MESSAGE PRESIDENT’S
Seize the Opportunity!
It’s SEMA time again, the biggest show of the year. It truly is where the automotive family comes together from all aspects. If you have never been, make this the year to attend!
With the current industry climate the way it is, I would recommend this would be the most important year to attend. The education classes put on by the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) offer you learning opportunities you can take directly back to the shop to make a difference. We, as collision repairers, need to think about diversifying our businesses, and there is no better place to do that than SEMA.
Whether it’s bringing glass work in-house or learning about
WMABA OFFICERS
PRESIDENT Kris Burton kris@rosslynautobody.com - 703-820-1800
VICE PRESIDENT Phil Rice price@bapspaint.com - 540-846-6617
TREASURER John Shoemaker john.a.shoemaker@basf.com - 248-763-4375
SECRETARY Barry Dorn bdorn@dornsbodyandpaint.com - 804-746-3928
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Steven Krieps steve@gregclineauto.com 304-755-1146
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Rodney Bolton (boltonconsulting61@gmail.com) 443-386-0086 Tom Brown (thbrown@ppg.com) 703-624-5819
ADMINISTRATION
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Jordan Hendler (jordanhendler@wmaba.com) 804-789-9649
WMABA CORPORATE OFFICE
P.O. Box 3157 • Mechanicsville, VA 23116
Kris Burton
(703)-820-1800
kris@rosslynautobody.com
alignments, PDR or window tint, SEMA is the place to get all the information you could possibly need. There are displays and things to see outside the Las Vegas Convention Center in addition to the halls inside, which are always packed.
Once you are there, it really is hard to see it all. A little pre-planning goes a long way to ensure you get the most value. The reality in our industry is that business is slower, and there are more and more total losses. We can debate all the different reasons why, but at the end of the day, we need to change and adapt. Whether that means we specialize in certain OEs, look at offering different services or re-train our teams to capture all opportunities – not just what comes through the door and phones – but with our estimates. Following OE repair procedures is a must for our customers. People deserve to have their car repaired like the people who made it say it should be done. We cannot allow an insurance company to dictate what types of repairs they want. The reality is that their intentions are different from ours. We are the repair professionals who invest in training, tooling and in our facilities. We determine our own worth.
The opportunity to start down this path connecting with other shops across the country happens at SEMA The best of the best attend to learn and grow their businesses. We are all in a constant pursuit to improve and grow. These opportunities are out there. It’s time to seize them! H&D
HAMMER & DOLLY STAFF
PUBLISHER Thomas Greco thomas@grecopublishing.com
SALES DIRECTOR Alicia Figurelli alicia@grecopublishing.com
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Alana Quartuccio alana@grecopublishing.com
SENIOR CONTRIBUTING Chasidy Rae Sisk EDITOR chasidy@grecopublishing.com
Torchy Chandler (torchy.chandler@gmail.com) 410-309-2242 Tracy Dombrowski (tracy@collisionadvice.com) 571-458-0648
OFFICE MANAGER Donna Greco donna@grecopublishing.com
PRODUCTION Joe Greco COORDINATOR joe@grecopublishing.com
www.grecopublishing.com @grecopublishing
DIRECTOR’S
WHERE ARE YOU??? MESSAGE
Seriously, I’m asking. Where are you? Didn’t we talk about this last year?
If I had to guess, the answer to my question would be, NOT in Las Vegas for the SEMA Show. And it’s not just you; although I was pleasantly surprised to see more WMABA members at SEMA in 2024 than in previous years, the number of collision repairers from our area who head out west the first week of November continues to be pitifully small. Hopefully you were inspired by my message last year - or by the recap of everything you missed in our December 2024 issue - and made the decision to attend this year. If so, kudos to you! I can’t wait for you to experience all that’s available in the Las Vegas Convention Center. And I look forward to you using this issue as your map to a successful SEMA! The adventure starts on page 24. And if you see me at the SCRS booth, or at Repairer Driven Education or related events, please come say hello!
If you still think there isn’t enough opportunity for you and your shop at the SEMA Show, check out this month’s cover story detailing the events happening this week, and tell me I’m wrong. Keeping in mind that the listing we put together this year represents a TINY FRACTION of all the education, events and inspiration happening this week. You don’t have even a little bit of FOMO? I don’t get it.
What I do get is that it’s not cheap to come out here for a week. Even a few days out of the shop is expensive, in more ways than just the expense of the flight and hotel. But what’s the cost of you sitting in the shop, doing the same old, same old, and tackling the same problems with the same solutions that may or may not work? Meanwhile, at SEMA, critical conversations are happening that could literally revolutionize the way you do business. I’m talking about the topics being discussed during the Collision Industry Conference (CIC), or Repairer Driven Education sessions, including the OEM Collision Technology Summit and the always-inspiring IDEAS Collide Showcase. These discussions can potentially save you money, make you more profitable, and propel your business above the competition. You can’t put a price tag on success.
If you’ve never been, you don’t know, and if you don’t come you’ll never see what an investment it is to be part of SEMA. Even if you don’t walk the Convention Center floor and take advantage of the nearly endless number of exhibitors and educational opportunities (although you really need to!), the experience of being surrounded by tens of thousands of business owners just like you is thrilling. I promise that you will leave Las Vegas invigorated, not just about your shop but about this industry as a
IF YOU ARE AT SEMA:
Give me a ring on-site if you need help, and I’ll do my best to get the info you need or meet you at the SCRS booth! Call me at 804-396-0195!
It’s me, waiting for you to come to SEMA
whole. And when you get back to the shop, the sky’s the limit. Trust me, I’ve heard it time and time again from so many members that second week of November: “I can’t believe I didn’t go sooner.”
I can’t believe it either, but this is the time to turn things around! If you’re NOT in Las Vegas this week, save the date for 2026, and make the investment - not just yourself, but for your business and your industry. You won’t regret. it. H&D
Jordan Hendler
(804) 789-9649
jordanhendler@wmaba.com
Audi Silver Spring
Direct: 301-890-3015
Fax: 240-471-6103
Email: wholesaless@mileone.com
Hours: M-F 7:30am - 5:00pm S 8:00am - 3:00pm
Mercedes-Benz Silver Spring
Direct: 301-890-3060
Fax: 301-890-5473
Email: mbsilverspring@mileone.com
Hours: M-F 7:30am - 5:00pm S 8:00am - 3:00pm
Porsche Silver Spring
Direct: 301-890-3015
Fax: 240-471-6103
Email: wholesaless@mileone.com
Hours: M-F 7:30am - 5:00pm S 8:00am - 3:00pm
Sprinter Silver Spring
Direct: 301-890-3060
Fax: 301-890-5473
Email: mbsilverspring@mileone.com
Hours: M-F 7:30am - 5:00pm S 8:00am - 3:00pm
Free delivery on our fleet of 15 GPS-equipped delivery trucks - delivering all Silver Spring brands on the same truck throughout Maryland, D.C. and Virginia
We use IRF automotive systems including CCC, CollisionLink, OPSTrax, partslink24, PartsTrader & RepairLink
Highly knowledgeable, experienced and dedicated wholesale specialist team
Large inventory of OEM parts and tires
Contact our dealers for all your Genuine Parts needs!
BMW of Silver Spring
Direct: 301-890-3015
Fax: 240-471-6103
Email: wholesaless@mileone.com
Hours: M-F 7:30am - 5:00pm S 8:00am - 3:00pm
Herb Gordon Subaru
Direct: 301-890-3065
Fax: 301-847-2239
Email: herbgordonsubaruwholesaleparts@mileone.com
Hours: M-F 7:30am - 5:00pm S 8:00am - 3:00pm
Volvo Cars Silver Spring
Direct: 301-890-5456
Fax: 301-847-2239
Email: herbgordonvolvowholesaleparts@mileone.com
Hours: M-F 7:30am - 5:00pm S 8:00am - 3:00pm
MileOne Ineos Grenadier
Direct: 301-890-3015
Fax: 240-471-6103
Email: wholesaless@mileone.com
Hours: M-F 7:30am - 5:00pm S 8:00am - 3:00pm
Service. Trust. Genuine Parts. It’s what we do.
PROFILE MEMBER
Lindsay Collision Centers Celebrate Continuous Growth and Employee Wins
Changes in technology, customer service expectations and complexity of repairs presents setbacks for many shops, but Lindsay Collision Centers have grown from a single shop to four Virginia facilities with locations in Springfield, Manassas, Wheaton and Woodbridge.
The biggest secret to their success?
“What sets us apart from other shops in the area is our dedicated team,” Tim Doyle, director of operations and general manager for Lindsay Collision Centers confides. The leadership team recognizes the value of providing ongoing training and education as a means of developing a positive shop culture. “It creates a better environment and improves engagement when we encourage continuous growth and support employees’ development. An engaged workplace is a successful workplace. For our shop to be the best, we need to have the best employees.”
Doyle is always “incredibly proud to see our employees recognized for their hard work,” and he is particularly excited about the opportunity to celebrate one of the shop’s most tenured employees: master collision technician Michael Stephens, who will be honored by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) as the 2025 Lexus Collision Master Technician of the Year at the ASE awards ceremony in Savannah, GA this month.
Stephens has been a proud member of the Lindsay team since 1993 when he apprenticed in the refinish department at the original Lindsay Collision Center as a high school student. After two years in the paint department, he “discovered a drive for a greater technical challenge and
transitioned into the body work area, where he honed his skills as an apprentice for five years before advancing to a full technician role,” according to Doyle. “Over the past three decades, Michael has become a cornerstone of Lindsay Collision Springfield. He has embraced multiple leadership roles while continually pursuing advanced training and certifications. His commitment to excellence is reflected in his distinction as a Lexus Certified Technician for more than 20 years.
“Michael’s career is a testament to the values of hard work, craftsmanship and continuous growth that define Lindsay Collision,” Doyle adds.
That commitment to continuous growth provided another reason to celebrate earlier this year when full-time employee and current Northern Virginia Community College student Miles Keegan received a WMABA Tool Grant at the 2025 Southeast Collision Conference. In addition to $2,000 in tools from WMABA, Keegan received a $1,500 tool kit from Milwaukee Tool, walking away with $3,500 in new tools to set him up in the right direction for a long, bright future in the collision repair industry.
“I’m grateful to everyone involved in this process,” Doyle applauds WMABA’s efforts to support young technicians and to promote training in the collision repair industry. As a proud WMABA member for over two decades, Lindsay Collision Centers have found a lot of value in the networking opportunities and training provided by the association. “We’ve met a lot of wonderful people along the journey.”
The shop’s journey first began in 1963 when Charles T. Lindsay established his
first Lindsay Collision Center in Alexandria, VA.. Although much has changed as a result of the shop’s growth and technological advancements over the past 60-plus years, two things have remained consistent: Lindsay Collision Centers remain a family-owned business, now in its third generation, and the shop’s focus has always been on supporting their customers.
One way they accomplish this feat is through community involvement. In addition to supporting local sports teams,
Lindsay Collision Center technician Miles Keegan is excited to be a 2025 WMABA Tool Grant recipient.
WMABA President Kris Burton, WMABA Executive Director Jordan Hendler and Tim Doyle (Lindsay Collision Centers) with Miles Keegan
NEWS LOCAL
Education Speaker Submissions Open for Southeast Collision Conference 2026
Excitement is already beginning to build for the 2026 Southeast Collision Conference, scheduled for April 23-24, 2026 at the Embassy Suites Charlotte Concord in North Carolina.
Once again, WMABA has teamed up with the Carolinas Collision Association (CCA) for the fifth iteration of this show, which promises to bring national-level contributors, speakers and vendors to the East Coast via North Carolina. SCC is intended to move annually between the associations’ two regions to serve as many shops as possible, year over year.
In addition to encouraging all to save the date, WMABA is requesting submissions from leaders in the industry for education opportunities related to management, profitability, vehicle technology, repair methodology or topics relevant to the modern repairer’s business to be selected for the Collision P.R.E.P. (Professional Repairer Education Program). Collision P.R.E.P. is expected to once again feature a full slate of nationally recognized speakers, and it will
continue to grow and bring leading edge topics that are pertinent to repair industry advancements.
To submit an education session proposal, please head to bit.ly/SCC2026edproposal to share your ideas for valuable information our industry needs to hear! The deadline for submitting a presentation is Friday, December 19. Submissions received after the deadline may not be considered for this event.
GENUINE NISSAN PARTS MAKE
ALL THE DIFFERENCE.
Only Genuine Nissan Parts deliver the fit, reliability, and performance to meet your shop’s collision repair needs. So keep it original: Keep it real with Genuine Nissan Parts.
Contact us for all your parts needs:
Passport Nissan 5000 Auth Way
Suitland, MD 20746
Phone: 301-423-6930
“Seeing growth year over year, especially with our attendees, WMABA is proud to continue the collaboration and excited to see what we can do in bringing leading education opportunities to our membership regions,” said WMABA President Kris Burton (Rosslyn Auto Body; Alexandria, VA). “The collision repair market is difficult to manage on our own, but the inspiration found in community and education can change the way we navigate the future of our business.
“The Southeast Collision Conference has grown into so much more than just a trade show,” commented Kyle Bradshaw, CCA president and director of fixed operations at K&M Collision (Hickory, NC). “It’s become the place where repairers, vendors and educators come together to push our entire industry forward. What excites me most about 2026 is not just the scale of the event, but the energy and collaboration it creates for everyone who attends.”
CCA Executive Director Kaitlyn George commented, “The heart of the conference is about bringing shops together and creating opportunities for them to learn, grow and connect with their peers. This will be my first conference as executive director of CCA, and I couldn’t be more excited to experience it. We’ve put a lot of hard work into making it a success, and I’ve already seen from other events how rewarding it is when shops come together to learn, grow and build community. That energy and connection are exactly why I love what I do!”
“I’m so excited for the addition of Kaitlyn to the CCA team,” added WMABA Executive Director Jordan Hendler. “The way our two associations come together to give this special event to the industry, for the industry, is one of the favorite endeavors I do. Seeing the lightbulb come on for repairers, for new ideas or processes, is rewarding and helps to change the landscape of the markets we serve – for the better!” H&D
THEY’RE CALLED “ORIGINAL BMW PARTS” FOR GOOD REASON. FOR UNCOMPROMISING PRECISION AND INCOMPARABLE QUALITY, YOUR BMW CENTER IS YOUR ONE-STOP SHOP FOR EVERYTHING BMW.
For Original BMW Parts, contact one of these authorized BMW centers:
BMW of Silver Spring 3211 Automobile Blvd
Silver Spring, MD 20904 866-737-8937
Direct: 301-890-3015
Fax: 301-890-3748
Email: wholesaless@mileone.com bmwofsilverspring.com
Passport BMW 5000 Auth Way Marlow Heights, MD 20746
301-423-0733
Fax: 301-423-2717 passportbmw.com
Richmond BMW 8710 West Broad Street Richmond, VA 23294
800-237-0130
Direct: 804-527-6860
Fax: 804-965-6254
Email: tdailey@crownauto.com richmond-bmw.com
BMW of Catonsville 6700 Baltimore National Pike Baltimore, MD 21228
855-996-2906
410-744-2000
Fax: 410-818-2600 bmwofcatonsville.com
FEATURE NATIONAL
A Movement in a Word: Scanning the Impact of “Required” vs. “Recommended”
Debate has raged between shops and insurers regarding the necessity of performing OEM procedures – particularly when the vehicle manufacturer identifies a procedure as “recommended,” instead of “required.” But does a mere shift in semantics really make that much of a difference?
A Scanning Case Study
The trajectory taken by scanning requirements provides strong evidence that makes all the difference. It began when multiple vehicle manufacturers took a stand…and started a movement.
Although OEMs began incorporating advanced technology in their vehicles in the 1990s, few position statements were issued about the need for scanning until 2016 when manufacturers began declaring the necessity of scanning every vehicle before and after the repair. Over the past decade, position statements on scanning have been issued by a majority of popular vehicle manufacturers. Although earlier iterations often recommended pre-repair scans while requiring post-repair scanning, current versions reflect the necessity of both.
Ford requires a pre-repair scan on all model year 2010 and forward vehicles, adding, “The vehicle must have a post-repair diagnostic scan completed after the vehicle has been repaired to verify that new faults have not been introduced in the course of the repair and to verify that the vehicle has been fully repaired.” General Motors agrees that vehicles “must be tested for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) during the repair estimation in order to identify the required repairs. Additionally, the vehicle must be retested after all repairs are complete in order to verify that the faults have been repaired and new faults have not been introduced during the course of repairs.” FCA, Kia, Mopar, Subaru, Toyota and Volvo all concur that pre- AND post-repair scanning is required, though some use synonyms such as “imperative” or “necessary.”
This past summer, both Honda and Hyundai strengthened their pre- and post-repair scan recommendations by updating their position statements to reflect that scans are required; however, several manufacturers have not taken slightly different stances. Jaguar/Land Rover and Mercedes-Benz recommend pre-repair scans but require post-repair scans. Nissan/Infiniti follows suit on 2008 and newer vehicles – with the caveat that post-repair scans are merely recommended on their 1996-2007 vehicles. Mazda still “recommends that all vehicles being repaired for collision damage be scanned before and after the repair.”
Did a simple revision of position statements actually impact shops’ activities though? A review of the “Who Pays for What?” Scanning and Calibration surveys, compiled yearly by Collision Advice and Crash Network as part of their quarterly industry series, suggests it could make a significant impact, based on responses from body shops nationwide.
The 2016 survey indicated that shops were pre-scanning vehicles 31 percent of the time and performing a post-repair scan 50 percent of the time (on average). Those numbers increased slightly by 2018 with just over 40 percent of shops performing prerepair scans all/most of the time and around 55 percent scanning after most/all repairs. Over 90 percent of 2022 survey respondents reported performing both scans on most/all vehicles, and that has jumped to 96 percent of shops pre-scanning while 98 percent perform post-repair scans according to the most recent Scanning and Calibration survey, conducted in 2024.
The “Who Pays for What?” surveys also seem to indicate the strengthened verbiage in OEM position statements also holds sway with insurers. In 2016, just 41 percent of shops reported being paid all/most of the time for pre- and post-repair scans, a number that had remained relatively flat over the past year’s survey – but it didn’t remain flat for long as that number nearly doubled by 2018, reaching 80 percent. Insurers typically reimbursing for pre-repair scans increased to 88 percent in the 2022 survey and to 90 percent by 2024; the number of insurers paying for post-repair scans all/ most of the time remained consistent at 91 percent in both sets of results.
It will be interesting to see if the recent “required” declarations made by Honda and Hyundai impact future results. (The 2025 “Who Pays for What?” Scanning and Calibration survey is open now; crashnetwork.com/collisionadvice.)
But What About OEM “Recommendations”?
While the previous case study suggests a correlation between the use of “required” and both shops and insurers adapting, a large amount of documented OEM procedures still include a mere “recommendation,” often creating friction between the insurance carrier and the collision repair facility.
For years, collision industry leaders have preached that recommended procedures are still necessary; regardless of
The Right Ingredients for Every Job.
Whether it’s a minor touch-up or a full-scale repair, the right ingredients make all the di erence. With proper tools, hands-on training, timely servicing, and reliable support from RAE, your shop is equipped to deliver consistent, OEM-approved results. This Thanksgiving, we’re grateful for the professionals who turn quality repairs into a tradition.
Grateful for our incredible team. Thank you for all you do!
NATIONAL FEATURE
continued from pg. 16
whether the OEM recommends or requires something, failure to do so could compromise the safety of the vehicle in a subsequent accident, creating liability concerns for the shop that performed the repairs. This was demonstrated during the infamous John Eagle lawsuit when a shop’s decision to repair the roof of a 2010 Honda Fit using adhesives instead of welding as recommended by the manufacturer led to a $42 million verdict against them.
In 2023, Rhode Island legislators voted to amend the state’s Unfair Claims Practices Act, which now explicitly calls upon insurers “to acknowledge and compensate an auto body repairer for documented procedures identified as required or recommended by the original equipment manufacturer, or paint manufacturer, upon the initial request from the auto body shop, such as, but not limited to, post collision procedures and components that should not be reused or reinstalled, when included in the repairer’s appraisal, or when requested by the repairer” [emphasis added]. Several other states have introduced similar legislation in recent legislative sessions.
“Consider it a requirement whether they’ve used that word or not,” attorney Erica Eversman (Vehicle Information Services) has said many times, observing that OEMs use the verbiage in question “for legal reasons, [but] you can pretty well equate that with a standard.”
Collision Advice’s Mike Anderson has explained on numerous occasions that the variation is often cultural with Asian brands defaulting to “recommendations” based on social etiquette
A position statement from the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) indicates, “It remains SCRS’ position that if an OEM documents a repair procedure as required, recommended or otherwise necessary as a result of damage or repair, that those
WMABA MEMBER PROFILE
continued from pg. 10
Girls Scouts and animal rescues, Lindsay Collision Centers and its team volunteer with organizations like Autism Speaks as a way of advocating for a better future for everyone. The business also promotes environmental conscientiousness by spraying with waterborne paint, recycling and taking steps to protect the planet “one vehicle at a time.”
The top priority, of course, is a bit more personal. Lindsay Collision Centers educate customers about the repair and claim process, making sure they are apprised of their rights and preparing them with insights about what to expect, but they always place the most emphasis on protecting each customer by delivering a high-quality repair that ensures their vehicle will protect them if a subsequent accident occurs. That means investing in the tools, equipment and training necessary to keep on top of the technological evolution that modern vehicles – and the collision repair industry –have been undergoing for years.
To make sure that every vehicle is properly restored to its pre-
published procedures would be the standard of repair until such time the documentation changes. Disregarding a documented procedure that is made available to the industry creates undue and avoidable liability on the repair facility performing the repair.”
Vehicle manufacturers agree.
“If we’re saying we ‘recommend’ this, that recommendation is coming from a better understanding of the vehicle structure, the materials used and the process of reconstruction than a mere opinion of ‘I can just do it this way,’” Mark Allen (Audi) has pointed out. “OEM procedures aren’t opinions or some sort of black magic; they are tested processes that we’ve developed based on factual data and evidence. Repair procedures are developed from a point of research that includes understanding the vehicle structure and how it was engineered, not simply because someone thinks it’ll work.”
“Recommended procedures should be done. Ultimately, it is to the benefit of the customer and could save the insurance carriers rental costs by catching potential issues early,” Benito Cid (Mercedes-Benz) expressed.
So, why not just call a spade a spade? If manufacturers expect recommended procedures to be performed, courts equate the two terms in enacted legislation and industry leaders insist the words are the same, it would be ideal if shops and insurers would unilaterally recognize the need to repair all vehicles according to OEM procedures – regardless of whether that procedure is required or recommended.
Since the coming together of these two industries seems unlikely, an alternative may be OEMs following their own example and explicitly requiring their procedures to ensure vehicle owners are consistently receiving safe and proper repairs. H&D
accident condition, Lindsay Collision Centers turn to the experts on the vehicle. In addition to all four locations being I-CAR Gold Class Certified Repair Centers, the Manassas location holds OEM certifications from FCA and Volkswagen, while the Springfield location is certified by General Motors, Lexus, Toyota and Volvo. Team members are trained directly by the manufacturers, and each vehicle is repaired in adherence to OEM repair procedures, using OEM parts where required and safeguarding vehicle owners’ warranties.
Acknowledging the “challenge of getting insurance companies to recognize the importance of repairing vehicles to manufacturers’ standards,” Doyle believes the antidote to ignorance is knowledge, which is why Lindsay Collision Centers’ devotion to never-ending improvement and growth has served the business well…and will continue to do so in the future. No matter what changes the industry may hold, he insists, “We advocate for safe and proper repairs.” H&D
High Performance and Speed with RAE’s New XPress 1000 SC Riveting System
The new XPress 1000 SC pneumatic-hydraulic riveting system is an optimal choice for repairers in need of a modular, high-performance system for riveting tasks. Designed for versatility and precision, its modular technology supports the use of various adapters, dies and tools, enabling a wide range of rivet types to be processed with just one tool for performance in various applications.
With this upgraded tool, rivets can be processed with impressive speed and setting force to improve efficiency and cycle time in the shop. One of the standout features of the XPress 1000 SC is its patented function for controllable, force-free rapid advance; this “Smart Control” technology ensures precise and safe positioning of tools and maximum control, even during the most sensitive of repair operations. The entire pressing or pulling process can be controlled with millimeter accuracy.
The system can be combined with different hydraulic cylinders and C-arms for enhanced functionality, and delivers precise control with up to 1000 bar hydraulic pressure, ensuring accuracy regardless of the task at hand.
With OEM approvals from most manufacturers, this system is an excellent choice for repairers looking to perform accurate, precise
Genuine Mitsubishi Parts
Mitsubishi Genuine OEM parts are designed for optimal performance and fit, engineered to meet the highest standards.
For more information, contact:
Younger Mitsubishi 1945 Dual Highway Hagerstown, MD 21740 Direct: 800-296-1190 Vans.
The XPress 1000 SC is a high-speed, high-performance riveting unit designed to save time without sacrificing precision.
riveting as recommended by the manufacturer.
To learn more about the XPress 1000 SC system or to view Reliable Automotive Equipment’s full offering of products, services and support, visit raeservice.com.
COVER STORY
CLEARER VISION: REACH HIGHER WITH
EDUCATION
It’s true when they say “you don’t know what you don’t know.” Even the most engaged collision repair professional has something new to learn, and t’s no secret that this industry has its fair share of challenges. Work has slowed down for many, causing them to feel as though the future isn’t as bright as it was only a few years back. Advancing technologies are being rolled out left and right at blindingly fast speeds which can easily blur one’s focus on long term goals.
The best pathway to reaching the top is through education. Spending a week at the SEMA Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center (November 3 - November 7) is guaranteed to expose collision repairers to a landscape of knowledge and insight that can only be uncovered by the Society of Collision Repair Specialists’ (SCRS) Repairer Driven Education (RDE) series and the Collision Industry Conference (CIC). Attendees will leave with a clearer vision of how to get their businesses to the peak of performance. Rounding out the week’s can’t-miss events are SCRS’ IDEAS Collide Showcase, OEM Summit and – since one can’t go all the way to Las Vegas and not take part in the industry’s most illuminated events of the year –the Red Carpet awards and SCRS’ Sky Villa After Party!
There is always so much to do and see! Speaking of setting your eyes on new sights, the final CIC of 2025, along with its reception and the Collision Industry Red Carpet Awards will be held at the Resorts World Las Vegas casino right on the strip. This exciting new venue is sure to leave attendees with vibrant memories for years to come.
Of course, one must also make time to visit the upper level of the South Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center to scan the many tools and resources available to bring back to the shop to assist your day to day.
Be sure to turn the pages to get all the information you need so you can get a clear image of where you want to be, when to get there and what you want to see, do and learn. The more knowledge you possess, the higher you’ll go. Reach for it all at SEMA 2025.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4
On the Agenda:
SEMA Show 9am - 5pm LVCC South Hall
CIC 8am - 5pm Resorts World Las Vegas
RDE Education 9:30am - 4pm LVCC South Hall Skybridge Classrooms
*Catch classes on AI, business finance, repair planning and more!
CIC Reception 6pm Resorts World Las Vegas
Collision Industry Red Carpet Awards Night
7:30pm Resorts World Las Vegas
Whether you’ve been in Las Vegas for a few days taking in the many big lights and sights of the city or you just arrived last night, hopefully you are energized and ready for a full day of enlightening discussions via CIC and/or SCRS’ RDE series.
CIC gets off to an early start! Be sure to leave yourself plenty of time to make your way toward Resorts World for an 8am start. As you make your way through the crowd, mingle with industry friends on your way to grab a cup of coffee, find a seat and get ready to hear CIC Chairman Dan Risley kick things off. View full agenda at ciclink.com
CIC offers some of the most thought-provoking discussions around, but if you prefer direct instruction, plan to spend the day in the LVCC South Hall Skybridge classrooms attending SCRS’ RDE classes.
Get energized first thing by listening to seasoned repair planning expert Kyle Motzkus and Kyle Neely, aka “Blue Collar Kyle,” team up to deliver “Creating Harmony in the Collision Repair Process Through Collaboration” at 9:30am in S229. This eye-opening and engaging discussion will explore how collaboration and common goals can drive success in this industry. This powerhouse duo will bring their expertise and unique perspectives to the table to leave repair professionals with new knowledge on how to use the tools at their disposal and how to navigate challenges.
Your other RDE options from 9:30am to 11am include:
“A Consumer’s Guide to Getting Fully Reimbursed for Automobile Claims” (Tim Ronak and Tony Adams, AkzoNobel) in S230, and
“Take Control: How Bringing Auto Glass In-House Can Boost Profit and Procedural Compliance” (Jason Horne and Shauna Davis, Kaizen Glass Solutions) in S231.
Be sure to grab a bite on the way back to the classrooms by noon so you don’t miss out on “Financial Fundamentals for Collision Repair Centers,” presented by Collision Advice’s Maria Quintero and Tracy Dombrowski who will set out to provide the financial insight one needs to drive their collision center all the way to the top. Shop owners, managers and
financial personnel should make this one a priority if they want to get a clearer picture of essential financial principles and best practices for this industry.
Your other 12pm to 1:30pm options include:
“Are You Offering Jobs or Careers?” (Dave Flockhart, BETAG Innovation) in S230, and “OEM Certifications: The Business and Tooling of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow” (Dave Gruskos, Reliable Automotive Equipment) in S231.
After you’ve had some lunch, get back to the classrooms by 2pm to get a real glimpse into the future, courtesy of Ryan Taylor (BodyShop Booster) who will introduce all to the evolving world of artificial intelligence with “The AI Robots are Coming: Humanoid Meet and Greet” in S229. Taylor will get attendees acquainted with AI tools that can help streamline operations, enhance precision and change the customer experience.
Your other 2:30pm to 4pm options include:
“Mind Your Business” (Mike Jones, Discover Leadership) in S231, and
“Unlock Hidden Profit: Leverage Missed Operations, Materials and Labor to Transform Your Refinish Department” (John Shoemaker and Phil Knapp, BASF) in S230.
Spend the last hour on the South Hall floor visiting exhibits. Be sure to find time to hit the SCRS booth and check out the exciting addition – a fully immersive welding and refinishing competition powered by Skillveri’s cutting-edge augmented and extended reality training technology.
Competitions will run daily from 9:30am to 11:30 am and from 1pm to 4:30 pm so be sure to find some time to try to earn the title of “Best Welder” or “Best Refinisher” of the week. You’ll have to wait until Friday at 11:30am to find out if you won!
Now that day one is under your belt, it’s time to head to your hotel to get ready to make your way to Resorts World for the CIC reception at 6pm followed by the Red Carpet awards at 7:30pm. A spectacular night surrounded by colleagues and friends is in store!
2025 SEMA PREVIEW
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5
On the Agenda:
SEMA Show 9am - 5pm LVCC South Hall
RDE Education 9:30am - 1:30pm LVCC South Hall Skybridge Classrooms
*Catch classes on ADAS, blueprinting, leadership & more!
IDEAS Collide 2:30pm - 4pm LVCC South Hall Skybridge Classrooms
After a fun night of camaraderie and celebration, it’s time to get back to the LVCC South Hall Skybridge Classrooms as day two of SCRS’ RDE Series is about to get underway followed by the can’t-miss IDEAS Collide Showcase!
Before heading into the classrooms, there is time to pop over to the exhibit floor to visit vendors and pick up brochures along the way.
Once armed with breakfast and coffee, march your way over to S230 for “Winning Leadership: Influence, Impact and Driving Results in Collision Repair,” presented by Sheryl Driggers (Collision Advice). Leadership is less about titles these days and more about influence, impact and the ability to drive results. Driggers will show attendees the key characteristics of winning leaders and how to grow into a leader who can inspire trust, accountability and team buy-in.
Your other 9:30am to 11pm RDE options are:
“Automotive Advertising: The Road Map to Building a Successful Online Presence” (Katelyn Shadowens, Jasmine Shaw, Andrew Wagner, John Burchard and Garrett Zafuto, Sokal) in S231, and
“Shaping the Future of ADAS in Collision Repair: A Community-Driven Approach” (Adi Bathla, Revv and Josh McFarlin, AirPro Diagnostics) in S229.
After a quick lunch break and perusing of the South Hall, make your way back to the classrooms by noon for “Accuracy Unlocked: Empower Your Team with Data, Tools and Clear Plan to Develop Their Best Blueprints,” given by Danny Gredinberg (Database Enhancement Gateway) in S230. Learn how to effectively utilize various industry resources to capture the necessary data for accurate and efficient repair plans from one of the leading experts in the industry.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6
On the Agenda:
SEMA Show 9am - 5pm LVCC South Hall
SCRS OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit 12:30 - 4:30pm LVCC South Hall Skybridge Classrooms
Your other options for 12pm to 1:30pm include:
“The Body Shop Business Trifecta: A Roadmap to Build Generational Wealth” (Bill Park, Crunchit Financial Services) in S229, and “The Unseen Effect of Bonus Plans in Your Shop” (Andrew Batenhorst, Pacific BMW and Melissa Wolfe, Leader’s Way) in S231.
Take advantage of the hour-long break to get some lunch, visit exhibitors or check out the competitive action in the SCRS booth, but be sure to be back to S229 by 2:30 for one of the most popular RDE segments – the IDEAS Collide Showcase
Micki Woods of Micki Woods Marketing and host of The Body Bangin’ Podcast will serve as emcee of this engaging segment featuring eight presenters who have never before appeared on this stage. Jordan Hendler (Admin Concepts/WMABA) will deliver “Get Far, Stacking Millimeters Towards Progress.” Joe Rector (Entegral) will speak about “A Harmonized Auto Claims Ecosystem,” while Richie Seaberry (Decisely) will present “Modernizing Your HR and Employee Benefits.” 3M’s Shawn Collins will address “Taking Your Apprentice Technicians to the Next Level with Hands on Travel,” Rachel James (Torque Financial Group) will give “Decoding the Role of the CFO,” and Kaye Gitbin (GO Rentals) will share “Elevating the Client Experience in Collision Repair: Hospitality-Driven Strategies for Repeat Business and Referrals.” Last but not least, veteran collision industry journalist John Yoswick (CRASH Network) will explore “Three Minutes to Help Drivers Make Better Insurance Choices.”
Well, now that the daytime’s educational agenda is through, it’s time to hit the town with colleagues for some evening exploration.
SCRS Sky Villa RDE Afterparty 9pm - 12am Westgate Las Vegas Casino Resort, Verona Suite *Registration Required
Thursday’s agenda leaves your morning open to spend more time on the exhibition floors. While doing that, be sure to visit the SCRS booth once again to grab your ticket to one of the hottest parties in town, kicking off at 9pm in the Verona Suite at the Westgate Hotel. By 12:30pm, you’ll want to be seated in S233 for SCRS’ OEM
Technology Summit. This year’s event has a slightly different spin as all three sessions will be centered around one of the most concerning topics around – OEM safety inspections.
Moderated by the one-and-only Mike Anderson (Collision Advice), the series will focus on the impact OEM safety inspections have on
THURSDAY, NOV. 6 (cont.)
steering columns, seatbelts, airbags and ADAS, leaving attendees with an understanding of OEM requirements, how to implement safety inspections and how to prioritize safety for vehicle owners.
Panelists will include Gerry Rosenbarker (Mohawk Auto Group), Tyler Foote (Mohawk Collision Center) and Tyler Smith (Rick’s Paint and Body).
Now that you’re inspired and full of knowledge to take back to the shop Monday, it’s time to relax and unwind. Explore the Las Vegas Strip, meet friends for dinner and then make your way to the SCRS Afterparty and make it a night to remember!
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7
On the Agenda:
SEMA Show 9am - 4pm LVCC South Hall
SEMA FEST Doors open @ 3pm LVCC Bronze Lot
The week is almost all wrapped up. As you begin to pack and get ready to head home, take a last lap around the exhibit halls or meet colleagues for lunch.
Staying in town one more night? Be sure to visit semashow.com and get all the details you’ll need for SEMA Fest – the be all and end all celebration featuring music by rock legends Queens of the Stone Age, the Black Crowes and Neon Trees!
SEMA 2025 may be over, but the knowledge and insight you gained this week have given you the vision to see a clear path all the way to the very top!
Now that you’re prepared for a jam-packed week of activities, be sure to sign up for RDE courses by visiting scrs.com/rde. Attend CIC by registering at ciclink.com. H&D
3:00pmStill reviewing so will advise when all good.
Designed specifically for Mazda vehicles We’re an accurate, trusted resource as close as your phone Get the right part the first time Give us the opportunity to serve you
Contact these Mazda dealers for all your parts needs:
Safford Brown Mazda Fairfax 10570 Fairfax Boulevard
Fairfax, VA 22030
Toll Free: 800-234-8642
Phone: 703-385-3994
Fax: 703-591-5348
Fitzgerald Mazda 114 Baughmans Lane
Frederick, MD 21702
Toll Free: 800-545-4745
Fax 877-696-1841
Email: parts@fitzmall.com www.fitzparts.com
Ourisman Mazda of Rockville 801 Rockville Pike
Rockville, MD 20852
Parts Direct: 301-340-7668
Phone: 855-417-4511
Fax: 240-499-2488
Email: rockvilleparts@ourismanautomotive.com www.ourismanmazdaofrockville.com
Fitzgerald Mazda of Annapolis 1930 West Street
Annapolis, MD 21401
Toll Free: 866-280-8022
Phone: 410-224-4636
Fax: 410-224-4264 www.fitzmall.com
the
OURISMAN CHEVROLET OF ROCKVILLE
807 Rockville Pike
Rockville, MD 20852
Toll Free: 800-345-4640
Direct: 301-424-5332
Fax: 301-294-6381
www.rockvillechevrolet.com
OURISMAN CHEVROLET 4400 Branch Avenue
Temple Hills, MD 20748
Phone: 301-899-6990
Fax: 301-899-9375
www.ourismanchevrolet.com
Here’s to 241 years of combined service excellence
This year, as Albert Kemperle Inc. celebrates its 83rd anniversary, BASF also celebrates its 158th anniversary. We are proud of our decades of partnership with BASF and years of serving the auto paint and body industry together. Kemperle’s founders would be proud of this relationship and the growth their company has experienced because of it.
Today, as we look forward to many more decades of service to our customers, we find ourselves filled with gratitude. The creativity, hard work, and sense of responsibility of the people working for our two companies have made us what we are today.
Thank you for your many years of loyalty.
626 E. Elizabeth Ave., Linden, NJ 07036 Phone: (908) 925-6133
(908) 925-4344 414-416 Madison Ave., Paterson, NJ 07524 Phone: (973) 279-8300
631 Clifton Ave., Toms River, NJ 08753 Phone: (732) 797-3942
(973) 279-9030
(732) 797-0774 100 Melrich Road, Cranbury, NJ 08512 Phone: (609) 860-2800
(609) 860-2801 4 Emery Ave., Randolph, NJ 07869 Phone: (862) 244-4818
(862) 244-4822 www.kemperle.com
You’ve got the right tools, staff, technology and procedures to give your customers the best repair possible. The missing piece of the puzzle? Genuine Volkswagen Collision Parts. Contact an authorized dealer today and find your perfect fit.
Alexandria Volkswagen 107 West Glebe Rd. Alexandria, VA 22305
703-684-7007
Fax: 703-684-4138
e-mail: parts@alexandriavw.com
Karen Radley Volkswagen 14700 Jefferson Davis Hwy. Woodbridge, VA 22191
703-550-0205
Fax: 703-643-0081
Fitzgerald Volkswagen 114 Baughmans Lane Frederick, MD 21702
Toll Free: 800-545-4745
Fax: 877-696-1841
e-mail: parts@fitzmall.com www.fitzparts.com
Fitzgerald Volkswagen of Annapolis 34 Hudson Street Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone: 410-224-4636
Fax: 410-224-4264 www.fitzmall.com
Ourisman Volkswagen of Laurel 3371 Ft. Meade Rd. Laurel, MD 20724
Phone: 301-498-6050
Fax: 301-498-0157 www.laurelvolkswagen.com
Ourisman Volkswagen of Rockville 801 Rockville Pike Rockville, MD 20852
Parts Direct: 301-340-7668
Toll Free: 855-417-4511
Fax: 240-499-2488
e-mail: rockvilleparts@ourismanautomotive.com www.ourismanvolkswagenofrockville.com
“Volkswagen“ and the Volkswagen logo are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG. ©2025 Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Wholesale Parts
• Ensures all required calibrations are performed, even with no warning lights present
• Provides fast, accurate & simple calibration ID
• Includes links to OEM Requirements
• Your report goes to our team for a fast pre-billing estimate!
ADAS calibration is the precise adjustment of your vehicle’s sensors and cameras, essential for the optimal functioning of advanced safety systems. This process is especially critical following significant repairs, part replacements, collisions, or windshield replacements, as these events can disrupt sensor alignment. It’s important to avoid driving without proper sensor calibration. Uncalibrated ADAS sensors can compromise your vehicle’s safety features, leading to potential malfunctions and driving hazards.
The calibration of ADAS can be performed in two main ways: static and dynamic. Static calibration takes place in a controlled environment, ensuring accuracy and consistency. Dynamic calibration, on the other hand, involves driving the vehicle under specific conditions to fine-tune the sensors in real-world scenarios. This comprehensive approach ensures that your vehicle’s safety systems are reliable and effective, providing peace of mind on the road.
adaselitecalibrationrepair.com
ADVICE INDUSTRY ASK MIKE:
What Are Some Key Considerations for Protecting Personal Data in Total Losses?
This month, we “Ask Mike” to share his thoughts on the protection of consumers’ personal information in total loss vehicles. We at Hammer & Dolly hope you find the following exchange useful, and we encourage you to reach out to us if you have a question for Mike on this or any industry-related matter that he can answer in a future issue.
Hammer & Dolly: The protection of personal data is always important, especially these days when our cell phones are scanned 50 times a day for one reason or another. What are your primary concerns with personal data with respect to collision repair, particularly when it comes to total loss vehicles?
Mike Anderson: Nobody’s car is just a car these days. It’s common for people to have everything from their phones to their garage door openers connected to them. Perhaps their iTunes account is synced to the car through their phone, and their home address could be stored in their car’s GPS. When that vehicle becomes a total loss, all personal information needs to be removed from it. Shops should refer to the owner’s manual or the electronic service manual for the OEM procedures. That’s a not-included item, but I believe most consumers would want to pay to have their personal information removed if the insurer doesn’t pay.
I once read about someone who purchased a used vehicle and made purchases through a music app that the previous owner had installed. That should never happen.
When you quality-control inspect a vehicle after it’s repaired, how do you ensure that a phone is synced to it? You want to have the customer confirm that everything is synced properly before they leave. The shop should perform a post-repair scan and a functionality test to make sure there isn’t anything still unplugged or disconnected. I recall being at a shop when a customer brought
their car back because their phone wouldn’t sync. More shops need to be thinking about these issues. It’s not a matter of just checking the lights and door locks.
Let’s say you’re working on a vehicle owned by a high-ranking government official or a military officer. They’re not going to want their data out there to where someone could learn where they live. That consideration is more critical now than ever before.
H&D: And just because a car is a total loss doesn’t mean it’s not returning to the marketplace in some way down the line.
MA: Yes, you still have a lot of people buying vehicles through auctions. They’re rebuilding them and putting them back on the road with salvage titles. Someone could be driving a vehicle that contains someone else’s data. I’m not saying this would happen, but someone could theoretically break into a car and know exactly where the owner lives and retrieve passwords and other sensitive information that had been synced through the user’s phone.
H&D: Based on what you’ve seen at shops across the country, how deep is this concern? How widespread is the lack of protection for personal information during vehicle repairs or total losses?
MA: I’ve only heard of one or two instances, but that doesn’t mean it’s not happening. It’s something every shop should be mindful of now and in the future. You can’t turn on the news anymore without learning about some sort of cybersecurity attack. People shouldn’t store passwords on their phone, but I suspect a lot of people do. Even if the chances of someone accessing that information through a vehicle are slim, there’s always a possibility if you leave the door open to a potential attack.
H&D: The bottom line is that a vehicle owner’s personal information is as much their property as the vehicle itself, and shops should treat it as such. You wouldn’t let the customer leave their wallet on the front seat, so you should not allow their personal information to be left stored in their car.
Vans. Born to run.
Get your customers back on the road faster with Genuine Sprinter Parts.
MA: data?” should be a critical step in the total loss process. Even if that’s not an included operation, I know that I, as a consumer, would pay to have that data erased.
Call our Sprinter Certified Parts Advisors today to get started.
Sprinter Silver Spring 3301 Briggs Chaney Rd. Silver Spring, MD 20904
301-890-3060 Fax: 301-890-5473
H&D: I’d suspect most consumers would expect that their data would be removed anyway, especially in 2025.
mbsilverspring@mileone.com
Hours: M-F 7:30am-5pm, S 8am-3pm
MA: Honestly, I don’t think most consumers even think about it. Most of them aren’t in accidents too often, let alone have a total loss. It’s not top of mind for them; most of them are likely just thinking about getting another car. That’s why we have an obligation to bring it to their attention and tell them what they don’t know.
H&D: If you were a shop owner today, what would be some of the legal landmines you’d be concerned about with respect to this issue?
MA: I’m not a lawyer, but if you charge to do this but don’t do it properly and the customer later gets hacked, I would have to think there could be some liability there. You definitely want to confirm you’re doing it the proper way.
The answers to these questions are simple, but they’re ones that shops should consider more deeply.
Mike Anderson is an Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) and the former owner of Wagonwork Collision Centers, two highly acclaimed shops located in Alexandria, VA. He has served as a member of many industry organizations throughout his career, including the WMABA Board of Directors, the Mitchell Advisory Board, the MOTOR Advisory Board, the ASE Test Review Committee, the National Auto Body Council, the Collision Industry Conference and the Society of Collision Repair Specialists. Additionally, he is a past Virginia SkillsUSA chairman, serves as a facilitator for Axalta Coating Systems’ highly recognized Business Council 20 Groups in both the US and Canada and facilitates numerous courses for Axalta Coating Systems’ Educational Series. He currently offers expert industry consulting via his latest venture, Collision Advice (collisionadvice.com) H&D
For Volvo Genuine parts at the right price, right now, please contact:
Fax: 301-847-2239
herbgordonvolvowholesaleparts@mileone.com
Fax: 301.890.3748
Email: wholesaless@mileone.com www.audisilverspringparts.com
customers the reliability and quality of Genuine Parts.
Contact our team of Mercedes-Benz Certified Parts Advisors today to get started.
Mercedes-Benz Silver Spring 3301 Briggs Chaney Rd. Silver Spring, MD 20904
301-890-3060 Fax: 301-890-5473
mbsilverspring@mileone.com
Hours: M-F 7:30am-5pm, S 8am-3pm
3161 Automobile Blvd. Silver Spring, MD 20904 301-890-3065 Fax: 301-847-2147 herbgordonsubaruwholesaleparts@mileone.com www.herbgordonsubaru.com
8710 West Broad Street Richmond, VA 23294 804-527-6860 fax: 804-965-6254 CROWNMINI.COM
CHECK
