The fire fully ignited when Mike Anderson, owner, Wagonwork Collision Centers, Alexandria, Virginia stood up to speak. His financial background,

Mike Anderson -- keynote speaker

experience as a shop owner, enthusiasm and passion for the industry and helping others explains his following. He talked about everything from business to waterborne paint.
    Ellis & Salazar, an Austin shop, explained the Benevolence program in which area collision shops refurbish a vehicle and donate the finished car to a family in need of reliable transportation. Often co-related businesses, such as insurance companies or a local gas station, provide their products for a year free. Sponsored by Akzo Nobel, shops all over the country participate. Many shops that have been involved say they get as much satisfaction from presenting the vehicle as the recipients do in receiving it.
    Next up was Gene Sneed of B & G Collision of Temple/Killeen, who shared how the worst hail storm in 13 years and a conflict in a training class changed the way he does business now. (See story on page 10 this issue.) APSA has begun a fund-raiser to assist their members affected by Hurricane Ike.
    Shops were encouraged to capitalize on the heightened awareness of the traditionally mechanical vehicle maintenance during National Car Care month and bring in paint care related items.
    “APSA is pro-small business because we’ve lived it and it’s the backbone of our economy,” said Debbie Hooge, APSA director of market development. “We want to empower members with knowledge to take control of the decision-making pro-cess rather than have terms dictated by others.
    “We all want to be successful and winners in life, but the only way we can accomplish this is to step-up to the starting line and get in the blocks. When you look over, APSA will be in the lane next to you with their track shoes on, running the race with you. The only way we can win is to work together.”
    The next gathering is Tuesday, October 14, Austin State Capitol, 11:30 at Capitol Grill, $15 per person.
    Any shop wishing to form a chapter in their own area can call the Automotive Parts & Services Association (800) 375-2968, visit www.apsassociation.com or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it