Where Do We Go from Here?

At the time of this writing, the biggest event of the year for collision repairers, the SEMA Show, is just a few weeks away. And I expect to return to the office exhausted from a full week of travel and running from early morning to late evening. At the same time, after a good night’s rest upon my return, I’m always excited about the possibilities for the industry.

Despite the current business slowdown, research firms predict a modest uptick in the next five to seven years. That ranges from .8 (Grand View Research) to 5.9% (Global Market Insights) compounded annual growth rate for the entire market, which includes crash parts, paint, and allied products. It’s at least a positive direction. That said, we’re focused at FenderBender on helping you make money, save money, and work smarter, presenting options for exploring new markets, what to consider for growing your market reach or selling to a consolidator, and more. 

In this issue, columnist and shop owner Greg Lobsiger advises implementing a solid marketing strategy and working on operational improvements. Veteran collision repair consultant Steve Trapp gives options how shops can help reverse the total loss trend while fixing vehicles correctly. Representatives from Accudraft and GFS weigh in on what to do to make your existing booth perform to its potential, including while planning for a replacement. And see how two shops using guidance from Mike Anderson at Collision Advice have maximized their production efficiency.

As always, please reach out to us if you have an idea that can help fellow shop owners and operators, and I’ll leave you with this parting thought from Drew Bryant, owner of DB Orlando Collision, in this month’s column: “When the work gets quiet, it’s not a punishment. It’s an invitation to rebuild stronger, leaner, truer.”