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www.grecopublishing.com
April 2016Volume 10, No. 4
$5.95www.wmaba.com
Labor Rate Survey Results - Part 2SCRS Hits Seattle
3April 2016
6 Calendar of Events
10 Editor’s MessageJOEL GAUSTEN
12 Executive Director’s MessageJORDAN HENDLER
13 WMABA SponsorshipPage
14 What’s WMABA Up To?
15 WMABA MembershipApplication
40 Meet the BoardBen Gibson
42 President’s MessageMARK SCHAECH, JR.
46 Advertisers’ Index
Images © www.istockphoto.com
DEPARTMENTS
CONTENTS April 2016
LOCAL NEWSWMABA PLEDGES SUPPORT TOAUTO EDUCATORSThe association reaches out to collision repairinstructors.
5April 2016
35WMABA FEATURE
(UN)STABLE CONDITION: WMABA SURVEYRESULTS — PART 2The conclusion of the latest look inside the region’srate realities. BY JOEL GAUSTEN
18
29 COVER STORYPROTECTINGCONSUMERS:PARTS HEARING REVEALS INDUSTRY TRUTHS AND LIESWMABA reps hold their own against fierce opposition in Annapolis. BY JOEL GAUSTEN
NATIONAL NEWS SCRS INDUSTRY WEEK SET FOR SEATTLEThe national group continues its focus on trainingand technologies.
22
On the cover: Hannah Powers Garagiola (Alexander & Cleaver),WMABA President Mark Schaech, Jr. and Executive Director Jordan Hendler in Annapolis on March 10.
26TECHNICIAN OF THE MONTH
MANNY SANCHEZA WMABA member shop recognizes one of itsemployees for his hard work. BY JACQUELYN BAUMAN
6 April 2016
April 4, 2016INSPECTING REPAIRS FOR QUALITY CONTROLPriority Toyota, Chester, VAOVERVIEW OF CYCLE TIME IMPROVEMENTS FOR THECOLLISION REPAIR PROCESSABRA Auto Body & Glass – Dover, Dover, DE
April 5, 2016SECTIONING OF STEEL UNITIZED STRUCTURESManheim (Harrisonburg) Auto Auction, Harrisonburg, VASTRUCTURAL STRAIGHTENING STEELHarrison Body Works, Richmond, VAWHEEL ALIGNMENT & DIAGNOSTIC ANGLESSouthern Collision Center, Chesapeake, VAADVANCED STEERING & SUSPENSION SYSTEMS DAMAGE ANALYSISSharrett Collision Center, Hagerstown, MD
April 6, 2016ADVANCED STEERING & SUSPENSION SYSTEMS DAMAGE ANALYSISFinish Masters (formerly Refinish Solutions), Springfield, VAWHEEL ALIGNMENT & DIAGNOSTIC ANGLESSouthern Collision Center, Chesapeake, VA
April 7, 2016ADHESIVE BONDINGHarrison Body Works, Richmond, VAMEASURINGFinish Masters (formerly Refinish Solutions), Springfield, VASTEEL UNITIZED STRUCTURES TECHNOLOGIES & REPAIRRadley Chevrolet, Fredericksburg, VA
April 12, 2016REPLACEMENT OF STEEL UNITIZED STRUCTURESSouthern Collision Center, Chesapeake, VAHAZARDOUS MATERIALS, PERSONAL SAFETY & REFINISH SAFETYHarrison Body Works, Richmond, VAAUTOMOTIVE FOAMSABRA Auto Body & Glass - Newport Pike, Wilmington, DE
April 14, 2016CORROSION PROTECTIONHarrison Body Works, Richmond, VAADVANCED STEERING & SUSPENSION SYSTEMS DAMAGE ANALYSISHarrison Body Works, Richmond, VAAUTOMOTIVE FOAMSFrederick Co. Career & Tech, Frederick, MD
April 15, 2016ADVANCED STEERING & SUSPENSION SYSTEMSDAMAGE ANALYSIS Harrison Body Works, Richmond, VA
April 19, 2016SCRS Open Board Meeting & Annual ElectionDoubleTree by Hilton – Seattle SEA-TAC Airport, Seattle, WAFor more info, visit scrs.com
April 20, 2016SCRS Repairer Roundtable, SCRS Industry Awards & Corporate Member Recognition
DoubleTree by Hilton – Seattle SEA-TAC Airport, Seattle, WAFor more info, visit scrs.comApril 20-21, 2016
Collision Industry ConferenceDoubleTree by Hilton – Seattle SEA-TAC Airport, Seattle, WAFor more info, ciclink.com
Industry training opportunitiesand don't-miss events. CALENDAR OF
EVENTS
April 19, 2016ALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLE DAMAGE ANALYSIS &SAFETYManheim (Harrisonburg) Auto Auction, Harrisonburg, VAFULL-FRAME PARTIAL REPLACEMENTHarrison Body Works, Richmond, VA
April 20, 2016PLASTIC & COMPOSITE REPAIRFinish Masters (formerly Refinish Solutions), Springfield, VA
April 21, 2016AUTOMOTIVE FOAMSRadley Chevrolet, Fredericksburg, VAHAZARDOUS MATERIALS, PERSONAL SAFETY &REFINISH SAFETYFinish Masters (formerly Refinish Solutions), Springfield, VAMEASURINGFrederick Co. Career & Tech, Frederick, MD
April 26, 2016STATIONARY GLASSHarrison Body Works, Richmond, VA
April 27, 2016RACK & PINION & PARALLELOGRAM STEERING SYSTEMSFinish Masters (formerly Refinish Solutions), Springfield, VA
April 28, 2016WATERBORNE PRODUCTS, SYSTEMS & APPLICATIONHarrison Body Works, Richmond, VA
May 3, 2016OVERVIEW OF CYCLE TIME IMPROVEMENTS FOR THECOLLISION REPAIR PROCESSManheim (Harrisonburg) Auto Auction, Harrisonburg, VA
May 5, 2016ALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLE DAMAGE ANALYSIS &SAFETYFinish Masters (formerly Refinish Solutions), Springfield, VAWIND NOISE & WATER LEAKSRadley Chevrolet, Fredericksburg, VA
CLASSLISTINGS
May 11, 2016WELDED & ADHESIVELY BONDED PANEL REPLACEMENTFinish Masters (formerly Refinish Solutions), Springfield, VA
May 14, 2016WHEEL ALIGNMENT & DIAGNOSTIC ANGLESFinish Masters (formerly Refinish Solutions), Springfield, VA
May 12, 2016HAZARDOUS MATERIALS, PERSONAL SAFETY & REFINISH SAFETYFrederick Co. Career & Tech, Frederick, MD
May 17, 2016SUSPENSION SYSTEMSManheim (Harrisonburg) Auto Auction, Harrisonburg, VA
May 18, 2016AUTOMOTIVE FOAMSFinish Masters (formerly Refinish Solutions), Springfield, VA
May 19, 2016VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY & TRENDS 2016Finish Masters (formerly Refinish Solutions), Springfield, VASECTIONING OF STEEL UNITIZED STRUCTURESRadley Chevrolet, Fredericksburg, VASUSPENSION SYSTEMSFrederick Co. Career & Tech, Frederick, MD
May 24, 2016SUSPENSION SYSTEMSFinish Masters (formerly Refinish Solutions), Springfield, VA
www.i-car.com or(800) 422-7872 for info
7April 2016
9April 2016
Rodney Bolton ([email protected]) 443-386-0066 Kevin Burt ([email protected]) 301-336-1140RT Plate ([email protected]) 703-929-8050
Barbara Chase ([email protected]) 301-855-5525Ben Gibson ([email protected]) 804-355-8151
ADMINISTRATIONEXECUTIVE DIRECTORJordan Hendler ([email protected]) 804-789-9649WMABA CORPORATE OFFICEP.O. Box 3157 • Mechanicsville, VA 23116
STAFFPUBLISHER Thomas Greco
DIRECTOR OF SALES Alicia [email protected]
EDITOR Joel [email protected]
MANAGING EDITOR Jacquelyn [email protected]
ART DIRECTOR Lea [email protected]
OFFICE MANAGER Donna [email protected]
PUBLISHED BY TGP, Inc.244 Chestnut St., Suite 202Nutley, NJ 07110973-667-6922 FAX 973-235-1963
Reproduction of any portions of this publication is specifically prohibited without written permission from the publisher. The opinions and ideas appearing in this magazine are not necessarily rep re sen ta tions of TGP Inc. orof the Washington Metropolitan Auto BodyAssociation (WMABA). Copyright © 2016Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc.
NOW WHAT?This month’s issue of Hammer & Dolly
features the remaining results from the latest installment of WMABA’s Labor Rate Survey. I encourage anyone reading this to take the timeto check out the feature that begins on page 35and see how close this information mirrors theday-to-day experiences at your shop. Betweenthis issue and what we presented last month,the Survey results offer vast insight into the current standing of the collision repair industryin your region.
If you’ve been following (or – better yet –participating in) the annual Survey, you’ll noticethat very little has changed since the last time itwas conducted. As WMABA Executive DirectorJordan Hendler notes on page 36, it is difficultto deny that conditions in the Washington Met-ropolitan market are “stagnant.” Shop ownersacross the country tell me that they are workingharder than ever before – and taking in morevehicles to repair – simply to stay where theyare. There isn’t a single businessperson on thisplanet who doesn’t want to grow, and there isvery little logic in staying in one of the most demanding professions in the world simply torun in place.
So...where does the local industry go fromhere? Forward. Together.
Joel Gausten(973) 600-9288
MESSAGEEDITOR’S
10 April 2016
WMABA OFFICERSPRESIDENT Mark Schaech, Jr.
[email protected] 410-358-5155VICE PRESIDENT Torchy Chandler
[email protected] 410-309-2242TREASURER Barry Dorn
[email protected] 804-746-3928SECRETARY Phil Rice
[email protected] 540-846-6617IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Don Beaver
[email protected] 443-539-4200 ext. 17061
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Don’t look at the results presented in this month’s issue as a negative; view them asan opportunity to work harder alongside your fellow industry members to turn thingsaround. WMABA has an extraordinarily active agenda planned for the next severalmonths, including various endeavors in the Legislature. Every step the association takes isa step towards improving the auto body field. As I’ve mentioned in this space many timesbefore, changing things for the better in this industry is a long and frustrating ordeal, but itis a journey worth taking. Nothing can change the results of this year’s Survey, but theWMABA community now has several months to make things better for the next round. Ifyou would like information on how you can help WMABA strengthen the collision repairfield in your area, please reach out to Jordan Hendler at [email protected] or(804) 789-9649. H&D
Unsurpassed Quality.Genuine Hyundai Parts.
HYUNDAI IS PROUD OF ITS REPUTATION FOR QUALITY AND SERVICE.SO ARE THE DEALERS AND BODY SHOPS WHO RELY ON GENUINE HYUNDAI PARTS. TO MAKE CERTAIN THAT YOU GET THE RIGHT HYUNDAI PART, ASK FOR THE WHOLESALE PARTS SPECIALIST AT THESE FINE DEALERS. Buy Hyundai Parts.
For Genuine Hyundai parts, contact these Authorized Hyundai Dealers.
Fairfax Hyundai10925 Fairfax Blvd.Fairfax, VA 22030Phone: 703-273-5188FAX: 703-352-3115E-mail: [email protected]
Fitzgerald Lakeforest Hyundai905 North Frederick Ave.Gaithersburg, MD 20879Phone: 301-670-4881Fax: 301-670-1595
Malloy Hyundai1880 Opitz Blvd.Woodbridge, VA 22191Parts Direct: 703-490-8263Fax: 703-490-3864E-mail: [email protected]
Checkered Flag Hyundai3033 Virginia Beach Blvd.Virginia Beach, VA 23452Phone: 757-687-3463Fax: 757-687-3468hyundai.checkeredflag.com
Bob Bell Hyundai7125 Ritchie HighwayGlen Burnie, MD 20161Phone: 410-689-3038Fax: 410-766-1275www.bobbellhyundai.com
Antwerpen Hyundai12431 Auto DriveClarksville, MD 21029Parts Direct: 443-367-4145Fax: 443-367-4125E-mail: [email protected]
11April 2016
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S Jordan Hendler(804) 789-9649
What is so wrong with giving consumersan informed option to make their own parts decisions?!
As you can well imagine, it is a positionof pressure to testify in the Legislature regard-ing something that would benefit consumers.The customers of our industry, and how theyare treated by their insurance company, are onthe line. Though our intentions are always inquestion, we are steadfast in protecting theirinvestment, on which we work hard to repairproperly – and with the best parts and materi-als available.
Being personally attacked really doesn’tbother me at all. What bothers me most is the intensity in which our opposition goesagainst what we know to be the best effort in consumer education we can give. Havingsomeone say that you are a “mumser” (lookit up), liar, only there for financial gain oreven that you are manipulating examples tomake a point is just plain pitiful. It tells me notonly that we are right to pursue the effort, butthat the opposition will do everything in theirpower to protect their way of doing business.They have investors who care more aboutthe return than doing what is right and just.
The information gleaned from more thanan hour of testimony from both sides – aswell as many great questions from legislators– should be beneficial to other states, other associations and national influences in see-ing what the issues are and how they arerepresented. If these nuggets of truth andlies aren’t discussed at the highest levels,that is an absolute shame!
Saying that OEM parts have been shownto cause more deaths and recalls than aftermar-ket parts is absolutely ludicrous. Let’s naildown the truth here: There is no method ofrecall and no current testing of aftermarketparts.
Saying that the collision industry basi-cally exists because these aftermarket partsare available is also completely false. (As if Ihad to say that in writing.) While they havetheir place in the industry, it isn’t without disclo-sure and knowingly accepting them that theconsumer should be subjected to parts thatwe all know are mostly substandard to theoriginal equipment option.
Getting people in our industry fired upabout issues is nearly impossible. Shouldeveryone take the time to watch the hearing on-line, maybe those odds would change – go towmaba.com and watch it today! H&D
MESSAGE
12 April 2016
Check the WMABA website and newsletters for regular updates andreports from the Executive Director’s perspective.
TESTIFYING FOR COLLISION REPAIRERS:INVIGORATING!
WMABA Executive Director Jordan Hendler (second from left) testified before the Maryland House Economic Matters Committee on March 10 in support of House Bill 1258. (Screen cap taken from a videostream of the entire hearing, available at tinyurl.com/jr99ya2 by selecting “Economic Matters” and“Thursday, March 10, 2016 Session #1.”)
THANKS
YOU
WMABA thankstheir generous
supporters of theCorporateSponsor Programfor 2016!
We encourageYOUR SUPPORT
of those whoSUPPORT US!
For more information about the sponsorship program,
please contact Executive Director Jordan Hendlerat (804) 789-9649
3M Automotive AftermarketAutomotive Training Institute
Certified Automotive Parts AssociationFinishMaster
Mid-Atlantic Paint & SupplyNational Coatings and Supplieswww.wmaba.com
13April 2016
LEVEL 1
LEVEL 2
WMABA MEMBERSHIP: THE UN-SECRET PLAYBOOK
It’s always a good time to get involved in WMABA. If you’re reading this, your first benefit is already being realized: Staying up todate on the news in our area and beyond.
Get Your Team JerseySupporting WMABA is an investment in the future of your busi-
ness and your industry. By becoming a member, you are representedin all the places the Board or executive director go. Whether at atrade show like SEMA, assisting with the SCRS OEM TechnologySummit regarding certified repairs or locally at the state capitol meeting legislators or testifying at a hearing, your interests and the interests of all repairers are at the forefront. Though repairers oftenfeel competitive, the association is a place for camaraderie and community. Here, we’re all on the same team.
Get EducatedWMABA offers issue-specific, topic-driven education throughout
the year. Participation in special events and local meetings, such as the Audi Training Center-hosted seminar and tour, offers your business the best in opportunities to advance your understanding ofchanges within our industry.
The PlaybookThe association is your resource for all things related to your
business. Whether you have a question about current Labor Ratedata, operations, customer interaction, insurer relationships, vendorproducts or national news, your association is the place to ask first.Through our relationships nationally, we can even take issues to theforefront of places such as the Society of Collision Repair Specialists,Collision Industry Conference or national contacts for insurers andvendors.
Locally, we research governmental regulations and oversight tomake sure the repair industry is protected from any negative legisla-tion. Represented in both Virginia and Maryland, WMABA proposesand opposes recommended bills that come into the legislature duringopen session. Also, we work with consumer-related entities, govern-ment agencies and other related industry organizations to ensure thatthe voices of the repairer and their customer are heard.
Many repairers take advantage of the knowledge and communitythe association has for navigating situations that arise. A simplephone call or email can circumvent many issues our members en-counter.
Call the GameAs a member, you decide your personal level of participation. Do
you have interest in committees that address particular issues youfeel passionately about? Would you want to be a Board member andassist in guiding the direction of the association? How about sitting onthe sidelines so you can focus on your own business? All answerscan be correct! While WMABA would like to encourage your spirit ofvolunteerism, it is solely up to you at what level you get involved.
The minimum is getting your membership. This year can WINwith your commitment to the betterment of your business and your industry. Sign up today! H&D
Find more association updates atwww.wmaba.com.WHAT’S
UP TO?
MEMBER TESTIMONIALSThe two obvious benefits of belonging to
WMABA are: 1) Keeping up to date on indus-try events, challenges and technical changes,and 2) Networking with industry shop ownersand vendors. The not-so-obvious benefit isthat we as shop owners can unify to make achange. Being a member assures each of usthat we are not ‘the only one’ dealing withthese issues. WMABA is the only associationfocused on making this industry better for thecollision shop owners and technicians. Noother organization can make that claim. Mostof them just follow the money. Put yourmoney where it counts – join WMABA! - Bill Denny, Bill Denny’s Automotive, Inc., Havre de Grace, MD
WMABA keeps us in touch with what ishappening in our industry, from class actionlawsuits to pending legislation in our stateand the whole country. Our membership helpsus remember that we are not the only onesfacing the discouraging burdens and issuesout there. It reminds us that if we all stick to-gether, we can make a change for the better.Their coverage of PartsTrader, well before ithit home, was invaluable. They even went tothe State and tried to make it unlawful for in-surance companies to require it. They areworking hard for us on things that all bodyshop owners care deeply about, but don’thave the time to stand up and fight.- Barbara Chase, Sisk Auto Body, Owings, MD
I joined WMABA the very first year Iopened my shop. I was immediately embracedby both colleagues and mentors who pro-vided me the fellowship to know I wasn't theonly one facing the challenges before me,advice that provided clarity and confidence tomake the decisions that would guide mybusiness and a network that I could call onrepeatedly over the years I have been a mem-ber. WMABA's ability to educate the collisionrepair industry, speak on its behalf and lobbyfor issues that affect it has been - and is tothis day - the greatest value I have receivedfrom any association of which I have been amember.- Mark Boudreau, Spectrum Collision Center,Arlington, VA
14 April 2016
2016 Membership Promo
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15April 2016
Wilkins Subaru6913 Ritchie Hwy #2Glen Burnie, MD 21061410-689-8066Fax: [email protected]
Fitzgerald Lakeforest Subaru905 North Frederick Ave.Gaithersburg, MD 20879Phone: 301-670-4881Fax: 301-670-1595
For Genuine Subaru Body Parts, contact these Authorized Subaru Dealers.
16 April 2016
BOB BELL FORD 7125 RITCHIE HWY, GLEN BURNIE, MD 20161Phone: 410-689-3038Fax: 410-766-1275www.bobbell.com
WALDORF FORD2440 CRAIN HWY, WALDORF, MD 20601Phone: 301-843-3028Fax: 301-843-0334e-mail: [email protected]
SHEEHY FORD5000 AUTH RD, MARLOW HEIGHTS, MD 20746Phone: 301-899-6300Fax: 301-702-3650www.sheehyford.com
HAGERSTOWN FORD1714 MASSEY BLVD,HAGERSTOWN, MD 21740Phone: 800-200-0276Fax: 301-733-0603www.hagerstownford.com
KOONS FORD OF ANNAPOLIS2540 RIVA ROADANNAPOLIS, MD 21401Phone: 410-266-3083Fax: 410-224-4239www.koonsford.com
Contact these Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealers for all your parts needs:
© 2016, Ford Motor Company17April 2016
In the ever-changing world of collision re-pair, building a strong workforce for the future ismore important than ever. And when vocationalschool instructors are having trouble with fund-ing equipment or placing students with qualityshops, they can depend on the WashingtonMetropolitan Auto Body Association to help.
This was the major message drivingWMABA Executive Director Jordan Hendler’spresentation to auto body educators and schoolofficials at a special Professional DevelopmentMeeting on March 11 at Criswell Collision Cen-ter in Annapolis. Hosted by the Maryland StateDepartment of Education, the gathering allowedcollision repair instructors and other industry ed-ucators throughout the state to meet with theDepartment to discuss their programs’ aims and any needs they have in strengthening their
ability to prepare students for the road ahead.With the current auto body industry facing
an aging and decreasing employee base,Hendler and the WMABA Board of Directorshave made a commitment to building greaterlines of communication with the school systemsthat support tomorrow’s technicians. This effortincludes direct outreach to the vocationalschools to see how the association can helpfind funding for I-CAR programs and other train-ing tools necessary to ensure that entry-levelstaff have the skills needed to build long-lastingcareers.
“It’s not like you guys don’t have the op-portunity to put people out there [in the indus-try],” she told the instructors in attendance. “Ithink what’s missing is our connection andbeing the possible middleman in helping to getyour students placed. No matter where yourschool is, we’re going to have people aroundyou.”
WMABA’s work to assist educational pro-grams in member states includes the Jerry Dal-ton Memorial Education Fund, a long-runningassociation initiative that currently boasts morethan $100,000 in available funds for qualifyingschools. While the WMABA community activelysupports the Fund through the annual WMABAGolf Outing (scheduled this year for June 22),Hendler revealed that area instructors have yetto embrace this special opportunity.
“We put out the request for scholarship ap-plications and school applications for grants tohelp with a specific need,” she said. “Does any-body want to guess the number of applications Igot last year? None.”
“We have longstanding relationships withlocal and national people,” she added. “We
want to help, but we don’t get asked for help. Ifthere is something you need, don’t think we’retoo busy to help schools. There’s been a dis-connect between what the association can do innot just putting students in the shops, but also inhelping with the school itself. That is somethingthat we actively want to do.”
Hendler noted that any request from aschool that might exceed the association’sbudget for assistance could be addressed bythe greater industry through a call to action inHammer & Dolly and other WMABA communi-cations.
“There’s no limitation to what can beasked for,” she said. “You guys shouldn’t haveto make a decision between what programsyou’re going to use because of the money. Asan association, that’s where we can significantlyhelp.”
Hendler also shared feedback she has re-ceived from WMABA members regarding theirrecent experiences with new recruits fresh outof school.
“One thing I would give to you as a take-away would be that I get a lot of shops that saythat people coming into our industry don’t knowhow to research,” she said. “They know how toGoogle; they all have [a Smartphone] and areon them all the time. Teach them how to find re-pair procedures...Technicians don’t need toknow everything, but they have to know whereto find it.”
The Professional Development Meetingalso featured presentations by Teresa Bolton(director of collision repair test development for ASE) and Wanda Bloomer (manager of
Industry leaders offer fundsand more to area schools.
NEWSLOCAL
WMABA PLEDGESSUPPORT TO AUTOBODY EDUCATORS
BY JOEL GAUSTEN
18 April 2016
Teresa Bolton (ASE) participated in theProfessional Development Meeting.
continued on page 45
WMABA's Jordan Hendler urgedinstructors to reach out to theassociation if they need help.
19April 2016
20 April 2016
21April 2016
With the winter of 2016 now a memory, the Society of CollisionRepair Specialists (SCRS) will usher in the new season by headingwest to Seattle, WA later this month for “SCRS Industry Week,” a variety of unique events designed to provide incomparable educationand networking opportunities to shops nationwide.
SCRS’ slate of special activities will start on April 19 with the annual Board elections. In order to be considered for a position, anindustry member must be available to attend five SCRS meetingsthroughout the year and participate in frequent email communica-tions with other Board members, who typically serve two three-yearterms.
“It’s a fairly significant commitment,” explains SCRS ExecutiveDirector Aaron Schulenburg. “That means time away from busi-nesses and families. The amount of communication that goes onwithin SCRS really is considerable, even in comparison to other organizations that are out there. Our Board of Directors is very actively involved in everything that we’re doing. We have a group offolks who are really passionate about making a difference and being involved in those discussions and participating in that way.” In addition to incumbent Kye Yeung (CA), new nominees include TraceCoccimiglio (UT), Dave Gruskos (NJ), Jeff Kallemeyn (IL) and TimRonak (CA).
On April 20, the SCRS Repairer Roundtable will host representativesfrom Toyota, Audi, Tesla and I-CAR for an interactive discussion on the
in-person training requirements and expectations for many of today’sOEM programs.
“We want to give the audience access to the hands-on trainersin this industry from an OEM standpoint,” Schulenburg says. “Thereare a lot of OEMs that do in-person training and testing with techniciansas part of their certification requirements. We think these trainers have aninteresting perspective; they get to see exactly what our industrybrings to the table both before and after the training. They can giveinsight into what they’re looking for, but also give their thoughts onthe areas that we, as an industry, really need to work on.”
Later that day, SCRS will present a special Industry Awards andCorporate Member Recognition ceremony, which Schulenburg seesas a chance for the group to honor those who go above and beyondin supporting the collision repair community throughout the year.
“The objective is to recognize all the people out there who aredoing really remarkable work on behalf of the industry,” he says. “Weall love the event because it’s so positive and gives us a chance tospotlight all the great work that’s going on out there. It’s also an op-portunity for us to recognize our Corporate Members, who are inte-gral to making the work of SCRS go around. We are able to do a lotbecause of the support we receive from these companies.” (Informationon the SCRS award categories can be found at tinyurl.com/z3cxzfb.)
In addition to these special events, the SCRS Open Meeting on
Gearing up for the Society’ssecond quarter.
BY JOEL GAUSTEN
SCRS INDUSTRY WEEKSET FOR SEATTLE
22 April 2016continued on page 44
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Antwerpen Toyota12420 Auto DriveClarksville, MD 21029Phone: 410-988-9272Fax: [email protected]
R&H Toyota15 Music Fair RoadOwings Mills, MD 21117Direct: 410-363-4502Toll Free: 1-866-692-2787Fax: [email protected]
Checkered Flag Toyota5301 Virginia Beach BoulevardVirginia Beach, VA 23462PH: 757-687-3443FAX: 757-687-3437www.checkeredflag.com
Ourisman Fairfax Toyota10441 Lee HighwayFairfax, VA 22030Toll Free: 800-626-2236Direct: 703-273-2236Fax: [email protected]
Waldorf Toyota2600 Crain Highway Waldorf, MD 20601Direct: 301-843-6075Fax: 301-645-9124partsdepartment@toyotaofwaldorf.comwww.toyotaofwaldorf.com
Younger Toyota1935 Dual HighwayHagerstown, MD 21740Phone: 800-296-1190Fax: [email protected]
Koons Toyota Annapolis1107 West StreetAnnapolis,MD 21401Phone:(800)262-3330Fax:(410)[email protected]
For Toyota Genuine Parts please call one of these authorized local Toyota Dealers:
23April 2016
24 April 2016
For Original BMW Parts, contact one of these authorized BMW centers:
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BMW of Annapolis25 Old Mill Bottom RoadAnnapolis, MD 21409410-349-2565Fax:410-349-2586www.mybmwannapolis.com
Apple BMW of York1370 Roosevelt Ave.York, PA 17404800-839-1755Fax: 717-843-2948www.applebmwofyork.com
BMW of Fairfax2805 Old Lee HighwayFairfax, VA 22031800-879-2269Fax: 703-641-8562www.bmwoffairfax.com
BMW of Sterling21826 Pacific Blvd.Sterling, VA 20166888-954-8222Fax: 571-434-7727www.bmwofsterling.com
BMW of Alexandria499 South Pickett StreetAlexandria,VA 22304Direct: 703-684-5255Fax: 703-647-1853www.bmwofalexandria.com
BMW of Silver Spring3211 Automobile BlvdSilver Spring, MD 20904866-737-8937Direct: 301-890-3015Fax: 301-890-3748www.bmwofsilverspring.com
Passport BMW5000 Auth WayMarlow Heights, MD 20746301-423-0733Fax: 301-423-2717www.passportbmw.com
Northwest BMW9702 Reisterstown RdOwings Mills, MD 21117410-363-1461Fax: 410-363-7749www.northwestbmw.com
25April 2016
Checkered Flag BMW5225 Virginia Beach BlvdVirginia Beach, VA 23462757-687-3494Fax:757-687-3495bmw.checkeredflag.com
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Richmond BMW8710 West Broad Street Richmond, VA 23294800-237-0130Direct: 804-527-6860Fax: 804-965-6254www.richmondbmw.com
BMW of Rockville1396 Rockville PikeRockville, MD 20852301-984-8989Fax: 301-984-1710www.bmwrockville.com
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At Springfield Auto Body in Springfield, VA, it is widely knownaround the shop that Manny Sanchez is the man to go to when youneed a big job done the right way.
Sanchez began his career around the age of 18, working at ajunkyard and taking the bolts out of scraps.
“I started out just looking for a way to make extra money through asummer job,” he recalls. “I was there for about two years, working myway up and becoming a helper and a body man before I left.”
About eight years ago, Sanchez came upon Springfield Auto Bodyand has been a shop staple ever since. Being much fonder of frame-work than anything else, he has become the tech to call upon to handlemajor jobs that roll into the bay.
“It’s one of my hobbies,” he says of working on frames. “I enjoy itmore than bodywork and fixing up dents.”
Despite his love of this type of repair, he notes that it is becomingincreasingly difficult as the industry evolves.
“[Manufacturers are] using a lot of different metals and every car isindividualized, so you can’t expect all of the work to be the same,” hesays. “Everything is connected now. You have to replace all of the bigparts; you can’t just section a rail. Plus, there are so many airbags andpieces of the puzzle. If you’re doing front-end work, there are so manyextra steps. Now, you have to take out the engine and take the dashboardapart. The changes in this industry definitely make it more difficult to doour jobs.”
Even though the automotive repair field is becoming more demanding,Sanchez is up for the task. He cites his reputation at the shop as one ofthe reasons he believes he was chosen for Technician of the Month.
“When I’m here, I get all of the big hits,” he explains. “If somethingneeds the rails replaced or needs serious framework done, I’m the oneit goes to.”
When he’s not in the shop, Sanchez enjoys spending time with hiswife, Sonia, and children Emily (16), Alex (13) and Dayanna (3), notingthat going to cookouts and attending church every Sunday are amonghis favorite activities with them.
As for the future of the automotive repair field, Sanchez predicts thatmuch of the work in this industry will shift from “replace” to “repair.”
“The future of our work isn’t going to be easy,” he states. “Cars arechanging. When it comes to the big accidents and a lot of work in front-end jobs, the way they’re manufacturing cars is going to make it harderto do what we do. I see a lot of total losses in the future.”
Regardless of what tomorrow holds, Sanchez is thankful for the
time he has put intothe automotive re-pair industry and thepeople he has en-countered along theway.
“My manager, Tom [Butterworth], has given me so much help andhas always been there and supported me,” he says. “He’s such a bighelp and always has patience with me. I’m very grateful for that.” H&D
THE MONTHTECHNICIAN OF
MANNY SANCHEZ
BY JACQUELYN BAUMAN
Hammer & Dolly chats with the WMABAcommunity’s best and brightest.
If you would like to nominate someone as Technician ofthe Month, please contact Hammer & Dolly Managing EditorJacquelyn Bauman at [email protected]
26 April 2016
When a “big job” comes into the shop,Manny Sanchez is the one to call.
27April 2016
28 April 2016
PROTECTING CONSUMERS:Parts Hearing Reveals Industry Truths and Lies
Are consumer parts choices on new cars something that needs protection? How about knowingly consenting to the use of non-OEM ornon-certified aftermarket?
On March 10, representatives from the Washington Metropolitan AutoBody Association appeared before legislators in Annapolis to promote passageof a critical consumer protection bill that would limit the use of aftermarket partsduring the repair process. Minutes later, spokespeople from LKQ and some ofthe industry’s top insurers protested what they claimed was an attempt by bodyshops to help build an unfair monopoly in support of OEM products. With battlelines drawn deeper (and emotions spoken louder) than ever before, lawmakerswere left to soon decide the fate of one of the most controversial legislativeshowdowns in industry history.
The cause of the commotion is Maryland House Bill 1258, a bill sponsoredby Delegate Rick Impallaria that aims to establish that only genuine crash parts
WMABA fights for consumers throughlegislation on aftermarket parts.COVER STORY BY JOEL GAUSTEN
The welds don't lie: A look at the difference between an OEM part
and an aftermarket version
29April 2016
30 April 2016
“sufficient to maintain the manufacturer’s warrantyfor fit, finish, structural integrity, corrosion re-sistance, dent resistance and crash perform-ance” shall be used in the repair of insuredmotor vehicles for the first two years of that automobile’s life. After that two-year period, aninsurer may not require repairs to be made tothe insured motor vehicle using aftermarketparts or crash parts that are not certified. An insured may consent in writing at the time of repair of his or her vehicle to the use of “aftermarketcrash parts or crash parts that are not certifiedaftermarket crash parts.”
During the special March 10 House EconomicMatters Committee hearing on the proposedbill, Impallaria (a former body shop owner)broke the aftermarket parts issue down in relatable terms for his fellow legislators.
“I have a Rolex watch; my house gets robbed[and] the insurance for the house covers thewatch,” he offered as a hypothetical situation.“But the insurance company says, ‘There’s thisother watch and it says ‘Rolex’ on it, and it’s [of]like kind and quality and you should accept thatand take that.’ I think that you should get whatyou actually pay for.”
Representing an industry of 1,000-plus independently owned businesses in Marylandand more than $755 million in taxable revenueto the state, WMABA Executive Director JordanHendler warned Committee members that theuse of aftermarket parts could have a lastingnegative impact on consumers.
“When they have a lease or a factory warranty on their vehicle, [the] provisions of thelease agreement would state they put originalequipment parts back on that car or they wouldhave to pay the difference,” she offered. “If theyreturn that leased vehicle with aftermarketparts on it and it is noted on the lease return,they will have to pay to re-repair the vehicle outof pocket again, or they will have the pay a fine– in other words, the difference in value of the
vehicle with or without the original equipmentparts. When those consumers purchase a vehicle and get insurance or lease a vehicle,they assume, as a consumer, that the insurancecompany is going to make them whole after anaccident.”
These concerns were echoed in additionaltestimony given by WMABA President MarkSchaech, Jr.
“Every day in my store, someone has todig in their pocket to pay the difference for theirbill between the OEM parts and aftermarketparts...In my 18 years of experience in theshop as a technician and a shop owner, I cantell you that that the parts are not equivalent;they’re not the same,” he said.
To add a physical perspective to the issue,Hendler and Schaech presented an OEM rebarand a version of the same item from LKQ.Hendler noted inconsistencies in welding betweenthe two parts, while Impallaria noted that theparts make “two totally different sounds” whenstruck with a metal object because of substantialvariations in the thickness and tensile strengthof the steels.
“The aftermarket rebar in this case hasmajor manufacturer flaws,” noted Schaech. “Ifyou look at it, you can see how cheaply thisthing is made.”
Not surprisingly, the opposition’s responsewas fierce and dramatic.
“This is not a bill to protect the consumer...It is a bill for a two-year monopoly,” arguedLKQ lobbyist Bruce Bereano.
One of the afternoon’s most contentiousmoments came when Ray Colas, a governmentaffairs representative for LKQ, directly criticizedWMABA’s presentation.
“Jordan Hendler specified that she representsmany people here who provide tax dollars forthe state,” he said. “You need to understandthat they’re in business today because we enablethem to be able to repair their vehicle. In termsof total loss calculation, we keep vehicles on the road; we allow them to repair vehiclesbecause we keep it below that threshold. Ifwe’re not here to provide that type of service,you would have more total loss vehicles andthey would not be able to repair those vehicles.
“We can provide you with images of peoplewho have died due to the use of OEM parts, butyet they can’t provide you with images of peoplewho have [been] victims of these parts thatthey’re presenting to you today,” he added.
Additionally, Colas called the rebar demon-stration “theatrics,” going as far as suggesting thatthe parts might have been manipulated to producethe desired effect.
“We don’t know the history of those parts,whether they’re part of the same vehicle or not[or] whether they were modified before they gothere.”
Unimpressed, Impallaria called Colas’ argument “a little over the top.”
In addition to WMABA, testimony in favorof House Bill 1258 was provided by Jack Gillisof the Certified Automotive Parts Association(CAPA) and Travis Martz of the Maryland Automobile Dealers Association. Additional opponents included Allstate and State Farm.The text of the bill is available at tinyurl.com/hbvwj3s. A video stream of the entire hearingis available at tinyurl.com/jr99ya2 by selecting“Economic Matters” and “Thursday, March 10,2016 Session #1” The discussion on the bill begins approximately 135 minutes in. H&D
While the personal thoughts of my testifying experience are covered in my Executive Director’s Messageon page 12, I’d like to include some segments of our opposition’s testimony. So, fact or fiction? You decide:
● The body shops are only doing this for the money.● The bill creates a monopoly for the car manufacturers.● Aftermarket parts are safer than the OE parts.● Requiring written consent depends on the body shop owner and will steer the consumer to an
original part.● The body shops are in business today because of aftermarket parts.● The disclosure language already required on the estimate should be sufficient to inform the consumer.
By the time this story reaches you as readers, there will either be advancement or death to this legislation.Several of the Delegates present for the hearing asked great questions. That, to WMABA, is a win in and of it-self. The more these and other issues are brought before them, the more they are aware of our industry andsome of the problems we face.
Being present to promote positive legislative initiatives and oppose any attempts at negative laws is whatmakes the association’s continued monitoring absolutely necessary. It is also the reason WMABA encouragesour membership and any collision repairer to reach out and gain a relationship with all their legislative repre-sentatives. The association does not have a bill every year that they promote, but every year there is monitoringand discussion of any automotive-related proposals.
This hearing specifically shows the differences in viewpoint among segments of our industry and how theydeem the business of collision repair and the materials used in that process. Should you as a reader have or takeissue with information put forth by WMABA or the opposition, you are urged to reach out to the associationand give your thoughts for consideration by the Board of Directors. - Jordan Hendler
Executive Director’s Thoughts
WMABA's Mark Schaech, Jr. andJordan Hendler with Delegate
Rick Impallaria (center)
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31April 2016
Brown’s Fairfax Mazda10570 Lee Hwy.Fairfax, VA 22030Toll Free: 800-234-8642Phone: 703-385-3994Fax: 703-591-5348
Fitzgerald Mazda114 Baughmans Lane Frederick, MD 21702Toll Free: 800-545-4745 Fax 877-696-1841 E-mail [email protected]
Nu Car Mazda172 North Dupont Hwy.New Castle, DE 19720Toll Free: 800-346-5283Fax: 302-322-7135
Priority Mazda8525 Leesburg TurnpikeVienna, VA 22182Phone: 703-749-6500Fax: 703-749-6478e-mail: [email protected]
Fitzgerald Mazda of Annapolis1930 West Street Annapolis, MD 21401 Toll Free: 866-280-8022 Phone: 410-224-4636 Fax: 410-224-4264 www.fitzmall.com
Ourisman Mazda of Rockville801 Rockville PikeRockville, MD 20852Parts Direct: 301-340-7668Phone: 855-417-4511Fax: 240-499-2488e-mail:
www.ourismanmazdaofrockville.com
32 April 2016
33April 2016
34 April 2016
35April 2016
Second half of survey resultsshow little movement.WMABA FEATURE
BY JOEL GAUSTEN
Third-party pressure: This year’s Survey saw a nearly 10-percent increase in respondentswho told us they feared retribution from insurers if they charged for a fair,
reasonable and necessary job that the carrier may not approve of.
“Tint” the color 90.97% 93.06%
“Materials” to tint the color 90.37% 87.41%
“Color, sand and buff” and/or denibsurface blemishes 93.88% 91.84%
“Materials” needed to denib or buff a vehicle 94.78% 85.07%
To remove tape or painted stripes before refinishing 95.74% 90.07%
Feather, fill, block and prime on repaired panels 93.20% 93.20%
Feather, fill, block and prime on welded panels 93.53% 92.81%
“Mark-up” or “admin” on sublet (towing, upholstery,mechanical, pdr, etc.) 92.36% 81.94%
Disable and enable “interlock” devices to move vehicles 90.40% 86.40%
“Clips and fasteners” needed in the repair process 94.59% 91.89%
“Bagging” vehicle to “prime” and for “final refinish” 93.79% 93.10%
“Bag” opening to “prime” and for “final refinish” 93.53% 91.37%
“Bonding materials” in the repair process 95.17% 93.79%
“Undercoating,” installation and removal 91.10% 95.21%
“Structural foam,” installation and/or removal 93.66% 94.37%
“Check and test seat belts” being used in the accident 93.18% 87.88%
“Pressure test” cooling systems after front-end damage 93.08% 83.08%
“Prep raw plastic” when recommend by paint supplier 94.59% 93.24%
“Set up and pull” to access repairs 92.47% 94.52%
“Weld thru primer” and/or “cavity wax” when needed 93.15% 93.84%
Replacement of information labels, parts and labor 93.88% 94.56%
Removal and replacement of protective coatings 92.86% 90.00%
Reset memory functions (e.g., radio codes, sensors, etc.) 95.04% 90.07%
“Jig” rental when recommended by vehicle manufacturer 93.83% 55.56%
Repairing “weld burn, including grinding and prepping” 93.18% 93.18%
DO YOU BELIEVETHIS IS A REQUIRED
OPERATION?
DO YOUCURRENTLY
PERFORM THISOPERATION?
RESPONDENTS SHARETHEIR VIEWS ONSTANDARD PROCEDURES
Still waters run deep.Although an initial glance at the Labor Rate
Survey results that appear on these pages willshow very little change over what was presentedin our February 2015 issue (available online attinyurl.com/zrspfo4), a more critical look underthe surface reveals a number of issues that require attention from repairers, industry repre-sentatives and (quite possibly) legislators.
Clearly, the biggest issue uncovered in thesecond part of the Survey is just how little the results actually moved from last year — a majorpoint of concern for WMABA.
“The industry is very stagnant in manyareas,” offers Executive Director Jordan Hendler.“If the marketplace has not experienced anymajor shifts in vehicle technology, insurancepractices or governmental oversight, then therewouldn’t be reason to expect change in our Surveys. Really, the lack of change is what is sotelling; our industry is controlled by outside influ-ences. Unless those influences are compelled insome way, our industry will remain the same. Onething the association is seeing is that independentrepairers are having even more difficulty with in-surer refusals of both rates or procedures, and thatis leading to more complaints to us and – very likely– to the state insurance departments.”
Unfortunately, one thing that did change wasthe number of Survey participants who said theyoffered insurance benefits to their employees.This year saw close to an 11-percent increase inthe number of respondents who said they do notoffer health insurance to employees, while thenumber of those who don’t offer dental or visioninsurance jumped by nearly 14 and 15 percent,respectively.
“If Labor Rates are not fluctuating, businessowners have to contain their rising costs elsewhere;areas such as health insurance, leave or other
Is it necessary
to pre-clean most
vehicles prior to
entering the shop?Nearly 10 percent more
respondents than
last year think so.
37April 2016
Do you believe insurers rate you on the use ofalternative parts to OEM, such as used or aftermarket? 92.40% 7.60%
Do you feel many insurers try to control or insertthemselves into the repair process, including selectionof parts and repair methods used? 97.20% 2.80%
Do you have an insurer who requires you to order partsfrom a particular vendor or through a particular onlineprocurement system? 61.00% 39.00%
Do you believe insurer reimbursement rates are fair tosupport adequate profit for continuing education,certifications and new equipment? 7.60% 92.40%
Would (or does) ordering parts or materials through arequired third-party bidding system increase your cycletime and customer dissatisfaction? 74.10% 25.90%
Have you been told “you are the only one” who charges forwhat you feel is a legitimate, reasonable and necessaryoperation? 84.00% 16.00%
Do appraiser(s) tell you, “We can’t pay for that because it isagainst insurance company policy,” even though you knew itwas a fair, reasonable and necessary item? 95.10% 4.90%
Do you feel that after an insurer is notified, that two business daysis an adequate time frame for an insurer to come to your shop toinspect, appraise the damage and provide an estimate? 84.20% 15.80%
Is it your experience that a good portion of insurance companyrepresentatives will intentionally write “low ball” estimates thatomit obvious visible damage? 91.70% 8.30%
Do inadequate or poorly written estimates by insurancecompany representatives delay the repair process and costyour shop time and money while you rectify mistakes? 99.30% 0.70%
Do you feel appraisers intentionally omit vital processes inhopes the shop will not correct and amend the mistake, givingthe insurer unfair financial gain? 93.00% 7.00%
Have you feared retribution from insurers if you charged fora job performed that you feel is fair, reasonable and necessary,but they may not approve of? 76.20% 23.80%
Do you feel insurers are using their “power,” togetherwith a weak economy, in an attempt to coerce shops intoaccepting less than a fair amount? 90.80% 9.20%
Have you experienced an insurer(s) who has declared avehicle a total loss when you felt the vehicle was an easy,safe repair and the vehicle owner wanted it repaired, butdid so because the insurer got a high salvage value? 76.10% 23.90%
Do you experience insurers retaining payment, but tell youthat you are “holding the car hostage” when they had morethan adequate time to issue payment? 72.00% 28.00%
Do you feel many insurers’ initial estimates lack proper repairprocedures necessary to fix the car to pre-accident condition? 94.40% 5.60%
HOW DO OUR SURVEY PARTICIPANTS FEELABOUT INSURER/SHOP RELATIONS?
SURVEY TAKERS REVIEW A NUMBEROF QUESTIONS THAT RELATE TOTHEIR DAILY BUSINESS.
Is it your experience that blending a panel takesas long, or longer, than refinishing a newundamaged panel? 95.10% 4.90%
Does it take more skill and materials to “blend”a panel versus refinish a full panel? 95.90% 4.10%
Is “clean up” time necessary on most “LKQ” orused parts? 96.50% 3.50%
Can you blend or melt clear coat within a paneland give a lifetime warranty? 6.30% 93.70%
Is it necessary to pre-clean most vehicles priorto entering the shop? 76.60% 23.40%
Given the advancements in system compatibility,should you have the freedom of choice for yourestimating system provider? 99.30% 0.70%
Do used structural parts (e.g., quarter panel, hingepillar, rocker panel, radiator support and apron orframe rails) take more “trim” time than new parts? 99.30% 0.70%
Do you feel that modern vehicles (with boron steel,structural aluminum, multiple airbags, collisionavoidance systems, laser welds, etc.) are moredifficult to work on than older vehicles without those similar characteristics? 98.60% 1.40%
Do you feel colors on newer vehicles are more difficult to match than those 5-10 years older? 80.40% 19.60%
Do rental car companies unnecessarily contactyou about the status of vehicle repairs, requestingnumerous status reports and completion dates? 91.60% 8.40%
Would you prefer an itemized calculator formaterials based on a computer software program(e.g., PaintEx, PMCLogic, etc.) versuscompensation based on current random multipliers using an hourly rate? 73.90% 26.10%
Have you been able to provide across-the-boardincreases in the pay and benefits of youremployees in the past five (5) years? 17.90% 82.10%
We saw close to a 20-percent
increase from last year in Survey
participants who said that rental
car companies unnecessarily
contact them about the status of
vehicle repairs, requesting numerousstatus reports and completion dates.
Yes No
Yes No
38 April 2016
Yes, fully paid Yes, partially paid NoHealth Insurance 7.59% 54.48% 37.93%Dental Insurance 3.47% 29.86% 66.67%Vision Insurance 3.47% 24.31% 72.22%Long-term Disability 2.84% 17.02% 80.14%Life Insurance 13.38% 14.08% 72.54%Paid sick leave (after a set period) 37.06% 20.98% 41.96%Paid vacation (after a set period) 84.14% 8.96% 6.90%Personal leave (after a set period) 36.55% 8.97% 54.48%401K or retirement program 20.98% 28.67% 50.35%Performance Bonus 35.42% 13.19% 51.39%Yearly cost of living increase(s) 7.75% 7.04% 85.21%
WHICH BENEFITS DO RESPONDING BUSINESS OWNERS PAY FOR?
benefits would be places to see change,”Hendler explains.
Additionally, there was a considerablespike in respondents who noted that rental carcompanies unnecessarily contact them aboutthe status of vehicle repairs, requesting nu-merous status reports and completion dates.What are some possible reasons for thetrend?
“Everyone wants answers now,” Hendlerreplies. “It’s the unfortunate side effect fromelectronic everything – we are used to havinginstant gratification. Those rental agencies arereporting to insurers, and this information ispushed back on them to keep the overalllength of rental down wherever possible.”
Perhaps worst of all, the Survey resultsdisplay a nearly 10-percent increase from lastyear in “yes” answers to the question, “Haveyou feared retribution from insurers if you
charged for a job performed that you feel isfair, reasonable and necessary, but they maynot approve of?” In Hendler’s mind, it is clearthat today’s auto body industry is strugglingunder the influence of outside parties.
“Pressure by insurance companies to reduce costs and repair times but still producethe same results can leave owners and managers fearful of the retribution of standingup for procedures or policies that the cus-tomer would also want,” she says. “Using theassociation to be their voice can be a way ofprotection for their business to still potentiallyaddress an issue without hurting a relationship.Oftentimes, WMABA has national connectionsthat would garner results over the top of localmanagement decisions. It helps to at least getthe word to the top that the marketplace is experiencing problems.”
While the information in this issue (as
well as last month’s edition) indicates frustratinglyslow progress in the some areas, it can be usedby WMABA as ammunition to demonstrate whythere is a need for market practices reformthroughout the region. It may not be pretty, but the Survey shows the truth, and that willbe the key to the association – and the industry it serves – receiving greater assistanceat the State House and beyond.H&D
Need your teeth fixed? You might have to wait.A nearly 14-percent increase from last year was reported in the
number of respondents who said they do NOT offer dental insurance.
The number of respondents who said they do NOT offer health insurance
to employees was up nearly 11 percent this year.
The number of respondents who said they did NOT offer
vision insurance rose nearly 15 percent from last year.
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ONTHE SURVEY RESULTS?
DO THEY REPRESENT WHAT’SGOING ON AT YOUR BUSINESS?
Let us know what you think. Contact WMABA Executive Director Jordan Hendler at (804) 789-9649 / jordanhendler@ wmaba.com and/or
Hammer & Dolly Editor Joel Gausten at(973) 600-9288/[email protected].
39April 2016
40 April 2016
Getting to know the industrypros who work on your behalf.
With nearly four decades of experienceowning and operating collision repair shops,WMABA Board member Ben Gibson certainlyknows what it takes to be successful. In 1978 at just 19 years old, he opened Progressive Collision in Chester, VA with his close friend and business partner, Joe Corbin. While Joe still runsProgressive Collision, Gibson branched out onhis own in 1985 and opened Harrison BodyWorks in Richmond.
Since Gibson had already been a memberof the Virginia Auto Body Association, joiningWMABA made sense to him.
“I’ve always been close with [Treasurer]Barry [Dorn] and [Executive Director] Jordan[Hendler], and they really made the decision easyfor me,” he says of joining WMABA. In 2010, Gibson first joined the Board of Directors in orderto assist with the growth of what was then thenew WMABA Richmond Chapter.
“We need to get people involved in the associa-tion,” he expresses. “People need to appreciate whatWMABA brings to the table instead of just being involved in what’s happening in their own little world.Jordan works tirelessly on your behalf to makethis a better industry for all of us. It’s hard to getmuch accomplished unless we have that support.You have to be involved in the industry on a bigger level if you want anything to get better.”
As an example of branching out of the industry in a larger way, Gibson was featured in a local news segment last May about the useof unfit aftermarket parts in repairs, a practiceconducted due to pressure from insurers. He believes that it is through educating the con-sumer that significant strides can be made.
“The fight needs to be brought into the
public arena,” he says. “We have consumers who are being blindly led into important decisionsby people who they think have their best interestsin mind and know what they’re talking about. But[these people] are really just steering them to the shops where they have the most control. It’simportant that they know what’s going on.”
However, education doesn’t end at the consumer. Gibson keeps his staff equipped with the most up-to-date training and the most efficient tools on the market in order to keepeverything working smoothly in his shop. As an I-CAR Committee chairman, Gibson often hoststraining courses at his 15,000-square-foot facility,something he has done since the early ’90s.
Despite his commitment to continuing knowl-edge, Gibson does admit that the informationavailable is certainly lacking.
“Every car now is different,” he says. “Thedissemination of education just isn’t there. Even if you’re close with the OEs and can access theinformation, it’s not as comprehensive as wewould like.”
This is just one of the fields in which Gibsonbelieves there needs to be action to improve theautomotive repair industry.
“If we don’t push ourselves and our industry,the people who will push us aren’t going to bepeople we like,” he opines. “It’s just more reasonto get involved in WMABA. There are good shopsout there being put between a rock and a hardplace on a daily basis. The association is wherewe come together to fight all of those outside influences working to control us. It’s the only ve-hicle to bring people together and make thingsbetter. It’s a tough ride, but it’s better together.”
H&D
BENGIBSON
BOARDMEET THE
BY JACQUELYN BAUMAN
“We need to get people in-volved in the association.People need to appreciatewhat WMABA brings to thetable instead of just being involved in what’s happeningin their own little world.”
- Ben Gibson
41April 2016
WE NEED YOUR LEGISLATIVE CONTRIBUTION!
LOSINGSLEEP
Our government ensures that vehiclesbeing introduced to the market pass themost stringent safety standards and crashtesting. But how can repairers across thecountry reengineer these vehicles bypulling, cutting, welding, riveting, bondingand straightening them on a daily basiswithout anyone guaranteeing that manu-facturers’ standards are being met? Whois making sure that these vehicles are repaired correctly?
As a post-repair inspector, I oftenfind major safety and quality issues inthe vehicles I see. In most cases, the insurer comes in and quickly totals thesevehicles and (my guess is) dumps themin the laps of the repair facilities that hadbeen contracted by that insurer to do thework.
While I’m not big on government interference in our field, I do see some issues in the way our industry operatesthat need to be addressed. If shops
MESSAGEPRESIDENT’S Mark Schaech, Jr.
(410) [email protected]
I appreciate WMABA working on my behalf at the state capitol(s)!Here is my contribution to the legislative efforts.
Name: ______________________________________Company: __________________________________
Address: __________________________________________________________________________________
City:____________________________________________State: ______________________Zip: ________
Phone: ______________________________Email: ____________________________________________
Donation Amount: $50 $100 $500 Other ________________
Check Enclosed Credit Card (Visa, Amex, MC)# __________________________________________________________ Exp: ________
Name on Card: ______________________________Signature: __________________________________
P.O. Box 3157 • Mechanicsville, VA 23116
were policed in a way similar to how the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) oversees the airplane repair industry, would we continue to see the same amount of poorly repaired, unsafe automobiles? Would following manufacturer guidelines then become more important? Could it bethat flying is the safest way to travel because there is a watchdog when it comes to repairing theplanes? This is what I lose sleep over. H&D
42 April 2016
43April 2016
44 April 2016
April 19 will provide attendees with an in-depthupdate on the association’s activities in the na-tional auto body scene. This includes extensivework to better protect the data generated by es-timating system end-users. According to SCRSpresentations delivered in January, there arecurrently more than 600 potential data fieldsthrough the Estimate Management Standard(EMS) that can be selected by the receivingparties without restrictions by – or sometimeseven the knowledge of – the end-user.
“We continue to conduct research andgather information by talking with companiesthat have a lot of involvement and insight inthose areas,” he explains. “I think that’s provedbeneficial in us being able to share that infor-mation and educate the industry on questionsthey should be asking and things they shouldbe looking at. Ideally, we’re after a more intu-itive system that gives the end-user the abilityto control the data leaving his or her system.”
In other news, SCRS is committed to ad-dressing various industry issues regardingparts usage on the shop level. Schulenburgtells Hammer & Dolly that a number of associa-tion members are reporting administrative andcash flow burdens surrounding core charges.With some facilities facing as much as $10,000a month in these charges, many shops are nowapplying administration fees to their work or-ders with varying success.
“The conversation is ongoing,” Schulen-burg says of the core charge dilemma. “We recognize that these are fairly large programs[that have been] put together for a number ofspecific purposes, and we want to understandthe objectives and see if we can offer alternativesolutions that produce the same end effect withless burden on the repairer. As we see themgrow, it’s important to find some way to helpthese shops. The situation creates anotherchallenge, another layer of complexity andmore administrative and financial strain on therepair business.”
Recent months have also seen SCRS ac-tively investigate the ongoing appearance of“Alt OEM” and “Opt OE” parts in estimating sys-tems. While some OEM manufacturers regu-larly offer remanufactured or surplus parts, agrowing number of suppliers that are not au-thorized by an OEM are offering “OEM” prod-ucts that could actually be grey market itemsnot intended for use in the United States. Thiscauses confusion for shops that may not be re-ceiving the legitimate OEM part they believethey’re ordering.
NATIONAL NEWScontinued from page 22
45April 2016
“What a dealer does in defining certainparts might be different than what an OE does,and there are challenges that also exist forshops that end up going outside of the author-ized supply chain,” Schulenburg says.
Late last year, SCRS polled various manu-facturers to gain insight into how they conductlegitimate alternative OEM parts programs. Theresults of this undertaking are available onlineat tinyurl.com/zbsrsxt (courtesy of RepairerDriven News.)
Also held for SCRS Affiliate Associations –like WMABA – will be a special meeting to dis-cuss association activities around the countryas well as ideas for upcoming initiatives.
For location and hotel information for theSCRS Industry Week events (or for more infor-mation on other association activities), visitscrs.com. H&D
SCRS is a huge resource for our association andthe several area members who belong to the organi-zation. Not only do they give valuable informationand have great meetings with many takeaways, butthey give our members needed support for issues affecting their shops each and every day. Thesemeetings in April are a great way to plug into thegreater industry! - Jordan Hendler
Executive Director’s Thoughts
LOCAL NEWScontinued from page 18
operations for NATEF/AYES). Additionally, Parkside High School (Salisbury) instructor JoeShowacre discussed his positive experiencesusing I-CAR’s Professional Development Program.
Karen B. Salmon, Ph.D., interim deputy statesuperintendent for the office of school effective-ness, tells Hammer & Dolly that the state is dedi-cated to helping students achieve professionalplacement and success in the collision field.
“Maryland offers 15 auto body/collision repairtechnical programs in 13 local school systemswhere students earn industry-recognized certifica-tions from NATEF/ASE and/or I-CAR,” she ex-plains. “This past year, 458 students were enrolledin these programs. The auto body/collision repairtechnician program is one of four transition pro-grams [Automotive Technician, Medium-HeavyTruck Technician and Transportation Logistics andCargo Security] that enroll over 2,500 studentsannually in Maryland.”
Auto body instructors in the WMABA regionwho would like to learn more about WMABA’sfunding and support initiatives are encouraged tocontact Jordan Hendler at [email protected] or (804) 789-9649. H&D
ADVERTISERS’INDEX
Air-Tech Products ................................32
Alexandria Toyota ................................45
AP Media ............................................32
Audi Group ..........................................41
Axalta Coating Systems ......................OBC
BMW Group ........................................24-25
BMW of Fairfax....................................3
CAPA ..................................................20
Chesapeake Automotive Equipment ..46
Empire Auto Parts................................46
Ford Group ..........................................17
GM Parts Group ..................................21
Honda Group ......................................33
Hyundai Group ....................................11
Koons Ford ..........................................34
Malloy Hyundai ....................................19
Mazda Group ......................................31
Mid-Atlantic Paint & Supply ................27
MINI Group ..........................................9
Mitsubishi Group..................................39
Mopar Group ........................................34
Nissan Group ......................................7
Nucar ..................................................8
O’Donnell Honda ................................44
Packer Norris Parts ............................IBC
Polyvance ............................................4
Porsche Group ....................................28
PPG ....................................................IFC
Safety Regulations ..............................44
Subaru Group......................................16
Toyota Group ......................................23
USI of North America ..........................26
VW Group............................................43
Wheel Collision Center ........................45
46 April 201646 April 2016
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