So many of the key industry issues discussed were significantly important to every collision repairer in our industry. Spending time with other industry members in forums and meetings, attending educational programs and reviewing the latest products is a commitment those who were present make time and again.
What about you?
It still amazes me how many in our industry are completely oblivious to what's happening outside their facilities' walls. Often, they not only just stay on the sidelines and refrain from getting involved during key events that shape our industry's present and future, they often aren't even "at the game." They're the same people who don't support their local, state or national associations that rely on minimal industry membership dues to perform their services and represent their members' interests. These same no-shows are often the first to complain about the direction the industry has taken or what they believe leadership isn't doing for them.For those who are actively involved in industry association and committee work, I applaud your commitment and dedication. For those who aren't, it's time to get off your rear ends and get involved.
You may be thinking I was referring to this year's 33rd Annual Northeast Leadership Event and Trade Show in Secaucus N.J., but I wasn't. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to attend this year's event because of a schedule conflict. The event I recently attended was the 2010 Automotive Service Week and Tuning Show at the Kintex Center in Seoul, South Korea.
In Korea, there's much less distinction between the mechanical industry and collision repair industry. It's mostly driven by what the insurers have taken control over during the past 15 to 20 years. Domestic brand part procurement is done online and paid for directly by the insurers without any profit given to repairers. The cost of labor for skilled workers is relatively high, but labor allowances listed in the insurer-developed and required estimating platform are minimal. In fact, comparing the labor allowances for a common Hyundai sold in North America and Korea reveals the Korean estimating system listed 6.0 labor units to replace a quarter panel, whereas the North American system shows 14.5 labor units.
How would you like to be bound by those allowances? If not, you'd better become involved in using a system, such as the Database Enhanced Gateway (DEG), which other countries simply don't have as an option. The DEG system, www.degweb.org, allows you to post inquiries for our estimating system databases to improve their accuracy. There should be a shortcut icon on every estimator's desktop that should be used daily as a resource for updated time allowances and to post inquiries.
The meetings I attended at this event (with the help of a translator) revealed many similar industry issues in many parts of the world, including North America. Koreans also struggle to get more industry members involved to gain momentum for their causes. However, while I was there, Koreans organized a public protest at a large train station to increase consumer awareness about how vehicles are being directed and not repaired properly. When was the last public protest you attended?
There was a rule I learned many years ago that I've never forgotten: To make change, you must become involved. You can do this by taking time to participate actively or simply support those monetarily who are working for your future. It requires at least one. Standing on the sidelines, or not even showing up for the game, isn't an option your can live with for your future.
Which do you think is the most logical choice: being involved in determining our future, or just complaining about where we're going and continuing to make uncomfortable adjustments? From where I'm sitting, the answer is easy.
Contact info: [email protected]
