AASP-MN News November 2014

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November 2014

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AASP News2 November 2014


AASP News November 2014 3




CONTENTSVol. 22 No. 11

AASP of Minnesota is an association of independ-ently-owned automotive service businesses and industry suppliers dedicatedto improving the state’s auto-motive service industry andthe success of its members.

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 itscolumnists to fully express their opinions. All views expressed are not necessarily those of the publication. AASP-MN News is published by Thomas Greco Publishing,Inc. Cover image, pg. 10, pg. 21 © www.thinkstockphoto.com.

AASP-MN BOARD MEMBERS 2014 - 2015

PRESIDENTJerald Stiele

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENTDan Sjolseth, AAM

SECRETARY-TREASURER Tom Gleason

COLLISION DIVISION DIRECTORJoyce Weinhandl

MECHANICAL DIVISION DIRECTORGreg Kasel, AAM

ASSOCIATE DIVISION DIRECTORKevin Martin

COLLISION SEATMike Cox, AAMJim Siegfried, AAM

MECHANICAL SEATWayne Watson

STAFFEXECUTIVE DIRECTORJudell Anderson, CAE, AAM

OFFICE ADMINISTRATORJodi Pillsbury

MEMBERSHIP COORDINATORTom Kluver

PUBLISHED BY: Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc.

244 Chestnut St., Suite 202 Nutley, NJ 07110PHONE: 973-667-6922 • FAX: 973-235-1963

PUBLISHER: Thomas Greco ([email protected])DIRECTOR OF SALES: Alicia Figurelli ([email protected])MANAGING EDITOR: Jacquelyn Bauman ([email protected])EDITOR: Joel Gausten ([email protected])ART DIRECTOR: Lea Velocci ([email protected])OFFICE MANAGER: Sofia Cabrera ([email protected])

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COLLISION DIVISION DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE ..............................................6Are You Prepared?by Joyce Weinhandl, AASP-MN Collision Division Director

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE ..........................................................................7Legislation Would Retain Business Decision-Making For Shopsby Kevin Walli, AASP-MN Lobbyist

AASP-MN’s Race For Automotive Education Registration..................................8

LOCAL NEWS ....................................................................................10

PARTNERS IN PREVENTION ....................................................................14Burning Used Oil

INSURANCE I.Q. ..................................................................................15It’s Time to Change the Way You Think About Life Insurance

MEET THE MEMBER..............................................................................18Noble Conservation Solutions

CASH IN ON YOUR MEMBERSHIP! ............................................................22AASP-MN and Identifix Help You Boost Production on Every Car, Every Day

November 2014 5AASP News

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

November 12 & 13, 2014“Preparing for an OSHA Inspection”

Workshop11:30am – 1:30pm

AASP-MN Office, Roseville

January 13, 14, 15, 2015Race for Automotive Education

ProKart Indoor Racing,Burnsville

April 15 - 17, 2015AASP-MN Annual Meeting &

ConventionCrowne Plaza Minneapolis West,

Plymouth

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

aaa Auto Salvage ......................................3AmeriPride ................................................6Buerkle Hyundai ........................................3Choice Auto Rentals ..................................16C.H.E.S.S. ................................................19Dentsmart ..................................................14Inver Grove Honda / Inver Grove Toyota..........IFCJack McClard ............................................IFCKeystone....................................................4Lowell’s PCE..............................................7Maplewood Toyota ....................................16Meadowbrook............................................21Mercedes Benz of Maplewood ..................4

Mills Parts Center......................................9Morrie’s ....................................................19Motorwerks BMW......................................IBCMotorwerks Mini ......................................IBCMPA............................................................................12-13NAPA ........................................................20Pam’s Auto.................................................20Proven Force..............................................17Rosedale Chevrolet....................................9Roseville Chrysler ....................................9Straight & Square ......................................18Toyota Group ............................................OBC

For more information or to register, contact the AASP-MN Office at (612) 623-1110


Are You Prepared?

6 November 2014

COLLISION DIVISION DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

Deer season is coming; are you pre-pared? These words are used in our indus-try, but by no means do we mean tounderscore the severity of being in an acci-dent. These accidents can be by a deer, araccoon or even a mailbox. Statistically, allof us will encounter an automobile accidentevery seven to 10 years. Auto accidents are unexpected andstressful. Even the most careful drivers maybe involved. There are so many questionsthat we ask ourselves: Should I call the police? Should I movemy car? Is it safe to drive home? To begin with, what to do before an ac-cident can help alleviate the stress when itdoes happen. We recommend that you keep

a copy of your insurance information and apen and paper in your glove box. You arerequired by law to have proof of your insur-ance with you, and your insurance companyprovides cards that carry all of your relevantinsurance information. All of the members of AASP-MN un-derstand that getting in a car accident canbe a stressful situation. We want to makesure that all of our customers are safe and,if involved in an accident, that the onlything to fix is the car.

The following is a list of recommen-dations to follow when involved in an ac-cident: • Stay calm. • Stop your vehicle if it is clear, safe

and legal. • Move the vehicle out of the traveled roadway if it is clear, safe and legal. • Turn off the ignitions of the cars involved. • Make a first aid check of all persons involved in the accident. • Call the police and, if necessary,

emergency medical services, immediately. • Gather the names of all persons in

the motor vehicles and people who witnessed the accident. • Make a diagram of where the vehicle occupants were seated and indicate the vehicles’ direction of travel and lane. Also note the date, time and weather conditions. Many insurance companies have

apps that one can download just for this situation.

• Take photos of the damage if it is clear, safe and legal.

• Ask to see the other driver’s license and write down the number.

•Exchange insurance company information. •DO NOT discuss “fault” or make statements about the accident to

anyone but the police. • Get a copy of the police report of the accident from the local precinct.

After the accident, it is important todo the following: • Report the accident to your insurance company. Give them all information you’ve gathered on the Accident Report Form and the police report. • Make a claim with your insurance company and/or the other parties. • Call an AASP-MN member body shop to set up a time to drop off your vehicle for repair.

continued on pg. 21

by Joyce Weinhandl,AASP-MN Collision Division Director

AASP News


AASP-MN will be renewing legislative efforts in 2015 toprotect the autonomy of repair shop owners when it comes tobusiness decisions.

For several years, collision shops have noted a trend onthe part of insurers interjecting more and more mandates onthe decisions shops make in the repair process. Insurers are in-creasingly dictating vendors, products and processes that mustbe used in their DRP programs.

As a result, shops must sometimes incur duplicate costsor work with vendors with whom they don’t have a regularworking relationship.

In either case, there is typically no benefit for the insuredor claimant, and some insurance company mandates can evenincrease cycle time, which is a detriment to everyone, includ-ing the insured.

As we prepare for the 2015 Session, AASP-MN is

scheduling meetings with key legislators to seek their supportfor AASP-MN legislation. Our early focus has been on mem-bers of the Minnesota Senate – since they are not facing re-election. With the election behind us, we will be shifting moreattention to the Minnesota House, where all 134 seats werecontested this fall.

The Minnesota Legislature will convene on January 6. Weare planning to have our AASP-MN bill introduced in the firstweek of the Session. We will be asking collision shops to reachout to your legislators prior to and in the early weeks of theSession to urge them to support our efforts to level the playingfield for insurance claims practices.

Legislation Would Retain Business Decision-Making

For Shops

Alberg AutoSturgeon Lake

Auto Body ExcellenceFarmington

Auto Doctor Car Care CenterHastings

Lloyd’s 75 ServiceBreckenridge

Richland RepairFaribault

Ron’s Repair ServiceOwatonna


LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

by Kevin Walli,AASP-MN Lobbyist

Welcome New Members:

OCTOBER 2014



13th Annual Race for Automotive EducationJanuary 13, 14 & 15, 2015

6:30 - 9:00 pmProKart Indoor Racing

14350 Rosemount Dr., Burnsville, MN 55306

A fundraiser to support the AASP-MN Automotive Education Fund...Enhancing opportunities in automotive education through scholarships, program support and partnerships.

Start your engines!Organize your team today. This event makes a great employee outing! The competition will consist of up to 12 teams each night with5 members each and a crew chief.These ain’t your daddy’s go karts!ProKart features the world’s finest European karts, equipped with 6.5 HP Honda engines, reaching speeds of up to 40 mph!! State-of-the-art computerized timing equipment adds a competitive edge to the total race experience. All proceeds will benefit the AASP-MN Automotive Education FundWhen the final checkered flag waves and the adrenaline subsides, our goal is to raise $11,000 over the three nights. The majority ofthat money is earmarked to fund scholarships for students entering the second year of a two-year, NATEF-certified automotive pro-gram (collision or mechanical) in the state of Minnesota. Scholarship awards will be $1,000 per student, and will be distributed in thefall of 2015.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The race is on! Registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Race for Automotive Education is sure to be a sell-out event, so don’t delay – register today!

_____Team Sponsor $500 (Includes admission for 6, including team captain and 5 racers) Team Name:___________________________________________________ Team Captain:__________________________________Address:______________________________________________City:___________________________Zip:____________________Phone:_________________________Fax:_______________________email:_____________________________________________Preferred Race Night: _______Tuesday 1/13/15 _______Wednesday 1/14/15 _______Thursday 1/15/15

_____Race Sponsor $250 Racing is not in my blood, but I would like to support automotive students and programs in Minnesota(Includes admission for 2 spectators) Sponsor Name:_______________________________________Company:________________________________________________Address:_______________________________________City:__________________________Zip:____________________________Phone:______________________Fax:____________________Email:___________________________________________________

Return with payment to: AASP-MN Automotive Education Fund1970 Oakcrest Ave., Suite 102, Roseville, MN 55113Phone: 612-623-1110 Fax: 612-623-1122

The AASP-MN Education Fund provides financial resources to support automotive students, enhance automotive programsand raise awareness of career opportunities in the independent automotive service industry.

START YOUR ENGINES!

REGISTRATION DEADLINE DECEMBER 20th!




10 November 2014

LOCAL NEWS

AASP-MN Seeking Volunteer LeadersAASP-MN is looking for automotive industry professionals

who are interested in advancing the industry by serving in leader-ship positions on the Association’s Board of Directors and AdvisoryCommittees.

A number of positions are open on the Collision, Mechanicaland Associate Advisory Committees, as well as the Government/Regulatory Affairs and Education/Training Committees. There arealso two seats open on the AASP-MN Board of Directors, one col-lision and one mechanical.

If you have a personal interest, or would like to nominate some-one else, contact the Nominating Committee Chair, Dan Sjolsethof Superior Service Center, at 651-454-5522 or the AASP-MN office at 612-623-1110 or 800-852-9071.

Current Board Members & Term Expiration Date• Jerald Stiele, Hopkins Auto Body, President, 3/31/16• Tom Gleason, Pro-Tech Auto & Truck Repair, Secretary/Treasurer, 3/31/17

• Dan Sjolseth, AAM, Superior Service Center, ImmediatePast President, 3/31/15

• Kevin Martin, PPG, Associate Division Director, 3/31/16• Greg Kasel, Downtown Tire & Auto, Mechanical Division Director, 3/31/16

• Joyce Weinhandl, Twin City Auto Body, Collision Division Director, 3/31/16

• Mike Cox, Ed’s Collision Center, Collision Seat, 3/31/15• Wayne Watson, Auto Works Diagnostics & Repair,

Mechanical Seat, 3/31/17• Jim Siegfried, Crystal Lake Automotive, Collision Seat, 3/31/17

Year-Long Sponsorships AvailableAASP-MN is seeking support from its Associate members and

industry suppliers to participate in its new year-long sponsorshipprogram. Each sponsorship level and à la carte option provides en-hanced benefits and opportunities to put your company’s name infront of the best automotive service professionals in the state -AASP-MN members.

Year-Long Sponsors receive:Increased Visibility:• Put their company name and representatives in front of key shop decision makers

• Gain exposure and take advantage of premium visibility with the top shops in the state

• Position their company as a strategic partner for the future

Easier Budgeting:• Set the annual budget and customize their sponsorship for the entire year

• Hassle-free payment options

And...• Exclusive opportunities only available to participating sponsors

If you would like more information about the 2015 Sponsor-ship Opportunities, visit www.aaspmn.org or contact the AASP-MN office at 612-623-1110 or 800-852-9071.

AASP-MN Hits “Grand Slam” With Fall Educational Programs and Activities

AASP-MN kicked off its fall events with “A Night Out Withthe Twins,” on Friday, September 19 at Target Field, Minneapolis.Sixty-five AASP-MN members, families and friends enjoyed thegame against the Cleveland Indians. The Twins managed to pull offa comeback victory, winning the game 5-4 in the tenth inning.

On October 8 and 9, AASP-MN hosted “Gasoline Direct Injec-tion & GM GDI Diagnostics” and “Variable Cam Timing” at EPAuto, Tire & Glass, Eden Prairie.

The “Gasoline Direct Injection & GM GDI Diagnostics” classcovered GDI operation, theory, diagnostics and service proceduresapplicable to most manufacturers using GDI today. Testing tech-niques using the GM Scan tool (GDS2) and a lab scope were alsoemphasized.

“Variable Cam Timing” was a case study-based class. Specificmanufacturers’ strategies and testing procedures were discussedusing broken vehicles.

The classes, presented by industry expert John Thornton, werevery well received by nearly 30 students who participated eachnight. “John’s class was excellent,” noted Ralph Dahlen of Identi-fix. “He does an exceptional job of illustrating real-world testing.”

AASP-MN hosted a B.S. Session for collision shops on October15 at Grumpy’s Bar and Grill, Roseville and a Mech XChange ses-sion for mechanical shops on October 22 at the AASP-MN office.The B.S. Session focused on preparing for aluminum repair. TheMech XChange consisted of roundtable discussions on the variousways of handling compensation for employee training and the prosand cons of extended shop hours.

AASP News


Thomas Greco, President of Thomas Greco PublishingInc., publishers of New Jersey Automotive, New England Au-tomotive Report, Hammer & Dolly, AASP-MN News and Wis-consin Automotive News, has announced the hiring ofJacquelyn Bauman as the company’s new Managing Editor.

Bauman will be taking over for Alicia Figurelli, who waspromoted to Vice President/Director of Sales of the company

this past August. A 2013 graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University, Bau-man will oversee editorial in all Greco Publishing publications and will alsoactively participate in the management of the NORTHEAST® AutomotiveServices Trade Show.

“We are extremely excited to have Jacquelyn become a part of the TGPstaff,” Greco says. “Her background and skills are a perfect fit for our com-pany. We have a great team in place and are looking forward to continuingour role as one of the country’s top automotive repair publishers and tradeshow management companies.”

Jacquelyn Bauman can be contacted at 973-667-6922 (p) or 973-235-1963 (f), or by email at [email protected].


Program SponsorsAASP National

AkzoNobel Performance CoatingsAuto Care Association

Auto Value Parts Stores/APHAutoshop SolutionsBill Smith Foundation

CarbenchCARQUEST

Dent ImpressionsDentsmart PDR

Keystone AutomotivePPG Automotive Finishes

WorldPac

Hospitality Sponsors3M

aaa Auto PartsAAA Minnesota/Iowa

Aeromotive Services, Inc.AmeriPride Services

AudaExploreAxalta Coating Systems

BASFCBIZ AIA

CCC Information ServicesChoice Auto RentalDorman ProductsHertz Corporation

IDENTIFIXInver Grove Ford LincolnKeystone Automotive

Lowell’s Performance CoatingsMalco Products, Inc.

Meadowbrook InsuranceMidwest Parts AdvantageMitchell International

Mitchell1Noble Conservation SolutionsNorton Automotive Aftermarket

O’Reilly Auto PartsPAM’s Auto, Inc.

Pro PaintSherwin-WilliamsSuburban Chevrolet

Thank You to our Sponsors!

SAVE THE DATE!AASP-MN Annual Meeting & Convention

April 15-17, 2015Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West

Plymouth, MNWatch for details as they become available in future issues of

AASP News and on the Association’s website, www.aaspmn.org.

Finally, on November 12 and 13, AASP-MN hosted “Preparing for anOSHA Inspection” at its offices in Roseville. The workshops, presentedby Carol Keyes and Janet Keyes of Complete Health, Environmental &Safety Services (CHESS), covered the most frequently-cited and mostcommonly-found OSHA violations in automotive repair facilities.

I-CAR/SkillsUSA Golf Outing a SuccessOn Wednesday, September 10, the Minnesota I-CAR/SkillsUSA Com-

mittee held its annual golf outing at Crystal Lake Golf Club in Lakeville.Although it was a windy and cold day, 91 industry professionals took tothe course and enjoyed their time golfing and socializing. This year’s win-ning team was Charlie Hayes, John Anderson, Jim Lepley and ColleenSimmons.

The event raised over $14,000 to support technical college collisionrepair programs and students in Minnesota.

“The committee would like to thank all the sponsors who generouslydonated money and time to sponsor holes and run unique contests thatmade this event special, the golfers who participated and the many volun-teers who helped run the event,” said Shawn Collins, tournament director.

If you would like to participate as a sponsor or golfer for the 2015event, please contact Shawn Collins at [email protected] or visit thegolf outing website at www.icargolf.com.

Greco Publishing Announces Hiring of Managing EditorJacquelyn Bauman







PARTNERS IN PREVENTION

IF YOU HAVE USED OIL AT YOUR SHOP, READ ON.If your used oil will be re-refined into lubricating oil, it is best

to recycle it. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency(EPA), two-and-a-half quarts of lubricating oil can be producedfrom one gallon of used oil or 42 gallons of crude oil. The additivesin motor oil wear out, but the lubricating oil doesn’t. Recycle it ifyou can.

However, you are allowed burn used oil for heat at your shopif you want to, and that may be what you prefer to do. Used oilburning is regulated by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency(MPCA) and the US EPA, so if you want to burn used oil at yourshop this winter, here are a few things to consider.

First: Is what you want to burn considered oil? Used oil canbe many different things, such as engine oil, transmission fluid,gear oil, brake fluid or hydraulic oil. Used fuels and most solventsare not considered used oil, even though they are often derived frompetroleum like oil is.

Certain solvents are allowed to be added in small amounts toused oil before recycling or burning on site. The MPCA fact sheetlisted at the end of this article describes which solvents can beadded to used oil. The solvents can only make up 10 percent of themixture, and you must be a Very Small Quantity Hazardous WasteGenerator. That’s just five-and-a-half gallons of solvent in a 55-gallon drum of used oil. Keep a record of which solvent (and howmuch) you add to the used oil.

Next: Is your used oil clean enough to burn? Used oil burnersmust burn “on-spec” used oil. On-spec oil meets requirements thatensure the oil can be burned without harming your employees orneighbors.

If you are burning oil from oil changes at your shop or fromindividuals who drop off their own used oil, you may assume theoil to be on-spec without testing it. It is a good idea to have do-it-yourselfers sign a sheet when they drop off used oil. This holdsthem accountable for the oil they provide you, and you are lesslikely to have toxic fluids contaminating your used oil.

There are additional requirements if your shop accepts used oilfrom other businesses. Provide the business with a receipt. Assumethe used oil to be off-spec until it has been tested and proven to beon-spec. If the other business hasn’t tested its oil, you are requiredto do a one-time test before you burn. The MPCA fact sheet listedat the end of this article describes what you need to test for. Keeprecords of the results for three years. Do not burn off-spec used oil.

If you burn oil from another business, notify the EPA andMPCA that you are a “used oil burner” using the “Notification ofRegulated Waste Activity” form on the MPCA website atwww.pca.state.mn.us/veiz8a8.

Now that you know your oil is clean enough to burn, whatabout the furnace? Use a furnace that is built for oil burning. It mustbe rated at less than 500,000 BTUs per hour and be vented to theoutdoors. Follow state and municipal fire and building codes forinstallation and use of oil burners. Metro counties may be more

Burning Used Oil

continued on pg. 21


Have you considered what you would do if your retirementplan did not work as you expected? It’s a risk that is more commonthan you think, as most Americans will spend 20 years or more inretirement. Consider that:

• The average couple retiring at age 65 can expect to pay $220,000 in out-of-pocket medical expenses during retirement.

• 41 percent of adults retired earlier than expected due to a personal health problem.

• One out of every four adults will live past the age of 90.One of the concerns many pre-retirees have is that they will

not have enough income during retirement to enjoy their non-work-ing years, or even just maintain their current standard of living. Infact, an estimated 50 percent of households are at risk for a declinein their standard of living during retirement. Unfortunately, thosemost at risk are high-income earners who are faced with contribu-tion limitations imposed by the IRS on their qualified plans, yetlack the means to adopt many of the advanced planning techniquesused by high-net-worth individuals.

However, using cash value life insurance as a part of an overallretirement strategy provides the high-income earner with an addi-tional tax-efficient vehicle to accumulate the funds they need forretirement. Here’s how it works: A permanent policy is funded withafter-tax premiums, but those funds can grow income tax deferredand may be accessed income tax free through a series of tax-freewithdrawals to basis or policy loans. The cash taken from the policyis also exempt from the 3.8 percent Net Investment Income Tax.Upon death, any remaining death benefit is used to repay the out-standing loans and the remainder is paid to the beneficiaries.

Another very real concern most people share is the possibilityof outliving their retirement assets either due to lack of sufficientsavings, a market downturn or unexpected medical costs. Fortu-nately, life insurance carriers have begun addressing many of theseconcerns with new products and features that can safeguard yourassets while you are still living. Most life insurance carriers nowoffer long-term or chronic care health riders that allow the ownerto withdraw a percentage of the policy’s death benefit early to covercosts of care. Many of these riders also have the flexibility to cover

costs associated with home care as well. There is even a carrier thatis now offering an opportunity to withdraw a portion of the deathbenefit at age 85, which has the effect of acting as a retirement in-come safety net.

Protecting assets from a market downturn is also a real con-sideration for those in their retirement years. Market losses for thosenearing retirement or in the early stages of their retirement canerode investments and have a negative effect on the assets neededto generate income for 20 years or more. Fortunately, there arestrategies you can employ using life insurance that can help pre-serve assets earmarked for retirement income; first through the useof an indexed universal life policy, and second by withdrawingfunds from your cash value life insurance during market downturns.Indexed universal life insurance allows you to participate in a partof the market’s upside, while mitigating downside risk using a cred-iting rate floor and adding an element of stability. Secondly, by ac-cessing policy cash during a market downturn, versus withdrawingassets and income from your investment portfolio, you can preserve

your traditional retirement funds and allow them time to recover,versus selling into a down market and locking in losses.

Life insurance has come a long way in the past 10 years. Withcarriers offering new products and riders that give people the pro-tection, flexibility and control they need while they are still living,life insurance has become an important tool in any well constructedretirement plan.

For additional information on this topic, please contact DennisBegley, CLU, ChFC, LUTCF, CBC with CBIZ Life Insurance So-lutions at [email protected] or 763-549-2260.


INSURANCE I.Q.

It’s Time to Change the Way You ThinkAbout Life Insurance

After tax dollarspay life insurance premiums

Cash value grows tax deferred inside policy

Remaining death benefitpaid to heirs after payment of outstandingloans

Tax-free withdrawals orloans up to basis takenwhile living

This basic planning strategy can easily be employed by individuals to enhance their personalsavings efforts, or by companies for the benefit of their executives or valued employees.





2015 AUTOMOTIVE AFTERMARKET CALENDARS

Catalogs and orderforms now available by

contacting the AASP-MN office at:

(612) 623-1110or

(800) 852-9071



MEET THE MEMBER

What kind of services does the company provide to the auto repair industry?For the automotive industry, we offer better lighting at lower costfor a safer, cleaner looking shop, as well as more efficient energyuse for higher profitability.

How long has the company been in business?Noble Conservation Solutions was started in 2008 by Matt Noble,an energy efficiency expert, and Lev Buslovich, a Six Sigma black-belt. Matt is the ‘green’ one, coming in with over 15 years experi-ence in the energy management industry, and Lev is the ‘business’one who has a background in operations, marketing and productstrategy for companies like GE and Target. The two of them areneighbors; their daughters were even on the same soccer team.After they got to talking, they put their talents and passions togetherto create Noble Conservation Solutions.

In your opinion, what makes this company stand out from others like it?In addition to having our own Master Electrician on staff, we em-ploy our own crews, so every job - no matter where it is in the coun-try - is done by Noble employees. This sets us apart from othercompanies who hire temporary local help, often leading to miscom-munication and quality issues.

Are you affiliated with any other organizations or do you haveany other certifications of note? We hold Certifications as Lighting Management Consultants,we are Certified Energy Professionals and have designations inLeadership in Energy and Environmental Design, as well as mem-bership in the Association of Energy Engineers.

Noble Conservation Solutions

Christopher Whiting has worked in Business Developmentat Noble Conservation Solutions for over two years.



How did you get involved in Noble ConservationSolutions?I joined Noble after five years in direct lighting sales,followed by four years as sales manager for a lightingmanufacturer. I was familiar with Noble Conserva-tion Solutions and the high quality of work and in-tegrity they bring to a project. I was very comfortablejoining this team.

You have worked with several prominent AASP-MN members to help reduce their carbon foot-print and create efficiency in the shop. Please tellus a little about your experience in working withthese facilities. When I approached Tony Bonfe, owner of Bonfe’sAuto Service and Body Repair, about improving hislighting, Tony was resistant. “Lighting is critical toour business. I didn’t want to risk making a mistake,”Tony said. My team and I installed several fixturesin a test area, and Bonfe’s crew was impressed. Tonytold me that his guys really liked it, that the energysavings made sense, that the shop looks great and thatthe savings would pay for the project in just a fewyears. He referred me to fellow shop owner, KevinLund, who also upgraded the lighting at his business,Fairway Collision. It’s worked out great for bothbusinesses, and I’m thankful for the referrals theycontinue to give me. That’s the best testimony of ahappy customer.

What inspired the company to become a part ofAASP-MN? Noble Conservation Solutions decided to join AASP-MN after completing these two projects. These areboth very busy shops, and very active members inthe Association. We felt that if we could improvetheir businesses, other AASP-MN members couldbenefit as well. We’re happy to partner with theAASP-MN, and members can learn how much wecan save them without any commitment or cost upfront. I offer a lighting audit at no charge, and thenwe find out how long the return on investment takesif they choose to move forward with a project.

Christopher Whiting works in Business Develop-ment at Noble Conservation Solutions, a companythat aims to minimize other businesses’ energyemissions while optimizing on fiscal returns. Hecan be contacted at (763) 746-0982 or by e-mail [email protected].


20 November 2014 AASP News


Remember: No law requires you to getmore than one estimate. You are not obli-gated to use any particular shop to obtain re-pairs. YOU choose the shop and authorizethe repairs. All of the AASP-MN member shopshave highly-trained professionals that canassist you with any questions, concernsand/or needs throughout any of the

processes involved in a car accident and get-ting repairs to your vehicle. We can help youby getting a tow, a rental car, insurance in-quiries, repairs and even just offer support.You don’t have to feel alone – we are herefor you!

(Compiled with support by the NationalSafety Council).

continued from pg. 6


COLLISION DIVISION DIRECTOR’S MESSAGEPARTNERS IN PREVENTION

restrictive, so check with your countyenvironmental department before youburn if you are in the Twin Cities Metroarea.

Used oil storage is one of the mostcommon areas where inspectors findviolations.

Store used oil in a sturdy containerthat will not leak. Label the container“used oil.” Close the lid or bung so oilcan’t spill if the container is bumped orknocked over. Store the container on asurface that oil can’t soak through,such as concrete. Do not store used oilcontainers on asphalt, which canquickly become saturated and de-graded by oil. Clean up any drips orspills immediately.

MPCA fact sheet “Used Oil andRelated Wastes” has more informationabout storing and burning used oil, in-cluding testing requirements, whichsolvents are ok to mix with oil and howto manage oil filters. The fact sheet isavailable on the MPCA web site atwww.pca.state.mn.us/publications/w-hw4-30.pdf.

continued from pg. 14

DAT

ABA

SEEN

HANCE

MEN

TGAT

EWAY ARE YOU USING

THE DEG???The DATABASE ENHANCEMENTGATEWAY is an initiative to allow thosewho use the collision repair estimating databases to provide proactive feedback to the informationproviders.

If you have questions or concerns aboutestimating data represented in your estimating guide or system, visitwww.DEGweb.org to submit a Database Inquiry or get more information.

Funded & operated by:



CASH IN ON YOUR MEMBERSHIP!

WORKERS’ COMP INSURANCEMeadowbrook Insurance GroupContact: Dennis Spindler763-549-2238 / [email protected] scheduled credit makes Meadowbrook one ofthe most competitive programs around for Worker‘sCompensation insurance. In addition, members areeligible to receive an annual dividend based on thegroup’s loss ratio. For more information, log on towww.wcpolicy.com/aaspmn.

PROPERTY/LIABILITY INSURANCECBIZ AIAContact: Dennis Spindler763-549-2238 / [email protected] AIA will present AASP-MN members with quotesfrom multiple carriers for property/liability insurance andmembers can choose the program that best fits their situa-tion. As an added bonus, CBIZ AIA will offer members anexclusive 10% discount on their property/liability insur-ance premiums.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITSCBIZ AIAContact: Dennis Begley763-549-2260CBIZ AIA will provide AASP-MN member with quotesfrom multiple carriers for life insurance, health insur-ance, long-term care and disability insurance.

UNIFORM & LINEN SUPPLIESAmeriPride ServicesContact: Jim Dillon651-955-1398 • Fax: 952-738-3318 [email protected] pricing to members on rental of uniforms,entrance mats, shop rags, etc. Purchases are also dis-counted. Members receive annual rebate equal to10% of their business with AmeriPride each year.

CREDIT CARD PROCESSINGAssociation BankCard ServicesContact: Mac Hardin952-933-2026 • Fax: 952-933-4595 [email protected] rates for AASP-MN members. Terminalsand printers sold at cost. Monthly rental of equipmentis also available.

INDUSTRIAL & PAPER PRODUCTSWipers & Wipes, Inc.Contact: Dennis JulsonPhone: 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 pur-chase.

WEBSITE AND INTERNET MARKETING SOLUTIONSNet DrivenContact: Jon Napoli218-623-7351 / 218-310-7285Net Driven is a market leader in website and internetmarketing solutions designed exclusively for the auto-motive industry. Net Driven assists independent tireand automotive industry dealers who are looking toincrease revenue by selling more tires, service, andwheels. AASP-MN members who choose Net Drivenare eligible for a $500 discount off their 1st year setupfees. For more information, contact Jon Napoli.

StormlogixContact: Paul Switzer732-364-1156 / [email protected] extends a discount on its website pack-ages to AASP members. Costs can be spread outover 6 months.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION HOTLINEIDENTIFIXPhone: 800-288-6220 Fax: 651-633-2188Members enjoy discounted prices on the industry’s #1technical information hotline. One free call is extendedto all first-time AASP-MN member callers.

BUSINESS FORMS/CALENDARSAASP-MNContact: Jodi PillsburyPhone: 612-623-1110 or toll free 800-852-9071 Fax: 612-623-1122 / [email protected] rate on printed business forms and calendars.

SHOP SERVICESSummit Software & Mobile SolutionsContact: Frank Terlep 888-377-2661 /[email protected]. Website: www.emarketingsherpas.comAASP members receive a $50 discount on their an-nual e-Marketplace subscription, a digital marketingsystem that includes mobile phone apps and a com-plete customer service, sales, marketing, advertisingand communication platform.

INFORMATION PROVIDERSMitchell1Contact: Mitchell1 RepresentativePhone: 888-724-6742 x 6986AASP members are eligible for special Mitchell 1 in-formation and management programs at significantdiscounts. For more information, log ontowww.mitchell1.com or contact the Mitchell 1 representa-tive at 888-724-6742, X6986.

Mitchell International Contact: Mitchell International Representative Phone: 800-238-9111AASP members receive a 15% discount on anyMitchell RepairCenter TechAdvisor package. Visithttp://repaircenter.mitchell.com/Catalog/OEMRepair.aspx for more information.

PAYROLL PROCESSINGCBIZ PayrollContact: Bob Willbanks612-298-1176 / [email protected] receive 20% discount off standard payrollproducts and services (excluding 401k). Memberswho switch prior to June 30 will receive first month ofpayroll processing free.

CHECK GUARANTEE SERVICESCertegy Check ServicesContact: Heather Ellis952-240-5017 / [email protected] rate of .75% to AASP-MN members. Use existing credit card terminal. Fast claim payments.

BUSINESS COACHING180BIZ540-833-2014 / [email protected]: www.180biz.com180BIZ offers BUSINESS COACHING to AASP membersat a steep 20% discount! One Eighty Business SolutionsLLC (180BIZ) has been helping shop owners increaseprofits and car count while decreasing stress since 2003.AASP members receive a discount on very affordable one-on-one coaching plans without long-term commitmentsand complicated contracts. 180BIZ offiers a risk-free trialof their services. To learn more, please call or email us, orvisit our website.

REPLACEMENT PARTSDorman ProductsPhone: 800-868-5777, ext. 5329Website: www.dormanproducts.comAASP members receive insider information, specialaccess and other perks from Dorman Products, aleading supplier of dealer “exclusive” automotive re-placement parts.

LEGAL CONSULTATIONFryberger, Buchanan, Smith & FrederickPhone: 800-496-6789 Fax: 218-725-6800Members receive free, over-the-phone legal assess-ment and consultation (some restrictions apply) withan attorney who specializes in the area of law that isthe subject of the call.

AASP-MN MEMBER BENEFIT PROGRAMS

AASP-MN has teamed up with Identifix® to extend a spe-cial offer to all members for its award-winning online tool, Di-rect-Hit® – the aftermarket’s leading source for short-cutdiagnostics, OEM service and repair information, Factory Sched-uled Maintenance plans and reliable estimating.

Direct-Hit’s exclusive database of vehicle symptoms, provenshort-cut tests and confirmed fixes streamlines traditional factoryflow charts by significantly minimizing the number of steps ittakes to diagnose vehicles right the first time. Genuine OEMservice and repair information – on more than 30 vehicle makes –help you finish the job with speed, accuracy and confidence.

Direct-Hit also enables you to create personalized FactoryScheduled Maintenance plans so you can educate your customerson the benefits of routine vehicle maintenance. And since themaintenance schedules come directly from the factory, you canfeel comfortable delivering timely, reliable and trustworthy infor-mation in language your customers can understand. If you need

support beyond the web, Identifix’s Repair Hotline is staffed withover 45 OE Factory Trained, ASE Master, L1 carline specialistswho speak your language.

To find out more about Direct-Hit and how it can help youincrease technician confidence, shop productivity and your bot-tom line, call Identifix today at 1-800-745-9649. As an AASPmember, you will receive a special rate of $159 per month pershop – a $10 monthly discount! And as an additional benefit,AASP members will receive a special first time subscriber rateof $119 per month per shop for the first 90 days of service.

Identifix Product InformationPhone: 1.800.745.9649 for more information and a personal on-line test drive. Be sure to mention you are an AASP Member.Web Site: www.identifix.com

AASP-MN and Identifix Help You BoostProduction on Every Car, Every Day





Documents

AASP-MN News November 2014