He’s No Johnny Come Lately: Padula’s Body Shop
A shop owner since the age of 17, John Padula runs his shop on his terms Shop Name:Padula’s Body Shop , Inc. Location: Tallmadge, Ohio Established: 1947 Square Footage: Main shop 4,000 square feet; detailing building 2,500 square feet President: John Padula No. of Employees: 8 – 1 body tech, 1 body tech helper, 2
Is My Job Killing Me
Timothy, your question is a good one and involves more than a yes or a no answer. As I read your question, I can’t help but notice that there are some factors in your life that may be causing you to ask this question now. All of us, as we travel through life’s journey, have
6 Steps to Turn That Frown Upside Down
There are times when you must fire a customer.
When Every Day is Deja Vu
This Month’s Ailing Shop …
Smart Start: Strategies for Opening a Shop
Once upon a time in the body shop industry, all you needed to start a shop was a garage, a couple pieces of used equipment and a good work ethic. These days, however, that formula no longer adds up to success. The advent of direct-repair programs (DRPs), the increased influence of insurance companies in determining
You Could Put An Eye Out with That
I’m going to tell you about things that could hinder your business.
Less Pay for More Work
I’ve always felt that a top collision technician has more knowledge and responsibility than any mechanic, so why do insurance companies pay dealer mechanic shops $75 and up per hour? What’s a collision technician? He’s a painter, a sculptor (body work), a welder (three different types: arc, MIG, gas), a fabricator, an upholster, an electrician,
Web Browser: Mentors at Work
Currently this industry loses seven out of 10 apprentice candidates in the first 18 months and once they leave, they often leave the auto industry for good. Collision shops, insurers, mechanical shops and dealerships cannot afford to allow this to continue,” says Mentors At Work president and CEO Mark Claypool. Mentors At Work is an
Got Friction? Metal Department vs. Paint Department
One of the longest-running battles within a collision repair facility is the one between the metal department and paint department. And in some of the shops I’ve worked with throughout the world, it had escalated past a battle – it was more like a civil war going on between these two main production departments. Each
Choosing a Management System
I’d like to share with your readers one of my experiences. In 1999, we expanded our business to a new location and a larger facility. Previously, we operated from a shop located behind our home for 14 years and had become quite successful. Along with building and expansion came numerous headaches we hadn’t expected but
Web Browser: Training
Ever feel like there’s just not enough time in the day for training? And even if you made the time, you wouldn’t know what courses to have your techs take anyway? Even worse, there’s the hassle of registering.