Executive Interview: Maaco President Talks Marketing, Lean and DRPs
David Lapps has spent more than 35 years with Maaco, using aggressive retail strategies to develop auto painting and body work markets across the U.S. In this Executive Interview, Lapps talks about Maaco’s shift in its marketing message, its process improvement and its aggressive growth strategy in the collision repair market.
Executive Interview: CCC GM Discusses ‘Cloud Computing’ and How It Can Benefit Collision Repair Facilities
Since joining CCC Information Services, Inc., in 1991, Jim Dickens has held various senior-level positions within the company, including senior vice president of marketing and product management and vice president of the automotive services group, where he was responsible for sales and service to CCC’s collision repair facility customers. In this Executive Interview, Dickens discusses the trend of ‘cloud computing’ and why it will change the face of the industry.
Mitchell 1 Celebrates 90th Anniversary
Many changes have taken place at Mitchell 1 since it was founded as a private company called Reed Electrical Manuals. Now, Mitchell 1 is looking back over its long history as it celebrates 90 years of providing repair information solutions to the automotive industry. Reed Electrical Manuals was originally established to provide the first specifications
State Farm, Allstate Moving Forward with Toyota Subrogation Process
State Farm and Allstate – the largest and second-largest auto insurers in the U.S., respectively – confirmed this week that they have begun the subrogation process with claims for Toyota vehicles subject to the automaker’s recall of 7.7 million vehicles for gas pedal issues, National Underwriter reported. Mike Siemienas of Allstate told National Underwriter that
Boosting Your Bottom Line with Boat Repair
Boat repair might be just the ticket for body shops looking to shore up their bottom lines with a wave of potential profits.
Comparing Computerized Measuring Systems
Pilots flying in dense fog have to rely on their instruments to make safe landings. Can you do the equivalent of an instrument landing when repairing a vehicle? Only if you can determine the dimensional accuracy of a structural frame…by using a computerized measuring system
Building a Successful Side Business in Bedliners
A pioneer in sprayed-on bedliners shows off
some of his greatest creations and offers advice to
those desiring to explore this profit center.
Your Guide to Body Shop Safety
Creating a culture of safety in your body shop can increase productivity, make your employees happier and keep you out of trouble. So what are you waiting for?
Strainer Sizes for Waterborne Paint
Reader’s Choice Question: “What strainer sizes are required with each brand’s waterborne paint? Some paint companies say 125 microns, some call for 200, some for a range of sizes. When considering a disposable paint cup system, which is supposedly better for waterborne paint?”
– Biag Pellegrino, head painter, Chaffee’s Auto Body, Franklin, Mass.
Getting Paid for Not-Included Labor Items
Reader’s Choice Question – “How do you get paid for rust, fused, pinched and fudge time factors that aren’t listed in the regular new parts on and off sections of the P-pages and estimating guides? When will true reality begin so that the time necessary to cut, heat up, unscrew, unfuse or unclip two different kinds of metals without burning up or exploding the rest of the car will be included?” – Rosemarie Seppala, office manager, Seppala’s Body Shop & Restoration
