A License To Repair
"Why isn’t it mandatory for all collision techs to be licensed?" — Don Marshall, manager, Fresno Chrysler/Plymouth, Fresno, Calif. The collision repair industry is the ultimate example of irony and paradox. In most (if not all) states, the damage appraiser needs a license to prove he’s capable of determining the cost and procedure of repairing
Understanding Structure
Your customers cherish their automobiles — giving them names and personalities. And while you can dispute whether cars have souls, you can’t dispute that they have dimension. In fact, looking at cars as 3-D objects is the heart and soul of understanding structure.
The Next Generation: Difficulties Shop Owners have Recruiting New Blood into the Industry
The economy of our great nation has been strong enough of late that young folks who have the desire to succeed and become proficient at something can choose many career routes to follow. Unfortunately for us, repairing damaged vehicles doesn’t seem to be at the top of their wish lists. Computers, sales, various unionized trades … these choices rate higher than our industry. Just look at attendance at various vo-tech schools. More class space is allocated to other career choices, and more students attend classes for other career choices than they do for autobody repair.
Perplexed by Profits
Today’s collision repair business is more complex than ever, yet most shop owners still don’t understand an elementary principle of business: profit. If you really want to make money, quit acting like you’re running a non-profit organization.
The Road Ahead
It doesn’t take a fortune teller to predict the future — the challenges awaiting shop owners aren’t a mystery. The mystery is whether or not shop owners will prepare for tomorrow’s challenges.
How Much Training Is Enough?
Too much is never enough. The key is to not waste your time. Just because your techs return from a class with a certificate and a smile doesn’t mean they learned anything.
Championing Ideals
Caring about customers and employees pays off!
The Tale of One Shop Continues…
….with Paul and Teresa Slate
Partnering With A Paint Company
With so many paint-company partnership programs in the marketplace, making a decision which – if any – to join can be a confusing and time-consuming decision.
Finders Keepers: Qualified Technicians
With a shortage of qualified technicians plaguing the industry, shop owners are asking, “Where’s the best place to find my next employee?” The answer: in your own back yard.