Texas Automotive December 2019

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

PLUS: ABAT Holiday Gala Recap 2020 Vision “Does the customer have any rights?”

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Contents

DECEMBER 2019

16

on the

cover

Surviving improper repairS: The Seebachans Address the Industry

By Joel Gausten

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

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

On the cover: Matthew and Marcia Seebachan with Jeff and Marie Peevy at the Collision Industry Conference in Las Vegas (photo by Joel Gausten)

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

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

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE By Burl Richards We Have Work to Do EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE By Jill Tuggle 2020 Vision

Treasurer David Osburn South West Collision Center dosburn@southwestautogroup.com (855) 395-2720 Executive Director Jill Tuggle jill@abat.us (817) 899-0554

ABAT BOARD MEMBERS

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

DEPARTMENTS

4 6 8 10 12 14 18

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

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

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

Darrell Smith McDaniel’s Quality Body Works Inc darrell-mcdaniels@sbcglobal.net (903) 753-5391 Mike Williams All Star Collision Center sales@allstarcollision.us (903) 589-3160

EDITOR’S MESSAGE By Joel Gausten ABAT Changes the Game in Vegas LOCAL NEWS ABAT’s First-Ever Holiday Gala Educates and Inspires NATIONAL NEWS Burl’s Hypnotic Customs Debuts Restored 1966 Lincoln at SEMA NATIONAL NEWS ABAT Leads CIC Governmental Committee Panel ASK THE EXPERT By Robert L. McDorman “Does the customer have any rights?”

PUBLISHER Thomas Greco / thomas@grecopublishing.com SALES DIRECTOR Alicia Figurelli / alicia@grecopublishing.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Lea Velocci / lea@grecopublishing.com EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Joel Gausten / joel@grecopublishing.com EDITORIAL/CREATIVE COORDINATOR Alana Bonillo / alana@grecopublishing.com OFFICE MANAGER Donna Greco / donna@grecopublishing.com

ASSOCIATION NEWS 20 ABAT MEMBER PROFILE

22 ABAT MEMBER APPLICATION

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX 300 Advantage ....................................................15 AAMStraining.com ..............................................17 Advanced Automotive Equipment ..................8 Beacon Equipment Resources ........................13 CAR-O-LINER Southwest ..................................7 Dallas Dodge ........................................................OBC Ecotech ..................................................................IBC English Color and Supply ..................................9

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

www.grecopublishing.com

FindPigtails.com ..................................................9 Innovative Collision Equipment........................19 Park Place ..............................................................IFC Reliable Automotive Equipment ......................5 Spanesi ..................................................................19 Tasco Auto Color..................................................15 Wheel Technologies............................................13

3 DECEMBER 2019 Texas Automotive

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

We Have Work to Do

A

As I write this message, I’m still coming down from the week I just spent at the 2019 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

As president of ABAT, I have the privilege of representing the Texas collision repair industry across the country, sharing our issues and ideas with like-minded associations and learning from the successes of others in the field. Considering that around 150,000 automotive professionals hit the Las Vegas Convention Center this year for SEMA, it’s no surprise that there was a lot to take in over a few days. is issue of Texas Automotive features coverage of SEMA-related events and discussions that were directly generated by ABAT and our state industry. In addition to these stories, I’d like to share some perspectives I gained from spending time there.

We all know that many in our industry are focusing on advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) these

days. is topic came up frequently at SEMA, and it was clear that technicians must perform the correct repair operations on these systems as specified by the OEMs. As ADAS technologies become more prevalent, so does the need for every repairer working today to be educated on how to properly restore these things to pre-loss condition to preserve functionality. is includes the technicians at dealerships that receive sublet work. At the same time, many insurers still refuse to pay shops for these needed operations – or they pay an amount that is insufficient at best. To make matters worse, some shops are avoiding doing this work due to the insurance industry’s failure to properly pay them and indemnify their policyholder at the same time. Here’s the big problem with that: If these charges aren’t showing up on invoices, then we set an “industry standard” that these things don’t need to be performed by us

Burl richards ABAT President

and paid for by carriers. is is a very bad scenario. I urge our members and readers to pursue and maintain the training needed to do those repairs – and then make sure insurers know that these are professional procedures they cannot ignore.

Of course, there’s a lot of other important work for us to do. As our industry gears up for 2020, ABAT is anxious to keep bringing awareness to our issues – as well as the issues of our consumers – to lawmakers and beyond, to find solutions and finally make these things right.

In closing, I’d like to personally thank two very special consumers – Matthew and Marcia Seebachan – for traveling to Las Vegas from Texas to tell members of our industry exactly what can go wrong with an improper repair. eir willingness to share their emotional story with all of us is something that I – and the rest of the ABAT community – will never forget. Let’s keep working together to ensure that nothing like what these two young people went through will ever happen again.

TXA

burl@burlscollision.com

4 DECEMBER 2019 Texas Automotive

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5 DECEMBER 2019 Texas Automotive

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executive Director’s message

2020 vision This year has been a year of major growth for aBaT. as i look back at what has been accomplished, i am filled with excitement for 2020. The vision is clear, and we are organized, energized and headed full throttle toward our goals.

Jill Tuggle ABAT Executive Director

A

ABAT Board members met on November 16 to discuss our goals, important dates and our budget for 2020. We plan to host quarterly trainings in each of our current chapter regions – Dallas, Austin, Houston, San Antonio and Houston – as well as West Texas, College Station, South Texas and more. We voted in favor of making donations to a few worthwhile and likeminded causes and to expand our membership base. We will be hosting consumer awareness events, including a “Collision Safety Day” across the state with tangible ways to showcase the importance of a safe and proper repair.

One of our biggest goals, however, will be fundraising for our next legislative run.

ABAT is all about education. In 2019, we presented at more than 10 educational meetings across the state, provided 15 educational sessions at the Texas Auto Body Trade Show, brought you 12 issues of Texas Automotive and much more. Although these avenues brought knowledge to the masses, nothing was a bigger learning opportunity for us than our time spent at the Texas Capitol.

House Bill 1348 made quite a journey. From its inception as House Bill 3804 in 2017, it went through language changes and amendments and ultimately ended before a vote in both sessions. Round Two (2019) came with a bit of experience and the onboarding of a lobbyist (and a very good one at that), who is still working on our bill in the interim. It is said that the majority of bills take three sessions to pass. With each run, we gained the experience we needed for the next round. e 2021 session is already proving to be more successful than 2019, and we are still over a year away. Representative Leo Pacheco announced at our Holiday Gala in San Antonio that he plans to sign on to our bill again next session and is “committed to working hard next session on making sure this bill goes further.”

Part of making 2021 a legislative success will be supporting the members and candidates who support us in 2020. is will be done through the Texas Auto Body Political Action Committee (TAB PAC). Next year will be a major time for fundraising for this cause, so be on the lookout for more

6 DECEMBER 2019 Texas Automotive

information via email and Texas Automotive on how to donate to this very important cause. It’s going to be a heavy lift, and we’re not skipping leg day.

As we have grown in experience, we have also grown in membership and our footprint. We have member shops that are now communicating and working together instead of treating each other as the enemy. e ABAT community spans east/west from El Paso to Marshall and north/south from Paris to Brownsville and everywhere in between the 268,596 square miles of the most beautiful country in this nation. We are proud to be Texans and proud to be ABAT. You’re going to want to be a part of this. Join us.

I encourage you to call me on my personal cell phone if you have any questions or concerns about joining: (817) 899-0554.

TXA

jill@abat.com

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editor’s message ABAT CHANGES THE game in vegas in her message in last month’s issue, aBaT executive Director Jill Tuggle discussed some of the many benefits of belonging to the association. as Jill mentioned, one critical element of aBaT’s services to the industry is its connection to and participation in the national auto body scene. aBaT’s recent – and incredibly strong – presence at this year’s Sema Show in Las vegas drove this point home in clear and inspiring ways.

A

As you’ll read in this month’s cover story, Matthew and Marcia Seebachan – the plaintiffs in the historic lawsuit against John Eagle Collision Center in Dallas – traveled to Vegas to share their story with a packed house at the Collision Industry Conference (CIC).

Attendees held back tears as the Seebachans shared details of their harrowing near-death collision, how the event has and will continue to affect their lives and the importance of repairers always following proper OEM procedures. It was ABAT’s work with the Seebachans earlier this year in the legislative arena – and Texas Automotive’s subsequent interview with Marcia – that

led CIC to pursue putting them on stage in front of the top stakeholders in the industry. e Seebachans’ appearance at CIC will be talked about for years to come, and it all started with ABAT’s devotion – along with the Seebachans’ bravery and commitment – to better protecting consumers during the repair process.

Later at CIC, ABAT President Burl Richards offered frank perspectives as a panelist during a special Governmental Committee presentation on various industry associations’ efforts to effect change in the respective Legislatures. Burl spoke passionately about ABAT’s ongoing work to pass legislation that

Joel gausten Editor

aims to prevent consumers like the Seebachans from ever having to experience another improper repairrelated nightmare. Coverage of this event also appears in this issue.

As these events demonstrate, ABAT members receive more than just local representation from their membership dues. In just a few years, the association has become one of the most prominent and recognized groups of its kind in the country. It will be your support – as a paying member and regular participant – that will ensure ABAT’s ability to reach even higher moving forward.

TXA joel@grecopublishing.com

8 DECEMBER 2019 Texas Automotive

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Local news ABAT’s First-Ever Holiday Gala Educates and Inspires On November 16, over 100 members of the ABAT community – plus key legislators and representatives from supporting organizations – gathered at the St. Luke Catholic Church in San Antonio for the association’s first-ever Holiday Gala.

“In addition to providing members of ABAT a chance to join together for an evening of fun, the Gala was educational and inspiring,” comments ABAT Executive Director Jill Tuggle. “Our members got a firsthand look at the work that we’re doing in the background legislatively and the reporting they’re getting from us about what’s happening at the Capitol. e things we’re doing on their behalf are really working and making a difference.”

“We could not have had a successful Gala without our ABAT Board member Manuel Rubio – it was his idea, and he made it happen – and all of the great support and donations from our sponsors,” adds ABAT President Burl Richards.

“English Color specifically went out of its way by cooking and providing the food for the event.” e Gala’s keynote speaker, Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar, delivered passionate words on the need for the industry to continue to push back against insurers putting profits over consumer safety.

As he said, “Mi familia no se vende (My family’s not for sale).”

Other guest speakers included ABAT lobbyist Jacob Smith (Longleaf Consulting), Ware Wendell of Texas Watch (who compared the dedicated members of ABAT to Teddy Roosevelt’s “Rough Riders”), Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers lobbyist Byron Campbell (who pledged his organization’s support of ABAT’s proconsumer legislative efforts), Representative Steve Allison and Representative Leo Pacheco (who announced his plan to sign on in support of ABAT’s next legislative push to

help ensure that the bill goes further this time around). “ings went very well; it was a very successful first annual Gala,” comments Rubio. “e timing, atmosphere and culture surrounding the industry from a political standpoint are accepted and embraced. e cause has been raised, and the awareness is in place. Now, our legislators need to take action.”

10 DECEMBER 2019 Texas Automotive

ABAT thanks the following Holiday Gala sponsors: Ancira Auto Group, Cavender Auto Group, Color Tone Paint Co., Dents & Dings PDR Co., English Color, FinishMaster, Gunn Automotive Group, Hunter Equipment, Miracle Body & Paint, Park Place Auto Group and Tasco Auto Color.

TXA

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national news

By alana Bonillo

Burl’s Hypnotic Customs Debuts Restored 1966 Lincoln at SEMA When he wasn’t busy addressing repairers at the Collision Industry Conference during the SEMA Show (see page 14), ABAT President Burl Richards could be seen at the Performance Pavilion, where he debuted a 1966 Lincoln Convertible crafted by his newest venture, Burl’s Hypnotic Customs of Henderson - a restoration and hot rod shop. “e brand-new shop does nothing but high-end custom work, separate from collision repair,” explained Richards, who still remains at the helm of Burl’s Collision Center (which he has been running since 1997). e dazzling Lincoln Convertible was a must-see by all who passed by the John’s 360 Coatings booth, where it was proudly on display. Richards was joined by Colby Elliot, who manages Burl’s Hypnotic Customs, and his friend and colleague John Mosley. e Lincoln’s features include its original 462 engine (which was balanced and blueprinted), custom-built front bumpers and a custom interior. Burl’s Hypnotic Customs also did away with the carburetor and put in a Holley fuel injection system and Accuair Suspension.

BASF “55-Line” paint and clear was used, and the color is called “Leadfoot Gray.”

“It probably has about 100 different small modifications to it; the whole goal here was to make it like the original car. It’s got a lot of little cool subtleties and custom things you may not see originally.”

According to Mosley, the vehicle was brought to the next level by using John’s 360 Coatings’ flagship product, e Avenger – a two-part ceramic coating system that was applied on top of the clear coat to add protection from chemicals, dirt, grime and the overall finish, while adding a deep gloss and luster.

Richards believes that SEMA was an ideal forum to reveal the vehicle for the first time.

“You want to see how you can fare up against some of the top builders in the nation. ere are some beautiful vehicles here, and we wanted to see how we stacked up with them.”

“We are a small-time operation right now,” added Elliot. “is was our biggest build. We wanted to show what we are capable of and showcase our abilities as a shop.”

TXA

Clockwise from top: ABAT President Burl Richards, John Mosley (John's 360 Coatings) and Colby Elliot (Burl's Hypnotic Customs); The 1966 Lincoln Convertible restored by Burl's Hypnotic Customs featuring John's 360 Coatings products; John Mosley shows us The Avenger - a two-part ceramic coating system.

12 DECEMBER 2019 Texas Automotive

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National News

ABAT Leads CIC Governmental Committee Panel At last month’s Collision Industry Conference (CIC) in Las Vegas, ABAT President Burl Richards was among the participants on a special Governmental Committee panel discussion on various collision repair association-driven legislative and regulatory efforts across the country. Janet Chaney of CaveCreek Business Development moderated the nearly hour-long event.

Richards described ABAT’s long-running activities on the state level as consumer-focused in nature.

“We feel like it’s our duty to educate the legislators and the folks from the Texas Department of Insurance. [e Department] clearly has no idea what it takes to repair a vehicle, yet they’re up there every day accepting these policies on these vehicles that have absolutely nothing to do with a safe repair. We’re trying to bring attention to that.”

ABAT’s “duty” includes giving lawmakers a realistic view inside the need for OEM procedures to be fully acknowledged as the standard of repair.

“One thing we’re focusing on is getting legislators to actually come to the body shops in Texas and look at these vehicles and understand what it takes to repair one properly.”

Panelist John Mosley (Mississippi Collision Repair Association) opined that dealing with the State House is a necessity in today’s automotive field.

“Unfortunately, as collision repairers, we have the liability when we make a bad repair. e other thing is you need to have legislation to protect your business or your consumer…If every repairer had the backbone to stand up and do the right thing for

the consumer instead of trying to please the insurance industry, we wouldn’t have these problems and we wouldn’t need more legislation.”

Additionally, he stressed that bills are needed to protect consumers from facilities that do not follow OEM-recommended/ required methods.

“At my shop, we do a lot of post-repair inspections, and I’ll sit here and tell you with no hesitation that I’ve never done a postrepair inspection on an MSO-repaired vehicle – and when I say ‘MSO,’ I’m talking about the Service Kings, Gerbers and Calibers – where there was a pre-repair scan and post-repair scan on that sheet…I’ve never done a post-repair inspection that I considered a ‘passing’ – good and safe – repair.” e Governmental Committee panel was held following a powerful presentation by Texas-based consumers Matthew and Marcia Seebachan, who made headlines in 2017 with a multimillion-dollar verdict against John Eagle Collision Center in Dallas after an improper roof repair at the facility nearly cost them their lives in a subsequent collision. Although the Seebachans’ post-accident hardships are impossible to ignore, Richards revealed that the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) has done very little to protect drivers from experiencing a similar fate. “ey know about it; the question is, do they want to do anything about it? I would just tell you no. We’re the ones who continue to knock on the doorstep and try to make them aware of those situations. I’ve spoken to the Texas Department of Insurance multiple times and talked to the [Insurance] Commissioner. I can tell you they have no interest in it. ey will tell us, ‘is is a legislative issue.’”

Darrell Amberson (LaMettry’s Collision) noted another frustrating obstacle that often prevents industry-driven success in the legislative and regulatory arenas.

“One of the issues in Minnesota is that the insurers are very strong in terms of their legislative representation. A significant portion of our state legislators are either currently or formerly employed by insurance companies, so it’s a bit of a challenge.”

Jordan Hendler, executive director of the Washington Metropolitan Auto Body Association (WMABA), shared that her group’s current legislative objective is to monitor movement in the Legislature that could impact its membership and testify against bills that could be harmful to the industry.

ABAT President Burl Richards speaking at the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) in Las Vegas

14 DECEMBER 2019 Texas Automotive

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The 300 Advantage™ “Our association has gone all the way from proposing legislation – sometimes in multiple states at a time – to more of a ‘watch and kick dirt up’ approach.”

As ABAT continues to strategize its next run at the Capitol, it will do so with the help of lobbyist Jacob Smith.

“Our lobbyist is great,” Richards told the CIC body. “We communicate probably once or twice a month with him, and we’re proposing a direction to go in next year.

“I absolutely do believe it is an advantage to have a lobbyist, because you’ve got somebody who knows how the game works,” he added. “ey understand the ins and outs. At the end of the day, all of us are repairing cars every day at our businesses. [Lobbying] is not our expertise. If you’re going to get anything done, I think you have to go and reach out to people who do understand that.”

As industry organizations throughout America push for change, Mosley made it clear that the auto body field itself needs to do its fair share of internal housekeeping if these endeavors are to succeed.

“If we all just agreed to do the right thing, we wouldn’t have to be doing these things. We could use our legislation for something else.”

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Cover Story

SURVIVING IMPROPER REPAIRS: The Seebachans Address the Industry Matthew Seebachan discussed his life after sustaining severe accidentrelated injuries.

Marcia Seebachan urged attendees to follow the proper OEM repair procedures.

In December 2014, Matthew and Marcia Seebachan’s previously owned 2010 Honda Fit was t-boned while they were traveling to spend the holidays with family. As a result, they were trapped inside the vehicle as it burst into flames. Although they were lucky to escape the wreck with their lives, both were left with devastating injuries. Texas-based attorney Todd Tracy was the first to discover that the Seebachans’ injuries were the direct result of improper repairs performed on their vehicle before they purchased it. is eventually led to a 2017 multimillion-dollar verdict for the couple and the loudest inter-industry cry for OEM repair procedures ever heard.

Since becoming the current chairman of the quarterly Collision Industry Conference (CIC), Jeff Peevy (Automotive Management Institute) has kept an empty chair on stage to represent the consumer. In Las Vegas during the final CIC of 2019, that spot was filled in heartrending ways as the Seebachans joined Peevy and his wife, Marie, on stage for an emotional conversation on their near-fatal accident, the lasting effect it will have on their lives and what the chairman called “the human impact that results [from] bad decisions.”

As the lawsuit proved, those “bad decisions” included John Eagle Collision Center’s failure to follow OEM-recommended guidelines for replacing the roof on the Seebachans’ Fit, which had received hail damage while under the care of the previous owner. Instead of welding the roof back on, John Eagle used adhesive – a choice that led to devastation when the vehicle was later struck. While a properly replaced roof would have performed as designed, the poorly repaired vehicle crushed in a way that trapped the couple inside as it burst into flames.

Marcia, who works as a licensed clinical social worker, likened repairers ignoring OEM procedures to members of her profession disregarding a code of ethics that requires the use of evidence-based practices with clients.

“It’s one thing for me to say that I think [someone’s] depression can be cured by eating three grapes a day, but where am I getting that from?

Just because it’s my belief? It’s not ethical for me to just put that into practice with a client whose life may depend on that [recommendation] unless there’s evidence to support it.”

16 DECEMBER 2019 Texas Automotive

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By Joel gausten

Calling the experience of learning that their vehicle had been improperly repaired “re-traumatizing,” she urged the industry to strive for greater transparency and documentation with the work it performs, especially as a vehicle could have multiple owners in its lifetime. “e second or third owners don’t have any less right to informed decision-making as the first…If you’re going to tell me that repair work is as good or better than the original design, then you should be able to show the evidence to support that…I think it would be intentionally naïve to pretend that there aren’t people who have been injured or had fatal accidents who were impacted by something like this.”

Marcia’s appearance at CIC was not the first time she served as a public advocate for safe and proper repairs. Earlier this year, she traveled to Austin – despite physical pain caused by the trip – to join ABAT and other concerned Texas automotive professionals in testifying in support of House Bill 1348. At a time when the industry is pushing harder than ever for OEM-recommended/required operations, her time in front of legislators put a face to the need for true repair reform.

Sadly, none of the Seebachan’s efforts to serve as consumer voices will take away the dramatic impact their accident has had on their lives. Speaking with Texas Automotive last spring, Marcia revealed that Matthew – who was employed as a pharmacist at the time of the crash – will likely never work again due to the severe extent of his injuries.

DEALERSHIP AND COLLISION SPECIFIC ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE PROGRAM

“My husband will always be in pain. We often get asked, ‘Has it gotten better? Will it get better?’ It’s not reasonable to assume it will. ere’s a certain degree of pain that will always exist with the repair to his burns and the nerves involved in that…[He] has a lot of cognitive stuff related to all the medications he’s taken. He just can’t function on the same level as he could before.”

Additionally, Marcia shared that she experiences frequent pelvic pain and ocular migraines. She now has a stent in her aorta that needs to be assessed by a vascular surgeon on a regular basis.

As revealed during the CIC event, the burns to Matthew’s legs took more than two years to heal. Nearly five years after the accident, he still has great difficulty maintaining a productive life.

“I don’t think there’s a ‘normal’ day, but there are ‘normal’- type days,” he said. “ere are days when I can’t focus. [Some days], I sleep 12 hours; other nights, I don’t sleep at all.”

With the Seebachans’ appearance in Las Vegas serving as a painful reminder of what must be done during the repair process, Peevy encouraged the industry leaders in attendance to always put the consumer first every time a vehicle arrives in their facilities.

“If I would have a vision for this industry, [it would] be that we put the value of human life ahead of everything else. To me, that changes the conversation.”

TXA

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

17 DECEMBER 2019 Texas Automotive

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ask the expert

By robert L. mcDorman

“Does the customer have any rights?”

Dear Mr. McDorman:

advice as to their insurance carrier’s choice to repair or replace. e correct way to do this would be to

I have always wondered if the customer 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.

have the client read their policy or refer them to a

has any rights to the repair or replace

public insurance adjuster for advice. When it comes

decision of their insurance carrier? I just

to the insurance carrier’s decision as to how the cov-

assumed that the insurance carriers knew all

ered loss will be paid, it has been my experience over

the rules and accepted what they told me as

the years and based on what I have seen that the in-

“just the way it is.”

surance carrier will always choose the most economical way possible to satisfy the loss liability. You

ank you for your question, which is a good one that I’m asked often. Yes, the insured and the claimant have rights to the decision on behalf of the

should never let someone who owes you money decide how they will pay you.

In today’s world regarding motor vehicle insur-

insurance carrier to repair or replace. In most poli-

ance policies, claim management, frequent changes

cies, the insured and/or claimant also has a right as

in insurance carrier claim handling policies and vari-

to the proper repair plan.

ous GAP Addendums, there are many variables that

In Texas, each insurance policy has different

could affect the resolution of the claim. Over the

guidelines and endorsements as to how the liability

years, we have found it is always in the best interest

will be paid for the covered loss. I strongly advise my

of the insured or claimant to have their proposed in-

clients and interested parties to always look to the

surance settlement reviewed prior to accepting.

policy to determine what the carrier can and cannot

ere is never an upfront fee for Auto Claim Special-

do. e carrier is bound by the language in the pol-

ists to review a motor vehicle claim or proposed set-

icy and required to administer the covered loss as the

tlement and offer our professional opinion as to the

policy states. e insured and/or claimant should

fairness of the settlement.

never take the advice of the claim’s handler or their

Please call me should you have any questions re-

manager. Almost daily, I am in discussions with in-

lating to the policy or covered loss. We have most in-

surance carriers’ senior management regarding a

surance policies and GAP Addendums in our library.

claim, and most of them seldom understand what

Always keep in mind that a safe repair is a quality re-

their own insurance policy states they can or cannot

pair and quality equates to value. I thank you for

do. I find this alarming and frightening.

your questions and look forward to any follow-up

e insured, claimant and/or collision facility

questions that may arise.

owner or management should never accept the insurance carriers’ views on how and why the repair or

Sincerely,

replace decision is made without researching the pol-

Robert L. McDorman

icy of the claim of the covered loss. As leaders in our industry, we have a fiduciary responsibility to our clients to always make sure we give them sound

18 DECEMBER 2019 Texas Automotive

TXA

Texas Automotive_1219.qxp_Layout 1 11/26/19 11:14 AM Page 19

MEASURE WHAT YOU’VE BEEN MISSING. Under-body, upper-body and body-side opening measuring

Portable cabinet for ultimate measuring exibility

Anniversary Pre-repair and post-repair documentation

Suspension and mechanical part measurements

(844) 810-2573 Spanesi authorized distributor

innovativecollisionequipment.com

12787 TX-155 Tyler, TX 75703

spanesi.com www.facebook.com/spanesigroup

Texas Automotive_1219.qxp_Layout 1 11/26/19 11:14 AM Page 20

aBaT member profile

By alana Bonillo

Scott’s collision Some things are just meant to be.

For David Norris, buying Scott’s Collision in 2017 wasn’t just the right business decision – it was also the right life decision for his family. e way it came about was happenstance. David and his wife, Sara, happened to run into the shop’s then-owner, Scott Hearn, and his wife at a local bakery where they made pleasant conversation.

Upon departing, Hearn just happened to suggest Norris consider buying his body shop. Uncertain if the man was serious or not, Norris let it slide at the time. ree months later, he followed up with Hearn; David and Sara had considered that buying a shop in the small town of Paris would be the right move for their family.

Sara was raised in Paris, and they knew it was the perfect place to raise their four young sons. Six months later, they closed on the business and they became the new owners in December 2017.

Previously, David had developed a strong background in the body shop world. Since 2001, he’s worn industry hats ranging from estimator to independent shop manager. He most recently served as body shop manager at Park Place Mercedes in Fort Worth. By his side at Scott’s Collision, Sara is the “behind the scenes” person handling all the office work at the shop, including accounts receivable, training for technicians, payroll and more.

Collision repair found David by accident. While between jobs in 2001, a friend referred him to an auto group, thinking he’d be a good fit as an estimator. at launched a career in the field he always admired.

“I’ve grown up around cars my whole life. I’m the son of an old hot rodder. I built cars as a teen…It’s always been in my blood, so it was only natural I wound up in the automobile industry.”

Scott’s Collision is the only Ford aluminum-approved facility in its market, a participant in the General Motors repair network and is considering pursuing Tesla certification.

“In light of the John Eagle case, I think any shop worth its salt that really wants to protect themselves, their assets and employees has to follow OEM procedures.”

David’s passion for making sure cars are returned to their pre-crash condition is one of the many reasons he’s a The legendary Ruby of Scott’s Collision member and supporter of

David and Sara Norris

ABAT. He has been involved with the association since its very beginning and stands behind its efforts.

“We repair a car with the mindset of it crashing again. It’s not just about how it looks… e next time it crashes, we are confident … that if the work were to be scrutinized, in a court of law, we would be comfortable.”

ABAT has also brought a sense of community to the body shop market in his area.

“What was once a town where every body shop stuck to its own corner, didn’t talk and didn’t share [is now] a community. ere is no longer that fear of, ‘Well, if I talk to you about X and I’m doing Y, you will figure out a way to steal my customers.’ We realized the ocean is big enough for all of us. We all continue to thrive. We have a client base; by sharing ideas, we help our industry as a whole.”

David and Sara enjoy giving back through helping out and lending a hand to various charitable organizations and schools. One organization in particular is called Dylan’s Drivers, a non-profit organization that provides transportation to anyone at any time if they are in an unsafe place or are under the influence. e family dog, Ruby, has become somewhat of a spokesperson for the business. Sara posted a few photos of the Goldendoodle online. As a result, Ruby grew such a fanbase that people come by the shop just to see her!

As for the future, David hopes to continue to grow to the point where the shop will be forced to expand and outgrow its current location. In the meantime, they strive to be a leader in their community for high-quality repairs.

“We are the shop that always has the customer’s needs and interests in mind before anything else.”

TXA

20 DECEMBER 2019 Texas Automotive

Texas Automotive_1219.qxp_Layout 1 11/26/19 11:14 AM Page 21

Hours of Operation Monday - Friday: 8am - 5pm Saturday: 9am - noon

Automotive Paint Industrial Paint Paint and Body Equipment Detailing Supplies Body Shop Supplies

Body Shop Management and Training

FOUR LOCATIONS SERVING NORTH TEXAS AND THE SURROUNDING METROPLEX FOR THE LAST 25 YEARS!

309 S. Garland Avenue Garland, TX 75040

(972) 271-9921

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(903) 717-7330

Email: tarafoster@jjpaintsupply.com

21 DECEMBER 2019 Texas Automotive

536 West Division Street Arlington, TX 76011

(817) 861-9921

Texas Automotive_1219.qxp_Layout 1 11/26/19 11:14 AM Page 22

Auto Body Association of Texas Membership Application Company Name:______________________________________________________________________ Primary Contact: _____________________________________________________________________ Position: ____________________________________________________________________________ Phone Number:________________________________ Direct Line/cell: ________________________ Email: _______________________________________________________________________________ Business address: ____________________________________________________________________

Years in Business: _____________ Website: _______________________________________________ Full 2019-2020 Dues $500 – MSO $250 per additional shop 2019-2020 Affiliate (Vendor) Dues $500 Join online at www.abat.us OR send this form to the address below Credit card number________________________________________________________________ Exp _____________________

By signing below, you agree to pay the above amount and have your credit card put on file for auto renew each year in the amount of $500 to be charged 12 months after joining ABAT. You may cancel this auto renew at any time.

Signature:__________________________________________________________Date: ____________ OR pay online at http://www.abat.us/join-abat/ or make checks payable to ABAT Credit cards are preferred but if you must send a check please submit membership dues to ABAT 1207 N. Frisco St. Henderson, TX 75652

Questions? Please contact Jill Tuggle at 817-899-0554 / jill@abat.us

22 DECEMBER 2019 Texas Automotive

Texas Automotive_1219.qxp_Layout 1 11/26/19 11:14 AM Page 23

Texas Automotive_1219.qxp_Layout 1 11/26/19 11:14 AM Page 24

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©2019 FCA US LLC. All Rights Reserved. Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Mopar and SRT are registered trademarks of FCA US LLC. FIAT is a registered trademark of FCA Group Marketing S.p.A., used under license by FCA US LLC.