Community Service
Why Michigan shop owner Dick Zaagman says he chose ‘downward mobility’ in establishing his business and his life. Community means a lot to Dick Zaagman, past,…
Features
Makeover of a Plug-In
Redesigned Chevy Volt undergoes inspection. Is the second generation better than the first? There have been no redesigns of any plug-in cars except the Chevy Volt. The Nissan Leaf did get a larger capacity battery pack and the motor/inverter underwent…
The Gotta-Have Guy
Why having someone with the skills to manage your business technology is not an option but a requirement. I’m certain most of you have experienced challenges with technology from time to time. Whether it’s dealing with an update or a…
The Two Roads to Success
As shop owners and managers, the busier we are, the better the business. But do you ever feel that something is happening, and you’re too busy to pay attention? You really need to pay attention. At the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers…
The Balancing Act
To sell tires, or not to sell tires? How one shop owner’s inquiry into new technology led him to burn rubber in a new direction. Some “truths” are true or untrue, depending on an individual’s perspective. For example, up until…
Damage Control
Check out these nine expert tips for streamlining your collision estimating process and learn how to apply them in your shop. Estimating the cost of repairs in a collision shop is one of the most important steps in the repair…
Small Shop, Big Ideas
The essential questions you must ask, and answer, before spending a penny on marketing your services and yourself. “Marketing” is such a broad term. It includes everything from a billboard to a tweet. How do you deal with your marketing…
FTC Examines Auto Distribution and Warranties
Panelists question why repairs limited to dealers only. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently held a one-day public workshop to explore competition and related issues in the context of state regulation of motor vehicle distribution and to promote more informed…
Gadgets & Gear
Fun and functional high–tech tools that you might not think to buy - but should. We’ve found the Droid MAXX smartphones to be a stable platform with tons of battery life. These phones get plugged in…
What about Bob?
He’s a talented but belligerent tech, and he’s ruining the morale in the shop. What you can do to make peace. I was finally able to hire a tech that I had been chasing for a few years. His knowledge…
Would you work for you?
How to make your shop a success by making it the kind of place where you’d want to work. It’s no secret that we have an extreme shortage of competent people throughout our industry. As an employer, you’ve got to…
High-Caliber Service
Mark Sanders grew up in the collision repair business. Now he operates the largest such company in the nation. What does he know that you don’t? Mark Sanders might…
Aluminum Foiled?
Use these expert tips to avoid the pitfalls of converting your shop to ‘advanced material’ repairs. Aluminum repair is more a business challenge for collision repairers than a technical one. Aluminum hoods 1have been in use for years, and even…
When Shop Spirits Sag?
What it takes to rebuild your employees’ morale and get everybody working toward the same goals. I was reading an article from the Society For Human Resource Management and came across this statement: “With a daily diet of news about…
Michigan Legislature Has a Mandate on Its Mind
Insurance committee considers ASA position on parts procurement bill. The Michigan legislature is back in session and has insurer-mandated parts procurement legislation on its agenda. Michigan State Sen. Joe Hune, R-22, chairman of the…
The ‘Doctor’ Is In
At Chicago’s Sinclair Auto Clinic, the cars and the times have changed but not the treatment. No doubt about it. James F. “Jim” Sinclair is old school.…
Common Courtesy
What’s in it for you to perform courtesy checks? Plenty. But getting your techs into the habit takes planning and effort. Here’s how. A lot has been written about the value of the courtesy-check process – mostly about how important…
Civic Improvements
How Honda’s new steels and safety systems will impact collision repairs. The 2016 Honda Civic, available since November 2015, was recently named AutoGuide.com 2016 Car of the Year. According to Colum Wood, AutoGuide group editorial director, “A car that’s this…
Trending
