FenderBender

03/07/2025

For International Women's Day tomorrow and Women's History Month, we wanted to shine the spotlight in our March issue on some of the women who make our collision repair industry great!
In this article, what began as a journey toward a first job ended up being a career destination for five women currently working in the collision repair industry. And hands down, they say there’s nowhere else they would rather be.
Read on to learn firsthand how the industry is embracing their expertise in positions of every make and model.
https://fenderbender.com/55265864

These five women are living proof that the industry’s road of opportunity is wide open.

03/07/2025

Six remarkable women will be recognized as Most Influential Women this year at a gala to be held during WIN’s 2025 Annual Conference. This year’s conference, “Create Your Own Magic," will be May 5-7 and held at the Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista – Disney Springs Area, in Lake Buena Vista, Florida – and its Early Bird registration discount has now been extended to today.
https://fenderbender.com/55272921
WIN - Women's Industry Network

The Women’s Industry Network annually honors women whose career achievements have enhanced the collision repair industry.

03/07/2025

For International Women's Day tomorrow and Women's History Month, we wanted to shine the spotlight in our March issue on some of the women who make our collision repair industry great!
Read how Laura Raimann (Kottschade) is continuing her parents' legacy at Jerry's Abra Auto Body Repair of America in Mankato, Minnesota.
https://fenderbender.com/55263721
Abra

Making an impact on the industry is the Kottschade family business.

03/06/2025

“In the South Coast (AQMD) there are over 3,000 body shops. They’re sometimes clustered right in our communities. So, having this carcinogen in our community is the reason we took the approach we took in this role," said Heather Farr, planning and rules manager for the South Coast Air Quality Management District.
https://fenderbender.com/55270274

03/06/2025

Additionally, Fix Network announced in a separate press release that Luxury Collision Center in Modesto, California, has transitioned to the ProColor Collision brand.
https://fenderbender.com/55272702

In addition to entrepreneur Grant Cardone at the Fix Network Global Conference, ProColor will be opening a new California store.

03/06/2025

I-CAR announced during the event that it had accomplished a milestone of 10,000 Gold Class shops nationwide achieving the industry standard for collision repair training and consistent baseline expertise.
https://fenderbender.com/55272700

I-CAR recently held its 2025 Leading Forward National Conference at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Downtown Houston.

03/05/2025

ABAT is looking for 100 volunteers to visit with legislators and discuss issues including the importance of safe repairs and proper compensation.
https://fenderbender.com/55272408
Auto Body Association of Texas

The Auto Body Association of Texas has rescheduled its day of advocacy at the state capitol to March 26.

03/05/2025

Please take a few minutes to help us provide the industry a clear picture of what’s happening from rooftop to rooftop.
https://fenderbender.com/55268317

Through the feedback of shop owners and operators throughout the country, the annual survey is designed to provide a snapshot of the state of the industry.

03/05/2025

What if your shop could be the one others are sending ADAS calibration work to? Many collision shops pass on this lucrative opportunity, thinking it’s too complicated or costly. But the reality is, they are missing out on a $4 billion industry that’s set to grow by 2030, with millions in missed profits each year. In this article, sponsored by Hunter Engineering Company Corporate, we explore how easy it is for collision shops to tap into this ocean of work, boost their bottom line, and keep control of quality and profits. Don’t let the shop down the street take your opportunity — seize it now!
https://fenderbender.com/55269532

They say profit is moving in the wrong direction.

03/04/2025

Affordable Body Shop, located in Panama City, Florida, was acquired by the Atlanta-based MSO.
https://fenderbender.com/55272099

The company acquired a new store in the Florida Panhandle.

03/04/2025

This year, in partnership with CollisionAdvice.com, we’re diving into the critical role of OEM parts purchasing in collision repair shops, analyzing key factors that influence decisions and recognizing the top OEM dealers nationwide.
https://fenderbender.com/55266045

Make your voice heard in the 2025 FenderBender Reader's Choice survey, in partnership with Collision Advice.

03/04/2025

Rather than guessing that you have enough throughput to get you to your sales goal, Andrew Batenhorst, manager of Pacific BMW, shows a basic way to see how each sub-department within the operation is producing or not producing.
https://fenderbender.com/55272040

Waste reduction in the shop is important, but even more basic is the measurement of flow.

03/03/2025

National Auto Body Council, insurance partner American Family Insurance, and collision repair partner Ge**er Collision & Glass presented a Recycled Ride over the weekend
https://fenderbender.com/55271801

On Saturday, March 1, just before the first pitch of the Milwaukee Brewers-Texas Rangers spring training game in Phoenix, Arizona, a refurbished 2019 Honda Civic Altima was awarded...

03/03/2025

The ASE Instructor Training Conference will host hundreds of high school and college instructors from auto, truck, and collision repair programs nationwide.
https://fenderbender.com/55271800
ASE Certifications

The ASE Instructor Training Conference will host hundreds of high school and college instructors from auto, truck, and collision repair programs nationwide.

03/03/2025

It is very easy, says John Shoemaker, business development manager for BASF Automotive Refinish, to stay busy and still not hit your target due to the many things that go into a monthly sales goal.
"When I work with a shop, I like to look at several pieces of the puzzle, beginning with Sales per Repair Order (RO). I believe if you put your focus on Sales per RO rather than the 'number,' you will see the difference between being busy and reaching your goal," he advises.
https://fenderbender.com/55271816

With all that goes into a monthly sales goal, it is easy to stay busy and still not hit your target.

02/28/2025

Former NASCAR Crew Chief Larry McReynolds talks about fostering teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement at I-CAR’s 2025 National Conference.

02/28/2025

Though nine months ago a ¥380 billion profit was expected for Nissan, the company is now facing an ¥80 billion—$536 million—net loss for the fiscal year ending in March.
https://fenderbender.com/55271487

No final decision has yet been made, but the company is currently looking at potential successors.

02/28/2025

Rivera takes on the role, as well as joins the Board of Directors, effective May 9. He’s been with the company since 2012.
https://fenderbender.com/55271489

Driven Brands’ Chief Operating Officer Daniel Rivera is being promoted to president and chief executive officer.