AASP-MN News December 2014

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December 2014

AASP News2 December 2014

AASP News December 2014 3


CONTENTSVol. 22 No. 12

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. 11 © 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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ASSOCIATE DIVISION DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE ..............................6Do You Make Money On Every Job?by Kevin Martin, AASP-MN Associate Division Director

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE ..........................................................7Election Shakes Up State House Controlby Kevin Walli, AASP-MN Lobbyist

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

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

AASP NATIONAL UPDATE ......................................................14AASP-MN Provides Year-End Report at AASP National Board Meetingin Las Vegas

INSURANCE I.Q. ................................................................15Charitable Planning: Making More of Your Legacyby CBIZ AIA

MEET THE MEMBER ............................................................18American Auto Body

COMPLETE HEALTH, ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY SERVICES (C.H.E.S.S.).............21Respirator Medicals - Again - and Aluminumby Janet L. Keyes, CIH, C.H.E.S.S., Inc.

CASH IN ON YOUR MEMBERSHIP!............................................22Dorman Products

December 2014 5

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

aaa Auto Salvage ......................................9AmeriPride ................................................6Buerkle Hyundai ........................................9Choice Auto Rentals ..................................16Dentsmart ..................................................15Inver Grove Honda / Inver Grove Toyota..........4Jack McClard ............................................20Keystone....................................................17Lowell’s PCE..............................................7Maplewood Toyota ....................................16Mercedes Benz of Maplewood ..................17

Mills Parts Center......................................3Morrie’s......................................................19Motorwerks BMW......................................IBCMotorwerks Mini ......................................IBCMPA............................................................................12-13NAPA ........................................................20Rosedale Chevrolet....................................3Roseville Chrysler ....................................3Straight & Square ......................................4Toyota Group ............................................OBCWest Bend Insurance ................................IFC

AASP News

AASP News

Do You Make Money On Every Job?

6 December 2014

ASSOCIATE DIVISION DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

This past week, I had an opportunity tospend time with 20 shop owners attendinga class on “Job Costing” out in the westernpart of our region.

The goal of the class was to explore theimportance of job costing. Each job takeninto a shop has its own unique set of cir-cumstances and actions that are necessaryto repair a vehicle back to pre-accident con-dition. Without job costing, a vehicle takenin can turn into a money loser if all costs arenot tracked. The speaker, Randy Cahoy, hada number of resources and data he used ashe facilitated the group discussion.

One such resource used and providedto those in attendance was information onwww.DEGweb.org. DEG is short for

Database Enhancement Gateway. The DEGis an initiative developed to help improvethe quality and accuracy of collision repairestimates, through proactive feedback fromthe collision repair industry and other “endusers” to the Information Providers (IPs)that supply the databases for the various es-timating products.

This is a great resource that should beadded to every shop’s web favorites.

This tool offers features such as:• The ability to document (and often, get

changes made to your estimating system) when you find repair procedures and times allowed for

continued on pg. 19

by Kevin Martin,AASP-MN Associate Division Director

AASP-MNUPCOMING EVENTS

January 13 - 15, 201513th Annual Race for Automotive Education

ProKart Indoor Racing, Burnsville Contact: AASP-MN

612-623-1110 or [email protected]

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

Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West, PlymouthContact: AASP-MN


January 5, 2015Part II Essential DiagnosticTechniques by Eric Ziegler

Marriott Minneapolis Northeast, Brooklyn CenterContact: Automotive Seminars


January 6, 2015Part II Essential Diagnostic Techniques by Eric ZieglerDakota County Technical

College, RosemountContact: Automotive Seminars


March 9, 2015Domestic Vehicle Low Speed Bus

Diagnostic StrategiesMarriott Minneapolis Northeast,

Brooklyn CenterContact: Automotive Seminars

920-866-9813 [email protected]

March 9, 2015Domestic Vehicle Low Speed Bus

Diagnostic StrategiesDakota County Technical

College, RosemountContact: Automotive Seminars


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

OTHERUPCOMING EVENTS

The 2014 election returned Governor Mark Dayton to officefor a second term; the Minnesota Senate was not up for electionthis year and our State Congressional Delegation remained un-changed with the exception of the Sixth district, where Tom Emmerreplaced Michele Bachmann, who did not seek re-election.

The only major change in the Minnesota political landscapewas Republicans regaining majority control of the State House. Inparticular, Republicans recaptured a significant number of ruralHouse Districts.

Going into this election, the Democratic Farmer Labor party(DFL) held a 73 to 61 majority in the State House. After the elec-tion, Republicans now hold a 72 to 62 advantage in the House.

In legislative races, the adage, “to the victors go the spoils,”comes through with the majority voting for Speaker of the House,who, in turn, chooses the chair of all House Committees.

Change of House control means that Representative Joe Atkins(DFL-Inver Grove Heights) will not continue on as Chair of the

Commerce Committee. Over the years, Representative Atkins hasauthored a number of bills for AASP-MN.

The likely Commerce Committee Chair will be RepresentativeJoe Hoppe (R-Chaska). Representative Hoppe has been willing tolisten to repair industry issues and concerns. We will obviously bemeeting with him early on to discuss our issues, but the insuranceindustry has always worked closely with the Republican Caucus.

We will have to roll up our sleeves to make our arguments withthe Republican leadership – including the new Chair and majoritymembers of the House Commerce Committee.

AASP-MN members are encouraged to reach out to theirnewly-elected or re-elected legislators. Invite them over to yourshop for a cup of coffee. The Association can help provide infor-mation for you to share with them about the issues the auto repairindustry will be addressing during the 2015 Legislative Session.


LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

by Kevin Walli,AASP-MN Lobbyist

Welcome New Members: NOVEMBER 2014

Auto Fitness & Service Center Ramsey

Johnson’s SupplyDuluth

Midwest CollisionFaribault

Onamia Service Center, Onamia

Schumacher Goodyear, Fargo, ND

Scott’s Auto Body, Shakopee

TurboTim’s Anything Automotive Minneapolis

West Side Auto Body & Boat Repair, Brainerd

Election Shakes Up State House Control


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 $1000 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!

December 2014 9AASP News

Our Condolences…Charlie Pearson most recentlyworked at aaa Auto Parts inRosemount. Charlie passedaway November 11 at the age of41 after a courageous battle withmelanoma. He is the son of BobPearson of Pearson Auto Body,Shakopee – a long-time mem-ber, friend, and Past President ofAASP-MN.

Patrick Schoonover, 14-year-old son of AASP-MN mem-ber Mike Schoonover, SchoonoverBodyworks, Shoreview, died un-expectedly November 14 after col-lapsing during a hockey game inBrainerd. The cause of death hasbeen determined as an undetectedheart defect.

AASP-MN would like to ex-tend its sincere sympathy to the Pearson and Schoonover families.

Call for NominationsAASP-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 will be open on the Collision, Mechan-ical and Associate Advisory Committees, as well as the Govern-ment/Regulatory Affairs and Education/Training Committees.There will also be two seats open on the AASP-MN Board of Directors - one collision and one mechanical.

If you have a personal interest, or would like to nominatesomeone else, contact the Nominating Committee Chair DanSjolseth, Superior Service Center, at 651-454-5522 or the AASP-MN office at 612-623-1110 or 800-852-9071. Nominations mustbe received by December 31, 2014.

Internship Sites NeededThe collision repair faculty at Hennepin Technical College is

seeking help from local-area shops in providing students with internship opportunities. Internships expose students to meaningfullearning experiences that enhance the relevance of what they arelearning in the classroom today, while advancing the technical com-petency of our future auto body technicians.

The internship program runs 1/26/15 - 4/3/15 for the BrooklynPark campus and 3/23/15 - 5/15/15 for the Eden Prairie campus.

If you are interested in helping a student get some hands-onexperience in a real-world environment while gaining a little extrahelp around your shop, contact Tom Phillips at the Brooklyn Parkcampus, 763-488-2473 or [email protected] or Mike

Netzinger at the Eden Prairie campus, 952-995-1563 or [email protected].

A Final Shout-Out to Our 2014 SponsorsOur sponsors play a key role in our organization. They support

us. They provide us with extra resources that are needed to provideour members with exceptional programs, education and networkingopportunities. They help us keep our costs and fees affordable.Please acknowledge those companies that support us in this way.

10 December 2014

LOCAL NEWS

Program SponsorsAASP National

AkzoNobel Performance CoatingsAuto Care Association

Auto Value Parts Stores/APHAutoshop Solutions

Bill Smith FoundationCarbench

CARQUESTDent 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 Lincoln

Keystone AutomotiveLowell’s Performance Coatings

Malco Products, Inc.Meadowbrook InsuranceMidwest Parts Advantage

Mitchell InternationalMitchell1

Noble Conservation SolutionsNorton Automotive Aftermarket

O’Reilly Auto PartsPAM’s Auto, Inc.

Pro PaintSherwin-Williams

Suburban Chevrolet

AASP News

Charlie Pearson

Patrick Schoonover


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

Crowne Plaza Minneapolis WestPlymouth, MN

Watch for details as they becomeavailable in future issues of

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

HAVE A SAFE ANDHAPPY HOLIDAY

SEASON !

WHAT’S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE?

Answer: Welding with no protection againstsparks or ultraviolet radiation other than hiswelding helmet.

SAVE THEDATE!

AASP-MN BOARD OF DIRECTORS & STAFF:Jerald Stiele, Hopkins Auto Body,

President

Tom Gleason, Pro-Tech Auto & Truck, Secretary/Treasurer

Dan Sjolseth, AAM, Superior Service Center, Immediate Past President

Kevin Martin, PPG Industries, Associate Division Director

Greg Kasel, AAM, Downtown Tire & Auto, Mechanical Division Director

Joyce Weinhandl, Twin City Auto Body, Collision Division Director

Mike Cox, AAM, Ed’s Collision & Glass, Collision Seat

Wayne Watson, Auto Works Diagnostics & Repair, Mechanical Seat

Jim Siegfried, AAM, Crystal Lake Automotive, Collision Seat

Judell Anderson, AAM, Executive Director

Kevin Walli,Lobbyist

Jodi Pillsbury, Office Manager

Tom Kluver, Membership Coordinator



On Wednesday, November 5, the Alliance of Automotive Serv-ice Providers (AASP) held its fall Board meeting at the WestgateHotel & Casino in conjunction with the 2014 SEMA Show. Withparticipation from a total of nine affiliate associations, the meetingprovided a rundown of activities in each geographic area as wellas important announcements on industry focuses, accomplishmentsand initiatives.

Benefit provider United Fire Group (UFG) kicked off the meet-ing by providing an update on the company’s successful programwith AASP. UFG has been offered as a benefit to AASP memberssince 2013, providing enhanced business property/casualty insur-ance coverage with discounts and dividend opportunities. As of Oc-tober 1, UFG filings for the AASP National program have beenapproved in 16 states.

Following a report from AASP-PA Board member Greg McVickeron his recently-founded initiative, www.TalentMonger.com (describedon the site as “a career marketplace that connects collision shop own-ers with local, qualified technicians”), Aaron Lowe of the Auto CareAssociation (formerly the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Asso-ciation [AAIA]) presented an overview of the organization’s en-deavors relating to telematics in vehicles (from both the diagnosticand driver/end-user aspects).

“Our contention is that the driver - the owner of the vehicle -should have control of the data collected on their vehicle,” Loweexplained. “Right now, the manufacturer controls all of that data.”The Auto Care Association is devoting time and resources to edu-cate the industry on how they can connect to their customers withthis information, and is gearing up for an eventual legislative pushto return data control to vehicle owners. “The main goal is to worktogether to try and develop technical solutions for the telematicsissue,” he said.

AASP-MN shared its activity throughout 2014 in the affiliatereports section of the meeting, noting an all-time-high membershiprecord in 2014 with an impressive 96-percent member retentionrate. The Association is also showing a consistent effort on attract-ing and retaining a future workforce, and to that end is workingwith Assessment Associates International (AAI) to conduct a studythat will help members identify applicants who are most likely tobecome long-term employees. The initiative will consider factorsincluding safety, reliability and efficiency in its analysis, and willalso identify weaknesses in current staff members so that employersmay address these issues with the employee to find a resolution.AASP-MN was also instrumental in promoting the careers of futuretechnicians, distributing $15,000 in scholarships for post-secondaryvocational students.

“Our Board meetings offer an opportunity for valuable face-to-face interaction,” notes AASP National President, Bruce Tschida,a former AASP-MN president. “Not only are we afforded the abil-ity to learn important information from our partnering vendors andorganizations, but we also have the chance to connect as affiliatesunder a greater umbrella to share our strengths and challenges bothon the local and national level. It’s a great conversation and helpsus work together for the good of the industry at large.”

The AASP spring Board meeting has been scheduled for March20, 2015, to be held in conjunction with AASP/NJ’s NORTHEAST®2015 Automotive Services Show. For more information on AASPNational, please visit www.autoserviceproviders.com.


AASP NATIONAL UPDATE

AASP-MN Provides Year-End Report at AASP National Board Meeting in Las Vegas

Right: AASP-MN former President and current National President Bruce Tschida; Below: Attendees of the Fall 2014 AASP National Board meeting. (photos by Joel Gausten)


INSURANCE I.Q.

Many affluent individuals have charitable organizations theysupport with time, money or both throughout their life. Most peoplewho are charitably inclined also desire to continue that supportwhen they are no longer here. Life insurance can be an importanttool in helping to maximize the amount you leave to charity, whilestill ensuring that the needs of your family members are being met.

Using Life Insurance to Give MoreThere are several ways to leverage life insurance in order to

maximize a gift. Life insurance may be used as an outright gift, oras part of a broader wealth transfer strategy. The three main waysto make a charitable gift using just life insurance are:

• Naming the charity as owner and beneficiary ofthe life insurance policy. This strategy is used if the donor wants to receive an income tax deduction for his or her gift of premium. In this case, the donor gifts cash to the charity, which the charity then uses to pay the life insurance premium.

• Naming the donor as owner and the charity as the beneficiary. In this case, the owner would pay the policy premiums and the charity would receive the death benefit; however, the donor would not be able to take a deduction on the premiums. This may be appropriate for donors with a high cash-value policy they wish to use while they are living but whom do not need thedeath benefit.

• The donor transfers an existing policy to the charity. This strategy may be useful if the insured has an existing policy they no longer need. The donor could take a tax deduction on the transfer, but it would be limited to the fair marketvalue of the policy.

Life insurance also may be combined with more comprehen-sive charitable planning techniques to provide for a worthy causeand offset a tax burden. When life insurance is placed inside an Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT) and combined with a char-itable trust such as a Charitable Lead Trust (CLT), Charitable Re-mainder Trust (CRT) or Charitable Unit Trust (CRUT), you maybe able to efficiently:

• Diversify a concentrated stock position to increase income and minimize capital gains taxes;

• Reduce a taxable estate while preserving wealth for your family;

• Lessen tax burdens when income is high due to a bonus or sale of a company; and

• Reposition an asset that is subject to double or triple taxation inside an estate, such as a deferred annuity or IRA.

There are many benefits of using life insurance along with acharitable giving plan. Your CBIZ tax and life insurance profes-sionals can help you design a plan that fits your needs. For moreinformation, contact Dennis Begley at [email protected].

Charitable Planning: Making More of Your Legacy

By CBIZ AIA



18 December 2014

MEET THE MEMBER

How did you get involved in the automotive repair industry?American Auto Body was founded by my parents in 1979 and I took it

over from them in 2006. Obviously, growing up in the business and having myparents as an influence definitely helped. I found it enjoyable as a kid to tinkerwith my pedal bikes and four wheelers and, as it turns out, I was pretty good atit. I went to school around the corner in Brooklyn Park at North Hennepin Tech-nical College.

Tell us a little bit about your organization.As of right now there are 12 people involved in my business, including

myself. I’m very blessed to have an entire team that is absolutely awesome.Some of us have worked together for some time and some are newer. Over theyears, I’ve worked with a number of different teams that have had superstarsand amazing people, but none of them have meshed together as well as theteam I have now. You can work a lifetime, trying to find people who believewhat you believe and you just hope that you’re able to recognize their signifi-cance in your life. I am lucky to be able to realize how important these peopleare to me.

What makes you proudest about your company?We are relentless in providing a high-value experience to our customers

and our insurance partners. It is amazing to me the amount of people we’vebeen able to help, sometimes in a short window of time, and that we’re able tomake sure these people don’t feel displaced for long. The willingness of thisteam to do whatever it takes to help people includes staying late to get the cardone so they get home for the soccer game, or working twice as hard to makesure the car is back in time to get them out for the holidays. They are alwaysgoing the extra mile and I am so happy to be a part of this team.

What has been your best accomplishment?It’s so easy to toss out numbers for this: The hours per day, our cycle time

or the fact that we rank in the top couple percent in the country. And don’t getme wrong, I am proud of these things. But there’s so much more that goes intoit than that. It’s somewhat healthy to build around a philosophy of high achieve-ment, but it can also cause stress as well. I think my best accomplishment ismy ability to slow down and enjoy what’s happening around me as it’s hap-pening – living in the moment. And I believe in the idea that, how you are any-where is how you are everywhere. I try and live this way in both my personaland my professional life. And of course, without question one of my biggestaccomplishments is my family: My wife and kid. Plus, when it comes to mybusiness, it’s a huge accomplishment to find people who are generous and whogive as much as they can. When it all comes down to it, the numbers are pointson the board and at the end of the game, that’s all they are. Really, it is all aboutthe little things, like notes and thank you letters we get from customers and in-surance companies for going the extra mile. These are the things that energizeyou. Otherwise it’s just a long, drawn out life. If you live off of the little things,

American Auto Body, Brooklyn ParkMatthew FeehanMember Since: 2006

I believe you can smile more and frown less.How long have you been a member of AASP-MN and what inspired you to join?

As a company, we’ve been members for a longtime. For me, I’ve been a member ever since I pur-chased the business eight years ago. My parents weremembers when they owned the shop so it just madesense to me to join as well.

What is the best advice you have ever re-ceived that is worth sharing?

I’ve been fortunate to have had a lot of great men-tors who shortened my learning curve and helped meget where I am today, so this is a big question. One ofthe best pieces of advice I ever received is: The will-ingness to do what others aren’t willing to do is whatsets you apart. Do today what others don’t to have tomorrow what others won’t. What is most important isbeing intentional with your direction in life. We’ve beengiven the dignity of choice in life. There are too manytimes we go from one year to the next without makingmany changes. The choice to keep moving forward iswhat makes life exciting. You have to cultivate a desirefor something that gets you up early and keeps you uplate. If you’re not growing, you’re decaying. Be bettertoday than you were yesterday.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank?I want to thank everyone who saw something in me

before I was able to see anything within myself. If theyread this, they’ll know who they are. I want to thank thepeople who encouraged me to live outside of my com-fort zone. Those people are truly special.

AASP News


2015 AUTOMOTIVE AFTERMARKET CALENDARS

Catalogs and order formsnow available by contacting

the AASP-MN office at:

(612) 623-1110 or

(800) 852-9071

work performed are inaccurate.• Beneficial tools and resources under the “Get

Educated” tab. Here, you can find tools, such as a chart for OEM bumper covers. The site gives written documentation on which bumper covers are shipped raw and which covers are shipped with a primer. Imagine the value that this brings to the shop.

• For the technician:- He/she can know before ever starting on

the job what will be required to prep and paint the cover.

• For the estimator:- They have documentation to provide their

insurance partner in order to request additional time for the increased time and work needed in prepping raw plastic.

This website provides several tools that shopswill find beneficial in having the ability to get paidfor work performed. I would encourage all AASP-MN members to take time to peruse the web site.

ASSOCIATE DIVISION DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

continued from pg. 6

20 December 2014 AASP News


By Janet L. Keyes, CIH, C.H.E.S.S., Inc.

COMPLETE HEALTH, ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY SERVICES (C.H.E.S.S.)

First, a correction from our last article. Our article on res-pirator use incorrectly stated that anyone who uses a paper typeof dust mask (a filtering facepiece,) needs to have had medicalapproval. For voluntary use of N95 filtering facepieces (dustmasks), you need to give employees Appendix D to OSHA’srespirator standard, but there are no other requirements. If yourequire use of dust masks or cartridge respirators, medical approval is needed. If employees voluntarily use any type ofrespirator other than dust masks, medical approval is needed.Confused? Call us.

Additionally, we strongly recommend getting the medicalapproval as soon as someone is hired (or better, as part of a pre-employment physical). What if you discover, after an employeehas been painting for years, that they can’t wear a respirator?Is it because of work done for you? Or is it a longstanding prob-lem, beginning well before they began in your employment? Itcan be very difficult to tell. If you screen for respirator healthwhen you hire, at least you know you aren’t buying a problem.

AluminumIt doesn’t take a crystal ball to predict that your future

includes servicing cars with aluminum bodies. Aluminum isn’tany more of a health hazard than steel. Breathing the dust hasbeen shown to cause coughing and shortness of breath and, inrats, scarring of the lungs, but that’s at pretty high concentra-tions. There’s speculation that it can damage the nervous sys-tem – but the evidence for that isn’t as clear as it is, for example,for the toluene in lacquer thinner.

You’ll notice more problems when you weld on aluminumbecause welding on aluminum produces ozone in much higheramounts than welding on steel. Ozone is a very strong respira-tory irritant, causing coughing, wheezing and a feeling of tight-ness in the chest. Local exhaust ventilation is the best way totrap the ozone and welding fumes. If that isn’t adequate,welders may need to use respirators that are able to removeozone (P100 filters with charcoal).

Ozone isn’t the only concern with aluminum work, though.Unlike steel, aluminum dust or shavings catch fire.

The Department of Transportation classifies aluminumdust as a flammable solid. If it gets wet, it gives off highly flam-mable hydrogen gas. Mixing aluminum with rusted steel cre-ates thermite; heating that mixture results in a rapid chemicalreaction so hot that it is used to weld railroad tracks together.If aluminum does catch on fire, your usual ABC fire extinguish-ers won’t be of any use. Instead, you need a Class D extin-guisher or a big pile of sand to smother the fire. And puttingout the fire requires a different technique than putting out anoily rag fire.

Because of the fire hazard, aluminum requires some spe-cial precautions.

Don’t mix dusts from aluminum and steel. Don’t use thesame grinders on both metals. If you grind some rust off of apart and follow it up by grinding aluminum, you create ther-mite. Add a spark from grinding, and you’ll have an explosion.It might be a small blast if you only have some residual duston the grinder, but you don’t want to risk that. Dedicategrinders, buffers and sanders to work with aluminum. Markthem so they aren’t used on steel.

For the same reason, use a dedicated dust collector for alu-minum. Your ordinary central vacuum system isn’t designedfor the flammability of aluminum. Dust can settle in the duct-work and hoses, providing good conditions for a combustibledust explosion. Wet dust collectors, which trap the dust inwater, are considered much safer. But you can’t just use anycommercial dust collector or vacuum - it has to be specificallyapproved for use with combustible metals.

Don’t leave your full wet collector in a poorly-ventilatedarea. Remember that aluminum plus water produces hydrogen,which ignites very easily. Portable vacuums designed for alu-minum may have built-in hydrogen vents, but those don’t doany good if the gas accumulates outside the vacuum.

Clean out the vacuum each day and then put the waste out-side in a closed, metal container. The NFPA standard for com-bustible metals advises mixing it with sand or anothernonreactive material (such as clay cat litter) in a ratio of onepart metal dust to five parts sand, to make it safe to handle. Ifit’s relatively uncontaminated, you may be able to recycle it.

Practice good housekeeping. Keep the areas where alu-minum dust can be created cleaned up. Do not use compressedair to blow the dust around. You can use nonconductive tools,brooms with soft, natural bristles, or scoops.

Train your employees on the hazards of aluminum. Theyneed to know what housekeeping measures to follow. Makesure they know what to do in case of an aluminum dust fire,because it isn’t fought the same way as other fires.

Aluminum is the most common metal on earth, and themost commonly used nonferrous metal. Thousands of compa-nies work with it routinely. The auto repair industry can benefitfrom their experience to work with it safely.

If you have questions about working with aluminum, weld-ing, chemical exposures, OSHA inspections, OSHA grants, orother safety or environmental issues, contact CHESS at 651-481-9787; toll free at 877-482-4377, or via email [email protected]. CHESS specializes in helping smallto medium sized business with occupational health and safetyissues. We have been providing services to the automotive in-dustry for more than 20 years.

Respirator Medicals - AGAIN - and Aluminum


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 has partnered with Dorman Products to develop an ex-clusive offering. As an AASP member, you are eligible to receivethe following benefits:

Product Reimbursement• New to the Aftermarket qualified ideas are eligible for compensation

• If you come across a part not available in the aftermarket (Dealer Only), contact us at the number below. A qualified part is failure prone and exclusively available from the OE Dealer

• Benefits the service dealer and the automotive aftermarket• Shipping and receiving are handled by Dorman

Service Dealer Guide• AASP Branded Service Dealer guides• Inform service dealers about New to the Aftermarket• Provide options for technicians to use re-engineered money saving kits

Dedicated Tech Line• Toll Free 1-800 number dedicated for AASP members: 800-868-5777 ext. 5330

• Assist with installation and specifications• Also can assist with non-Dorman related calls

Try-On Program• This program ensures quality products and complete kits• We offer new parts and pay for all the labor associated

with installation• Great way to become more involved with our R&D team

For more information on this program, visit www.dormanproducts.com or call Lester Kovacs at (800) 868-5777 ext. 5329.

Dorman Products


Documents

AASP-MN News December 2014