Texas Automotive June 2019

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The official publication of the Auto Body Association of Texas and the Houston Auto Body Association

June 2019 $5.95

www.grecopublishing.com

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Contents on the

cover

June 2019

16

Still Strong, Still Moving:

ABAT BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Vice President Brandon Dodd Lloyd's Body Shop brandon@lloydsbodyshop.com (903) 734-5175

President Burl Richards Burl's Collision Center burl@burlscollision.com (903) 657-8082

Chairman of the Board Corey Pigg S&W Expert Collision Repair coreyp@swcollision.com (936) 634-8361

The Future of TX's Legislative Work

Treasurer David Osburn South West Collision Center dosburn@southwestautogroup.com (855) 395-2720 Executive Director Jill Tuggle jill@abat.us (817) 899-0554

ABAT BOARD MEMBERS

By Joel Gausten

Kevin Ellison Westway Ford kellison@vtaig.com (972) 584-9033

Chad Neal Innovative Collision Equipment Chadwneal@yahoo.com (817) 527-2143

Chad Kiffe Berli's Body & Fine Finishes chadk@berlisbody.com (512) 251-6136

Darrell Smith McDaniel’s Quality Body Works Inc darrell-mcdaniels@sbcglobal.net (903) 753-5391

Dean Griffin Moritz Dealerships dean.griffin@moritzmail.com (817) 696-2000

DEPARTMENTS

4 6 8 10 13 20

Official publication of the Auto Body Association of Texas and the Houston Auto Body Association

Robert McDorman Auto Claim Specialists rmcdorman@autoclaimspecialists.com (817) 756-5482

PRESIDENT’S MESSAgE By Burl Richards The Race Continues EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAgE By Jill Tuggle We Will Persevere

EDITOR’S MESSAgE By Joel Gausten Victory Is Still Yours

Manuel Rubio Miracle Body & Paint manuelr@miraclebp.com (210) 843-9564

Mike Williams All Star Collision Center sales@allstarcollision.us (903) 589-3160

Eric McKenzie Park Place Dealerships emckenzie@parkplace.com (214) 443-8250

HABA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

NATIONAL NEWS Mike Anderson Warns of Shop Computer Ransom Scheme ASK THE EXPERT By Robert L. McDorman What Happens to a Total Loss Vehicle When It Leaves the Collision Repair Facility? READER RESPONSE VENDOR SPOTLIgHT By Alana Bonillo Charles Maund Toyota

President John Kopriva Kopriva Body Works jtkopriva@gmail.com (713) 923-4412

Vice President Ronnie Brush Westside Lexus Collision Center rbrush@westsidelexus.com (281) 584-2285 Chairman of the Board Greg Luther Helfman Collision Center gluther@helfman.com (713) 533-6226

PUBLISHER Thomas Greco / thomas@grecopublishing.com SALES DIRECTOR Alicia Figurelli / alicia@grecopublishing.com ADVERTISING SALES: Jill Tuggle / jill@grecopublishing.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Lea Velocci / lea@grecopublishing.com

ASSOCIATION NEWS 22 ABAT MEMBER SHOP PROFILE 23 ABAT MEMBER APPLICATION

24 HABA NEWS 25 HABA MEMBER APPLICATION

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Joel Gausten / joel@grecopublishing.com EDITORIAL/CREATIVE COORDINATOR Alana Bonillo / alana@grecopublishing.com OFFICE MANAGER Donna Greco / donna@grecopublishing.com Published by: Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc. 244 Chestnut Street, Suite 202, Nutley, NJ 07110 Corporate: (973) 667-6922 / FAX: (973) 235-1963

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX 300 Advantage ..........................................................26 AAMStraining.com ....................................................26 Beacon Equipment Resources ..............................10 Capital Paint & Refinish............................................12 CAR-O-LINER Southwest ........................................19 Charles Maund Toyota ............................................21 Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land................................15 Classic Chevrolet Grapevine..................................26 Dallas Dodge..............................................................OBC

Ecotech ........................................................................IBC English Color & Supply ............................................21 Innovative Collision Equipment ............................11 Phantom Equipment & Hydraulic Repair ............5 PPG ..............................................................................IFC Reliable Automotive Equipment............................9 Spanesi ........................................................................11 Tasco Auto Color ......................................................15 Wheel Technologies ................................................8 3 June 2019 Texas Automotive

www.grecopublishing.com TEXAS AUTOMOTIVE is published monthly and is sent to ABAT and HABA members free of charge. Subscriptions are $24 per year. TEXAS AUTOMOTIVE is published by Thomas Greco Publishing Inc., 244 Chestnut St., Nutley, NJ 07110. The editorial contents of TEXAS AUTOMOTIVE are copyright © 2019 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.

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President’s Message

THE RACE CONTINUES I’d like to begin this message by thanking all the amazing members of ABAT and HABA and the Texas collision repair industry at-large for their tremendous work in trying to get House Bill 1348 passed during this most recent session. I have never been more proud to be part of this community, and the groundwork that we laid during our second attempt in Austin has made a tremendous difference in informing state leaders and vehicle owners of our issues and the need for OEM-required/ recommended parts and procedures.

Burl richards ABAT President

T

e Texas session occurs every two years. Between now and then, we will keep communicating with our Texas legislators. We will also continue to escalate our discussions with the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) and other state agencies on (among other things) the “prevailing rate” and the suppression of Labor Rates and repair methodologies. I honestly believe that there are already laws on the books that should prevent these issues. Despite the current status of our attempted bill, there are still a lot of things that can be done to ensure a safer and more professional repair experience for our consumers. e door is still wide open.

Our recent efforts in Austin put us far ahead of the curve for our third go-around. is is the time to remain vigilant and keep the momentum going. We have accomplished so much in our first few years as an association, and I genuinely view this latest legislative session as a victory for all of us. Just take a look

at all the national press coverage we received. e national auto scene knows that ABAT is synonymous with consumer protection and expert repairs.

I thank our members in advance for remaining strong and taking action when we call on you in the future. We can’t do this alone, and we need your participation and involvement now more than ever. I welcome any and all feedback on how we can make out third attempt in the Legislature the success and change we need. Together, we will continue the fight for a better industry for everyone. is is an endurance race, not just a sprint.

4 June 2019 Texas Automotive

TXA

burl@burlscollision.com

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5 June 2019 Texas Automotive

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Executive Director’s Message

We Will Persevere

T

e clock ran out on House Bill 1348. We were just four bills away from final readings and a vote in the Texas House of Representatives. Our bill, along with hundreds of others, fell victim to the system. We were not defeated, but we were also not prioritized. We learned the system, found opportunities for improvement and have a plan for the next session.

What a ride this has been for our association, for collision repairers across the state and for me personally. And it’s far from over.

Calvin Coolidge said, “Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb.

Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.”

When I really look back at this journey, what I see is that we have brought attention to the struggles that repairers face, have shown shops that they’re not alone, found our strength in numbers and so much more. But what I found beyond the surface was both interesting and unexpected: Growth.

I believe that House Bill 1348 has been one of the key factors in ABAT’s expansion in 2019. We have hosted and been guest speakers at more meetings in

the last five months than we did in 2017 and 2018 combined. We have members in all corners of the state, and ABAT has been a topic of discussion at nearly every major collision event in the United States. Our name is known in cities across America, and they certainly know our name in Austin. At the Capitol, we have brought awareness to your struggles – ones that had been hidden in a dark corner of the automotive industry and not given proper attention. Lawmakers are now aware that body shops have been given the short stick and consumers are paying the price. e support there keeps growing, and we will persist.

Collision repairers have risen to the occasion. ey feel empowered and are stepping up and stepping out. Until now, our cries had not been heard. We had been put on our own islands and left to believe that we were the only ones asking to perform certain procedures, that “recommended” and “required” were just suggestions and that we had to comply with what was determined for us as “competitive in our market.” No longer.

Associations are not new, but ABAT is. We have proven ourselves to be men and women of our word, hitting the front lines and really doing something for this business. We have grown the confidence to face Goliath,

Jill tuggle ABAT Executive Director look him in the eye and stand our ground. We have proven that we are so much stronger together – and that we can make a difference.

I previously wrote to you about not understanding the legislative process and how I wanted to “bury my head in the sand and let the ABAT Board take the reins.” en, I rose to the occasion and made the decision to understand it – for our members and for myself. I came to realize that with the right teacher, you can easily understand even the most foreign of topics. I dug in and understood the process, but I also gained the inevitable confidence that comes with learning something new. My personal growth has me eager for more.

I really do have the tendency to be an “eternal optimist,” but I will tell you that it’s what keeps me going. Finding every way that you benefitted from a setback is the cocktail that eases the pain. e ways we have grown in every facet will set us up for success next session.

Failure can either be the torrent that kills your fire or the tinder that makes it burn hotter. We have chosen tinder.

TXA

jill@abat.com 6 June 2019 Texas Automotive

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Editor’s Message

VICTORY IS STILL YOURS Joel gausten Editor

ABAT and HABA have a lot to be proud of right now.

A

Although House Bill 1348 did not move forward in this most recent legislative session, history has been made in Texas. Fueled by the strong dedication of the state’s collision repair industry and some of the most impassioned testimony ever heard on the House floor, the legislation succeeded in giving a powerful and much-needed voice to consumer safety and proper repairs. e spotlight was on the associations (as well as Texas Watch) as they worked tirelessly to promote the importance of OEM parts and procedures. Rest assured that all eyes were on Texas these past several months, and the efforts displayed in Austin and beyond were not in vain.

In all my years covering this industry, I have never seen a response to legislation as strong as I recently saw in Texas. If you Google the bill, you will see headline after headline discussing what it aimed to accomplish. Your efforts have been a primary topic at several of the national industry meetings I’ve attended so far this year, and the feedback I received from various out-of-state industry members on last month’s issue of Texas Automotive was greater than anything I’ve ever experienced. Of course, this was largely due to Marcia Seebachan’s contributions and generosity. e collision repair community – both in Texas and around the country – will forever be in her debt.

Here’s my advice after 19 years reporting on auto-body related legislation: Don’t give up now. Bills can take years and years to pass, but I’ve seen efforts like this succeed after consistent hard work. House Bill 1348 was a victim of the system – not a failure to protect Texas families. e push is far from over, and I’m thrilled to be able to share the efforts of ABAT, HABA and the members they serve moving forward as they continue their great work to provide a safer world for the motoring public.

TXA

joel@grecopublishing.com

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national news Mike Anderson Warns of Shop Computer Ransom Scheme Mike Anderson of Collision Advice (collision advice.com) is cautioning the collision repair industry to protect itself from a dangerous new ransom scheme that is specifically targeting body shops.

In the past two months, Anderson has received reports from facilities across the country that their IT systems were hijacked and held hostage for ransom. In these cases, the shops’ systems were frozen to the point where even a computer mouse was unusable. ese shops were then contacted by the assailants and told to pay large amounts of money in bitcoin to free the systems. According to Anderson, the ransom amounts ranged from $5,000 to $100,000. In most cases, the shops paid the ransom in order to get their computers back up and running.

“e way these people get into the computers to hold these shops hostage is through an open port. It’s really important that you have your IT person or company make sure you don’t have any open ports. You have to make sure you have everything locked down.”

Additionally, Anderson urges readers to contact their business insurer to learn more about special cyber liability/social engineering coverage for events of this nature. Shops that would like more information on the attacks and ways to better shield themselves are encouraged to contact Collision Advice at (703) 898-0715.

TXA

10 June 2019 Texas Automotive

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Ask the Expert

By robert l. McDorman

Reader response to may 2019 editorial

“What Happens to a Total Loss Vehicle When It Leaves the Collision Repair Facility?”

Dear Mr. McDorman: What you covered in your May 2019 editorial is something that has been a concern of mine for years now. It is my belief that there are several consumers on our roadways who are driving vehicles they shouldn’t, due to them being previously deemed total losses. I appreciate you spotlighting this matter in Texas Automotive.

Any additional insights you could provide on this issue would be greatly appreciated. ank you for your response. It is good to know that industry members want to see an end to the promotion of vehicles that have been deemed a total

loss as anything other than a total loss or salvage vehicle. It is my position that should the carrier deem a vehicle a total loss, the vehicle title should be removed from the insured or claimant’s name and placed in the name of the designating carrier, with the title status changed to a salvage title.

Under the current system in Texas, carriers are deeming vehicles as total losses for the sake of administering the claim loss – and from time to time using the Texas Transportation Code 501 to pick and choose when to transfer the title as a salvage title. is subjectivity allows for non-repairable vehicles to fall into the hands of some rebuilders to perform unsafe, non-OEM repair procedures. Upon completion of these unsafe repair procedures, total

13 June 2019 Texas Automotive

Robert is a recognized Public Insurance Adjuster and Certified Vehicle Value Expert specializing in motor vehicle-related insurance claim resolution. As the general manager of Auto Claim Specialists, Robert expertly leads this National Public Insurance Adjuster Agency, which is currently licensed in 11 different states and specializes in providing automotive-related claim liquidation techniques, strategies and motor vehicle valuation services to all parties, including individual consumers, body shops, auto dealers, repair facilities, towing and storage operations, lenders, finance companies, banks, legal professionals, governmental agencies and others. The firm’s consistent success can be attributed to Robert’s 35+ years of automotive industry knowledge, practical hands-on experience and multiple certifications, including licensure by the Texas Department of Insurance as a Public Insurance Adjuster. Auto Claim Specialists clients can absolutely trust that they will be provided with analytical, sophisticated, state-of-the-art, comprehensive, accurate, unbiased and up-to-date data and information that all parties can rely upon as both factual and objective.

Robert can be reached at (800) 736-6816, (817) 7565482 or asktheexpert@ autoclaimspecialists.com.

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Ask the Expert loss vehicles are being marketed and sold as clean title vehicles with no titling history when they were in fact previously deemed total losses by a carrier.

A study we performed on our own portfolio showed glaring issues in the liquidation and disposal of total loss vehicles in Texas.

As we noted last month, we randomly selected 200 total loss claims we handled this past year and researched the title history for each.

Our findings showed 118 (or 59 percent) were titled with salvage titles, 60 (or 30 percent) were still in the claimant’s name (blue title) and 22 (or 11 percent) had been subsequently transferred to another individual with a clean or blue title. I found it alarming that over 40 percent of the 200 total loss claims we randomly picked and researched either had been since sold and titled with a clean or blue title or still had an open (untransferred) blue title.

As expert leaders in the industry in respect to safe and proper repairs, we have a fiduciary responsibility to identify any pitfalls in the system that allow a motor vehicle to be deemed a total loss and subsequently allowed to be marketed and sold as a non-salvage titled vehicle. Subjectivity in the current system allows these shortfalls, which result in citizens unwittingly purchasing motor vehicles that have been deemed a total loss by the responsible carrier and later purchased by less-than-desirable rebuilders to perform unsafe, nonOEM repair procedures.

In closing, it is again my professional opinion that if a vehicle is deemed a total loss by the carrier, the next step of the claim closure

As expert leaders in the industry in respect to safe and proper repairs, we have a fiduciary responsibility to identify any pitfalls in the system that allow a motor vehicle to be deemed a total loss and subsequently allowed to be marketed and sold as a non-salvage titled vehicle.

and titling process should be transferring the title to the carrier as a salvage title so that any such subsequent sale or transfers would reflect this status. is process would curtail the purchasing, marketing and selling of total loss vehicles that have been unsafely rebuilt and made available to the public with clean or blue titles.

Please call me should you have any questions relating to a motor vehicle insurance claim. I thank you for your letter and look forward to any follow-up questions that may arise.

Sincerely, Robert L. McDorman TXA

LET US TURN THEM AROUND!

Contact Texas Automotive Sales Representative Jill Tuggle (817) 899.0554 JILL@GRECOPUBLISHING.COM 14 June 2019 Texas Automotive

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Cover Story

16 June 2019 Texas Automotive

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By Joel gausten

W

hen the clock struck 12:01am on May 10, the Texas House of Representatives closed up shop for the most recent legislative session. Matters left on the table included a small number of unread bills, which sadly included House Bill 1348. After one of the greatest legislative campaigns in auto body industry history, the bill simply ran out of time.

As Houston Auto Body Association (HABA) President John Kopriva sees it, what didn’t happen on the House floor that early morning should not be viewed as a defeat.

“I don’t feel that we lost. We’re confident that we had the necessary votes to get it through the House. We’re very encouraged that we made it this far.

Next time, we’re going to go all the way. In the meantime, the insurance industry knows that we’ve been there and we’re serious. It wasn’t that our bill failed; it’s just that the system didn’t allow the right amount of time to get it read.”

Fortunately, Kopriva’s optimism is felt among those folks who went above and beyond in supporting the cause. “ere are thousands of bills put forth in each legislative session,” observes HABA Chairman of the Board Greg Luther, who testified before the House Committee on Insurance on April 9 in support of the bill. “ere’s just not enough time in the short period our legislators have to work on these things to make them all happen. e vast majority of bills that are put forward are good, valid ones that are needed. However, you can’t make everything into a law and make everybody happy. I think the squeaky wheel gets the grease. As long as your will is good and honorable, I think [your cause] will eventually get through.”

One of many ABAT members who took the time to attend the special “Collision Day” at the Texas State Capitol, David Osburn later watched the April 9 testimony online with great interest and remains hopeful that ABAT’s days in Austin have only just begun.

“We got significantly closer than we did two years ago, so I think that’s going to get us poised and ready for two years from now. We’ll be chomping at the bit and ready to submit our bill on day one.”

ABAT Board member Eric McKenzie, who also testified in Austin, is quick to remind his fellow association members that success in the legislative arena is a lengthy process by nature.

“Each time, we learn more about the process and how to gather more of the right people. is time, we had a lobbyist; he’s already signed on through the next session. We’re getting to know representatives and senators a lot more closely each time we do this so we can hopefully garner their support.”

ABAT Board member Manuel Rubio is another industry member far from throwing in the towel.

“We’re raising awareness, and sometimes you’ve got to swing at the ball a few times before you finally get a nice hit. e good thing is we’re learning and educating ourselves.

“If the Texas Department of Insurance would just apply the law as it reads now, we wouldn’t even have the House Bill,” he adds. “We’ve got some movement going on in that direction with the TDI; we’ve raised awareness there, and they know we want them to address these issues. I think we’re moving forward a little at a time; whether we get a new bill passed or not is just one battle.”

For veteran HABA member Larry Cernosek, the reasons for continuing to support this endeavor are simple.

17 June 2019 Texas Automotive

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Cover Story “e insurance companies try to tell us how to repair the cars; they don’t want to repair them the way the manufacturers say or in a safe manner.”

Perhaps the most significant success of the House Bill 1348 campaign was seeing ABAT, HABA, the Southeast Texas Collision Repair Group and the consumer advocacy organization Texas Watch work together as a unified front. At a time when inter-industry opinions vary on what defines a safe and professional repair, the unity displayed by these groups proved that there is indeed strength in numbers.

“We worked in unison because we saw where the for-profit insurance industry has pushed their methodology and thought processes and, quite frankly, their pressure tactics and schemes upon so many collision repair shops to make them build a car that was fundamentally unsafe had we followed their methods,” comments Southeast Texas Collision Repair Group President Gerald Condon. “is was an important piece of legislation because of the importance of safety. is whole bill circled around and was stacked upon the need for today’s automobile to be repaired to a safe, certified condition. When I say ‘certified,’ I don’t just mean manufacturers’ certification; I mean even to I-CAR’s proper mandates.”

Without question, the greatest and most impactful moment of the entire House Bill 1348 journey came when Marcia Seebachan traveled to Austin to testify on its behalf. e emotional impact still felt by the Texas automotive community is palpable.

“It was incredible,” comments McKenzie. “She took her time to come all the way from the Dallas area to speak on

behalf of our bill and how important it was and give a little bit of insight of what she and her husband had to deal with. She started the tone for our bill in that it was all about keeping Texas consumers safe. She let everyone on that panel know that’s all we were concerned about.”

“I watched some of the Committee members tear up while she was testifying,” recalls Luther. “Without her testimony, I think it would have been a completely different ballgame.” “[Bill sponsor] Representative Travis Clardy did a good job of setting the stage for Marcia’s testimony, and she was phenomenal,” adds Osburn. “She tugged on the heartstrings and got her point across to where everybody up on the Committee understood what happened, why it happened and why it shouldn’t have happened.”

Cernosek believes Seebachan’s presence at the hearing gave legislators a realistic – and deeply harrowing – view of what improper repairs could mean for consumers.

“After she testified, she took a bunch of pictures up there; [the Committee] just couldn’t believe how bad her husband [Matthew] was. Her testimony was priceless.”

Still bolstered by everything that occurred in Austin and beyond these last few months, the Texas automotive community shows no signs of giving up its push for safe, dependable repairs done the OEM way. Scoring a victory in the Legislature won’t happen overnight, but ABAT, HABA and others are dedicated to going the distance.

As Condon says, “Yes, it’s an uphill fight, but we will be ready next time.”

TXA

Still bolstered by everything that occurred in Austin and beyond these last few months, the texas automotive community shows no signs of giving up its push for safe, dependable repairs done the oEM way.

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vendor Spotlight

By Alana Bonillo

Charles Maund toyota Charles Maund Toyota is one of the most recognized names in the greater Austin area for all of one’s automotive needs.

Roughly 50 years since the business originally opened as an Oldsmobile and Cadillac dealership in the 1960s by its namesake, Charles Maund, it now stands as one of the few remaining family owned and operated dealerships in Austin and is recognized as one of the biggest in the nation. e dealership’s body shop is also a member of ABAT. Many key players have brought the company to the success it celebrates today.

Charles Maund remained at the helm until he passed away in the 1980s. His son Doug eventually took over the operation and remains behind the scenes as partner.

Today, Doug’s son, Eric Maund, serves as president and runs the business alongside his partner, Jim DiMio. With a service department overseen by Director of Fixed Operations Wes Newman and an extremely versatile team of 57 technicians, they are able to service just about every make and model there is.

In fact, Newman says he has been working closely with their body shop manager, Scott Branum, to reach out and spread the word to area shops that may not have the luxury of having everything on site to service vehicles when it comes to technologies like advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).

“Scott is a real stand-up guy. Best body shop manager I’ve ever met.”

Newman stresses that Branum fully understands the importance of only using OEM parts and that he serves as an advocate for body shops and the collision repair industry.

“We want customers to know that we’re here. We are privately owned and can cut through the red tape and really service

Drew Davis (community liaison) buys hundreds of diapers for Charles Maund toyota’s “Secret Santa” at Austin Diaper Bank in December.

A Charles Maund toyota 4runner at Austin AiDS Walk with handwritten notes on “Why We Walk” written by participants.

the body shops and customers alike.”

Newman has been with the dealership since 2004, originally coming on as an advisor. At the time, the dealership sold approximately 150 cars a month. Now, the store sells about 800 new and used vehicles monthly.

“I’ve been able to grow with the company. I’m the epitome of someone who was given an opportunity. ere is no ceiling when you have ambition and drive.

I’m living proof of that and very proud to say that.”

Newman’s automotive career began just out of high school. He admits to having limited interest working part-time while prepping for graduation. After being pressured by an instructor to seek part-time work as a requirement to pass a class, he found himself stacking tires for a national tire warehouse. Soon after, he was offered a position in retail sales. He was hesitant at first because he knew nothing about cars, but it all eventually came together.

“I accidentally fell into the automotive industry, and it’s provided a good living.

My wife of 30 years and I raised three wonderful boys thanks to my being in this industry.”

Newman believes that one of the things that sets them apart is that they are extremely dedicated to giving back to the community. Charles Maund Toyota proudly supports many local charities and organizations, such as Texas Humane Heroes, Mobile Loaves and Fishes, Girl Scouts of Central Texas, Indie Meme, Central Texas High School Athletics, Over the Edge, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Dell Children’s Hospital, AIDS Services of Austin, Toys for Tots, Blue and Brown Santa, the Red Cross and many more.

“We put money back into the community, and we are very proud to be involved and give back.”

20 June 2019 Texas Automotive

TXA

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ABAt Member Profile

By Alana Bonillo

Southside paint and body Some things are just meant to be. at’s always been the case for Andrea and Jesse Trevino, owners of Southside Paint and Body of Corpus Christi. e husband-and-wife team started their collision repair business 15 years ago, although it didn’t go exactly as planned at first. Originally, they were waiting to take over the business where they both previously worked – and the place where they met and fell in love – but that rug was ripped right out from under them. e owner, who had promised Jesse years earlier that the business would one day be his, sold the business to someone else without telling him. Now faced with wondering what to do next, the couple took what little savings they had and got a six-month, zero-percent interest credit card for equipment and rented a space just around the corner from their old workplace.

“We stayed up all night, putting everything together. We really did it bare bones – just the two of us,” shares Andrea.

“We decided that if we couldn’t do it after six months, we’d go and find ourselves work elsewhere.”

Just a month after they opened the doors, they landed a big contract with one of the few independent dealerships in the area, things took off “like a light switch” and they were busy every day.

Soon after, they hired employees and rented additional space. Eventually, they bought land in close proximity to their original location and built up from there. Today, Jesse serves as foreman of the Mercedes-Benz facility, while Andrea runs the office. e shop boasts a team of 15 that’s very much become a family. Andrea is proud to say that they have many employees who have been with them since the early years.

“We are a close-knit team. I believe in taking good care of them,” she says.

Jesse always had a natural ability with mechanics.

“He can take things apart and put them back together with his eyes closed,” his wife says.

ese skills eventually brought him to his previous shop, where he trained as a technician. Andrea brought her wrecked vehicle there to be repaired one day, and the rest is history.

“We went on one date, and we haven’t left each other’s side since.”

Andrea started working at the shop while studying for a master’s degree in public administration. Early on, she nearly chose another career path, but Jesse convinced her that she would be needed to run their business someday. Once again, it was meant to be.

“I was encouraged to stick with the shop, stayed with it and here we are. Everything happens for a reason.”

All these years later, the Trevinos remain in this industry thanks to a commitment to doing their best for the sake of their customers and employees. In their minds, this includes following OEM procedures. When it comes to the pushback from insurance companies on paying for these proper repairs, Andrea says, “We have to shift the perspective from cheapest repair to safest repair.”

As members of ABAT, the Trevinos stood proudly behind the association’s recent efforts with House Bill 1348.

Although the legislation did not advance, Andrea is grateful to everyone who put the work into it and is pleased with the recognition that it received. She hopes to see the momentum continue and plans to work with everyone further when the bill comes back around in two years.

As for Southside Paint and Body’s future, Andrea believes they’ve grown and expanded as much as they possibly can from a square-footage standpoint. Now, they are looking towards getting additional certifications so they can be the go-to shop for additional nearby dealerships.

Overall, what she’d really like to see in the future is improved relationships with insurance companies. She believes a solution to the problem would be for insurance companies and body shops to receive the same training and message that OEM parts and procedures are a must.

“We need to make a shift and get on the same level. at is what I strive for. at is why I’m involved with ABAT and trying to change things through our legislature. I don’t think it can happen any other way.”

TXA

Andrea and Jesse trevino (front center) with the longrunning and dedicated team at Southside Paint and Body

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HABA news HABA Hosts 10th Annual Membership Appreciation Event On May 14, nearly 200 members of the Houston Auto Body Association (HABA) community gathered for the 10th Annual Membership Appreciation Event at Jackson Street BBQ in Houston. Great food and great times contributed to the evening celebration of everything HABA has achieved in the past year.

“e Membership Appreciation Event is just a place for people to get together where they don’t have to worry about their competition,” says HABA Chairman of the Board Greg Luther.

“It’s about having a good time and camaraderie with people in the industry.”

In addition to the many great door prizes given out to attendees, the other highlight of the evening came when Larry Cernosek, whose work in Austin in the legislative arena is the stuff of legend, was named HABA Member of Year.

“It really felt good!” Cernosek tells Texas Automotive. “I’ve been doing this longer than anybody in the association. I know how to get things done. I told them what I wanted to do, and they let me do it.”

Prior to the official start of the event, HABA held a short business meeting for its members. Topics included the association’s recent activities in the Legislature and future plans to serve the area collision repair industry. Additionally, the association used the meeting to present the event sponsors with special awards in appreciation for their contributions and support.

“Our plan moving forward is to continue building our HABA membership base, providing continuing education programs to

protect Texas motorists,” comments HABA President John Kopriva.

HABA thanks the following sponsors for making this year’s Member Appreciation Event such a rousing success: Platinum Sponsors – PPG Performance Coatings, Axalta Coating Systems, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Sherwin-Williams, Single Source Inc., Tasco Auto Color and UYL Color; Gold Sponsors – Capital Paint and Refinish LLC, Car-O-Liner Southwest, CCC Information Services, Platinum Programming & Diagnostics and Scott-Day Paint; Silver Sponsors – AkzoNobel, Beacon Equipment Resources, LKQ, Pal-Z Automotive Paint & Supply Inc. and Phantom Hydraulics; Bronze Sponsors – Air Bags Unlimited; Dealer Services Group, Crest Industries and Mitchell International, PartsTrader; Scott Street Auto Parts and Soldier Glass.

More information on the Houston Auto Body Association is available at habaonline.net.

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HOUSTON AUTO BODY ASSOCIATION Membership Application Please Print

Company Name:

Primary Contact:

________________________________

________________________________

Business Address, City, Zip Code

Phone:__________________________

________________________________

Years in Business: __________

Email:___________________________

Website:_________________________

____ Member Dues $450 (all body shops)

____ MSO dues $250 Per Shop

____ Af liate dues $450

____ Sponsorships - See Attached

NOTE: Please make your check payable to Houston Auto Body Association or (HABA) and submit membership dues and application to: Houston Auto Body Association 4619 Harrisburg Blvd.

Houston, Texas 77011 or sign up online @ www.HABAonline.org All new membership applications require nomination and review from the Board and a majority vote for nal approval.

(Please Sign Here) X _______________________________________ Referred By:

_______________________________________

By signing this form, I agree to abide by the Association code of ethics including all bylaws that govern the Houston Auto Body Association.

OUR MISSION The Houston Auto Body Association is comprised of collision repairers devoted to the advancement of the collision repair industry. Our mission is to create an environment of professionalism, respect, accountability, excellence, enthusiasm and the ability to collect fair and reasonable compensation for collision repairers who properly restore vehicles to their safe pre-loss condition.

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