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- Solving the Tech Shortage: How Conditions, Culture & Compensation Can Help Body Shops Attract & Retain Employees
- From the Desk of Mike Anderson: Reflecting on My Journey in the Collision Repair Industry
- In Reverse: The 1980s – The Advent of the Unibody
- Best Body Shops’ Tips: How to Position Your Collision Repair Shop for Sustainability
- In Reverse: Collision Repair Shops “ARM” Themselves
From the Desk of Mike Anderson: Toyota’s Training Website Offers Free Information for Collision Repairers
Written by Mike Anderson
One of the occasional frustrations I experience is seeing the industry fail to make use of some of the great (and free!) resources shops have at their disposal.
The Next Generation Speaks Out on Their Collision Repair Careers
Written by Chasidy Rae Sisk
It is common knowledge in the collision repair industry that there is a shortage of incoming technicians. Over the past few years, many articles, educational seminars and programs have been dedicated to this dilemma.
Hey Toby! Squeeze Type Resistance Spot Welding, Shop Maintenance and Safety
Recently, I was asked by a shop owner to put on a Squeeze Type Resistance Spot Welding (STRSW) clinic.
The Best Body Shops’ Tips: Why OEM Certifications Are Critical to Remain in Business
Written by Stacey Phillips
For those body shops still not convinced that obtaining OEM certifications is a critical component for surviving in the future, Robb Young of Assured Performance said, “Change is necessary if you want to capitalize on the opportunity of the future. If you continue to run your business the same way you have been, five years from now your business will either be dying or go out of business.”
The Best Body Shops’ Tips: How to Take Great Photos to Support Your Estimates
Written by Stacey Phillips
Writing a proper estimate is an important component of running a successful collision repair facility.
From the Desk of Mike Anderson: 4 Questions To Consider Ahead of Negotiating for Any ‘Not-Included’ Estimate Line Item
Written by Mike Anderson
Among the most common types of questions I get from shops is something like this:
After the Donation: The Nolan Family Uses Benevolence Car to Improve Their Lives
Written by Ed AttanasioSome Benevolence cars are used by their recipients for many years as a reliable form of daily transportation, while others eventually sell them or give them to family members.
Retro News: Stats From 20 Years Ago Indicate Shop Labor Rates Haven’t Kept Up With Inflation
Written by John Yoswick20 Years Ago in the Collision Repair Industry (November 1998)
PPG has done a comprehensive study of over 2,000 collision repair facilities. Here is a snapshot of some of the statistics:
Marketing for Shops: Let Your Customers Become Your Brand Ambassadors With Ad Specialties
Written by Ed Attanasio
A body shop in the Bay Area gave me a swag bag full of stuff a few years ago that included pens, a t-shirt, a baseball cap, a coffee mug and several other items displaying the shop's logo.
The Best Body Shops’ Tips: The Power of Peer Groups and Why to Join One
Written by Stacey PhillipsManaging a collision repair facility today requires an owner to wear many different hats and have a great deal of knowledge, according to Jim Keller, CEO/president of 1Collision Network based in Milwaukee, WI.
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From the Desk of Mike Anderson: Are You Upgrading Your Shop’s Customer Service Experience?
Written by Mike Anderson
First, just a quick note to say I appreciate Autobody News offering me an opportunity to share some of my thoughts, opinions and ideas with you here.
After the Donation: Kathleen St. John Gets a Car and a Job
Written by Ed AttanasioIn some cases, cars donated by body shops come with vehicle insurance, gas cards or gifts from local retailers. But in Kathleen St. John’s case, it also came with a job.
Shop Strategies: Leadership Development, Process-Centered Environment Enable TX Shop’s Business to Grow
Written by Stacey PhillipsCourteous, professional and high-quality---these are some of the words Leila Bates said customers have used to describe the work provided at Bates Collision Centers.
Marketing for Shops: Who Should Be Your #1 Audience for Your Advertising and Marketing?
Written by Ed Attanasio
Depending on what part of the country you're in, most body shops are highly dependent on their insurance partnerships (DRPs).