Texas Automotive July 2023

JULY 2023

ABAT’S TEXAS AUTO BODY TRADE SHOW BRINGS OUT THE BEST

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE by Burl Richards Counting Down

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE by Jill Tuggle For Pete’s Sake, Book Your Hotel

TEXAS AUTO BODY TRADE SHOW SAVE THE DATE

LOCAL NEWS by Chasidy Rae Sisk

Backdoor Bullies: Insurance Lobbyists Kill Right to Appraisal Bills

LOCAL FEATURE by Chasidy Rae Sisk

A Glimpse into Career and Technical Education with Texas Collision Instructors

DALLAS-FORT WORTH’S TOP 10 BODY SHOPS by Alana Quartuccio

TEXAS AUTO BODY TRADE SHOW SEMINAR SCHEDULE

ASK THE EXPERT by Robert McDorman Hail of a Scheme: What Options Do My Clients Have?

ABAT BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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

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

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

Treasurer David Osburn “Ozzy” David McDavid Ford ozzy6384@gmail.com (817)

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

ABAT BOARD MEMBERS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER

Thomas Greco / thomas@grecopublishing.com

VICE PRESIDENT/SALES DIRECTOR

Alicia Figurelli / alicia@grecopublishing.com

EDITORIAL/CREATIVE COORDINATOR

Alana Quartuccio / alana@grecopublishing.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Chasidy Rae Sisk / chasidy@grecopublishing.com

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

Joe Greco / joe@grecopublishing.com

OFFICE MANAGER

Donna Greco / donna@grecopublishing.com

SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS: Burl Richards / Jill Tuggle

Robert L. McDorman / Mike Anderson / Jacquelyn Bauman

www.grecopublishing.com

TEXAS AUTOMOTIVE is published monthly and is sent to ABAT members free of charge. Subscriptions are $24 per year. TEXAS AUTOMOTIVE is published by Thomas Greco Publishing Inc., 244 Chestnut St., Nutley, NJ 07110. The editorial contents of TEXAS AUTOMOTIVE are copyright © 2023 by Thomas Greco Publishing Inc. and may not be reproduced in any manner, either in whole or in part, without written permission from the publisher and/or editor. Articles in this publication do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Thomas Greco Publishing Inc. Stock Images courtesy of www. istockphoto.com

Counting Down

TThe days are flying by faster than ever. It feels like we just celebrated Memorial Day, and here we are – almost halfway through summer! And that means that the 2023 Texas Auto Body Trade Show will be here before you know it! This year’s event will be taking place August 25-26 at the Irving Convention Center and, as always, is guaranteed to deliver industry-renowned speakers, world-class exhibitors, awards, networking and tons of fun!

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! Anybody who comes to the show finds value in attending because there’s nowhere else in the state of Texas that you can go and get all these classes we’ll be offering, especially not from the caliber of folks we’re bringing in!

Sure, we’re going to have some local favorites, like my good buddy Robert McDorman (Auto Claim Specialists), ABAT’s very own Logan Payne (Payne and Sons Paint and Body Shop; Dallas) and even yours truly…but as our event grows in stature and

reputation, that has given us the opportunity to attract some BIG names, and I mean Texas-sized names that are known on a national scale!

We’re talking about folks like Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) Executive Director Aaron Schulenburg and Danny Gredinburg from the Database Enhancement Gateway (DEG). But I’m particularly excited to let y’all know that industry icon Mike Anderson (Collision Advice) is returning to the Lone Star State…who better to teach shops how to “Be Extraordinary” than one of the most extraordinary guys around?! If you’ve seen him speak, you know you want to be there, and if you haven’t, take my word for it – his presentation ALONE makes it worth attending this year’s Texas Auto Body Trade Show!

Burl Richards ABAT President

Our businesses are changing, and it’s hard to keep up, so ABAT is making sure that we cover all the bases with presentations

For Pete’s Sake, Book That Hotel!

II can’t believe we are a month away from the Texas Auto Body Trade Show! I don’t know about you but I am SO EXCITED for this year’s show! We are really building something cool with this show and even our speakers are begging to come back each year! Speaking spots have always been coveted at our show, but we have received so many requests that we had to create a form on our website to keep track of submissions! We have a backlog of seminar topics and presenters who can’t wait for their chance to speak at the show. What does that mean for you? Well, it means no fluffwe have carefully curated an educational slate that is all “meat and potatoes” and will leave you feeling full of information and fresh

ideas.

But save room for dessert, because the fulfillment doesn’t stop with the education. Wait until you see the exhibit hall! It’s interactive, informative and entertaining!

Of course we are bringing back the BIG SHOTS competition, and throwing it right in the middle of the show floor again. This competition has $1,000 on the line per category and features paint, body, glue pull and estimating. So, sharpen your pencils and clean your guns because competitors are laying it all on the line to be named an ABAT BIG SHOT!

As you walk the aisles, you will find cars up on racks, welders, computer software, tools and more. If you need it to fix a car – it’s there! We are not talking brochures and photos but the real dealstuff you can get your hands on (and sometimes even take for a spin). The BASF Mobile Training Center will be back front and center, showcasing their ability to fully train your shop right in

continued on pg. 20

Jill Tuggle ABAT Executive Director

LARGEST SHOW OF ITS KIND IN THE SOUTHWEST!

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

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

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

by Chasidy Rae Sisk

Backdoor Bullies: Insurance Lobbyists Kill Right to Appraisal Bills

Since the 88th legislative session opened in January, ABAT and its members have been hard at work, promoting two pieces of key legislation designed to benefit consumers and the shops that serve them. Unfortunately, neither bill made it through the process to be signed into legislation before time ran out on the Senate floor.

House Bill 1321, the most recent iteration of ABAT’s Safe Repair legislation, sought to require proper repairs based on OEMrecommended processes, in addition to addressing the differences between original and aftermarket parts. The bill (available in its entirety at bit.ly/ABAThb1321) also attempted to eliminate the “gray” areas as to what a proper repair is and how insurers indemnify policyholders. Although HB1321 was scheduled for public hearing in April by the House Committee on Insurance, it was left pending in committee.

House Bill 1437, ABAT’s second pass at an Appraisal Clause bill (available in its entirety at bit.ly/ABAThb1437), would have required insurers to include Right to Appraisal in all policies. This legislative attempt has an even sadder tale…

After being unanimously (7-0) voted out of the House Committee on Insurance, HB1437 was referred to the Senate Committee on Business & Commerce where it received another unanimous vote of 10-0. Seems like it was a shoe-in, right? Well, although it was placed on the intent calendar on May 23, the bill was removed the following day!

“At every turn, something got held up,” lamented ABAT President Burl Richards. “House legislators knew it was important. Our senators voted in favor of the bill. But there’s so much backdoor bullshit going on in politics. We have a lot of determination and grit, but we don’t have the money and power that the insurance lobbyists have, and that’s what matters most in this system. It’s not about what you know; it’s about who you know.”

Although those lobbyists strangled ABAT’s attempts to pass meaningful legislation this session, Richards is proud of the

association’s members who made hundreds of phone calls to their legislators, who testified at hearings and engaged customers to collect over 1,200 consumer experiences indicating the benefits of the Appraisal Clause. “We did everything we could and should do, and I’m so proud of this industry for the time they spent advocating on their customers’ behalf. We made a lot of noise, and the legislators heard us loud and clear because they voted unanimously in favor of Right to Appraisal. It all came down to the agenda of a powerful group that prevented our bill from passing, and that’s what makes this so hard to take.”

ABAT Lobbyist Jacob Smith has already reached out to the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI), stressing the importance of the Appraisal Clause and urging that body to prevent insurers from removing it from their policies. “Just because there’s not a law, that doesn’t mean it’s not a big deal,” Richards emphasized. “We got the votes we needed because our legislators recognized that it’s important and necessary; it wouldn’t have made it out of committee if they didn’t realize how much it benefits their constituents. It got held back at the end of the process by a technicality because the insurance industry had the power to stop it, because the insurance industry has more power than they rightfully should have.”

This year’s session may not have turned out as ABAT planned, but those doing battle on the frontline have learned a lot. As ABAT Board member Robert McDorman (Auto Claim Specialists) wrote in last month’s Ask the Expert: “What was taught about democracy in high school government class does not apply here. As an example, when I asked lawmakers why the bill took so long to be set for a hearing in Business and Commerce, I was told that a member was asked to sit on the bill as long as she possibly could by a lobbyist who opposed the bills. When asked how this was possible, I was told this process is called ‘Dark Art at the Capitol.’”

Stay tuned to Texas Automotive for a revealing exposé on those “Dark Arts” later this year! TXA

by Chasidy Rae Sisk

A Glimpse into Career and Technical Education with Texas Collision Instructors (Part 3)

In the first two parts of this feature, Texas Automotive tackled the need for more talented new technicians and the decrease in young people interested in the field by talking to four Lone Star collision instructors: Raven Hartkopf (Collin College; Allen), Keith Schieffer (Universal Technical Institute; Houston), Jannifer Stimmel (Texas State Technical College; Waco) and Jeff Wilson (Kingwood Park High School; Kingwood). They’ve already explained some of the changes they’ve seen and recruitment challenges they face, as well as why they need you to get involved and how you can do it as effectively as possible in a way that benefits your business and your industry now and in the future.

The final installment focuses on the age-old question: How does the general public see us, and how can we correct their perception?

Texas Automotive: What role does the public’s perception of the collision repair industry play in the future of vo-tech education, and how can correcting this help solve the workforce shortage?

Raven Hartkopf: The public’s perception can directly influence our enrollment. We are located in an area that traditionally guides students toward four-year degrees, but not all students want that. There are alternatives to that pathway that are successful and potentially pay well, and we are working to change that perception. Having the information about our program, with tuition costs and potential earnings, can shape that perception positively. As we increase our enrollment and visibility, I think we will continue to see that change.

When we attend college fairs at local high schools, we have an opportunity to speak to parents and family members about the benefits of this industry. When we have support from local shops backing that, it increases the credibility of what we are saying. Although this is a small step for us as a whole, it’s a step in the right direction. We also have an open house every year for our campus, when we bring in a lot of parents who are surprised by our facility because they think that shops should be dusty, dirty and dangerous. We invite industry partners (shops, vendors, etc) to join us for this event, and they also can talk to parents about what it’s like to work

in this industry. I think changing public perception can help solve the workforce shortage, but I think that is just one piece of the puzzle. We should look at how many join the industry and stay in it. How many leave the industry due to work conditions, benefits, pay, etc? How many leave because the grass is greener on the other side?

Keith Schieffer: The image of our industry is an ongoing challenge that starts with the curriculum and the instructors. We need to boost our programs to include modern equipment and knowledge that’s in line with what the industry is actually experiencing and expecting. Once we do, we can improve how people view collision fields by conducting open houses with students and parents and providing them with data on industry trends, such as what’s available in the job market, industry needs and tech shortages, the potential for women in our industry as technicians, potential salary expectations, the need for electronics and specialty training etc. This is a wonderful industry…we just need to do a much better job showcasing all the things that make it so great.

Jannifer Stimmel: Our instructors work hard to create more awareness of the program and what’s happening in this industry as it advances. Before I started on this career path, I assumed that the people who worked on cars did it all. I didn’t realize different people performed different tasks, and this generation is even less in tune with how the trades operate. Often, when I mention auto collision, people ask, “What’s that?” So, we’ve got to do a better job of educating people on what collision repair is and how many specialized fields exist within this trade if we want to generate more interest.

Jeff Wilson: Most parents expect their kids to go to college, but college isn’t for everyone. Some students want to go out into the industry and make money, so we have to demonstrate that collision is a viable career path for doing that. I promote my class in multiple ways. We have an ambassadors’ program where students speak to middle schools, and we hold career fairs for different feeder schools

continued on pg. 17

Dallas-Fort

Top 10

Worth’s

Body Shops

What does it take to be considered among the best body shops in the Lone Star State? As the second largest state in the US, it’d be mighty hard to narrow it down to a handful of the top body shops within a 261,193.9 mile radius! So, Texas Automotive decided to go on a mission to find out which shops are considered among the best in the largest cities in Texas and will feature our results over the next several months.

We combed the internet, read countless consumer reviews on Google, Yelp and other social media and polled industry members to find out which collision repair facilities are the best in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

VIVID AUTO BODY SHOP & AUTO HAIL REPAIR

2421 E. University Drive, Building #1, McKinney

Established in 1999

Customers chose this shop again and again as the family-owned VIVID team offers a hassle-free experience and works with them to educate and keep them informed on the process to restore their vehicles to pre-accident condition. Proof lies in what customers walk away with. One Google writer praises the attention they were given: “VIVID Auto Body has worked on two of my vehicles. They provided quality work and excellent service! They kept me updated with the repair status, and the pricing was reasonable for additional repairs not covered under my insurance. They even called an UBER for me to get back home after I dropped my vehicle off. I would definitely recommend VIVID!’ A Yelp user states: “These guys check every box! They were ON IT, they were VERY responsive, reasonably priced, and the work they did was top notch. I wish every place I did business with had these results! Stop searching and go with them!”

HARVEY’S PAINT AND BODY

4300 Maple Avenue, Dallas

Established in 1956

AUTO TECH SERVICES

1856 Lone Star Road, Mansfield

Established in 1979

For more than 40 years, customers have been putting their trust in Auto Tech Services, and the reasons are clear! They abide by the mission to treat their clients as they themselves would want to be treated by providing quality repairs at fair prices in a timely manner. One of hundreds of Google reviewers celebrates Auto Tech Services: “I brought my vehicle here as a result of a collision, and they were the only ones accepting vehicles around the holidays. This shop was a LIFESAVER! The customer service? Amazing. They completed the $8,000 worth of repairs in about two weeks, and my car looks perfect! Everything works the way it’s supposed to. I was afraid it would always be different after the crash, but it’s perfect! I can’t express enough how much I recommend this shop.”

ROYAL AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE

1400 US-175 Frontage Road, Seagoville

Established in 2003

Recognized as the oldest collision repair and paint shop in Dallas, Harvey’s Paint and Body has been achieving success for more than 60 years. Nearly 800 customers have left positive comments about Harvey’s on Google alone. One review says, “I had an amazing experience at Harvey’s! They did a wonderful job fixing my car, AND they kept me informed every step of the way! I was extremely impressed. I’ve used other paint and body shops but never had such a positive experience. You will not go wrong using Harvey’s!” A Facebook user who had two accidents six months apart called dealing with Harvey’s a pleasure, praising the clear communication she received along the way. “I had the pleasure of working with Julie Blocker for all of my repairs. Let me tell you that she is AWESOME! Super friendly, knowledgeable and outgoing individual that made me feel confident through the entire process.”

PAYNE & SONS PAINT & BODY SHOP

12243

Shiloh Road, Dallas

Established in 1983

Known as the “friendly local auto body shop,” Payne & Sons treats its customers the way they would want to be treated; this mindset, along with quality repairs and good communication, keeps customers coming back to this family-owned-and-operated facility. As one Google review reports, “I went in knowing nothing about this company besides that it was family owned, and I must say the customer service is the best I ever received! I worked with Logan during my process, and he was very professional and polite. He always kept me in the loop of everything that was going on with my vehicle while it was being repaired.” A Facebook reviewer notes, “As a female, sometimes you wonder if you are getting a runaround. I had been to other places and knew the work and quote was valid. They also worked with me on ‘timing’ so that I would have fewer days without a car.”

Whether in need of collision or mechanical repair services, customers choosing this shop consistently receive the royal treatment. One Facebook follower writes, “Grant Williams and his team at Royal Automotive went above the call of duty to help me during the stressful aftermath of my wreck. He is very patient, professional and knowledgeable in his field. He dealt with the insurance and rental representatives and made the process run smoothly.” A Google reviewer states: “If there was an option for 10 stars, I’d give that. [Grant and Brad] both have a great sense of hospitality and a great sense of humor. They are great people to work and get along with, and I 100 percent recommend this shop if you are in or near Seagoville.”

ELITE AUTO BODY SHOP

2341 Royal Lane, Suite C, Dallas

Established in 2013

As their name suggests, the team at Elite Auto Body Shop strives to provide its customers with the best repairs and services, catering to all makes and models and offering what they call “luxury auto body repair.” Proof lies in the shop’s 5.0 star Google rating, where multiple customers have expressed their gratitude to the team. One review comes from the parent of a teenager “who has wrecked a few cars, as they do. One of these cars is an old car with sentimental value that has a lot of special needs and parts, and Kuba and his team thankfully accepted the difficult job of repairing this car after one of the wrecks. I had called around multiple shops looking for help, and Elite is the only shop that said he would be willing to handle it. And he and his team did a phenomenal job! There was also a mess with the insurance adjuster, and he dealt with that professionally and patiently. I just cannot say enough good things about this place. We have found our new home for body repairs and maintenance!”

DALLAS COLLISION CENTER

2964 Irving Blvd, Dallas

Established in 1986

Since 1986, Dallas Collision Center has been serving the DFW metroplex area with the simple mission of “fixing it right.” Customers’ online statements back up this shop’s commitment to providing an easy experience for consumers post-collision. A Google reviewer writes, “I had my Audi A5 worked on here through my insurance. The process was seamless, and they kept me informed about EVERYTHING; I didn’t have to call once with questions. It was completely stress-free, and the work done was phenomenal. My car looks better than it did when I bought it. I will definitely recommend them to friends.” A Yelp user notes: “Melissa and the crew at Dallas Collision were great! They kept me informed of every step of my repair by text and email. The work was very thorough and professional. I would recommend them to anyone who needs bodywork for their vehicle.”

BOB TOMES FORD COLLISION

Service Bldg, 950 S. Central Expy, McKinney

Established in 1983

STEVE’S AUTOMOTIVE REFINISH

13415 US-287, Fort Worth

Established in 2018

It’s evident that Steve’s Automotive Refinish not only does good work, but also appreciates its customers. At least 200 have left raving reviews on Google in appreciation of the shop’s customer service and amazing work quality. One Google writer raves: “Steve did an amazing job on my 2018 Ford Raptor! Even with the communication issues with my insurance, he provided the best customer service possible. If you want someone to treat your vehicle like it’s their own, then Steve is the man for the job! Going to recommend them to anyone that asks for a body shop to use!” A Yelp user praises Steve’s for the supreme care received: “I took my vehicle to Steve’s after deciding I wanted a second opinion. I was rear-ended by someone who was texting and driving...their insurance company quoted a refinishing and paint job for my bumper and wrote me a check, basically shooing me away. I was skeptical that they had not deemed my bumper a loss, so I took my car to Steve who took one look and told me I needed a whole new bumper! Steve not only got me a factory bumper; he took care of the insurance company for me. If that wasn’t enough, Steve offered to drop me off at the car rental place nearby, because it was going to be a 30-minute wait until they could pick me up.”

GIBSON AUTOMOTIVE

2600 1-30 Frontage Road, Greenville

Established in 1967

Reading through the countless reviews left by devoted clients of this family-owned business over the years proves that good communication and quality work goes a long way. One Facebook follower refers to the Gibson team as family: “I love this family…aka body shop!!! This place is awesome and the people are what make it that way! Customer service is outstanding and the quality of repair is unmatched…They went above and beyond for me, and it’s the only place I would recommend sending anyone that needs collision repair! Thank you Gibson family!!! I got my baby back, and she looks awesome again!!” A Google reviewer appreciated the time and care along the way. “Best experience from a body shop. They helped us through the whole process, starting with the rental vehicle. Had our repair done in half the time. The last time our car looked this nice, it was coming off the showroom floor. Very professional and courteous staff who kept us well informed during the repair. Look no further for your auto body repair.”

The Tomes family is well-known in the McKinney community for their community involvement and their commitment to their business which has kept it a success for 40 years. More than 300 people on Google have backed this up. One claims, “I cannot say enough how grateful we are to everyone who went above and beyond to take care of our daughter’s truck. The work they did was beyond our expectations and more than we even asked for.” A Yelp user praises Tomes for their patience: “The team at Tomes took very good care of me. It took several months because of insurance complications to get the repairs done, and this team was patient with us, always answered my husband’s questions and never seemed annoyed by us (and my husband can be very annoying). Their work was amazing. My car looks new again. I can’t thank them enough.”

ABAT’s Texas Auto Body Trade Show Brings Out the Best of the Best

ABAT’s Texas Auto Body Trade Show is the perfect embodiment of this quote made popular by Texas Southern University Football Hall of Famer Edward Smith. The event offers nothing but the best of the best in vendors showcasing industry-leading products, engaging top-of-the-line educators and exciting opportunities that promise nothing less than the best experience that everyone who makes their way to the Irvington Convention Center on August 25 and 26 is sure to have.

If you haven’t already made your plans to spend the weekend in Dallas, what are you waiting for? As ABAT’s Executive Director Jill Tuggle shares in her message on page 4, it’s time to make your hotel reservations! With some of the industry’s top names like Mike Anderson (Collision Advice), Aaron Schulenburg (Society of Collision Repair Specialists) and Danny Gredinberg (Database Enhancement Gateway), plus many more, you won’t walk away with anything less than the best in training.

Then of course there is the trade show floor itself where some of the best exhibitors around are returning for the 2023 installment of ABAT’s flagship event. As Tuggle adds, a slew of new vendors will also be on site, ready and raring to go!

“It’s really exciting to see how many new companies have signed up to take part in this year’s show,” she notes. “We have many of our past exhibitors coming back, which is fantastic, but it’s great to see such a large percentage of newcomers joining us – it’s really a testament to the show’s continued growth, getting bigger and better every year!”

“Although our headquarters is located in Montgomery, Alabama, Texas is our biggest market,” says Justin Proctor, founder and president of All Clear Diagnostics and Calibration (Diamond Sponsor). “We are excited to use this show as an opportunity to strengthen our relationships with existing partners in Texas and expand our services by partnering with more body shops in the area.”

I-CAR will also make their debut at the show this year.

“As a not-for-profit formed to serve the inter-industry, I-CAR is excited to participate in this event to support collision repair facilities with educational programming and technical information/services that contribute to complete, safe and quality repairs,” states Tom McFinch, senior manager, field sales, career and technical education. “Interacting with our industry and listening to their individual experiences at events like the Texas Auto Body Trade Show helps us develop and sharpen the tools they need to address the advanced vehicle technologies and talent shortages we’re collectively facing. I look forward to sharing how

fostering a learning culture at a facility can enhance performance and operations. I look forward to learning from the attendees too – we are in it together!”

“The Texas Auto Body Trade Show is an excellent event for building relationships across the industry and last year’s event was especially productive for our Certified Collision Repair Network (CRN) team,” says Patrick Porter, OE Connection CRN Manager. “The Texas Auto Body Trade show does an outstanding job bringing together the best in collision repair; OEC is excited to join in 2023 with experts from our CRN and RepairLogic Repair Planning Platform teams.”

Just as the number of new exhibitors at the 2023 Texas Auto Body Show continues to grow, numerous returning companies are also gearing up to have their best showing yet at ABAT’s biggest event of the year. USI of North America is happy to once again interact with their Texas clientele this August.

“We get great results at this show,” relays Stefano Moretto, national sales manager. “It’s an opportunity to meet new potential customers and promote our spray booth technology, which does not require the need for blowers, reducing time and energy consumption while reducing the amount of polishing required in all paint jobs.”

“CCC is excited to be invited back as exhibitors at the ABAT Trade Show 2023,” shares Nick Galati of CCC One. “Meeting face-to-face with our current and future clients at events like this is something we don’t take for granted. This show is special to us, as is our sponsorship of the BIG SHOTS estimating competition. We expect another strong turnout and are thrilled to showcase our newest product in the booth, CCC DIAGNOSTICS.”

Just like in years past, Texas Auto Body Trade Show attendees can look forward to coming for the education, exhibitors and networking, and staying for the FUN! This year’s show promises to offer something for everyone in the shop – as well as the wives (with plans underway for another ladies’ event) and fun and games for the kids! Of course, staples like the BIG SHOTS competition and the car show will be back this year. And you won’t want to miss out on the Auto Body Happy Hour session and do some learning over a couple pints while rubbing elbows with some of the industry’s great minds.

Don’t miss out on what is sure to be the best time yet! Don’t wait to register at abat.us/events/tradeshow/. Stay tuned for more updates on the show in next month’s Texas Automotive. TXA

“Texans ignored ‘better,’ long ago forgot the useless word ‘good.’ Everything in Texas is ‘best.’

-Edward Smith

FRIDAY, AUGUST 25

(SHOW HOURS 1pm-8pm)

8:30am-9:30am | Classroom 3 (O, M, E)

Attracting Talent with Process Improvement

Tom Heorner (Sherwin Williams)

Good processes can improve tech pay, reduce chaos, improve quality of life, and at the same time, optimize labor and increase profit. We will connect cycle time, touch time and tech productivity to production output and examine the importance these KPIs have on the collision repair business. We will also discuss three simple steps to improve cycle time performance by eliminating the most common production delays.

8:30am-9:30am | Classroom 4 (O, M, E)

Customer Copay Coaching

Logan Payne (Payne and Sons)

Implementing a copay system can be tough to navigate. Come join the discussion as Logan Payne walks you through both the pains and pleasures of the copay approach.

10am-11:15am | Classroom 3 (O, M, E, T)

Coloring Perspective on Blend Time: The Facts Behind the SCRS Blend Study

Aaron Schulenburg (SCRS)

The conclusions of the SCRS Blend study indicated that blending, on average, took 31.59 percent more time than a full refinish, rather than the 50 percent less time allocated in the three IP estimating systems. To mark the one year anniversay of the SCRS blend study we will revisit the study in detail from “the man” himself, Aaron Schulenburg.

10am-11:15am | Classroom 4 (M, E, T)

ADAS 101: Back to the Basics

Tommy Ames (Auto E Solutions)

In this 101 class Tommy will discuss the basics of scanning and calibrations. Your staff will be ready to implement an efficient ADAS plan and take your shop to the next level.

11:30am-1:30pm | Junior Ballroom (O, M, E, T)

Lunch & Learn with Mike & Danny Mike Anderson (Collision Advice) & Danny Gredinberg (Database Enhancement Gateway)

This is a special luncheon featuring the dymanic duo as they “tag” in to talk about important repair information.

4pm-6pm | Junior Ballroom (O, M, E, T)

The Industry Over a Pint: An Auto Body Happy Hour Seminar

Aaron Schulenburg, Mike Anderson & Friends

This special session begins with a casual discussion “over a pint” and will transform into a group happy hour where you will have the exclusive opportunity to join casual chats with the industry powerhouses.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 26

(SHOW HOURS 11AM-6pm)

9am-10am | Classroom 3 (O, M)

The Practicality of EV Repair Implementation

Gabe Morley (DEKRA)

Is EV repair right for your shop? In this class you will explore the realities and implications of “turning on the electric” at your shop with and without OEM certification.

9am-10am | Classroom 4 (M, E, T)

Repair Planning

Logan Payne & Danny Gredinberg

Join ABAT Board member Logan Payne and the DEG’s Danny Gredinberg as they explore how to improve cycle time and quality of work through proper repair-planning methods.

10am-11:30am | Classroom 1 (O, M)

Technician of The Future: ADAS edition

Bobby Beason (VSSTA)

This class will explore the evolving job description of today’s technician as we bridge the gap to tomorrow. This includes a discussion on the value of adding another technician through the proper use of repair procedures, scanning and ADAS calibrations.

10:30am-11:30am | Classroom 3 (O, M, E, T)

“Procedures? I’ve done it a million times.”

Erin Solis

A closer look through the auditor’s lens on repair procedures may reveal things you’re missing on everyday repairs. Hear from Erin Solis of Certified Collision Group as she uncovers some of the most often missed but very important OEM repair procedures.

3pm-4pm | Junior Ballroom (O, M, E, T)

Legislation in the Collision Space

Robert McDorman (Auto Claim Specialists), Burl Richards (ABAT President/Burl’s Collision) Bob Redding (The Redding Firm), Jacob Smith (Longleaf Consulting/ABAT Lobbyist)

Moderated by Aaron Schulenburg

This will be a comprehensive look at the legislative efforts happening here in Texas as well as nationally. As the legislative session here in Texas unfolds we will report on what was submitted, what passed, what the future holds and so much more! Be prepared to feel empowered by the knowledge you’ll gain about our industry from red dirt to white house!

4pm-5:30pm | Junior Ballroom (O, M, E, T)

Be Extraordinary!

Mike Anderson, Collision Advice

In today’s collision repair industry, it is no longer enough to just be average. You have to be extraordinary! You have to be extraordinary and deliver not just great customer service, but an extraordinary customer experience. You must be extraordinary and build a culture where people want to be a part of your organization, to put in the effort and to deliver extraordinary quality. You have to be extraordinary in your researching of OE repair procedures. You have to be extraordinary by staying abreast of the new developments in the collision repair industry. Remember, being average is just as close to the bottom as it is to the top. So be extraordinary!

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which gives us an opportunity to talk to kids and their parents about what opportunities are available in collision repair. We also host a career fair with CREF every year, and we have a holiday open house every December when parents get to come see the projects their children have been working on in the shop. Volunteers from the Houston I-CAR Committee often attend these events to help explain how desperately the industry needs technicians, and that has helped tremendously in educating parents about how much money their kids can make by pursuing this field.

We also need to create opportunities for our seniors to gain on-the-job training and experience, so they have the possibility of being employed after graduation. This starts with dealerships and collision shops allowing students under 18 to participate in a work-based practicum. The industry’s involvement makes a huge difference in these kids’ futures. The help we receive from CREF, the Houston I-CAR Committee and our industry professionals is also huge because it’s an important way of promoting the future of this industry. My job is to graduate students with the employable skills that shops need so they can get a job and move up in the industry quicker, but without the industry’s support, I cannot do that effectively because I don’t know what their expectations and needs are from year to year. TXA

Ask The Expert Hail of a Scheme: What Options

Do My Clients Have?

Dear Mr. McDorman,

by Robert L. McDorman

I own and operate a collision facility in East Texas. This month, we had two hailstorms of epic proportion, and the insurance carriers are totaling many of my clients’ vehicles that, in our professional opinion, could be easily and safely repaired. As an example, we wrote a complete repair plan for a recent job on a 2018 Ford Edge after the tear down and inspection that totaled $12,132.98. Upon providing the repair plan to the insurance carrier, the carrier quickly deemed the insured’s vehicle a total loss. At our recommendation, our client requested the carrier provide them with support of the vehicle value and forward this information to your office for review. The carrier provided our client with a CCC ONE Market Valuation Report showing an adjusted vehicle value of $19,273. After your office forwarded the CCC ONE Market Valuation Report to Vehicle Value Experts for a preliminary review, we understand it was determined the insurance carrier had undervalued the 2018 Ford Edge, making the difference between the vehicle’s value versus the repair cost even greater. My question is twofold: One, have you also been seeing this type of aggressive behavior to policyholders on these most recent hail claims? And two, what are my clients’ options for relief in loss situations such as this?

Thank you for your questions, which are very timely. Yes, we are experiencing a large influx of claims with the exact same optics. We are seeing on a large scale these most recent hail claims are being grossly undervalued and being wrongfully deemed as a total loss. On these claims, the carriers are aggressively totaling safely repairable vehicles at a greater rate than we have seen before. This is a hail of a scheme to reduce the insurance carrier’s liability at the insured policyholder’s financial expense. I would like the readers to send in as many questions as possible about this situation over the next several months. It is my intent to write about the outcome of this sensitive situation over the next several months. Please stay tuned.

In situations like these hail claims, we always request the insured first provide us with the proposed settlement breakdown, supporting documents from the carrier and the complete repair plan from the collision facility as we did for your client in question. After we receive these, we will then send the information to an expert appraisal firm like Vehicle Value Experts to verify the proper preand post-actual cash value of the loss vehicle. Next, we review the complete repair plan provided to us. If there is a dispute over the covered loss type, in most policies in Texas the insured can invoke their Right of Appraisal to resolve the dispute and see to it they are properly indemnified for their loss.

How we handle these types of loss disputes concerning repair or replace will vary from carrier to carrier depending on the language

in the policy. However, in most Texas motor vehicle insurance policies, the limit of liability is for the lessor of the two repair or replace as shown below. Additionally, most Texas motor vehicle insurance policies have the following Right to Appraisal language:

LIMIT OF LIABILITY

1. Our limit of liability for loss will be the lesser of the:

a. Actual cash value of the stolen or damaged property;

b. Amount necessary to repair or replace the property with other of like kind and quality;

c. Amount stated in the Declarations of this policy.

APPRAISAL

If we and you do not agree on the amount of loss, either may demand an appraisal of the loss. In this event, each party will select a competent appraiser. The two appraisers will select an umpire. The appraisers will state separately the actual cash value and the amount of loss. If they fail to agree, they will submit their differences to the umpire. A decision agreed to by any two will be binding. Each party will:

1. Pay its chosen appraiser; and

2. Bear the expenses of the umpire equally.

We do not waive any of our rights under this policy by agreeing to an appraisal.

When the insured’s insurance policy has the limits of liability and Appraisal Clause listed above, their right to relief if a dispute arises over the loss almost always has a positive outcome. The Right of Appraisal is always the first line of defense against underindemnification in loss disputes. Appraisal is about finding the right number.

President’s Message

continued from pg. 4

on everything from charging customer copays to the latest news on the SCRS blend study. We’ll learn more about electric vehicles (EVs), estimating, what auditors are looking at and more.

And in true Texas fashion, we’ll be hosting a lunch-and-learn style activity so you can get your education on while feeding your face…and even better, we’ll host an educational happy hour, allowing us to talk about what’s going on over a cold one.

You never know exactly what you’re going to learn at the Texas Auto Body Trade Show, but you can bet your behind that you’re going to leave with a head full of new knowledge!

Whether you’re a technician, a manager or an owner, the 2023 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? Take advantage of this opportunity by registering today at abat.us/tradeshow

Executive Director’s Message

continued from pg. 6

the parking lot – be sure to take a peek into this RV-turned paint shop on wheels! Follow your ears to find out what all the banging is about at the BETAG booth and if you smell burning…well, that’s probably Car-O-Liner just showing off their latest in OEM certified welding equipment!

We are returning to the Irving Convention Center at the Toyota Music Factory, where fun and aesthetic fill the air. Our host hotels will satisfy those seeking fun or luxury – both at a great price! You can stay at the Westin or Texican court at a rate that’s not available to the public, BUT you need to book fast! Our hotels WILL sell out and our discount will expire in early August, so make your reservation NOW! Each year I have to call the hotel and beg for more rooms and often they don’t have any more to give us!

You don’t want to miss out on nights by the fire pits with the industry’s biggest names! Our evenings spent together over a cocktail at Two Mules are some of my favorite memories made in the Texas collision repair industry. This is a weekend you do not want to miss – I promise! So for Pete’s sake, BOOK YOUR HOTEL!

Register and book at abat.us/tradeshow

jill@abat.com

burl@burlscollision.com

Ask The Expert

However, the Right to Appraisal is only available to the insured and not to a claimant who has filed a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. We are vigorously working with lawmakers to pass legislation requiring every personal auto policy to have a structured Right to Appraisal in the policy. Appraisal is the guardrail for indemnification of the loss when a dispute over the loss arises between the insurer and the insured.

The under-indemnification in total loss and repair procedure claims in Texas is rampant. Besides the higher settlements for total loss clients averaging 28 percent above the carrier’s undisputed loss statement, we have also reduced clients’ out-of-pocket expenses on repair procedure disputes such as the example provided above. These under-indemnification percentages are staggering and harmful to Texas citizens.

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

independent third party appraisers as opposed to more costly and time-consuming methods such as mediation, arbitration and litigation. It is my professional opinion that the removal or limiting of the Right to Appraisal in a motor vehicle repair procedure loss dispute will be the nail in the coffin for safe roadways for us all.

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

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

Sincerely,

Robert L. McDorman TXA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

we push these booths and they never let us down ”

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

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

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

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

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