We’re Not Done Yet!

by Burl Richards, ABAT President

Every November, SEMA offers me a chance to reflect and reenergize, and last month’s trip to Las Vegas was no different in many ways, though there have been some significant changes in my life this past year which reflected in my experience.

For shop owners, whether you’re looking to train, purchase new equipment or just catch up on what’s going on in the auto body industry, there’s few opportunities quite like SEMA; there’s always so many people to talk to and so much to learn!

Having sold three of my shops earlier this year, my efforts are now largely focused on the remaining three shops and how we can improve them. Because my focus has always been on ensuring my teams are performing safe and proper repairs, I’m convinced that the OEM certification model is the right path for these facilities, so I invested time, energy and money into purchasing some new equipment to get them where they need to be. 

Now, I’ve been through this process before, but my current situation is unique compared to my past experiences. I’m not physically present in these shops as often as I was in my previously-owned shops, and I’m learning that makes certain things more challenging. In any collision repair shop, it’s incredibly important that our employees’ actions are aligned with the owner’s philosophy of how the business should operate, but when you’re not right there in front of them every day, that vision can get lost – no matter how much time you spend discussing your goals.

I believe OEM certification can provide a sort of placeholder in this scenario. Because it requires so much ongoing training, certification takes on a life and presence of its own. We’re always learning something new or seeing an update to a manufacturer’s position statements, and that forced conscientiousness helps employees maintain their focus on doing things right! This wasn’t as obvious to me when I spent every waking hour in a shop, but when you’re not on-site each day, it’s easier to identify what’s happening and why. Sometimes, we just need to take a step back, so we can see the big picture a little more clearly.

I’m convinced that there will always be a place in this industry for independent body shop owners, but to survive, we need to set ourselves apart from the competition. I left SEMA 2024 with a feeling of rejuvenation and the desire to focus on where my remaining shops need to head going into the new year, and I’m certain that safe and proper repairs is the way to do that, so I’m working hard to get those facilities certified as soon as possible so we can hit the ground running in 2025 and separate ourselves from our competitors. 

What about you? Have you projected how you’re going to improve your business next year…or are you planning to stick with the status quo? It’s easy to get stuck in a rut, doing the same thing and wondering why nothing changes…it’s because you are unwilling to change! I understand that it can be scary, but that’s one of the reasons it’s so valuable to step outside the bubble of your own shop and talk to others in our field. It’s okay if you didn’t make it to Las Vegas; ABAT has several events and webinars coming up that will provide Texas repairers with a chance to get together and learn from one another.

We have to be passionate about what we do, and I can assure you that I’m as passionate as ever about the auto body industry! When I sold my shops, I thought I’d slow down a bit, maybe spend more time with my family, but that lasted two days before I needed to get back to work. I’m not ready to retire; I’m not done yet!

Sure, I’ve still got three shops to run, but I also have a little more time to get things done for the association – and like the rest of ABAT’s Board, I’m dedicated to bettering this industry for shops and for the consumers who rely on us to ensure their vehicles are safe on the highways of the Lone Star State.

One way ABAT will be doing that in 2025 is taking our battle for safe repairs back to the Capitol as we continue the fight for legislation that protects Texas drivers (details on page 16). I recently had a conversation with Governor Abbott, and after telling him how much we appreciate all he’s done for us, I educated him a bit on some of our industry’s issues. It’s rare for him to know much about pending legislation before it reaches his desk to sign, but he seemed genuinely interested in shops’ struggles, and if we can just get the bill to pass to him, hopefully he’ll remember our conversation and sign it into law.

We can all make a difference in small ways, and small things add up to create big things, especially when more of us are putting in the effort. So, what are you planning to do in 2025 for your business and our industry? This year may be coming to an end, but that just means it’s time for a new beginning, and there’s plenty of work to do…we’re not done yet!  

Want more? Check out the December 2024 issue of Texas Automotive!