Texas Automotive June 2024

THE ABAT WAY at the 2024 Texas Auto Body Trade Show

by Chasidy Rae Sisk 8 7

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE by Burl Richards

Changing the Tide

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE by Jill Tuggle

Separation: The Industry’s Greatest Plague

TEXAS AUTO BODY TRADE SHOW SAVE THE DATE

ABAT NEWS by Chasidy Rae Sisk

ABAT President Loves Lubbock’s Energy

LOCAL NEWS

TDI Issues Call for Appraisal Experience Data

ABAT FEATURE by Chasidy Rae Sisk

Official publication of the Auto Body Association of Texas

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

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

A Breed of Their Own: ABAT Honors the Ladies of Collision

NATIONAL NEWS by Alana Quartuccio

ABAT’s Tuggle Talks Right to Appraisal, Texas Legislative Efforts at CIC

LOCAL FEATURE by Chasidy Rae Sisk Fair or Foul? Ford Dealer Offers Opt-OE Parts for OE Prices

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

istockphoto.com

President’s Message

Changing the Tide

II recently came across an article in Repairer Driven News that I found very interesting (read it yourself at bit.ly/RDN-CAlawsuit). A California District Attorney is suing several insurers and information providers over total loss under-indemnifications; USAA, Progressive, CCC and Mitchell have been accused of creating a systemic means of undervaluing totaled vehicles, which results in carriers paying consumers “less than the actual value owed under the policies.” The suit alleges violations of Insurance Code, Unfair Competition Law and False Advertising Law, and it estimates that each underpayment averages $3,000 to $4,000.

Shocking, right? Well, let’s be honest. The fact that it’s happening isn’t shocking…We’ve all known that something isn’t quite right when it comes to how insurers “value” claims for years. But it is pretty exciting to see a public official taking note of this egregious wrongdoing and making an attempt to defend her constituents.

I’ve often wondered if insurance companies will ever be held accountable for shortchanging customers on total losses and also on repairable claims as they often refuse to pay for the OEM-required processes and procedures, which are necessary to perform a safe and proper repair. It’s great that one state is taking notice of the underindemnification scheme that shortchanges customers and makes it increasingly difficult for body shops to run their businesses effectively. Now, we need to build on that momentum in Texas and across the country to ensure that consumers have access to mechanisms to fight

SOURCE1 ADAS

against these types of immoral and unlawful practices.

ABAT has taken a stance on behalf of consumers since its inception, and one of our ongoing fights directly relates to this situation. Texas must mandate that all insurance policies include the Appraisal Clause to give consumers the opportunity to fight for proper indemnification. Without the Right to Appraisal, how can anyone prove that insurers are undervaluing these vehicles? They can’t, and that’s exactly why other insurers (like Progressive) have sought to follow State Farm’s lead when it comes to repairable claims and remove the Appraisal Clause from their policies in the Lone Star State.

We cannot allow that to happen. As the president of ABAT, I have a fiduciary and moral responsibility and obligation to our association, its members, along with its insured clients, to identify and disclose alleged under-indemnification schemes, which is why I’ve reached out directly to the Texas Department of Insurance and Progressive to make sure they’re aware of the ongoing situation in California. I want them to know that we’re onto them and we will not be silenced.

As a shop owner, I encourage every repairer in Texas to consider a few things when an insurer refuses to pay for something on your repair

• Developed by collision & calibration technicians

• Integrates seamlessly with CCC & Mitchell estimating software

• Fast uploads for accurate, efficient reports

• Meets OEM procedure calibration requirements

• Usage-based pricing to meet your needs

Burl Richards ABAT President

Separation: The Industry’s Greatest Plague

OOne of our Houston Board members, Greg Luther, recently said to me, “The biggest issue that has plagued our industry for decades is separation. Shops have been taught to stay isolated, not to talk to each other, for fear of violating anti-trust guidelines or being accused of colluding.” And I couldn’t agree more. In fact, just a week prior, I had a similar conversation when asked for advice from another budding state association. They asked me what their new group’s priorities should be, and I said, “Get the shops together. Create community and a space to learn from one another. Worry about legislation, action items and initiatives later. First, just get them together.”

What began as a small group meeting in East Texas has grown to the proportions of ABAT that you see today. We have seven chapter regions: East Texas, Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, College Station and West Texas. Some chapters are more active than others, and the ones that see the most success are those that gather regularly and attend ABAT events.

I have noticed this on a national level as well. ABAT is a member of the Society of Collision Repair Specialists, and I participate actively in their state association affiliate group. Meeting bi-monthly virtually and in-person annually, it is a place for state association leaders to meet, share ideas and discuss issues. This group has been one of my greatest resources for ABAT; it is where I learn about new and upcoming speakers, hear real experiences from my peers about vendors and software solutions they use, learn new ways to raise awareness of our issues and so much more. We have also been able to help others along

the way. This all translates into us being more efficient and more profitable. And for us, more profit equals more resources to create change. The states that attend these meetings are the most active and experience the highest success rates in their initiatives.

That is exactly what you can expect by being an active participant in ABAT. By coming to meetings and events, you will hear new presentations on safe and proper repairs, learn from your peers about vendors and software solutions and find new ways to operate more efficiently and profitably. Also, by sharing your successes, it raises the bar in your local market and makes phrases like “prevailing common practice” or “industry standard” more reflective of what good shops are doing.

By the time you are reading this, the industry’s biggest event in the south will be happening in just a few weeks. The Texas Auto Body Trade Show is the BEST place to get all of the abovementioned experiences. You can register ahead of time or at the door, and we absolutely guarantee you will learn something of value that you can implement in your shop the next day. Be sure to take time to network with the nearly 1,000 other people attending – some close down their shop and bring their whole staff!

continued on pg. 22

Jill Tuggle ABAT Executive Director

ABAT President Loves Lubbock’s Energy

ABAT President Burl Richards flew to Lubbock last month to attend a regional chapter meeting, and he was impressed by what he found. “That’s a great group of folks who are really passionate about what they’re doing and about making this industry better for all of us.

A “great turnout” of repairers gathered to discuss various factors impacting all of their shops, according to Richards. “We’re all dealing with similar things, and it’s always helpful when we can get together to share different perspectives.

In addition to conversing about proper repairs, the group delved into “why insurance companies pay what they pay,” Richards explained, noting, “It’s based on their policy language. A lot of them will say they only have to pay prevailing competitive prices for prevailing competitive practices, but they never share any information from those ‘surveys’ with shops. Instead, they tell us, ‘You’re the only one charging for this’ or ‘No one is doing that.’ We have to just take the insurer’s word for these things. A gentleman in attendance used to work as a Progressive estimator and now works at a body shop, and he was nodding in agreement as we discussed how the insurers take advantage of shops not communicating with one another.”

One solution is for like-minded shops to engage in open dialogue, Richards believes. “It’s not about telling one another what to do or what to charge, but when we get together, we can share

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resources, like National AutoBody Research’s Billable Genie. We can talk about the processes we’re performing and why safe repairs are so important for our customers. And we can all learn something from one another that we can take back to our own shops to implement and make our industry collectively stronger and more professional.”

A meeting highlight was when they went around the room to encourage each attendee to share a success story. “A lot of people were taking notes about things they can try, and that’s what it’s all about. This is why we go to meetings, why we should be talking to other shops in our area. It’s about unity.”

Richards praised the efforts of ABAT Board member Anthony Palomo (National Coatings & Supplies; Lubbock). “He’s been a great addition to our association and always has invaluable ideas that promote our goals and objectives. ABAT’s Lubbock chapter really seems to be doing something right, and I truly enjoyed getting together with such a great group of auto body guys.”

“I personally believe we have the best ABAT chapter meeting – possibly because they are the only ones I attend,” Palomo jokes. “We seriously have a great group who drive in from all over when we’re having a meeting. It’s hard to take time away from the dayto-day business, but coming together to get educated on the issues strengthens us individually and as an industry. That’s what ABAT is all about, and I’m glad to be a part of it.” TXA

TDI Issues Call for Appraisal Experience Data

The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) recently issued a call for insurers to submit data related to “the appraisal experience of residential property and personal auto insurers.” It appears that TDI is seeking to better understand how and when appraisal is used as well as what impact it has.

On the private passenger auto groups, the top 10 insurers (as listed in TDI’s 2023 Market Conditions Annual Report) are required to report; this list includes Allstate Insurance, Berkshire Hathaway, Farmers Insurance, Home State Insurance, Incline Property and Casualty, Liberty Mutual, Progressive, State Farm, Texas Farm Bureau Mutual and United Services Auto Association.

The data call seeks information related to overall statistics, such as how many appraisals were requested and how many lawsuits were filed, as well as claim-level details pertaining to the initial offer amount and the appraisal award amount. The deadline for insurers to report this information is July 12, 2024 (more details about the data call are available at tdi.texas.gov/company/data-callinstructions.html).

Why is TDI requesting this information? How do they plan to use it? Could this data benefit ABAT’s efforts related to Right to Appraisal in the 2025 legislative session? Texas Automotive will be reporting on this situation as more details are released. Stay tuned for updates as they become available. TXA

Industry Update

An Investment in Success: Wieländer+Schill Welding Equipment Provides Precision, Peace of Mind

What makes an elite collision repair facility? Expert technicians, impeccable attention to detail, unwavering adherence to OEM repair procedures and top-notch customer service. Just as important is the facility’s investment in cutting-edge, quality equipment. Wieländer+Schill’s full range of welders available through Reliable Automotive Equipment (RAE) helps leverage a shop’s investment into efficient, accurate repairs, elevating the overall customer experience while ensuring the vehicle is restored as close to preaccident condition as possible.

W+S welders help repairers performing a wide variety of welding repairs with simple, self-explanatory, intuitive operation and the highest safety standards. The InvertaPuls IP7-2 offers 2-button handling, dual 3G torches, ergonomic torch removal and narrow housing construction for ease of use in any size shop performing steel and aluminum welding, while the InvertaPuls IP6-2 uses Automatic Cold Transfer technology for a user-friendly MIG

brazing experience. Just select your material thickness!

The InvertaPuls IP4-3 is your go-to for steel, brazing and aluminum welding with automatic torch recognition, parameter retention and a 4-roller wire feed for seamless results. With 90 memory spots and 240A current, pulse and double-pulse welding procedures can be performed effortlessly. And shops looking for inverter technology need look no further than the MIG/MAG IM240-I, a powerhouse featuring a 4-roller drive

with trim adjustment and D300 wire spool compatibility for ensured precision. Dynamic pulse adjustment guarantees impeccable results on thin sheet metal as thin as 0.6mm.

For more information on the full line of Wieländer+Schill welders and all available equipment, service, training and support through Reliable Automotive Equipment, please visit raeservice.com. TXA

Wielander & Schill MIG welders ensure quality welds, every time.

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 ”

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!”

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

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 ”

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ABAT Feature

by Chasidy Rae Sisk

A Breed of Their Own: ABAT Honors the Ladies of Collision

Perspicacious. Selfless. Resilient. Compassionate. Vivacious. Superhero. These are just a few of the adjectives used to describe the honorees at ABAT’s Inaugural Night of Honor for Collision Industry Women, held last month at Cook’s Garage in Lubbock.

“There’s something special about the women in the collision repair business,” said ABAT Executive Director Jill Tuggle. “It’s almost like we are our own breed – so wildly unique yet still similar! Since industry events often attract fewer women, ABAT wanted to get the ladies together to network as we attempt to build a community among the women in our industry, locally and nationally.”

Over 100 attendees came together from all over the Lone Star State and even as far away as Chicago. While all women who work in collision were invited, ABAT encouraged managers to sponsor the ladies who work in their facilities for a fun-filled evening, and during the registration process,

sponsors were asked to describe their honoree using one word.

“I have never been able to quite put my finger on it or find the right adjectives to describe the women in this industry,” Tuggle noted. “There really isn’t a way to effectively sum it up, so we asked the folks who work closest with us to make an attempt, and we were blown away by some of the descriptions.”

Reading honorees’ names and those adjectives were a highlight of the evening as more than 50 honorees came to the front of the room amidst cheers and applause as they were recognized for the value they bring to the collision businesses where they pour their blood, sweat and tears every day.

The first Night of Honor for Collision Industry Women featured a special panel discussion with some very notable women representing the many facets of the auto body world. Carrie Coppi (Hub City Body Shop; Lubbock) offered an estimator’s insights, while Raven Hartkopf (Collin

College; Allen) shared her perspectives as a current college instructor and former shop employee. Flying in from Colorado, Erin Solis (Certified Collision Group; Fort Collins, CO) is a powerhouse with 25 years of industry experience who has worked in various capacities within shops in addition to facilitating 20 groups and serving on the Board for the Society of Collision Repair Specialists.

Tuggle moderated the dynamic conversation, designed “to bring excitement and encouragement to our careers. It’s the first time I’ve ever moderated a panel, but the discussion went better than I could have imagined. The group on stage was a perfect combination to share their experience and knowledge with everyone, and ABAT thanks them for participating. Attendees were engaged and asked great follow up questions. I’m pretty sure everyone walked away inspired…I know I did!”

Each honoree also got to choose a gift: a customized hat or a piece of jewelry. The evening’s festivities also included dinner, a photo booth and, of course, cocktails with friends.

“Everybody loved it; we’re definitely going to do it again!” Tuggle indicated ABAT’s intention to make the event an annual recurrence. Stay tuned to Texas Automotive for updates on exciting gatherings like this one, and if you haven’t already registered for next month’s Texas Auto Body Trade Show, what are you waiting for? Details on page 16.

TXA

Panelists offered inspiration and advice.

(L-R: Jill Tuggle, Erin Solis, Raven Hartkopf & Carrie Coppi)

During ABAT’s Inaugural Night of Honor for Collision Industry Women, 50 honorees were described by their managers in recognition of the difference they make every day in the workplace.

Reinventing Fun the ABAT Way at the 2024 Texas Auto Body Trade Show

When it comes to having a great time while still tending to business, ABAT really knows how to get ‘er done! In addition to an educational slate featuring the industry’s top trainers and dozens of exhibitors showcasing the latest and greatest tools, equipment and services, the 2024 Texas Auto Body Trade Show promises loads of exciting experiences unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere.

Taking place July 12-13 at the Irving Convention Center, the original auto body trade show in Texas – created FOR auto body shops BY auto body shops – boasts plenty of reasons for shops to mark their calendars, book a hotel room and get ready for an amazing time.

“Education, exhibition and Texas-sized fun…we’re excited to keep making the Texas Auto Body Trade Show bigger and better each year,” ABAT Executive Director Jill Tuggle shares. “I believe what has made this show such a success in less than a decade is our out-of-thebox thinking and attention to details, so we’re bringing back the classic crowd favorites and debuting some fresh new thrills on the show floor and after the show closes. Those after-hours conversations can be the most insightful, so we’ve made sure there are plenty of opportunities for networking and connecting with one another.”

“The camaraderie that exists among all of us is what truly sets the Texas Auto Body Trade Show apart from any other event of its kind,” agrees ABAT President Burl Richards. “Our attendees are passionate and engaged; we’re all in this together, and that positivity is infectious. No one who has attended the show has ever left without learning something new and having a great time!”

Classes begin early (flip to page 18 for the full training agenda), but the fun starts as soon as the trade show floor opens on Friday at 1pm. After checking in to pick up your name tag, attendees will want to grab a Booth Bingo card to fill in with the names of exhibitors visited for a chance to win $500 cash!

If you’re the competitive type, you’ll want to head over to the center of the Trade Show floor right away to register for the Fourth Annual BIG SHOTS Competition and show off your paint, body, glue pull or estimating skills for a chance to win $1,000 cash and other great prizes. The best of the best will walk away with the coveted title of

BIG SHOT painter, tech, PDF tech or estimator, and winners will be featured on the cover of an upcoming edition of Texas Automotive.

BIG SHOTS has become a highlight of the Texas Auto Body Trade Show since it debuted in 2021, and it grows each year.

“The BIG SHOTS Competition is near and dear to my heart,” Richards says. “I can’t wait to see everyone try their hand at proving they’re the ‘best in the business!’ Our technicians, painters, estimators and other shop personnel are the bloodline of collision repair…without them, it’s impossible to grow and strengthen this industry, so we want to recognize and celebrate them for the hard work they do every day.”

“We’ll have both live and virtual contests taking place on the show floor as industry professionals compete for big prizes and –more importantly – bragging rights,” Tuggle teases. “Whether you’re in paint, body, PDR or estimating, there’s a contest waiting for you, and you absolutely must plan to compete in our BIG SHOTS Competition. Some folks are just doing it for fun, while others are quite fierce because there’s a lot on the line! ABAT showers the BIG SHOTS winners in gifts, money and magazine coverage, so don’t miss the opportunity to sign up early this year!”

“No matter what role you fill in this industry, you’ve probably got a lot of pride in what you do, so this is your chance to prove you’re really as good as you think you are,” Richards challenges attendees to sign up for the competition. “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.”

ABAT is grateful to this year’s BIG SHOTS sponsors, which include 3M, AkzoNobel, Anson PDR, Car-O-Liner Southwest, CCC Intelligent Solutions, KECO Body Repair Products, Sherwin-Williams and Solidus Equipment.

Before the floor closes at 8pm on Friday, make sure to pop by ABAT’s booth to score a free ticket to the After Party at Bar Louie. It shouldn’t be too difficult to convince Tuggle to extend an invite to this exclusive by-invitation-only happening which provides a great opportunity to network with industry peers over appetizers and drinks

by Chasidy Rae Sisk

– there will even be a photo booth to document those great memories that you may not remember all that well in the morning.

“Even when the show floor closes for the evening, it’s not really over,” Richards quips. “The party is just getting started!”

“ABAT definitely knows how to throw a party, and our opening night After Party at Bar Louie is proof of that every year,” Tuggle notes. “The After Party is my personal baby and also my favorite part of the show. Not just because it’s a big party with food, drinks, a photo booth, games and fun that runs late into the evening (though that certainly works to the event’s benefit). It’s actually my favorite because it offers a phenomenal way to thank and celebrate our exhibitors who have given so much to be at the show.

“The party always offers more fun than you’d expect at an industry event, and you can bet we’ll have some extra surprises in store,” she adds, cautioning, “What happens at the photo booth does NOT stay at the photo booth; I get copies of ALL the pictures!”

A new addition to this year’s show will make its debut during the After Party – attendees will have a chance to score party items and free drink tickets from a claw machine. When the show floor reopens on Saturday at 10am, the claw machine will be set up at ABAT’s booth and will include all kinds of association swag and prizes.

An even more exciting inclusion at this year’s Trade Show will be the NASCAR simulator. Each attendee will have a chance to compete virtually for the fastest lap with one lucky winner walking away with two free tickets to any NASCAR race in the country! Need a second try? Stop by a sponsor booth for an extra chance to win. Sponsors for the NASCAR stimulator include NASCAR, All Clear Diagnostics and Calibration, Auto Claim Specialists, Car-O-Liner Southwest, English Color & Supply Inc. and Paint Works.

When you need a break from the exhibitors, be sure to visit the back parking lot and check out the English Color & Supply Car Show, a crowd favorite year after year. “English Color has sponsored an AMAZING car show each year,” Tuggle points out. “Whether you prefer a rat rod, custom build, muscle car or just a nicely restored classic, you will find it all at this Show.”

“This Car Show always features some of the hottest rides in the Dallas-Fort Worth area,” Richards offers. “Maybe you’ll even want to enter your own pet project for a chance to win a prize.”

The Texas Auto Body Trade Show features something for everyone, and that includes a little extra for the women of collision as ABAT brings back its Third Annual Ladies’ Event, taking place at Salt, a boutique tequila bar located at host hotel, the Texican Court. “ABAT loves to give credit where credit is due, and often there’s a woman involved in the business who doesn’t get enough accolades for all she does with grace and strength,” according to Tuggle. “The women in this business are a special breed. We are unique because we chose to be in this business of collision repair. I think there is a lot of power and synergy in what we bring to this industry, and as a female-run association, we want to bring the females in our business together to get to know each other.”

If all that wasn’t enough, the Texas Auto Body Trade Show takes place at the Irving Convention Center, which is located in the heart of the Toyota Music Factory, an entertainment district with tons of options for food, drinks and fun things to do! Enjoy dinner or a cocktail with some of the industry’s biggest names. “There’s plenty of fun to be had in the vicinity,” Richards states. “Between the Toyota Music Factory, movie theater, various dining (and drinking) options and even axe-throwing, the possibilities are endless – both within and

outside of the show.”

Exhibitors plan plenty of extra fun on the show floor too. From corn hole to spinning wheels and poker hands, you’ll have a chance to partake of it all, and you never know who might make an appearance; past celebrity guests have included Bitchin’ Rides’ Dave Kindig and Horny Mike of Counting Cars to name just a few!

And since the show is still a month away, don’t be surprised if ABAT has a few more surprises up their sleeves!

“The Texas Auto Body Trade Show sets itself apart by adding extra elements that make it so much more than a trade show. We have so much planned to benefit your business at the 2024 Texas Auto Body Trade Show,” Tuggle insists. “We pack all the most exciting parts of being in the automotive industry into two days filled with tools, equipment, a Car Show, celebrity appearances and some of the country’s top speakers providing education that you can’t get anywhere else…You CANNOT afford to miss this Show!”

“ABAT’s show gets bigger and better every year, and I’m completely confident that this will be the biggest and best Trade Show we’ve ever had, so you don’t want to miss it,” Richards promises. “Whether you’re a technician, a manager or an owner, the 2024 Texas Auto Body Trade Show is guaranteed to help you better yourself and your business. So, why wouldn’t you make the time to embrace this amazing chance to rub elbows with industry leaders and really shake things up in your shop?”

Stay tuned for more updates on the 2024 Texas Auto Body Trade Show in next month’s Texas Automotive. To learn more about the show and to register, visit abat.us/tradeshow TXA

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• Scholarship Program

• School Outreach Program

• Most Influential Women (MIW) Award

FRIDAY, JULY 12

(SHOW HOURS 1pm-8pm)

9am-10am | Classroom 1 (Option 1)

Creating Customer Experiences Beyond Transactional to Relational

Sheryl Driggers (Collision Advice)

9am-10am | Classroom 3 (Option 2)

Damage Appraisal Documentation

John Shoemaker (BASF)

9am-10am | Classroom 4 (Option 3)

Dent to Delivery: AI Tools & Strategies to Reduce Cycle Time

Tom Zoebelein (Capture the Keys)

10:15am-11:15am | Classroom 1 (Option 1)

Estimating for Seatbelt Inspections

Danny Gredinberg (Database Enhancement Gateway)

10:15am-11:15am | Classroom 3 (Option 2)

Do You Have Leaky Profit? Find Out Where Profit Leaks from Your Collision Center and How to Fill the Holes!

Ian Szilagyi (OEConnection)

10:15am-11:15am | Classroom 4 (Option 3)

Navigating Collision Repair Regulations & Insurance Terminology

ABAT President Burl Richards (Burl’s Collision Center; Henderson)

Robert McDorman (Auto Claim Specialists) and Attorney Travis Clardy (Clardy Law Offices)

11:30am-1:30pm | Junior Ballroom

Success Today, Success Tomorrow

Mike Anderson (Collision Advice)

4pm-6pm | Junior Ballroom

Repairidy! An Interactive Auto Body Game Show

Hosted by Danny Gredinberg (Database Enhancement Gateway) & Erin Solis (Certified Collision Group)

8pm: TRADE SHOW CLOSES

SATURDAY, JULY 13

(SHOW HOURS 10AM-6pm)

9am-10am | Classroom 1 (Option 1)

100% Disassembly

Mike Anderson (Collision Advice)

9am-10am | Classroom 4 (Option 2)

Contemporary Workforce Dynamics: What Does the Data Say and How Do History and Human Biology Play a Role?

Tony Adams (AkzoNobel)

10:15am-11:30am | Classroom 3 (Option 1)

Unveiling Trends & Reimbursement Strategies for Body Shop Materials

Yanni Koutmos (Eagle MMS)

10:15am-11:30am | Classroom 4 (Option 2)

Honest Conversations: How to Be YOUR Best

Clay Hoberecht (Best Body Shop; Wichita, KS)

1pm- 2:30pm | Junior Ballroom

Culture Club (panel discussion)

Panelists: ABAT President Burl Richards (Burl’s Collision Center; Henderson, TX), Tony Adams (AkzoNobel) & others; Moderated by Mike Anderson (Collision Advice)

6pm: TRADE SHOW CLOSES

*All

National News

by Alana Quartuccio

ABAT’S TUGGLE TALKS RIGHT TO APPRAISAL, TEXAS LEGISLATIVE EFFORTS AT CIC

ABAT’s battle cry for consumer rights in the legislative arena continues to be heard far and wide. The association has become well known throughout the industry as advocates for change. In fact, their work even earned them national recognition from the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) last fall at the Collision Industry Conference’s (CIC) 40th Anniversary Red Carpet Award ceremony where they were championed for “not just advocating, but specifically the work that they do with lawmakers to make sure they understand the issues that collision repairers are having in their state and how they are impacting consumers” (see grecopublishing. com/texas-automotive-december-2023).

when they realized that they let these policies sneak through. It is outlined on their website that the Right to Appraisal is a consumer right, but there is nothing anywhere on the legal books in the state.”

Although they have gotten the attention of the TDI and the Office of Public Insurance Council, “We really need to get some legislation passed. So, while we will be submitting our safe repairs bill and championing that all the way to the finish line, the Right to Appraisal is going to be something we also put extra effort into.”

against something that is very important to your business or voted for something that fits your business. Using our voices is the most important thing that we can do.” TXA

Tuggle Plays Toastmaster at Southeast Collision Conference

Most recently, ABAT Executive Director Jill Tuggle was invited to the CIC stage in Seattle, WA to join fellow local and national industry leaders in a panel discussion that covered legislative trends, expectations and insight into what collision shop owners can do at the local level to advocate for change. In response to Governmental Committee Chair Bob Redding’s (Automotive Service Association) query about state legislative trends, Tuggle pointed to some unique legislative efforts taking place in individual states such as South Carolina and Massachusetts, in addition to Texas. “We’ve got a great affiliate group where we communicate about these items, thanks to SCRS and Aaron [Schulenburg] facilitating these conversations,” she shared. “Each state is trying to pass legislation in regard to unique issues they face. Many states are submitting bills that address OE repair procedures, trying to get traction on getting proper compensation for consumers.”

Collision repairers want to produce no less than safe repairs, therefore states like Texas and Washington have pursued legislation that pushes for safe repairs; however, the opposing side has tried to twist their quest as being “anti-parts.”

“Insurers are not aligned with the legislation we want to pass yet,” Butler observed.

Tuggle shared in the sentiment by stating, “We experienced the same thing in Texas, where we submitted what we call the safe repairs bill, and our opposition repurposed that name and turned it into the OEM parts bill; it was not that whatsoever. In fact, we removed any OEM parts language from the bill a couple of sessions ago.

Tuggle identified Right to Appraisal at the top of the list. “We submitted that bill twice in Texas, and it’s high on our agenda for 2025. I believe South Carolina also has Right to Appraisal in their current bill and Nebraska as well. I’m sure we’ll be seeing it in other states soon, if they are not currently [pursuing it].” Contiguously, fellow panelist Jeff Butler of the Washington Independent Collision Repair Association stated his state has also sponsored legislation in support of OEM repair procedures and Right to Appraisal.

Tuggle gave the CIC audience a rundown of what led ABAT to pursue legislation in support of Right to Appraisal. “When Right to Appraisal was removed from some insurance policies, we were able to get the attention of the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI). It was kind of an ‘uh-oh’ moment for them

“We do want to create some safe standard for aftermarket parts,” she continued. “We want to create some standards for the parts that we use to fix those vehicles. A lot of our members, and I’m sure many people in America, agree that they would actually make more money repairing a vehicle with aftermarket parts, if those parts were tested for the same strength, weight and fitment so they have a little bit more peace of mind that the parts would fit properly and crash the same way. That’s really kind of the only thing partswise that enters into our bill language.”

Tuggle stressed her belief that “collision repairers have the power to change policy both on the state and national level. The most important thing that we can do is use our voice. Oftentimes, our opposition has very deep pockets. It would take years and years for us independent repairers to pool the money and resources necessary to get some of the meetings they can get together very easily.

“Legislators care about their constituents,” she went on to explain. “And they know that when the session is over, they have to go back and look you in the face. They have to see you at the barbecue joint, and they have to answer to you on why they voted

ABAT’s Jill Tuggle sure is one busy gal! The executive director made her way to Greensboro, NC to emcee the kickoff award celebration during last month’s Southeast Collision Conference, hosted by the Carolina’s Collision Association and the Washington Metropolitan Auto Body Association.

Tuggle reminded the audience to celebrate every single win. “Association work is a long game. It can be really challenging to get excited about some of the things you are working toward and not win the battle. What really matters in life are the lives you impact as you go along. Zoom in and take a look at what you have done. Those are the impactful moments.”

Tuggle championed the fellow associations for their accomplishments, and she gave kudos to the affiliate group facilitated by Aaron Schulenburg (Society of Collision Repair Specialists) which brings together 40 state associations, including ABAT, to share ideas and learn from each other. “In addition to growth in our local associations, we are also seeing growth in our industry,” she added. “We’ve got these amazing groups that just really support us so well, and it’s such a positive environment.”

Jill Tuggle during the SCC Awards Dinner

by Chasidy Rae Sisk

FAIR OR FOUL? FORD DEALER OFFERS OPT-OE PARTS FOR OE PRICES

“Quality means doing it right when no one is looking.” Henry Ford’s famous quote speaks to a level of integrity that many aspire to achieve…many, but not all.

Over the past couple of months, David Osburn (David McDavid Ford Collision Center; Fort Worth) noticed something odd related to parts pricing. “Insurers began writing estimates that called for opt-OE parts from [a Central Texas Ford dealership] due to the lower price, but when I called the dealership to order the part, I was told that my cost would be the same as for an OE part, even though the MSRP for the opt-OE part is significantly less than MSRP for a new OE part. Well, that doesn’t make a lot of sense – if I’m buying a less expensive part, I should be paying less! How could my cost be the same?”

Osburn reached out to several different people associated with the dealership and was appalled when he was repeatedly told that the dealer does not actually have or sell optOE parts. “They claim it is just a marketing ‘strategy,’ though it seems more like a marketing scheme,” Osburn recounts. “They’re

lowering the MSRP, but my cost is the same, so they’re cutting into my profitability. This dealership is reducing the list price by a few percentage points, claiming it’s because they’re selling an opt-OE part, but there’s no difference in the price they want to charge me. They are cutting into my profit.”

As a Board member of ABAT, Osburn takes this situation extremely seriously because it doesn’t just impact his shop; it also impacts independent shops that are being pushed toward these opt-OE parts. “They are cutting what little profits exist for these small businesses that are starving and struggling to stay open. Meanwhile, I hear that they’ve had to rent another warehouse to stock their $30 million in inventory. They are rolling in money that they’ve essentially taken right out of shop owners’ pockets.”

Arguing with insurers about the parts being written proved unfruitful, so Osburn filed a complaint with CCC. “They chose not to make any changes and not to remove the dealer as a vendor,” he reports.

Osburn reached out to the parts manager

regarding the “fabricated list” prices. “What you are doing is deceptive and should not be allowed,” Osburn wrote. “You are lowering the list price on OEM parts and taking profits away from repair shops. Many of those shops are already struggling to survive, and you are putting another nail in their coffin.” They never answered.

Texas Automotive also reached out to the parts manager to request his perspective on this situation. We asked the following questions:

• Does your dealership’s parts department sell opt-OE parts?

• If not, why are you listing opt-OE parts on your CCC vendor profile?

• If yes, why are you charging shops standard OEM prices on opt-OE parts?

• Do you understand how this situation is impacting collision shops by reducing their markup on parts & negatively impacting their profitability?

• How do you justify this seemingly deceptive practice?

• Is Ford aware of this practice?

No response was received, but another shop owner shared his experience with the same dealership’s supposed opt-OE parts. “I spoke with my parts salesperson and complained about the practices of their dealership with opt-OE parts,” explained Brian Brunson (Auto Tech Services Collision; Mansfield). “He inquired with their management and was told that this is a Ford program that FMCO pushes down to the larger dealers only to sell returned inventory and/or factory blemished parts.

“I’ve ordered parts from them on this program before that had a lower list price, but my cost was the same as buying new OEM parts (NOT opt-OE parts),” he continued. “These parts were also delivered here by a third-party vendor that were picked up at the Dallas Ford parts depot. The dealer never touched these parts. It appears that this is either a Ford program, or this dealership is simply messing up the market for all other dealers and those shops that are having to purchase these parts. I think we need an answer from Ford!”

Texas Automotive attempted to gauge Ford Motor Company’s stance on this situation. After explaining the scenario described above, we questioned if Ford has knowledge of such practices. We also asked about Ford’s stance on opt-OE parts.

continued on pg. 22

President’s Message

continued from pg. 4

plan: Is it required and necessary to restore the vehicle to its pre-loss condition? Are you performing those processes and procedures? If so, don’t you deserve to get paid? And if not, are you really going to be able to sleep at night when the vehicle gets in a subsequent accident and someone dies because a safety feature didn’t perform the way it was intended?

Each time a shop removes a necessary process from their repair plan, even if your appraiser “promises to make it up to you some other way,” that gives the insurer ammunition to claim it’s not a prevailing practice. It allows them to tell other shops that they are “the only one” asking for that, and if a shop isn’t confident in standing their ground, they just might decide that means it’s not required. They may return an unsafe vehicle to a consumer, and that vehicle is driving on OUR roadways, endangering all of us.

We know the game is rigged. How else could insurers be so wrong so often? But the Appraisal Clause allows us to bring these injustices to light. ABAT is going to keep beating this drum. We want to educate shops, so you can educate your customers. Make sure you attend the Texas Auto Body Trade Show next month, so you can learn more about our ongoing legislative efforts to require mandatory Right to Appraisal in all Texas insurance policies. Our industry needs to change the tide, and ensuring all consumers have a right to proper indemnification seems like the perfect place to start.

burl@burlscollision.com

Executive Director’s Message

continued from pg. 6

Someone recently asked me in an interview: “I have noticed some of the best shops in America are members of their state association. Are they the best because they are members, or are they members because they are the best?” It’s a great question and I think the answer is both. Iron sharpens iron, and rough diamonds are cut into brilliance using other diamonds – surround yourself with your peers, and you too will shine above the rest!

Local Feature

jill@abat.com

continued from pg. 20

“Ford Motor Company does not own or operate its dealerships or control dealer pricing. Dealers are responsible for their own prices on products that they sell,” wrote Cathleen O’Hare, manager of Ford Dealer Communications.

Brunson recently had a similar experience with a local GM dealership. “Something smells here! Maybe it’s time for shops to boycott buying from these suppliers since our cost isn’t changing,” he suggests. “No reason to feed the beast!”

Has your shop experienced a similar situation with a local dealership or parts supplier? We’d love to hear from you! Share your story by emailing alana@grecopublishing.com TXA