Green vehicle spa treatment gains momentum July 9, 2008

Following his 8-year-old son's suggestion, a Detroit man is working to patent a vehicle steam-cleaning and detailing business boasting an eco-friendly treatment process that preserves and protects car finishes.

Pennsylvania shop builds business on first impressions July 1, 2008 By: Stephanie Skernivitz

When customers enter the front office of Noaker's Auto Body in the small town of Duncannon, Pa., north of Harrisburg, they're struck by a couple sensory reactions. People comment, "It doesn't look like a body shop. It doesn't even smell like a body shop."

Specialized Auto Inc.: A bradening specialized service center July 1, 2008 By: Robert Bravender

While the genesis of Specialized Auto Inc. was in the retail of used Volkswagen parts, since becoming "specialized" it ironically has broadened its market base to include other services and Euro-marques like Volvo, Saab, Audi, BMW and Mercedes.

Texas shops follow consistent recipe July 1, 2008 By: Joan Engebretson

Any good body shop has to have a strong focus on doing quality work — but few can claim one of the highest customer satisfaction ratings in their region. Callaway's Collision Specialist of Humble, Texas, can make that claim.

Prices sparking volatility July 1, 2008 By: Tony Cristello

As we approach midyear, it seems like a lifetime ago that oil prices were hovering below $100 per barrel. True, the economic impact was being felt even then, but today's price levels are certainly unexpected and — many may argue — unjustified. We think what may be more troubling to the market is not necessarily the actual level of oil prices, but rather the daily volatility. Large swings such as the $10 spike on June 6 are upsetting and exemplify underlying macroeconomic and geopolitical concerns.

Lifetime learning drives body shop June 1, 2008 By: Joan Engebretson

Dave's Autobody of Galesburg, Ill., can measure its success in numerous ways — steady growth since its founding in 1977, a loyal customer base, quick turnaround times and low employee turnover. But a single key reason for the company's strong track record is owner Dave Dunn's ongoing willingness to look beyond the collision repair industry for ideas he can apply to his business. That big picture thinking — and the results it generates for his shop — led Dunn to start another venture, Masters Educational Services and Consulting, to spread his good ideas to others within the collision repair industry.

Built on a reputation, Raymond's is booming in flux economy June 1, 2008 By: Robert Bravender

"If you build it, they will come." While no one was whispering this classic "Field of Dreams" phrase in Dennis Raymond's ear, he was saying something similar to loan officers when he endeavored to expand his business. On his reputation alone, Raymond was going to jump from a two-car garage at his house to what is now Raymond's Auto Repair LLC's 10,000-square-foot facility, capable of doing everything from state emissions inspections to big rig diesel repair.

Family repair business stresses its core values June 1, 2008 By: Stephanie Skernivitz

A family-owned business nestled in sleepy Tallmadge, Ohio, Padula's Body Shop Inc. has been quietly making noise turning out consistent collision repair work on everything from Rolls Royces to Nissans to Chevys for more than six decades. Angelo Padula welcomed his first customers in 1947 at a shop in nearby Akron, owning and operating the business from 1947 until he died in 1976, when his son, John Padula, began running the business. Padula then moved the business to Tallmadge, building a new shop with then state-of-the-art equipment in 1989.

Taking the long view June 1, 2008 By: Tony Cristello

During our first aftermarket breakfast panel, we heard from senior executives representing the entire supply chain, from the supplier level (Standard Motor Products and CARDONE), to the retailers and distributors (AutoZone and Parts Depot), down to the professional technician (represented by Monro Muffler Brake).