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The official publication of the Auto Body Association of Texas and the Houston Auto Body Association
www.grecopublishing.com
September 2019 $5.95
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Visit us at Booth #410
Silver Show Sponsor
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Contents
SEPTEMBER 2019
on the
cover
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
Food, Fun and More: Tips for Planning a Perfect Trade Show Weekend
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
20
By Joel Gausten
DEPARTMENTS
4 6 8 10 12 17
Treasurer David Osburn South West Collision Center dosburn@southwestautogroup.com (855) 395-2720
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
Robert McDorman Auto Claim Specialists rmcdorman@autoclaimspecialists.com (817) 756-5482
PRESIDENT’S MESSAgE By Burl Richards The Gloves Are Off EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAgE By Jill Tuggle Anniversaries, Accomplishments and Growth
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 A Year to Celebrate LOCAL NEWS ABAT Expands San Antonio Activities LOCAL NEWS Catching up with Todd Tracy ASK THE EXPERT By Robert L. McDorman “How Many Times Does This Happen?”
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 14 ABAT MEMBER PROFILE 15 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 ..........................................................18 AAMStraining.com ....................................................19 Beacon Equipment Resources ..............................25 CAR-O-LINER Southwest ........................................7 Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land................................10 Dallas Dodge..............................................................OBC Ecotech ........................................................................IBC FindPigtails.com ........................................................18 Goliath Carts ..............................................................5 Innovative Collision Equipment ............................11 Intrepid Direct Insurance ........................................8
J&J Paint Supply ........................................................9 Norton Saint-Gobain ................................................19 Park Place....................................................................16 Phantom Equipment & Hydraulic Repair ............5 PPG ..............................................................................IFC Reliable Automotive Equipment............................23 Spanesi ........................................................................11 Tasco Auto Color ......................................................12 Wheel Technologies ................................................25
3 September 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 Gloves are off
R
Recently, I joined ABAT Board member Robert McDorman (Auto Claim Specialists) and Ware Wendell of Texas Watch in a special meeting at the Capitol with Texas Insurance Commissioner Kent Sullivan and members of the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI). e goal of this meeting, which was nearly a year in the making, was to directly communicate many of our issues with an entity that is in place to help. My desire was to better educate the TDI on the sophistication of even the most basic vehicles on the roads today and show them how their approval of certain insurance policy language promotes deceptive and unjust business
practices by insurers. I devoted a lot of personal travel time away from my business to attend this meeting, but I did so on behalf of the industry. I expected to face some resistance once I arrived, but I was absolutely shocked by the TDI’s lack of interest or engagement in the information we presented. At one point, the TDI suggested that we bring forth information and examples that illustrated our concerns. I argued that we already did that more than a year ago. I understand that delays in reviewing material can be caused by frequent personnel changes at state entities, but what happens if we send in that information to a new bunch of
Burl richards ABAT President people at TDI and they get replaced or move on? We can’t keep re-submitting material and seeing nothing happen with it. When I asked the TDI representatives present at the meeting if they had anyone on their staff who was an expert in automotive repair, they looked around at each other and answered, “No.” Worst of all, I was cut off mid-sentence on multiple occasions during the meeting. From my perspective, it was a dog-and-pony show. We need a TDI that will truly stand up for the consumer. In my opinion, reaching out to the TDI for help is a waste of time. From a consumerprotection standpoint, the Department has no appetite to correct important issues. Our industry members – and the Texas consumers we serve – deserve a lot better. Fortunately, at least we now know that the TDI won’t help us and we have a clearer idea of our course of action moving forward. We are now able to tell legislators that we went all the way to the top and didn’t receive assistance with our issues involving underindemnification and the deceptive “prevailing” language in auto insurance policies. We are extremely disappointed in the TDI’s reluctance to help Texas consumers, but we’re far from giving up the fight.
TXA
burl@burlscollision.com 4 September 2019 Texas Automotive
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5 September 2019 Texas Automotive
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executive director’s Message
ANNIVERSARIES, ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND GROWTH This issue of Texas Automotive marks the first anniversary of our very own magazine. This was a dream of ours for several years, and we celebrated that dream becoming a reality in September 2018. Now, one year later, we have a beautiful publication that delivers local and national stories and information on association activities and industry events. The best part is that profits from the magazine go right back to ABAT!
W
We have a bigger anniversary to celebrate, and the Texas Auto Body Trade Show is now five years old! From our humble beginnings in a hotel meeting room, we have grown to the 47,000-square-foot facility that you will (hopefully) be standing in very soon. We have grown to the point of hiring a show management company, Greco Publishing, who are also the publishers of this magazine and the show management for the hugely successful NORTHEAST® Automotive Services Show in New Jersey. Many of the vendors at this year’s show have been with us since the beginning. Be sure to go by and thank them for their support.
Each year at the show, we have been able to add new and exciting things – from celebrity appearances to full-sized equipment and demonstrations. is year, the 3M DEMO unit is back. is full “body shop on wheels” allows attendees to try their tools out in a controlled environment on the show floor. AkzoNobel is bringing its Virtual Paint Training Unit, allowing pros or amateurs to hook up to the virtual reality system and paint on the spot! ere will also be employment opportunities at vendor tables and a new “black box” system at the ABAT booth for job seekers and employers to be matched without having to disclose that they are actively looking. As always, you can also expect prizes, games and fun networking activities. Education will be focused on our past, present and future by taking a look at how collision repair has evolved since many of us first learned the trade. Ron Reichen’s presentation, “Not Your Grandfather’s Estimate,” will dive into this. e present will be addressed not only during educational classes on repairing today’s vehicles, but also during a Body Shop Panel that will explore how shops of all sizes and
Jill Tuggle ABAT Executive Director
management structures navigate today’s repair processes. We will also touch on ABAT’s current legislative efforts and what to expect leading into this next session. e future is always the central topic at industry gatherings, and it will be no different at the show. Our OEM Panel will discuss the tools and equipment you will need for certifications and where their programs are headed. Seminars on SOPs, tooling and employee engagement will dig deep into your five-year plan and set the stage for future success and immediate increases in profitability. is year, we have grown as an association and as business owners. We’ve earned new things about the legislative process and how we can make a difference in our day-to-day professional lives. We can see so much progress and hope that you have, too. If you are not a member of ABAT or HABA, stop by booth #201 and let us show you how we can be among the best resources for you and your business.
TXA
jill@abat.com
Texas Automotive’s premiere September 2018 issue 6 September 2019 Texas Automotive
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Visit us at
Booth #518
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editor’s Message
A Year to celebrate Joel Gausten Editor
This is a history-making issue of Texas Automotive.
I
In addition to featuring last-minute details on this month’s Texas Auto Body Trade Show, this issue marks this magazine’s first anniversary. It has been an honor working with the Auto Body Association of Texas (ABAT) and the Houston Auto Body Association (HABA) in shaping the direction of this publication and providing a greater voice to both associations’ tireless efforts to make the Lone Star State a leader in professional collision repairs, consumer advocacy and member support. As ABAT, HABA and Texas Automotive move forward, I urge everyone reading this to be as active in their associations as possible. Although it is easy to get discouraged by how slow progress can be at times, the truth is that this industry is better and stronger because of the efforts of associations and the volunteers who comprise them. e ABAT and HABA Board members are
just like you – shop owners and other automotive professionals who are taking time out of their businesses to do the things that matter. ere isn’t an industry group in this country that couldn’t benefit from a few extra hands to help with the heavy lifting and extra feet on the ground to better promote the industry’s message at the legislative level. Contact information for ABAT and HABA appears in every issue of this magazine. Please reach out to any of the Board members in your area if you have a question or concern or just want to help the cause. Of course, we at Texas Automotive are always available to take your calls, answer your emails and point you in the right direction for information that will aid you in every aspect of your business. I look forward to hearing from you and seeing where Texas Automotive and the associations we serve will be in a year’s
time. I have a feeling that 2020 will be an incredible chapter in our industry’s history. Join us in making that possible.
TXA
joel@grecopublishing.com
LET US TURN THEM Visit us at Booth #122
AROUND! Contact Texas Automotive Sales Representative Jill Tuggle (817) 899.0554
JILL@GRECOPUBLISHING.COM 8 September 2019 Texas Automotive
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Local news ABAT expands san antonio activities Since late last year, ABAT members in the San Antonio market have organized and presented a series of special meetings designed to help shops in the region and beyond stay better informed on technology, equipment, training, insurer negoiations and following correct OEM procedures. e fourth and most recent meeting, held this past summer at the Alamo Café, drew nearly 100 industry members. e event featured an appearance by ABAT President Burl Richards, who gave an update on the association’s recent legislative activities and discussed the value of membership. Richards also participated in the special “roleplay” session with ABAT member John Booker (Crossroads Collision Center). With Richards playing an adjuster and Booker taking the role of a shop owner, the two explored how repairers could better document and explain necessary supplement items with an insurer. Manuel Rubio, owner of San Antonio
mainstay Miracle Paint & Body, was instrumental in organizing and hosting this most recent San Antonio gathering. “In San Antonio or in any market throughout the country, you’re able to visit with peers within your industry,” he says. “ere’s always information to share on the challenges of proper repairs, technology, equipment, ongoing education, better estimating and understanding insurance companies and their positions. “If I can share how to replace a muffler on a particular make and model – and share some procedures on how to remove the clamps correctly and reuse the housing – that’s something that someone who doesn’t do it very often may not have learned. Maybe we learned it on this side of town and we can share it with the other side.” As an ABAT Board member, Rubio has worked with his fellow San Antonio-area shop owners to promote a greater sense of professionalism throughout the local industry. “I try to encourage everyone who’s in our business and association to hold their heads up high and keep doing good work for their customers – the owners of the cars. Make sure you take care of hem and that
they're happy and they’ll go back to you if their car is wrecked again.” Inspired by the high turnout at the Alamo Café, he sees the growing activities in San Antonio as an extension of the “ongoing friendships and relationships” already fostered by the parent association. “We’re lucky that we get to operate under the umbrella of ABAT. ey are fighting for the entire state, so we’re a branch or division. ere are more resources, because we’re not just hearing thoughts and ideas for San Antonio. We’re branched out with Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Lubbock…It’s statewide knowledge and information.” Looking ahead, Rubio and the rest of the San Antonio group are in the process of planning the first-ever ABAT Holiday Celebration for this November and other membership gatherings. He is confident that these actions will inspire others in the ABAT community to host similar events in their areas. “Once these chapters form within cities, then we’re all brothers. e door is open.”
TXA
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Local news
Catching up with todd tracy “I want to give a pep rally, because change is coming.” at’s what Todd Tracy says of the special presentation, “Life after the Lawsuit: An Hour with Todd Tracy,” he will soon give at this year’s Texas Auto Body Trade Show. Although Tracy didn’t reveal what this change is, the Dallasbased attorney tells Texas Automotive that his appearance at the Trade Show will focus on four key words/themes: Educate, Communicate, Participate and Legislate. One of the most recognized names on the national scene, Tracy helped ABAT and HABA make headlines at last year’s show by revealing the results of a crash test that clearly demonstrated that certain
aftermarket parts don’t perform as well as genuine OEM replacement products when a repaired vehicle is involved in a subsequent accident. Since that time, Tracy has continued to see the collision repair community gain traction in educating legislators and the motoring public on the dangers of disregarding OEM repair procedures in favor of pleasing insurers that put profits over safety. “We have momentum, we have the right message, we are on the right side and we have the insurance industry on its heels,” he says. With the Trade Show just days away, Tracy has a homework assignment for the
Todd Tracy
industry members who will soon gather at the Will Rogers Memorial Center to hear what he has to say: “ink about what you’ve done to get in the arena to take the fight to the industry that has been taking advantage of you and your clients for decades.” More information on Tracy’s presentation is on page 22.
TXA
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aBaT Member Profile
By alana Bonillo
Auto Tech Services Collision Repair Center For Rick Gardner and Brian Brunson, owners of Auto Tech Services Collision Repair Center in Mansfield, work in the industry has always been about doing things right. A little more than 20 years ago, the two friends and former neighbors were frustrated with their professional lives. Brunson’s role with an engineering company had him traveling all over the US, while Gardner’s work in the oil industry had him out of the country for months at a time. ey wanted lifestyles that allowed them to be there for their children and wives. ere had to be a better way. ey found it by partnering up to start a wholesale repair business. ey started out as “lot jockeys,” sending out hired painters via trailers equipped with paint and supplies to do small jobs for local collision shops and dealerships in the Dallas/Ford Metroplex area. About a year later, the business grew to the point where they had to lease space in order to house a paint booth to keep up with the demand from dealerships. ey outgrew that space in about six months. “We grew to the point that we needed a bigger building. So, in 2000, we bought 1.7 acres and built an 8,500-squarefoot shop. We built it that size knowing that we had to transcend into retail collision repair work,” explains Gardner. Although neither had experience in fixing cars themselves, they both had extensive backgrounds with running and managing businesses. Brunson took on the role of managing all operations, scheduling and working with the estimators and parts department. Gardner handles all the paperwork, including accounting and taxes. Much of their success is attributed to excellent customer service and high-quality work. e shop is not on a major roadway, so they don’t see many passersby. As a result, most of their work comes from word of mouth and referrals. “People have to be happy and satisfied with the product.” e shop is certified with Honda and Nissan. Gardner says one of the benefits of being certified with an OEM is the guarantee that cars will be repaired the right way. ey continuously keep up with the procedures and equipment needed to fix these vehicles. ABAT's commitment to safety and proper repairs encouraged Gardner and Brunson to immediately join as members when the association first came to the Dallas/Fort Worth area. ey have been behind ABAT and all its efforts, especially those in support of House Bill 1348. e shops attended all bill-related meetings and even joined the association at the Capitol. “When we first got in business, people would pick up their cars and say, ‘at looks great,’ or, ‘It looks better than when I bought it.’ ose were great words to hear and what we strived for at the time. Now, it goes in one ear and out the other. We want to hear that, as we want people to be happy
Co-owners rick Gardner (left) and Brian Brunson
with their vehicles, but our concern now is correctly restoring the integrity of the safety features they were built with. Will it withstand another accident in the same manner it withstood that first accident? What we do in this industry now is to continue to protect the individuals in those vehicles or choose not to. at is why we are involved with ABAT; they are on the front edge of trying to push for legislation.” When it comes down to safe repairs, Gardner and Brunson are bothered by the fact that there are many repairers out there who may not be aware of the right way of doing things these days. “I don’t begrudge my competitors. ere’s enough work out there for all of us. I do begrudge those who intentionally cut corners just to [get] a job out so they can get money. And I’m a little frustrated with those who think they are doing it right but, due to lack of education, are ignorant of the fact that they are not doing some things they should be.” Addressing these concerns among others, Brunson will participate on the Body Shop Panel Discussion during ABAT’s Texas Auto Body Trade Show this month at the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth. Auto Tech also takes part in ABAT’s social events, including its recent Skeet Shoot. Gardner’s team, which came in first place, was rounded out by Jessie Small, Kevin Rhodes and even the shop co-owner’s 13-year-old grandson Braden Burroughs, who loves the sport and competes at his junior high school. “Everyone really appreciated the fact that Braden was at the event; he really enjoyed the day.”
TXA
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15 September 2019 Texas Automotive
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ask the expert
By robert L. Mcdorman
“how many times does this happen?” Dear Mr. McDorman: This past month, we referred a client to you with a 2014 Maserati Ghibli. Our OEM blueprint to return the vehicle back to its preloss condition was $9,084.43. The carrier deemed the vehicle a total loss. It is my understanding the carrier accessed the value of the Maserati at $23,581. With your assistance, we were able to return the Maserati back to its pre-loss condition and collect $1,743.00 in storage and blueprint fees. Also, the client informed us they received an additional $6,682.94. How could this be? How many times does this happen? ank you for your question and for referring the client who sparked your question. is is, in fact, the correct perceived value of $23,581 the carrier originally offered the client for their Maserati. e carrier accessed the retention value of the vehicle at $14,220.88. e client hired Auto Claim Specialists as his public insurance adjuster and retained our subsidiary, Vehicle Value Experts, as his independent third-party appraiser. Auto Claim Specialists invoked the client’s right of appraisal in a contest of the loss and named Vehicle Value Experts as his independent third-party appraiser. e carrier named their independent third-party appraiser and notified Auto Claim Specialists. Vehicle Value Experts and the carrier’s independent third-party appraiser agreed that the actual cash value (ACV) of the Maserati was $28,900.00 – plus applicable sales tax and minus the deductible. e net settlement increase was $5,651.44 (or 23.2 percent). We see these same results many times daily in our office. e final settlement for the vehicle was $29,988.25 after the deductible. e carrier deducted the retention value of $14,220.88. e carrier issued the insured and their lender a check for $15,767.37. After the $9,084.43 payment to return the car to its OEM pre-loss condition, our client
applied the remaining $6,682.94 to his loan. Also, the carrier paid the collision facility $1,743 in storage and blueprint fees. e carrier could have returned this vehicle back to its OEM pre-loss condition for $9,084.43. Instead, they paid $15,767.37 and $1,743 in storage and blueprint fees for a total of $17,510.37. ese carrier’s management techniques qualify this as a unique claim-handling situation. Over the years, we’ve handled thousands of complex appraisal clause assignments. e catalyst for a unique claim-handling situation is 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. e appraisal process in most policies will allow the insured the relief needed to ensure they are made whole. e 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. e spirit of the Appraisal Clause is to resolve loss disputes fairly and to do so in a timely and costeffective manner. rough the Appraisal Clause, loss disputes can be resolved relatively quickly, economically, equitably and amicably by unbiased, experienced and independent third-party appraisers when compared to mediation, arbitration and litigation. Please call me should you have any questions about 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 questions and look forward to any follow-up questions that may arise. Sincerely, Robert L. McDorman TXA
17 SEPTEMBER 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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19 September 2019 Texas Automotive
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Cover Story
Food, Fun and More: TiPS For PLanninG a PerFeCT Trade Show weekend
The 2019 Texas Auto Body Trade Show is brought to you by ABAT with generous support from the following sponsors: Diamond Show Sponsor: BASF Platinum Show Sponsor: Akzo Nobel gold Show Sponsors: Axalta Coating Systems, Autel Silver Show Sponsors: AirPro Diagnostics Beacon Equipment Resources, English Color & Supply, NCS / Single Source, Inc., PPg, Reliable Automotive Equipment, Sherwin-Williams, Tasco Auto Color Refreshment Break Sponsor: Norton-Saint gobain Education Sponsor: CARSTAR, FinishMaster, Vale Training
Whether you’re traveling to ABAT’s Texas Auto Body Trade Show from out of town or just looking for some ideas on how to enjoy your time in Fort Worth before or after show hours, this suggested itinerary will provide you with what you need to make your time with the industry at the will rogers Memorial Center an unforgettable experience.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 Before the start of the Trade Show, you head out bright and early to Ol’ South Pancake House (1509 S. University Dr., Fort Worth), a 24-hour local legend that will get your day started thanks to a massive breakfast menu highlighted by world-famous German pancakes. According to its website (olsouthpancakehouse.com), “Ol’ South has served and pleased over 10 million customers… including many celebrities, dignitaries, congressmen, athletes and musicians” and “is proud to be Texan and always strives to offer the best in Southern cooking.” After breakfast, you make your way over to the Will Rogers Memorial Center (3401 W. Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth). You pick up your badge and a copy of The Texas Auto Body Trade Show Guide and get rolling. If you're an association member, you lend your voice to ABAT's Association Roundtable from 9am-12pm in the South Texas Room. When the show officially opens at 1pm, you have. have your choice of walking the floor or checking out the first block of three in-depth educational seminars. A second block of three seminars begins at 3pm. At 6pm, you hit the South Texas Room for the Body Shop Panel Discussion moderated by Eric McKenzie of Park Place Bodywerks.
Before the conclusion of the day’s show, you stop by the ABAT and HABA booth (#201) to check in with both associations and get the latest news, information and materials on what’s happening in the industry in your market. If you’re not already a member, you use this opportunity to join in order to attend the special invite-only Texas Auto Body Trade Show After-party at 8:30pm at Bar Louie (2973 W. 7th St., Fort Worth), being hosted by ABAT.
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By Joel Gausten
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 Before the start of the Trade Show, you travel less than a mile from the Will Rogers Memorial Center to the Fort Worth Botanic Garden (3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth), a breathtaking site housed on 110 acres in the heart of the cultural district. If you have kids in tow, you’ll want to take them to the Native American Boardwalk, a “living outdoor classroom” complete with 13 educational stations. The Boardwalk’s elevated walkway is planted with native species growing on the east side and invasive species growing on the west side. Opens at 8am (fwbg.org).
You return to the Trade Show by 10am to take in the OEM Panel Discussion in the South Texas Room. From there, you break for lunch and visit with vendors on the show floor until the first block of three seminars begins at 12:30pm. After that, you make another round on the floor before hitting the block of presentations at 2:30pm. At 5pm, you wrap up your Trade Show experience in the Cactus Room for Todd Tracy’s newest industry presentation, “Life after the Lawsuit: An Hour with Todd Tracy.”
If you’re looking to unwind with a great burger, you can’t go wrong with Rodeo Goat (2836 Bledsoe and Curry, Fort Worth), a hip warehouse space open until midnight. Known for their unique house-ground creations, Rodeo Goat has a 4.6-star Google rating and offers everything from the Salted Sow (a burger with beef and Italian sausage) and the Neil Young (a veggie patty with sprouts, tomato and Goddess dressing). Make sure to top off your meal with an order of “Goat Balls” for dessert (rodeogoat.com).
After that, you hit the town. If you’re looking for a taste of nostalgic fun with your nightlife, you take the five-minute drive from the Will Rogers Memorial Center to Barcadia’s Fort Worth location (816 Matisse Drive). Open until 2am (and 16plus before 7pm), it boasts a huge patio and food ranging from quesadillas to falafels, 24 beers on tap and an entire wall of nearly two dozen classic ’80s video games, including Tron, Burger Time, Q*bert, Star Wars and Paperboy (barcadiabars.com/barcadiafortworth).
For more details on this year’s Texas auto Body Trade Show, check out the Schedule of events on page 22.
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SEMINARS & EVENTS 8AM: Badge Registration Opens (Entrance Lobby)
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
9AM-12PM: Association Roundtable (South Texas Room) “PRIVATE EVENT” 1PM: TRADE SHOW FLOOR OPENS
1PM: Commonly Missed, Included & Not-Included Estimating Items (Corral Room) Presented by Danny Gredinberg, Database Enhancement Gateway (DEG) This session will guide estimators and managers through various commonly missed operations and included/not-included items throughout the repair process. Attendees will learn where to find proper documentation within the DEG to help map out and build a comprehensive repair plan.
1PM: How to Get Paid for Your Work: Receiving Proper Compensation for Proper Repairs (Longhorn Room) Presented by Robert McDorman, Auto Claim Specialists Using real-world analysis and success stories, certified auto appraiser Robert McDorman will lead attendees through techniques and strategies for shops to successfully receive proper compensation for performing repairs to OEM specifications.
1PM: Corrosion Protection: Is Your Shop Prepared for the Post-Repair Inspection Era? (Cactus Room) Presented by Shawn Collins, 3M Shawn Collins with 3M Technical Service is presenting this technical segment on the critical importance of doing the right repair with the correct materials on the vehicle of today. This segment recognizes the critical, proper repair that will pass a post-repair inspection – and keep the consumer safe. Collins, a well-known SEMA presenter, brings vast technical knowledge and expertise in understandable language for repairers to “make a difference.”
3PM: Blueprinting: Not Your Grandfather’s Estimate (Corral Room) Presented by Ron Reichen, Precision Body & Paint; and Danny Gredinberg, Database Enhancement Gateway (DEG) Join an interactive dive into the new era of repair planning. Vehicles are now constructed of multi-substrate materials and loaded with a mass of electronics, both functional and safetyrelated. The OEs now provide detailed repair procedures that outline, in systematic detail, how vehicles must be remanufactured following a collision. The collision repairer of today must incorporate this information into every repair plan to protect the consumer and themselves and ensure the vehicle will function exactly as designed if a second loss occurs. This presentation will guide you through proven processes in repair planning and profitability. It will change the way you manage the repair process in the future.
3PM: Shop Procedure Implementation (Longhorn Room) Presented by Matthew McDonnell, Big Sky Collision Center Find your starting place with the new training and education culture. Matthew McDonnell from Big Sky Collision Centers, a three-shop MSO in Montana, brings a new and enlightened perspective of employee engagement to this class. McDonnell will share how he has successfully engaged his team to achieve maximum efficiency, quality output and uniformity of performance. His team actively participates in the development of Standard Operating Procedures and manages their implementation, being accountable to each other and to Big Sky Collision. This class is a “BIG” motivator for owners, managers and technicians. 3PM: Collision Repair Coaching: Giving Technicians What They Need to Do the Right Thing (Cactus Room) Presented by Chris Ollila, VeriFacts Automotive; and Burl Richards, Burl’s Collision Center Coaching can bring a new, efficient energy into the collision repair shop process. In light of new technologies and challenges every technician face, this hands-on individual training is a critical tool for a quality, safe repair. Learn how a third-party coach can bring an entire organization into a winning team. Closing the “training and understanding gap,” a coach will bring new repair methodology and proper and efficient new equipment usage into the right steps in the process. Consistent shop assessments develop an ongoing “real time” education for technicians.
6PM-7PM: Body Shop Panel Discussion (South Texas Room) Moderated by Eric McKenzie of Park Place Bodywerks. Panelists include Burl Richards, Burl’s Collision Center (independent MSO); David “Ozzy” Osburn, Southwest Ford Collision (dealership body shop); Brian Brunson of Auto Tech Services (independent shop); Ben Stuckert, Toyota of Richardson (large dealership MSO); and Manuel Rubio; Miracle Body and Paint (large independent shop). Body shops come in all shapes and sizes: Independent, dealership, multi-shop independent, MSO and more! Come hear about the similarities and differences from managers of all shop sizes, their secrets to success and thoughts on how they’re navigating this changing industry.
8PM: TRADE SHOW CLOSES
10AM: TRADE SHOW FLOOR OPENS
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
10AM: OEM Panel Discussion (South Texas Room) Panelists TBD; Moderated by Ron Reichen, Precision Body & Paint; and Mark Olson, VECO Experts A highlight of this Trade Show will be the OE Panel Discussion, moderated by Ron Reichen (past chairman of the Society of Collision Repair Specialists and owner of Precision Body and Paint’s three locations in Oregon) and Mark Olson (CEO of VECO Experts). This dynamic panel of OEM representatives and equipment manufacturers will explore the newest technology, OEM repairer recommendations, proper equipment, repairability, certification and training. This hour-and-a-half session will include a Q&A session.
11:30AM to 12:30PM: LUNCH BREAK FOR SEMINAR ATTENDEES (Seminar Hallway)
12:30PM: Blueprinting: Not Your Grandfather’s Estimate (Corral Room) Presented by Ron Reichen, Precision Body & Paint; and Danny Gredinberg, Database Enhancement Gateway (DEG) See Friday course description. 12:30PM: Shop Procedure Implementation (Longhorn Room) Presented by Matthew McDonnell, Big Sky Collision Center See Friday course description.
12:30PM: Corrosion Protection: Is Your Shop Prepared for the Post-Repair Inspection Era? (Cactus Room) Presented by Shawn Collins, 3M See Friday course description. 2:30PM: Use BillableGenie to Get Paid for More Procedures at Better Rates (Corral Room) Presented by Sam Valenzuela, National Auto Body Research As the industry’s first searchable database of actual repair data from insurer-written/paid estimates, BillableGenie is the industry’s new, disruptive technology to help level the playing field for payment of not-included procedures. NABR will demo BillableGenie to show how shops can use it to get paid for more of their work – and at better rates. 2:30PM: How to Get Paid for Your Work: Receiving Proper Compensation for Proper Repairs (Longhorn Room) Presented by Robert McDorman, Auto Claim Specialists See Friday course description.
2:30PM: Collision Repair Coaching: Giving Technicians What They Need to Do the Right Thing (Cactus Room) Presented by Chris Ollila, VeriFacts Automotive; and Burl Richards, Burl’s Collision Center See Friday course description.
5PM: Life after the Lawsuit: An Hour with Todd Tracy (South Cactus Room) Presented by Todd Tracy, Tracy Law Firm What better way to close the 2019 Texas Auto Body Trade Show than with an invigorating presentation from the incomparable Todd Tracy? Join us as Todd shares takeaways from the Tracy Law Firm’s $42 million litigation win against John Eagle Collision and discusses shop liability, adherence to OEM repair guidelines and tons of never-before-shared information that will leave everyone in attendance motivated and engaged. 6PM: TRADE SHOW CLOSES
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Visit us at Booth #207
Silver Show Sponsor
RAE is North America’s premier supplier of OE certified repair equipment. Our OE approved systems and products are the “preferred choice” for use in collision repair because the system or products have already been prescreened by the car manufacturer.
PHONE: 732-495-7900 FAX: 732-495-7904 E-MAIL: bill@rae1.com www.raeservice.com VISIT US ON FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/ReliableAutomotiveEquipment 23 September 2019 Texas Automotive
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haBa news HOUSTON AUTO BODY ASSOCIATION to APPEAR AT THE TEXAS AUTO BODY TRADE SHOW Later this month, ABAT’s Texas Auto Body Trade Show will feature the hands-on support from one of its greatest allies – the Houston Auto Body Association (HABA).
Trade Show attendees are urged to visit HABA and ABAT at their joint booth (#201) to meet the directors working hard to improve the industry, join as members, see what's new with both associations, play some cornhole and make new connections. A critical part of the Texas collision repair scene, HABA thrives through ongoing membership events and various activities on behalf of auto body customers. Known throughout the region for its community spirit and robust schedule, HABA has built a solid reputation for providing members and nonmembers alike with the tools, insight and direction needed for them to successfully navigate an ever-changing profession. In addition to hosting special member and sponsor appreciation events throughout the year, HABA brings valuable education to the market through its annual Fall Conference. Last year’s Conference boasted presentations by Mike Anderson (Collision Advice), Tim Ronak (AkzoNobel), Dan Parsons from the Better Business Bureau and HABA Legislative Coordinator Larry Cernosek. is year’s event promises to be another memorable experience. (Look for details in a future issue of Texas Automotive. Of course, HABA’s commitment to providing industryrelated education extends far beyond its membership. Earlier this year, the association was an outspoken supporter of House Bill 1348, which aimed to promote (among other things) widespread use of OEM-required/recommended procedures and enforce the Texas Consumer Bill of Rights. In February,
HABA joined ABAT in filling the Capitol with association members and other supportive parties during a special “Collision Day.” HABA President John Kopriva is still amazed by the visual of 100-plus people all standing in support of industry reform. “at day will be with me – and the rest of HABA – for a long time. e folks at the Capitol knew that we, as an industry, are serious about our mission to perform proper work and keep Texas motorists safe in vehicles repaired to true standards and not by the methods used to save insurers money.” Last April, Kopriva and HABA Chairman of the Board Greg Luther were among the HABA community members who testified before the Texas House Committee on Insurance in favor of the legislation. “Although the bill didn’t move forward this session, we made progress in better educating legislators on our issues and how important OEM procedures are to ensuring consumer safety. We are an auto body association, but we are also a consumer advocacy group. is past legislative session went a long way in informing and convincing lawmakers of this fact. I’m proud of the HABA members who worked hard to push this bill into the spotlight, and I can’t wait to keep this effort moving in the next session. Our voices were heard this year, and it’s only a matter of time before we achieve a victory at the Capitol.” Looking ahead, Kopriva and the rest of the HABA Board plan to further their collaborative efforts with ABAT and prove that strength comes in numbers. “Texas is a big state with a lot of issues to address, so it’s important that we all work together to protect our consumers and make this industry better. [ABAT President] Burl Richards, [Executive Director] Jill Tuggle and the rest of the ABAT Board and its membership are as committed to this industry as we are, and we’re proud and excited to join them again this year at the Texas Auto Body Trade Show.” For more information on HABA, visit the association’s booth at the Trade Show and go to habaonline.org.
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TXA
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We Are Committed to
QUALITY REPAIRS
that Align with OEM Procedures Lifetime Warranty
Fully Insured Repairs
We stand behind our work 100% All of our repair services are backed by a five million dollar insurance policy.
Customer Satisfaction
You can be sure that if your wheels are repaired by Wheel Technologies, you can deliver it to your customer with confidence!
Independent Lab Tests
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800-210-2371
Silver Show Sponsor
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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. 26 September 2019 Texas Automotive
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Visit us at
Booth #424
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