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Illinois Minnesota Indiana Missouri Iowa Ohio 33 Kentucky Wisconsin YEARS VOL. 4 ISSUE 2 Michigan www.autobodynews.comwwww.autobodynews.com NOVEMBER 2014

Attorney John Arthur Eaves and Shop Owner Bill Fowler MSO Consolidations in CA Heat Up Industry appear on Memphis Radio to Discuss MDL Suit by Stacey Phillips, Assistant Editor Southern California. Shortly there- after Service King reached an agree- by Chasidy Rae Sisk To begin, the radio hosts summa- rized the lawsuit they planned to dis- Last month we reported on the final ment to acquire Car West Auto Body, On Tuesday, August 26, attorney cuss. In January 2014, Eaves filed a closing of the purchase of Holmes an MSO with seven shops in Northern John Arthur Eaves and shop owner complaint against insurers on behalf Body Shop’s seven locations by Cooks California. Bill Fowler, of Bill Fowler’s Body- of 21 collision repair shops. Though Collision Centers. The Holmes acqui- Is there some kind of ‘rule of sev- works in Southaven MS, appeared on the lawsuit began in MS, it has spread sition was initiated in May 2012 and ens’ at play here? More seriously, we the Drake and Zeke Show, a popular and continues to gain traction so that concluded with the seventh Holmes wanted to know what forces were early morning radio talk show in the it is now a national lawsuit, involving location closing in September of this driving the acquisition of small to Memphis, TN area. The reason for six states, which will be tried by a sin- year, after our last issue went to press. mid-size MSOs and why they seem their guest appearance was to explain gle judge in FL. Multiple insurers With 35 locations in CA, Cooks is the more attractive than individual shops the MDL lawsuit to consumers and have been implicated in the complaint largest independently owned and op- for acquisition. educate them on their rights during as the habit of insurer steering is an in- erated collision repair organization in Nearly 20 years ago David the collision repair process in hopes dustry-wide problem. the state. Roberts, the co-founder and former of raising awareness about this im- Fowler pointed out that steering But Holmes is not even the latest Chairman of the Board for Caliber portant issue impacting collision re- has become so pervasive in the indus- medium-sized MSO to be acquired by Collision Centers, wrote an article larger consolidators in California. In predicting the future of consolidations pair facilities across the country. See Memphis Radio, Page 32 September, Service King Collision in the collision repair industry. It was Repair Centers acquired Marco’s Col- entitled Shop Consolidation: Is it In- lision Centers, also a medium-sized evitable? Undoubtedly, Roberts an- Congress Expresses Support of Repair Industry in MSO having seven locations in See MSO Consolidations, Page 30 Response to Owners’ Trip to Washington D.C. Assistant Editor by Stacey Phillips, Pro Spot is Ford’s Rotunda Supplier of the Year Sixty-five collision repair shop own- Carlsbad’s Pro Spot is very proud to be welders in North America, the Alu- ers recently traveled to Washington awarded the supplier of the year award minum Dent Repair Stations, Fume Ex- by the Ford Motor Company Rotunda tractors, and the SPR Riveter; all of D.C. to educate Congress about the Program. Pro Spot was approved by which contributed to the winning of the struggle body shops face to protect Ford to supply aluminum repair equip- Supplier of the Year award. “We would consumers when providing a comment to the Collision Repair Program like to thank Team Pro Spot for all of plete and safe repair. The majority of for repairs on the new 2015 Ford F-150 their hard work and all of our customers them were part of a Nationwide Anti- all-aluminum body truck. The Ford Ro- that have supported us in purchasing Trust Multi-District Litigation filed tunda Dealer Equipment Program is a our aluminum repair products. This earlier this year against multiple in- national program endorsed by Ford means a lot to our team at Pro Spot,” said Ron Olsson, Pro Spot President, surance companies in several states. “I’m overwhelmed and very honored to (See also other cover story this page.) win this award from Ford. We have After more than 150 meetings Matt Parker with House Speaker John Boehner been working very hard and appreciate with representatives and senators over faced with the challenge of insurance the trust in our equipment and of course, a three-day period, the result was an companies dictating how they run the overwhelming amount of orders we outpouring of support for an industry See Congress Support, Page 34 have received for the aluminum program.” The 2015 F-150 is revolutionizing the repair industry by mainstreaming aluminum repair. With the hard work by (l to r) Mike Berardi (Ford Director of Serv- Ford Motor Company in designing a re- ice Engineering Operations), Ashley Olsson pairability-focused, all-aluminum body (Pro Spot Director of Communications), Ron F-150, shops across the country are get- Olsson (Pro Spot Founder & President) and ting prepared to repair the top selling ve- Steve DeAngelis (Ford Manager of Techni- cal Support Operations). Photo Credit: Ash- hicle. Pro Spot is proud to be recognized ley Olsson as a supplier of quality aluminum repair equipment to the Collision Repair Pro-

Motor Co. to their dealer base, selling gram and the 2015 Ford F-150 truck. Pro

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P.O. BOX 1516, CARLSBAD, CA 92018 CA CARLSBAD, 1516, BOX P.O. Presorted Standard Presorted cluded: the SP Pulse MIG welders— technicians to repair vehicles back to OE the most sold Ford-required MIG standards. 2 NOVEMBER 2014 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com Attanasio -BodyShops areTapping into COLUMNISTS Wisconsin Repair ShopOwnerParticipates WI AutoRepair ShopCreatesSpecial MI Establishing TestMI Town for .8 AutoinIowaHasNewOwner. Ken Borth Iowa AutoBodyShopOwnerSuspected O New MILawBarsTow Truck Drivers New MILawAllowsDriversCommunity TX Company Sued by MN Attorney General TX CompanySuedbyMNAttorney Santa HouseBuiltbyOhioShopOwner Recent ClassicCarandMotorcycle Illinois ShopGivesV IL BodyShop Gerber Collision&GlassOpens First AmendmentRightsQuestioned Attanasio -ChicagoBodyShop’s ABRA HelpedRaise $100KforPeople ABRA AutoBody&GlassContinues REGIONAL Michigan Governor SignsDrugged Michigan Governor New Top EndCadillactobeBuiltin Collision Shop Expands to Middletown, .6 Ohio .6 CARSTAR Expands MSONetworkinKY hio UniversityImprovesCostsin Contents for Gif in WheelstoPro oCryFle odes.12 Fallen Soldiers to Carry forSouthwestAirlines Cart Military o eln xeddAt arnis.16 for SellingExtendedAutoWarranties of Homicide...... 8 . of Homicide. .6 Real-World Experience Fleet Utilization . 10 . Service .10 Driving Laws Supports Community. .13 Community. Supports .10 Show inWisconsin e etri I.10 New CenterinMI 9 . in Kentucky niTxigCmag ace ie.31 Anti-Texting CampaignCatchesFire .6 with Disabilities .4 Iowa andIllinois. Its ExpansionWithOpeningsin rvresCr .10 Driverless Cars Detroit in .10 Drivers. from Harrassing t...... 4 . t. 2015. .9 2015. SlsBidn . 10 SellsBuilding . 8 sper, oTech Interns SeeksNominations Three Types Account for ofParts Takata AirbagRecall MayInclude SEMA: Sales of Auto Parts &Accessories SalesofAutoParts SEMA: Car-O-Liner Participation Enhanced Car-O-Liner Participation Franklin -AreYou MarketingtoMerely Attanasio -GasMonkeyGarageandDodge Chevrolet Brin Axalta Paint UsedonNASCARQualified EavesandShop JohnArthur Attorney Alcoa Forecasts Record AutoSheet NATIONAL Recent MSOConsolidationsinCA Pro SpotisFord’s Rotunda Sisk -Record NumbersAttendPro Paint’s .20 Luehr -LeanImplementationStrategies Omix-ADA toGiveAway 2014Jeep Mercedes WillTrain 26,000inthe Yoswick -DRPs 20yearsago,Ear PPG Waterborne ShopConversions Penta PiecesTogether .38 OldFord Pickup. I-CAR Launches Two New Refinish Courses. 39 ofRepair Congress ExpressesSupport Yoswick -Energy Transfer inToday’s 50% of Sales Online. . 3 50% ofSalesOnline. MVhce . . 37 GM Vehicles Reach .37 $33B. etU nuty.1 Heat UpIndustry uvv rAeYuTyn oGo .27 orAreYouSurvive Trying toGrow .18 MötleyCrüetoRock Dallas Recruit .14 the Persuasive Power ofVideo ihSca ei .39 With SocialMedia . 9 . Racers. .1 Radio toDiscussMDLSuit Owner BillFowler appearonMemphis . .39 Shipments inQ4 .26 Pulling MoreImportant o .36 Exceed 10,000 rn’ e utr . .37 Brand’s NewCulture Vehicles MakesMeasuring,Multi-Point CCRE, ADPR t nulTaeSo .17 7th AnnualTrade Show rnlra EA.36 Wrangler atSEMA .1 to Washington D.C. inResponse toOwners’TripIndustry Stingray inTimeforSEMA f theY ear ...... 1 . . ear gs BacktheCorvette evises Labor Times. .22 evises LaborTimes. Supplier . 36 ly throughout NY, NJ, PA, CT and DE. When he isn't working, Norm enjoys biking, yoga, surfing, motor- cycling, movies, pizza and the New York Times. He has been a resident of the Jersey Shore for the past Contact Norm at: Norman MoranoisOurNewestRegionalSalesManager concentratingon 26 years. Contact Norm to discuss your advertising needs at [email protected]. admitted to the bar in New Jersey and Pennsylvania and has kept his NJ bar license active. Born and raisedinNutley, NJ,Norm hasalso lived inOrono, ME,Berkeley, CA,and Sydney, Australia.Before purchasing, or e-tailing, three cate- three e-tailing, or purchasing, ume in 2013, according to E-Tailingto according 2013, in ume the Auto Care Association. from the Automotive Aftermarket in gories represent half of the dollar vol- r baig ytm (rmrl pads (primarily systems braking are and shoes); ignition and engine (fuelengine andignition shoes); and In terms of dollars spent on automo- on spent dollars of terms In Three Types ofParts Account for50%ofSalesOnline tive replacement parts through online pumps, alternators, ignition coils, etc.); New Talent Joins the Advertisers threetopTheproduct categories Art Director: Art Sales Assistant: (800) 699-8251 Morano BillDoyle,Norman Hartman, Sales: Advertising Chasidy Sisk,DavidLuehr David Brown,RichEvans,EdAttanasio, MWoeaePrsDaes. .33 GM WholesaleParts Dealers . . .26 GlasWeld Systems, Inc. Erhard BMWofF . 31 BMW WholesaleParts Dealers . .20 Automotive International. . 35 Audi WholesaleParts Dealers John Yoswick, JanetChaney, Toby Chess, Contributing Writers: Online Editor: Assistant Editor: General Manager: Publisher &Editor: alVlsae-ad . .17 Hall Volkswagen-Mazda . . .27 Graham AutoMall etTosDrc S . . 4 Dent Tools DirectUSA . . .18 Dent MagicTools . .12 Color-Dec NorthAmerica,Inc. . . . . 38 Classifieds. . . .21 Charles GabusFord Certified AutomotiveParts .16 CarcoonAmerica AirflowSystems . . . . . 10 Car-Part.com Laurel Auto Group of Westmont. .19 Laurel AutoGroup of Westmont. . .37 Kia WholesaleParts Dealers. . .28 Jake SweeneyChevrolet .33 Hyundai WholesaleParts Dealers Honda-Acura WholesaleParts Erh . .26 Equalizer Industries,Inc. . . 40 DJS Fabrications, Inc.. Indexof Association (CAPA). . . 15 Association (CAPA). Dealers. . . . . 24-25 Dealers. r M fBomil il . 8 ard BMWofBloomfieldHills automotive advertising he had his own sign company building his sales contacts sales his buildingcompany sign own his had headvertising automotive www.autobodynews.com [email protected] to discuss your advertising needs. Rodolfo Gar Victoria Antonelli New England Automotive, AASP-News/MN and Wisconsin Automotive Wisconsin and AASP-News/MN Automotive, England New Director for 13 years handling Hammer & Dolly, New Jersey Automotive, Northeast Automotive Trade Show. News. He has also sold exhibitor space for the past four years at the at years four past the for space exhibitor sold also has He News. team in October as an Advertising Sales Manager. Norm has been a Sales Autobody News a BS degree in Environmental Studies. After college he travelled extensively before attending Law School at Rutgers University School of Law. He was Norm graduated from the University Louise Tedesco Stacey Phillips rigo il .8 armington Hills Barbara Davies Joe Momber, Sean Jeremy Hayhurst Tom Franklin, cia is pleased to introduce Autobody News mate of online sales within the after- within sales of mate online tion, visit www.autocare.org/etailing. market. tive Aftermarket digital study ana- study digital Aftermarket tive ye te nie eal akt for market retail online the lyzes Association Association to provide a unified esti- Care Auto the for foundation the as sales sales of parts, aftermarket and serves and glas | NOVEMBER 2014 www Email: [email protected] (760) 603-3229 Fa(800) 699-8251(760)603-3229 Box 1516,Carlsbad,CA92018; Autobody News ©2014 AdamantineMediaLLC. obtained inwritingfromthepublisher. published inAutobodyNewsmustbe thematerial reproduce inanyform Illinois,Iowa,Indiana,Kentucky,Serving for theautobodyindustry. Permission to Autobody Newsisamonthlypublication Wisconsin andadjacentmetroareas. Michigan, Minnesota,Missouri,Ohio, For pricing and more informa- more and pricing For The E-Tailing in the Automo- the in E-Tailing The Volkswagen Wholesale Parts Toyota ofGra . . 21 Toyota ofDesMoines The SharpeCollectionof .14 TG Products,Inc.-TheRailSaver .32 Subaru WholesaleParts Dealers . .11 SATA SprayEquipment . . . . . 2 PPG . . .6 Motor GuardCorp. . . 13 Morrison’s AutoParts .29 MOPAR WholesaleParts Dealers Mitsubishi Wholesale Parts . 31 MINI WholesaleParts Dealers . . . 5 Mercedes-Benz. .36 Mazda WholesaleParts Dealers. . .9 Maplewood Toyota-Scion Malco Valspar Automotive. . . .7 Valspar Automotive. T eu hlsl at elr .37 Lexus WholesaleParts Dealers Loaner &RentalInsuranceby Luther Hopki yt hlsl at elr .34 oyota WholesaleParts Dealers Dealers. . . . . 39 elr . . . . 35 Dealers uooie . . .22 Automobiles otln . . . . 30 Northland s, mirrors and lamps. .autobodynews.com of California at Berkeley in 1982 with . . . . 13 Norman Morano sHna. ns Honda dRpd . nd Rapids Sales Sales Staff AUTOBODY NEWS3 who joined our .23 .23 x Midwest Wisconsin Repair Shop Owner Participates in Wheels to Prosper, Seeks Nominations for Gift by Victoria Antonelli, Online Editor Wheels to Prosper, a national non- of Commerce. Kubly said he wants to Auto Body will be making the paint profit run by shop owners who con- remain unbiased and not participate in look new, and Patti Reavis at State On December 5, Kubly’s Automotive in tribute donated, restored vehicles to the picking. Farm Insurance has offered to help Brodhead, WI, will donate a refur- deserving people. Kubly initially heard “Local business owners and politi- set up car insurance for the future bished Chevrolet Malibu to a lucky about the program after meeting the cians were excited to get involved,” owner. family in need through a program co-founder, Jim Anderson, while tak- said Kubly. “Everybody wanted to lend “Brodhead isn’t a small town, it’s called Wheels to Prosper. ing business management training a helping hand.” a big family,” said Kubly. The giveaway will take place courses in California. Kubly would also like to during the annual Fire N Ice festival, “I’ve been in business for 21 thank Speich Oil Company which attracts over half of Brod- years; it’s time to pay it forward,” said and Piggly Wiggly Grocery head’s 3,500 residents, according to Kubly. “I want to support those who for contributing to the run- Dusty Kubly, owner of Kubly’s Au- have supported me by giving back to ner-up prizes. The two run- tomotive. the community.” ner-ups will each receive a “Originally, I didn’t intend to give On September 26, Kubly sent out $150 gas card and a $75 the car away at the festival,” said Kubly, the first flyer letting the community grocery certificate. know that the shop will be As of October 4, Kubly taking nominations for the had received 22 nomina- car giveaway from now tions for the giveaway. until November 21. NBC15 The outpouring of sup- covered the story on the port has inspired the repair morning of September 29, Dusty and Roxy Kubly and their two children shop owner to put together and by that afternoon, he re- another event to benefit ceived 16 nominations. Kubly bought the Chevrolet Mal- the community. On October 11, he “The letters and responses ibu from a private party in a different will hold a free car care clinic, where we’ve read have been out of town. According to Kubly, the car high school students will be taught this world,” said Kubly. “It doesn’t run, and the hood, gaskets, flu- how to check their fluids and “listen Kubly’s Automotive in Brodhead, WI has only been a week and I ids and brakes need to be replaced, just to their car.” already know I want to do to name a few things. “The main reason for this is to “but it seemed like the perfect opportu- this every year.” “The car will be 100 percent func- make people aware,” said Kubly. “A nity, especially with Christmas around Seven judges have been ap- tional before the giveaway,” he said. car is the second biggest investment the corner.” pointed to choose the winner, includ- Napa Auto Parts and Murray’s you’ll make in your lifetime, after a Kubly’s Automotive is the first ing Kubly’s wife, Roxy, local business Auto Salvage will be supplying the house. It’s important to understand shop in Wisconsin to participate in owners, and members of the Chamber necessary pieces, Body Crafters how it works.”

ABRA Auto Body & Glass Continues Its Expansion With Openings in Iowa and Illinois ABRA Auto Body & Glass an- superior processes and our commit- nounced the opening of its newest ment to quality. We’re a trusted name franchise in Fort Madison, IA, along in these communities.” with the acquisition of Corpo Colli- “It’s about meeting the demand sion Center in Schaumburg, IL. It’s of our customers and insurance part- ABRA’s 50th franchise and the com- ners in the community,” said Mark pany’s second acquisition in Illinois Wahlin, ABRA’s Vice President of within 14 days. Franchise Development/Relations. The additional openings in both “Expanding operations in Iowa makes states increased ABRA’s total repair sense. Offering top-quality collision center portfolio to 247 in 19 states. repair and glass service across the In September, ABRA acquired country is what ABRA is all about.” Consolidated Auto Service Center in ABRA plans to continue expand- Forest Park, Illinois and on October 3 ing in the months and years ahead as the company announced it had ex- part of its aggressive national growth panded in the Chicago area with the strategy. It is actively seeking new op- acquisition of AutoWerks of North- portunities to acquire repair centers brook, Inc. in Illinois – about an hour and integrate them into its industry- northwest of downtown Chicago. leading operating system. Terms of the transaction were not dis- Interested parties in major mar- closed. kets should contact Scott Gerling, Duane Rouse, ABRA’s Presi- Vice President of Corporate Devel- dent and CEO, said the company’s opment ([email protected] or successful expansion is simply a re- 763.585.6210). flection of consumer demands and For franchise opportunities in changes in the collision repair indus- small and midsize markets contact try. “The expectations of vehicle Mark Wahlin, (mwahlin@abraauto. owners and insurance partners con- com or 763 585 6315). tinue to grow,” he said. “The favor- able outcomes we’ve achieved in Illinois and around the Midwest are a direct result of industry experience, 4 NOVEMBER 2014 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2014 AUTOBODY NEWS 5 Illinois Shop Gives VoTech Interns Real-World Experience CARSTAR Expands MSO ABRA Helped Raise $100K for by Victoria Antonelli, Online Editor into a show car. Network in Kentucky People with Disabilities “The students really enjoy ex- CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Ex- Courage Kenny Foundation and For the past two years, Mike’s Auto periencing how an actual body perts announced on October 8 that ABRA Auto Body and Glass are Body of Sandwich, IL, has given ed- shop works, as opposed to learn- CARSTAR Hall’s Collision Center proud to announce they raised more ucational tours to students in body ing about it in a classroom,” said has joined North America’s largest than $100,000 to support people Stacy Skillin, who collision repair MSO network, ex- with disabilities. has co-owned the 30- panding its presence in Kentucky. Both organizations partner an- year-old shop for CARSTAR Hall’s Collision nually to improve the lives of those seven years. Center is located at 3947 Bard- with disabilities in Minnesota and Stacy’s segment of stown Rd. in Louisville, KY, and is western Wisconsin through a golf the tour covered office owned by Harold Hall. Hall, who fundraiser supporting Courage Kenny functions, such as in- has been in business since 1967 and Rehabilitation Institute’s sports and surance company deal- at his current location since 1970, recreation department. ings and scheduling, joined CARSTAR for the “knowl- More than 100 golfers played at while fellow co-owner edge, training, and expertise” that the renowned Hazeltine National Shane Skillin showed the company can offer a shop want- Golf Course in Chaska, MN on Sep- students commonly ing to grow. The shop is managed tember 8. The annual charity event used equipment, in- by Hall’s son, David. helps supports Courage Kenny Students gather around for a demonstration at Indian cluding the paint booth “My father met another CAR- sports and recreation programs for Valley Vocational Center and frame machine. STAR owner who seemed happy people with disabilities. “We encourage stu- with his business,” said David Hall. “We are proud of our longtime shop classes at Indian Valley Voca- dents to apply for internships at our “At that point we made contact with support of Courage Kenny Founda- tional Center. At IVVC’s Sandwich shop, so they can get real-life expe- CARSTAR, and went from there. We tion,” said Duane Rouse, president campus, first year students get a rience while still in college,” said needed knowledge, and didn’t want and chief executive officer of basic knowledge of collision repair Stacy. “One of our current employ- to move forward alone.” ABRA. “It is rewarding to see the and refinishing procedures. Second ees was an intern [at one time].” CARSTAR Hall’s Collision Cen- results of our contribution and ef- year students get advanced training Stacy and Shane also gave the ter has a 35,000 square foot building, forts reflected in the smiles and ac- on frame and structural repair. students interviewing tips, stressing which is equipped with three down- complishments of Courage Kenny On September 12, two sessions the importance of first impressions draft paint booths and five frame racks, clients.” of 10–15 students gathered around and projecting professional behav- along with an in-house towing service. T he institute’s sports and recre- while technicians worked on and ex- ior and attitudes. The shop is also up-to-date with pho- ation department offers leisure and plained the latest project—the trans- tographic and imaging software and competitive athletic endeavors for formation of a 1962 Chevy wagon www.autobodynews.com computer estimating software. people with disabilities.

Collision Shop Expands to Middletown, Ohio by Ed Richter, Journal-News.com as claims manager for Nationwide Insurance, said he’s working to get With business booming at his colli- insurance companies to list the new sion shop on Liberty-Fairfield Road, location on its vendor lists. owner Mark Briscoe decided a lit- “There’s not a lot of auto body tle more than a year ago that it would shops here which means a good be a good time to open another shop growth potential, Cantrell said. “We in his hometown of Middletown. have great visibility and easy ac- Liberty Collision Center opened cess.” its new, 10,500-square-foot facility at Briscoe, who has been in the 3363 Cincinnati-Dayton Road on auto body business for about 30 Aug. 11 and had its grand opening years, also has a family background from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 14. in the business as his father also Briscoe believes the shop is on track owned a body shop in Middletown. to do $500,000 in business by the end He considered locating the new of 2014. He said the other shop, shop in Monroe and Trenton, but which opened in 2003 is having a they were not viable. Briscoe ended record year and he expects to reach up working with fellow Lemon- his goal of $2.5 million for the year. Monroe High School alumnus Paul “We were bulging at the seams Sivak, who developed the property and I felt there was a need for a and is currently building a specula- body shop in Middletown,” Briscoe tion building for another business said. “I grew up in Lemon Twp. next door to the shop. under AK’s stacks. Middletown has Briscoe said the average turn- always been my home.” around time for a repair is two days The new shop features state of for the state of the art facility and that the art equipment and two paint the shop works with local vendors booths, a waiting area and an esti- for parts and other materials. At both mation bay. He said the shop can do shops, they can work on 20 vehicles body work and other auto work in- at a time. cluding windshields. Ron Cantrell, “We have room to grow and the company’s sales and marketing this shop has the potential to do as director, who worked for 18 years much as the other store,” he said.

6 NOVEMBER 2014 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2014 AUTOBODY NEWS 7 Ohio University Improves Costs in Fleet Utilization Ken Borth Auto in Iowa Has Iowa Auto Body Shop Owner Fleet utilization metrics are the cor- files bound for the university’s ac- New Owner Suspected of Homicide nerstone of a new Ohio University- counting systems; and Dale Kabrick, who has served as the The owner of an auto repair shop in based initiative to increase vehicle ● Improve efficiency of its body shop manager at Ken Borth Auto Waterloo, Iowa is a suspect in a recent sharing and dramatically reduce costs maintenance processes and control Plaza in Iowa for the past seven years, homicide case. Anthony Tronca, for the university. Nearly every facet maintenance costs. has assumed ownership of the body owner of AJT Auto Repair, was ar- of managing the 450-vehicle fleet is In an effort to achieve their shop and service departments, ac- rested on September 16 and is currently expected to be enhanced using the goals, OU will be equipping four cording to reports by Randy M. Cau- being held at Black Hawk County Jail comprehensive Web-based fleet man- university vehicles with Agile’s thron, spencerdailyreporter.com. on drug and weapons charges. agement information system, Fleet- FleetShare keys-in-the-vehicle dis- Kabrick took ownership of the Lt. Michael McNamee of the Commander. The announcement was patch technology as well as collect- collision, repair and service operation Waterloo Police Department said made on Sept. 17 by FleetComman- ing odometer values and other trip in south Spencer on Oct. 1. Previous Tronca is a suspect in the homicide der creator Agile Access Control, Inc. data with Agile’s Utilization and Di- owner Ken Borth will continue to run but has not been officially charged. According to university offi- agnostic Chips (UDCs). The tech- the car dealership and rental service. On Sept. 9, 44-year-old Ronald cials, Ohio University (OU) is re- nologies reduce the occurrence of From collision and auto body Dean Randall of Waterloo was required by the Ohio Department of human error in the data collection work, to general mechanical service, ported missing. Waterloo Police Administrative Services (DAS) to process while providing data for re- Kabrick said he and his staff can searched a wooded area south of Wa- report on its fleet utilization in order ports instantaneously. No duplicate service all cars from the newest mod- terloo off highway 218 and located a to identify opportunities to save data entry is required. els, to foreign and domestic – includ- body believed to be Randall’s. An au- money. This initiative will stream- Agile FleetShare facilitates car ing European vehicles, according to topsy report determined that the death line its fleet management operations sharing by enabling drivers to access Cauthron. Tyne, Kabrick’s wife, has a was a homicide. and provide clear visibility of fleet keys via a secure ID card scanned at full-time job in the OB unit at Tronca’s girlfriend, Jessica costs. OU’s short-term goals for the windshield. No fleet staff is Spencer Hospital, but plans to help Ogden, was arrested on Sept. 15 managing its fleet with FleetCom- needed to dispatch the vehicles, and with business operations. and later released on bond. mander are to: trip statistics are automatically col- Kabrick studied auto collision Anyone with information con- ● Automatically capture accu- lected. Fleet drivers reserve vehicles at Northwest Iowa Community Col- cerning this investigation is encour- rate fleet utilization data; online at their convenience via lege, and worked as a mechanic for aged to call the Waterloo Police ● Present real-time utilization FleetCommander. Vehicles can be three years prior to his position at Department at 319-291-4340 or Crime data in the form of fleet dashboards parked geographically where they Ken Borth Auto Plaza. Reports by Stoppers at 855-300-8477. and reports to enable fleet managers are needed to further improve serv- Cauthron state that the company has and business analysts to understand ice to fleet drivers and encourage car a website in the works – kbauto- vehicle use; sharing. body.com – where customers can go ● Automatically generate vehi- to review a complete list of services cle use charges and produce billing www.autobodynews.com and schedule appointments.

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8 NOVEMBER 2014 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com New Top End Cadillac to be Built in Detroit in 2015 First Amendment Rights Axalta Paint Used on Cadillac announced it will elevate public debut in the first half of next Questioned in Kentucky NASCAR Qualified Racers its growing portfolio with a new, year. Kentucky auto body shop owner Axalta Coating Systems paint was top-end, high-technology car. The Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder John Russell claimed his First used on six of the 16 motorsports as-yet unnamed Cadillac will go said, “Michigan takes great pride in Amendment rights were violated teams’ racecars that qualified for the into production in the fourth quarter being recognized as the automotive when Sheriff Deputies would not 2014 Chase for the NASCAR® Sprint of 2015 at the Detroit-Hamtramck capital of the world, GM’s choice allow him to put up campaign signs Cup in Sept. assembly plant. to build its Cadillac flagship sedan in front of his business, Campbell Axalta partnered with both Hen- The addition of this new Cadil- at Detroit Hamtramck is a testa- County Autobody. In response, he drick Motorsports and Stewart-Haas lac is part of a previously announced ment to the spirit, resolve and tal- filed a federal lawsuit in June Racing. Each race team sports Ax- $384 million investment in the facil- ented workers residing in our against Campbell County officials, alta’s brilliant paint colors on its race- ity on Detroit’s east side. Tools and communities and state, and demon- Kentucky Attorney General Jack cars. The six cars and drivers include equipment unique to the Cadillac strates the high quality of what Conway and Secretary of State Al- four from Hendrick Motorsports: No. model were installed recently. ‘Made in Michigan’ means. And ison Lundergan Grimes. 24 Jeff Gordon; No. 5 Kasey “The objective for this upcom- it’s another sign of the amazing In 2012, Russell permitted sev- Kahne; No. 48 Jimmie Johnson; ing model is to lift the Cadillac range comeback underway that’s building eral candidates running for office to No. 88 Dale Earnhardt Jr. and from by entering the elite class of top-level a strong foundation and bright fu- place political signs in front of his Stewart-Haas Racing: No. 4 Kevin luxury cars,” said Cadillac President ture for all Michiganders.” body shop in Cold Spring for the pri- Harvick and No. 41 Kurt Busch. Johan de Nysschen. “Currently in Four of seven Cadillac models mary and general elections. “We started the season feeling development, this new rear wheel – the ELR at Detroit-Hamtramck and According to court documents, very confident that our paint could drive-oriented sedan uses completely the CTS sedan and ATS sedan and Campbell County Deputy Sheriffs find its way to Victory Lane many new, custom-designed materials on a Coupe are built at Lansing Grand removed the signs, because they times during the season,” said Wade unique vehicle architecture. River – are assembled in Michigan. were within 300 feet of a polling Robinson, Axalta’s Strategic Mar- “In addition to new technology “This is another testament to place located at First Baptist Church. keting and Racing Director. “We are in the car itself, we are instituting in- the power of collective bargaining The Church is located across a four- honored that these Axalta-sponsored novative manufacturing techniques and what can be achieved when we lane highway from the auto body teams have wins in nearly half of all to assemble it with the precision de- all work together,” said UAW Vice shop, which is approximately 150 the points races this year (13 of 27). serving of a luxury make.” President Cindy Estrada, who feet away. Kentucky law prohibits We could not be more proud. It’s Positioned above today’s CTS leads the union’s GM Department. political signs to be placed within been a magical year for Axalta Rac- and XTS product lines, the new top- “Our members work hard and take 300 feet of a polling place. ing.” of-the-line Cadillac adds to rather great pride in creating quality prod- The judge ruled in favor of Axalta Coating Systems is “The than replaces any model in the port- ucts that drive the industry forward Russell in Oct., and Campbell Official Finish” of Hendrick Motor- folio. The model name will be an- and make these achievements pos- County agreed not to enforce the sports and “The Official Finish” of nounced soon. It will make its sible.” 300-foot-rule on private property. Stewart-Haas Racing.

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www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2014 AUTOBODY NEWS 9 Gerber Collision & Glass New MI Law Allows Drivers Michigan Governor Signs MI Establishing Test Town Opens New Center in MI Community Service Drugged Driving Laws for Driverless Cars The Boyd Group Inc. (the “Boyd Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder has Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder has Michigan’s Department of Transporta- Group”) announced on Sept. 3 the signed a law allowing drivers who signed laws to target drivers under tion, the University of Michigan, and opening of a new Collision & owe extra “responsibility” fees for the influence of drugs after two 13 companies are contributing to the Glass Repair Center in Roseville, certain offenses to do 10 hours of young men were killed in a head-on $6.5 million, 30-acre testing ground, Michigan. The center was opened community service instead. collision by a repeat drugged driver. according to reports by Devin Con- under the Collex brand name and The option would apply for The legislation signed Oct. 14 nors, escapistmagazine.com. Michi- will transition to Gerber Colli- drivers assessed $400 in fines over allows police to conduct a prelimi- gan, home of three American major sion & Glass at a later date. two years for not having mandatory nary roadside analysis for controlled auto manufacturers, wants the facility The repair center is approxi- auto insurance. and other intoxicating substances. A to be within their state lines. mately 25,000 square feet with Drivers fined $300 over two conditional bond is to be placed on On the north edge of Ann 24,000 square feet of production years for operating without a valid motorists arrested for drugged driv- Arbor’s University of Michigan flag- space. This center is located in a fa- license also could do community ing and the information entered into ship campus, a ghost town will be set cility that previously housed an service. a law enforcement database. aside for the driverless. The test town auto dealership at a busy intersec- Extra fines for the offenses Legislators sponsored the bills is being built by the Michigan DoT, tion on a well traveled four-lane went away in 2012, but some mo- after the July 2013 deaths of Rus- the aforementioned university’s Mo- street. torists still owe them for old of- sell Ward and Koby Raymo in St. bility Transformation Center, and 13 “We are pleased to both ex- fenses. Clair County. private-sector companies, including pand our presence in the Michigan Snyder signed the legislation A woman who crossed the Bosch, Econolite, Ford, General Mo- market while also furthering our tar- September 23. It’s sponsored by center line and struck their vehicle tors, and Toyota, according to Con- geted growth rate of 6 to 10 percent Republican Sen. Bruce Caswell of had been pulled over six times in nors. through single store-additions,” said Hillsdale and supported by Secre- five years for drugged driving, but The facility will include every Tim O’Day, President and COO of tary of State Ruth Johnson. officers didn’t know she had multi- day driving occurrences, like traffic the Boyd Group’s U.S. operations. Also on September 23, Snyder ple offenses because they weren’t lights and stop signs, and obstacles “This center will help us to reach signed bills easing county treasur- listed in the Law Enforcement In- like robotic construction crews and new customers and better assist our ers’ ability to collect delinquent formation Network. pedestrians popping out from behind insurance partners in the Metro De- hotel taxes, creating standardized parked cars. Car-to-car communica- troit area.” licensing requirements for phar- tion is the main technology being The Boyd Group is continu- macy technicians and continuing Follow us on Twitter: tested, according to Connors. ously looking to add new colli- fees paid by hazardous waste gen- sion repair locations to its erators. @autobodynews existing network in Canada and www.autobodynews.com Accept no Substitutes! the U.S. www.autobodynews.com CHECK IT OUT!

Recent Classic Car and New MI Law Bars Tow Truck

Motorcycle Show in Wisconsin Drivers from Harrassing Drivers The Baileys Harbor Community Asso- A new Michigan law prohibits tow ciation of Wisconsin hosted its annual truck operators from harassing driv- Classic Car and Motorcycle Show from ers at the scene of a car accident or

September 26-28, with most events tak- disabled vehicle. ing place at or near Kendall Park and Tow truck drivers who use ag- Town Hall, at Wisconsin 57 and County gressive, badgering or unethical busi- F. The car and cycle show was held on ness practices to solicit customers will Sept. 27, along with a craft show, live face a $1,000 fine. Gov. Rick Snyder music, food and drink, and more. The signed the legislation October 9. weekly farmer’s market occured on the Tow service operators won’t be following day. There was also an “or- punished for offering assistance as ganized ride” of classic cars and motor- long as they leave if they’re told their cycles through Door County, according services aren’t needed. to greenbaypressgazette.com. The law also prohibits local gov- ernments from requiring towing services to pay a fee for responding to disabled vehicles as a contract term IL Body Shop Sells Building between a towing service and the Sterling Bay Cos. added another build- local government. ing to its growing portfolio in the Ran- The legislation was sponsored www.a dolph-Fulton Market neighborhood. by Republican Rep. Dale Zorn of The Chicago-based developer paid Ida. $2.25 million for a 7,500-square-foot industrial building at 1043 W. Fulton Market St. occupied by Aberdeen Auto Body Repair, according to a report in chicagobusiness.com. The one-story Check out our building is one block west of a Sterling Bay office development that will be the NEW website at: future home of Google Inc.’s Chicago offices. The developer bought the in- midwestern.autobodynews.com dustrial building from Edward Joseph McDonagh, owner of the shop. Register and login to comment

10 NOVEMBER 2014 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2014 AUTOBODY NEWS 11 WI Auto Repair Shop Creates Special Military Cart for Southwest Airlines to Carry Fallen Soldiers by Stacey Phillips, Assistant Editor share,” said Williams, who served years by fixing vehicles at no charge Kalashian said that other airlines have eight years in the Wisconsin National and donating money from car shows shown interest in expanding the proj- When Richard Kalashian isn’t work- Guard’s 128th Air Refueling wing for to those who are in need. Much of this ect but nothing is finalized. ing as a service writer at S&S Research the Air Force. “We wanted to honor is through the VFW where Kalashian “It means a lot to me,” said in Genesee, Wisconsin, he spends the ones that fought for our freedom.” organizes fundraising activities and is Kalashian. “I think Southwest Airlines much of his time supporting veterans After the cart was stripped and a service officer. Over the last year recognized that there was a need to through the VFW (Veterans of Foreign sanded, Williams and Kalashian worked and a half Kalashian raised more than honor our fallen soldiers in a more re- Wars) organization. His most recent together to come up with a design with project involved creating a special cart the help of Modern Ink. Nearly all of the materials needed for the project were donated by local businesses and the remainder came from the money Kalashian raised for the VFW. Williams said it was a team effort that included John Riley in the body shop, Chuck Gosh from C&M Auto Parts, who supplied miscellaneous parts, Jerry Kachelmeyer from Sin- John Riley worked on the cart at S&S Research’s body shop gle Source who supplied paint, Doug Kaempfer from Dou- Southwest Airlines provided one of their baggage carts for the project to carry fallen soldiers at Milwaukee’s gies’s Pinstripes, and Ron Scheel from General Mitchell International Airport Modern Ink, who supplied the graph- $24,000 and said whether they are on spectful manner. They stepped up to with the support of the employees he ics. Kalashian’s daughter, Laura Houli- active duty or retired, 100 cent of the the plate and let me use one of their works with in the auto repair shop. han, also helped spread the word through money goes to the veterans. carts to transform it into a patriotic About a year and a half ago social media. Now decorated in red, white and military casket cart to honor our fallen Kalashian was waiting for a friend at “It kind of puts a tear in my eye,” blue, with a painted gold eagle and red soldiers on their final homecoming. O’Hare International Airport when he said Kalashian. “They know I’m a ribbon, the veteran’s cart is ready to I’m hoping other airlines will follow noticed a casket being unloaded from Vietnam veteran and they’ve been sup- be used by Southwest at the airport. in Southwest’s direction.” a military plane and placed on a bag- portive of me over the years and they gage cart. As a veteran himself, he all volunteered to help on the project.” said it just didn’t feel right with the Kalashian began working for grieving family watching across the Williams at S&S Research seven years tarmac. “They treated it more or less ago after retiring from a Saturn dealer- like regular baggage,” said Kalashian. ship as a service manager. Williams, “It kind of bothered me because who has owned S&S Research since when I came back from a Vietnam tour 1977, specializes in auto and collision Chrome Shadow allows you at O’Hare field some 40 years ago I re- repair. Over the course of owning his One Paint member how unwelcome I was when I own business, Williams said he learned to transform metals, plastics arrived at the airport. Kalashian re- the importance of connecting with the and other materials from a called how his parents brought him a community, especially during the chal- Many Options at black to a dark silver suitcase filled with clothes and he went lenging times. to a bright chrome and to the men’s room at the airport to In 2009, he found out that that anywhere in between. change into civilian clothes. Wisconsin Department of Transporta- “That all created a flashback for me,” tion wanted to widen a 17-mile stretch Ideal for anyone who repairs said Kalashian. “I know how I felt and of Highway 83 in front of his business. here we have a fallen soldier who gave Since the highway was the main ac- or paints wheels and his life and is treated like baggage.” cess to his shop, he created alternative other parts requiring Kalashian, who served in Vietnam directions for existing and potential a chrome nish. from 1968-69, said he knew that some- customers and kept them updated thing needed to be done. “I decided to about the construction process through CCoComeomee contact Southwest Airlines and ap- his website and social media to ensure seseeee usus aatt proached them with the idea of using his business survived. SEMA one of their carts and redecorating it to Now five years later, he has 13 em- SEMA give honor to our fallen soldiers,” he ployees and was recognized for being BBoBoothoooth ##12685112266885 ReRReceivecec ive a said. one of the nation’s top repair facilities 877-542-1863 FREEFRFREE Sample!Sample!! In September, the airline com- by Monday Morning Mechanic/Auto pany gave him the approval to go Profit Masters. 1895 Airport Exchange BlBlvd.lvvdd. wwwwww.color-dec.comwww..ccoololorr-- ddeec.com ahead with the project. Bob Williams, “We’re family-owned and con- Suite 100 Suite 100 eememail:ail: Kalashian’s boss and the owner of cerned about veterans and the com- Erlanger, KY 41018 S&S Research, offered to lend a hand. munity,” said Williams. The shop has Erlanger, KY 41018 [email protected]@@ccoolloorr-d-deecc.c. om “I don’t feel veterans get their fare supported local veterans over the

12 NOVEMBER 2014 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com Santa House Built by Ohio Shop Owner Supports Community by Stacey Phillips, Assistant Editor house,” said Kozumplik, who opened open his own business. Four years after parts, let’s say for a new bumper, he Auto Styles in 2004. running it with a partner, Kozumplik said, “I won’t do that. I’ll buy a new Santa Claus has a new home in Bryan, He had been working at a nearby realized it wasn’t a good fit and they bumper at the same price so the cus- Ohio, thanks to a local auto body shop Chrysler dealership running their auto went their separate ways. “Most tech- tomer is getting exactly what the man- owner. Jim Kozumplik of Auto Styles body shop, and was approached to nicians don’t realize what it entails ufacturer put on the vehicle.” Collision & Repair spent the last few until they start. You have to be mentally Running a mechanic shop on site as months building a Santa house at his body ready,” he said. “It’s not just working well as his auto body shop has allowed shop, to show his support of the commu- on cars all day. There’s so much more.” Kozumplik to diversify his business. “I nity and expand his customer base. Auto Styles is part of State Farm’s double my customers and can do every- The business owner recently com- Direct Repair Program (DRP). “I can’t thing in-house,” he said. “You have to be pleted the Williams County Leadership see how shops can run without being a able to diversity your income stream to Program offered by the Bryan Area DRP,” he said. “What I do is go to local make it in a small town like this.” Chamber of Commerce and the partici- agents, set up a personal relationship Working in a county of approxi- pants needed to decide on a class project. with them and they give me customers mately 30,000 people, Kozumplik said Kozumplik, who has lived in the Bryan on a daily basis. Being that we’re in a he tried advertising on the radio and in area for 40 years, said the town has al- small, rural area, it’s essential.” Cur- newspapers but he found what works ways had the same Santa house and he rently, Kozumplik said 95 percent of his best to drive business is serious public suggested that the group build a new one. business is through insurance but that relations and building personal relation- After purchasing the basic shell can change from month to month. ships. When his business got hit with the and the necessary materials with funds The Leadership Williams County team worked The business owner said he does recession, like others across the nation, donated by the surrounding community, on the new Santa house that will be ready in not use aftermarket parts for his repairs. he found that getting his name out in the Nov. Front row (l to r), Rob Imber, Williams Cnty. including the Kiwanis and Rotary clubs Family YMCA, Kayleigh Horton, Gabrielle Horton Instead, he purchases parts from Yark community and building their trust, has as well as Spangler Candy, the leader- and Jim Kozumplik, Auto Styles and Collision Automotive Group and Brown Automo- made a big difference over the years. ship team began working on the project Repair. Back row, (l to r), Dan Yahraus, executive tive. Both Toledo-based businesses are This includes his volunteer efforts in June. director of Bryan Area Chamber of Commerce, part of the Conquest program, which building a bathroom for the country li- Every time he went to visit local Tim Martin, Current Office Solutions, Tyson offers collision-related OEM parts to in- brary, and supporting car shows and fes- Horton, Williams County Public Library, Isaiah community groups, he invited them to Horton, Bruce Deardorff, Parkview Physicians dependent auto body shops at aftermar- tivals in Bryan. “Being in a small town, stop by and check on his progress. “I’ve Group, Jennie Koch, First Federal Bank and ket prices. it’s hard to run a business,” said Kozump- had 100 people I never met before walk Jeff Mumma, First Federal Bank. (Staff photo When an insurance adjuster sug- lik. “The more you can do within the through my shop to look at the Santa by Abby Welsh) gests that Kozumplik uses aftermarket community you’ll be further ahead.”

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www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2014 AUTOBODY NEWS 13

Social Media for Shops Ed Attanasio is an automotive journalist based in San Francisco, California. He can be reached at with Ed Attanasio [email protected].

Body Shops are Tapping into the Persuasive Power of Video In a world where we are constantly The Vice President of Operations some great feedback about them from several years ago. bombarded by texts, tweets, status up- at K & M Collision, Michael Brad- our customers,” Bradshaw said. “In- “We have now produced at least dates, and emails, it’s no surprise that shaw , has produced a series of videos surance adjustors also tend to see them five videos with AP Media and they’re many people read fewer books and with AP Media and posts them all on too!” being seen by shops all over the coun- seem to have some form of ADD. A his YouTube Channel. Mark Schaech, Jr., is the second- try,” Schaech explained. “We let shops young person recently told me with “We have approximately 10 on generation owner of Mark’s Body Shop use them, as long as they give us an pride that he hasn’t read a book since there right now and maybe five more in Baltimore City, MD. He started outbound link. These other owners are high school. in production. We take an educational working with Emmons at AP Media realizing that these short videos are ef- “I like pictures,” he said. fective, because they can easily con- So, on a planet where almost vey the information that we want to everyone has a short attention span, communicate, because this is a very how do we communicate effectively complex industry and the average per- with the masses? The answer for some son doesn’t really know what’s going is through video—short, sweet and to on.” the point. Several body shops have ex- Schaech, 41, took over the busi- perienced great success by working ness from his father in 2000 and back with the same video production/mar- then they had six DRPS. But, today keting company and the videos they’re they have none and some of their producing are creating a buzz through- videos document why. out the collision industry nationwide. “The first one we did with AP Absolute Perfection Media (AP Media was about a post repair inspec- Media) in Sykesville, MD, is the com- tion video and it had immediate im- pany producing these attention-getting pact,” Schaech said. “A Mazda had videos for body shops. They’re the Lee Emmons of AP Media shooting a video for K & M Collision in Hickory, NC, featuring their been repaired by another shop under an hottest new video production company receptionist, Caitlin Adams See Power of Video, Page 16 serving the collision industry and shops approach to many of the consumer-re- are clamoring to work with them. Pres- lated issues in this industry, including ident Lee Emmons is now working titles such as, Has Your Car Been Re- with more and more shops owners who paired Safely (Watch this case and stay Repair System have seen his past productions for safe after an accident)?; Do You Qual- Mark’s Body Shop in Baltimore City, ify for Diminished Value? (The Insur- Sales: 916-316-3642 MD, and K & M Collision in Hickory, ance Company May Owe you Money); [email protected] NC. The appeal stems from their direct, An Epidemic of Unsafe Collision Re- no-nonsense approach. Emmons has pairs; Post Repair Inspections; What is NEW learned the collision industry along the Steering?; Who Guarantees Repairs?; LEAN A must have for the repair of way, he said, and now he’s known as and An Open Letter to the North Car- STORAGE side members and frame rails! the “body shop video guy.” olina Attorney General. “The power of video and YouTube Short videos with a succinct mes- has become apparent and now collision sage have proven to be highly effec- “We have used the Rail Saver and it has shops want to tell their stories using this tive, Bradshaw explained, although in paid for itself many times. We were able format,” Emmons said. “These shops some situations longer, in-depth videos to repair some rails that would have are willing to take on the insurance com- also work well. panies and this is the way they’re doing “We were doing longer videos at otherwise needed to be replaced. I have it. We’re also producing videos to edu- first, mostly 4–6 minutes in length, but recommended it to friends for their cate their customers about things like now we’re trimming them down to two shops and they like it as much as we do.“ certifications and the use of OE parts. minutes and our most recent ones are ~ Paul Struhar, Sr., These shops have learned that these coming in at 90 seconds. When we’re videos are highly effective and very af- dealing with certain subjects, the longer Centerline CARSTAR Collision fordable and we can turn them out rather videos work just fine, but we also pro- quickly. Once a shop does a few of these duce shorter ones to convey the mes- þ Reduce Cycle Times videos and sees the response, they want sage quickly and present the topic in a þ Repair More Cars Visit us at to do more. I’m traveling to K & M next way that the viewer can absorb easily.” þ NO Heating Necessary SEMA week to produce a series of videos about If you’re getting your car fixed Booth #11525 their manufacturers’ OE certifications. by K & M Collision, you’ve probably Some of the videos I’ve produced for seen one or more of the shop’s videos. body shops have gone viral and gained “We loop all of them together and www.therailsaver.comm a lot of national attention, so we’re get- show them on a monitor in our recep- ting new collision clients all the time.” tion area at the shop and we’ve gotten

14 NOVEMBER 2014 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2014 AUTOBODY NEWS 15 Texas Company Sued by MN Attorney General for Selling Extended Auto Warranties by Jennifer Bjorhus service contracts, typically cost between The warranty pitches are familiar names such as TechChoice New Ulti- $1,600 and $2,600. to many Minnesotans. They come by mate Coverage and Dent Zone Auto MN Attorney General Lori Swanson Auto warranty companies have official-looking postcards or phone Body Guard PDR Contract and Vurge is suing a Texas auto warranty com- been a perennial source of trouble for calls: the warranty on your vehicle is Full Throttle Coverage. They are dif- pany for deceptive tactics, saying it’s consumers, from annoying robocalls running out, buy a new extended war- ferent from the warranties that come violating its promise of a full refund and deceptive warranties to companies ranty from us. People may think they with a new car, which are backed by within 30 days. collapsing and leaving policyholders are getting bumper-to-bumper cover- manufacturers such as Toyota or Ford The lawsuit is part of a broader on the hook, according to Bjorhus.. In age when they are not. and typically cover a much broader investigation into extended auto war- an interview, Swanson said she thinks Enterprise Financial Group did not range of problems. ranty practices, Swanson said. the improving economy is creating an return several messages seeking com- Enterprise informs customers The state is seeking unspecified opening for bad sales practices. “These ment. Its website says it provides con- they can cancel the contracts within 30 civil penalties, and restitution for af- companies really seem to be on the sumer and vehicle protection programs days of purchase for a full refund if no fected customers of Enterprise Financial uptick here,” she said. for dealers, financial institutions, insur- claims have been paid. However, the Group Inc. of Irving, TX. The company A bulletin her office issued Sept. ance companies and manufacturers. company makes it difficult for people has sold more than 3,700 extended auto 24 cautions Minnesotans about high According to the lawsuit, Enter- to cancel with confusing instructions warranties to Minnesota customers since pressure sales tactics and urges them prise uses other marketing companies and runaround, the lawsuit said. The 2009, according to the state’s lawsuit to vet companies and contracts before for sales such as Precise Auto Protec- full story is available at: filed Sept. 24 in Hennepin County Dis- signing up. Scout for prevalent loop- tion Inc. and Auto Processing Center. http://www.startribune.com/local/ trict Court. The warranties, also called holes, it says. The warranties go by a range of 276990761.html

Continued from Page 14 surance Commissioner has seen the Porsche certification video and now video and body shops show it to their they’re on top of all the search rank- Power of Video customers all the time. We get great ings as a result. We use video to in- feedback about it and it’s also helping form and educate our customers, but Check out our insurance company’s DRP and it was us to get higher rankings on Google.” enhanced SEO is also a big part of it. NEW completely hacked and butchered. It Currently, AP Media is producing Years ago, we spent a lot of money on was a death trap and it eventually got a series of four automotive certifica- cable advertising and the response website at: totaled and the driver got paid off. Our tion videos for Mark’s Body Shop. was weak, but these videos cost us midwestern.autobodynews.com video told the story and showed the ev- “K & M has done a few OE cer- less and they get us more response. idence clearly, and that was why it tification videos and they’re power- We’ll be making more all the time, Register and login to comment worked so well. Since coming out, the ful, to say the least, so we’re doing because we can new see they pay for Maryland Attorney General and the In- the same,” Schaech said. “They did a themselves in the end.”

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16 NOVEMBER 2014 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Chasidy Rae Sisk is a freelance technical writer from Wilmington, Delaware, Midwest Events who writes on a variety of fields and subjects, and grew up in a family of with Chasidy Rae Sisk NASCAR fans. She can be contacted at [email protected]. Record Numbers Attend Pro Paint's 7th Annual Trade Show Pro Paint, the largest PPG Platinum attended, and people seemed to enjoy Doug Van Duyne, a member of the from over 100 product lines, and at- Distributor in the Midwest, held their the information that was presented Board of Directors of CCAI-TC. tendees enjoyed a minimum 10% dis- 7th Annual Trade Show on Tuesday, and their ability to ask questions spe- A third course, “Hands On Intro- count on any purchases made at this August 12 at the Orchard Banquet cific to their individual situations duction to House of Kolor Shimrin2” buying trade show. Participating ven- Hall and Restaurant in Baldwin, WI. which is always more beneficial. At- by Nick Dahl, also began at noon and dors included 3M, AASP, American The largest trade show in the region, tendees were even able to use credits ran for four hours, and during this Tape, C’Aire, Dynabrade, House of the event offered a variety of vendors from the seminars to get re-certified.” seminar, attendees were encouraged to Kolor, Innovative Tools, Inver Grove demonstrating their products, six edu- The educational portion of the bring their gun and respirator as they Honda & Toyota, Kadingers, Luther cational seminars, and a special guest event began at 10AM with PPG’s six- covered products and processes, un- Auto Group, MADA, Malco, Mirka appearance by NHRA’s John Force. hour presentation on “Envirobase dercoats, karrier bases, and effect Auto Refinish Solutions, Norton, Pli- Dayna Hennessy, co-owner and event High Performance Waterborne Recer- pacs. From 2PM through 4PM, a sem- ogrip, PPG, Presta, Reading Tech- planner for Pro Paint, notes “every- tification,” during which attendees inar focused on “Improving Transfer nologies, SATA, SEM, Stericycle Inc., thing went as planned and exactly as were updated on new products and Efficiency and Reducing VOC Emis- TG Products Inc., Transtar, UPOL, we’d hoped. It was one of those per- techniques. Participants in this course sions Along with the Virtual Paint USC, WACTAL, Walcom USA, Wis- fect events; we could not ask for any- were able to move up to the next level System” was held by the Minnesota consin Parts Advantage, Wizards, thing better.” of PPG Certified Technician status. Technical Assistance Program (Mn- Zorn, and others. Hennessy was excited to see all From noon until 2PM, attendees were TAP) with Paul Pagel as presenter and The vendors spent a lot of time of Pro Paint’s hard work come to able to choose from “Collision Shop Jeremiah Treloar of the Iowa Waste with customers and future customers, fruition so successfully. This year’s Best Practices” presented by Darrell Reduction Center. At 3PM, PPG led a answering questions and demonstrat- event attracted a record number of in- Amberson, Chairman of the Automo- one-hour seminar on “Adjustrite Esti- ing their products. Hennessy states, dustry professionals, class participants tive Service Association (ASA), and a mating,” a web-based Class A truck “Our main vendors set up extensive and vendors from various segments of two-part seminar which covered estimating program that is used and displays and had six to twelve repre- the industry, and attendees flew in “Proper Gun Set Up and Care” with regarded by insurance companies. sentatives manning their booths. It’s from all over the country. Hennessy Michelle Striggow of Graco, and The trade show, which was open flattering that our vendors feel the Pro states, “All of the seminars were well- “Pre-Treatment Premier” presented by from 4-9PM, featured representatives See Record Numbers, Page 38

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Ed Attanasio is an automotive journalist based in Media and Publicity for Shops San Francisco, California. He can be reached at with Ed Attanasio [email protected]. Gas Monkey Garage and Dodge Recruit Mötley Crüe to Rock Dallas Richard Rawlings loves fast cars, what’s out there and he has an edge. tent, so Tim Kuniskis (Dodge and SRT to provide show parking that night, be- pretty women and having a good time As we sat down with him and got to brand CEO) made it happen, basically cause the event is foremost a car show. all the time, so it was a no-brainer know him better, we decided to do to get Rawlings to stop asking.” You must own one of these vehicles to when the Fast N’ Loud star opened his more with Richard. So, he appeared Dodge was pleasantly surprised attend and you have to send in a photo own bar about a year ago, followed by for us at the Woodward Dream Cruise when it all came together, Malmstead of it, but the event is free for owners.” the purchase of a concert venue in Oc- in metro Detroit recently and every- said. “If we can get Mötley Crüe to Mötley Crüe has been rocking tober. one went crazy.” play at a bar, which they normally the world for 33 years, and is still The Gas Monkey Garage brand is don’t do and celebrate our 100th an- going strong. Rock stars Vince Neal, spreading throughout the country and niversary with a big owner party at Gas Tommy Lee, Micki Sixx and Mick now, Rawlings has headquarters where Monkey Live, we thought wow. It Mars are all car crazy. Earlier this year he can combine food, music, libations started out as a crazy idea and now it’s the video for Mötley Crüe’s classic and cars. happening. The band was a little reluc- “Kickstart My Heart” was re-released In conjunction with Rawlings tant at first and they had to move a few with new Dodge scenes added. and Dodge, Charger, Challenger and dates around, but then they finally said The video for country music Viper owners are about to get the yes.” star’s Justin Moore’s version of the show of a lifetime in Dallas on Nov. Cars, cars, cars will be an integral ballad “Home Sweet Home” (from the 1. The dealers will convene at Gas Mötley Crüe will be performing at a Dodge part of the evening and many of them Nashville Outlaws: A Tribute to Möt- Monkey Live to attend a concert fea- owner-only event which is part concert and will get as much attention as Mötley ley Crüe album) also showcases a part car show on Gas Monkey Live on Nov. 1 turing Mötley Crüe, while dining on in Dallas Crüe, according to Malmstead. “We’re 2015 Dodge Challenger Scat Pack Gas Monkey Burgers, Bock Battered hoping for 2,000 people and 1,000 cars, parked outside the club. Chick Fried Steak, 3-Cheese Truffled Rawlings and his show couldn’t both vintage and late model Dodge Mac and Red Chile Grits. It’s a one- be any hotter. Discovery Channel cur- Challengers, Chargers and Vipers. Peo- For Dodge Challenger, Charger and of-a-kind highly exclusive event open rently airs Fast N’ Loud in 80 coun- ple can get thrill rides in a Dodge Viper Viper owners who want more infor- to Dodge owners looking to have an tries worldwide. The reality TV star drift car and a Dodge Challenger SRT mation about the event, visit: amazing time while showing off their has also opened another Gas Monkey Hellcat that night as well. We’re going www.dodgerocksgasmonkey.com. vehicles to fellow gear-heads. Bar N’ Grill in the international termi- Head of Dodge Marketing & nal of Dallas/ Fort Worth Airport. If Communications, Mark Malmstead, is the Gas Monkey restaurants continue excited about the upcoming concert to do well, Rawlings says he wants to and the chance to partner with Rawl- open “15 or 20 more.” He and his ings and Mötley Crüe for this un- team are currently scouting for loca- precedented event. tion No. 3, which will likely be out of

The Gas Garage Bar & Grill will be THE place to be for Dodge Challenger, Charger and Viper owners who can get themselves and their vehicles to Dallas for the concert and car show, which also celebrates Dodge’s 100th anniversary “We’re big fans of Fast N’ Loud the area, but still in Texas. and we met with Richard Rawlings How did the band, the man and and The Discovery Channel at the the brand all come together for this SEMA show last year and started dis- one-of-a-kind event? cussing the idea of working together. “Dodge is currently sponsoring Möt- We talked about an in-show place- ley Crüe’s Farewell Tour,” Malmstead ment, which has yet to air and Richard said. “Last month, Richard purchased has done some dealer commercials for Gas Monkey Live, a music venue that us. The relationship has just continued was formerly owned by country star to evolve from there. We love the way Toby Keith. So, Richard asked us, Richard Rawlings operates, because ‘Can you get Mötley Crüe to play at his show is a little different than my new place?’ He was pretty insis-

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David Luehr is the owner of Elite Body Shop Solutions, LLC, a collision business consulting Lean Operations firm based in Nashville, Tennessee. He is a 30 year veteran of the collision repair industry. David is an expert in Body Shop Operations and specializes in Lean, and Theory of with David Luehr Constraints methods. Email him at [email protected] Lean Implementation Strategies One of the biggest complaints I hear it becomes to the staff. Sad, but so on the subject of change, and I recom- placement parts for correctness (mir- from shops is that it is so hard to get true! mend you read them and learn as ror matching) is CRITICAL to your people to change their habits and con- There are many reasons that peo- much as you can to better understand success. So if you remove the old form to a new way of doing things. ple are resistant to change, but I am the behaviors and intrinsic values of parts from the car and throw them into Unfortunately, failing to implement a surprised at how often it is the owner you and your team. In addition to you a big messy pile in the corner, do you permanent change initiative has be- or manager himself that is the real doing some studies of your own, I really think the parts guy is going to come the norm at most collision repair problem! The art of communicating hope you will find these 3 tips helpful dig through that heap to find the parts shops these days. Some of this resist- and understanding what make your to your change efforts. he needs to mirror match vs. the new replacements? Probably not going to Convenience happen, right? You must make critical “One of the biggest reasons people don’t One of the biggest reasons follow the steps is because the steps are people don’t follow the steps is because the steps are too too hard to perform” hard to perform. Call them lazy, call them whatever you ance we bring on ourselves by what I people tick are of utmost importance want, but the reality of it is like to call the “Flavor of the Month.” these days. The old “iron-fisted” man- that if you give someone a I am sure most of you can relate to this agement style of yester-year rarely task that is critical to success scenario when the boss returns from works these days. and the task is too difficult, it NACE or some great seminar and all How are you going to get your is human nature that it likely of a sudden he wants to fix everything staff to buy-into change initiatives and won’t get done consistently if overnight! These changes rarely take consistently perform the vital steps re- at all. Let me give you an ex- permanent hold in the organization quired with new processes such as ample. Let’s say that at your and the more changes management Blueprinting, and other lean concepts? body shop, you have discov- Would you expect your parts person to dig through this tries to implement, the bigger the joke Many great books have been written ered that checking the re- mess to perform a mirror match?

20 NOVEMBER 2014 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com to success tasks as easy as you possi- pounds and decided that you need to iors of Blueprinting, in my opinion, is of visual quality control in between bly can if you want them to get done. quit eating donuts, do you think it to have your estimating computer out departments to eliminate defects, and Convenience also means keeping would be better to have the box of with you at the damaged car. Can this make it hard to screw up! happen at your shop, or are your estimators still writing everything down Outcomes on a piece of paper and then walking • Recommended reading this back to their office to enter a o Leading Change – Kotter questionably accurate supplement into o Influencer – Patterson, Grenny, the estimating system? If this isn’t bad Maxfield, McMillan, Switzer enough, I still see many shops that let • Make critical tasks convenient the technician write the supplement on o Tasks that specifically lead to a piece of paper and then put it on the your company’s success like Blueprint estimator’s desk to key in. What kind steps, parts mirror matching, customer of behavior does this spatial arrange- communication, etc. must be made to ment encourage? Think about it! be EASY! • Setup office and shop spaces to in- Make it Unavoidable fluence vital behaviors Make it difficult for people to do the o Is communication a problem? wrong thing. Can you think of any Consider how your office is set up. tasks critical or otherwise that are o How far do people have to walk being successfully performed at your to get parts, information, etc? shop consistently? What is different • Make critical tasks unavoidable about those tasks that you can learn o Think visual tools, information, and anything else donuts that your rental car provider from and apply to your new initiatives o Make it hard for people to screw that would be needed to perform a just gifted sitting on your desk, or and critical tasks? The act of moving a up! critical task close and easily accessi- would it be better to place the deli- vehicle into the technician’s stall ble. Things not getting done are often cious box of devilish delight as far makes it pretty unavoidable that it will not a work ethic problem as much as it away as possible? My point is to set get seen and worked on by the techni- is a spatial or procedural problem. up your shop space to help drive the cian. Making a task unavoidable is vital behaviors to succeed. A classic quite often a visual thing, and some- www.autobodynews.com Space example of this is when it comes to thing that has to get done before it can CHECK IT OUT! If you were trying to shed a few Blueprinting. One of the vital behav- go to the next step. Consider the use

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—John Yoswick is a freelance writer based in Portland, Oregon, who has a body Historical Snapshot shop in the family and has been writing about the automotive industry since 1988. He is the editor of the weekly CRASH Network (for a free 4-week trial subscription, with John Yoswick visit www.CrashNetwork.com). Contact him by email at [email protected]. DRPs 20 years ago, Early CCRE, ADP Revises Labor Times 29 years ago in the collision repair to choose the repair facility; and to do work. It’s in your best interest. property damage litigation,” said Ann industry (November 1994) what it can to advise its members on —From an editorial by John Loftus, Spink, a Louisiana shop owner and vice Recently I read an article that was criti- how to determine if DRPs are a wise then the executive director of the Soci- president of CCRE. “We believe that cal of industry leaders who had not business decision for them. ety of Collision Repair Specialists legislation and education is part of the taken a stand against DRPs. It brought There are a number of individuals, (SCRS), published in Collision Expert. answer but litigation is the bottom line. to mind a discussion I once had with (a some of them leaders, who continue to Loftus retired from SCRS in 2000. The reason CCRE exists is to try to put member) who said there are things as- yell about DRPs without offering any together the documentation and the ex- sociations can do that make some mem- real solutions. But regardless of what 15 years ago in the collision repair pert witnesses to help these attorneys bers happy, but that don’t mean they have said, it’s the collision repair industry (November 1999) understand how to litigate for us. And anything. He called it “feel good stuff.” professionals who have voted by mak- Mike Melfi said the Coalition for Col- because they’re class action attorneys, For association leaders to de- ing the business decision whether to par- lision Repair Equality (CCRE) was we don’t have to pay them, just help ed- nounce all DRPs when half or more of ticipate in these programs. founded about three years ago as an or- ucate them.” their membership participate in direct All the yelling in the world won’t ganization to help like-minded shops Shop owner Melfi told CCRE par- repair programs would be nothing more eliminate DRPs. Those of you who can’t owners around the country “take back ticipants he had predicted the first non- than “feel good stuff.” It feels good to accept that reality can keep yelling, or control” of their businesses and reduce OEM parts lawsuit “victory” would take those who are not DRP shops, but what your can roll up your sleeves and go to insurer influence over the industry. It two years. “It took three years,” he ad- about those member shops who chose to work on the 65 per- was incorporated as a for-profit committed. “But now I have another predic- go DRP? cent of business pany so that it would never have to dition. If steering continues, one day on It’s very easy to criticize associa- that will never be vulge a list of its members (which the the 6 o’clock news, you’re going to see tions that have a neutral position on DRP. Learn how to organization refers to as “sponsors” or an executive of an insurance company DRPs, but what would happen if they better market your “clients”). About 80 people – including in handcuffs being put in a federal mar- came out against them? The best any as- business and sell about a dozen attorneys – attended the shal’s car being charged with federal sociation can do is to rally against the collision repairs. group’s recent meeting in Phoenix. racketeering.” abuses where they exist; to support leg- Bury the DRP bo- “These attorneys are just now real- – As reported in Parts & People. islation that protects a consumer’s right John Loftus geyman and get to izing that there’s money to be made in The non-OEM parts lawsuit victory

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Melfi referred to was the $1.1 billion cent or more. Refinish times for 2000- at a minimum, ambiguous - responses appeals together over two days. judgment against State Farm in 1999, 2004 Ford Taurus hood, for example, to questions about the labor time Bertoli said State Farm could use which the Illinois Supreme Court over- dropped from 3.9 on the September changes. An ADP tech support em- whatever method it specified in the in- turned in 2005. A class action lawsuit ADP CD to 3.4 on the October CD. ployee, for example, told one ADP shop surance contract to determine a reason- filed in Illinois earlier this year alleges Times for a 1999-2004 Pontiac Grand customer in the Pacific Northwest that able price in first-party claims, even if that seven of the Top 10 insurers violate Am fender dropped from 2.4 to 1.9, and the revised times were based on “new they determined that price, “by reading federal racketeering laws by illegally the front door time for a 1999-2004 time studies” ADP had done. chicken entrails, and consulting with the conspiring to use their direct repair pro- Chevy Cavalier dropped from 3.1 to 2.8. – As reported in Autobody News. three witches from MacBeth (which is) grams and other means to enforce “an Although some have looked for Prior to shops accessing the estimating just about as accurate as the survey it- artificial market value for collision re- some sort of intent behind the wide- database information over the Internet, self is. I think that survey from a statis- pairs.” spread reductions, ADP, while avoiding the system providers sent monthly up- tical standpoint would get a first-year using the term “mistake,” maintains that dates to the data to shops on compact college student a flunking grade.” 10 years ago in the collision repair the problem was an “operational issue,” discs. ADP’s Claims Services Group But in a third-party case, the judge industry (November 2004) not an attempt to shave labor times. (including its estimating system) was said, a reasonable charge “implies a A widespread and significant drop in “Some of our clients have experi- acquired by Audatex (now AudaEx- range of charges” and “no particular ADP refinish labor times discovered in enced an operational issue regarding re- plore) in 2006. charge can be said to be the only rea- recent weeks will be corrected in ADP’s finish labor on hoods, doors, fenders, sonable charge.” He said State Farm did November CD update release, which roofs, decklid/tailgates and back doors,” 5 years ago in the collision repair not try to establish that G & C’s rate was the company says has been sent to ADP Peggy Adams, operations manager for industry (November 2009) unreasonable, and it appears to fall customers. client services for ADP, wrote in an In the transcript of a small claims appeal within a reasonable range of prices. “The operational issues with the re- email response to questions about the trial involving two of customers of G & “Quite frankly with regard to the finish times in the October CD are re- October CD. “All new estimates created C Auto Body of Santa Rosa, Calif., Cal- third-party claims, this Court does not vised in the November CD,” Scott with the November CD reflect the up- ifornia Superior Court Judge James believe they should have been litigated,” Jenkins, senior director of “Estimating dated refinish labor. We apologize to our Bertoli took State Farm to task for its Bertoli said in finding for Crozat’s cus- Solutions” for ADP said. “The Novem- clients for any inconvenience we may rate survey process and arguments re- tomers. “I think the answer is clear, and ber CD is consistent with the September have caused.” garding reasonable repair costs. I quite frankly see it as an effort on be- CD. If the user did not load the October The issue has resulted in a flurry of Shop owner Gene Crozat’s cus- half of the insurer to try and suppress the CD, they were not impacted. We are in- email activity between shops and indus- tomers had won after filing small claims price charged by someone outside of structing our customers to load the No- try organizations since it came to light court cases against State Farm insureds their range.” vember CD immediately upon receipt.” in early November. Part of the concern when the insurer refused to pay all of G – As reported in CRASH Network The October CD included many was fueled by the fact that various ADP & C’s charges. The insurer appealed (www.CrashNetwork.com), November decreased refinish labor times of 10 per- personnel were giving conflicting - or, both cases, and the court heard the two 16, 2009.

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www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2014 AUTOBODY NEWS 23 24 NOVEMBER 2014 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com The Honda and Acura Dealers Listed Here are Subscribers:

HONDA ILLINOIS MICHIGAN MISSOURI OHIO Honda Superstore of Lisle Victory Honda Ed Napleton Honda Jay Honda Chicago/Suburbs Plymouth St. Peters Bedford 866-874-6632 800-824-4646 800-875-4190 800-509-9057 M-F 7-5 734-453-3600 636-928-4400 440-786-3363 [email protected] M 7:30-8; Tue-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-4 M-Sat 7-6 M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-4 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Schaumburg Honda Automobiles Zeigler Honda Frank Fletcher Honda WISCONSIN Schaumburg Kalamazoo Columbia Russ Darrow Honda 847-884-8898 888-342-1678 573-818-3650 Milwaukee 847-884-6632 269-585-5812 M-F 8-5; Sat 8-4 888-318-1671 M-F 6:30am-Midnight; Sat 8am-5pm M-Thu 7-8; F 7-6; Sat 8-4 [email protected] 414-586-5401 [email protected] [email protected] M-F 7-6; Sat 7-4; Sun 8-4 Frank Leta Honda [email protected] INDIANA MINNESOTA St. Louis Basney Honda Buerkle Honda 888-680-6025 Wilde Honda Mishawaka St. Paul 636-336-5003 Waukesha M-F 7-6; Sat 7-5 800-877-7477 800-592-9514 [email protected] 800-526-3209 574-255-2179 651-484-0975 262-542-9300 M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-2 M-Thu 8-9; F 8-6; Sat 8-4:30 M-F 7-9; Sat 8-4 [email protected] Honda of Tiffany Springs [email protected] Kansas City Bob Rohrman Honda 800-875-3911 Lafayette Luther Hopkins Honda Hopkins 816-452-3221 800-488-3537 M-Thu 7-7; F-Sat 7-6 765-448-1000 800-328-6016 [email protected] M 7:30-8; Tue-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-3 952-908-8585 [email protected] M-Thu 7-9; F 7-6; Sat 8-4 [email protected] Mungenast St. Louis Honda Bosak Honda St. Louis Richfield-Bloomington 800-233-1288 Highland 314-487-5112 800-542-6725 Honda Wholesale Hours: M-F 7-5 219-922-3102 Richfield www.stlouishonda.com M 8-5; Tue 8-8 W, Thu, F 8-5; Sat 8-4 800-328-2703 [email protected] 612-866-8197 Roper Honda M-Thu 6:30-9; F 6:30-6; Sat 6:30-5 Joplin Honda of Fishers [email protected] 877-244-6632 Fishers MISSOURI 417-625-0846 800-806-6404 M, W, Thu, F 7:30-6; 317-299-3723 Bommarito Honda Tu 7:30-7; Sat 9-1 M-F 8-6 Hazelwood [email protected] [email protected] 800-731-8270 For more collision OHIO KENTUCKY 314-731-8270 info, go to: M-Sat 7-6 Honda Marysville Gary Force Honda [email protected] Marysville collision.honda.com Bowling Green 866-645-4080 airbagaware.honda.com 800-533-6723 937-645-4095 270-781-8230 M-F 7:30-9; Sat 7:30-6; Sun 10-5 crashrepairinfo.com M-F 7-5; Sat 8-2 [email protected] [email protected]

ACURA OHIO ILLINOIS ILLINOIS MINNESOTA Columbia Acura Acura of Libertyville McGrath Acura of Buerkle Acura Cincinnati Libertyville Morton Grove Minneapolis 800-654-3553 847-680-7333 Morton Grove 800-717-3109 513-530-0698 M-F 7:30-6; Sat 7:30-4 847-470-2309 763-488-1122 M-F 8-5:30; Sat 8-12 [email protected] M-F 7-9; Sat 8-6 M, F 7-5:30; Tu-Thu 7-7; Sat 7:30-4 [email protected] [email protected] Arlington Acura in Palatine [email protected] INDIANA Palatine Muller’s Woodfield WISCONSIN Ed Martin Acura 800-991-8438 Acura Acura of Brookfield Indianapolis 847-991-9005 Brookfield M-W 7:30-7:30; Thu-F 7:30-5:30; Sat 8-3 Hoffman Estates 888-812-1269 [email protected] 866-475-9280 800-383-3936 317-706-1933 M 7-5; Tue-F 7-6 Sat 8-3 262-439-6029 M 8-8; Tue-F 8-6; Sat 8-5 [email protected] M-Thu 7:30-6; F 7:30-5; Sat 8-4:30 [email protected] Continental Acura [email protected] of Naperville Chicago/Suburbs 888-711-1506 630-960-2175 M-F 7-5:30; Sat 8-4 [email protected]

www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2014 AUTOBODY NEWS 25

John Yoswick is a freelance writer based in Portland, Oregon who has been writing Industry Insight about the collision industry since 1988. He is the editor of the weekly CRASH Net- work (for a free 4-week trial subscription, visit www.CrashNetwork.com). Contact with John Yoswick him by email at [email protected]. Energy Transfer in Today’s Vehicles Makes Measuring, Multi-Point Pulling More Important Some industry ob- that at least four times that percentage measure multiple points, and monitor servers estimate should be measured. those during repair because as you that only about 20 “If that vehicle is impacted, it start to make repairs, more than one percent of vehicles should be measured,” Perry said. “We point is going to move at a time. We in collision repair usually know what’s going to happen need to monitor all those points.” shops are actually with the damage; we just don’t know Perry said in the past, technicians being measured as the extent of it, where all it’s gone, might gauge the extent of the damage Richard Perry part of the repair how far did it travel through the vehi- by checking to see if the vehicle’s process. Richard cle. You’ve got to be able to find it to Richard Perry of Chief Automotive discusses doors open and close; if they did, they Perry, who oversees training for Chief fix it. So before the repair we need to the value of multiple-point pulling during a felt it was safe to presume the damage Automotive, believes that changes in analyze what’s wrong to develop a re- recent demonstration in the shop at Chief’s had not extended beyond the passen- vehicle materials and structure mean pair plan. During repair, we need to headquarters in Madison, Ind. See Energy transfer, Page 28

Chief Automotive Sees Itself as Source of Information As Much As Equipment If you still think of Chief Automotive as pri- provide, almost half of our business is 21 percent of its overall revenue, but its have the right to collect it, but we do not.” marily a pulling equipment company, think there,” Cranfill said. single biggest revenue source is the vehi- Cranfill some companies, such as again. Mike Cranfill, vice president of Vehicle Services Group (VSG) is itself cle measuring data it sells directly to col- those that offer vehicle history informa- global collision and new business develop- a segment of Dover Corporation, a global lision repairers and also to the estimating tion, may seek that information, but Chief ment for the Vehicle Services Group (which producer of equipment, systems and serv- system providers. doesn’t share it because the information includes Chief Automotive) said changes in ices in a variety of businesses. In addition Does Chief collect data on the vehi- tells only part of the story. the company’s revenue sources reflect to Chief, VSG brands include Rotary Lift cles that shops are measuring with its “The risk is: What does it mean?” changes in the industry itself. and Elektron welders. It has about 1,200 equipment? Cranfill said. “Even if the data shows the car “I like to think we’re an information employees in the U.S., Germany and China. “We do not collect it,” Bob Holland, measurers to factory specs, can you guar- company, because if you take the training, Its measuring, pulling and welding VSG collision director for North America, antee the repair was proper? Maybe you the measuring equipment and the data we equipment sales each account for about said. “With our licensing agreement, we used heat when you’re not supposed to.”

26 NOVEMBER 2014 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Tom Franklin has been a sales and marketing consultant for fifty years. He has written On Creative Marketing numerous books and provides marketing solutions and services for many businesses. He can be reached at (323) 871-6862 or at [email protected]. with Thomas Franklin See Tom’s columns at www.autobodynews.com under Columnists > Franklin Are You Marketing to Merely Survive or Are You Trying to Grow? By now most shop owners and man- dollars solely on building name recog- viously most shops can’t eliminate any she chooses. I’ve seen a number of agers have realized that when it comes nition. A marketing plan has to differ- of the steps needed to restore a vehicle shops that emphasize the family as- to marketing, one size does not fit all. entiate a shop from the competition back to pre-accident condition, but they pect of their business. Photos of sev- Franchises and multiple shop opera- and provide a strong reason to select can always choose what they want to eral generations of owners adorn the tions that account for about 15 percent that shop over all the others. A recent emphasize in their marketing. And this walls, the website and any ads. The of the shops in the U.S. are in a posi- article in Inc. Magazine might suggest may be the key to convincing the buy- emphasis, of course, is “we care more tion to approach marketing from an en- one way to do that. A software coming public that this shop is the right one because for us it’s personal.” tirely different perspective from the pany originally called “37 Signals” for them. Another key factor in marketing independent shop owner. But 72 per- changed it’s operating philosophy and If you decide to try this approach emphasis choice is shop location. A cent of the shops are still independent, changed its name to “Basecamp,” the to marketing, the next question is shop in Silicon Valley or other high- single-location shops and many of name of a project management prod- “what to emphasize?” Paint specialty tech region may thrive best with an these shops market just to keep surviv- uct that represented 87 percent of their shops like Maaco have already begun emphasis on the technical aspects of ing. The question then becomes, what sales and 90% of their recent growth. to capture some of the body work that collision repair. A contemporary focus do you mean by “grow?” Growth by This reminded me of a strategic independent shops rely on, but they on hybrids and exotic metal repair cloning or opening other locations is move made by Colonel Harlan Sanders keep paint as their central focal point. specialties could communicate well in more of an operational strategy than a when he was operating a small chain of While any shop is free to make refin- an area like this. In an entirely differ- marketing proposition. Real growth for fast food operations with about 100 ishing quality their main marketing ent direction, I ran across a shop in an independent shop is simply about items on the menu. He was having se- emphasis, there may be reasons to horse country that emphasized a spe- getting more vehicles in the door and rious trouble trying to grow so he hired choose a different emphasis. One big cialty in working on horse trailers and enjoying more profit on every job. a consultant named David Thomas. advantage an independent shop has larger transport vehicles. In an age Franchises and MSOs can afford The first thing Thomas did was cut the over franchises and MSOs is the very like ours where big box stores have to advertise just to build name recog- menu down to a handful of items and fact of their uniqueness. While these become the norm, a lot of people nition to try to drive business to any renamed the franchise operation, “Ken- other shops may have a cookie-cutter choose to look for vendors who un- shop in the group. But few independ- tucky Fried Chicken.” From there on, sameness look, the independent shop derstand their particular niche in life. ents can afford to spend marketing the growth was phenomenal. Now ob- owner can individuate any way he or See Trying to Grow, Next Page

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www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2014 AUTOBODY NEWS 27

Continued from Page 26 Start with four on the center structure Perry shared his measuring and up in clamps. of the vehicle, he suggests, then one pulling concepts while working on an Perry said another key message Energy transfer on each of the front and rear corners actual damaged vehicle during a re- to technicians in his training is that of the vehicle. cent demonstration in the shop at measuring is almost always the solu- ger compartment. But vehicle manu- When it comes to pulling, multi- Chief’s headquarters in Madison, IN. tion to challenging repairs. facturers have strengthened both the Among the features of the company’s lower and upper structures of vehicles, “LaserLock” measuring system he further reducing the impact of visible pointed out was the dual monitors that damage to the passenger compartment. allow a technician to have both meas- “I’ve seen some vehicles that had uring information and OEM repair in- straight-on impacts at 50 mph, yet you formation readily accessible. can open and close the doors like fac- “The OEMs used to sit on the tory,” Perry said. “The passenger sidelines because who knew better compartment does not react they way about repairs than anybody else? The it used to. But that energy is still going Jerry Ralston explains the final assembly technician,” Perry said. “After all, processes that Chief frame equipment undergoes he’d been doing it for 20 years, and at the company’s Madison, Ind., headquarters things hadn’t changed that much. But ple towers allow more precise move- with the many changes to vehicles ment, he said, given that damage can today, who knows most about a vehi- be in three directions: lateral, vertical cle now? The OEMs. They designed and length-wise. it. They engineered it.” “The more hook-ups you can put That said, Perry believes another Bryan Brown demonstrated the newest on at your initial pull, the more that advantage of using Chief measuring Elektron welder during a recent media tour of damage is going to come out the way data is that the company doesn’t just Chief Automotive’s headquarters. Elektron and Chief are among the brands owned by Vehicle it went in,” Perry said. “But you need use OEM build data but actually Services Group, based in Madison, Ind. Lee Daugherty, global data product manager to be monitoring it as you pull so you measures vehicles off the tires and in for Chief Automotive, points out the type of know you’re going in the right direc- clamps just as is done in shops. That “If you can’t figure out what the measuring data available through the com- tion.” ensures the system offers more accu- problem is, take more measurements,” pany’s LaserLock system Multiple pulling also reduces the rate, real-world measuring data, he Perry suggests. “You’ll find it eventu- somewhere; something further back in amount of force used at any single said, because such a set-up takes into ally. You’re just not measuring far the vehicle has to give to absorb that point. account the slight sagging the front enough. You’re not taking enough energy. So that old way of thinking, of “If you put more combined force and rear of a vehicle does when it is points to identify all the damage.” not measuring everything, results in on a vehicle but less at each location overlooking something. That’s why by doing multiple simultaneous we need to measure the entire vehicle pulling with equalized pressure, you From OEM to aftermarket, see all the each time.” can repair a lot of things that you Perry believes eight measuring couldn’t before because you’re not Collision Parts we have to offer! points is the minimum that should be going to rip and tear it,” he said. • Large Inventory • Genuine Chevy Parts used to ensure all the damage is lo- “You’re not going to damage and dis- cated, though the total number will de- tort it because you’re not putting as • Exceptional Service • Ready To Serve You pend on the severity of the impact. much pressure at each location.” Hours: 513.782.2829 Mon. - Fri. 7:30am - 6pm Continued from Page 27 beyond this to go out and be involved Sat. 8am - 12pm in trade shows, vehicle shows, club 513.782.2846 FAX 33 West Kemper Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45246 Trying to Grow presentations and more. Choosing an emphasis that encompasses a lot of Choosing which of these to focus on people opens up an entire horizon of brings us back to the question, do you opportunities to get out and connect want to market to just survive, or do with prospective customers. Not every you want to really grow? shop owner is comfortable with this Whatever you decide to empha- kind of glad-handing, but if the real size in your marketing, to make it a growth is out there to be gotten, it’s growth proposition calls for an all out worth while hiring someone with the effort. For example, a shop located in skill to go out and get it. an area where campers and large SUVs are commonplace might choose to emphasize oversize frame machines and larger spray booths able to accommo- Check out our www.jakesweeneychevy.com date them. To make this a growth move, the shop would have to display NEW website at: these capabilities more prominently midwestern.autobodynews.com with colorful photos and stories of exceptional jobs on the website and liter- Register and login to comment ature. But they would have to go

28 NOVEMBER 2014 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2014 AUTOBODY NEWS 29 Continued from Cover Vincent Romans of MSO Specialists The Romans Group on Consolidation MSO Consolidations Autobody News asked Vincent Romans, the fragmented industry will continue to con- other's disruption, while one company's in- founding partner of The Romans Group tract to a more normalized number of re- novation is another's disintermediation. swered, “the answer is ‘yes.’ ” LLC, to comment on the recent MSO con- quired collision repairers throughout the Some of the short and long term conditions Fast forward to the present time solidations. Romans has over 30 years of United States over the next decade. Today, include, but are not limited to changing Roberts told Autobody News, “In the consulting and operating experience with three collision repair segments, ≥$20M, macro-economic influences, globalization, domestic and global enterprises. The Ro- ≥$10-20M and the franchise multiple loca- consolidation causing industry structural last 24 months nearly $3 billion of mans Group LLC, established in 1996, pro- tion, MLO, operators represent 24% of the changes, telematics and the movement to sales volume in the collision repair in- vides business, market, financial, and US collision repair market. I expect this mar- an integrated electronic claims process dustry has changed ownership, which strategic development advisory services to ket share for these three segments to grow model, accident avoidance technology as- is 10 percent of the entire industry.” the property and casualty auto physical over the next three years. Additionally, we sociated with semi-autonomous and even- Roberts is currently the Managing damage insurance, automotive services, should shortly see the first MSO with annual tually autonomous vehicles (VEHBOTS), Director and Automotive Services property restoration, and related supply revenue of $1.0B. Through September YTD private equity and strategic buyers, predic- Group team leader for FOCUS Invest- chain segments. 2014 we have seen $650.0M in annual rev- tive analytics, down turn in accident fre- Why are we seeing an increase in enue transferred through multiple location quency, MSO performance contracts, hybrid ment Banking. He said there are several the number of consolidators acquiring transaction acquisitions among the four claims management models, insurers em- reasons for this sudden acceleration, in- MSOs and do you think this trend will MSO consolidators. bracing the MSO model, trained technician cluding the availability of acquisition continue? We are at the early stage of con- What are the relevant issues facing shortage, parts procurement, repair seg- capital and the number of MSOs look- solidation, contraction, convergence and the collision industry today? There are nu- mentation, urbanization and others too nu- ing to sell. “There are more than 44 constructive transformation in the collision merous trends and prevailing conditions that merous to mention here. MSOs with $20 million or more in rev- repair industry. Within this industry con- offer both risk and opportunity for repairers How does an independent shop fit in struct, private equity has stepped up its intoday. No one trend or prevailing condition the picture? Independent high perform- enues with another 110 between $10 terest in acquiring MSO consolidators. This has the impact that the confluence of these ance, brand recognized shops will continue and $20 million.” interest is backed by unprecedented private prevailing trends and conditions have. It is to provide solid alternatives to the large “Consolidators are looking to get equity and strategic buyer cash seeking in- when one understands that these individual MSO consolidator model especially with in- bigger and achieve more scale, which vestment opportunities in the MSO model prevailing conditions are part of a conflu- surance companies that embrace their own has rewards for the acquirers as well which today provides strong cash flow, ence of many individual dynamic prevailing customized repair models and prefer to as for insurers and consumers,” said growth through both organic and acquisition trends and conditions, that you start to real- have non-MSO providers in the market or a Roberts, whose company has offices growth and shorter term investment cycles ize the order of magnitude and the exponen- mix of MSO consolidators and local market that ultimately drive higher valuations. tial impact they have and will continue to independents. Additionally, specialty repair- in Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Wash- How will it affect the collision repair have on the new world order of collision re- ers who perform any number of niche mar- ington D.C. industry? We will continue to see large mul- pair within the broader auto physical dam- ket or high value repair alternatives will have “Large insurers have increasingly tiple location operators (MLOs) be acquired age ecosystem. We will continue to see a place in the future collision repair industry. rewarded the best performing consol- by the four MSO consolidators. The still how one company's transformation is an- See Vincent Romans, Page 33 idators and large MSOs with more volume. Cars are repaired faster, with less hassle, and more predictable costs trends in the industry, Maimone regu- www.LoanerCarsforShops.comwwww..LoanerCarsforShops.co and quality.” larly attended conferences, talked to We asked Lillian Maimone, for- industry leaders and listened closely mer CEO and co-founder of Marco’s to what others were saying in forums Collision Centers, for her perspective such as the Mitchell webinars, for ex- Loaners or Rentals on the industry. She was excited ample. More Business More Revenue about her upcoming retirement, say- “I went to Pepperdine’s business ing, “Marco and I have nothing to do school [and used those skills in ana- Don’t Send your Customers Away! and all day to do it, and we like it that lyzing the industry.] I spent a lot of my way. It’s a wonder- time looking at what is happening in ful sense of free- the industry and how it was affecting dom and piece of my company,” she said. Eventually Valid through 7/31/2014 mind.” she and husband Marco decided they Body Shop “Seeing the “didn’t want to be in the game any- $779.00 Enrollment Fee trends in the new more.” Discount! -$500.00 Discount cars and the new When employees asked why they Want to know how equipment that was sold, she explained, “We were the pow- Only... Lillian Maimone to start up a car necessary to repair erhouse in our area. We were the big rental service fromom your your $279 ENROLLMENT these cars, I saw ourselves having a fish in the little pond.” With the changes shop? Become operationalerationalrational very difficult time competing against in the industry and larger MSOs com- in less than a weekk an andnd the consolidators. We knew it would ing in, she said they realized how in- you only need 1 carto oto cost my company hundreds of thou- creasingly difficult it would be to start. Software and sands of dollars in new equipment and compete. Training included. training,” For example, the benefits they Counter Procedure While running Marco’s, which gained as a midsize DRP over the Training included! was established in 1972, Maimone years were no comparison to the gains said her primary function was ensur- made by the national DRP programs. ing the company was ready and She invited her employees to consider Call today to request a geared for the future. “My focus was the buying opportunities with the na- no-obligation quote: on dealing with possible threats and tional DRP accounts, rather than local opportunities,” she said. ones. “I figured whatever percentage In order to stay informed about See MSO Consolidations, Page 33 800-879-3433

30 NOVEMBER 2014 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Social Media for Shops Ed Attanasio is an automotive journalist based in San Francisco, California. He can be reached at with Ed Attanasio [email protected].

Chicago Body Shop’s Anti-Texting Campaign Catches Fire Admittedly, the owner of a well- ally, we have expanded our service Gottfred, 64, had what he de- sition, but I’m not quite ready to retire. known 80-year-old body shop in area by acquiring a 30-year body shop scribed as a “marginal interest” in cars I currently work on customer acquisi- Chicago was guilty of texting in his on the southwest side of Chicago.” as a kid, so his path to owning a body tion and foster the great relationships own vehicle for several years until he shop wasn’t part of his life plan, he we have with the insurance companies saw more than a few damaged cars in said. “I grew up working here in the and agents, so it works well right now. his shop caused by his customers’ shop as a teenager and to be honest, I Opening the new shop in a very differ- lapses in attention while texting. wasn’t crazy about it. I had no inten- ent market has also been a challenge. I Rather than ignore what is now an nation of taking over the shop, but when like to be the rainmaker around here tional epidemic that causes 1.6 million I came home around Christmas time in and take a lot of the administrative stuff accidents annually, Bob Gottfred , the 1975, my stepfather told me he could- off my sons’ radar, so that they can con- owner of Erie-LaSalle Body Shop, de- n’t do it anymore. His health wasn’t centrate on the most important things, cided to start his own anti-texting very good so he said, ‘If you’re inter- such as quality and customer service.” campaign. ested -- hop in” or he was going to sell New proposed anti-texting laws Erie-LaSalle Body Shop was it. So, in January 1976 I started running have gained more momentum in this founded in 1934 and over the years it the business full-time and then eventu- country, most recently led by a docu- has become a neighborhood institu- ally bought out my stepfather in 1995.” mentary called “From One Second to tion in downtown Chicago. “We’re the Today, both of Gottfred’s sons the Next,” a cautionary tale about the longest continuously owned auto body work with him at the shop and eventu- dangers of texting while driving. The of its kind in Chicago and Illinois,” ally the business will belong to them – film was funded by mobile providers Gottfred explained. “We now have a but not tomorrow, Gottfred said. “Jim AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint and Verizon handful of third-generation customers (36) and Jay (34) could take over right and has received major awards and ac- Erie-LaSalle started getting involved in an anti- coming in here and it’s great to hear texting campaign after creating this fire hydrant now and do a great job, because they’ve colades. their stories about when their grandfa- to raise money for 51 Club, an organization that learned the business and they’re ready. The genesis of Gottfred’s anti-tex- ther or even great grandfather brought raises money for families of firemen killed in the They’re right at the hand-off point now ting campaign began when he decided his car here decades before. Addition- line of duty and I know it would be a seamless tran- See Anti-Texting Campaign, Page 35

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www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2014 AUTOBODY NEWS 31 Continued from Cover how aftermarket parts affect vehicle sumer, their family and anyone else on should have been declared a total loss safety, and documentaries are cur- the highway. The importance of find- because it is no longer safe to be driven Memphis Radio rently being filmed on this issue as ing a trustworthy repairer is so great on the road! Luckily, diminished value well. that Fowler founded www.safecars.us, is an issue that consumers are becom- try that insurance companies often at- Eaves is not optimistic that the a website that promises to place the ing increasingly aware of, and Fowler tempt to take control at the accident lawsuit will go to trial quickly, but he consumer’s safety above all else and encourages anyone with doubts about scene, moving the damaged vehicle is prepared to fight this battle for quite plans to feature member shops who the safety or integrity of a repair to get against the consumer’s wishes and some time if necessary, noting “this is have committed to this goal. a post-repair inspection. His shop will trying to coerce the vehicle owner to bigger than just a lawsuit; it’s a cam- Although Fowler believes that gladly inspect repairs and provide ob- agree to having the repair completed paign!” Part of this campaign includes some insurance agents would like to jective assessments, as will many shops at one of their DRP shops. Although asking Congress to support legislation do the right thing for their customers, across the nation. As the show ended, the consumer has the right to choose to restore the proper balance of power the rules are passed down from the in- Fowler encouraged consumers to stand where their vehicle is repaired and it between the insurance industry and surance companies’ corporate offices, up for their rights. Though he would could easily be argued that the insur- the collision repair industry. As prece- leaving the agents powerless to make like to believe that the insurers look out ers are taking advantage of their cus- dent for his request, Eaves cited the changes. Unfortunately, the insurers for their customers’ best interests, his tomers, it is easier and cheaper for Consent Decree, a similar situation in are the only ones to benefit, and these observations indicate that they are only insurance companies when they get the 1960s when insurance companies practices are actually performed to the concerned with profits. “This war has their way, as they often do in these sit- tried to dictate which parts could be detriment of the collision repair facil- been going on for a long time, mostly uations. used and how much they would pay ities, the consumers and even lending behind the consumers’ backs, but it af- When questioned about why infor repairs. The U.S. Department of institutions as an improperly repaired fects everyone because if a car is un- surers are so adamant about steering Justice sued the insurance industry, vehicle is apt to create a situation of safely repaired and out of control, it is despite the possibility of being sued, and the resulting ruling was that in- diminished value. dangerous to everyone on the highway. Eaves noted that insurers profit greatly surers cannot force collision repair fa- When radio hosts questioned why The U.S. public needs to be concerned by this practice as the benefits to them cilities to compromise the quality of some insurance companies have de- with this issue… You never know what outweigh the risk; this is the reason his their repairs. Thus, the balance of partments that deal in diminished val- battles you can win until you fight pending lawsuit and other lawsuits are power between these two industries ues, Fowler notes, “they pay when them. Doing nothing only ensures you necessary. Fowler reminded listeners was restored if not enforced. Eaves they’re forced to pay, but they are never will lose.” that this is a battle the collision repair said he hopes that his current efforts going to voluntarily do the right thing To access to the radio broadcast, go industry has been fighting for 25 will yield the same results for the because it’s not profitable, and every- to http://www.iaba.info/Documents/ years, but it has come to a point where modern collision repair industry. thing they do is profit-driven.” In fact, Newsletters/Issues/2014/10%20 quality repair shops will go out of Directing his attention to what he warns that diminished value can October/Full%20Stories/Article%207. business if nothing is done to “rectify consumers can do to aid in this battle, occur to such an extent that the vehicle html (link is at the bottom of the page). this travesty.” Fowler reminded consumers that they Moving on to the topic of after- have the right to choose the facility market and OEM parts, Fowler said that repairs their vehicle, and he en- that his opinion has changed. Previ- couraged them to act on this right by ously, he believed it should be the cus- taking their car to whichever shop tomer’s choice whether or not to use they prefer. He cautioned that it is a aftermarket parts, but because most red flag if the insurer insists on dictat- consumers don’t understand the dif- ing where the vehicle is repaired, and ferences and implications of using this could indicate that the insurer is The following these parts, he now feels that it is the engaging in other unsavory practices, collision repair professional’s respon- such as mandating which parts are dealerships are sibility to educate the consumer. He used in the repair. eager to serve reiterated that “testing proves that af- Though vehicle manufacturers your needs. termarket parts do not always perform provide specific repair information to Call your local the same as genuine OEM parts.” maintain a vehicle’s safety, Fowler In response to the radio hosts’ said he has experienced firsthand that Subaru collision question about whether “imitation some insurers will demand used parts parts specialist parts” have been implicated as the be installed, even though both he and today! cause of any accidents, Eaves unam- the manufacturer warned that such a biguously stated that the use of poor practice could compromise the vehi-

quality aftermarket parts has caused a cle’s safety. Despite insurers’ tendency OHIO WISCONSIN multitude of accidents across the to use intimidating in their interactions country. Unfortunately, few people with both consumers and repair facil- Brunswick Subaru Wilde Subaru are aware of this concern because ities, Fowler states, “there are shops these settled cases included confiden- that try to do what’s right, but they are Brunswick Waukesha tiality agreements to prevent them vilified, disparaged and essentially Toll Free (888) 460-7080 (800) 903-2434 from becoming public knowledge. squeezed out of business.” Direct (330) 460-7080 (262) 544-1913 Fax Furthermore, as many parts, includ- Eaves agrees that it is imperative (330) 460-7082 Fax Mon.-Thu. 7-7; Fri. 7-5; Sat. 8-4 ing windshields, tires and airbags, di- for consumers to trust the facility re- Mon.-Fri. 8-6; Sat. 8-4 [email protected] rectly affect the safety of the vehicle, pairing their vehicle as their lives are investment in parts is more crucial being placed in the hands of these pro- www.brunswickautomart.com www.wildesubaru.com than ever. According to Eaves, fessionals, and a poor quality repair YouTube features many videos on jeopardizes the safety of the con-

32 NOVEMBER 2014 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com Continued from Page 30 the California market,” Chris Abra- ham, the CEO of Service King, said in Continued from Page 30 view boards which brings them to the table for input, old business and new concept MSO Consolidations the press release. “The addition of Car discussions, and collaboration on current West and their 360 teammates will give Vincent Romans and future business process and perform- of claims would drop as a result of us an even greater ance models. They develop multi-level per- that is enough to make me know that footprint in the Some of these models might include vari- sonal relationships that help when issues we will be in trouble,” she said. heart of Silicon ous types of repair segmentation; e.g. alu- need to be resolved quickly. However, if “My employees are better off this Valley. We are ex- minum or other new material/technology, service deteriorates somewhere in the fleet, small hit expedited repair, paintless country for a larger MSO it could have neg- way,” said Maimone. “Several have cited to have the dent repair, cosmollision, ethnic market, and ative ramifications across their national been given a promotion and better op- team on board and car auction repair. As MSO consolidators footprint or some other regional market of portunities. I couldn’t give them that.” look forward to de- gain in the breadth and depth of their reach theirs. The MSO consolidator offer insurers Shortly after acquiring Marco’s, livering the Serv- and coverage in markets around the coun- broader multiple market coverage than Service King reached an agreement Farzam Afshar ice King standard try, insurers will look to balance their local smaller MSOs and independents. However, file photo to acquire Car West Auto Body, an of exceptional cus- market networks with strong performing local market MSOs and independents can MSO with seven shops in Northern tomer service and high quality repairs and recognized branded independent opera- and do market that they provide that laser tors. The balance of power will be normal- focus local market performance that insur- California. With these additions as in these communities.” ized as long as the independent’s metrics ers want. Many independents and local well as the 62 Sterling Collision Cen- “People are selling because of many and service offering are comparable to the market MSOs position and market them- ters the company acquired earlier this different reasons,” said Farzam Af- MSO consolidator. Insurers also want to selves as high performers relative to the year in April, Service King now has shar, CEO of VeriFacts Automotive, a have local market independents and MSOs MSO consolidator in their geographic 191 shops in 20 states, including 18 well-respected training company that competing with the MSO consolidator so niche. A strong recognized brand with top in CA. describes itself as the industry’s only that the best peer performance is always performance metrics relative to a MSO Service King, based in Dallas “independent onsite quality verifica- being established in a market among all cur- consolidator can give the independent and rent and prospective repairers. local market MSO a competitive edge when and founded nearly 40 years ago, told tion service and in-shop technician as- What is the benefit/challenge of vying for insurer DRP business. MSO con- Autobody News that, due to company sessment provider.” being an MSO vs. a single-location shop solidators are also offering self-managed policy, they weren’t able to comment One reason, Afshar said, “is that when forming a relationship with insur- and co-managed capabilities for cus- further until their acquisition of Car- they able to get a very high rate of re- ance companies? MSO consolidators and tomized and new DRP models, quality as- west was finalized. turn on their investment. In addition, many non-consolidator MSOs have the per- surance and self-audit process and However, Service King released business owners increasingly need to sonnel, sales/marketing structure and procedures, call centers, and single point of budget to frequently call on insurance com- contact, all of which helps reduce costs for the following statement: “Our recent compete with consolidators in their pany corporate decision makers as well as the insurer while positioning the MSO con- Sterling Autobody acquisition and backyard while vehicles are becoming multi-level contacts regionally. They partici- solidator for business that the independent Marco’s Collision Centers acquisition more complex. pate on insurance company advisory or re- operator may find more difficult to secure. serve as a platform for our growth in See MSO Consolidations, Page 39

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www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2014 AUTOBODY NEWS 33 Continued from Cover introduced at that time. “The law will surance companies manipulated labor go to their DRP body shops or select really be a codification of the policy of rates and other charges and weren’t service shops. “That’s a big part of our Congress Support the United States that was set in 1963.” compensated for their work. lawsuit and one of the things we think is It was that year that the U.S. De- The Mississippi lawyer said the pure violation of the proper balance be- their body shops. partment of Justice, under the direc- lawsuit is largely based on antitrust is- tween the two industries,” said Eaves. “We wanted to make the legislation of Attorney General Robert sues that surface when insurance com- “By having the same practices exposed tors aware of what the insurance com- Kennedy, investigated the concerns of panies get involved with body shops by all body shops in one litigation, the panies are doing to the consumer,” the collision repair industry and found by telling them what labor rate they judge can more clearly see that this is a said Matt Parker, owner of Parker 265 insurance companies, and the can charge, what percentages they’re pattern of practice,” said Eaves. Auto Body in Louisiana who is part of not going to pay for, and Eaves said that in addition to the lawsuit. “The insurance industry what parts they have to put these challenges faced by shop own- should not tell us how to repair cars. on a car. In the 1970’s, the ers, the industry also has to adapt to We’re the professionals here, not labor rate was $16 and the new technology. “Only the shops that them. We have all the liability, they mechanical rate was $15. actually get paid for what they do will don’t,” he said. Currently, Eaves said the have the resources necessary to invest Tony Passwater, Executive Di- body shop rate across the in all of this technology,” said Eaves. rector of the Indiana Autobody Associ- nation is usually half of the “That’s basically what the lawsuit ation and President of AEII Consulting mechanical rate with no component is all about… making sure Services, said that what started as justification. He said this is that people who do the work and do it multi-district litigation in April with due to insurance companies right get paid for it so they can con- just five states, including Mississippi, (l to r) Joe and Karen Enneking of Enneking Body Shop in that have artificially sup- tinue to provide that service to the Florida, Tennessee, Indiana and Utah, Indiana, Congressman Luke Messer and Tony Passwater, pressed the rate and is a American customer.” and later by Louisiana, is now part of a Executive Director of the Indiana Autobody Association in clear violation of the Con- The next court date is set for No- Washington D.C. much bigger action to regain control sent Decree. vember in Orlando, FL. “The allega- that he termed “The Movement.” three major trade associations that rep- Another main component of the tions that are part of the multi-district He said, as part of “The Move- resented insurers, were in violation of lawsuit is against steering. “Most states litigation being heard in Florida are not ment,” shop owners representing a the Sherman Antitrust Act. An An- in the country say it is illegal for insur- in line with State Farm’s mission to dozen states went to Capital Hill “…to titrust Consent Order was signed by ance companies to purposely interfere serve the needs of its customers, and discuss the growing concerns for con- these companies on October 23, 1963, in the business relationship of the cus- our long, proud history of achieve- sumer safety, the mandating by insur- requiring that insurers must refrain tomer and the body shop,” said Eaves. ments in advancing vehicle safety,” ers to require repair shops to use from “fixing, establishing, maintain- However, insurance companies do it said Dick Luedke, spokesperson for untested and unsafe parts on vehicles, ing or otherwise controlling the prices regularly, telling customers they have to See Congress Support, Page 39 and the intimidation tactics the insur- to be paid for the appraisal of damage, ers use when a repairer refuses to do or to be charged by independent or so.” dealer franchised automotive repair “Most [members of Congress] shops for the repair of damage to au- have had their car repaired and were tomotive vehicles or for replacement very empathetic and were already con- parts or labor in connection therewith, cerned about the issue, so we were whether by coercion, boycott or in- very encouraged by the response,” said timidation or by the use of flat rate or the lead attorney John Arthur Eaves, parts manuals or otherwise.” Jr. of Eaves Law Firm in Jackson, MS. “If you look at the Consent Decree Eaves said many were still not and read it, it would look like some- aware of the Robert Kennedy-era 1963 body from today wrote it because all Consent Decree and now is an excel- the things they’ve been doing since the THESE DEALERS are GENUINE lent opportunity to ask them to help 40s they are continuing to do,” said WHOLESALE PARTS SPECIALISTS. Parker. “To be honest with you, everything they’re doing is against the law.” Parker, who has been in the MICHIGAN business for 30 years, said the Consent Decree mandates that Sunshine Toyota Toyota insurance companies are sup- BATTLE CREEK Grand Rapids posed to be in the business of GRAND RAPIDS insurance, “not telling us how 269-965-1000 (l to r) Tony Passwater, Executive Director of the Indiana Au- to repair cars, not writing es- 269-441-1262 Fax 800-354-7037 tobody Association; John Arthur Eaves, the lead attorney for timates, not telling people Mon. - Fri. 7:30am - 6pm; 616-942-4658 Fax the case; and Karen and Joe Enneking from Enneking Body where to get glass put in their [email protected] Mon., Wed. 7:30am - 8pm; Shop in Indiana, during their trip to Washington D.C. car. We’re the only business in www.sunshinetoyota.com Tue., Thur., Fri. 7:30am - 6pm; enforce what is the official public pol- the world that has to try to figure out Sat. 8am - 12pm icy of the United States government. how to make a profit when we can’t www.toyotaofgrandrapids.com He said the body shops plan to visit even set our own rates.” Washington D.C. again in November Eaves originally filed the lawsuit when congress comes back into ses- in April on behalf of more than two sion and the hope is that a bill will be dozen body shops that claimed 16 in-

34 NOVEMBER 2014 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com Continued from Page 31 in the Windy City. old airbag we had sitting around and $1,500 and that money went to Club As part of his company’s ongoing strapped it to the steering wheel. Later, 51 too, so we donated $2,000 total, Anti-Texting Campaign philanthropy, Gottfred decided to par- I went out there and the local police which was nice.” ticipate in the project. “We purchased and fire department were out in front Once Gottfred got involved in his to participate in the Great Chicago Fire a five-foot fire hydrant made out of of the shop. Someone had reported a anti-texting campaign, he stopped tex- Hydrants Project, a public art exhibition fiberglass for the project to decorate,” ting altogether. “When people use their that celebrates the heroism of Chicago’s Gottfred explained. “We painted the cell phones while driving, the bottom firefighters. This citywide public art in- words ‘Texting & Driving, It Can Wait’ line is that they’re distracted,” he said. stallation features oversized replicas of on the fire hydrant and then decided to “I was doing it too, because you get a Chicago’s iconic standard fire hydrants, take the whole thing one step further. text message and your first reaction is designed, painted, decorated and/or We had purchased a little Smart Car a to respond to it. But in the end it can re- dressed by local artists, architects, and while back and we have our logo on the ally wait. We get damaged cars in here even fashion and interior designers. side of it. We use it to shuttle customers all the time and the customers will These colorful sculptures are placed around or pick up parts and we love it. never admit that they were texting when throughout the city in tribute to the We thought maybe we can use the Bob Gottfred (center) has been running Erie- it occurred, but I know many of these work and heroism of Chicago’s beloved Smart Car and the hydrant together to LaSalle Body Shop since 1975 and soon his accidents are the result of texting.” sons Jim (left) and Jay (right) will be taking firefighters. At the conclusion of each get our anti-texting message out there. over the reins Gottfred teaches CE (Continuing year’s exhibition, the hydrants are gath- We disassembled the front end of the Education) classes to insurance agents ered for a final exhibition before being Smart Car and parked it out front of our car accident with serious injuries, and and now he has created a class deal- shop and made it appear as after we explained what was going on, ing with the topic of texting. “We dis- though the Smart Car had just we all laughed about it and they took a cuss how to insure teenage drivers and bashed into the fire hydrant. few photos. We left it there until the what can happen when they text,” he We get 40,000 people driving end of November and then the hydrant said. “I show some gruesome videos by our shop every day and so got auctioned off, raising $500 for the to get their attention and to raise their pretty quickly everyone was 51 Club. We bought it originally for consciousness about texting.” talking about it.” Then last October, Gottfred Erie-LaSalle Body Shop was founded in 1934 and over the Register Your Email for Our years its iconic neon sign has become a Chicago landmark decided to use Halloween as an opportunity to take his anti- Free 2xMonthly e-Newsletter auctioned, with net proceeds benefiting texting message to another level, he charities that support the families of fire said. “We put a dummy in the front www.autobodynews.com victims and other fire safety programs seat of the Smart Car and deployed an

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www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2014 AUTOBODY NEWS 35 Omix-ADA to Give Away 2014 Jeep Wrangler at SEMA PPG Waterborne Shop Conversions Exceed 10,000 Omix-ADA, a manufacturer of Jeep, graded rear tire carrier, making it not PPG Industries’ (NYSE:PPG) automo- preciate this and see a real difference in truck and off-road accessories, an- only look good but also ready to tive refinish business has now converted their shops’ productivity.” nounced on October 7 that it will use tackle any off-road excursion, ac- more than 10,000 collision centers in the Jones attributed the success of its Off Road Success Center (Booth cording to reports by Scott Rousseau United States and Canada to its water- PPG’s waterborne products to factors borne systems, with the majority of these such as a highly-effective and easy CON- #34000) at SEMA to give away a of off-road.com. ® fully-loaded Jeep. Off Road Success Center Omix- conversions taking place in National Rule VERT WITH CONFIDENCE transi- ADA will also host several civil- areas rather than in low-VOC (volatile tion process and the service and support ian Jeeps, including pre-WWII organic compound) compliant regions. customers receive from PPG and its best- prototypes to the modern day JK According to Tim Jones, PPG wa- in-class distributor partners. “Collision Wrangler. terborne segment manager, more than centers are converting to PPG’s water- The Off Road Success Cen- 10,000 collision centers in North Amer- borne with great results,” he said. “Shops ter will also exhibit a custom ica are now using PPG waterborne prod- are finding the actual conversion to wa- 2015 four-door Jeep Wrangler ucts, with more than 50 percent of these terborne is simple. They’re also finding built for SEMA Cares; a com- shops in National Rule markets. This that we support them and view their pro- mittee dedicated to supporting means most PPG customers choose to ductivity as a measure of our mutual suc- the education of students pur- use waterborne products and systems cess.” suing careers in the automotive even though they are not required to do Envirobase High Performance and aftermarket. The SEMA Cares so to meet low-VOC regulations. They Aquabase Plus products are now in their Jeep is designed to raise aware- do so voluntarily because they want to third generation. PPG introduced its wa- ness about the committee’s improve their productivity, he said. terborne technology to the international Anvil Blue 2014 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubi- “Waterborne is not just a compliance OEM (original equipment manufac- con. Photo Credit: www.offroad.com charitable efforts as it tours the United States. It will be outfit- solution anymore,” Jones said. “More than turer) market in 1986 and brought the Forty semifinalists will be se- ted with one of Omix-ADA’s exclu- 10,000 PPG customers in the U.S. and world's first commercialized refinish lected over the course of November sive Rugged Ridge restyling Canada see the value in superior color waterborne basecoat to market in 1992. 4-6, and the winner will drive away packages and later auctioned as part matching, excellent throughput and per- Since then, PPG has added new primers in a brand-new, fully-equipped Anvil of SEMA Cares’ fundraising efforts formance, consistent color mixes and other and clearcoats to the two brands and Blue 2014 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited in 2015, according to Rousseau. key qualities that our waterborne products will, according to Jones, continue to ex- Rubicon on the last day. provide. PPG has a long-standing com- pand the product lines’ offerings. The winning Jeep will be outfit- mitment to the collision repair industry to For more information about PPG deliver high-quality and time-saving prod- and Envirobase High Performance and ted with Rugged Ridge’s new Sum- ® ucts. ENVIROBASE High Performance Aquabase Plus waterborne products, mit restyling package, which ® includes the company’s XHD Modu- and AQUABASE Plus products are eas- call 800-647-6050 or visit www.ppgre- ier to blend and apply; our customers ap- finish.com. lar Bumper, grille inserts, and an up- www.autobodynews.com C Chevrolet Brings Back the Corvette Stingray in Time for SEMA The SEMA Auto Show isn’t just an products that highlights a car’s What are the Best Parts of Driving? event for established aftermarket “functional beauty." Seeing as it’s companies to showcase their latest still a relative neophyte in the indus- Mazda Parts. try, you can’t fault Roverix from en- listing the help of Rowen Japan, considered as one of the best aftermarket car body specialists in Japan. Together, the two companies created the Revorix Corvette Package, which features a comprehensive list of new aerodynamic components designed to give the Corvette Stingray a sportier look and improved dynamics. There are no performance upgrades but that’s not overly important when Order your Genuine Mazda Parts from one of these parts specialists in your area. The 2015 Stingray you’re a new entry to the market look- creations. It’s also a chance for new ing to make a name. players in the business to introduce The important thing is to estab- themselves to the industry. 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SEMA: Sales of Auto Parts & Accessories Reach $33B Mercedes Will Train 26,000 Takata Airbag Recall May Sales of automotive specialty-equipment since 2007. New truck sales continue to in the Brand’s New Culture Include GM Vehicles products continue to climb, reaching $33 climb amid anticipation for major re- Mercedes-Benz USA and its dealers The regional recall of millions of billion in 2013. The number represents a designs to several flagship pickups. As are spending about $30 million U.S. vehicles with potentially de- 6.7 percent increase over the previous the SUV/CUV sector continues to grow over the next four years to train fective airbags made by Japan’s year and marks the fourth consecutive nine of the top 30 sellers in the US), 26,000 employees and immerse Takata Corp. may expand to in- year of growth, according to the SEMA crossover products present an opportu- them in the brand’s culture. clude General Motors models, ac- Annual Market Study that is available at nity to diversify and expand light-truck Later this year, the first wave cording to documents filed in Sept. www.sema.org/2014samr. product offerings. of employees will go through a with U.S. regulators. “The Specialty Equipment Market ● The 2014 SEMA Show is shaping up two-day program called the Brand More than 4.3 million cars produced the highest growth since the to be the biggest yet as industry opti- Immersion Experience at the Mer- produced by automakers, in- recent recession,” said Chris Kersting, mism continues to build. New this year cedes-Benz factory in Vance, Ala- cluding Honda Motor Co., Fiat’s SEMA president and CEO. “There are a is SEMA Ignited, a special consumer bama, near Tuscaloosa. Chrysler Group and Toyota number of factors that figure into this and media attraction on Friday night The investment includes a $6 Motor Corp., are affected by the upward trend.” after the Show. SEMA Ignited meshes million revamp of the visitor cen- regional recalls. They began in The special-equipment market in- with other consumer-facing association ter at the factory for classroom June in certain high-humidity cludes products that enhance a vehicle’s projects, all part of a long-term plan to training, including digital interac- areas of the United States after performance, styling, comfort, conven- enhance awareness of specialty prod- tive displays. the National Highway Traffic ience and safety. Among the factors driv- ucts. “We have been driving hard Safety Administration started in- ing the industry’s growth are: ● The US economy continues to show for the last few years on the cus- vestigating reports of airbag ex- ● Street performance products ac- positive signs for industry growth, with tomer experience,” said Gareth plosions in Florida and Puerto counted for 26% of sales. The renewed gross domestic product rising and un- Joyce, vice president of customer Rico. focus on performance models by the employment rates dropping. Forecasters services at Mercedes-Benz USA. The regional recalls initially OEMs has helped drive interest in this are generally predicting sustained mod- “It is not just about the product; it is affected nine automakers, but doc- segment. New models such as the Scion erate growth for the US economy over all about the package and how you uments filed by Takata for a Sept. FR-S, redesigns like the 2015 Mustang, the next few years. Meanwhile, car buy- look after the customers as well. meeting with NHTSA and the af- and high-performance packages such as ers have shown renewed enthusiasm, “This is just one of the build- fected companies listed GM for the Hellcat Challenger have inspired the pushing new-vehicle sales upward to- ing blocks in our portfolio to drive the first time as being potentially industry and consumer alike to aim for ward pre-recession levels. that program forward through our affected. The Takata documents, increased performance. The SEMA Annual Market Report dealer network.” posted online by NHTSA, said the ● There was a healthy upward tick for is conducted yearly to help SEMA- number of vehicles produced by the truck market. Sales of specialty member companies understand the in- the largest U.S. automaker was un- equipment for light trucks grew 8% in dustry and make informed business www.autobodynews.com determined. 2013 to post the market’s best sales year decisions. CHECK IT OUT! GM declined to comment.

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www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2014 AUTOBODY NEWS 37 Continued from Page 17 apt to attend regional shows since “the closer location requires less time Penta Pieces Together Old Ford Pickup Record Numbers away from work, plus attendees have by Marie Thomas Baird, Sentinel want them to see it and say, ‘Wow.’” the opportunity to discuss the prod- Education Editor, Sentinel-Tribune He estimated over the past Paint trade show is worth the time and ucts directly with the regional repre- three years, 95 students have worked effort and they have stated that our sentatives of the vendors, not The F-100 pickup truck refurbished on the project. event is the best attended and most someone who takes a name and num- by Penta Career Center students “We thought it was worth it,” looks just like new. Anderson stated. successful show for sales.” ber and has someone contact them at Like it did when it was built in Auto collision students Michael She adds, “Everyone enjoyed the a later date. Our attendees have stated 1965. Seibert from North Baltimore, and trade show and had a great time, es- how much they appreciate the live The Ford truck, which was sold Quinn Hendren from Elmwood, were pecially getting to interact with 16- demonstrations and being able to see to the district for $5,000, came “on just two of the students who started time NHRA Funny Car Champion the actual products. It also gives the pallets, in boxes, with nuts and bolts on the project last year as juniors. John Force. He’s a wonderful person attendees a chance to build relation- in a five-gallon bucket,” said Bob Hendren said it was different to have at this type of event as he’s not ships with all members of the Pro Anderson, auto tech instructor. work, not done today. After more than three years of Seibert recalled the truck bed the ‘behind-the-velvet-ropes’ type of Paint team. We feel this is what makes work, the truck was finished this fall was still in storage when he entered celebrity; he took pictures, signed au- our event such a success and are by students in the auto tech and auto the class. tographs and spent time visiting with thrilled with how well this year’s collision classes. Superintendent Ron Matter attendees. We were so pleased to have event went.” Students have changed the truck said Mathews Ford Oregon has ex- him at our event and cannot say The Pro Paint 8th Annual Trade from standard to automatic shift, pressed interest in putting the truck enough about him!” Show has been scheduled for Tues- added power steering, power disc in its showroom. Dinner and refreshments, which day, August 11, 2015. brakes, air conditioning and a stereo. It also may make its way into It still has the TWIN I BEAM logo the Detroit Auto Show next year. received rave reviews, were provided on the front fender. Anderson said he hopes to bring during the event by Pro Paint. In ad- Anderson said 99.95 percent of back as many graduates as possible dition, pre-registered shop personnel the work was done by students. and sign their names on the inside each received a $10 BP gas card to Check out our The truck was finished in time hood. offset travel expenses, and attendees for Penta’s car show last month, and had a chance to win a variety of door drew the attention of several gradu- NEW website at: ates. prizes, including the grand prize of a Follow us on Twitter: midwestern.autobodynews.com Anderson said he wants people 50” flat LED 3D TV. to see the truck, painted silver and @autobodynews Pro Paint’s Annual Trade Show is Register and login to comment red, and not say “So Penta built it, a strong regional show and Hennessy what did you expect?”; rather “We Accept no Substitutes! believes people are becoming more

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38 NOVEMBER 2014 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com Continued from Page 33 Car-O-Liner Participation I-CAR Launches Two New Alcoa Forecasts Record Auto MSO Consolidations Enhanced With Social Media Refinish Courses Sheet Shipments in Q4 Car-O-Liner has entered the social media I-CAR announced that two new Alcoa Inc, the largest US aluminum “Fixing cars is become more and realm, and is now offering a variety of courses are now available to Refinish producer, forecast profit from auto and more challenging than ever before,” news ways for consumers to connect Technicians: Refinish Materials and aerospace components will increase in said Afshar. “The vehicles are so dif- with the company. These channels in- Application Blending (REF08e) and the Q4 as it sells a record amount of the ferent now and they may look the clude Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, Color Theory, Mixing Toners, and metal to carmakers. same outside but what’s inside is not Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Pinter- Tinting (REF09). These courses have Alcoa, which is shifting its focus est. Car-O-Liner President Jeff Kern, said replaced Color Theory, Application, to manufacturing components and al- the same.” With the standards set by he is excited about the new social media Tinting, and Blending (REF03). loys, said it would deliver a record the Insurance Institute for Highway communications and anticipates these Josh McFarlin, I-CAR Direc- amount of aluminum sheet to au- Safety (IIHS) and the Corporate Av- activities will benefit business relations tor of Curriculum & Product Devel- tomakers this quarter as car and truck erage Fuel Economy, cars need to be through technical knowledge sharing. opment stated, “Nearly all repairs manufacturers use more of the light- lighter but still pass safety require- “Our social media connection allows us require some level of refinishing and weight metal. Earnings in the com- ments. to not only share our activities, but also typically, refinish work gets noticed pany’s rolled products segment, a join the conversation through communi- first by the customer. Refinish Tech- supplier of aluminum sheets to car, Afshar said another challenge cation with both our customers and the nicians who take these courses will airplane and packaging manufactur- for those in collision repair is em- industry,” he said. “It is important to lis- learn how to correctly prepare and ers, will more than double from a ploying proper technicians with the ten and be heard as we extend our reach refinish a vehicle to ensure proper year earlier. right mind set. Afshar, who sold his through these interactive tools.” overall appearance, which can help Alcoa is benefiting from higher MSO Sterling Automotive Group in Follow Car-O-Liner at: improve customer satisfaction and commercial-jet orders and a shift to 1998, said technology is moving so Facebook: facebook.com/caroline increase productivity through better aluminum components instead of rapidly that detailed knowledge, rcompany cycle times and reduced rework.” steel among automakers such as Ford LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/ Refinish Materials and Applica- Motor Company, which plans to make training and equipment is becoming company/car-o-liner?trk=top_ nav_home tion Blending (REF08e) is an inter- its F-150 pickup truck with aluminum even more necessary for shops to be Google+: https://plus.google.com/ active online course, worth 2 credit body panels. successful and he encourages tech- 102972787963006534481/posts hours. It is complete with demon- Mr Lloyd O’Carroll, a Rich- nicians to be open-minded and learn Twitter: @car_o_liner strations on conventional blending mond, Virginia based Analyst at North- new techniques that they’ve never Instagram: @car_o_liner and reverse blending, as well as dis- coast Research Holdings LLC said that used before. Youtube: https://www.youtube cussions on using a blending additive “Auto body sheet has a much higher .com/channel/UCFZEhZcZS4Xo4C and a blending bed. marginGive than us anything your except opinion aircraft. on I matters affecting the industry. Want to Contribute to this Southwest Edition? wannUGcEQ think 2015 is going to get a pretty big Pintrest:Give ushttp://www.pintrest.com/ your opinion on matters affecting the industry. lift of usageWant on the to F-150 Contribute and of course to this Southwest Edition? carolinerauto/ www.autobodynews.com all of the margin benefitwrite of that.” us! write us! www.autobodynews.com write us!CHECK IT OUT! writepublisher@autobodynews us!.com [email protected] CHECK IT OUT! [email protected] [email protected] Continued from Page 34 “These shops need to stand up Parts You Need. for what’s right and quit letting the in- Promote your business with Promote your business with Congress Support surance industry run their business for an exclusive article featuring an exclusive article featuring People You Trust. them,” said Parker.Promote “They your are just business ter- with Promote your business with State Farm Insurance. rified that thean insurance exclusive companies article featuring an exclusive article featuring your products or services. your products or services. Genuine Mitsubishi Replacement Crash Parts are close To advertise The source for timely To advertise at hand through the following quality dealerships. call“A Advertisingvibrant, profitable Sales auto at: colli- are going to steeryour the productswork away.” or services. callyour Joe products Momber or services.at: To advertise The source for timely sion repair industryTo is inadvertise the interest of Parkerinformation acknowledges that their every con- call Advertising Sales at: information that every State Farm,”800-699-8251 call said Joe Luedke. Momber “At theat: cerns but said,body “We’re shop just as needs! busy now 800-699-8251 800-699-8251 same time, wee-mail: 800-699-8251are advocates on behalf as we were because we’re educating e-mail: body shop needs! [email protected] [email protected] CALL: Joe Momber for details! Call for details! e-mail: of our customers for reasonablee-mail: repair consumers.”CALL He has800-699-8251 found it beneficial [email protected] CALL 800-699-8251 costs.www. Wejmomberautobodynews believe [email protected] profitability.com to explain to consumersCALL: Joe what Momber the insur- for details! www.autobodynewsCall for details!.com 800-699-8251 800-699-8251 and quality auto repairs that are rea- ance companiesStart are doing.Your “They FREE need www.autobodynews.com www.autobodynews.com Start Your FREE sonably priced can both be achieved. to take theirMail businesses Subscription.800-699-8251 back and they 800-699-8251 Mail Subscription. “Our customers choose where need to run their own businesses.” their vehicles are going to be re- When Autobody News went to paired. We provide informationSee about the NEWpress this month, an additional 25 Register Your Email for Our Register Your Email for Our See the NEW our Select ServiceRegister program while Your at Emailstates forwere Our in the process of filing law- Register Your Email for Our theAutobody same time making it clear theyNews can suits toWebsite meet an Oct. 31 deadline be- Free Monthly Newsletter Free Twice Monthly Newsletter selectFree which shop Monthly will do the work,” foreNewsletter returning to court in November. Free Twice Monthly Newsletter Autobody MNewsINNESOT A Website he said. www.autobodynews“What.com we want to achieve is number at www.autobodynews.com at www.autobodynews.com www.autobodynews.com Parker Auto Bodyat www. was autobodynews part of one, that.com the safety and the quality of at www.autobodynews.com Richfield-Bloomington State Farm’s Select Service DRP until repairs for the American public is re- Mitsubishi earlier this year. Since the business stored,” said Eaves. “The industry will owner left the program in April, he said never be the same after this.” 952-567-7200 they have steered a substantial amount When contacted by Autobody (952) 224-5306 Fax of business away from him. “Just in News, Allstate Insurance Company M-F 7:30 am - 5:30 pm short pays aloneTo advertise I have over $150,000 and Progressive both said that due to To advertise Sat 8am-4pm worthcall of claimsSean Hartmanthey won’t at:pay,” he company policy, they do not comment call Sean Hartman at:401 W 77th Street said. “Operations800-699-8251 that we actually do on pending litigation. Stay tuned to Richfield, MN 55423 the vehicles to make the vehicles safe 800-699-8251 e-mail: Autobody News for more develop- thatshartman they won’[email protected] pay us to do. ments. e-mail: [email protected] www.autobodynewswww.autobodynews.com.com | NOVEMBER 2014 AUTOBODY NEWS 39 www.autobodynews.com Come and see us at our SEMA booth # 11477 Check out our videos at www.djsfabrications.com You’ll be impressed!

40 NOVEMBER 2014 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com