning Procedures for Aluminum Gerry Bonanni (Ford Motor Company) & Joe Burda (I-CAR) 5pm It’s Not Just About DTCs: Overview of Calibrations Mike Anderson (Collision Advice) & Jake Rodenroth (asTech) 7pm Collision Repair 2035: Trends and Technologies that will Force the Collision Industry to Reinvent Itself by 2035!

Frank Terlep (Auto Techcelerators, LLC)

SATURDAY, SEPT. 11

SHOW HOURS 10am - 5pm

10am Getting and Staying Certified – OEM Repair Requirements and Relationships Intertwined Dave Gruskos (Reliable Automotive Equipment) & K. Michael Bradshaw (K&M Collision) 10am Productive Refinishing Processes John Shoemaker (BASF) 12:30pm Customer Conversations: Demystifying the Appraisal Clause Various Panelists

3pm Documenting for Repair Process and Liability, Building a Bulletproof File and Improving Processes Over Time Mark Olson (VECO Experts) 3pm Structural Identification for Profitability – Knowing and Understanding Structural Damage Ron Reichen (Precision Body & Paint) 5pm The Wide World of ADAS: Panelist Discussion of Advancements in Safety Systems, Diagnostics and Calibrations Various Panelists

SUNDAY, SEPT. 12

SHOW HOURS 10am - 3pm

8am Repair Planning Using DEG and OEM Owners Manuals to Earn Vehicle Owner Trust Danny Gredinberg (Database Enhancement Gateway [DEG]) 10am Tech Download: What a Diagnostic Scan Tool Is and Is Not Josh McFarlin (AirPro Diagnostics) 10am Your Key to Success: Optimize Your Labor Lee Rush (Sherwin-Williams)

*Schedule subject to change. Visit wmaba.com/collisionprep to get the most current information!

New Jersey Automotive | August 2021 | 33

COVER STORY continued from pg. 32

have to pull out that OEM repair procedure again and again, because the manufacturers change them very frequently.”

Like Shoemaker, he is excited to finally present in front of actual people as opposed to attempting to get his points across over a computer screen.

“In an in-person class as opposed to a Zoom meeting, it just seems like the participants and attendees are more comfortable asking questions as they come to their mind.

That’ll spur a thought in another attendee, and we really get into a good discussion.”

WMABA President Steve Krieps, who works as an independent appraiser in addition to his role as operations coordinator at Greg Cline Automotive (Winfield, WV), will take part in a special panel discussion devoted to demystifying the Right to Appraisal, otherwise known as the Appraisal Clause. Comprised of both repairers and experts, the candid gathering promises to explore real-world situations with real results – both wins and lessons learned – by those who are deeply involved in this sometimestaboo topic. With the Appraisal Clause receiving more attention and interest from the industry than ever before, Krieps looks forward to using his participation on the panel as a way to address some of its benefits, misconceptions and potential pitfalls.

“The Appraisal Clause is definitely a useful tool, and consumers need to be aware of it. Shops need to be careful about making it seem as if they’re the ones trying to push for the appraisal.

The consumer needs to be the main focus. Shops that want to play in this realm need to make sure they learn enough about it, are informed and don’t make mistakes.”

Eager to return to a live trade show floor, vendors from all parts of the country also plan to make their way to NORTHEAST next month.

“After this past year, we can’t wait to be in front of people once again,” Tim Gerhards of Killer Tools shares.

“I’m a former body shop tech, so body shop people are my people.”

Aeromotive Services, Inc. has been a staple at NORTHEAST since 1998. The Illinois-based company offers various automotive and industry specific electrical products and services.

“We are checking the pulse of the marketplace,” CEO Carl J. Durnele states in regard to the company’s

“

reappearance on the show floor. Additionally, the Aeromotive Services, Inc. team is eager to interact with customers and thank them for their patronage.

Longtime exhibitor and 2021 Silver Sponsor NJ Parts of Flemington is enthusiastic about what’s to come at the MEC. “We’ve always had great success at the show,” Parts Director Howard Meeks shares. “We get to see customers in an element that is a little more relaxed than in shops.”

Echoing the sentiments of most, he cited another reason for making sure to return this year: “I’d like to see people again […] It is nice to get back to normal and be able to continue those relationships and build some new ones.”

As a shop professional, Krieps is anxious to hit NORTHEAST to catch up with current and prospect vendors. He credits his past attendance at the show for initiating his shop’s ongoing business relationship with Lanyard Sponsor Innovative Solutions and Technology, and he looks forward to building that same unique level of connection with other companies this year.

“It’s one thing to call Technical Support or whoever the distributor is for that particular equipment manufacturer ® and ask questions because you’re having an issue, but it’s another thing when you can go to the show, see the piece of equipment that you have or are looking at, go over, ask questions and get hands-on information. I don’t think I’ve ever attended a booth where I wasn’t told, ‘If you ever have any issues, here’s my cell number.’”

NORTHEAST 2021 is made possible through the generous support of the following sponsors: Platinum Sponsor: BASF; Gold Sponsor: Ford; Silver Sponsors: PPG, NJ Parts of Flemington; Lanyard Sponsors: Innovative Solutions and Technology, Spanesi; Attendee Prize Sponsor: Axalta Coating Systems; and General Sponsors: Harbortouch and Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes.

Pre-registered NORTHEAST 2020 attendees will not need to re-register for the 2021 show, as badge data will be carried over to these new dates of September 10-12.

For updates and information on NORTHEAST (including available lodging), please continue to visit the official event website at aaspnjnortheast.com.

A complete schedule of this year’s Collision P.R.E.P. offerings is on page 33.

NJA

Eager to return

to a live trade

show floor, vendors from all parts of

the country plan to make their way to NORTHEAST

next month.

34 | New Jersey Automotive | August 2021

”

New Jersey Automotive | August 2021 | 35

SMALL... MEDIUM... LARGE...

Welcome to New Jersey Automotive’s latest feature, “Small...Medium...Large.” Each month, we will present the same scenario to one small, one medium and one large shop and share their response verbatim. Does size really matter? Decide for yourself...

A 2017 Ford Escape ran off the highway, struck a large rock and rolled onto its driver side. It is towed into your shop. What happens now?

Sq. Footage: 2,800 Employees: 2 50% DRP

Sq. Footage: 9,000 Employees: 15 50% DRP

Sq. Footage: 20,000 Employees: 60 70% DRP

First, I need answers. How did it get to me? Who does it belong to? Who is it insured with? Who’s going to be paying the claim? Is the customer in a hospital or in jail? Before you can do anything with the car, you have to know all that.

Then we make a repair plan. Before we can write an estimate, we have to research the proper repair procedures.

The insurance company may come out and go over your estimate with you or write its own estimate. They may just say to send them photos and they’ll write theirs.

Each company processes things a little bit differently, so you have to use a different game plan. But really, it’s not your responsibility; it’s the customer’s. It’s just like when you go to the dentist and he charges $1,400, and your insurance covers $1,000. The customer’s out of pocket is $400. That’s how it should be in our industry, because we are not a party to the insurance contract. That said, of course you’re going to try and negotiate it out. We are still being that “knight in shining armor” trying to save the consumer from their evil insurance company. Half the time, it’s easier to fix the car than it is to go through all the rest of this crap.

If I don’t get an agreed price, we write a supplement. Then another supplement, then another supplement.

After that, if we can’t agree, I won’t fix the car.

All through this process, we make a point of educating the customer. We have electronic notification through text messaging. But I’m old-school; I call my customers and tell them what’s going on.

Of course, you have to get the signed authorization before you do anything.

Once we get the repair authorization, we repair the vehicle. After I’ve done all my diagnostics, wheel alignment, test drive the car myself, we clean the car.

Then, it’s time to pay the final bill and pick up. The company that I use the text messaging for does a follow-up survey with the customer. But I don’t do it for all my customers, because many of them I am in a third-generation relationship with. People whose grandfathers were customers of mine. So, they know me.

To me, the customer is more important than anybody else in the whole equation.

36 | New Jersey Automotive | August 2021

First, I interview the customer. I ask them if they’re okay. Then, we need to find out what they did. What they hit. Is it drivable? Then, we get the car up in the air. We write a thorough estimate.

Either report the claim for the customer or decipher the accident report and help them turn it into a third-party claim so they have no out-of-pocket expenses.

Then, we go ahead with the claim process.

Since nobody’s coming out anymore, we do mainly photo estimates. Also, since I’m a direct repair shop, I don’t see many adjusters. We wait for approval and usually get a small change request.

If the insurance company comes back significantly off, I write a supplement. I don’t always do it. Every policy obviously says something different, so we have to work with it. But ultimately, we’re working for the safety of the client.

You normally can get what you need to fix the car and make a profit, especially on that kind of hit; everything underneath the car is a safety factor. If there’s a difference in prices between aftermarket and original, we will try to help the customer. Sometimes, the difference is nominal, so on a $4,000-5,000 hit, we call the customer and ask, ‘Would you entertain paying the $200 difference for original parts?’ Most of the time, they’ll ask me why; we explain that their policy mandates this. Then, they’ll say, ‘Okay, yeah.’ We put it on 90 percent of the time.

After we get the approval from the customer and the insurance company, we get a signed authorization and fix the car. Throughout the body, painting and assembly process, the customer gets a text updating our progress. After the repair, the car is washed, vacuumed and cleaned.

Every customer gets a thank you text when they leave. We send a thank you note and make a follow-up phone call a month later. We want to make sure they are happy.

First, we look at which insurance company it is. Then, every vehicle that does come in gets a full blueprint process. We review it. We scan it. We take prior damage photos. We do a whole check-in process on the vehicle.

If it’s a DRP, we write the estimate; if it’s an independent, we wait for them to come out or give us the okay to do an open shop assignment or send them an estimate.

Now, if this is a non-DRP, we review the estimate, adjust our estimate to match their number and create a supplement right on top of that. We don’t start on the vehicle until we come up with a negotiated price. So, there’s times we’ll create two or three supplements before we even start.

If we don’t get an agreed price, honestly, being a large shop, we’re pretty fortunate in that we don’t need to fix that car. But I’ve only had to get to that point where the price can’t be negotiated maybe four, five times in my career. I won’t let my guys move forward on any vehicle unless the estimate is matched 100 percent.

Once we take the job, the vehicle goes in for disassembly. Then, we blueprint and gameplan the vehicle, review with our structural technician repair procedures, processes, etc.

Then, we put the vehicle on hold again as we submit the supplement and wait for that to be negotiated again. Once everything is agreed upon, we start to fix the vehicle. Throughout the process, we update each customer based on their preferences - some want daily updates, others might only want to hear from us twice a week or so.

When the vehicle is in reassembly, we will put in for a final supplement. If the vehicle needs ADAS, there might be a sublet bill there. Then we do the final billing before the car leaves. Until that paperwork is negotiated, the car doesn’t get released.

Once the vehicle’s completed, the office reaches out and the customer comes in for pickup. We have automated systems that follow up with the customer, surveys and stuff. We take our Carwise and our Google reviews very seriously.

We really work on making sure that the customer is satisfied.

NJA

OUT OF BODY (AND MECHANICAL) EXPERIENCES continued from pg. 10

going to the movies alone. I still don’t.

And that brings me to last Sunday.

My nephews are long married with kids. My wife is in her pajamas by 8pm. My daughter wakes up too early for her job to go to a 10pm movie.

My son? He’s my rock. Except when there is wrestling on. Last Sunday night, there was a big pay-per-view event, so I was off to the theater (ICON Kerasotes ShowPlace in Secaucus) alone. (And if those of you who have good memories and recall my articles about my allegiance to the iconic Edgewater Multiplex Cinemas are wondering why I’m not still going there, sadly they were demolished shortly before COVID-19 hit.)

I am late for many things. My wife would tell you I’m late for everything, but that’s not true. In fact, I saw a t-shirt on the boardwalk recently that described my tardiness philosophy perfectly: “I’m sorry I’m late, but I didn’t really want to come.” Needless to say, I am never late for movies.

Ever.

But...last Sunday, I got distracted; when I got into my car, it was 9:48pm.

The movie started at 9:50pm. I felt a cold chill as my neck started to sweat, and I calculated how fast I could make the six miles to the theater. I figured if I floored it, I could get there by 9:55pm, which would be fine since there are typically 10 minutes of trailers prior to the movie starting. Of course, there must have been a driver’s education convention at the Meadowlands, because I got stuck behind every frigging person driving 45 miles an hour in all three lanes on Route 3!

I pulled into the parking lot and looked at the clock. It was 10pm.

FU$K! Since I was rushing, I parked in the first space I could find, which was right next to a curb with a bunch of trees on it. I jumped out of the car and thwap! – a branch rapped me in the head. I shrugged it off. As I ran to the front door of the theater, I hit continued on pg. 39

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New Jersey Automotive | August 2021 | 37

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Paul Miller VW of Bernardsville 118 Morristown ROAd Bernardsville, NJ 07924 Toll Free: 877-318-6557 Local: 908-766-1600 Fax: 908-766-6171

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38 | New Jersey Automotive | August 2021

Wholesale Parts

OUT OF BODY (AND MECHANICAL) EXPERIENCES continued from pg. 37

“

I am late for many things. My wife

would tell you I’m late for everything, but that’s not true. In fact, I saw a t-shirt on the boardwalk recently that described my tardiness philosophy perfectly: “I’m sorry I’m late, but I didn’t really want to come.”

Needless to say, I am never late for movies.

Ever.

”

the remote to lock the car. Unfortunately, instead of the lock beep, I heard the engine start. I pressed the wrong button on the fob.

I ran back to the truck and opened the door and kapow!

– the branch slammed my head again. I turned off the ignition and jumped out of the car and…

Thwock! Yup. The branch again. I cursed myself and hustled back to the theater. I swear to God, I hit the wrong button again. I screamed out loud: “WHAT THE FU$K???”

Gathering strange looks from the people walking out of the theater, I once again ran back to the truck and... whap!

At this point, I took a breath and just sat in the truck. Was

God trying to tell me something? I didn’t care. I was going to see the damn movie! And eat my popcorn! And drink my Hi-C Orange Lavaburst!

I opened the door and...ducked under the branch. I stopped and looked at the fob and made sure I pushed the right button. I couldn’t run to the theater anymore since I was out of breath, so I calmly walked into the lobby and placed my phone under the new “super time-saving miracle contactless ticket machine.”

Ten minutes later when the theater worker finally let me in without a ticket due to two malfunctioning “super time-saving miracle contactless ticket machines,” I picked up my popcorn and Hi-C Orange Lavaburst.

It was 10:15pm.

I settled down in my seat. The movie had already started, so I broke a cardinal rule and texted my son to ask what I missed. (He had seen the movie.) I stuffed a handful of popcorn in my mouth and reached for my glorious Hi-C Orange Lavaburst, which proceeded to spill all over my jacket, my shorts and the armrest. That meant I had to spend the next two hours covered in fructose syrup and with my left arm across my lap.

And I did.

Proudly.

Black Widow was actually much better than I expected it to be.

I love movies.

NJA

New Jersey Automotive | August 2021 | 39

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New Jersey Automotive | August 2021 | 41

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

AASP/NJ MEMBERS:

continued from pg. 14

industry. Come out and be a part of the efforts to find new directions and solutions – and then use what you learn to improve your shops.

There’s nothing worse than sitting in a class, nodding your head, taking notes and then completely failing to implement anything from that course within your four walls. Information does you no good unless you do

something with it.

We dodged a massive bullet over the past 18 or so months, and now it’s time for us all to step up our games and get stronger. The tools for a better future are within reach, but you need to make the first move to grab them.

NJA

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Members can now enjoy the benefit of being able to get quick and efficient answers to their questions ALL DAY, EVERY DAY.

732-922-8909

AASP/NJ HOT LINE 42 | New Jersey Automotive | August 2021

Diagnostically speaking, there is no substitute.

Porsche technology.

Porsche Genuine Service & Parts.

Contact one of these authorized dealers.

Town Porsche 105 Grand Avenue Englewood, NJ 201-227-6505 Fax 201-227-6553 town-motorcar.porschedealer.com

Flemington Porsche 213 Route 202/31 Flemington, NJ 800-216-5124 Fax 908-782-9397 flemingtonporsche.com

Porsche Princeton 3333 Route 1 Lawrenceville, NJ 609-945-1500 Fax 609-945-1501 princetonporsche.com

Paul Miller Porsche 3419 Route 46 East Parsippany, NJ 973-227-3000 Fax 973-575-8396 paulmillerporsche.com

Porsche Monmouth 280 Route 36 East West Long Branch, NJ 732-935-7600 Fax 732-935-7602 porschemonmouth.com

Manhattan Motorcars 711 11th Avenue New York, NY 877-661-1586 Fax 646-473-0798 manhattanmotorcarsporsche.com

© 2021 Porsche Cars North America Inc. Porsche recommends seat belt usage and observance of traffic laws at all times.

New Jersey Automotive | August 2021 | 43

Bringing The Heat summer deals end 08/31/2021.

106 EXT

PULL UP!

structural straightening bench

14,500A

repair system

welding machine

Multibench workstation

Q5.2

welding machine

TOUCH

electronic measuring system

don’t miss out on this year’s hottest deals Spanesi Americas, Inc. 123 Ambassador Dr. STE 107 Naperville, IL 60540 44 | New Jersey Automotive | August 2021

224-SPANESI (224-772-6374) www.spanesi-americas.com facebook.com/spanesiamericas

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

ARANJ The Automotive Recyclers Association of New Jersey

Wharton Insurance Briefs

We have had a number of questions and concerns regarding workers’ compensation audits.

Audits are normally performed between 30 and 60 days after the expiration of your policy. You may be mailed a form to complete, be contacted by phone for the information or have a visit scheduled by an auditor. Whether you complete the audit by filling out the forms or doing it over the phone or through a visit, make sure you are prepared. You should prepare a breakdown of payroll by employee and by classification. You will also need supporting documentation, such as WR-30s or 941s.

It is important to make the proper classification of each employee. There are several classifications: Auto dismantler (includes drivers), iron or steel scrap dealer, part sales/counter person, clerical and sales. It is extremely important to classify each employee accurately. If you are directing the auditor to your accountant, you should review the information with your accountant before it is released to the auditor.

If you have used subcontractors, you will be requested to supply the following: ● The total cost of the subcontractors work. ● A certificate of insurance, evidencing the subcontractors general

liability, auto and workers’ compensation insurance.

Without the above, the subcontractor cost will be charged as employee payroll. Always request a copy of the auditor’s worksheets for reference.

If you have any questions regarding your audit, please contact me.

2nd Vice President - Mike Ronayne Tilghmans Auto Parts (609) 723-7469 / tilghmans@snip.net MGM SUPPLIES AD_NJA0720.qxp_Layout 1 6/23/20 2:00 PM Page 1 Past President - Bob Dirkes Dirkes Used Auto Parts (609) 625-1718 / dirkesauto@gmail.com

Mario DeFilippis, AAI Vice President (732) 686-7020 (office) (908) 513-8588 (cell) mdefilippis@whartoninsurance.com

NJA

• Coatings • Paint-Related Materials • Tools & Equipment • All of your collision repair needs...from start to finish!

OPEN EVERY SATURDAY

8AM - 2PM

MGM is seeking an outside salesperson as well as a counter person experienced in color matching.

NOW HIRING!

CALL US: (973) 304-0024

CALL US TO LEARN MORE!

Shop our online catalog!

VISIT US ONLINE:

mgmautobodysupplies.com

YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT PAINT AND BODY SUPPLIER SERVING NORTHERN NEW JERSEY FOR OVER 35 YEARS!

344 Wagaraw Road Hawthorne, NJ 07506

New Jersey Automotive | August 2021 | 45

EMPIRE AUTO PARTS

Spend more time running your business and less time worrying about your parts.

www.empireap.com

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX Acme Nissan.................................................... 5 Accudraft......................................................... IBC Albert Kemperle................................................ 17 Amato Agency.................................................. 19 Audi Group....................................................... 21 BASF................................................................ 11 BMW Group..................................................... 4

Lamps

Bumper Covers

Radiators

Hoods & Fenders

BMW of Springfield........................................... 13 Clinton Honda................................................... 16 Collision Supplies of New England..................... 40 Dover Dodge/Nielsen........................................ 14-15 Empire Auto Parts............................................. 46

Door Mirrors

Steel Bumpers

Cooling Fans

Grilles & Bezels

NJ DISTRIBUTION CENTER

800.624.4561 Serving CT, DE, MA, NJ, NY, PA, VT

Parts Accuracy Friendly Sales Team

Quality Assurance Fast, Free Delivery

Flemington Volkswagen.................................... 6 GM Group........................................................ 22 Hyundai Group.................................................. 18 Innovative Solutions & Technology................. 2 Jaguar Princeton.............................................. 16 Klean Frame..................................................... 46 Kollective Auto Group........................................ 8-9 Land Rover Princeton........................................ 16 Lynnes Nissan East........................................... 40 Maxon Buick-GMC........................................... 39 Maxon Hyundai................................................. 41 Maxon Mazda................................................... 41 Mazda Group.................................................... 10 MGM Auto Body Supplies................................. 45 MINI Group....................................................... 40 Mopar Group.................................................... 27 NORTHEAST®................................................. 35 NUCAR............................................................. 30-31 Paul Miller Subaru............................................ 40 Porsche Group................................................. 36 PPG................................................................. 3 Pro Spot........................................................... 29 Reliable Automotive Equipment......................... 24-25 Sherwin-Williams.............................................. OBC Spanesi............................................................ 44 Subaru Group................................................... 42 Town Motors.................................................... 23 USI of North America........................................ 12 Valtek............................................................... 37 VW Group......................................................... 38 Wheel Collision Center...................................... 37

46 | New Jersey Automotive | August 2021

New Jersey Automotive | August 2021 | 47

THE DIFFERENCE IS DEBEER PREMIUM REFINISHING The WaterBase 900+ Series delivers beyond VOC compliance with high-opacity hues for superior coverage.

Easy-to-use with 25 percent less mixing colors, yet a complete system with must-have primers, clearcoats and ancillaries, shops have everything needed to drive efficiencies—impacting inventory and overhead, and productivity and profit. Supported by global color tools, the DeBeer Refinish WaterBase 900+ Series achieves the highest degree of color precision resulting in a superior finish.

Experience the DeBeer Difference. de-beer.com