What a dream...or is it reality?

It has been called the American Dream to be able to own your own business, be your own boss and commit to doing it better than anyone else (especially your last boss). It is what drives our economy and country — small businesses in America.

However, such freedoms also bring on responsibilities and accountabilities to the new business owner, ones that may have never been expected or anticipated. Repairing the vehicle is only one facet of operating a collision repair business. Knowing your legal responsibilities to your staff, the legal filings such as taxes and other licenses, and, of course, the changing technologies are all ultimately the responsibility of the new owner.

For many, this is a dream come true; to others, it's a living hell. In either case, the necessity to understand the difference between repairing the vehicle itself and running a business to make a profit is greater today and in the continuing future than it ever has been in our industry's past.

As owners, it is imperative we continue to refine the skills and knowledge of not only the vehicles that are coming in the door, but also of the business and its needs. Knowing the differences between repairing cars and running an operation is a critical step in remaining a viable, sustainable business. There are several resources available today, some of which can be viewed at http://www.aeii.net/reading.html.

I came across a company a few years ago called, "Walk The Talk" and I encourage anyone to take a look at what their message is all about. Whether you have a very small shop with only a few employees, or your company has hundreds along with managers at multiple levels, your employees are constantly watching you, your actions, your reactions and how you follow what you say. It's a great message to all: "Let's do what we say we are going to do." I am sure this can't be bad for anyone, but it may be hard for some.

On the lighter side, I have a friend I've known for many years, who was once the bodyshop manager of a Volkswagen, Porsche and Audi dealership. One day he decided he could have the "American Dream," so he opened his own collision repair center. What I didn't know about him until a few months ago is that he's an accomplished guitar player. Well, he also must be able to write lyrics based on what he wrote below. As a longtime shop owner, you'll certainly grin at a number of lines within this poem. If you are a new owner, this just may be a glimpse into your near future. In either event, enjoy.

Somebody pinch me! With '06 gone, it's now '07... ... I dreamed that the body shop became just like heaven. The men were all happy and glad to be here ... ... What can we do "boss man," to make this a great year? You're all grown up now, so be a big boy... ... Things could always be worse, so try to enjoy. Roll up your hose at the end of the day... ... Treat the equipment with care, it's best that way. Don't waste supplies, they cost us a bunch... ... Keep up the area where you all have lunch. Put trash in cans and not on the floor... ... No parts laid on seats, but listen there's more. No keys taken home, or locked in the car... ... Interiors spotless, no doors left ajar. Another dead battery will drive me insane... ... No cars without glass left out in the rain. When you use the last item, please let someone know... ... Just write it down, be a good Joe. Nobody wants a cabinet that's bare... ... Do the right thing, show that you care. Do every car the best that you can... ... Check over your work; Sound like a plan? No verbal orders, please write them down... ... All would be smiling, not even one frown. Jumping like elves, the writers would see... ... Men working hard to "be all they can be." No parts price increase, no parts to send back... ... Every work order gone over and safe in its rack. Every car ready to deliver on time... ... All the lights working, paint looking fine. No last minute panic, no five o'clock scare... ... Just grins and giggles and smiles everywhere. In the distance I hear, "Does this car go tonight?"... ... I want to stay to make sure it's alright. At the end of the day even if they worked late... ... They stop by my office to say, "This place is great." You're the best boss that I've ever seen... ... All of those others were just downright mean! The owner arrives, stunned, but he's calm... ... Finally he utters, "You guys are the bomb!" Insurance companies would love us and form a big mob... ... Just waiting their turn to say, "What a great job!" Just how do you do it? Tell us we pray... ... What is your secret? We're so blown away! I'd point to my men, just like a proud dad... ... I'd shout, "My guys are awesome, they make me so glad." And as I awake I hear myself say... ... "This must be a dream, IT'S NEVER THIS WAY!"

Special thanks to John Langford, Langford's Collision, Indianapolis, for his contribution of this poem to the industry.

Please send your comments, questions and potential discussion topics you would like to see addressed in future columns to [email protected]. For additional information you can also visit www.aeii.net.