Better Learn How to Swim - BodyShop Business

Better Learn How to Swim

2009 is here, and we’re all embarking on what appears to be a unique and unprecedented year. Political changes and volatile economic markets are in store for all of us. These next few months and this year will really test our abilities to be resilient and stay in the business groove. While we need to keep an eye on all of that, it has never been more important to stay focused on our own industry and our day-to-day business. We need to stay focused on changes occurring in our businesses and be sure that we’re ready to react to them and make well-educated decisions about issues as they arise.

Probably one of the most talked about changes in our industry today is the move toward waterborne products. In my 30-plus-year career in the automotive industry, there have certainly been many evolutionary changes that have become such an integral part of how we do business that we can’t even remember doing it the old way. Think back over some of those changes that you’ve lived through and examine how you handled them. Did you step up and embrace the change early, or did you sit back and say it would never last and finally switch to the new way after you were required to do so by law or after the old technology disappeared? If you’re worried about what you’re going to do in February when they stop broadcasting analog TV, I would say you probably fall into the category of people who resist change.

The switch from solvent-based paint to waterborne is just the first wave of changes coming your way. Ask your fellow shop owners in southern California if they’re going to switch. They’ve already been told they have to. Many shop owners I’ve spoken with have given me the line, “It’s not here yet, I’ll deal with it when it gets here.” OK, but just be sure you do your homework and are ready to deal with the transition once the time is right.

Many think waterborne won’t ever take over completely because basecoats are the only refinish products for which paint companies have developed waterborne formulations. But trust me, the paint companies are working diligently on primers and clearcoats as we speak. If you really think solvents are here to stay, go price oil-based home products. If you can find them, they are at least three times as expensive as their water-based equivalents. Water covers two-thirds of our planet and our own bodies are 70 percent water. It’s not going away and it will dominate our industry in the next 10 years.

I know you’re asking yourself, “Where is he going with all this talk about waterborne?” My point is that you need to get educated on waterborne. The first three issues of BodyShop Business this year will each have an article focused on a different aspect of waterborne (see this month’s article on pg. 48). Get familiar with the product: what it can and can’t do, and what your shop needs to do to ensure a successful conversion. Don’t think that you have to switch today, but get armed with the facts now so you can make good decisions when you decide that you’re ready.

Feel free to e-mail me at [email protected] and share your thoughts as to how BodyShop Business can better meet your business challenges.

You May Also Like

Body Bangin’: The Disengagement Epidemic with Kevin Wolfe

Micki Woods interviews Leaders Way Owner Kevin Wolfe on why 73% of work professionals are disengaged today and what we can do about it.

Micki Woods, master marketer for collision repair shops and owner of Micki Woods Marketing, has released the latest episode of "Body Bangin'," the video podcast that is taking the industry by storm!

In this episode, Woods interviews Kevin Wolfe, owner of Leaders Way and former mechanical shop owner, on how he became the shop everyone wanted to work at. Wolfe also points out that 73% of work professionals today are disengaged — an all-time high — and discusses why that is and how we can fix that.

Body Bangin’: I Thought We Were Doing It Right with Josh Piccione

Micki Woods interviews Josh Piccione on repairing vehicles correctly — according to manufacturer guidelines.

Body Bangin’: Be a Star Not a Hamster with Robert Snook

Micki Woods interviews popular keynote speaker Robert Snook on how to differentiate and grow your business.

Body Bangin’: Know Me, Know My Car with Mike Anderson

Micki Woods interviews Mike Anderson on the importance of building an emotional connection with your customers.

Body Bangin’: Fighting for Consumer Safety with Burl Richards

Micki Woods interviews Burl Richards on his personal mission to fight for consumers’ rights and safety.

Other Posts

Body Bangin’: The Employer-Student Disconnect

Micki Woods interviews Raven Hartkopf, lead collision instructor at Collin College in Texas, on what students want from a shop employer.

Body Bangin’: Why Follow OEM Repair Procedures?

Micki Woods interviews Logan Payne of Payne & Sons Paint & Body Shop on the importance of following OEM repair procedures.

Body Bangin’: Getting Paid for Calibrations

Micki Woods interviews Andy Hipwell and James Rodis of OEM Calibration on how to get started doing ADAS calibrations.

Body Bangin’: What Are The Consolidators Up To With Laura Gay

Micki Woods interviews Laura Gay of Consolidation Coach on the current state of auto body shop consolidation.