Shop Owner

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Five tips to form stronger vendor relationships
Industry veteran Donald Harrison likes to tell the following story about how he learned one of the most important lessons of his career just several years before retiring. 
Early one morning he was waiting to check in a special customer—a long-time friend and the...
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Despite change, safe repairs need to remain the primary goal
“Almost every successful person begins with two beliefs: The future can be better than the present. And I have the power to make it so,” said David Brooks, author, political and cultural commentator.  
It’s an exciting time in the collision...
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Tax changes could benefit shop owners
After months of sometimes raucous debate, the new tax bill passed the U.S. Congress last December. While it’s unclear exactly how some of the major changes made in the tax code will ultimately affect the economy, there are some clear benefits to be had for many body...
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Don't lose sight of business basics in this world of change
This is new to me. I’ve been asked to write a column, starting this issue, about what is important, impactful and what is happening in the world of MSOs. Let me think…there’s the changing rate of consolidation, increased risk of litigation and thus...
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Every collision repair shop needs an ACE tech
Does it feel like our industry is going through a great awakening in terms of embracing new vehicle technologies? There are Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS), safety systems and controls performing functions we never dreamed of. Most trade publications and industry...
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Quality control systems fail without enforcement from management
In the decades that I’ve been working with collision repair businesses, I have seen (and in some cases, helped develop) some excellent quality control programs. 
Too often, however, it isn’t the lack of such a program that comes back to haunt a collision...
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Do your team members know they can ask for help?
For years I spent my life doing everything I could to never ask for help. I am a strong, independent woman and in my mind, I saw myself less than the leader I thought people expected me to be if I voiced a need for help. Although, for some reason, I did not apply that same...
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Do your estimators have the tools and training they need to succeed?
No matter what you call it, estimating can make or break your business. You might prefer to say your estimators are doing “blueprinting,” “damage analysis” or “repair planning.” But the term you use is meaningless to the bigger point:...
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Earning industry awards, recognition offers way to promote your shop, reward workers
Camille Eber’s independent collision repair shop in Portland, Ore., some years ago received an “Integrity Award” presented by the Better Business Bureau in the Pacific Northwest. Eber sent out a press release about the honor to news outlets in her market...
Be your customer's advocate
From filing a claim to finding the right body shop, being in a collision can be extremely stressful for your customers. You can be a huge asset to them during this time by understanding your state’s laws and explaining to customers what their rights are when it comes...
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How to lure a company like Facebook into buying you
They say a great business is bought, not sold. So, if you look too eager to sell your business, you’ll be negotiating on the back foot and look desperate — a recipe for a bad exit.

But, what if you really want to sell? Maybe you’ve got a new idea for a...
Paint company offers something for everybody
CHARLOTTE — Rarely does a company call both proud traditionalists and progressive adapters as their collective target client base.








Axalta trainer Ron Haddix demonstrated the paint lines in Axalta's facility in Charlotte, NC.



But...
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Mike’s Auto Body adds second aluminum annex
To be more effective at repairing Ford F-150s and Ford F-250s, Mike's Auto Body recently added its second aluminum facility in San Ramon, Calif. in a 13,000 sq. ft. building that is located nearby the shop. With a highly-trained crew and the right tools, equipment and...
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Indiana anti-steering legislation loses autobody industry support
The Indiana Senate unanimously passed a new insurance anti-steering bill in January, and the legislation is moving forward in the state’s lower chamber. However, the language of the bill has changed so dramatically that the regional autobody association that...
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QuickBooks debuts new program for owners, bookkeepers
AEII-QuickBooksRus is proudly debuting “The Owner’s Handbook & The Bookkeepers Perspective,” taught by Certified Quick Books Advisor and former collision repair shop owner Tony Passwater. It is an exclusive 2-day training course specifically tailored...
  • Toyota
  • Axalta
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