Published in Hammer & Dolly – Thomas Greco Publishing After three years under the leadership of Past President Steve Krieps (Greg Cline Auto Body; Winfield, WV), who bid adieu to his role in last month’s Hammer & Dolly (available at bit.ly/HD-0324), WMABA has a new head honcho, current President Kris Burton (Rosslyn Auto Body; Alexandria, VA), a dedicated collision industry professional whose affiliation with the association spans more than two decades.  What can members expect as WMABA moves into this new era? Burton sat down with Hammer & Dolly to help readers get to know him a little better as he shares his thoughts on what he hopes to accomplish as he takes the reins.…

Published in Texas Automotive – Thomas Greco Publishing It’s hard to believe that 10 years ago, ABAT did not officially exist yet. But in the association’s earliest days, it set out to address some pretty specific matters impacting collision repair shops in Texas. Since its inception, ABAT has made some huge strides for the auto body world and is still going strong as it celebrates a decade of dedication to this industry. In early 2014, the idea began to take hold during an estimating seminar at Paint Works (Tyler). Burl Richards (Burl’s Collision Center; Henderson) and Chad Neal, owner of Paint Works, had engaged in several conversations about the need…

Published in Texas Automotive – Thomas Greco Publishing Last month, Texas Automotive’s cover story (available at grecopublishing.com/txa0124coverstory) focused on one consumer’s generous donation to the fight for mandatory appraisal rights in Texas. We know you’re absolutely itching to know how the elected steward of those funds, Robert McDorman (Auto Claim Specialists), plans to use them in his fight for Right to Appraisal…and those details will be revealed next month. But in order to appreciate exactly why it’s so important to pursue this battle, it’s imperative for collision repairers to understand the impact of Right to Appraisal (RTA). Sure, you can flip through the pages of nearly any past issue of this magazine to…

Published in New Jersey Automotive – Thomas Greco Publishing If it seems like your auto insurance premiums increased more than ever last year, you aren’t too far off base. Nationally, premiums rose by approximately 20 percent in 2023. That means insurance coverage costs rose six times faster than the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate of 3.4 percent, outpacing nearly every other common consumer cost and reflecting the largest annual increase since 1976. And those rate spikes are anticipated to continue in 2024 with predictions indicating an increase of 12.6 percent nationwide…and New Jersey drivers could see one of the highest increases of up to 34 percent! Insurance premium prices…

Published in New England Automotive Report – Thomas Greco Publishing When AASP/MA Past President Rick Starbard (Rick’s Auto Collision; Revere) was appointed to the Auto Damage Appraiser Licensing Board (ADALB) in June 2015 – alongside former Board member Lyle Pare (Plymouth Rock Assurance Corporation and current Board member Bill Johnson (Pleasant Street Auto; South Hadley/Belchertown) – many Commonwealth repairers viewed the big changes as signifying a new era for the ADALB. But that era came to an abrupt end last fall when Starbard was unceremoniously replaced by his predecessor, Carl Garcia (Carl’s Collision Center; Fall River). In fact, no mention was made of the new appointments when the Board gathered…

Published in Hammer & Dolly – Thomas Greco Publishing Are you constantly looking for new technicians, painters or estimators to staff your shop? Does it seem impossible to find qualified, talented help these days? You’re not alone. Lots of shop owners report feeling the exact same way.  But that’s not the case for everyone. Barry Dorn (Dorn’s Body & Paint; Mechanicsville, VA) found a way to combat the technician shortage that his facility was facing by shifting his outlook 10 years ago. “We started ‘growing’ our own technicians in 2013,” he shares. “We decided that hiring techs from other facilities wasn’t in our best interests in most cases because they…

Published in Hammer & Dolly – Thomas Greco Publishing Your business is your baby; your life likely revolves around it. Running a collision repair facility keeps owners busy, day in and day out. Some owners love what they do and are looking forward to a future filled with advancement and expansion, while others are counting the days until they wash their hands of the whole thing. But whether you’re looking to grow or get out, your path begins by positioning your business to be successful without you. For growers, it’s physically impossible to be in two places at once, so you’re going to need to empower your team to make…

Published in AASP-MN News – Thomas Greco Publishing Nearly every new vehicle on the market contains one or more ADAS feature, and while a lot of effort has gone into training collision shops over the past decade or so, it’s just as important for mechanical shops to be aware of what’s happening on this front since even the simplest tasks, such as replacing a headlamp or a radiator, could alter the position of a camera or module, requiring recalibration.  With so many systems varying drastically from one make and model to the next, jumping into the world of calibrations can be incredibly overwhelming for many shops. It may feel like it’s…

Published in New England Automotive Report – Thomas Greco Publishing Training new employees can be stressful – even if you hire an experienced estimator, painter or technician, it’s unlikely they’ve ever done things the way YOU want them done at YOUR facility…after all, they’ve never worked for YOU before, and everyone does things differently. There’s always a learning curve when a new employee joins your team! Someone who is competent (or even highly skilled) could struggle to assimilate into your shop culture simply because your processes are different than what they’re used to. But what if there was a way to help them get accustomed to your way of doing…

Published in Hammer & Dolly – Thomas Greco Publishing “Back in the day.” “When I opened my shop.”  “Years ago.”  Attend any collision industry event, and you’re sure to hear stories that begin in one of these ways and which proceed to lament the technological advances that have made it so much more challenging to run a successful auto body shop in the present day and age. After all, properly repairing vehicles requires investing in specific tools, equipment and training – all of which vary drastically depending on the vehicle make and model.  But those challenges also present a unique opportunity when it comes to specialization. Because modern vehicles are…

Published in AASP-MN News – Thomas Greco Publishing “Why can’t I find any qualified help for my business?” This question is asked repeatedly by both automotive service and collision repair shops all across the country, and fortunately, this conundrum is being tackled by multiple organizations: TechForce Foundation, the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) and Minnesota Careers in Auto Repair and Service (MNCARS) are just a few entities working to fill the void left in shops as the baby boomer generation finally starts to consider retirement. All three non-profits support future repair professionals through scholarships, in-person events and other resources. Despite the synchronicity that exists between those working on alleviating the…

Published in Texas Automotive – Thomas Greco Publishing “Ill deeds is doubled with an evil word.”  – The Comedy of Errors by William Shakespeare, Act 3, Scene 2 Art imitates life, and sometimes, life imitates art. When William Shakespeare penned The Comedy of Errors toward the end of the 16th century, it’s highly unlikely that even the Bard could have imagined a connection between his first tragicomedy and the interactions between collision repair shops and certain insurers in 2023.  Yet, it’s common for insurers to treat the topic of under-indemnification as comedic when it is, in fact, quite a tragedy for the shops contending with the challenges it poses as well as the consumers…

Published in Texas Automotive – Thomas Greco Publishing If an auto body professional is asked why they pursued a career path in this industry, their explanation will almost always include some variation of “I wanted to help people.” So, when ABAT Executive Director Jill Tuggle turned to social media to post a plea on behalf of a local mom-in-need, it’s really no surprise that association members jumped at the opportunity to lend their aid. “A local ministry I volunteer for has a specific need. Please let me know if anyone is willing to help,” Tuggle addressed the Texas Collision Industry group on Facebook, requesting assistance for Valiant Hearts, an organization…

Published in AASP-MN News – Thomas Greco Publishing Army. Navy. Air Force. Marines. Automotive and collision repair shops? At first glance, one of these things obviously does not belong in this list, but U.S. military veterans who have found a career in repair facilities just may offer a different perspective on the matter.  In honor of Veterans Day on November 11, AASP-MN News spoke with several local veterans about the similarities and differences between military and shop life, how military training lends itself to a successful repair career and what shops can expect when they hire a veteran.  Loyalty. Efficiency. An affinity for training. What employer wouldn’t gladly hire an employee…

Published in Hammer & Dolly – Thomas Greco Publishing “Electric vehicles (EVs) are the future…the future is EV.” Shops have been receiving this message for the past few years, and while some have invested in upgrades to their facilities, tools, equipment and training, many more have turned a deaf ear to the news. Yet, consumers are forging ahead with the purchase of EVs in many areas of the country, begging the question not only of “who will repair these vehicles?” but – more pressingly – where will drivers be able to charge them? While the total number of EVs in the US increased from 1,019,260 to 1,454,580 from 2021 to…

Published in Hammer & Dolly – Thomas Greco Publishing From electric vehicles (EVs), ADAS and diagnostics to OEM certification, DRPs and consolidation, the future of the collision repair industry is rife with challenges for shops that want to remain competitive amidst these never-ending changes. Retaining employees has become even more important than attracting clients, but simultaneously, no business can be successful without maintaining a superior level of customer service. So, how can an auto body facility navigate the myriad aspects of the business to become a “shop of the future”? WMABA Board members Barry Dorn (Dorn’s Body & Paint; Mechanicsville, VA), Kris Burton (Rosslyn Auto Body; Alexandria, VA) and WMABA…

Published in New Jersey Automotive – Thomas Greco Publishing The collision repair industry grows increasingly complex year after year…and sometimes day by day! From dealing with insurers to educating consumers to enhancing your shop’s abilities through training initiatives, these struggles may seem insurmountable, but with a little knowledge and preparation, shops can tackle the toughest trials and tribulations. Few individuals understand exactly what shops are facing each day as thoroughly as the leaders of the nation’s most influential associations who graciously shared their thoughts. We discussed some of the most pressing topics shops are facing with AASP/NJ Executive Director Charles Bryant, AASP/MA Executive Director Lucky Papageorg, AASP-MN Executive Director Linden…

Published in New England Automotive Report – Thomas Greco Publishing Rising interest rates and inflated prices often cause shoppers to tighten their purse strings, an action that can create a lot of economic uncertainty for small business owners, but in a country that relies heavily on their personal vehicles, the auto body industry may be a bit more resistant to recession concerns than other industries, allowing shops to take advantage of different opportunities that simply don’t exist in other areas. As discussed in last month’s New England Automotive Report, inflation may actually be a positive thing for body shop owners…as long as they’re charging the right amount for their labor and following…

Published in Hammer & Dolly – Thomas Greco Publishing Everyone who operates a business does so with the goal of making a profit, but when economic uncertainty abounds, small business owners may worry about their ability to remain operational. As mentioned in the May edition of Hammer & Dolly, the auto body industry may be a bit more recession-resistant than other businesses, providing shops with a chance to take advantage of different opportunities that others may not enjoy. What exactly makes this industry so much more fortunate than most? To begin with, though many consumers drive less, Americans continue to rely heavily on their personal vehicles, and the combination of inflation…

Published in Hammer & Dolly – Thomas Greco Publishing Today’s vehicles are complex supercomputers on wheels that include continually advancing technology that improve drivers’ safety and convenience, but those same systems that enhance the driving experience also collect a plethora of data about the vehicle and its owner. Social security numbers, driver’s license numbers, vehicle identification numbers…personally identifiable information (PII) is “any information that permits the identity of an individual to be directly or indirectly inferred,” per the US Department of Homeland Security’s website, and in today’s digital economy, PII is so valuable that it has often been dubbed “the new gold.” Over the past several years, the collision repair…

Published in New England Automotive Report – Thomas Greco Publishing For the past two years, Americans have seen some of the highest rates of inflation they’ve ever witnessed, creating a feeling of dread among small business owners from coast to coast. But for auto body shops, these fears may be in vain since the public’s need to hang onto their cars longer has actually resulted in more work for many facilities. Although no industry is fully recession-proof, collision repair may be more resistant to these economic dilemmas than other fields. By embracing the opportunities that exist – and collecting fair and adequate compensation for the difficult work you perform – your business…

Published in AASP-MN News – Thomas Greco Publishing Economic uncertainty can be terrifying for small business owners, but as discussed in the April issue of AASP-MN News (available at grecopublishing.com/aasp-news-april-2023), what may be a detrimental downturn for other industries actually opens up the door to many opportunities for automotive and collision repair shops. While the possibility of a nationwide recession still looms, this industry is fortunate to be a bit more recession-proof than most. Why? Well, for starters, while Americans continue to rely heavily on their personal vehicles (especially in the wake of COVID which has enhanced distrust of public transportation), consumers are less apt to take on more debt by making large…

Published in Texas Automotive – Thomas Greco Publishing Collision repair shops face many challenges every single day, and some of today’s biggest include the ongoing workforce shortage and the need to contend with insurance adjusters who repeatedly insist that they “don’t pay for that.” Ironically, those same companies that don’t approve shops’ repair plans because they dislike the way shops’ “estimates” are written have been attempting to steal repair planners from Texas shops! Two shop owners have recently dealt with Progressive’s poaching attempts, and they want to make others aware of what’s happening. ABAT President Burl Richards (Burl’s Collision; Henderson) first brought the matter to light. “Two years ago, we…

Published in New Jersey Automotive – Thomas Greco Publishing The New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance (DOBI) is responsible for regulating the state’s insurance industry (along with its banking and real estate industries), yet insurance companies’ abuses run rampant in the Garden State. And despite attempts to alert the agency to disregarded regulations and other evidence of poor behavior on the part of carriers, DOBI continues to willfully ignore these abuses that negatively impact New Jersey consumers. Attorney Michael Jurista (Jurista Law LLC) has been in contact with DOBI on numerous occasions on behalf of his clients. While initially hopeful that DOBI would be neutral in investigating complaints, his…

Published in Hammer & Dolly – Thomas Greco Publishing It’s nearly impossible to turn on the news or even scroll through social media without hearing about rising costs, inflation and even the possibility of an economic recession. Although these concepts are bound to terrify any small business owner, what may be a detrimental downturn for other industries actually opens up the door to many opportunities for collision repair shops, and while no industry is truly recession-proof, industry experts suggest that auto body shops may be a bit more resistant to economic uncertainty than other fields. So before letting those fears overwhelm you, check out some of their valuable insights. “When…

Published in AASP-MN News – Thomas Greco Publishing Inflation. Increasing interest rates. Recession. These scary concepts likely leave small business owners cold with dread about the future, especially during the darkest part of the year. But is economic uncertainty as detrimental to automotive and collision repair shops as to other industries? In short, no! Although no industry is truly recession-proof, some are more resistant to economic changes than others, and fortunately, this appears to be one of them. Industry leaders explain why shops should be looking on the bright side. “When interest rates rise and there are fears of a recession, I recognize how easy it is to become overwhelmed…

Published in Texas Automotive – Thomas Greco Publishing Few people get to leave this world on their own terms, but true to who he was as a person, John Mosley, age 69, shed his mortal coil on December 21 just how he lived his life: his way. An aviation aficionado who owned and flew historic airplanes, Mosley was even more devoted to Carolyn, his wife of 48 years and his children, Patty and Daniel. In addition to owning Clinton Body Shop, Hangar 360 Aircraft Services and John’s 360 Coatings, Mosley served on the Board of Directors for the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) and was a founding member of…