Mark Clark, Author at BodyShop Business - Page 2 of 15
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Stop Putting Out Fires and Attend a Meeting

I’ve spent some discussion time recently with both collision shop owners and paint, body and equipment (PBE) wholesalers, and I’m discouraged again that many small business principals don’t have time to attend a learning event that will make their lives easier.

Why Are Body Shops Still Not Safe?

My recent foray to the front lines of collision repair, where it smells like thinner and you can hear the pulling chains groan, told me that technician safety was less comprehensive than I had expected.

What’s the Buzz in the Collision Industry?

What I heard out in the real world was that things are pretty good on the collision repair front these days. If we could just get the insurance companies to send the work to our shop and pay us for all the necessary repairs…

Share Your Business Goals with Employees, and They Will Help You Succeed

It has been my experience that most of the employees in any business are willing to help their company succeed if they’re included in the process. The “plan” needs to be shared – and understood – by the people who will implement it.

20 Groups: The Value of Sharing Information with your Auto Body Shop Peers

I contend that no one knows more about your collision repair business than other collision shop owners, so sharing how your shop does things such as teardown or aluminum repair or parts check-in is super helpful.

Owning the Body Shop Makes You the Smartest: A Look Back at Floor Pots and Dirt Problems

This month, I’ll please my history fans with more tales of body shop yesteryear, this time a look back at floor pots – the things we used long before the unicoupe auto (three sheetmetal boxes) became the industry norm and before almost every shop had a bench or rack to hold and pull them.

Customer Service at Your Auto Body Shop: Treat the Person Coming Through the Door Like They Matter

I don’t care how many DRP certificates your shop currently has, if you don’t treat the next person through the door like they matter, they’ll not only assign their repair to some other shop, they’ll tell all their friends and co-workers about the jerks at your shop.

Auto Body Equipment and Supplies That I Like – Part III

In any industry where the labor times are presented as a “flat rate,” the key to making a profit is to do the work in less time than allowed while still producing a safe and accurate repair. Here is some technology that can help.

Auto Body Equipment and Supplies That I Like – Part II

Few consumable products are more commonplace in body shops than sandpaper, yet their cost varies widely. So which one would I buy? Here’s a brief overview of the technology involved.

Auto Body Equipment and Supplies That I Like

Over my long career, I’ve been asked many times for my recommendations on products, tools or equipment by brand name. “Which one would YOU buy?” is the query.

Tree-Stump Pulling, Pranks and Other ‘Sketchy’ Memories from 48 Years in the Auto Body Industry

A standing joke in our business is about the country body shop that pulled out frame damage with log chains and tree stumps.

Communication with Employees: What the Best Auto Body Shops Are Doing

Start talking about business with your employees, tell them clearly where you are and where you would like to be. My bet is they’ll pitch in and help you make the goal.