New England Automotive Report December 2014

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BUILDING THE SUCCESS OF THE AUTO REPAIR INDUSTRY

2 December 2014 New England Automotive Report

New England Automotive Report December 2014 5

DEPARTMENTSPRESIDENTS MESSAGE8 | AASP/MA: Making Progressby Molly Brodeur

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

16 | Wolpert Insurance: Dedicated to Your Industryby Jacquelyn Bauman

LEGAL PERSPECTIVE20 | The Perfect DIY Labor Rate Lawsuit (Part One)by James A. Castleman, Esq.

STUDENTS OF THE MONTH24 | Ana Perez & Johan Amaroby Joel Gausten

INDUSTRY WEEK RECAP by Joel Gausten40 | AASP/MA Provides Year-End Report at National Affiliate Meeting

43 | Collision Repair Education FoundationAwards $1.5M to Auto Body Schools

THE LIST52 | My New Years Resolution Is...

INDUSTRY NEWS55 | Collision Repair Shops Brace for Challengesof Aluminum Bodywork

CONTENTS

10 | A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR11 | AASP/MA 2015 SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES17 | AASP/MA SUSTAINING SPONSORS

61 | AASP/MA MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION62 | INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

December 2014 Volume 12, No. 12

ALSO THIS ISSUE

27

FEATURES 27 | AASP/MA HITS THE FIELD AT CASINO NIGHTby Joel Gausten

34 | THE OEM STANDARD AND YOU: WHAT AREYOU PREPARED FOR?by Larry Montanez III, CDA & Jeff Lange, PE

46 | AASP/MA AT SEMA: A SPECIAL REPORTby Joel Gausten

Top-notch educationalopportunities

Over 150 industry-leadingexhibitors

Fun for the whole family,and more!

Save the Dates forNORTHEAST 2015!MARCH 20, 21, 22

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VisitWWW.AASPNJNORTHEAST.COM

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STAFF

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

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AASP/MA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEPRESIDENTMolly BrodeurVICE PRESIDENTAdam IoakimSECRETARYGary CloutierTREASURERKevin GalleraniIMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENTPaul Hendricks

AASP/MA STATEWIDE DIRECTORSCOLLISION DIRECTORRick Starbard

AASP/MA CHAPTER DIRECTORSNORTHEAST CHAPTER DIRECTORSAlex FalzoneKevin KyesSOUTHEAST CHAPTER DIRECTORSMichael PenachoDarlene AndradeMIDSTATE CHAPTER DIRECTORSTom RicciRay BelsitoWESTERN CHAPTER DIRECTORPeter Langone

PUBLISHERThomas Greco ([email protected])

DIRECTOR OF SALESAlicia Figurelli ([email protected])

EDITORJoel Gausten ([email protected])

ART DIRECTORLea Velocci ([email protected])

MANAGING EDITORJacquelyn Bauman ([email protected])

PRODUCTION Sofia Cabrera ([email protected])

WWW.AASPMA.ORG

AASP/MA EXECUTIVE DIRECTORJillian M. Zywien

12 Post Office Square, 6th Floor Boston, MA 02109phone: (617) 574-0741 Fax: (617) 695-0173

Email: [email protected]

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New England Automotive Report is published monthly by TGP, Inc., 244 Chestnut Street, Suite 202 Nutley, NJ 07110. Distributed free to qualified recipients; $48 to all others. Additional copies of New Eng-land Automotive Report are available at $5 per copy. Reproduction of any portions of this publication is specifically prohibited without written permission of the publisher. The opinions and ideas appearingin this magazine are not necessarily representations of TGP Inc. or of AASP/MA. Copyright 2014 by Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc. Images courtesy of www.thinkstockphoto.com/ThinkStock Photos.



PRESIDENTS MESSAGE

AASp/MA:MAKing progreSS

Id like to start this months mes-sage by saying how thrilled I am to beaddressing the readers of New EnglandAutomotive Report as AASP/MA Presi-dent! Its an honor to be serving the as-sociation in this new role, and I lookforward to furthering our collectivegoals as an industry over the next twoyears.

For those of you who were not atour recent Casino Night at Gillette Sta-dium, you missed out on a simplymagnificent event. I am incrediblyproud that we as an association - withthe help from Lynch Associates, whowent above and beyond our expecta-tions - were able to create an awesome

evening to help thank our supportersand celebrate a successful year.AASP/MAs accomplishments comelargely as the result of the generoussupport given by our vendors. We relyon them to help us achieve what weset out to do, and we are completelyoverwhelmed by the huge outpouringof support we have received fromthem all. When you check out thisyears Casino Night coverage on page27, look very closely at our list ofsponsors and make sure to considerthem first when looking for goods andservices. They are truly deserving ofyour business, and I cant thank all ofthem enough for their generosity.

Our 2014 Casino Night also of-fered an exciting turn of events, as wewelcomed several fresh faces to theAASP/MA Board, as well as thepromotion of Adam Ioakim (Vice Pres-ident) and Kevin Gallerani (Treasurer)to our Executive Board. I cant wait tosee what new perspectives and greatideas these members will bring to thetable moving forward, as we work tobecome better prepared at respondingto our changing industry.

We are fortunate that we alreadyhave a strong legislative committee inplace through the efforts of Lynch As-sociates in a managerial and lobbyingrole. AASP/MA is closely watching


developments on Beacon Hill andwill be working on filing legislation,pushing for regulatory change andmaking sure our concerns are heardat the Auto Damage Appraiser Li-censing Board (ADALB). We are al-ready a known face in the legislativearena, and I look forward to continu-ing that forward motion for years tocome.

Closer to home, AASP/MA willbe focusing on some long-needed ad-ministrative housekeeping to helpstreamline the association from theinside out, and we will continue toprovide our members with a cohe-sive plan of action, from re-establish-ing the roles of our Board membersand communicating those responsi-bilities to tightening up our bylawsfor clarity.

On a broader scale, we arelaunching a statewide initiative be-tween the collision repair industryand the schools who are educatingour future techs. It is our goal to visitevery vocational school throughout

continued on pg. 59

Dear AASP/MA Members,First and foremost, please join me

in welcoming our 2015 Board of Direc-tors. Our new leaders will strive toserve the membership and work to bet-ter the industry in the Commonwealth.I look forward to working with all ofyou in the coming year.

president Molly Brodeur, Al BrodeursAuto Body

vice presidentAdam Ioakim, Hogan and Van

Treasurer Kevin Gallerani, Cape Auto Body

Secretary Gary Cloutier, Cloots Auto Body

immediate past president Paul Hendricks, HendricksAuto Body

Collision Director Rick Starbard, Ricks AutoCollision & Service Center

Chapters: The Board is comprised oftwo candidates per Chapter:

northeast Chapter Alex Falzone, Guys Auto BodyKevin Kyes, Todays Collision

Midstate ChapterTom Ricci, Body & Paint CenterRay Belsito, Arnies Auto Body

Southeast ChapterDarlene Andrade, DeLuze

Collision CenterMichael Penacho, Mikes

Auto Body western Chapter

Peter Langone, Langonet Auto Body & FrameNext, I would like to thank all of

the people involved in making our2014 Casino Night such an incrediblyspecial event. A special thank yougoes out to our Tournament sponsor,Enterprise, and High Roller sponsor,Ira Toyota of Danvers. Their supportallowed us to host this years event atthe best venue in New England,Gillette Stadium!

Thank you, sponsors:Tournament Sponsor Enterprisehigh roller Sponsor

Ira Toyota of Danversgift Sponsor RH Long Automotivepit Boss Sponsor Spray Booth

Services & Equipment SalesCard Shark Sponsors

Gonnello SEO Sherwin-WilliamsTexas holdem Sponsor

Best Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep & Ram in Memory of Jim Simeone

Dinner and Dessert Sponsors Bald Hill Dodge, Chrysler,Jeep & KIA Best Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep & Ram

harley and $25,000 Cash games Your professional team, Lynch Associates

Board of Directors SponsorsBalise West Springfield Auto Parts

end Zone Sponsors Bald HillDodge, Chrysler, Jeep & KIABest Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep & Ram Lombard Equipment

gaming Table Sponsors Bald Hill Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep & KIA Bernardi ABSAP Artioli Chrysler/Dodge HUB International Intercontinental Holdings Colonial Ford Keystone LKQ Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc. Finishmaster Corporation

Spin & win Sponsor Bald Hill Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep & KIA

Cup Sponsor PPGgeneral Sponsors Paster, Rice, &

Castleman Linders, Inc. AASP-MA MidState Chapter AASP-MA Western Chapter

Members, i urge you to supportthe sponsors who support us. Theircontinued participation helps to makeour association a strong representativeof the industry. If you are interested inlearning more about becoming one ofour valued partners, please see oursponsorship categories on the opp-osite page. Thank you again to our

current sponsors. I look forward torecognizing you at our upcomingVendor Appreciation night on Tuesday,March 10, 2015.

In closing, as we come to the endof another year, I cant help but lookforward to the road ahead. The recentstate election will undoubtedly shakethings up within the Commonwealthand allow AASP/MA to strengthen ourcurrent relationships, as well as buildnew partnerships. We also look for-ward to working with the ADALB andthe Division of Insurance on therewrite of 211 and 212 CMR beginningin February. In addition, our success inworking with the Commonwealth Au-tomobile Reinsurers has given us theopportunity to work with them ontheir Performance Standards reviewearly next year.

AASP/MA current members, thankyou for your support. If you are not amember of AASP/MA, I strongly en-courage you to sign up today. We areworking towards solutions for the entireauto body industry, and if youre not apart of the conversation, we cannot beyour voice. Help us be the voice of theindustry, the voice of change and, mostimportantly, help us build the success ofthe auto repair industry.

Sincerely,

Jillian Zywien


A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

AASp/MA looKS TowArDSThe roAD AheAD For 2015

AASP/MAExecutive Direc-tor Jillian Zywien has been a

senior account executive atLynch Associates for over six

years. She can be reached at(617) 574-0741 or via emailat [email protected].

MASSACHUSETTS



AASP/MA 2015 SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

$3,500 Platinum SponsorBanner with logo on the AASP website1/4 page ad in Damage Report ($1,500.00 value)Link to your website from the AASP website ($25.00 value)Promotional listing in Damage Report (monthly newsletter)Vendor Spotlight in Damage ReportAASP Logo use in advertisingListing at all AASP eventsPromotional article in New England Automotive Report (NEAR)Featured article on websiteSpeaking opportunity during one Statewide meeting to introduce your companyMarketing materials distributed at one Statewide meetingAnnual dues (up to $395)Discounted advertising rates in New England Automotive Report (NEAR)

$2,500.00 Gold SponsorProminent listing on AASP websiteBusiness Card ad in Damage Report ($600.00 value)Link to your website from the AASP website ($25.00 value)Promotional listing in Damage Report (monthly newsletter)Vendor Spotlight in Damage ReportAASP Logo use in advertisingListing at all AASP eventsPromotional article in New England Automotive Report (NEAR)Discounted advertising rates in New England Automotive Report (NEAR)

$1,500.00 Silver SponsorLogo on AASP websiteLink to your website from the AASP website ($25.00 value)Promotional listing in Damage Report (monthly newsletter)AASP Logo use in advertisingDiscounted advertising rates in New England Automotive Report (NEAR)

$750.00 Bronze SponsorListed on AASP website Sponsor listPromotional listing in Damage Report (monthly newsletter)AASP Logo use in advertisingDiscounted advertising rates in New England Automotive Report (NEAR)

MASSACHUSETTS



It is undeniable that two of the most important charac-teristics to look for in an insurance company are knowledgeand experience. This is especially true for those in the auto-motive industry. The Wolpert Insurance Agency, whichserves clients all throughout New England, as well as in 20other states, has over half a century of experience in the in-surance industry and offers specialized programs for thosewho work in the automotive service business.

What the customer gets from us is a deep and thor-ough knowledge of their industry and their risk manage-ment needs, says President Michael Wolpert. Weunderstand how insurance interacts and interrelates withthe automotive industry.

The Wolpert Insurance Agency offers unique marketprograms like Garage Liability Coverage, Equipment &Tools Coverage and Garagekeepers Coverage, amongmany others, but saving money on the bottom line is notthe only way that Wolpert Insurance aids their clients.

We bring to the table various services that allow ourclients to obtain additional revenue, says Wolpert. For ex-ample, rental cars. Rental car insurance is typically very ex-pensive, so instead of taking on that cost themselves, manyshops send their customers to specific rental car companies.However, we offer a unique and affordable program forour clients so that they have the opportunity to not onlysave on the bottom line, but to gain on the top line as wellby offering their clients an additional service.

We are far and away the largest provider of insurancein the state for the automotive service industry, adds MikeSwistak, Wolpert Insurances senior account executive, whohas more than 25 years of experience in the field. We writemore body shops than anyone else, and as a result, weknow this market and its challenges better than anyoneelse. Plus, due to our volume, we are very quickly aware ofthe changes in the industry. If a company is looking for

price increases across the board, we are the first to knowabout it.

Wolpert Insurance Agency prides themselves on theirpersonal service through their CollisionSelect program.

Were not the type of company that gives you a 1-800number and wishes you the best of luck, Swistak says.We build a relationship with our clientele and assign thema representative who takes the extra step to understand theparticular environment and working conditions of theirclient. That way, they can give them personalized programsand services that best fit their particular business. A bodyshop is not going to require the same type of coverage as adealership and our agents are well aware of that.

The Wolpert Insurance Agency is a sustaining sponsorof AASP/MA and regularly attends and funds different as-sociation functions and events. They believe in being ac-tively involved in the industry to provide better service totheir consumer.

Were not the kind of insurance agency that writes avariety of different types of insurance for an assortment ofdifferent types of businesses. Were focused on this indus-try and were dedicated to helping it grow, says Swistak.

wolperTinSUrAnCe:DeDiCATeD ToyoUr inDUSTry

MASSACHUSETTS


For more information on Wolpert Insurance and their CollisionSelect program, visit www.wolpert.com, email Mike Swistak or Mike Wolpert [email protected] or [email protected] or call (800) 299-6819.

by Jacquelyn Bauman

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

Contact AASP/MA at (617) 574-0741 / [email protected] for information on becoming an AASP/MA sponsor!

2014 AASP/MA NEWSLETTER SPONSOR

AASP/MA ASKS YOU TO PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!

WOLPERTINSURANCE


LEGAL PERSPECTIVE

Many years ago, the very first question that I wasasked as a lawyer for the state collision repair trade associa-tion was: What can we do about the Labor Rate?

My answer was then, and is now: The association canonly do so much without running into potential antitrustproblems. However, individual shop owners can take mat-ters into their own hands and try to do what is best forthemselves in an attempt to get what they think their shopdeserves as an hourly Labor Rate for their work.

Over the years, I have given advice pertaining to vari-ous tactics that may be used to try to get paid a reasonableLabor Rate. And I know that a number of shops have triedsome of those tactics at different times, with varying de-grees of success. One of the tactics I have suggested is totry to sue insurers for the difference between what thesecarriers are willing to pay for a Labor Rate and what theshop wants to charge. In recent years, there has been agreat deal of talk nationally about shops being able to sueinsurers for all sorts of claims that include, in part, LaborRate differences. These range from individual suits forshort-pays to multidistrict litigation for insurer violationsof the antitrust laws to possible claims of insurance indus-try RICO law violations.

But if a shop is truly interested in bringing a lawsuitagainst an insurer, is willing to limit their claim solely to arelatively small Labor Rate difference and wants to do so assimply, quickly and inexpensively as possible while main-taining a very good chance of winning, then I have a courseof action to suggest. Each body shop must make its own in-dividual business decision as to whether this is somethingthat they might want to do and must decide what LaborRate is right for them. I cannot guarantee the success ofbringing a lawsuit, but if you are interested, the followingis the first part of my suggested step-by-step, do-it-yourselfLabor Rate lawsuit procedure.

FirST: Choose a Labor Rate that you realistically want to chargeand make it no more than whatever the most generous insurer inthe state is currently paying in your geographic area. I do notknow what that rate is, but Im sure that you do. You maywell think that you should be getting a lot more than thatamount, but if you are looking for a quick and inexpensivelawsuit that has the best chance of success, and if you thinkthat it would be beneficial for your shop to get paid moreon jobs performed for those insured by all the other

insurers, then pick the highest number that is already beingpaid by at least one insurer. Of course, if you would besatisfied getting paid less than that, pick a somewhat lowernumber, in which case you may have an even better chanceof success. You can also try picking a Labor Rate that issomewhat higher than the highest that any insurer ispaying, but your chances for success decline sharply if youdo so - at least if you are looking to follow this particularprocedure.

SeConD: If you can, try to determine the range of Labor Ratesbeing charged by other body shops in your area. While this isnot absolutely essential, it is helpful to know what themarket Labor Rate in your area is and to be able to repre-sent that to the Court, as well as whatever insurer you arechoosing to sue. Prepare a chart of area shops and theirLabor Rates.

ThirD: Post your chosen Labor Rate in your shop and write allyour appraisals at that rate. Do not write appraisals at a lowerrate just to accommodate insurers with whom you want toget along. Do not readjust your appraisals to an insurersLabor Rate, even if it allows you to negotiate to the ulti-mate bottom line that you want. Be consistent in the LaborRate that you use in your appraisals, your repair ordersand in your final customer bills.

As an exception, if you want to be a referral shop for aparticular insurer and you are willing to accept whateverthey will allow as a Labor Rate for their shops, then youmay be okay signing their contract. Understand, however,that you are not going to be able to sue your referring in-surer for a higher rate and that you are also not going to be


The perFeCT DiylABor rATe lAwSUiT

part oneby James A. Castleman, Esq.

able to negotiate a higher rate with them. Also understandthat you are accepting a lower Labor Rate in exchange forthe potential increased volume of work that results frombeing a referral shop for the insurer. Additionally, be pre-pared to make that clear to any insurer that you sue, as wellas to the Court.

FoUrTh: Get your customer to assign you their rights againsttheir insurer. The process being described in this article isdependent on you stepping into the shoes of your customerand being able to sue their insurer on their contract of in-surance in their stead - or on a third-party claim, being ableto stand in your customers shoes to sue the other vehicleoperator and their insurer. AASP/MA has Assignment ofRights forms for their members to use, available on theMembers Only pages of their website. Download theforms, tailor them to your shop and use them.

FiFTh: When you negotiate with insurance appraisers, makesure they understand that you are insisting on getting paid yourchosen Labor Rate. You do not want an insurer to come intoCourt and be able to make any showing whatsoever thatyou did not give them notice of what you were demanding.

You can still negotiate in whatever manner you want inregard to the rest of the repair job, whether that involvesP-Pages, paint and material allowances, repair times,

included operations, sublet items, parts prices or anythingelse. Understand that, under the suggested procedure,you are not going to be suing for anything more than thedifference in Labor Rate. So negotiate for whatever you canon the rest of the portions of the job. If you can come to anagreement on everything except the Labor Rate, that will bea major advantage for you when you get to Court.

SiXTh: Make your customer aware of your chosen Labor Rateand that you are going to be charging that amount on yourappraisal, your repair order and your final bill. If you wish, youcan opt to inform your customer that you will not holdthem personally responsible for the difference in LaborRate, in exchange for them assigning to you their rightsagainst their insurer. However, you must disclose yourLabor Rate to your customer, and you should have themsign a repair order that reflects that particular rate.

SevenTh: Whenever you send a Direction to Pay to the in-surer, whether in the course of, or when you finish the work,make sure you inform the insurer that you are seeking additionalfunds and that your demand is based on the difference in yourLabor Rate from what the insurer is paying. Make sure that

continued on pg. 62


STUDENTS OF THE MONTH

As discussed multiple times in this publication, the Auto-motive Collision Repair Technology department at the RogerL. Putnam Vocational Technical Academy in Springfield is eas-ily one of the most prominent educational facilities in the state.Under the guidance of instructors John Kennedy and RayLapite, the program has placed multiple students into profes-sional careers via a strong co-op relationship with area shops.Thanks to this arrangement, the Massachusetts collision repaircommunity has been introduced to Ana Perez and JohanAmaro, two promising young automotive students who aresetting the stage for impressive and fulfilling careers in thefield through their work at Ricks Auto Body in Springfield.

Ricks Auto Bodys involvement in the Putnam co-op pro-gram is a personal affair. Shop owner Rick Recor is a formerstudent, while Production Manager Mike Haniffy has knownKennedy for years. Currently, roughly 20 percent of the shops30-plus person crew is comprised of Putnam graduates. Eachyear, the team at Ricks opens their doors to students lookingfor an opportunity to shine in a genuine body shop environ-ment.

Theyre the future, Haniffy says. Were always willingto take kids in and let them join the workforce to see what itsreally about. John and I have a good relationship, so Im prettyconfident that the kids who are available for co-op are star ath-letes, so to speak. We welcome them with open arms. As thisarticle was going to press, Nafees Nadeem, a third Putnamstudent, started at the shops parts department.

Ricks Auto Body Operations Manager Chuck Laprade isespecially impressed by the fact that Putnam students arelearning how to utilize estimating systems.

Coming into a shop environment where we have to enterall the insurance estimates into our system to the penny, its ahuge difference [for students] to have that knowledge comingin, he explains. Theres less to train them on, so you havequicker production out of them.

Not surprisingly, Kennedy is incredibly proud of whatAmaro and Perez have achieved so far on their journey.

They both have drive, desire and a dedication to the col-lision industry, he says. Theyre both professionally orientedand love to go to work every day. When theyre in their offweek, they both stop by and say how much they love theirjobs.

Perezs interest in the automotive world started at an earlyage thanks to her father, who used to work at a collision repairshop.

When I went to Putnam, I knew I had to take [Automo-tive Collision Repair Technology], she says.

Her hard work in the Putnam program has paid off in bigways, as her already-extensive knowledge of various parts of acar enables her to accurately enter estimate information whenshes in the shops front office.

When asked to name her favorite vehicle, Perez citedChevrolet without a moments hesitation.

I like how theyve evolved over time, the style and howthey really pay attention to detail when they put out newmodels, she says.

Very happy with her co-op experience, Perez hopes to con-tinue at Ricks after graduation.

Its a great place, she says. The people are awesome.Currently working at Ricks as a prepper/primer, Amaro

was just four years old when he was first introduced to cars bywatching his dad, then a professional auto painter, in action.

It runs in the blood! he says. Now pursuing his own path in the profession, this Ferrari

and Lamborghini fan plans to continue working at the shopbeyond graduation while also studying business in college.Since he succeeded in making that all-important transitionfrom the classroom to the real deal, what is the best adviceAmaro would offer Putnam students preparing to explore asimilar experience?

Pay attention the whole time in class to what Mr.Kennedy or Mr. Lapite tell you; it is really important, hestresses. Dont mess around; do all your work and keep yourgrades up.

AnA pereZ & JohAn AMAro If you are working with a co-op student or know a talented young tech and would like to nominate him or her for Student of theMonth, please contact Editor Joel Gausten at [email protected]. Vocational school instructors are also welcome to nominate!

MASSACHUSETTS

BUILDING THE SUCCESS OF THE AUTO REPAIR INDUSTRY24 December 2014 New England Automotive Report


Those were the words of outgoing AASp/MApresident paul hendricks as he took a look aroundat the full room of association members, sponsors,vendors, family and friends that gathered at the putnamClub at gillette Stadium in Foxborough on november 15for the seventh annual Casino night. For this yearsevent, the association (with the help of the executive teamat lynch Associates) not only selected the exciting newvenue, but also offered attendees special vip tours of apart of the stadium that only sports teams and majorperformers get to see. it was a truly unforgettableSaturday night and an opportunity for the Massachusettsautomotive community to simply have fun after a year ofhard work.

As in past years, the 2014 Casino night served tointroduce the next AASp/MA Board of Directors. (See thecaption to the photo on page 28 for a complete list ofmembers.) Addressing the crowd during his last night asAASp/MA president, hendricks thanked his colleagueson the Board for all they do in support of the group andthe industry it serves.

without the help of the Board of Directors theindividuals who are basically running this association i

There is nothing possible that I can think of that would overtake this place!

COVER STORY

AASP/MA Hits the Field at

Casino Night

could not have been as successful as i was, he said. in her first address as incoming AASp/MA president,

Molly Brodeur thanked a number of individuals whohelped her on her path to leadership.

paul [hendricks] is certainly a mentor to me, sheshared. he has led the association through a two-yeartransition period; hes done an amazing job and hes beenwonderful to me. hes really been a great example of whatit means to be a leader.

Brodeur also expressed her appreciation for fellowBoard member Tom ricci, who taught me that being partof the association especially in a leadership role isabout whats best for this industry, always, as well asincoming Collision Director rick Starbard, who oftenaccompanied her on trips to national industry events andtook me under his wing and helped me feel comfortablein that space.

in addition to showing gratitude to her husband, Tony,for staying at home to raise their four children, sheacknowledged her father, Al, for first introducing her toassociation life and inspiring her to devote time tobettering the industry.

Photos and Story by Joel Gausten

story continued on pg. 30


COVER STORY

The new AASP/MA Board of Directors (with sponsors), L to R: Northeast Chapter Representative Alex Falzone, MidState Chapter RepresentativeTom Ricci, Southeast Chapter Representative Michael Penacho, Treasurer Kevin Gallerani, MidState Chapter Representative Ray Belsito, Secretary Gary Cloutier, Scott MacDonald (of Board of Directors Co-Sponsor West Springfield Auto Parts), Jack Tyner (of Board of Directors

Co-Sponsor Balise), Southeast Chapter Representative Darlene Andrade, Vice President Adam Ioakim, Immediate Past President Paul Hendricks,President Molly Brodeur, Northeast Chapter Representative Kevin Kyes. Not pictured: Collision Director Rick Starbard, Western Chapter Representative Peter Langone

Incoming AASP/MA President Molly Brodeurthanked Outgoing President Paul Hendricks

for being a mentor to her.

Greg Rusnack and Andrea Kershaw of Casino Night Sponsors Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Casino Night emcee Peter D'Agostino

TeXAS holD eMThe winners!

gifts presented by executive Director Jillian Zywien

First Place Winner Hugo Pike (BASF)

Second Place Winner Scott MacDonald (West Springfield

Auto Parts)

Third Place WinnerRobert Rondeau (Hendricks

Auto Body)


Tour guides gave

AASP/MA members

and guests an

intimate VIP

look inside one of

America's most

famous venues!

SilenT AUCTion winnerS

Bino Dos Santos of Keystone Automotive won the Lottery Tree

raffle prize donated by Linders, Inc.

Roger Rondeau (Hendricks Auto Body)won Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins tickets(sponsored by RH Long) and Red Sox

tickets (sponsored by Bald Hill).

Richard Lewis (Colonial Auto of Worcester) and his wife Marcia won theBroadway in Boston prize (donated by

Lexus of Watertown).

loTTery Tree


COVER STORY

very quickly, i fell in love with all of you,she said. i could feel the passion that he had,and it didnt take me long to feel the same.Thank you, Dad, for bringing me into theindustry, orienting me to the association and forallowing me to continue to participate at thislevel.

Additionally, Brodeur recognized longtimeAASp/MA supporter Joann nalewanski (edsAuto Body, easthampton) for her efforts inorganizing the previous six Casino nights onbehalf of the association.

She did an amazing job; everybodyalways had a great time, she said. She reallymade it a family event, and she really got toknow everybody in the industry. She caredabout us all.

Congratulations to this years Casino nightwinners: Texas holdem (sponsored by BestChrysler, Dodge, Jeep & ram in memory of JimSimeone, with trophies and gift cards donatedby the AASp/MA western Chapter): First place- hugo pike (BASF), Second place - ScottMacDonald (west Springfield Auto parts),Third place - robert rondeau (hendricks AutoBody); high roller (sponsored by ira Toyota ofDanvers): Chris Szymanski; Spin & win(presented by Bald hill): $50 gift card ericDicrescenzo of Todays Collision, $50 gift card greg rusnack of enterprise rent-A-Car, $100gift card Barbara Mclachlan of lennys AutoBody, pair of red Sox tickets TJ McClementsof Bernardi Acura of Boston/Boston Body Shopand Kyle Bertone of hogan & van; Shopowner-only prizes: Five i-CAr Classes(donated by i-CAr) - Jim Audet of precisionAuto rebuilders, Three free months ofcoaching from one eighty Business Solutions -ruy DaSilva of Artistic Auto Body, equipmentfrom lombard equipment - Ken McCalsky ofK&D Auto Body; Silent Auction: Broadway inBoston (donated by lexus of watertown) -Dick lewis of Colonial Auto of worcester,patriots vs. Miami Dolphins tickets (sponsoredby rh long)/red Sox tickets (sponsored byBald hill) - roger rondeau (hendricks Auto Body), Celtics vs. Bulls tickets (sponsored byKwik Auto Body Supplies) - Ken McCalsky ofK&D Auto Body.

Special thanks to the following companiesfor donating the amazing raffle prizes awardedat this years event: Marcotte Ford, Aflac,Sherwin-williams, the AASp/MA western andMidState Chapters, Keystone Automotive,Sullivan Bros., linders inc., imperial, hogan &van, west Springfield Auto parts, Don Kennett,inc., Bald hill, wagner BMw, ArtioliChrysler/Dodge and Balise.

MASSACHUSETTS


Spin & winThe winners! gifts presented by executive Director Jillian Zywien

Clockwise from right: Barbara Mclachlanof Lenny's Auto Body walked away with a$100 Spin & Win gift card; Kyle Bertone(Hogan & Van) scored Red Sox ticketsthanks to the Spin & Win; Ken McCalskyof K&D Auto Body won equipment fromLombard Equipment as a Shop Owner-Only prize AND Celtics vs. Bulls tickets(sponsored by Kwik Auto Body Supplies)at the Silent Auction; TJ McClementswon a pair of Red Sox tickets at the Spin& Win; Eric Dicrescenzo of Today'sCollision won a $50 gift card at the Spin& Win.


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TECHNICAL FEATURE

The oeM STAnDArD AnD yoU:whAT Are yoU prepAreD For?

by Larry Montanez III, CDA & Jeff Lange, PE

For the past three to four years, the concept of formalindustry-based repair standards has been a hot topic formany. To sum it up in a few words, we believe that the con-cept is ridiculous. Why? By and large, the original equip-ment manufacturers (OEMs) provide repair standards fortheir vehicles. The work has already been done by the peo-ple who made the vehicle you are trying to repair.

We have written articles about the definitions andmeaning of words including, but not limited to: Endorse, ev-idence, guide, manual, opinion, procedure, prohibited, proof, rec-ommendation, requirement, standard and suggestion. We havealso explained that, in our experience, an OEM proceduretrumps an industry-based procedure or practice. In a courtof law, the judge only wants to know what the OEM says,PERIOD! Now, if you have read our articles, you alreadyknow that some OEMs do not produce standards. Theseinclude (at the time of this writing) Hyundai and Kia, whodo not publish collision repair information in the USA.Maybe a discussion about repair standards for these OEsmay be necessary, but all the other OEMs do provide colli-sion repair information. Although we believe there is aplace for the development of repair standards for theOEMs, this article is about some of the changes in the re-pair procedures from the OEMs that have set standards.

AlUMinUM ConSTrUCTionWe have written a couple of articles about vehicle de-

sign and construction, but we predicted back in 2004 thatthe all-new 2004 BMW E60/E61 (5/6 Series) would be thefuture of automobile design. We made this predictionbased on rumors about aluminum-intensive vehicles suchas the Acura NSX, Audi A8, Honda Insight and Jaguar XJ in2004. Well, skip forward 10 years, and the Audi A8 andJaguar XJ are still aluminum-intensive vehicles, but OEMshave added the Audi R8, Jaguar XK, Land Rover RangeRover, Mercedes-Benz SLS (197), Tesla and almost everyhigh-end exotic super car to the list of aluminum-intensiveconstruction. Conversely, over the past 10 years, the OEMshave produced aluminum-steel vehicles, commonlyreferred to as hybrid-construction vehicles. These vehiclesincluded, but were not limited to: Audi TT, Mercedes-BenzCL (216) and S (221 and 222), Porsche 911 (991) andPanamera (970). Most late-model Audis, BMWs and eventhe Cadillac ATS have steel construction with aluminumstrut towers. And of course, Fords all new F-150 will havean aluminum-intensive body. Repairs to aluminum-inten-sive vehicles require a lot of investment, training, specificwelding certifications (generally to an ISO standard),

specific tools, riveting and structural repair equipment andspecific materials. Some programs have parts restrictionsand (of course) dealer sponsorship is generally required.Even the aluminum strut tower vehicles require specificadhesives, rivets and tools for replacement of the tower.Repairs to these vehicles are not for every repair facility toattempt.

welDing eqUipMenT AnD reqUireMenTSWe mentioned aluminum vehicles and welding in the

previous section. There are specific Metal Inert Gas (MIG)welders required to weld aluminum-intensive vehicles.What about welding steel vehicles? Most OEMs preferSqueeze Type Resistance Spot Welds (STRSW) to Gas MetalArc Welding (GMAW)/Metal Active Gas (MAG) Weldingwhen welding on flanges. Many OEMs require STRSWonly; others have requirements for rivets where the STRSWarms cannot access both sides of the weld area. More re-cently, OEMs are now requiring the use of SiliconeBronze/MIG Brazing to sectioning joints, either open buttor lap on fillet welds, on outer body panels and some veryselect inner structural reinforcement panels. OEs like VW,Mercedes-Benz, Honda and Toyota have repair proceduresthat require silicone-bronze. Only a few OEM Collision Re-pair Programs require a specific MIG Brazing welder, whilemost give suggestions of which machine to purchase. Thecost of a Program Aluminum MIG welder can exceed$15,000. STRSW machines generally run $20,000 or betterfor an approved one, but MIG Brazing machines are gener-ally inexpensive and should run $500 to $1,000. MAG, MIGand silicone bronze welding all require different techniquesand lots of practice. Of course, attending a training courseis essential. Many technicians are surprised when they aretested during training and their welds fail. This is generallydue to their technique, body position, eye sight, welding

mask, incorrect training and/or acombination of these.

STrUCTUrAl repAireqUipMenT

We have written numerous articleson structural repair techniques, an-choring and equipment, but therehave been some changes. The threemost approved structural repairequipment makers are Celette, Car-O-Liner and CarBench. (The fourth isGlobal Jig and the fifth is Spanesi.)These types of equipment are bench-type systems that use specific fixturejigs (Celette) or universal jigs (the oth-ers) to anchor the vehicle to the benchby affixing the anchors to mountinglocations and not to the rocker panelflanges. At one time, these types ofstructural repair equipment werepretty much for the Germans and ex-otics. Well, this is not the case any-more. Chrysler now requires six- toeight-point anchoring on some of theirvehicles. Chrysler has stated that this

is required due to the rocker panel de-sign and that they cannot support theapplied forces.

eleCTroniCSWith all the creature comforts and

automatic safety features built intotodays vehicles, it is amazing thatthere are not more problems with theiroperation. Collision repairers mustunderstand two important thingsabout todays electronically advancedvehicles.

1. Most vehicles will not set a Mal-function Indictor Lamp (MIL) forevery single fault. In many cases, therecan be multiple Diagnostic TroubleCodes (DTCs) with no MILs present. This is why it is imperative that repairfacilities purchase code readers toknow what may be wrong with avehicle system.

2. Most collision-damaged vehicleswill need a trip to the dealer for a mul-

titude of reasons. Most dealers willhave the equipment not only to resetsystems, but also to initialize certainsystems. There are scan tools avail-able, such as the ASTech tool, thatdirectly links over the internet to anOEM scan tool for a cost. Its worth itto check out these options available toan independent facility, so as to tryand alleviate that trip to the dealer.

Some OEMs require the parkingsensors to be re-aimed if the fascia wasremoved from the vehicle. Most OEMswill require the Passenger Seat WeightSensor be re-weighed after any colli-sion event. Back-up cameras really as-sist with backing and parkingprocedures, but some OEMs requirethe cameras to be re-aimed at thedealer due to the steering angle assem-bly. There are multiple OEMs withelectronic assist steering systems thatrequire specialized wheel alignments,and most of these vehicles areequipped with a ride height controlsystem, which requires setting thealignment at multiple heights. Lanedeparture systems are equipped in avariety of vehicles, from the economytype all the way up to the luxurysedans to exotics, and this system maywork with the parking assist system orhave its own radar/sensor that re-quires adjustment and setting after acollision event.

The FUTUre iS now?As is now common knowledge,

the all-new Ford F-150 will be releasedwith multiple aluminum panels. Wepredict that in the next two to threeyears, more and more high-volumevehicles will be released with morelightweight substrates to combat theCAF rules. BMW has alreadyreleased the all-new i3, which is acarbon fiber monocoque structure.Lamborghini already produces acarbon fiber center tub, but we thinkthere might be a slight price differenceand production amount between thesetwo vehicles.

Training, specialized equipmentand investments will be required forall who want to stay in business. Wesee a lot of complaining and fighting


TECHNICAL FEATURE

continued on pg. 59

INDUSTRY WEEK RECAP

On November 5, the Alliance ofAutomotive Service Providers held itsNational Affiliate Board Meeting atthe Westgate Las Vegas Hotel &Casino in conjunction with the 2014SEMA Show. The morning meetingdrew participation from nine AASPstate affiliates and allowed attendeesto gain insight into each organizationsefforts to support the industry.

In her affiliate report, AASP/MAExecutive Director Jillian Zywienupdated the other AASP state repre-sentatives on the associations manyactivities in 2014. In addition torecently succeeding in getting the De-partment of Insurance to approve achange to the Commonwealth Auto-mobile Reinsurers standards, theAASP/MA Board of Directors and Ex-ecutive Team have met with the Attor-ney Generals Office on issues theyhave been experiencing, including aninsurer that is operating an illegaldrive-in claim service. Additionally,the association plans to attend aspecial listening session in February

regarding possible changes to CMR211 and 212, the state regulations thatgovern auto body shops. AASP/MAhas already been involved in meetingswith the Department of Insurance andthe Auto Damage Appraiser LicensingBoard (ADALB) on things theyd liketo see changed in the regulations inorder to improve conditions withinthe states collision repair industry.

Looking ahead, Zywien noted thatthe association is looking to re-launchits Labor Rate campaign at the StateHouse.

Were trying to come at it from adifferent way, she said. Were look-ing at possible language changes forthat.

In October, AASP/MA hostedMississippi attorney John Eaves Jr. fora presentation on his current multi-district lawsuit against a number of in-surers (Working Smart: ChapterMeetings Elevate Repairer Knowl-edge, NEAR, October 2014). Incom-ing AASP/MA Collision Director RickStarbard noted that there are shops in

Massachusetts that have joined thesuit.

Well be interested to see wherethat goes, he said.

In addition to a presentation byAASP-PA Board member GregMcVicker on his recently co-foundedinitiative, www.TheTalentMonger.com (described on the site as a careermarketplace that connects collisionshop owners with local, qualified localtechnicians), Aaron Lowe of the AutoCare Association (formerly the Auto-motive Aftermarket Industry Associa-tion [AAIA]) presented an overview ofthe organizations endeavors in rela-tion to telematics in vehicles (fromboth the diagnostic and driver/end-user aspects).

Our contention is that the driver -the owner of the vehicle - should havecontrol of the data collected on theirvehicle, Lowe explained. Right now,the manufacturer controls all of thatdata.

AASp/MA proviDeS yeAr-enD reporTAT nATionAl AFFiliATe MeeTing

continued on pg. 59

Incoming AASP/MA Collision Director Rick Starbard and Executive Director Jillian Zywien represented the association at the AASP National Board meeting in Las Vegas.


INDUSTRY WEEK RECAP

On November 4, the American automotive educationcommunity became $1.5 million richer.

During its annual Reception at the SEMA Show in LasVegas, the Collision Repair Education Foundation awardedthis amount in monetary and in-kind donations to some ofthe 103 schools in 32 states that applied for the 2014 Ulti-mate Collision Education Makeover Grant. Schools werealso awarded donations made possible by grants fromGEICO, CCC and American Family Insurance.

The Collision Repair Education Foundation is a501(c)(3)charity that receives and distributes both monetaryand product donations that are made by the collision repairindustry.

We had an incredible year, noted Brandon Eckenrode,the Foundations director of development. You guys, everyyear, showcase what a generous industry this is.

The reason why the Foundation exists is the fact thatcars and how theyre made up [are] changing, headded. We in the industry need qualified technicians andindustry members to be able to repair these vehicles...Nowis the time for us to be helping out these instructors to en-sure that they have everything they need to teach these stu-dents.

In addition to providing much-needed donations todeserving schools, the Foundation used the Reception asan opportunity to publicly honor 3M, AudaExplore andCCC for their support as $5 Million+ Lifetime Donors.

Since 2009, the Foundation has surpassed $30 millionin donations to schools. Half of these donations were madepossible by 3M, AudaExplore and CCC, who have eachgiven $5 million to the Foundation since its inception. The$1 Million+ Lifetime Donors include Allstate and State

ColliSion repAireDUCATion FoUnDATionAwArDS $1.5M To AUTo BoDy SChoolS

Inset: Attendees bid on special bowling pins painted by collision repair students from across the country. Bottom: The Collision Repair EducationFoundation welcomed and celebrated students at their annual Reception.


INDUSTRY WEEK RECAP

Farm. This years donors in the$100,000-to-$500,000 range includeAllstate, Chief, Cumberland, Enter-prise Rent-A-Car, I-CAR, LKQ, MCRSafety, National Coatings & Supplies,ProSpot, Quest Automotive Products,SCRS and Sherwin-Williams.

The Foundation also receivedfunding through two special eventsheld throughout the year: The Cars,Career & Celebrities Expo in Dallas,TX (sponsored by AudaExplore, Chief,PDR Linx, Hollander, 3M, Hertz, En-terprise Rent-A-Car, PPG, ProSpot,Service King and the Van Tuyl Group)and a special Golf Fundraiser (co-sponsored by PPG) held duringNACE. Combined, these events raised$385,000 in monetary and in-kinddonations.

Funds were also raised during the

Reception via a special Paint the PinSilent Auction facilitated by Artists 4Education that offered attendees achance to bid on bowling pins paintedby collision repair students across thecountry.

Each of the 2014 Ultimate Colli-sion Education Makeover Grant win-ners will have their $50,000 wish listfulfilled through the Collision RepairEducation Foundation and industrydonors/supporters. The 2014Makeover applicant schools have al-ready received over $1.5 million (intotal) in product donations, which av-erages to roughly $15,000 donated toevery school that applied for thegrant.

In 2012, AASP/MA began a part-nership with the Collision RepairEducation Foundation to offer tool

grants to deserving collision repairstudents in the Commonwealth. Thegrants are funded by AASP/MAmembers and the local industrythrough the associations annual Mid-State BBQ and other initiatives. Mas-sachusetts collision students are ableto apply for the tool grant as part ofthe Foundations annual studentscholarship and grant offerings. Thetool grants help provide Massachu-setts students with proper repairequipment and assist in studentsbeing productive, efficient and capa-ble employees from day one on the jobafter graduation.

More information on the CollisionRepair Education Foundation is available at www.collisioneducationfoundation.com.


2014 Ultimate Collision education Makeover $50,000 School grant: Secondary winnerThomas A. Edison CTE High School (Jamaica, NY)2014 Ultimate Collision education Makeover $50,000 School grant: post-Secondary winnerThaddeus Stevens College of Technology (Lancaster, PA)

The Collision Repair Education Foundation also awarded several runner-up Makeover grant schools. Each of these schools will have $5,000-$15,000 of their collision program wish lists fulfilled:

2014 Ultimate Collision educationMakeover: Secondary runner-UpSchool recipientsEast Valley Institute of Technology(Mesa, AZ)Lex La-Ray Technical Center(Lexington, MO)Norwalk High School (Norwalk, CA)Technical College High SchoolBrandywine Campus (Downingtown,PA)

2014 Ultimate Collision educationMakeover: post-Secondary runner-Up School recipientsCape Fear Community College(Wilmington, NC)Cerritos College (Norwalk, CA)Erie Community College (OrchardPark, NY)

2014 geiCo $6,750 grantsHillsborough Community College(Tampa, FL) Norwalk High School (Norwalk, CA) Texas State Technical College (Waco, TX) Wilson Tech (Dix Hills, NY)

2014 American Family insurance$4,000 grantsKaskaskia College (Centralia, IL)Lake Washington Institute of Technology (Kirkland, WA)Northland Community & TechnicalCollege (Thief River Falls, MN)Southwest Wisconsin Technical College (Fennimore, WI)

2014 CCC information Services $10,000 Classroom enhancement grantEllicottville Career & Technical Center(Ellicottville, NY)

2014 ColliSion repAir eDUCATion FoUnDATionAwArD winnerS:

New England Automotive Report December 2014 45MASSACHUSETTS


FEATURE

On November 4-7, more than 100,000 automotiveenthusiasts and professionals gathered at the Las VegasConvention Center for the 2014 installment of the world-famous SEMA Show. Closed to the general public, thisannual extravaganza offered everything from educationalseminars and collision repair industry meetings to a vastarray of vendors and some of the most fascinating customcars on the planet.

Returning for a fifth year at the Show, the Society ofCollision Repair Specialists (SCRS) offered a slew of specialRepairer Driven Education (RDE) classes designed to helpattendees guide their shops through an ever-changingbusiness climate. These offerings were of particular interestto Incoming AASP/MA Collision Director Rick Starbard,who spent a week in Vegas taking in as many learningopportunities as possible.

I think [SCRS RDE classes] are head and shouldersabove the type of education we were getting previously atNACE, he opines. I think the fact that they call [theprogram] Repairer Driven Education is right on point. Idont need to sit in seminars instructed by insurance peopletelling me how to be a better partner to the insuranceindustry.

Starbard was especially pleased with the Web-centriccourses offered at SEMA, including Creating EngagingConsumer Videos for Marketing (a panel discussion ledby Kristen Felder of Collision Hub) and Managing Online

Reviews - How Your Reputation Hangs Precariously in theBalance (presented by Mark Claypool of Optima Automo-tive). With more and more shops utilizing YouTube andother video services to market their services to consumers,Felders discussion aimed to help attendees learn how todevelop video ideas, plan a shoot, select talent, choose anideal location, promote the video once its completed andmuch more. Starbard was one of many attendees whofound this information useful.

[Felder] has the experience and the statistics to supportwhat she says, and its really timely, he says.

Looking back on Claypools seminar, Starbard believesthat more shops would benefit from taking time out toinvestigate how they are perceived online where even onebad review could potentially destroy a new customerrelationship.

As he sees it, In the days that we live in now, whereeverything is so Internet-driven, its so important to makesure you have a good online presence and your reputationis up there. Otherwise, you fall to the bottom.

Obviously, no collision education program presented in2014 would be complete without aluminum repair. Shopslooking for the latest facts and insights into this growingautomotive trend had plenty to choose from at SEMA,including classes presented by I-CAR AluminumQualification Test Administrator Shawn Collins and

AASp/MA AT SeMA:A SpeCiAlreporTby Joel Gausten

New AASP/MA Collision Director Rick Starbard (right)joined other national AASP reps in enjoying the

SCRS RDE Sky Villa After-party at SEMA.

The Collison Repair & Refinish section at this yearsSEMA was booming from start to finish.



frequent New England Automotive Report Technical WriterLarry Montanez. During Dispelling Common CollisionRepair Myths on November 4, Collins (who serves assenior technical service engineer for 3M) stressed that,despite the hype surrounding aluminum, its use in vehiclesis nothing new.

Truck shops have been repairing aluminum vehiclesfor many, many years, he offered.

Collins noted that I-CARs focus on developingaluminum repair classes dates back at least 15 years, butthat this attention soon shifted to high-strength steels.Naturally, things have changed in a big way now thataluminum-intensive vehicles like the 2015 Ford F-150 aremaking headlines throughout the field

Its really not that new to our industry, he said. Itsjust that we need to get caught up again.

In Montanezs mind, getting caught up means mak-ing sure that todays technicians know exactly what theyregetting into before attempting a repair on an aluminumvehicle. During Aluminum Repair Procedures, Techniquesand Requirements, this Audi/Mercedes Benz-certifiedwelder strongly encouraged his students to strictly abideby the OEMs recommended procedures at all times.

Theres really, truly only one standard, which is whatthe manufacturer puts out, he stated. Plain and simple.

With the industry demanding new training all the time,Collins implored shop owners to put in the time necessaryto get their techs up to speed with everything thats goingon around them.

In our industry, we have a tendency to tell technicians,Do this, do that, dont do this, dont do that, [but] wedont really explain why, he offered. When you tell themwhy, theyre more inclined to actually listen. But if youdont explain why to them, a lot of them will continue torepair under the same values that they always have.

AASP/MA Executive Director Jillian Zywien, whojoined Starbard in representing AASP/MA at the festivities,was especially impressed by the aluminum educationavailable at SEMA 2014.

SCRS always has its finger on the pulse of whatsgoing on in the industry, she explains. Their program onaluminum was especially important for collision repairshops throughout the country. Gone are the days of simplevehicle repairs; with the expansion of technology in ourcars comes the need for education and knowledge.

Away from the Show, Starbard and Zywien partici-pated in the AASP National Board Meeting on November 5(see page 40). By being a part of this special gathering,these AASP/MA representatives were able to tap into whatother AASP affiliates are doing on behalf of the industry.Unlike most associations, AASP/MA has the ties necessaryto give its regional members national representation whenneeded.

We are so lucky to have a strong parent organizationin AASP National, shares Zywien. The affiliates can reallyshare ideas, discuss issues and strategize for solutions. It isimportant to work together to create a strong voice for theindustry. One of the greatest takeaways from the meetingwas the new Talent Monger website launch (www.thetalentmonger.com). Talent Monger is a tool for shops topost job opportunities and seek qualified individuals to fillthose positions. Techs can create an online rsum to show-case their skills and secure a career in the industry.

Youre communicating with other leaders who arespread apart in other parts of the country, adds Starbardon the benefits of attending the National Meeting. Its alsogood that were able to harness our numbers and diversitythroughout the country to gain some member benefits,and it enables us to take on initiatives such as the DatabaseEnhancement Gateway [DEG].

On a personal note, Zywiens favorite part of the SEMAexperience was getting the chance to walk the floor.

I was able to connect with some of AASP/MAsbiggest supporters and sponsors, she says. I look forwardto recognizing all of AASP/MAs supporters at our upcom-ing Vendor Appreciation Night on March 10, 2015. Mem-bers, please support those vendors who support yourassociation!

With the collision repair industrys presence at SEMAthe strongest it has ever been, all signs point to an evengreater journey next year. If youve been to the show in re-cent years, you know how amazing it is. If youve nevertaken that flight to Vegas in early November, make plans tobe there in 2015.

Fords 2015 F-150 was one of many aluminum-intensivevehicles discussed at this years show.

MASSACHUSETTS


My New Years resolutionis to quit smoking. Again.

Next year, I want to spend more time with mykids. Theyre three, five and nine and theyrenot going to be that way forever. I think I wantto take them on at least three mini-vacationsthis year.

To read more. My son keepstrying to get me into this Gameof Thrones stuff, so maybe Illstart with that.

Id like to open up asecond location. I knowthat might not happenthis year, but my reso-lution is to start puttingthat into motion.

I had to cancel my va-cation this year becauseof family and workstuff, so my New YearsResolution is to actuallygo on a vacation that Ischedule.

THE LISTWe reached out to some of our readers tofind out what they hope to do in 2015.

My NewYearsResolutionIs...

Ive got to eat healthier. Probablyshould start cutting fast food out ofmy diet. Shame its so delicious.


To double my numbers from last year. Thatsbeen my resolution since I opened up eight yearsago and I havent done it yet.

My wife wants me to get into meditation,so my New Years resolution is to trickmy wife into thinkingIm meditating.

To sleep more. But lets see if that really happens.

I want to get into shape. I noticed myselfhuffing and puffing going up the stairs theother day.

With Fords 2015 F-150 pickups aluminumalloy bodies about to hit the market, repairshops are preparing for the new challenges thataluminum body repair work will entail. This in-cludes handling messy and potentially explosiveairborne dust caused by grinding or sanding.

The aluminum body revolution is an indus-try game changer. General Motors has alreadysignaled that updates of its Chevrolet Silveradoand GMC Sierra pickups will feature aluminumbodies in the fall of 2018. By 2025, seven outof 10 new pickup trucks produced in NorthAmerica will be aluminum-bodied, according toa 2015 North American Light Vehicle AluminumContent Study by Ducker Worldwide.

To meet the demand, body shops mustadapt to the challenges of working with alu-minum with dedicated tools, equipment andtraining.

All aluminum bodies from Fords F-seriesto Chevy and GMC are going to have a majorimpact on the collision auto body industry in thenext few years, says Gary Gardella Jr., co-owner and production manager at County LineAuto Body, a Ford-certified collision repair shop.

But the recent introduction of mass-pro-duced aluminum bodied vehicles has broughtthe issue of aluminum dust into the spotlight.

This dust, created by sanding, grinding,welding and cutting, can cause combustibledust fires and even explosions and also affectthe quality of paintwork due to cross-contami-nation.

Cross-contamination occurs when alu-minum dust settles on nearby steel panels oriron oxide dust settles on aluminum panels priorto primer or paint. The result is poor adhesionand quality issues.

Isolating aluminum repairs with curtains ordividers can help prevent cross contaminationbut does not prevent the risk of fire or explo-sion. Aluminum dust poses a combustion haz-ard in high concentrations and is particularlycombustible when airborne and finely separated.

Even if a typical vacuum system containingdry aluminum dust within it were to draw in agrinding spark or even experience a spark fromstatic electricity, it could ignite and cause a fireor explosion.

Ford, for its part, is at the forefront of set-ting the guidelines and requirements for work-ing with aluminum-bodied vehicles for bothFord dealerships and independent body shops.

Among the 2014 requirements for FordsNational Body Shop Program, for instance, is adedicated aluminum dust extraction systemwith wet mix technology.

An aluminum wet mix air filtration systemsafely captures aluminum dust at its source,while using water to ensure potentially explosivealuminum dust particles do not become air-borne within the unit.

One such system from Clayton Associatesdirects the air stream and aluminum dustthrough a series of air filtration baffles thatbursts the air bubbles and thoroughly wets thedust before the air exits the vacuum.

Claytons immersion separator involves agravity feed drain with a funnel-shaped bottomand water spray-down system inside. This en-ables a safer, full-system, flush out to facilitatedaily maintenance. The sludge is then filtered bythe unit to remove aluminum residue so it canbe safely discharged.

Safe, high efficiency, aluminum dust cap-ture technology like Claytons is going to makeour industry safer, says Gardella.

For more info, call (732) 363-2100; (800)248-8650 toll free; Fax (732) 364-6084; [email protected] or visitwww.jclayton.com.

COLLISION REPAIRSHOPS BRACEFOR CHALLENGESOF ALUMINUMBODYWORK

INDUSTRY NEWS

MASSACHUSETTS




AASp/MA: Making progresscontinued from pg. 9

Massachusetts to assess their equipment andimplementation of I-CAR curriculum andtechnology, including estimating software.There are some significant disparities fromschool to school and wed like to close the gapso that all schools are operating on an equalplatform. It is a collaborative effort amongstteachers and repairers through our partner-ship with the Collision Repair EducationFoundation (CREF). Weve already started thediscussion with the Massachusetts VocationalTechnical Directors Association, and there is alot of excitement around how the industryand schools are coming together to addressthese issues. Collision repair is an excellentfield to work in, and we are going to workhard to promote that to future industry mem-bers from here on out.

As you can see, AASP/MA has a longroad of work ahead, but I am eager to get towork with my fellow Board members to makeour goals into a reality. With new faces on ourteam and a clear plan in place, the sky is trulythe limit.

AASP/MAPresident Molly Brodeuris the Chief Operating Officer of

Al Brodeurs Auto Body inMarlborough, MA. She can be reached

at (508) 485-1082 [email protected]

MASSACHUSETTS


The Auto Care Association is devoting time and resources to edu-cate the industry on how they can connect to their customers with thisinformation, and they are gearing up for an eventual legislative pushto return data control to vehicle owners.

The main goal is to work together to try and develop technicalsolutions for the telematics issue, he said.

In other news, AASP National President Bruce Tschida and otherAASP Affiliate representatives participated in a special Industry Sum-mit and planning session held at the Venetian Hotel on November 4 bythe Auto Care Advocacy Network, a newly formed organization com-prised of representatives from AASP, the Auto Care Association andthe Alliance of State Automotive Aftermarket Associations (ASAAA).Initially organized last year, the grassroots Network exists to enable itsparticipating member associations to address anti-industry issues,educate lawmakers, promote positive industry initiatives and speak tothe general motoring public in one collective voice.

Moving forward, the Network plans to include at least one keystate or regional association from every US state. The Network will beguided by a Steering Committee, comprised of two members from thethree main associations, and managed by the Auto Care Association.

In order for the Network to support or address a particular indus-try issue, a consensus must be met among all participating associationsthat engagement would not pit one sector of the industry againstanother. Engagement would be at the Steering Committees discretion.The Network plans to issue regular news and updates to the automo-tive media throughout 2015.

A structure and call-to-action center for facilitating a comprehen-sive and systematic response to confront anti-industry initiatives andto promote initiatives that are in the industrys best interest is longoverdue, said Tschida. AASP is pleased to lend its support to suchan important effort.

AASp/MA provides year-end reportat national Meetingcontinued from pg. 40

MASSACHUSETTS


going on in the industry today, and weunderstand the reasons, but what wedont see is a lot of training, equipmentupgrades and investment in the facili-ties. We cannot tell you how manytimes we've been to a shop and said,Wow, this shop is cool. This is themost advanced shop we have everseen - if it was 1980. This is like step-ping through a time machine. Thisplace belongs in the Smithsonian Insti-tute! DONT BE THAT SHOP! Feel free to contact us if you have anyquestions.

larry Montanez, CDA is co-owner of P&LConsultants with Peter Pratti Jr. P&L Consultantsworks with collision repair shops on estimating,production and proper repair procedures. P&Lconducts repair workshops on MIG & ResistanceWelding, Measuring for Estimating and Ad-vanced Estimating Skills. P&L also conductsinvestigations for insurers and repair shops forimproper repairs, collision repairability and esti-mating issues. P&L can be reached by contactingLarry at (718) 891-4018 (office), (917) 860-3588(cell), (718) 646-2733 (fax) or via email [email protected]. The P&L website iswww.pnlestimology.com.

Jeff lange, pe is president of Lange TechnicalServices, Ltd. of Deer Park, NY (www.langeTech.net). Jeff is a Licensed New York StateProfessional Engineer who specializes in investi-gating vehicle and component failures. LangeTechnical Services, Ltd. is an investigativeengineering firm performing forensic vehicleexaminations and analysis for accidentreconstruction, products liability and insuranceissues. Jeff can be reached at (631) 667-6128 or byemail at [email protected].

The oeM Standard and you: what Are you prepared For?continued from pg. 36

MASSACHUSETTS


As a member of the Alliance of Automotive Service providers of Massachusetts (AASp/MA), i will abide by the associations bylaws and code ofethics. i understand that membership in AASp of Massachusetts is non-transferable, and i must remain current with my dues in order to be a member in good standing. i understand that if i discontinue my membership that i must immediately cease using any association promotions,logos or materials. Additionally, i understand that as part of my AASp of Massachusetts membership, i will receive New England Automotive Report, the official publication of AASp of Massachusetts, faxes, emails and other mailings.

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

BUSINESS INFORMATION:

Mr. Mrs. Ms.Business Representative Name: ____________________________

Business Name ____________________________________________

MEMBERSHIP TYPE

REPAIRER MEMBER (check one)Collision Repair ShopMechanical Repair ShopBoth, Collision & Mechanical Repair ShopsOther Repair Shop

SUPPLIER/ASSOCIATE MEMBER (check one)Auto Paint/Crash Parts/Auto Parts/WholesalerEquipment/Tool SupplierManufacturer/Sales AgentServices (Computers, Software, Vehicle Rental, Other)

LIST OTHER SPECIALTIES ____________________________________

________________________________________________________

What benefits motivated you to join AASP of Massachusetts?

________________________________________________________

PERSONAL INFORMATION:

Name ____________________________________________________

Nickname ________________________________________________

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DUES (The AASP membership year is from January to January 2016)

Total Due ....................................................................................$395.00NEW! Political Action Committee (PAC)Donation ...............$_____

Check or CashCredit Card: Visa MasterCard

Card Number: __________________________________________

Expiration Date: ________________________________________

Signature: ______________________________________________

Date: __________________________________________________

*** PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT LEGIBLY ***

12 post office Square, 6th Floor Boston, MA 02109phone: (617) 574-0741 | Fax: (617) 695-0173|[email protected]

For oFFiCe USe onlyCheck number ______________________________Check Date ________________________Check Amount ______________________________Date Joined ______________________________Member number ______________________next Bill Date ______________________________

Street Address ________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Mailing Address ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Phone Number ( )____________________________________ Fax Number ( ) __________________________________________

E-mail Address ________________________________________ Web Site Address ____________________________________________

Enrolled By (Name and Address) ________________________________________________________________________________________

Street City State Zip

Street City State Zip

Just like good tools and equipment, membership in AASP of Massachusetts is avaluable investment. AASP of Massachusetts works for you through

such outstanding programs as: (1) management and technical training; (2) discount uniform rental; and (3) a wide variety of other business services.

Put AASP of Massachusetts to work for you today. COMPLETE THE MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION AND

RETURN IT WITH PAYMENT TO AASP OF MASSACHUSETTS.

As required by the U.S. Tax Code, AASP of Massachusetts, Inc. informs its members that 75% of the dues paid to the associationare tax deductible. The remaining 25% is allocated to legislative activities and is not tax deductible.

MASSACHUSETTS




American Honda............................................56Audi Group ....................................................48Axalta Coating Systems ..................................4Bald Hill Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram..............8Balise Wholesale Parts Express ....................22Baystate Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge ..................55Bernardi Group ........................................32-33Best Chevrolet ..............................................IFCBMW Group ..............................................38-39BMW/Mini of Warwick ................................15CCCOne..........................................................19Clay Subaru ....................................................21Colonial Auto Group ....................................18Empire Auto Parts............................................9Enterprise ........................................................25First Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram ..................58First Ford ........................................................58First Hyundai..................................................58Ford Group ....................................................60Future Cure ....................................................10Goyettes Inc. Auto Parts ..............................25Honda Group..................................................54Hyundai Group..............................................55Imperial Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep ......................6Imperial Ford..................................................36Infiniti of Norwood........................................14IRA Group..................................................12-13Jaffarian Toyota/Volvo..................................35J&R Auto Body Supply ..................................6Kelly Automotive Group............................IFCLinders, Inc. ..................................................62Long Automotive Group ..........................OBCMazda Group..................................................56McLaughlin Chevrolet ..................................44Mopar Group..................................................23NORTHEAST 2015........................................7Nissan Group..................................................49Nissan World of Dartmouth ........................42P&L Consultants ............................................36PPG ....................................................................3Robertsons GMC Truck ................................59Sarat Ford-Lincoln ........................................25Sentry Group ..................................................41Subaru Group............................................50-51Tasca Group ....................................................53Toyota Group..................................................26Village Auto Group........................................37VW Group ......................................................42Wellesley Toyota/Scion ..................................9

AD INDEX


your demand is in writing and thatyou keep a copy. Also, keep a copy ofany response you get from the in-surer, as well as a copy of their pay-ment check. Calculate the differenceand let the insurer know how youmade that calculation.

Stay tuned for the second half ofthis article, outlining steps eight to 11of my do-it-yourself Labor Ratelawsuit, which will appear in the

January 2015 issue of New EnglandAutomotive Report.

Attorney James Castleman is a managing member of Paster,

Rice &Castleman, LLC in Quincy, MA. He can be

reached at (617) 472-3424 or atjcastleman@

prclawoffice.com.

continued from pg. 21

MASSACHUSETTS


LEGAL PERSPECTIVE

New England Automotive Report December 2014

Documents

Transcript of New England Automotive Report December 2014