Behind the Wrench: Chronicles of the Modern Autobody Technician
Navigating the complex landscape of collision repair requires a strategic approach to selecting the right tools, equipment, and business solutions that can optimize the efficiency of your operation. From hand tools to cutting-edge equipment and business management solutions, each component plays a pivotal role in ensuring your collision repair shop operates smoothly and effectively.
**Tools of the Trade:**
Quality hand tools and power tools are essential for daily operations in a collision repair shop. Invest in durable hand tools with warranties and energy-efficient power tools that can reduce manual labor and save time. Welding equipment is also crucial, so opt for models with intuitive controls and adaptive settings to meet your repair needs effectively.
**Cutting-Edge Equipment:**
Frame straightening machines with advanced features like laser measuring, modern paint booths for high-quality finishes, and precise 3D measuring systems for accurate diagnostics are indispensable for a well-equipped collision repair shop.
**Business Solutions:**
Efficient management software that integrates various aspects of your business, continuous education and training for staff development, and CRM systems for managing customer relationships and improving customer satisfaction are key components to consider.
**Optimizing Your Shop:**
Efficient shop layout and design, implementing eco-friendly practices to attract a wider customer base, and building partnerships with insurance companies can further enhance the success and sustainability of your collision repair business.
By staying informed about technological advancements, industry trends, and focusing on quality work and customer satisfaction, your collision repair business can thrive in this competitive field. Whether you are just starting out or aiming to enhance your existing services, this comprehensive guide provides essential insights to equip your business for success and prosperity.
PARENTAL CONTROLS
ARE WE FOCUSED ON RECRUITING YOUTH, OR RECRUITING PARENTS? BY ALLISON ROGERS You’d be hard-pressed to find an industry event where the current skills shortage is not mentioned. Heck, get two shop owners together and the topic will likely come up in less than five minutes of conversation. I’m not making fun—truly!—it’s a real issue […]
WHERE HAVE ALL THE TECHNICIANS GONE?
AFTER NEARLY 30 YEARS IN TEACHING, I’VE NEVER SEEN THE SITUATION MORE DIRE BY BILL SPEED As a retired high school autobody teacher, I spent my entire career trying to promote the automotive collision industry to my students by giving them real life experiences. These experiences varied from real world projects on live vehicles, field […]
MODERN MIXOLOGY
ROBOTIC REFINISHING PROCESSES, RADAR-SAFE REPAIRS AND MORE AT AKZONOBEL OPEN HOUSE BY ALLISON ROGERS Dozens of Canadian industry reps were at the AkzoNobel Ontario headquarters and training facility in early February as the coatings company hosted an Open House for its valued partners and customers. The main feature of the day was AkzoNobel’s brand-new AC100 […]
UPDATES FROM RUST VALLEY
A CONVERSATION WITH MIKE HALL OF RUST VALLEY RESTORERS BY ALLISON ROGERS If you look at Mike Hall, you’d think he was made for the silver screen. If you stick around and watch him work, you’d be certain of it. With a background in rock blasting and a lifelong love for cars, Mike’s journey into […]
INNOVATIVE ODDITIES
EXPLORING THE ECCENTRICITIES OF MODERN AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY BY SARAH PERKINS With technological advancements increasingly seeming to defy the limits of the imagination, the automotive industry frequently stands at the forefront of innovation. Just as frequently, however, OEMs offer an array of peculiar technology that blurs the lines between science fiction and reality. From vehicles that […]
FUSING PASSIONS
DAYNA KOHUT HAS BEEN COOKING UP A LOVE OF CARS SINCE HER DAYS IN THE CULINARY ARTS BY SARAH PERKINS To succeed in the trades is to be consistently developing a set of specific skills. From collision repair to craftworks, each trade requires its own techniques, training, knowledge, and body of tools in order […]
CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS?!
SHOOTING FOR THE SKY Samson Sky, an aircraft manufacturer based out of Redmond, Oregon was recently granted a patent by the European Union for a flying sports car known as the Switchblade. To fly the Switchblade, the wings on the vehicle spread out and the tail extends in fewer than three minutes, the patent claims. […]
TRAINING
PULLING NEW SKILLS CamAuto Pro recently hosted an open house at its Quebec training facility, where industry experts Gene Fetty and Charles Aoun conducted a comprehensive training session on paintless dent repair (PDR) and glue pull repair (GPR). The training session was divided into two parts, with Fetty leading the PDR portion and Aoun taking […]
Indian Motorcycle Dealers Ranked Highest in 2024 Industry Study Measuring Response to Website Customers
Industry’s average performance declined: Increased use of texting was offset by lower speed and quality of email and phone responses MONTEREY, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Polaris Inc’s Indian motorcycle dealerships were ranked highest according to the 2024 Pied Piper PSI® Internet Lead Effectiveness® (ILE®) Study, which measured responsiveness to internet leads coming though powersports dealership websites. Following Indian […]
