Texas Automotive June 2023

JUNE 2023

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ABAT’S SIXTH ANNUAL SKEET SHOOT HITS THE BULLSEYE

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE by Burl Richards

Almost Time for ABAT’s 2023 Texas Auto Body Trade Show!

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE by Jill Tuggle

What Happens at the Photo Booth… 2ND ANNUAL ABAT HOUSTON TOPGOLF FUNDRAISER FLYER

LOCAL FEATURE by Chasidy Rae Sisk

A Glimpse into Career and Technical Education with Texas Collision Instructors (Part 2)

ABAT FEATURE by Alana Quartuccio Texas Auto Body Trade Show Preview: Top-of-the-Line Education Mixed with Fun!

TEXAS AUTO BODY TRADE SHOW SAVE THE DATE

ASK THE EXPERT by Robert McDorman Our Journey Continues: The Latest Appraisal Bill Update

ABAT BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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

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

Treasurer David Osburn Paint Works davidosburn@paintworkstyler.com (817) 648-5797

Executive Director Jill Tuggle jill@abat.us (817) 899-0554

ABAT BOARD MEMBERS

Bobby Beason DeMontrond Collision Center bobby.beason@demontrond.com (936) 577-2747

Larry Cernosek Deer Park Paint & Body lcwrecker@comcast.net (281) 930-1539

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

Brandon Gillespy Park Place BodyWerks bgillespy@parkplace.com 214-443-8250

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

Greg Luther Helfman Collision gluther@helfman.com (713) 574-5060

Darrell Smith McDaniel’s Quality Body Works Inc darrell-mcdaniels@sbcglobal.net

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

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

Logan Payne Payne & Sons Paint & Body logan@paynescollision.com (214) 321-4362

Anthony Palomo West Texas Auto Color japalomo3@yahoo.com (806) 831-7765

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

Albert Salinas South Houston Nissan asalinas@southhoustonnissan.com 833-856-7871

Published by: Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc. 244 Chestnut Street, Suite 202, Nutley, NJ 07110 Corporate: (973) 667-6922 / FAX: (973) 235-1963

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER

Thomas Greco / thomas@grecopublishing.com

VICE PRESIDENT/SALES DIRECTOR Alicia Figurelli / alicia@grecopublishing.com

EDITORIAL/CREATIVE COORDINATOR

Alana Quartuccio / alana@grecopublishing.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Chasidy Rae Sisk / chasidy@grecopublishing.com

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

Joe Greco / joe@grecopublishing.com

OFFICE MANAGER

Donna Greco / donna@grecopublishing.com

SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS: Burl Richards / Jill Tuggle

Robert L. McDorman / Mike Anderson / Jacquelyn Bauman

www.grecopublishing.com

TEXAS AUTOMOTIVE is published monthly and is sent to ABAT 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 © 2023 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

Almost Time for ABAT’s 2023

Texas Auto Body Trade Show!

IIt’s just about that time again. Summer is here, and ABAT is looking forward to the culmination of the season: the 2023 Texas Auto Body Trade Show, scheduled for August 25-26 at the Irving Convention Center. This year will be the event’s eighth iteration, and each year, it gets better and better. Last year, we really crossed the line – in a good way – with the attendance, the educational offerings and the BIG SHOTS Competition which helped us generate more interest from technicians than ever before. I’m incredibly excited to build off the momentum we’ve got going from the past few shows; we’re just going to keep getting bigger and better!

Those who know me won’t be the least bit surprised that I’m most excited for the third annual BIG SHOTS Competition, which debuted in 2021 and grew exponentially in 2022. We’re looking to reach new heights this time around, but we could have never made this contest what it has become without the support of all the paint companies, jobbers and other industry leaders who have helped us put it together and get the word out to the technicians and painters who make the competition a success…THANK YOU!

Whether you’re a body technician, painter or estimator, you

probably have a lot of pride in what you do, and BIG SHOTS is a great opportunity to come show off your talents, compete with others in the Texas market and possibly walk away with some really cool prizes.

Burl Richards ABAT President

I started out as a painter, and I can assure y’all that I had my share of pride…and maybe a little more. That’s how most of us are, though, right? I mean, just ask any painter who the BEST painter is, and they’re probably going to say “me!” Body techs and estimators are usually the same, and there ain’t nothing wrong with that. It’s called having a sense of pride in what you do, and ABAT is happy to highlight that pride because you can’t be one of the best if you don’t believe in yourself. This is a true competition between skilled professionals, so don’t think that just anyone can win! You have to have the skills to get there.

It took us a couple tries to get it down to a science, but I think we’re there now. In fact, we’ve had other associations reach out to us for help kicking off similar contests of their own, like the

What Happens at the Photo Booth…

II don’t want to brag or anything, but I have been told many times that the Texas Auto Body Trade Show is one of the top shows in the nation! The show has so much to offer, and you can be assured that we don’t miss a single detail. We have an amazing team of people who help put the show in motion, but I personally pour my heart and soul into making it a memorable experience for all.

What you may not know about me is that, as a young girl, I did not have dreams to work in the collision repair industry… shocker, I know! As a child, I actually wanted to be an archaeologist but instead decided to jump head first right into the real world with a job and an apartment at 19. I did eventually pursue some higher education in interior design before returning to the body

shop world. Why is this relevant? Because design is one of my true passions, and if you look, you may notice how it comes into play at the show.

We want the Texas Auto Body Trade Show to be a true destination event. As a working mom, I know how hard it can be to leave my business and my family for an entire weekend – especially in August. That’s why we chose a location that offers a lot of fun for anyone who may tag along. From our host hotel to the Toyota Music factory, you won’t catch sight of anything boring or ordinary. Kids and spouses will enjoy time at the pool, axe throwing, the movie theater, spa time and tons of unique dining! They are also welcome into the exhibit hall where we usually have something special for them at registration.

Jill Tuggle ABAT Executive Director

ABAT loves to give credit where credit is due, and often there’s a woman involved in the business who deserves some of it! Whether she is sitting in the ivory office or managing the household, chances are she doesn’t get enough accolades for all she does with grace and strength. That’s why we made sure that the ladies get a little something extra from us at ABAT. Last year, we hosted a special wine and charcuterie event and gave an exclusive gift bag to every woman who was there as an attendee or a guest. It was so popular that we are going at it again, but you can bet it’s going to be even bigger and better! Be on the lookout for the ladies event announcement to come!

Another thing we know how to do is throw a freaking party. Our afterparty, by invitation only, is one for the books. Held every year at Bar Louie, you can rub elbows with our celebrity guests and enjoy a round with your friends, on us. Oh – and that “by invitation only” part? That’s easy enough to obtain; you just have to come by the ABAT booth to pick up your invitation! Just remember – what happens at the photo booth does NOT stay at the photo booth. I get ALL the photos…

All this confirms that the Texas Auto Body Trade Show is a LOT of fun. But it’s also very important and can be quite somber at times. That’s evident as you listen to our speakers talk about the reality of our business, the importance of making safe repairs, what could happen if you miss something, where the industry is going…I could go on. So, just know that while we love to have fun, what we do is really important. And if we are not constantly learning how to improve and constantly keeping up with how to do it right, then we have no business doing it at all.

So, I hope to see you (and yours) at the 2023 Texas Auto Body Trade Show on August 25-26! Make sure you stay up-to-date with all our latest announcements at abat.us/events/ tradeshow. And also check out these photo booth pics…

THE AUTO BODY ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS HOUSTON CHAPTER’S SECOND ANNUAL TOP GOLF FUNDRAISER

JUNE 22, 2023– 12:00– 4:00 pm

Top Golf Katy - 1030 Memorial Brook Blvd Houston, TX 77084

3 FULL hours of Top Golf play, a $10,000 Hole-In -One contest and THOUSANDS in prizes!!

 Title sponsor $5,000 Company Logo on top tier for all advertising and tv screens, item in the swag bag, raffle item sponsorship, and a 6 person golf team

 Lunch Sponsor $3500 Company logo on second tier of advertising, tv screens and lunch area, item in swag bag and a 6 person golf team

 Hole In One Sponsor $3,000 Company to set up in Hole In One bay to greet all golfers, item in swag bag, logo on 2nd tier of all advertising and screens and a 6 person golf team

 Bar Sponsor (2 drink tickets per person) $2500 Company Logo in bar area and on 2nd tier of all advertising and screens, item in swag bag and a 6 person golf team

 Team Sponsor $1200 includes a team of up to 6 “golfers”, swag bag and two drink tickets per golfer

 Raffle Sponsor $500 company logo added to a raffle item, company logo on 3rd tier of all advertisements and tv screens

 Swag bag sponsor $250 company has the opportunity to put a branded item in the swag bag, logo on 3rd tier of all advertisements and tv screens

Company Name:_______________________________________________________________________________

Contact Name and phone number:_____________________________________________________________

Player 1 Name:_______________________________ Player 2 name:_______________________________

Player 3 Name:_______________________________ Player 4 name:_______________________________

Player 5 Name:_______________________________ Player 6 name:_______________________________

Card Number:__________________________________________________ EXP: __________ CVV: ___________

Amount to charge: _______________ Signature: ________________________________________________________

A Glimpse into Career and Technical Education with Texas Collision Instructors (Part 2)

Shops need more talented young people to come work in the field, but recent years have seen a significant decrease in the number of students interested in pursuing a collision career. What’s happening to cause this, and how can YOU make a difference in the industry’s future by getting involved with the next generation? Texas Automotive began tackling this touchy topic last month (available at grecopublishing.com/texas-automotive-may-2023) by talking to four Lone Star collision instructors: Raven Hartkopf (Collin College; Allen), Keith Schieffer (Universal Technical Institute; Houston), Jannifer Stimmel (Texas State Technical College; Waco) and Jeff Wilson (Kingwood Park High School; Kingwood).

They’ve already explained some of the changes they’ve seen and recruitment challenges they face, but now they share even more important information with the industry: why they need you to get involved and how you can do it as effectively as possible in a way that benefits your business and your industry now and in the future.

Texas Automotive: What hurdles are you facing as a collision instructor?

Raven Hartkopf: We are facing quite a few hurdles…For starters, we are close to running out of space in our labs, especially now that we have more than one class being taught at one time. We have one designated classroom, which has caused us to create makeshift classrooms in our metal and paint labs. Equipment is a slight hurdle for us because we have larger cohorts than we’ve seen in the past, and we ideally want to have two students per piece of equipment (such as welders). This is creating a domino effect for us because we don’t have an adequate amount of power to supply everything we need. The last hurdle we face is the need for additional instructors. With the increase in students, we need the support of adjunct professors to lessen the load on our full-time faculty. With that being said, there are qualifications that our institution requires that are hard to find in the industry. We require an associate’s degree and a masterlevel ASE certification in collision, but even some of the best, most experienced technicians in the field don’t have a degree.

Keith Schieffer: A big challenge for many schools is the lack of current curriculum or outdated curriculum, which leads to outdated teaching methods and outdated vehicles, equipment and materials. We are almost at the quarter century mark, and some schools are still using curriculum from the last century. If an active, knowledgeable advisory committee looks further than the meeting room and asks the right questions, it is not difficult to recognize if the instructors are up to date and working with current technology within the curriculum. If these issues are brought forward and become part of the meeting itself, most accredited schools must heed the advice

of the advisory committee. Unfortunately, many advisory committee meetings are held with the administrative side of the school, who simply tell the committee members what a great job they are doing. I believe that the advisory committee needs to look a little deeper and ask some of the tougher questions. Look at the curriculum, training aids, vehicles, instructor training and qualifications. How are the students being trained, and what results are the students achieving? The collision industry is starving for qualified entry-level technicians, and I believe that the correct results can – and should – be expected from the education industry.

Jannifer Stimmel: We struggle with our budget a lot. We need newer vehicles for students to learn on, and we also need a rotating supply of hardware and tools because learning students tend to break stuff, and we don’t have the budget to replace it. We’re always looking for new measuring systems and updated equipment, and our collision program appreciates anything that the local industry is willing to donate to help us better educate our students.

Jeff Wilson: Each instructor faces different hurdles, but it doesn’t inhibit my ability to teach cognitive skills, though in this trade, the important learning really begins and ends with psycho-motor skills which are difficult to teach without the necessary materials. Our budget is minimal, and I do my best to spread that out… but I really couldn’t do what I do without the abundance of help I receive from the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) and our local I-CAR Committee. I make one phone call, and they show up with the toner, tools, spray guns, racks and whatever else is needed to better prepare my students for graduation. Those provisions allow students to mess up so they can learn, and because they’re able to learn so much throughout their four-year tenure at the school, my graduates receive their I-CAR certification in non-structural repair and refinishing. Though I do receive a budget from the district, I can’t stress enough how important it’s been to have help from the Houston I-CAR Committee, along with CREF, for keeping my courses at a tier one program to better prepare my students after they graduate. We also host the Houston area CREF career fair each year and plan to continue as long as possible.

TXA: How can body shops get involved with local vo-techs to ensure there’s a future workforce pipeline, and how does the industry’s involvement impact student morale?

RH: Body shops can get involved by being a part of local schools’ advisory committees. Auto body programs usually have a committee that meets once or twice a year. This is imperative for programs to flourish because we lean on body shops to give us insight into what

they’re seeing, whether it’s new repair processes or technology. If there’s an I-CAR committee in your area, I recommend partnering with them to help local schools because they can also be a liaison for support. They can help facilitate student tours in your shop, donations and other activities that link shops with students.

The industry’s involvement impacts student morale because it gives legitimacy to the program. Without visible support from shops, it may create the perception that the industry does not back the school’s program. One of the most valuable resources we can give our students is the ability to network and meet those in the industry. As most people can agree, it’s a small world in the collision field, and networking is important for students to take their first steps into the industry. Students enjoy field trips and visits from technicians and shop managers. Honestly, they probably get tired of hearing me talk every day, so it’s nice to have someone else share with them for a change.

KS: This lines up directly with the need for active advisory committees. Programs cannot make changes or get updates without an advisory committee’s say-so. The school has to listen to the committee’s advice within a certain amount of time; if they insist on updated equipment or newer cars, it’s up to the school to get it done. Advisory committees have the power to get things done, but in order to be valuable, they need to get involved at a higher level. I’ve attended these meetings where an administrator stands on their soapbox and talks about how good the school is doing. They make it sound wonderful, and the advisory committee believes them…

Meanwhile, we’re working with a 20-year-old curriculum that isn’t in line with where the industry needs these students to be. If instructors are training students on old junk cars, using outdated tools and equipment, that program is not producing qualified talent for our industry. Advisory committees need to be trained to look for the weak spots and ask the tough questions instead of just taking the word of someone trying to sell them on the idea that things are good enough so they don’t have to invest more in the program. Pull the covers back to see what lies underneath by being prepared with questions about the current equipment and materials, the training aids and the curriculum. Ask about co-op programs, mentoring, job shadowing, and request statistics on the school’s success rates in terms of graduation placement. And seek information on the qualifications and credentials of the instruction staff to find out what makes them good teachers because you’re never going to graduate a student who is more educated than their instructors are.

JS: We need the industry to get involved on our advisory boards and to help supply the tools, equipment and materials needed to teach these students. State schools don’t have the same budgets as big private schools since we don’t charge high tuition, so it’d be nice if local industry businesses contributed parts and vehicles for the kids to work on. The industry complains a lot that these students don’t know anything, but they aren’t willing to help us get things updated; they’re not willing to do anything to fix the problems. Our advisory board determines what gets put into our curriculum…we can’t update it without their feedback! But that means they actually have to participate since we can’t change anything if y’all are not opening your mouths to help us fight for what we need. It’s also helpful when shops visit our classes. Students ask about shops constantly, and we used to have local industry professionals come talk to them, but that hasn’t happened much since COVID. I’d love to see more of that return.

JW: I suggest recruiting as many local area collision and refinishing shops to become part of the district’s advisory committee and join the area I-CAR committee. Reach out to other area districts that offer the collision program and begin a network of collaboration to enable help for one another to better prepare students once they graduate and go into the workforce. A lot of industry professionals don’t have time to be part of local advisory committees, but if the industry does not invest in the local schools, those programs will not thrive. If you want to make sure schools are replacing your retiring workers with good entry-level technicians, you need to get involved. We’re lucky to have a strong advisory committee made up of local area businesses that believe in what I believe in: getting these students into the industry and helping them learn what they need to know to be successful after graduation. If it wasn’t for the advisory board, we wouldn’t know what they want entry-level technicians to learn. They tell me what expectations they have for a new technician, and then I train my students to be able to enter a shop and be a useful part of their team.

One local shop has welcomed several of our younger students to come in after school to get some more hands-on experience, and by donating their time to do a sort of show-and-tell, they are helping to get those kids prepared for next year’s practicum. We also have companies come in to do demonstrations on products, tools and equipment to explain how these things work and why they were developed. Students learn things like why they would repair a plastic bumper instead of replacing it. When industry professionals offer demonstrations, students learn tricks and trades that I don’t teach, and it also helps the students pay better attention to my lessons; when they hear it from the people actually performing the work every day, it reinforces what I’m teaching them every day.

So, when’s the last time you got involved with your local vocational and technical school? Are you asking the right questions and digging deep enough to understand what’s really happening so that you can truly make a difference? Are you offering apprenticeships to local students? If you’re not doing anything except complaining about the lack of qualified help, you’re part of the problem! Become part of the solution by reaching out to your local vo-tech instructor(s) and asking a simple question: How can I get involved to ensure that our industry has a future supply of qualified workers? It’s likely a lot simpler than you’d think…and it pays in real help for your shop!

Stay tuned for the final installment in this series as our instructors discuss how the public’s perception of collision repair may be impacting the industry’s ability to attract new talent. TXA

ABAT’s Sixth Annual Skeet Shoot Hits the Bullseye

ABAT may be serious when it comes to protecting the collision repair industry, but the association also knows how to have a lot of fun. Last month, ABAT’s Sixth Annual Dean Griffin Memorial Skeet Shoot at Elm Fork Shooting Sports in Dallas was yet another example of the great times that can be expected when ABAT members gather.

“The 2023 Skeet Shoot was amazing!” shared ABAT Executive Director Jill Tuggle. “It was our best one yet with 80 shooters and about 90 people in attendance. The top team was Rick Gardner (Auto Tech Services Collision Repair; Mansfield) and his group of ‘young guns’ – his 17-year-old grandson and two of his teammates from his school’s shooting team – and they won these gorgeous belt buckles the size of a salad plate which was Brandon Gillespy’s idea and a huge hit!”

ABAT recognized three top shooter winners:

• Top Shooter (Expert Level): Harmon Groves from Burleson Centennial High School; Burleson (score: 93/100)

• Top Shooter (Intermediate Level): Brodie White of Magic Touch Paint & Body; Lewisville (score: 66/100)

• Top Shooter (Novice Level): Eric McKenzie of Park Place BodyWerks; Dallas (score: 49/100)

In 2020, the annual fundraiser was renamed in honor of late ABAT Board member Dean Griffin, with half of the proceeds being contributed to a college fund for Griffin’s daughter, Natalie. The 2023 Dean Griffin Memorial Skeet Shoot featured a number of other prizes, food, drinks and even Cuban cigars which were professionally rolled on site. Sounds like yet another ABAT event that hit the target!

ABAT would like to thank the following sponsors for making this year’s Skeet Shoot a success:

Title Sponsor

Moritz Dealerships

Scholarship Sponsors

English Color and Supply, LLC

Hance’s European

Diamond Sponsor Paint Works

Platinum Sponsor

LKQ

Gold Sponsors

Auto Tech Services Collision

Repair Center

BASF

Car-O-Liner Southwest Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Park Place Dealerships

Jordan Towing, Inc.

AkzoNobel

FindPigtails.com

Sherwin-Williams

Automotive Finishes

Capital Paint and Refinish, LLC

Complete Collision Solutions

Norton Saint-Gobain

Payne & Sons Paint & Body Shop

Bronze Sponsors

AAMS Training

Anson PDR

National Coatings & Supplies/ Single Source

3M

Coach Specialists

CCC Information Systems

Avondale Collision & Repair

Global PDR

Wheel Technologies

Special thanks to this year’s

Skeet Shoot Committee

Kevin Ellison, Brandon

Gillespy, David “Ozzy”

Osburn and Jill Tuggle

by Alana Quartuccio

Texas Auto BODY Trade Show Preview: Top-of-the-Line Education Mixed with Fun!

If there is any group who knows how to make learning fun, it’s ABAT!

Excitement continues to build for the 2023 Texas Auto Body Trade Show, and that includes an educational slate that is chock full of the most useful information one can find on the latest industry trends, discussed by some of the industry’s most dynamic speakers.

As if that’s not enough to get you to gallop over to the Irving Convention Center on August 25 and August 26, perhaps learning over lunch or over a couple of pints will! That’s right, ABAT’s educational slate even includes a happy hour session!

This top-of-the-line educational slate features the cream of the crop – from Mike Anderson (Collision Advice) to Danny Gredinberg (Database Enhancement Gateway) to Aaron Schulenburg (Society of Collision Repair Specialists) and more!

“We are thrilled to have some of our favorite speakers back year after year as their content is always amazing,” says ABAT’s Executive Director Jill Tuggle. “I’m also excited about the many fresh faces who have come on board – many from our local industry – who are well respected and intelligent people with some great things to talk about.”

Highlights include a discussion on Customer Copay Coaching led by ABAT’s very own Logan Payne (Payne & Sons Paint and Body Shop; Dallas), which ABAT President Burl Richards suggests is a must for any shop owner. As proven with last year’s sold out class, Payne does a fantastic job explaining his business model, “and he does an excellent professional job when it comes to explaining to the billpayer what needs to be done and why it needs to be reimbursed,” according to Richards.

Another great feature will be Schulenberg’s talk about the latest news related to the game-changing SCRS blend study. “I am really looking forward to hearing Aaron explain the study and its results to shop owners as many may not be aware of it and the process that went into it,” adds Richards. “It was handled masterfully. Anyone who observed it can see it was done in the fairest way possible.”

Whereas many collision repairers may be aware of SCRS’ blend study from news outlets (and if you’re not, find the recap at grecopublishing.com/hd1222cic2022), Schulenburg suggests this in-person conversation will “dig a lot deeper into how the study was approached, what the outcomes were, what the conversations with the IPs yielded and what some of the changes that have been motivated look like. The discussion will broaden people’s perspectives on how they can utilize this information.”

The Trade Show will mark one year since the study came out; therefore, the Texas audience is likely to be the first to hear the latest updates following related discussions coming out of the July Collision Industry Conference (CIC).

Collision industry icon Mike Anderson returns to inspire repair professionals to “Be Extraordinary.”

“There’s a quote by a gentleman named Kevin Brown who said ‘nobody notices normal,’” states Anderson. “We have to be extraordinary at OEM research, at customer experience and provide an extraordinary place for people to work so they want to work for us. My father used to say, ‘Being average is as close to the bottom as it is

to the top.’”

Attendees will also be supplied with statistics on labor hours and how Texas matches up against other states; everyone who attends will get a copy of the presentation.

Excitement also builds around the electronic vehicle discussion to be led by Gabe Morley (DEKRA), which is crucial to shops as most are behind on knowing what these repairs will take and the time to learn is now. “It’s coming, and we can’t stop it,” Richards stresses.

Building in opportunities for attendees to interact with speakers through a learning lunch talk and happy hour chat are really key in helping to keep conversations going in relaxed atmospheres, adding to the fun of the whole Trade Show experience!

Schulenburg looks toward the Auto Body Happy Hour session with great anticipation. “Talking about the industry over a pint is something that came out of a conversation I had with Jill Tuggle. It’s a different approach to panel discussions where those in attendance feel like they get a glimpse into a more intimate conversation about the industry between friends and get to chime in as well. I think it’ll be a fun exercise, engaging the audience to talk about the industry and what it looks like today.”

Stay tuned for more updates on the 2023 Texas Automotive Trade Show in next month’s Texas Automotive. To learn more about the show and to register, visit abat.us/tradeshow TXA

LARGEST SHOW OF ITS KIND IN THE SOUTHWEST!

Featuring education from national speakers, vendors, networking, live demos, celebrity appearances, a car show and ABAT’s BIG SHOTS Competition

Please plan to join us August 25-26, 2023 at The Irving Convention Center surrounded by the exciting Toyota Music Factory where dining, entertainment and hotels are just steps away!

Exhibitor registration open NOW & attendee registration will be opening soon. Stay tuned for updates by visiting abat.us/events/tradeshow

Ask The Expert

Our Journey Continues: The Latest Appraisal Bill Update

Dear Mr. McDorman,

by Robert L. McDorman

Thank you again for your response to my questions about the mandatory appraisal bill process at the Capitol concerning Senate Bill 554, sponsored by Senator Hughes and House Bill 1437, sponsored by Representative Clardy. Can you give me and the readers an update on how these bills are progressing and what you have learned about the process from your many trips to the Capitol?

Thank you for your questions about these bills and what I have learned about this process. Recently, House Bill 1437 was unstuck and referred to Business and Commerce where it will meet its companion, Senate Bill 554. It is my understanding that if there is no further headwind from aggressive parties opposing the insureds’ mandatory Right to Appraisal, there is supposed to be a hearing in Business and Commerce seeking a vote to move the bills to the Senate floor for a hearing and vote. I hope lawmakers have taken note and paid close attention to how important this issue is for us all.

Here is what I have learned about this process over the last five years. First off, what was taught about democracy in high school government class does not apply here. As an example, when I asked lawmakers why the bill took so long to be set for a hearing in Business and Commerce, I was told that a member was asked to sit on the bill as long as she possibly could by a lobbyist who opposed the bills. When asked how this was possible, I was told this process is called “Dark Art at the Capitol.” Additionally, I have learned why one lawmaker votes yes to a bill in one committee and no in another. At the end of this legislative session, I look forward to answering reader questions about the outcome and what I learned about the process and who participated in the outcome in more depth. Please stay tuned.

This all may seem to be a repeat from prior reader responses; however, if you are reading this for the first time, my repeat of the message worked. I cannot emphatically stress enough how important this sensitive issue of the Right to Appraisal is for us all. My hope of continuing to repeat my message is to reach as many individuals as I can and draw awareness to this issue. When a dispute arises between the insurer, the policyholder and the repair professional, the Right to Appraisal is the proper relief to see to it that the vehicle is returned safely and properly back to its pre-loss condition to the best of one’s human ability. The Fair Appraisal Bill – Senate Bill 554 and House Bill 1437 – requires insurers to

include the Appraisal Clause in all auto policies, both for total loss and repair claims. The limiting or removal of the Right to Appraisal in motor vehicle auto policies would be the nail in the coffin for safe roadways for us all.

As I have repeatedly stated in my writings and testimony, it is my emphatic position that the Right to Appraisal is the guardrail for indemnification. Without this critical loss dispute resolution process becoming mandatory in the insurance code, the insurance carriers and their defense team will be like beavers to running water to reduce or remove this contractual economic relief for the insured which they have already attempted doing and succeeded doing in one carrier’s auto policy.

The spirit of the Appraisal Clause is to resolve loss disputes fairly and to do so in a timely and cost-effective manner. The invoking of the Appraisal Clause removes inexperienced and biased carrier appraisers and claims handlers from the process, undermining their management’s many tricks to undervalue the loss settlement and under-indemnify the insured. Through the Appraisal Clause, loss disputes can be resolved relatively quickly, economically, equitably and amicably by unbiased experienced independent third-party appraisers as opposed to more costly and time-consuming methods such as mediation, arbitration and litigation.

In today’s world regarding motor vehicle insurance policies, frequent changes in claim management and claim handling policies, and non-standardized GAP Addendums, we have found it is always in the best interest of the insured or claimant to have their proposed insurance settlement reviewed by an expert before accepting. There is never an upfront fee for Auto Claim Specialists to review a motor vehicle claim or proposed settlement and give their professional opinion as to the fairness of the offer.

Please call me should you have any questions relating to the policy or covered loss. We have most insurance policies in our library. Always keep in mind a safe repair is a quality repair and quality equates to value. I thank you for your question and look forward to any follow-up questions that may arise.

Sincerely,

(800) 736-6816, (817) 756-5482 or via email at AskTheExpert@autoclaimspecialists.com.

Robert L. McDorman TXA

Robert is a recognized Public Insurance Adjuster and Certified Vehicle Value Expert specializing in motor vehicle-related insurance claim resolution. Robert can be reached at

Chevrolet

parts. We are one of the largest sellers of powertrain parts in the U.S. and have been recognized by General Motors as #1 in total parts sales for the 6th consecutive year. With competitive price matching and free shipping on orders $250+, we want our customers to come back for our quality parts and service.

President’s Message

continued from pg. 4

Bodywork Bowl at the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey’s (AASP/NJ) NORTHEAST® 2023 Automotive Services Show back in March. It’s exciting to see our idea take off in other markets, so that more of our industry’s finest can be recognized for their talents.

I’ve got to tip my hat to ABAT Executive Director Jill Tuggle for working so hard behind the scenes to make the BIG SHOTS Competition happen. I’m also incredibly proud of our Board of Directors; their dedication is what makes our association so great. We all come up with ideas and then support one another to bring these ideas to fruition. ABAT is truly a joint effort, and coming together makes us so much stronger. It’s not about one person; it’s about all of us being on the same page and agreeing that something we want to promote is good for the industry. I’m very proud to be associated with ABAT…even prouder than I am about my skills as a painter!

Make sure that you stay up-to-date on all the plans for this year’s show at abat.us/tradeshow showcase your talents during our 2023 BIG SHOTS Competition at abat.us/bigshots. Look forward to seeing you there!

burl@burlscollision.com

Greco Publishing has successfully served the automotive repair industry for over 30 years in print, online and as an association liaison. Our team handles all pre-press production in-house, from ad design to editorial layout.

Greco Publishing also provides a variety of services to cover our clients needs and facilitate their day-to-day business.

Russell & Smith Logging Big Paint Hours with USI Booths & Prep Station

Buying a paint booth is a huge investment, and there are many factors to carefully consider before selecting one Will the booth work well in a region where there’s a ton of humidity and with drastic changes in the weather? How long do you think the booth will last and will it require a lot of maintenance? Will your painters be comfortable using it ever y day and finally, will the company making the booth provide solid training and reliable customer ser vice?

To answer these questions before acquiring two Chronotech spray booths and a prep deck from USI ITALIA back in 2004, Collision Center Manager Kevin McIllveen at Russell & Smith Body Shop in Houston, TX spent six months studying the market He was looking for the best booths that matched his needs to use in a brand-new 36,000 sq ft facility that the company built from the ground up

Mcllveen, age 56, entered the industr y more than three decades ago as an estimator and has worked for Russell & Smith Body Shop since 1993 His goal with his new spray booths was to improve the efficiencies in his paint department and to accommodate his production, he said, while simultaneously saving time and energy if possible.

The vetting process was arduous but worth it in the end "We did our research so that we could make an educated decision," he said "I went to NACE two years in a row and talked to literally ever yone and asked a lot of questions We knew that this was going to be a ver y significant investment, so we took the time to perform our due diligence to cover all our bases. We invested in their prep stations as well, which was another good decision, because my guys can work so much faster and effectively with five different places where we can spray We put a curtain up in the prep booth that provides us two additional spaces that are heated and properly ventilated So, when we are really jammed, we can handle the workload and maintain our cycle time without interrupting or slowing down our production "

After using them for a ver y short time, Mcllveen could clearly see that his Chronotechs were more than capable as they quickly became a centerpiece in his new, high-end, modern shop

"We have four paint teams here, consisting of a painter and a painter’s helper and we consistently log approximately 600-700 paint hours weekly,” he said “We switched to waterborne paint when we opened this facility because we want to provide a healthier climate for our employees and the community as a whole ”

Why was Mcllveen able to improve his numbers by simply adding two USI booths? “In the end, it all comes down to their airflow because we never need blowers or additional air to cure these vehicles The fans in these Chronotechs are exceptional because they feature variable speeds, so we can switch depending on the parameters of each job Our painters are producing an impressive product day after day, so these booths are saving us both time and money We paint an average of 400 cars ever y month, so

we push these booths and they never let us down ”

Any issues that Russell & Smith Body Shop have encountered with their USI ITALIA booths have been rare and far between But Mcllveen feels good knowing that if called upon, the company will respond and find solutions promptly “If you do your scheduled maintenance and keep ever ything clean, these booths will last you 30 years and maybe even longer The issues that we have encountered with the Chronotechs have been minor and quickly solved, which is impressive when you think that we have been using these booths daily for the last 16 years I tell people that these booths will be here long after I’ve retired!”

After training provided by USI ITALIA, Mcllveen’s painters were able to start spraying after one day, he said "The Chronotechs are designed to work with waterborne paint, which makes it easier for our painters to do their work After a ver y short time, all of our guys were comfortable and the results were consistently exceptional ”

Mcllveen is also impressed by the Chronotech's sturdy construction and durability "Some booths are just a box, but these are wellbuilt," he said. “I know, because I've seen them all and there isn't anything like a USI ITALIA booth "

His career in collision repair industr y has been a great experience and products like his USI ITALIA spray booths and prep station are a part of that, he said “We haven’t had to furlough anybody here and that’s because we value our people and, in the end, our Chronotechs are part of the team ”