Texas Automotive July 2019

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July 2019 $5.95

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

www.grecopublishing.com

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Contents on the

cover

JULY 2019

16

A NEW ERA OF EXCELLENCE:

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

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

ABAT’s 2019 Texas Auto Body Trade Show Takes Shape

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

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 13 20

Treasurer David Osburn South West Collision Center dosburn@southwestautogroup.com (855) 395-2720

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

PRESIDENT’S MESSAgE By Burl Richards The Rules of the Game EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAgE By Jill Tuggle New Year’s Resolutions?

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

EDITOR’S MESSAgE By Joel Gausten Great Times Ahead ASK THE EXPERT By Robert L. McDorman What is One of the Most Bizarre Claims You Have Handled?

VENDOR SPOTLIgHT By Alana Bonillo AAMS, Inc.

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

ASSOCIATION NEWS 22 ABAT MEMBER SHOP PROFILE 23 ABAT MEMBER APPLICATION

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Lea Velocci / lea@grecopublishing.com

24 HABA NEWS 26 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 ..........................................................19 AAMStraining.com ....................................................21 Beacon Equipment Resources ..............................10 CAR-O-LINER Southwest ........................................7 Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land................................15 Classic Chevrolet Grapevine..................................19 Dallas Dodge..............................................................OBC Ecotech ........................................................................IBC FindPigtails.com ........................................................10 Innovative Collision Equipment ............................11

Intrepid Direct Insurance ........................................25 J&J Paint Supply ........................................................9 Phantom Equipment & Hydraulic Repair ............5 PPG ..............................................................................IFC Reliable Automotive Equipment............................12 Sherwin-Williams ......................................................IFC Spanesi ........................................................................11 Tasco Auto Color ......................................................15 Wheel Technologies ................................................8

3 JULY 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 Rules of the game ABAT has a full plate these days.

After making headway in defending consumer safety during the latest legislative session, we are now gearing up for the 2019 Texas Auto Body Trade Show in Fort Worth. The engagement from new and returning exhibitors has already been phenomenal, and some of them share their enthusiasm for the upcoming show in this month’s cover story. I encourage everyone reading this to come out to the Will Rogers Memorial Center on September 20 and 21 and be a part of this historymaking event.

W When I compare where ABAT was at the time of last year’s show to where we are now, it’s clear that our message is getting out there. People are reading Texas Automotive and taking the time to check out Jill Tuggle’s Executive Director’s Messages, Robert McDorman’s “Ask the Expert” features and the rest of our valuable content. is magazine is here to better inform you of what’s happening in Texas and beyond. You owe it to yourself to become better educated and understand the rules of the game. is includes understanding why you do or do not receive reimbursement for your posted rates for specific procedures.

ABAT and HABA have been working hard to provide the answer to this and many other questions. We’ve held

meetings with the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) and have had direct communication with the Office of the Texas Attorney General. Additionally, various members of ABAT and HABA have had individual conversations with various state entities. We are well on our way to making things right.

At the end of the day, the insurance companies only have to pay what’s “prevailing.” If you want to be reimbursed and see your customers be indemnified for your processes and procedures, then the only way that’s going to happen is for our rates to define what “prevailing” is in reality. If shops continue to respond to the obstacles around them by saying, “Well, this insurer won’t pay for this or won’t do this

Burl Richards ABAT President or that,” these companies will simply keep doing what they’ve always done – and we’ll keep paying the price.

Addressing the rate issue here in Texas is not all about getting a higher number on our invoices; it’s more about getting your technicians paid for everything they do on the shop floor. We need to improve our bottom lines in order to better provide for our employees and their families. at’s one of the biggest reasons why we’re in this fight, and it is why we’ll never stop doing everything we can to turn things around.

In other news, I recently had the pleasure of attending the Southern Automotive Repair Conference (SARC) in New Orleans, LA. I was honored to participate in industry-related panels with the likes of Aaron Schulenburg of the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) and Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood. With the help of shop owner John Mosley (Clinton Auto Body; Clinton/Richland, MS), I was able to present the Honda Fit that was involved in the Seebachan case during the show. Attendees were blown away to see the car and learn more about the landmark case that unfolded here in Texas. As I said earlier in this message, the word is spreading. It’s only a matter of time until all consumers receive the safe and dependable repairs they deserve.

TXA

burl@burlscollision.com 4 JULY 2019 Texas Automotive

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5 JULY 2019 Texas Automotive

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Executive Director’s Message

New Year’s resolutions?

H

Happy Summer!

It’s the time of year when things typically tend to slow down just a bit, but this rarely seems to be a reality in our business. e numbers this time of year tend to be a little bleak, but it’s often hectic when you’re covering for an estimator or office manager during summer vacation time. However daunting, these tough weeks are short lived, and shop life will need to find other ways to fill your time. Are you using these few extra minutes for purposeful tasks? Let’s revisit something: New Year’s resolutions.

July 2 is the 183rd day of the year, marking the exact midpoint of 2019. I wrote to you in January about resolutions and how, like me, many of us don’t even make them. If we do, we usually end up either breaking them or forgetting all about them by May. Do

you remember what you wanted to change this year? In the January issue of Texas Automotive, I made a suggestion to join ABAT and let us be a resource for change in your business. Here’s an excerpt from that message: is year, most shops will be gearing up for future success, gearing up to sell or strapping in to hang on and see what happens. If you’re strapping in to hang on, I fear that will be a short ride. If you’re gearing up for success, then consider making ABAT membership a part of your plan. Attend a meeting in your area and see what we have to offer you. All you have to do is show up. is is a glass-half-empty/half-full situation, and the half-full glass is still very thirst-quenching. You still have 182 days (give or take a few, thanks to

Jill Tuggle ABAT Executive Director the US mail system) to fully commit to working on your business. In the last several months, we have worked tirelessly to try to pass legislation that would immediately benefit every upstanding shop in Texas – member of ABAT or not. We are working hard on our 2019 Texas Auto Body Trade Show to bring in speakers and exhibitors from all over the country to deliver the latest education, equipment and technology right here to our home state. Behind the scenes, our president, Burl Richards, is calling me weekly to do the background work and chase down ideas to see if something is worth bringing to our members. ere is so much that we are offering you, but we need your membership to be able to bring these ideas to life.

So, if we all forgot our New Year’s resolutions, I’m giving us all permission right now to make a mid-year’s resolution. (Like a millennial, I’m operating on the mindset that we can just make up new things as we please.)

Heck, let’s even make a hashtag for it: #MidYearsResolution.

TXA

jill@abat.com

6 JULY 2019 Texas Automotive

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Editor’s Message

Great Times Ahead Joel Gausten Editor

A

As this issue of Texas Automotive hits the streets, we’re less than three months away from the 2019 Texas Auto Body Trade Show. is year’s event, which will take place September 20-21 at the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, will be like no other event in ABAT history. Earlier this year, the association partnered with Greco Publishing – the company that produces this magazine – to create a stronger, more comprehensive show experience for repairers, vendors and other industry professionals in the Lone Star State.

In addition to increased exhibitor support, this year’s show will boast an extensive educational slate that expands on the successes of past events and adds fresh perspectives on industry issues

that matter to the survival and growth of every body shop in Texas.

If you’ve never attended this show, this will be the year to devote two days to explore the best training, discussions, education and networking opportunities available in your industry. is month’s cover story offers a small taste of what’s to come. Stay tuned for more news and updates in our issues leading up to this unforgettable event. More information on the 2019 Texas Auto Body Trade Show is available at abat.us/events/2019tradeshow. is year’s Trade Show coincides with the one-year anniversary of Texas Automotive. It has been a true pleasure for all of us here at Greco Publishing to work alongside ABAT and HABA in

representing the goals, hard work and dedication of one of the most active states in the national collision repair scene. Moving forward, we will strive to make this magazine an even greater asset to your business. We are always available to you if you have news, ideas and experiences that will better inform our readership. With a great show on the way and a second year of Texas Automotive right around the corner, I can say in all confidence that the best is yet to come.

TXA

joel@grecopublishing.com

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Ask the Expert

By Robert L. McDorman

What is one of the most bizarre claims you have handled?

Dear Mr. McDorman: Each month, I read your responses to various questions from readers. As I read through them, I routinely see similarities between the other readers’ issues and ones that I have. I have found that several of the editorials have helped me resolve some of these problems. I am sure through your years of handling insurance claims, you have seen your share of bizarre situations and outcomes. Can you tell us about a unique claim that you have handled and its outcome?

Thank you for your question. Almost every day, something out of the ordinary arrives at our office in regard to the carrier’s management of

motor vehicle claim loss. Our database meticulously documents the findings and outcomes. There is a relatively simple recipe to creating a unique claim and its outcome.

However, there have been a couple of unique situations that totally caught me off guard. Here is one that comes to mind.

In May 2018, I had an insured call me in reference to a procedural issue on the repair plan for his 2017 Ford Mustang Roush Stage 3. This loss occurred on February 7, 2018. The issue at hand was that the potential client’s insurance carrier’s appraiser wrote a repair estimate for $9,056.63. The collision facility had written a preliminary repair estimate for $61,037.75 and informed the carrier the Mustang could not be safely returned to its OEM pre-loss condition.

The repair facility adamantly recommended the

13 JULY 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 vehicle be deemed a total loss. Our potential client’s insurance carrier refused to objectively look at the facts and analyze its repair estimate, and it insisted the car was repairable. After the insured spent over five months dealing with the insurance carrier, the insured hired us on July 26, 2018. Shortly after we were retained, we invoked the right of appraisal with the insurer. The carrier accepted and retained their independent third-party appraiser and provided us with their contact information.

The insurance carriers’ independent third-party appraiser and I agreed with the collision facility’s preliminary repair plan for $61,037.75. The insurance carriers’ independent third-party appraiser and I agreed the Mustang could not be safely returned to its OEM pre-loss condition and was in fact a total loss. We both agreed to construct our separate loss statements and send to each other to review.

At the conclusion of our negotiations, we ended up agreeing on an actual cash value (ACV) of $57,000 for the Mustang. We signed the Binding Agreement Letter, and the independent third-party appraiser who was retained by my client’s insurance carrier accepted it and turned it into his client. The next day, the independent appraiser who was appointed by the insurance carrier called me and informed me his client was not going to accept our agreement to deem the vehicle a total loss. After reviewing the pictures, the carrier’s desk review adjuster was confident the car was not a total loss and could be repaired for $9,053.63.

After several days of negotiations with the carrier’s independent appraiser, and at the request of the carrier, we agreed to select an umpire to review both loss statements and issue a ruling. On September 30, 2018, the umpire ruled that the Mustang could not be returned to its pre-loss OEM condition and awarded an ACV of $63,000. At this point, the carrier agreed that its original $9,056.63 repair estimate could not safely repair the Mustang, deemed it a total loss and paid our client the ACV award. On October 24, 2018, the carrier picked up the Mustang from the collision facility and paid the collision facility $18,719.62 in related fees, including blueprint, inspection, teardown and storage.

Over the years, we have handled thousands of complex appraisal clause assignments. The catalysts for a unique claim handling situation are inexperience, a refusal to listen to the

The catalysts for a unique claim handling situation are inexperience, a refusal to listen to the facts, an inability to comprehend the facts, greed, disrespect, stubbornness, ignorance, an inability to learn and an unwillingness to change. Any two of these are ingredients for disaster. facts, an inability to comprehend the facts, greed, disrespect, stubbornness, ignorance, an inability to learn and an unwillingness to change. Any two of these are ingredients for disaster. The appraisal process in most policies will allow the insured the relief needed to ensure they are made whole. The appraisal process in most policies grants the insured the right to remove the inexperienced claim handler’s ability to mismanage the claim and place it in the hands of experienced professionals to adequately manage the loss.

The spirit of the Appraisal Clause is to resolve loss disputes fairly and to do so in a timely and cost-effective manner. Through the Appraisal Clause, loss disputes can be resolved relatively quickly, economically, equitably and amicably by unbiased, experienced, independent third-party appraisers when compared to mediation, arbitration and litigation.

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 equals value. I thank you for your questions and look forward to any follow-up questions that may arise.

14 JULY 2019 Texas Automotive

Sincerely, Robert L. McDorman TXA

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Cover Story

By Joel Gausten

A NEW ERA OF EXCELLENCE: ABAT’s 2019 Texas Auto Body Trade Show Takes Shape

The greatest industry event in Texas is right around the corner.

On September 20 and 21, the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth will host ABAT’s 2019 Texas Auto Body Trade Show. For the first time in the event’s history, the association has partnered with omas Greco Publishing, Inc. – the team behind Texas Automotive and the annual NORTHEAST® Automotive Services Show for the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ) – to elevate the its presence in the industry and take it to the next level. “is year’s show will be bigger than ever before, so there will be more people to network with,” says ABAT President Burl Richards. “With technology changing so quickly, you need to get educated and know what’s going on in the industry. You’re going to walk away from this show with information that you can utilize the first day you go back to work.” ose who have attended the Trade Show in the past can expect big and very positive advancements in this year’s education schedule.

“Over the years, we’ve gone through a lot of different evolutions in the balance between the show and the educational component,” explains ABAT Executive Director Jill Tuggle. “is started off years ago as an educational event and morphed into a trade show. Now, with our Trade Show growing with more exhibitors, we’ve made a lot of changes to our education program to keep the traffic on the exhibitor floor steady at all times.” e updated educational format this year will include shortened course times, concurrently running classes and caps on the number of people who can attend each offering. Topics discussed will run the gamut from improving customer service to receiving more adequate compensation for performing OEM-required/recommended procedures. During “How to Get Paid for Your Work: Receiving Proper Compensation for Proper Repairs,” vehicle value expert and Texas Automotive “Ask the Expert” writer Robert McDorman (Auto Claim Specialists) will lead attendees through techniques and strategies continued on page 18

The Texas Auto Body Trade Show is known to attract large crowds eager to learn.

16 JULY 2019 Texas Automotive

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Cover Story

Robert McDorman of Auto Claim Specialists will return as a presenter at this year's Trade Show. for shops to successfully receive proper payment on performing repairs to OEM specifications, using real-world examples from his experiences out in the field.

“People who attend my seminar can expect to understand how to manage and prepare claims so they’re properly paid,” he says. “It’s my belief that the vehicle’s value is one of the most critical components in the valuing of the claim. If the value is improper, then it will affect the diminished value of that claim and the decision by the carrier to either deem the car a total loss or fix it. It’s important that shop owners know how important

the vehicle’s value is in the processing of their claim.”

For “Use BillableGenie to Get Paid for More Procedures at Better Rates,” veteran Texas Auto Body Trade Show presenters Sam and Richard Valenzuela of National AutoBody Research (NABR) will discuss BillableGenie, which Sam describes as “the industry’s first researchable database of actual repair data from actual insurer-written and-paid estimates.” e seminar will explore how the product links to NABR’s Variable Rate System (VRS) Labor Rate Survey to help shops level the playing field in getting paid for not-included procedures and operations.

“Looking at the data, our observation has been that insurers pay very inconsistently around the country,” explains Sam. “When they talk to body shops, they even use the phrase, ‘We don’t pay that in your market.’ To us, that makes no logical sense.”

Other Texas Auto Body Trade Show speakers slated to appear include (but are not limited to) Shawn Collins (3M), Ron Reichen (Precision Body & Paint) and Burl Richards. (An extensive overview of the complete educational schedule will be featured in next month’s Texas Automotive.)

With this year’s event just around the corner, show exhibitors from the Texas area and beyond are signing up to take advantage of the rare form of in-person networking offered at this year’s show. ABAT member Jon Curlee, president of AAMS, Inc., has been exhibiting at the Trade Show since the very beginning and looks forward to expanding on the

The 2019 TEXAS AUTO BODY TRADE SHOW is proudly presented by ABAT, with support from the following generous sponsors.

Diamond Show Sponsor

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Silver Show Sponsors

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18 JULY 2019 Texas Automotive

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tremendous sales he enjoyed at the 2018 gathering.

“At last year’s show, I was working on an account, and one of those people was there. [We] talked to them; as a result of going to the Trade Show, we landed one of the biggest customers we’ve ever had!”

Inspired by his success as a first-time exhibitor last year, David Willett of Intrepid Direct Insurance has already signed on to take part in the festivities this September and is excited to reconnect with other attendees.

“We had a good flow last year, and we’re expecting a greater flow this year. We hope to land even more business while helping current insureds update and gain more knowledge. e more times you get an opportunity to touch them, the better.”

Willet is thrilled to once again support ABAT and the efforts made by Richards, Tuggle and other members to strengthen the automotive field in their home state.

“I love the fact that they’re trying to impact things for the good and not just re-plow already plowed ground. ey’re not afraid to venture into new areas and make something happen for the good of everyone.”

For Will Godina, area sales manager for Silver Show Sponsor Sherwin-William Automotive Finishes, appearing at the show for another year will provide a level of enthusiasm that is unmatched by other opportunities in the market.

“Although this is a niche industry, people have a lot of passion. I enjoy seeing new faces come to this event and new people wanting to better themselves and their businesses. Most importantly, they want to better the customer experience.”

With ABAT earning headlines nationwide in recent months due to its efforts to pass House Bill 1348 in support of proper repairs and consumer safety, it’s no surprise that the association’s commitment to OEM-specified procedures will be reflected in what many exhibitors will have to offer at the show.

“Products that we provide are all within OEM specs to make sure that the shops understand that the sermon ABAT is trying to preach is something we can help back up,” offers Norton Regional Sales Manager Kirby Stephens. In addition to supporting the event with a Refreshment Break sponsorship, Stephens is pleased to again exhibit this year and support the association and “the light they are shedding on our industry [by] helping the shops become more aware of OEM procedures.”

From exhibitors showcasing the latest in automotive technology to seminars that will guarantee greater success in the field, the 2019 Texas Auto Body Trade Show will provide you with an experience you will not find anywhere else in the Lone Star State. More information is available at abat.us/events/2019tradeshow. To register, please visit ibk.nyc/tab.

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Vendor Spotlight

By Alana Bonillo

AAMS, Inc. Everyone who owns a body shop of any size knows they need to comply with a variety of state and federal regulations, but even the most conscientious industry professional can let things fall through the cracks now and then.

Some of the most overlooked guidelines on shop floors pertain to environmental standards, which could lead to sudden and costly inspections by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). e probability of shops getting into trouble increases when they don’t have specific safety systems in place or attempt to implement them on their own without professional guidance. ankfully, AAMS, Inc. is available to provide affordable and dependable safety regulation assistance to facilities in Texas and beyond.

AAMS, Inc. currently serves over 300 shops nationally and is the preferred safety vendor for CARSTAR, MAACO and Joe Hudson’s Collision Centers.

Headquartered in Irving, AAMS, Inc. offers a variety of safety and compliance programs that include initial, monthly, quarterly and annual tasks. e company supplies clients with various self-service tools to ensure they are in complete compliance with OSHA and the EPA. Company Founder and President Jon Curlee created AAMS, Inc. to provide clients with peace of mind when an environmental inspector comes knocking on their doors.

“Shops have fire insurance for their buildings. Do they think their building is going to burn down? Probably not, but they have insurance just in case. My program is similar.

Are they going to get hit by OSHA? Probably not, but they could. ere could be an accident or death, or someone could make a complaint.

When that happens, they have our system in place. ey show it to OSHA or the EPA. Every time shops have used our system when OSHA has walked through the door, those shops have walked away without a fine.”

Jon Curlee of AAMS, Inc. at the 2018 Texas Auto Body Trade Show

AAMS, Inc. aims to help smaller independent shops fulfill their environmental obligations by providing them with self-service tools that the facilities’ managers can follow and implement. For example, AAMS, Inc. clients are provided materials to properly perform inhouse tasks including monthly fire extinguisher inspections.

“Sometimes, shops get behind on things, so we just help them get caught up.”

According to Curlee, cluttered and/or blocked fire extinguishers and a lack of an eyewash station are among the most common environmental oversights committed at shops.

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e company provides a host of comprehensive training opportunities for clients via aamstraining.com.

As a highly unique element to its offerings, AAMS, Inc. provides services for free if clients purchase parts from the company’s approved Ford, Nissan, Honda, Toyota and Chrysler client dealerships.

For more information on AAMS, Inc., please contact Jon Curlee at (817) 919-6021/ jon@aamsparts.com, Jackie Riggs at (940) 4655099 or see their ad on the facing page.

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THE AAMSTRAINING.COM

DEALERSHIP AND COLLISION SPECIFIC ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE PROGRAM

ADVANTAGE

Features: • Employee and shop compliance • MSO, corporate, franchise custom view • Certificates and reports for OSHA & DRP requirements • Online storage for all compliance documents • Customized dashboard to see shop’s compliance status • Unique owner/admin login to manage compliance progress • Email reminders of uncompleted tasks Annual Employee OSHA/EPA Training • Annual Fit Testing Training

& Notification • OSHA required Written Programs • Annual EPA Test and Certification • Auto Lift Certified Inspection • Recordkeeping Training • Job Hazard Analysis Training and Documentation • Unlimited Online Respirator Medical Evaluations • and more!

For a full list of services included in the program visit aamstraining.com

Addressing safety issues in the workplace can result in: • Increased productivity • Higher quality products • Increased morale • Reduced turnover • Reduced injuries • Improved labor/management relations

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ABAT Member Profile

By Alana Bonillo

Moritz body shop When in need of automotive and collision repair services, consumers in Fort Worth know that Moritz is the name they can believe in and trust.

Moritz Dealerships have been serving the greater Fort Worth community for well over 50 years. Family-owned and operated since the very beginning, the company is currently overseen by secondgeneration owner John David Moritz. at familial spirit can be felt throughout the entire operation, including its body shop.

“We aren’t a team; we are a family,” states Moritz Body Shop Manager Dean Griffin. “Everyone [in our 17-member collision team] puts in their weight. Every single one. We cover each other’s back. at’s what it’s all about.”

A 37-year veteran of the collision repair industry, Griffin has spent the past 19 years serving at the helm of the Moritz body shop.

He runs a quality operation that is all about serving the consumer. is includes using only OEM procedures. When it comes to battling insurance companies in this area, he will fight for what he knows is right – fixing cars the correct way, the OEM way.

With his owner’s consent and full trust, Griffin pulled Moritz away from any and all Direct Repair contracts about seven years ago. e work that now comes through their door is the direct result of the solid reputation and strong relationships they built through serving their customers well over the years.

“If I don’t have customers, I have nothing.”

And their shop is always busy. Much of this is a testament to having a dedicated crew that performs superior repairs. Most of the team has been with Griffin for 10 years or longer.

“Do quality work and use quality paint, and you will have no issues. We go the extra mile for our customers.”

Moritz specializes in Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, Jeep and Kia. Griffin makes sure that the team keeps up with their training through General Motors, Chrysler and I-CAR. Although he has a solid team, he has concerns that the younger generation isn’t exactly swarming into the industry these days.

“ere aren’t a lot of technicians getting into this business because they can’t make a living. at’s been a problem for a long time, unfortunately.”

Passionate about the industry and driven by the hope that there will be positive changes coming down the line, Griffin has been serving on the ABAT Board of Directors since the very beginning.

Shortly after attending the first gathering in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, he soon found himself on the Board.

“I got voted in. ey just said, ‘We need you,’ and I said, ‘Okay, I will do what I can.’ I’ve been there ever since.” e body shop itself is a member of ABAT and stands behind the association’s work. “[ABAT has] definitely been a thorn in that ol’ heinie; there’s no doubt about that. ere’s a lot of stuff that has changed in a short period of time, which wouldn’t have changed at all if nobody was doing anything.”

He believes ABAT’s efforts thus far have helped bring some positive changes in regard to OEM procedures. e association’s recent work surrounding House Bill 1348 certainly “turned a few heads” and then some. “at’s what helps me keep fighting – seeing that there may be some light somewhere. We won’t lie down. We’ll never lie down.”

As for his own future, Griffin himself has no plans to do anything but what he has been doing for almost four decades now.

“I enjoy it too much.”

The Moritz Body Shop team is proud to provide safe, dependable repair services.

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HABA News A Chat with haba’s member of the year During the Houston Auto Body Association’s 10th Annual Membership Appreciation Event in May, longtime shop owner and industry advocate Larry Cernosek received the well-earned honor of being named the 2019 HABA Member of the Year (presented by association President John Kopriva). The recognition was the latest achievement in a decades-long career marked by consumer support and community outreach.

HABA Member of the Year Larry Cernosek (left) with his son Lance

Cernosek’s celebrated career in the industry dates back to 1975. After stints working at a chemical plant and performing various maintenance work for a series of drive-in movie theaters in Houston, he started Cernosek Wrecker Service. He also joined up with a partner in taking over a pre-existing shop, Carnales Paint & Body. Five years later, he struck out on his own and launched Deer Park Paint & Body in Deer Park.

In his early years as a sole shop owner, Cernosek made it a point to become active in industry associations, which at the time included the Texas Collision Association and an early incarnation of HABA. Even while running two very successful businesses, he made the commitment to volunteer his time and energy to work with these groups in bettering the industry. In his mind, there was – and remains – no choice but to be involved.

“We’re so regulated by government agencies, both on the towing side and body shop side. What used to be called the State

Board of Insurance [now the Texas Department of Insurance] was supposed to regulate the insurance companies, but it’s just like today. Nothing is done to protect the public like they say they do.”

During the 2001 Texas legislative session, he was able to get a bill passed called the “Insurance Dumping Bill,” which required an insurance company that paid a total loss claim to pick the total loss vehicle up and pay the towing and storage charges.

Recently, he was one of many HABA members to actively support passage of House Bill 1348. He got permission from the State Preservation Board to park the Honda Fit involved in the Seebachan case on the Capitol grounds during the association’s “Collision Day” in Austin earlier this year to show why repairs need to be done to manufacturers’ specifications.

Although the bill was on the House calendar and time ran out this legislative session, he still sees the collective effort as a critical step forward in protecting the safety 24 JULY 2019 Texas Automotive

of consumers and the professional integrity of repairers.

“To have 100 people come to Austin and stand up and say they’re representing the auto body industry was unbelievable! A whole lot of people were educated on the collision repair industry, including our state legislators. I think insurance companies realized that we’re not going away. We’re going to keep going back until we get something done. We really set the groundwork this past session, and it should be a whole lot easier to get it done in the next session.”

Looking back over the past year and to the present, Kopriva believed that Cernosek was an obvious pick for HABA’s Member of the Year. “ere are numerous members in the association who would have made an excellent pick, but one member kept coming to mind: Larry Cernosek. He had been involved in our legislative process before when we first presented our bill at the Capitol in Austin. Larry knew how much work it was going to take to make this legislative session a success. He pushed hard for House Bill 1348 and for putting safety before profitability. What better person for the President’s Award?”

Speaking on behalf of the automotive field is nothing new for Cernosek, who has spent his career appearing at conferences and other events throughout the country.

In 2000, these and other activities led to his induction into the International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame.

“It just makes you feel good that people are out there watching what you’re doing and seeing your success.”

Away from his day-to-day commitments to his businesses, Cernosek has a history of active participation in a

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host of charitable organizations. He is the past chairman of Sarah’s House, an emergency center in Pasadena for women and children who need a place to stay until they’re back on their feet.

“Sarah’s House was started at my church. A lady named Sarah was walking down the street with her two kids and came in and started telling some women at our church that she was down and out and needed a place to stay. e church women took her in; from there, two ladies at our church formed the charity.”

Additionally, he helped organize the annual Golf Tournament for e Wheelhouse, a Deer Park-based addiction rehabilitation center, for 10 years. He has also devoted considerable time to helping e Rose, an organization that provides mammograms for women who can’t afford them, and he is also a past member of the Deer Park Rotary Club.

Although Cernosek is well known in the Texas auto body and towing scenes, his greatest joy comes in being a family man. His wife, Sylvia, worked as a banker for 35 years. His son Joshua is the creative director for the Red Door eatre

Company in the Woodlands, while his daughter, Leah, works on the administrative side at Facebook. His son Lance owns Cernosek Automotive on the same property as Deer Park Paint & Body, performing that shop’s pre-and post-repair scanning as well as his business’ own mechanical work. He has a bonus daughter, Robyn, who is in banking like her mother; a bonus son, Gregory, who owns Game Bros; a bonus daughter-inlaw, Kristi; a granddaughter, McKinley; and bonus grandsons Noah, Kory and Jonah.

After nearly 45 years as a repair and towing professional, Cernosek still believes he made the right choice in choosing this as his life’s work.

“It gives you the pleasure of repairing somebody’s car and knowing that it’s done right, you fixed it to the best of your ability and that person’s going to come back again if they have another accident or need some kind of automotive repair.”

As Cernosek states on his business cards, “I meet the nicest customers by accident.”

Away from his day-to-day commitments to his businesses, Cernosek has a history of active participation in a host of charitable organizations.

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LET US TURN THEM AROUND! Contact Texas Automotive Sales Representative Jill Tuggle (817) 899.0554

JILL@GRECOPUBLISHING.COM 25 JULY 2019 Texas Automotive

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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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