April 2013

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AASP News
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4 April 2013
AASP News
CONTENTS
Vol. 21 No. 4
AASP News is the official publication of the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers, Minnesota, Inc. 1970 Oakcrest Ave., Suite 102 • Roseville, MN 55113 Phone: 612-623-1110 • Fax:
612-623-1122 email: [email protected] • website: aaspmn.org. All rights reserved. To keep its readers better informed, AASP News allows its columnists to fully express their opinions.
All views expressed are not necessarily those of the publication. AASP News is published by Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc. Cover ©www.istockphoto.com/Geber86
AASP of Minnesota is an association of independently-owned automotive service businesses and
industry suppliers dedicated
to improving the state’s automotive service industry and
the success of its members.
AASP-MN BOARD MEMBERS
2013 – 2014
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE ..........................................................6
Make 2013 YOUR Year!
by Dan Sjolseth, AAM, AASP-MN President
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE..............................................................7
Updated Revenue Forecast Alters Budget Picture
by Kevin Walli, AASP-MN Lobbyist
LOCAL NEWS........................................................................8
PRESIDENT
Dan Sjolseth, AAM
19TH ANNUAL AASP-MN GOLF OUTING REGISTRATION ....................10
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
John Ritter, Jr., AAM
FEATURE ............................................................................11
The Power of Word of Mouth: Inside AASP-MN Member-to-Member Recruiting
by Alicia Figurelli
SECRETARY-TREASURER
Jerald Stiele
COLLISION DIVISION DIRECTOR
Mike Cox, AAM
C.H.E.S.S (Complete Health, Safety & Environmental Services) ..........14
All Sorts of Chemical Labels (and a Note on AWAIR)
by Janet L. Keyes, CIH, and Carol Keyes, CSP
MECHANICAL DIVISION DIRECTOR
Tom Gleason
AASP-MN MEMBER ALERT ......................................................17
• Insurer Unfair Claims Practices Report
• AASP-MN Member Recruiter of the Year Contest
ASSOCIATE DIVISION DIRECTOR
Kevin Martin
INSURANCE IQ ......................................................................18
Do You Have Your Income Insured?
MECHANICAL SEATS
Greg Kasel, AAM
Scott McClure, AAM
SHOP HERE FIRST! ................................................................20
AASP-MN Associate Member Directory
COLLISION SEAT
Joyce Weinhandl
THE LOOKING GLASS ............................................................22
Information Tools For the Profitable Shop - Mitchell 1
STAFF
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Judell Anderson, CAE, AAM
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
Jodi Pillsbury
MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR
Tom Kluver
PUBLISHED BY: Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc.
244 Chestnut St., Suite 202 Nutley, NJ 07110
PHONE: 973-667-6922 • FAX: 973-235-1963
ADVERTISING: 800-991-1995 • [email protected]
PUBLISHER: Thomas Greco ([email protected])
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: Norman Morano ([email protected])
MANAGING EDITOR: Alicia Figurelli ([email protected])
EDITOR: Joel Gausten ([email protected])
ART DIRECTOR: Lea Velocci ([email protected])
OFFICE MANAGER: Brandi Smith ([email protected])
www.grecopublishing.com
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
June 18, 2013
AASP-MN Golf Outing
3M’s Tartan Park
Lake Elmo, MN
September 10, 2013
Wheel Alignment
Diagnostics &
Electronic Stability Control
Location TBD
For info:
Contact AASP-MN at
612-623-1110 or
800-852-9071
ADVERTISER’S INDEX
aaa Auto Salvage ....................................................IFC
AmeriPride ..............................................................9
Borton Volvo ..........................................................6
Buerkle Hyundai......................................................16
Dupont ....................................................................................OBC
Feldmann Nissan ....................................................18
Inver Grove Honda ..................................................19
Inver Grove Toyota ..................................................15
Jack McClard ..........................................................IFC
Keystone ................................................................3
Maplewood Toyota ..................................................19
AASP News
Mills Parts Center ..................................................3
Morrie’s ..................................................................21
Motorwerks BMW ..................................................4
Motorwerks Mini ....................................................4
MWAPA ..............................................................12-13
NAPA ......................................................................7
Park Chrysler Jeep ..................................................3
Rosedale Chevrolet ................................................16
Roseville Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram........................3
Straight & Square....................................................9
Toyota Group ..........................................................IBC
April 2013
5
President’s Message
by Dan Sjolseth, AAM
AASP-MN President
Make 2013
YOUR Year!
I’m very appreciative for the opportunity to serve as your
AASP-MN President in 2013. My 38 years in the automotive industry have been very rewarding and have traveled by very quickly. It
seems not long ago when my wife Cindy and I were just starting our
first body shop. I remember back to the ’80s when Cindy and I were
at an automotive convention in Las Vegas. While we were there, I
met with five other body shop owners from Minnesota. It was their
willingness to help with questions and their wealth of knowledge of
the body shop industry that brought about my relationship with the
Association. The quality of shop owners who have been part of the
Association over the years has proven to provide value in every
year of membership.
Nine years ago, we were faced with one of the biggest challenges in our business. We needed to relocate in a community that
did not have much to offer for automotive zoning. Our only option
was to purchase an automotive service center in the community and
add on a body shop. Six years ago, we relocated the body shop to
6 April 2013
the newly-acquired mechanical shop. As scary as it was to learn the
mechanical repair business, we once again built relationships
through AASP-MN and aligned ourselves with the best owners on
the mechanical side.
Being involved in the Association for so many years, I will
continued on pg. 21
Welcome New Members!
March 2013
Autodata Publications
Rochester
Complete Auto Repair
Rochester
Elite Worldwide, Inc.
Rancho Santa Fe, CA
AASP News
Impact Auto Repair
Farmington
Ron’s Auto Service, Inc.
Fridley
South Import Motors
Bloomington
Legislative Update
Updated Revenue
Forecast Alters
Budget Picture
A bit of good news in the updated State Revenue Forecast will
take pressure off the call for tax increases to balance the 2014-15
budget.
Each year, at the end of February, the state receives an update
regarding revenue projections for the next four years. The focus of
this year’s Legislative Session is to ensure a balanced budget for the
next two years – July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2015.
Last November, the forecast was for a $1.1 billion budget
shortfall, which did not take into account the school aid shift that
the Legislature had used in recent years to balance the budget. Borrowing from school aids amounted to $1 billion over-and-above the
projected shortfall.
The February forecast indicates improvements in tax revenues
to the tune of approximately $500 million. This reduces the projected shortfall for the next biennium to about $650 million.
In addition, the forecast showed improved revenues in the current budget cycle to the tune of approximately $250 million. Most
by Kevin Walli, AASP-MN Lobbyist
of these funds will be earmarked to pay back a portion of the school
aid shift. So what does all this mean for Minnesota businesses?
Governor Dayton has already dropped the business-to-business sales tax, which was a central part of his sales tax expansion
proposal. Dropping this sales tax expansion is a relief to virtually
every business in the state that was concerned about paying sales
tax on accounting, legal and other services.
The Governor’s proposal to expand the sales tax also backs off
the proposed tax on auto repair labor. While the Governor has
dropped this proposal, AASP-MN will continue to watch the Legislature to see if this tax becomes part of a House or Senate proposal. AASP-MN has developed a position statement in opposition
to expanding the sales tax to cover automotive repair services. We
will continue to engage with Tax Committee members to try to
avoid this tax expansion.
On another front, AASP-MN is working to amend the salvage
title statute to change the definition of a “high-value vehicle” from
continued on pg. 21
AASP News
April 2013 7
Local News
AASP-MN Announces 2013 - ’14 Board of Directors
Voting for open seats on the AASP-MN Board of Directors
concluded on March 29, 2013.
Congratulations to Joyce Weinhandl (Northfield and Twin City
Auto Body) and Greg Kasel (Downtown Tire & Auto, Hastings) on
their election to the AASP-MN Board of Directors! They will join
the other members of the Board, which include:
President
Dan Sjolseth, AAM, Superior Service Center, Eagan
Immediate Past President
John Ritter, Jr., AAM, Highland Autostar, St. Paul
Secretary/Treasurer
Jerald Stiele, Hopkins Auto Body, Hopkins
Collision Division Director
Mike Cox, AAM, Ed’s Collision Center, Maple Grove
Mechanical Division Director
Tom Gleason, Pro-Tech Auto Repair, Corcoran
Associate Division Director
Kevin Martin, P.P.G. Automotive Finishes, Edina
Mechanical Seat
Scott McClure, AAM, St. Paul Automotive, St. Paul
AAA Names Minnesota “Top Shop” Auto Repair Facilities
Each year, the AAA Clubs of Minnesota and Iowa recognize
a select number of Approved Auto Repair (AAR) facilities for their
business integrity, professional standards in automotive repair, outstanding customer service and community involvement. In Minnesota, 21 Approved Auto Repair shops have earned the Top Shop
honor for 2012 and 14 of them are AASP-MN members!
The 15th annual Top Shop awards are given to those repair facilities that last year had the required number of online customer
satisfaction surveys with an Excellent rating of 93 percent or above.
The evaluations are monitored and processed by AAA. Top Shop recipients are also Total Repair Care (TRC) facilities that offer the 5
percent discount to members and will triage, diagnose or repair a
member’s vehicle within one hour of arrival at their shop. AAA requires these facilities to demonstrate their highest level of commitment to their customers by having a staff member certified: ASE
Master A1-A8, ASE Advanced Engine Performance L-1, ASE Certified Service Advisor C-1.
Congratulations to the following
AASP-MN members for being recognized as
Top Shops in Minnesota:
Service Garage of Blaine, Blaine
Pro-Tech Auto & Truck Repair, Inc., Corcoran
4th Street Auto Repair, Inc., Duluth
J.M. Auto Service, Eveleth
Dale Feste Automotive, Hopkins
Crystal Lake Automotive, Lakeville
Autotronics of Mankato, Mankato
Maple Grove Auto Service, Maple Grove
Dave Steffens Automotive, Inc., Minneapolis
A & C Automotive & Machine, North Branch
Herb’s Servicenter, Inc., Plymouth
Saint Anthony Service, Saint Anthony
Dunrite Auto Service, Saint Louis Park
Saint Paul Automotive, Saint Paul
AASP-MN extends a sincere thank you to this year’s outgoing board members:
• Tom Aldridge, AAM, Dale Feste Automotive –
Immediate Past President
• Patrick McKinney, aaa Auto Salvage, Rosemount –
Associate Division Director
• Bruce Tschida, AAM, Lake Marion Collision, Lakeville –
Collision Seat
AASP-MN’s Workers’ Compensation
Insurance Program Pays Dividend
Star Insurance (Meadowbrook), the Association’s preferred
provider of workers’ compensation insurance, recently paid participating members a dividend equal to three percent of premiums. In
all, over $17,500 was paid to 110 members participating on the program.
This marks the eighth consecutive year that a dividend was
earned based on the AASP-MN group’s outstanding loss experience. Fewer accidents mean lower claim costs, which helps reduce
insurance premiums. This is a great example of how safety – and
membership in AASP-MN – pays!
If you are not currently insured with Meadowbrook, call Scott
Murphy at Associated Insurance Agents (763-549-2243) to learn
about how you can access the program and keep your local agent.
AASP-MN can save member businesses money! Compare the
Association’s insurance programs, uniform, bankcard and other
cost-savings benefits to your existing providers today. Contact the
AASP-MN office at 800 852-9071 or 612-623-1110 or email us at
[email protected] for free comparison quotes.
8 April 2013
Currently, 141 auto dealers and independent facilities in Minnesota and 40 in Iowa participate in AAA’s AAR program. To qualify, a repair facility must meet AAA’s strict criteria for technician
certification and customer satisfaction.
Superior Service Center Finalist for US
Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business of the Year Award
AASP-MN member Superior Service Center (Eagan) has been
nominated as a finalist for the 2013 Small
Business of the Year Award. This award
represents the 100 best in American business. One finalist will be named the Small
Business of the Year. The winner will be
honored during America’s Small Business
Summit on April 30 in Washington DC.
Congratulations to the entire Superior Service Center crew!
Sponsorships Support 2013 Educational Programming
Recently, AASP-MN asked for sponsorship dollars from its associate members and other industry vendors to help support the association’s education and training activities in 2013. Sponsorship
AASP News
dollars help AASP-MN deliver the quality
programs members expect, and keep registration fees affordable.
To date, AASP-MN has received sponsorship commitments from:
Program Sponsors
3M
Advisorfix.com
Associated Insurance Agents
Automotive Seminars, Inc.
Axalta Coating Systems
C.H.E.S.S.
Hunter Engineering
Key Kool/LKQ Corp.
Mitchell International
One Eighty Business Solutions
P.P.G. Automotive Finishes
Raytheon
RLO Training
Hospitality Sponsors
aaa Auto Parts
AkzoNobel Automotive
AmeriPride Services
Associated Insurance Agents
Audatex
Auto Plus Auto Stores
Auto Value Parts Stores
Autodata Publications
BASF Automotive Refinish
Body Shop Supply of LaCrosse
CARQUEST Auto Parts
CCC Information Services
Choice Auto Rental
Dent Impressions
Dentsmart PDR
Dorman Products
IDENTIFIX
Inver Grove Ford Lincoln
Keystone/LKQ
Lowell’s / Carbench
Meadowbrook Insurance
Mitchell1
MN Collision Auto Repair Safety Study
Net Driven
O’Reilly Auto Parts
PAM’s Auto, Inc.
Pro-Paint
Pump & Meter Service
Sherwin Williams Automotive Finishes
Suburban Chevrolet
Tousley Ford
United Fire Group
A special “thanks” to these companies
for their support! And remember to support
those who support your Association.
AASP News
April 2013
9
19th Annual
AASP-MN Golf Outing
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
3M’s Tartan Park • Lake Elmo, MN
12:00pm Shotgun Start
Check-in 11:00am - 11:30am
Four person scramble
$100 per golfer / $400 per team
Fees Include:
• 18 Hole Green Fees
• Golf Carts
• Social Hour Following Golf
• Prizes
• Contests
Closest to the Pin
Longest Putt
Longest Drive
AND MORE!
Teams fill
up fast!
Register today!
Exciting
Contests &
Great Prizes!
AASP-MN 19th Annual Golf Outing Registration
June 18, 2013 • 3M’s Tartan Park
Name: _______________________________ Company: __________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________________________________________________
City: ________________________________ State: ______________________________________________
Phone: ______________________________ Fax: ______________________________________________
Email: __________________________________________________________________________________
1st Player: _________________________
2nd Player: ________________________
3rd Player: _________________________
4th Player: _________________________
Company:
Company:
Company:
Company:
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
Payment Options:
_____ Check in the amount of $400 for your team or $100 per golfer, made payable to AASP-MN
_____ Credit Card
_____ Visa
_____ MasterCard
_____ Discover
Credit Card #: __________________________________________ Expires: ________________________
Signature: _____________________________________________ Billing Zip Code: __________________
Return to: AASP of Minnesota, 1970 Oakcrest Ave., Suite 102, Roseville, MN 55113
Phone: (612) 623-1110 • Fax: (612) 623-1122 • Email: [email protected]
10 April 2013
AASP News
Feature
THE POWER OF
WORD OF MOUTH:
Inside AASP-MN
Member-to-Member
Recruiting
by Alicia Figurelli
The value of word-of-mouth is truly unmistakable when it
comes to growing one’s business or customer base. After all, who
better to recommend a product, service or vendor than someone
who has experienced it first-hand? While word-of-mouth is a powerful marketing tool for AASP-MN members looking to gain fresh
new faces through their shop doors, this same practice is equally effective in bringing fresh faces to the Association itself, as well.
AASP-MN members clearly know the value of membership in
the Association, and as such, have contributed greatly over the years
in scouting and encouraging new prospects to join the ranks. Recognizing the significance of member-to-member recruiting, AASPMN launched its annual “Member Recruiter of the Year” contest in
2006 to provide even more incentive to those looking to help expand the Association’s membership. The contest rewards members
whose promotion of AASP-MN leads to new member prospects,
new members, member benefit program enrollments and/or AASP
News advertisers on a points-per-activity basis, with the person
holding the most points at the end of the year declared that year’s
“AASP-MN Member Recruiter of the Year.” (Winners are also rewarded for their efforts, with past prizes ranging from complimentary registration to the AASP-MN Annual Meeting & Convention
to free overnight getaways, dinners and more.) The contest has been
well received by both current and prospective AASP-MN members, and has to date generated dozens of prospective member leads
and new members.
So what tools does an AASP-MN member recruiter utilize
when attracting new members to the Association? As 2012 Member Recruiter of the Year Tom Gleason (Pro-Tech Auto Repair, Corcoran) explains, he promotes membership to prospects as an
investment. “Sometimes, the first thing that comes to mind is, ‘How
much is this going to cost me?’” he notes. “But I like to remind
people that the many tangible and intangible benefits of being part
of AASP-MN far outweigh the membership fee. By taking advantage of even just a few of our member benefits, a member can essentially make money just by joining the Association!” Gleason
certainly has the numbers to back up his claims. He is AASP-MN’s
“reigning champion” member recruiter, with a total of four members, 13 prospects and three Member Recruiter of the Year titles
under his belt as of this writing.
2010 Member Recruiter of the Year Shawn Collins (3M) shares
the sentiment: “I tell prospects that the savings alone will pay for
their dues when they join AASP-MN. Beyond the cost-savings,
there is an even larger benefit in aligning yourself with such a dynamic organization that has an active role in changing the industry
“I have always pointed to the Association’s legislative
efforts – and successes – in promoting membership.
AASP-MN is not only working constantly to affect
change; they are also getting results.”
- Shawn Collins, 2010 AASP-MN
Member Recruiter of the Year
for the better. I have always pointed to the Association’s legislative
efforts – and successes – in promoting membership. AASP-MN is
not only working constantly to affect change; they are also getting
results.”
2011 Member Recruiter of the Year Roger Bonn (Peters Body
Shop, St. Cloud) has been an active part of AASP-MN since its inception. As such, he is quick to promote the many advantages of
membership to prospects. “I feel member-to-member recruiting is
extremely effective - perhaps the most effective method of touting
the Association to others,” he explains. “Member shops are promoting their own real-life experiences and actual dollars saved
through membership. Somehow, some way, these shops have seen
a positive impact on their business thanks to AASP-MN, and are
well-suited to educate a potential member on why they should
join.”
For 2007 Member Recruiter of the Year Bruce Tschida (Lake
Marion Collision, Lakeville), the camaraderie of being amongst
like-minded professionals has proven just as valuable a tool in
member recruiting as it has been in his own personal industry career. “The reason I initially joined [AASP-MN] as a shop owner
was to see what I could learn from my peers – I actually came on
the collision committee in 2002 from another member’s recommendation,” he says. “Over my years in the Association, I’ve made so
many friends and learned so many things that I implement into my
everyday business. I encourage potential members to simply talk to
other shop owners they know who are in AASP-MN, and let them
see for themselves the tremendous value that exists in membership.
The advantages of being a member are different from shop to shop,
but there is extreme value in membership for everyone.”
In addition to Gleason, Collins and Tschida, the Member Recruiter of the Year award has also been given to Rick Soderlund
(retired) in 2006. For more information on the Member Recruiter of
the Year contest, please see pg. 17.
AASP News
April 2013 11
12 April 2013
AASP News
AASP News
April 2013 13
By Janet L. Keyes, CIH and Carol Keyes, CSP
C.H.E.S.S. (Complete Health, Environmental & Safety Services)
All Sorts of Chemical Labels
(and a note on AWAIR)
First, a clarification about AWAIR. Our last article
was intended to alert body and mechanical shops that
you will again be required to have AWAIR programs
(basic safety and health programs). You need to have a
program in place by June 10, 2013, a detail we omitted.
Because of that omission, some folks may have been
told the standard doesn’t apply. We assure you – it does.
And we’ll be working with AASP-MN to help you develop your own AWAIR program. Look for more information on that in the next few months.
Chemical labels. We mentioned several months ago that
they’re changing. Manufacturers have until 2015 to change
their labels. But you need to ensure employees are trained to
understand these new labels well before that, by December 1,
2013. We’ll discuss these new labels in our next column. This
time, let’s look at existing labeling systems.
OSHA’s requirements for labels are simple: Include the
name of the product, manufacturer and some type of hazard
warning. The hazard warning is meant to convey the physical
and health hazards of the chemical. But because this is a performance standard, OSHA provides little guidance on what
form that warning must take, other than that it should include
the effect on specific target organs.
Many manufacturers use two other warning systems to
convey chemical hazards: The NFPA 704 system and the
HMIS system. Both are very limited in scope.
The NFPA 704 system was developed to warn firefighters of the hazards
they face in chemical fires. It ranks
chemicals in three categories: Health,
fire and reactivity. Health is always the
left-most diamond, in blue if the diamond is in color. Fire (or more accurately, flammability) is the top and in red. Instability
(reactivity), in yellow, is always on the right. Numbers from
zero to four are assigned to indicate the relative risk: Zero is
nonhazardous; four is the highest hazard.
The bottom white diamond is used to indicate other hazards, such as whether the chemical reacts with water (W), is
corrosive (CORR) or is a strong oxidizer (OXY).
The advantages of the NFPA diamond: It’s quick and easy
14 April 2013
to read. The major disadvantages: It only addresses the immediate harm from a chemical, ignoring any long-term hazard. And it provides no detail about the type of harm or needed
precautions. A strong corrosive could get the same rating as
something that’s very toxic to eat or breathe.
You’ll often see the NFPA diamond on the propane cages
at gas stations. Some municipalities require them on the doors
of businesses with hazardous materials, so firefighters know
what hazards the buildings contain.
The HMIS system (hazard management information system) is similar to the
NFPA diamond, but is meant for everyday
situations, not just fires. It was developed by
the paint and coatings manufacturers as a
quick way to communicate the hazards for
everyday use of chemicals. Like the NFPA diamond, it uses a
0 to 4 scale, with zero meaning nonhazardous and 4 indicating the highest hazard. Instead of a yellow section for reactivity, it will have an orange section for physical hazards, used
for oxidizers, compressed gases, unstable chemicals, water reactive substances and explosives. (Older versions of the HMIS
rectangle may still have a yellow Reactivity box.)
Newer versions of the HMIS rectangle warn about
chronic (long-term) hazards, such as liver damage or cancer,
with an asterisk in a box next to the health warning.
DOT placards are sometimes confused with the NFPA diamonds. DOT
placards are diamond shaped, but
don’t use a 0-4 scale and don’t have
four diamonds within the diamond.
They aren’t meant to warn employees
about the hazards of working with a
chemical. Instead, they’re meant to warn emergency response
personnel responding to a transportation accident of potential
hazards. You’ll see them on packages of hazardous materials,
such as drums of lacquer thinner or methanol for washer fluid.
They’ll also show up on the trucks used
to transport those materials.
There are nine different DOT placards: Explosives (Class 1), compressed
gases (Class 2), flammable liquids
(Class 3), other fire hazards (such as
flammable solids – Class 4), oxidizers
AASP News
(Class 5), poisons and infectious
agents (Class 6), radioactive substances (Class 7), corrosives (Class 8)
and otherwise hazardous materials
(Class 9). If they have a number on
them, it will refer to either the class,
such as 3 for flammable liquids, or be
a four-digit identification number, such
as UN 1263 (used for paints). The
numbers are not a rating system. The
placards don’t rate the hazards, but
only identify them.
The DOT labels won’t be supplanted by OSHA’s new labeling requirements. Instead, they’ll work well
with them. But we’ll leave details on
that for next time.
If you have questions about
AWAIR programs, chemical labeling
or other safety or environmental issues,
contact CHESS at 651-481-9787 (toll
free at 877-482-4377) or via email at
[email protected].
AASP News
April 2013 15
16 April 2013
AASP News
AASP-MN 2013 Member
Recruiter of the Year Contest
Insurer Unfair Claims
Practices Report
You know the value of AASP-MN membership, and your
personal endorsement is by far the most effective recruiting
tool that you can contribute to the association. Whether you
already have an established personal or business relationship
with the prospect or just met them at an industry event, having a short conversation introducing AASP-MN and the value
it provides you as a member will go a long way towards
adding that prospect to our membership roster!
AASP-MN wants to make it easy for you. Simply jot
down the name and contact information for any of your colleagues who are not currently members of AASP-MN and
we’ll contact them, mentioning your name as a reference.
You’ll be doing that shop, the association and the industry a
valuable service!
All AASP-MN Collision Division members are encouraged to document insurance company practices such as steering, paint caps and
short payments on labor / paint & materials rates on a continual basis.
AASP-MN has prepared the following form for shops to use to document these cases.
On an ongoing basis, whenever such a case arises, please gather
the pertinent information (the information must be provided in its entirety) and transmit it back to the AASP-MN office by email at
[email protected] or by fax at 612-623-1122.
AASP-MN will take the lead in presenting this information to the
appropriate regulatory authorities and your shop’s information will be
kept confidential. With your help, we’ll be better armed to seek legislative changes and/or enforcement action by the Department of Commerce to modify insurance company practices.
• You’ll be introducing the shop to benefits and resources
that will help them be more successful.
• You’ll be strengthening AASP-MN by broadening our
base – which translates into more benefits and services
for all members.
• You’ll be expanding your own network of professional support.
• You’ll be giving back to the industry.
• You’ll be in the running to earn recognition as “Member
Recruiter of the Year” and receive free convention
registration in 2014.
How it works…
• Earn 2 points for each referral
• Earn an additional 3 points if that referral joins AASP-MN
• Earn 5 more points for each preferred provider program*
that the new member signs up for
• Earn 5 more points for each new advertiser in AASP News
*BankCard program, AmeriPride Services, Meadowbrook Insurance Group, Associated Insurance Agents (AiA).
The member who has accumulated the most points at the
end of 2013 will be honored as the “Member Recruiter of the
Year” and receive free convention registration in 2014.
Please fax 612-623-1122, call 612-623-1110 or email
[email protected] the following information to begin earning
your points today!
I have spoken to the following person about:
___ AASP-MN membership
___ AASP News advertising
Insurance Company: ______________________________________
Name of adjuster/insurance company representative:
________________________________________________________
Name of agent (if applicable): _______________________________
Policyholder or Claimant Information:
Name: __________________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________________
City: ____________________________ State: ____ Zip: _________
Policy number: ___________________________________________
Claim number: ___________________________________________
Type of complaint:
Steering (directing customer to a particular repair shop
without first informing them of their right to choose a repair
shop or directing a customer after the customer has stated
their choice of repair shop)
Parts Usage (an insurer requiring other than OEM parts)
Arbitrary paint cap/threshold (insurer refuses to pay for paint
and materials determined to be necessary by the repair shop)
Labor Rate Short Payment (insurer refuses to pay for
standard hourly rate established by the repair shop)
Estimating database manipulation (insurer disregards a repair
operation or cost identified by an estimating system)
Other (describe below)
Please describe the insurance company’s actions(s) or statement(s)
relating to the complaint and provide any documentation to support
the allegation.
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
Insured/Claimant forced to pay $ _____________________________
Date(s) event(s) occurred: __________________________________
Name: _______________________________________
Company: ____________________________________
City: ________________________________________
Telephone: ___________________________________
Referred by: __________________________________
Please return completed form to:
Alliance of Automotive Service Providers, Minnesota
1970 Oakcrest Ave., Suite 102, Roseville, MN 55113
Phone: 612-623-1110
Fax: 612-623-1122
Email: [email protected]
This report can also be found on
the AASP-MN Website: www.aaspmn.org
AASP News
April 2013 17
Insurance I.Q
Do You Have Your Income Insured?
In times of catastrophe, your auto shop may be covered by insurance to take care of any losses or damages, but what about the
income from your business? How do you recover from or deal with
an income loss due to the business becoming inoperable for any
length of time? Property insurance covers anything connected to
the business such as loss of a building, loss of equipment or anything that happens with the tools it takes to run the auto shop. Business Income Coverage strictly covers the income loss that the
business incurs as a result of a covered claim to your building or
personal property.
Business Income Coverage takes care of the company’s income loss due to a cease of business operations resulting from disasters or those incidents that negatively affect the business’s
physical property. In most cases, the coverage works in tandem with
the property policy and covers any loss of income minus the shop’s
normal operating expenses. The coverage on the business will only
affect the period of time that is necessary to repair the damaged
property or replace it altogether.
For instance, if a windstorm or other natural disaster damages
your auto shop and you are forced to cease operations for three
months, the policy would provide reimbursement for a loss of income during that time. Your lost income would be insured until
your shop is back up and once again in operation.
What does Business Income Coverage replace? The specifics
of each policy may vary but, generally speaking, there are a few
areas that are covered, including:
18 April 2013
• Lost net income: Ongoing operating expenses.
• Recurring expenses such as the mortgage, taxes and payroll.
• “Extra expenses” including relocation expenses, if necessary,
plus any expenses that are needed to set up the shop at a
temporary site.
• Most importantly…your profit. A shop relies on profitable
months and this insurance will cover the profit that you lose
on top of all of your recurring expenses.
Business Income Coverage is an absolute must-have for any
shop. If you don’t think twice about insuring your building, vehicles, and personal property, why not insure your income and your
profit???
For more information on this valuable coverage, please call
Scott Murphy or Dennis Spindler at Associated Insurance Agents,
Inc., AASP-MN’s preferred insurance agency, at 763-549-2201.
AiA & its Agency Partners Would Like
to Welcome the Following New Clients:
AASP News
Bobby & Steve’s Auto World, W. St. Paul
Fixsen Auto Body, Maple Grove
Fleet Services, St. Paul
North Country Collision & Mechanical, Hugo
Wipers & Wipes, Hugo
AASP News
April 2013
19
Shop Here First!
AASP-MN Associate Member Directory
3M Company - St. Paul, MN
aaa Auto Salvage - Rosemount, MN
AAA MN/IA Approved Auto Repair - Burnsville, MN
AASP-MN BankCard Program - Hopkins, MN
Action Auto Parts of St. Paul, Inc. - St. Paul, MN
Advisorfix.com - Wrightwood, CA
AkzoNobel Automotive & Aerospace Coatings - Stillwater, MN
ALLDATA - Bondurant, IA
AmeriPride Services - Minneapolis, MN
Arcon Solutions, Inc. - Burnsville, MN
Associated Insurance Agents - Brooklyn Center, MN
Audatex - LaCrosse, WI
Auto Color & Industrial Supply, Inc. - St. Joseph, MN
Autodata Publications - Rochester, MN
Auto Plus Auto Stores - Apple Valley, MN
Auto Plus Auto Stores - Lexington, MN
Auto Plus Auto Stores - Crystal, MN
Auto Plus Auto Stores - Bloomington, MN
Auto Plus Auto Stores - Hopkins, MN
Auto Plus Auto Stores - Rogers, MN
Auto Value Parts Stores - St. Cloud, MN
Autodata Labels, Inc. - Deer Park, NY
Automotive Parts Solutions, Inc. - Rockville, MN
Automotive Recyclers of MN - Minneapolis, MN
Automotive Seminars, Inc. - Luxemburg, WI
Automotive Training Institute - Linthicum, MD
Axalta Coating Systems - Chisago, MN
BASF Corporation - Crystal, MN
Blue Rock Refinishing Solutions, LLC - Roseville, MN
Blue Tow Service Center - Blaine, MN
Body Shop Supply of LaCrosse, Inc. - Onalaska, WI
Brake & Equipment Warehouse - Minneapolis, MN
Buerkle Honda - White Bear Lake, MN
Buerkle Hyundai, White Bear Lake, MN
C.H.E.S.S., Woodbury, MN
Capstone Advisory Group - Edina, MN
CARQUEST Auto Parts - Lakeville, MN
CCC Information Services, Inc. - Stacy, MN
Choice Auto Rental - Richfield, MN
Cottens’ NAPA - Anoka, MN
Dentsmart - Isanti, MN
Derson/Clean Burn - Watertown, MN
Dick & Rick’s Auto Interiors - Bloomington, MN
Dorman Products - Colmar, PA
Dynotec Industries, Inc. - Shakopee, MN
Elite Worldwide - Rancho Sante Fe, CA
Enterprise Rent-A-Car - Eagan, MN
Factory Motor Parts - Eagan, MN
Federated Insurance - Owatonna, MN
Feldmann Imports Mercedes Nissan - Bloomington, MN
G & K Services, Inc. - Minneapolis, MN
Hedahls Parts Plus - Fergus Falls, MN
Hedahls Parts Plus - Detroit Lakes, MN
20 April 2013
IDENTIFIX - Roseville, MN
Inver Grove Ford Lincoln - Inver Grove Heights, MN
John’s Auto Parts - Blaine, MN
Kent Automotive - Minneapolis, MN
Keystone Automotive - Minneapolis, MN
LKQ - Viking Auto Salvage - Northfield, MN
Lowell’s Performance Coatings & Equipment - Edina, MN
Mark’s Towing, Inc. - Eagan, MN
McClard & Associates - Hopkins, MN
Meadowbrook Insurance - Overland Park, KS
Metro Auto Salvage - Lakeville, MN
Midwest Parts Advantage - Rosemount, MN
Mighty Auto Parts - Burnsville, MN
Mitchell International - Andover, MN
Mitchell1 - Slidell, LA
Morrie’s Automotive Group - Brooklyn Park, MN
Motor Parts & Equipment - Winona, MN
NAPA Auto Parts - Northfield, MN
NAPA Distribution Center - Owatonna, MN
NAPA Distribution Center - St. Louis Park, MN
National Coatings & Supplies - Little Canada, MN
National Coatings & Supplies - Rochester, MN
North Willow Contracting, Inc. - Palisade, MN
O’Reilly Auto Parts - Brooklyn Park, MN
P.P.G. Automotive Finishes - Edina, MN
PAMs Auto, Inc. - St. Cloud, MN
Pro Paint Metro, Inc. - Baldwin, WI
Proven Force Clutch and U Joint - Maple Grove, MN
Pump & Meter Service - Hopkins, MN
RLO Training - Renton, WA
Rudy Luther’s Hopkins Honda - Hopkins, MN
SATA Spray Equipment - Spring Valley, MN
Savage Parts Service - Burnsville, MN
Scharf Auto Supply - Rochester, MN
Schmelz Countryside - St. Paul, MN
Sharp Auto Parts, Inc. - Stillwater, MN
Sherwin Williams Automotive Finishes - Bloomington, MN
Southern Minnesota Auto Supply Co. - Rochester, MN
St. Paul/Mpls. Wholesale Parts - Anoka, MN
Straight & Square Distributing, LLC - St. Joseph, MN
Suburban Chevrolet - Eden Prairie, MN
Total Automotive, Inc. - Chanhassen, MN
Tousley Ford Parts Department - White Bear Lake, MN
U.S. Auto Force - Roseville, MN
U.S. Auto Force - Appleton, WI
United Fire Group - Cedar Rapids, IA
Valspar - Minneapolis, MN
Wakeman Equipment Sales, Inc. - Brown Deer, WI
Wallace Auto Parts - Columbia Heights, MN
Wipers & Wipes, Inc. - Hugo, MN
Wurth USA - Hutchinson, MN
Zee Medical Service - Burnsville, MN
AASP News
President’s Message
continued from pg. 6
enjoy my time giving back to the automotive industry. For us, AASP-MN is an organization
through which we have been able to make connections with other shop owners, serve the community and be on the cutting edge of new
products and technologies. Our voice can be
heard through many avenues the Association has
to offer.
AASP-MN provides our members with a
network of quality business owners that will
strengthen our businesses and our connections to
the automotive industry. Make 2013 your year to
get involved with the many events AASP-MN has
to offer. My challenge to you – yes, you – is to
join in and build some relationships with the
many shop owners that participate in these
events. My hope for each and every one of you is
that you will start today by signing up for the Annual Meeting & Convention, April 11 & 12.
While you’re there, make it a point to meet and
exchange numbers with at least one other shop
owner. Based on my own experiences, I guarantee you won’t regret it!
Legislative Update
continued from pg. 7
the current $5,000 to $9,000. This provision is a
holdover from last year’s salvage title reform
provisions that were negotiated with AASP-MN,
the Insurance Federation of Minnesota, the Automobile Dealers and the Department of Public
Safety.
We have had our initial hearings on the salvage title provision and will continuing working
with our authors to have the bill included in the
Omnibus Transportation Finance Bill.
In addition, our bill to change the imposition
of sales tax on paint/materials from the wholesale to the retail level has passed both the House
and Senate Tax Committees. It was approved and
laid over for inclusion in the Omnibus Tax Bill.
This is the result we wanted, and we remain optimistic that we will get this done this year!
We are now past the halfway point of the
Legislative Session. Deadlines for moving bills
out of Policy Committees have passed, and the
Tax Bill and Appropriations Bills will take shape
starting in early April. We will keep you informed of progress on all fronts of interest and
concern to the repair industry.
AASP News
April 2013
21
The Looking Glass
Information Tools for
the Profitable Shop Mitchell 1
Since 1918, Mitchell 1 has provided quality repair information
solutions that simplify everyday tasks for automotive professionals
- helping make your jobs easier. Mitchell 1’s family of integrated
software tools helps you fix cars faster in the bays, optimize shop
workflow from estimate to invoice and attract and retain more loyal
customers to improve your productivity and profitability.
Exclusive Offers for AASP Members!
Mitchell 1 SocialCRM™
Mitchell 1’s SocialCRM is a unique and affordable customer
retention and new customer acquisition marketing service. In addition to the great digital marketing tools (targeted email promotions,
authentic reviews, automated service reminders and thank-you
notes, robust reporting, etc.), the powerful solution also offers social media sharing of consumer reviews and has been optimized for
mobile devices - all for only $184/month*. Visit www.mitchellrep.com/index.asp to contact your local Mitchell 1 Representative..
TeamWorks™
TeamWorks™ brings together Mitchell 1’s industry-leading
management, repair information and estimating software in a powerful solution that seamlessly integrates all aspects of your business. Write accurate estimates, order and track parts and get concise
diagnostics and repair information from Mitchell 1, trusted by generations of service professionals for over 90 years. TeamWorks is
offered to AASP members for as low as $199/month.
To take advantage of these special AASP promotions and find
your local Mitchell 1 Independent Sales Representative who can
demonstrate the value of the entire Mitchell 1 product portfolio,
visit: http://www.mitchellrep.com/index.asp.
Promotions above apply to new Mitchell 1 customers only. Activation fee waived.
Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts.
*Compatible with shop management systems other than Mitchell 1 Manager.
AASP-MN MEMBER BENEFIT PROGRAMS
WORKERS’ COMP INSURANCE
Meadowbrook Insurance Group
Contact: Scott Murphy
Phone: 763-549-2243
Email: [email protected]
Up-front scheduled credit makes Meadowbrook one
of the most competitive programs around for Worker‘s
Compensation insurance. In addition, members are
eligible to receive an annual dividend based on the
group’s loss ratio. For more information, log on to
www.wcpolicy.com/aaspmn.
PROPERTY/LIABILITY & EMPLOYEE
BENEFITS INSURANCE
Associated Insurance Agents
Contact: Dennis Spindler
Phone: 763-549-2238
Email: [email protected]
AiA will present AASP-MN members with quotes
from multiple carriers for property/liability and medical, dental, life and disability insurance and members can choose the program that best fits their
situation. As an added bonus, AiA will offer members an exclusive, 10% discount on their
property/liability insurance premiums.
UNIFORM & LINEN SUPPLIES
AmeriPride Services
Contact: Jim Sylvestre
Phone: 952-738-3242 • Fax: 952-738-3318
Email: [email protected]
Discounted pricing to members on rental of uniforms, entrance mats, shop rags, etc. Purchases are
also discounted. Members receive annual rebate
equal to 10% of their business with AmeriPride
each year.
22 April 2013
CREDIT CARD PROCESSING
Association BankCard Services
Contact: Mac Hardin
Phone: 952-933-2026 Fax: 952-933-4595
Email: [email protected]
Competitive rates for AASP-MN members. Terminals
and printers sold at cost. Monthly rental of equipment is also available.
INDUSTRIAL & PAPER PRODUCTS
Wipers & Wipes, Inc.
Contact: Dennis Julson
Phone: 651-486-4866 Fax: 651-486-4859
Discounts on industrial supplies and paper products. Free, next-day delivery is available in the
metro area. Shipping free to outstate members with
$100 purchase.
LEGAL CONSULTATION
Fryberger, Buchanan, Smith & Frederick
Phone: 800-496-6789 Fax: 218-725-6800
Members receive free, over-the-phone legal assessment and consultation (some restrictions apply)
with an attorney who specializes in the area of law
that is the subject of the call.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION HOTLINE
IDENTIFIX
Phone: 800-288-6220 Fax: 651-633-2188
Members enjoy discounted prices on the industry’s
#1 technical information hotline. One free call is extended to all first-time AASP-MN member callers.
BUSINESS FORMS/CALENDARS
AASP-MN
Contact: Jodi Pillsbury
Phone: 612-623-1110 or toll free 800-852-9071
Fax: 612-623-1122
Email: [email protected]
Discount rate on printed business forms and calendars.
CHECK GUARANTEE SERVICES
Certegy Check Services
Contact: Heather Ellis
Phone: 952-240-5017
Email: [email protected]
Discount rate of .75% to AASP-MN members. Use
existing credit card terminal. Fast claim payments.
SHOP SERVICES
Summit Software & Mobile Solutions
Contact: Frank Terlep
Phone: 1.888.377.2661
Email: [email protected].
Website: www.emarketingsherpas.com
AASP members receive a $50 discount on their
annual e-Marketplace subscription, a digital marketing system that includes mobile phone apps
and a complete customer service, sales, marketing, advertising and communication platform.
INFORMATION PROVIDERS
Mitchell1
Contact: Mitchell1 Representative
Phone: 888-724-6742 x 6986
AASP members are eligible for special Mitchell 1
information and management programs at significant discounts. For more information, log onto
www.mitchell1.com or contact the Mitchell 1 representative at 888-724-6742, X6986.
Mitchell International
Contact: Mitchell International Representative
Phone: 800-238-9111
AASP members receive a 15% discount on any
Mitchell RepairCenter TechAdvisor package. Visit
http://repaircenter.mitchell.com/Catalog/OEM
Repair.aspx for more information.
AASP News
MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
Shop-Probe Auto Body Management System
Phone: 800-524-8104
Website: www.shopprobe.com
Shop-Probe is one of the most user-friendly and affordable collision management systems on the market today.
The system interfaces with every major estimating system as well as the QuickBooks accounting system.
Shop-Probe’s excellent customer support and personal
attention to detail is what sets it apart from the competition. AASP members receive a 10% discount off the
price of the management system and any add-on products. Call for more information.
BUSINESS COACHING
180BIZ
Phone: 540-833-2014
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.180biz.com
180BIZ offers BUSINESS COACHING to AASP
members at a steep 20% discount! One Eighty Business Solutions LLC (180BIZ) has been helping
shop owners increase profits and car count while
decreasing stress since 2003. AASP members receive a discount on very affordable one-on-one
coaching plans without long-term commitments
and complicated contracts. 180BIZ offiers a risk-free
trial of their services. To learn more, please call or
email us, or visit our website.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Dorman Products
Phone: 800-868-5777, ext. 5329
Website: www.dormanproducts.com
AASP members receive insider information, special
access and other perks from Dorman Products, a
leading supplier of dealer “exclusive” automotive
replacement parts.
AASP News
April 2013 23