Wake Up and Get Involved!

by Jerry McNee

Running an auto body shop is no easy feat.

Every day, we’re dealing with customers, insurers and employees. We’re tracking parts, cycle time and ROI. We’re investing in tools, equipment and training. It seems like there’s something new to contend with each time we open the doors, so I understand why you may believe there’s simply not enough time to attend AASP/NJ meetings and events. But you’re wrong! You cannot afford to keep living on an island by yourself – you have to get involved!

The fact of the matter is that you aren’t the only one facing these challenges. We all struggle with the same things, but if all you do is sit back and whine about it, nothing will ever change. This industry certainly isn’t going to become any easier, but there are organizations – like AASP/NJ, the Society of Collision Repair Specialists and the Collision Industry Conference – that are fighting on your behalf behind the scenes. These groups can only effect change with your help, however. There’s strength in numbers, and coming together is the only way we’re going to right this ship before it sinks. 

I know I can’t tell you what to do, even though I’d really like to. After all, it’s your business, but it’s YOUR business, so don’t you want to do everything you can to make it the best it can possibly be? The only way to do that is to get involved. It’s time to start paying attention to everything your local association does, attending the training and taking advantage of the benefits. It’s great to see the 50-100 repairers that show up to every event AASP/NJ hosts, but there are 1,600 collision repair facilities in the Garden State, so about 95 percent of the shops are not represented. They aren’t taking advantage of the many things this group offers. 

AASP/NJ offers more for its members than any other association in the country, and getting involved with the association can help you identify a multitude of ways to improve your business, and talking to other shop owners just might really drive home the point that you’re not “the only one.” 

I promise you that it’s well worth your time. Would you still think it was a waste of time to spend two hours at a meeting if you knew you would learn how to add 0.5 hours to each estimate? Ten repairs a week times 0.5 per repair…do the math; you get the idea. It’s sad that so many shop owners are too focused on collecting pennies to realize they’re turning their nose up at dollars upon dollars because they’re afraid to invest a little time today to make big improvements in their business tomorrow and in the future. 

Getting involved provides a great opportunity to learn from other shops that have enjoyed success, often by overcoming some of the same problems you may be facing right now! We have to be willing to work together and learn from one another to become stronger and better. So many collision repairers think it’s taboo to talk to another shop, but here’s the secret that we’ve got to get past: We’re NOT competition! There’s enough work in this state and the surrounding areas to go around for everybody. Stop seeing other shops as the problem and start seeking what you can do better in your business. 

For our industry to be successful, for our businesses to be profitable, everyone needs to get involved. Join your associations, attend classes and educate yourself. You can’t keep burying your head under your pillow…it’s time to wake up!

Want more? Check out the August 2024 issue of New Jersey Automotive!