There always has been a heated debate about the quality of aftermarket vs. OEM parts.

Collision repairers know what's right and should voice their opinions.

With new focus on the 1963 Consent Decree, shops can change the history of their industry.

The ways insurers measure shop performance are inaccurate and don't present a real-world picture of modern collision repair businesses.

Run your business in an ethical way with these management guidelines.

As the New Year begins it seems that the weather has been very favorable for areas of our country that our industry relies on to "generate" business. Just the other day, my wife, who migrated to Indiana from Phoenix, was complaining about the small ice storm we received. She ranted about how bad it was to drive in and about the poor drivers of the nine vehicles we saw off the road against the guardrails during the four-mile drive to our home. I just looked at her and smiled. She realized that my eyes saw a completely different picture – nobody was hurt and the industry was set to make lots of repair dollars. Some may say we have a warped sense when it comes to weather, but it does pay the bills.

As we begin another new year, I'm sure most, if not all of us, have made at least a token resolution and begun the year with new hopes, possibly along with a new strategy and strong conviction to make it happen. These resolutions might be to lose weight, quit smoking, make more time for the family, etc. Unfortunately, often with resolutions, we quickly slip back into our daily routines while the new plan fades in our minds and actions. We are soon again at the end of the year looking back to what we should have done but didn't.

Surviving is no longer merely about fixing cars. Shops must possess management, financial and marketing skills and the resources to compete.

We have underestimated our ability to battle the huge marketing and advertising budgets in place by insurers to encourage the switch to their company. Even the latest "accident forgiveness" or "unlimited car rental" ads can easily be dispelled by the "expert" the customer can trust – you.