aasp-mn news june 2015

www.grecopublishing.com

June 2015

Plus:

Preparing for an OSHA InspectionWebinar Registration

AASP-MN Proposal to LimitInsurance Company

Mandates Still Alive inSenate Omnibus Bill

AASP-MN Proposal to LimitInsurance Company

Mandates Still Alive inSenate Omnibus Bill

AASP0615.qxp_AASP News 5/28/15 4:44 PM

AASP News2 June 2015


AASP News June 2015 3


CONTENTSVol. 23 No. 6

AASP of Minnesota is an association ofindependently-owned automo-tive service businesses and industry suppliers dedicated toimproving the state’s automo-tive service industry and thesuccess of its members.

AASP-MN 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-MN News allowsits columnists 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 © www.istockphoto.com.

AASP-MN BOARD MEMBERS2015 - 2016

PRESIDENTTom Gleason

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENTJerald Stiele

SECRETARY-TREASURER Greg Kasel, AAM

COLLISION DIVISION DIRECTORJim Siegfried, AAM

MECHANICAL DIVISION DIRECTORWayne Watson

ASSOCIATE DIVISION DIRECTORKevin Martin

COLLISION SEATSJoyce WeinhandlWill Latuff

MECHANICAL SEATMars Overlee

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: Donna Greco ([email protected])

www.grecopublishing.com

COLLISION DIVISION DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE ..........................................6We Can Make a Differenceby Jim Siegried, AASP-MN Collision Division Director

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE ......................................................................7Association Bill in Motion at the Legislatureby Kevin Walli, AASP-MN Lobbyist

LOCAL NEWS ................................................................................8

INSURANCE I.Q. ............................................................................11Business Overhead Expenseby Dennis P. Begley, CLU ChFC CUTCF CBC

F.Y.I.. ..........................................................................................14

PREPARING FOR AN OSHA INSPECTION WEBINAR REGISTRATION ..............17

MEET THE MEMBER ........................................................................20Falk Auto Body & Trim

PARTNERS IN PREVENTION................................................................19Environmental Recordkeeping

CASH IN ON YOUR MEMBERSHIP!........................................................22Bankcard: Liability Shifts to Businesses on October 1by Mac Hardin, AASP-MN Bankcard Program


June 16, 2015AASP-MN 21st Annual Golf Outing

3M’s Tartan Park Golf Course, Lake Elmo

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

AmeriPride ................................................................6Axalta Coating Systems..............................................OBCBuerkle Hyundai ........................................................3Choice Auto Rentals ..................................................3Database Enhancement Gateway ................................18Dentsmart ..................................................................21Inver Grove Honda / Inver Grove Toyota ............................16Jack McClard ............................................................16Keystone ....................................................................10Lowell’s PCE ..............................................................21Maplewood Toyota ....................................................4

Mills Parts Center ......................................................15MnTAP ......................................................................19Morrie’s ....................................................................9Motorwerks BMW ......................................................IBCMotorwerks Mini........................................................IBCMPA..................................................................................................12-13Rosedale Chevrolet ....................................................7Roseville Chrysler ......................................................15Straight & Square ......................................................18Thexton Manufacturing ..............................................4Toyota Group..............................................................IFC

UPCOMING EVENTS

For more information, contact the AASP-MN office at 612-623-1110or visit the Association’s website, www.aaspmn.org.


by Jim SiegfriedAASP-MN Collision Division Director

I’m sure by now most of you haveheard of the DEG (Database EnhancementGateway). However, are you using it? TheDEG was developed to improve the qual-ity and accuracy of collision repair esti-mates through feedback from the collisionrepair industry and insurance companies.The DEG is currently funded by the Al-liance of Automotive Service Providers(AASP) and the Society of Collision Re-pair Specialists (SCRS). Since the DEGopened in 2007, there have been over8,000 submissions to correct database er-rors within the CCC, Mitchell and Auda-tex estimating systems. It’s very simple to submit an inquiryand takes fewer than fifteen minutes to

complete. Go to www.degweb.org, clickon “Submit an Inquiry” and fill in theinformation on the form including: shopname and vehicle information, and if theproblem is related to parts, procedure pageissue, welded panel operations or refinishoperations. You should submit any photosthat help support your claim. The databaseerror can take anywhere from one day tofour weeks to resolve. Here is an actual database inquiry sub-mitted recently by a collision shop: CCC states the labor time to install is2.5 hours after outer quarter panel hasbeen removed. The labor time has to bewrong. This is a large piece that is welded

to the package tray with inner and outerwheelhouses. Please review the procedureand adjust the time to reflect the necessarylabor needed of 6.5+ hours.

Resolution:

MOTOR stated: After review, the esti-mated work time for the Inner QuarterPanel has been changed from 2.5 hours to6.5 hours.

The database inquiry took 15 minutesto submit and CCC one day to resolve,adding four additional hours to the esti-mate - not just for this user, but for all fu-ture users. As owners, managers,estimators and technicians we spend a lot


COLLISION DIVISION DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

Bee Line Auto Care

Wyoming

Bloomington Goodyear Auto Tire & Glass

Bloomington

EP Auto Tire & Glass

Eden Prairie

Harwood’s Body Shop

Winsted

Honest – 1 Auto Care

Edina

Kiss’s Classic Cars

So. St. Paul

WelcomeNew Members:MAY 2015

We Can Make A Difference

continued on page 21



Association Bill in Motion at the Legistaure

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

by Kevin Walli,AASP-MN Lobbyist

As this issue goes to press, the AASP-MN proposal to limit insurance companymandates in the insurance claims processremains alive in the Senate Omnibus Jobs,Economic Development and Energy Bill.This bill includes matters relating to theDepartment of Commerce. A ConferenceCommittee of five Senators and five Rep-resentatives will resolve differences be-tween the Senate and House versions ofthe bill. Three key provisions proposed byAASP-MN are included in the Senate Billand must be adopted by the House Mem-bers of the Conference Committee in orderto become law. One provision prohibits insurancecompanies from steering through theprocess of obtaining repair estimates.

Insurers could still require that more thanone estimate be obtained, they simplycould not dictate a particular shop for aninsured or claimant to obtain an estimate. A second provision would prohibit in-surers from mandating the use of a partic-ular electronic estimating system. It hasbecome increasingly burdensome forshops to pay for multiple systems in orderto participate in the collision repair mar-ketplace. These redundant costs hurt everyrepair shop – but it’s a particular hardshipfor smaller shops. The Senate also includes language,which makes clear, existing law prohibit-ing insurers from requiring that shops usea particular vendor for procurement ofparts. The additional language would

provide that an insurer cannot require aparticular software program or vendor forthe procurement of parts. Finally, the bill includes an appropria-tion to expand Department of Commerceinvestigations of insurance companyclaims handling. Members have been asked to reachout to the Senate and House Confereeswho will resolve differences between theHouse and Senate versions of the bill. Association members should watchfor further updates in the coming weeks.The last day of the current LegislativeSession is May 18.



LOCAL NEWS

PROMOTING AUTO SERVICE CAREERS TO SCHOOL COUNSELORS

On May 3 and 4, AASP-MN representatives participated inthe MN School Counselors’ Association Annual Conference toraise awareness and promote careers in the automotive service in-dustry. Over 460 school counselors attended the event at Mad-den’s on Gull Lake.

The star attraction at the exhibit was AASP-MN memberDan Sjolseth (Superior Service Center in Eagan and Apple Val-ley) who played the role of the “grease monkey” of old. Thisimage contrasted sharply with that of the current technician oftoday, represented by Kristi Fischer, a former employee of

AASP-MN member Alexander’s Import Auto Repair andpresently a service advisor at Burnsville of Dodge. Dean ofTransportation at Dunwoody College Jon Kukachka, Interim Di-rector of the MN Transportation Center of Excellence Bob Eng-berg and AASP-MN Executive Director Judell Anderson alsohelped staff the booth.

In addition to the exhibit showcasing auto career opportuni-ties, Sjolseth and Anderson were joined by Shawn Collins of 3Mto present a breakout session that delved more deeply into the

industry and shared the personal experiences and unique careerpaths of Sjolseth and Collins. Those who attended learned aboutthe many opportunities available and received information thathighlighted the high-tech nature of the industry. “These aren’t your daddy’s cars and these aren’t your me-chanics of old,” stated Anderson. “We need bright students whonot only have a passion for cars, but also possess a high aptitudefor technology, problem-solving, reading comprehension andmath. They will be the technicians that will enjoy success nowand into the future.”

AASP-MN WEBSITE FACELIFT COMPLETE AASP-MN recently revamped its website with a more con-temporary design and navigational improvements to provideusers with a more satisfying experience. Key features of the newwebsite include a mobile platform and a more intuitive naviga-tion system. Here are some of the things you can find on the site:

Dunwoody College Dean of Transportation Jon Kukachka (left) and Burnsville of Dodge Serv-ice Advisor Kristi Fischer (right) pose with AASP-MN Member Dan Sjolseth, posing as thetypical “grease monkey” of the past.

AASP-MN and the Minnesota Transportation Center came together to promote career opportunities in the industry.

Jon Kukacha and Bob Engberg answered questions at the display.

Dan Sjolseth (left) and 3M’s Shawn Collins presented a breakout session that discussed theircareer paths and the future of the industry.


June 2015 9AASP News

Information about: • Association news • Member benefit programs • The Get to Know Your Neighborhood Auto Repair Pro campaign • Current and past legislative activities & find your legislator • Industry training and upcoming events

Member shops, tools and equipment: • Search our database to find a member shop in your area, see what diagnostic or other equipment they own, what repair information they subscribe to, which management system they use and more! Our extensive database was designed to help members connect with and be a resource to other members. Be sure to login and complete your member profile!

Resources/links: • Regulation of Claims Practices & Prohibition on Insurers’ Statutes • Truth in Repairs Act • Insurer Unfair Claims Practices Report • MN Motor Vehicle Damage Disclosure & Reporting requirements • P-Pages, DEG & other estimating resources • OEM service information • MPCA Fact Sheets

Sample documents: • Complaint Letter to the Department of Commerce • Loaner Car Agreement • Repair Authorization form • Assignment of Insurance Proceeds • Sheriff’s sale instructions and documents

Consumer info: • Find a shop • Auto insurance claims & claimants’ rights, “Nuts & Bolts” brochure • Consumers’ “Know Your Rights” (after submitting an automobile accident claim to your insurance company) • Motor Vehicle Service Contracts: FTC, MN Attorney General and Consumer Reports • FTC Consumer Alerts on auto warranties and warranty scams • Automotive career and scholarship info, including links to state college automotive programs



Other: • AASP-MN News – Check out the current or past issues of the Association’s monthly magazine • Lending Library – AASP-MN’s lending library consists of a number of the AMI self-study courses and other materials free for members to use

And much more! Please take the time to check out theresources available to you from AASP-MN.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

Recently, AASP-MN asked for spon-sorship support from its Associate mem-bers and other industry vendors to help

support the Association’s educational pro-gramming and other activities in 2015.Sponsorships help AASP-MN deliver thequality programs members expect andkeep registration fees affordable. To date,the following companies have made spon-sorship commitments:

Gold SponsorsAuto Value Parts Stores & APHAxalta Coating SystemsPPG Automotive Finishes

Silver Sponsorsaaa Auto PartsCBIZ AIAInver Grove FordLKQ/KeystoneLowell’s Performance CoatingsMeadowbrook InsuranceMidwest Parts AdvantageMitchell InternationalO’Reilly Auto PartsPAM’s Auto, Inc.Suburban ChevroletUnited Fire Group

Program Sponsors3MAASP NationalAutoshop SolutionsCARQUESTCBIZ AIACBIZ PayrollDent ImpressionsIDENTIFIXRobert Bosch, LLC

Hospitality SponsorsAmeriPride ServicesBASF Automotive RefinishCCC Information ServicesChoice Auto RentalDentsmart PDREnterprise Rent-a-CarNet DrivenNorton AbrasivesPro Paint MetroSherwin-Williams

LOCAL NEWS

10 June 2015 AASP News

Check out the Association’snew and improved website at

www.aaspmn.org



INSURANCE I.Q.

It’s a good business decision to include Loss of Income cov-erage on your commercial business insurance. This option pro-vides dollars to replace lost income if your business catches onfire or blows away and you can’t be open for business. But thereis another, often overlooked line of coverage that is more likely tobe relevant than a fire or tornado hitting your business. That cov-erage is a disability plan to pay for those same business expenses. The coverage is called Business Overhead Expense (BOE).Simply put, if a person responsible for paying the bills becomesdisabled, BOE provides dollars to pay those fixed costs. So all ofthose expenses that go on the com-pany tax return at the end of theyear can be protected with disabil-ity insurance. This important busi-ness protection gives you cash tokeep your business doors openwhile you are recovering from adisability. You can even include abenefit to hire a replacement man-ager for yourself. Some BOE plansalso provide a partial benefit for apartial disability where you canwork part time. Plus, a new optionfrom one of my lead disability car-riers now gives the option of adding a rider to pay mortgage pay-ments on a building you have financed. Business Overhead Expense covers:

• Fixed business expenses• Up to $10,000 a month to hire a substitute for the insured to run the business• Future increases option – to increase the benefit as your expenses increase• Residual/partial disabilities covered• Business loan repayment option• Recovery benefit (when you return to work but still have loss of income)• Finder fee benefit (up to $5,000 to find a substitute for the insured)

• Benefit continuation (three months) after death • Accumulation benefit to carry over dollars to the future if you don’t use the full monthly benefit available• Waiver of premium after 90 days of a disability• Legal and accounting fees (up to $5,000 for fees incurred if the business is terminated or sold)• Workplace modification (to help you come back to work)

BOE normally is a company-owned plan. The IRS allows itto be paid as a business expense,and it is therefore deductible. Thebenefits are taxable income to thebusiness, but the dollars pay de-ductible business expenses so thiswashes through.

When applying for BOE, youselect when you want the benefitto start and for how long you wantit payable. When you want it tostart depends on how long you cancarry on the business from re-serves. Normally, I set BOE tostart on the 31st day of a disability

and pay benefits for 12 to 18 months. If you are still disabledafter 18 months, the odds of returning to work get much smaller.This short benefit period makes BOE very reasonable in cost. Disability is the most basic of all insurance protection. Youshould insure what you can least afford to lose. That is called riskmanagement. Getting disabled is going to affect your ability toearn an income. Life insurance protects someone else. Disabilityprotects you. BOE protects your company and can help keep itopen for business. For more information, questions or a quote, please call oremail Dennis Begley at (763) 549-2260 [email protected].

Business Overhead Expense

By Dennis P. Begley, CLU ChFC CUTCF CBC



F.Y.I.

As Summer Approaches, Many Employers Will Needto Concern Themselveswith Child Labor Issues

With the weather warming up and schools shortly letting outfor summer break, employers often enlist the help of child labor.However, when doing so, employers need to be mindful of thevery specific Minnesota and Federal child labor laws governingtheir employment. With some exceptions (including, but not lim-ited to agricultural employees), there are restrictions on the hoursemployees of certain ages can work and the type of work theycan perform. Below are some general guidelines and quick re-minders regarding child labor laws.

Employees under 14 years of age: Employees under 14 years of age can only do the followingwork: • Deliver newspapers to customers (if at least 11 years old); • Babysit on a casual basis; • Act or model with parental or guardian consent; and • Referee in youth programs (if at least 11 years old and with parental or guardian consent).

Employees that are 14 and 15 years of age:Work Hours • Work performed must be outside school hours; • They cannot work more than three hours on a school day, including Friday; • They cannot work more than 18 hours per week when school is in session; • They cannot work more than eight hours per day when school is not in session; • They cannot work more than 40 hours per week when school is not in session; and • They cannot work before 7 am or after 7 pm on any day, except from June 1st through Labor Day, when they are able to work until 9 pm.

Type of Work • They can work in retail occupations; • They can perform intellectual or creative work like computer programming, teaching, tutoring, singing, acting or playing an instrument; • They can run errands or perform delivery work; • They can work doing clean-up and yard work so long as

they are not using power-driven mowers, cutters, trimmers, edgers or similar equipment; • They can work in relation to cars and trucks such as filling gasoline or oil and washing; • They can do some kitchen and food service work such as reheating food, washing dishes, cleaning equipment and limited cooking; • They can work cleaning vegetables and fruits, wrapping, sealing, labeling, weighing, pricing and stocking of items when performed in areas separate from a freezer or meat cooler; • They can work loading or unloading objects to be used at a worksite including rakes, hand-held clippers and shovels; and • They can work as a lifeguard at traditional swimming pools and water amusement parks so long as they have the proper certifications.

Employees that are 16 and 17 years of age:Work Hours • They cannot work after 11 pm on evenings before school

days; and • They cannot work before 5 am on school days.

Type of Work • They cannot perform “hazardous” jobs, as determined by

law; and • They are restricted in the type of work they can perform when it involves alcohol, tobacco and certain forms of transportation.

How much should you pay employees in these age categories? Employers must pay at least the applicable minimum wage,which in Minnesota is $8/hour. However, Minnesota does allowemployees under the age of 20 to be paid Minnesota’s currenttraining wage of $6.50/hour for the first 90 consecutive calendardays of employment. After that time, the employee’s wage mustbe raised to the current state minimum wage of $8/hour as notedabove. The 90-day training wage changes on August 1 of thisyear to $7.25/hour and again on August 1, 2016 to $7.75/hour.Note: The above summary is meant to serve only as a generalguide, as it is subject to a number of exceptions and obviouslydoes not cover all industries and potential occupations wherechild labor might be used.

From Wessels Sherman Minnesota Client Alert, April 2015www.wesselssherman.com

By Chad A. Staul, Esq.


June 2015 15

Aftermarket Trends

The following excerpts are from The Lange Aftermarket iReport,found at www.langemarketing.com.

Bay Output Boom Car and light truck DIFM product sales continue to increasein the U.S. despite the steady decline in service bay count. Thiscounterintuitive development is primarily the result of growingcar and light truck service bay productivity. Lang Marketing estimates the average car and light truckservice bay increased its annual product and service volume morethan one-third between 2004 and 2014, with even more servicebay gains on the way.

Fewer Annual Miles Per Vehicle Americans are driving the average car and light truck fewerannual miles. Although total car and light truck 2014 mileage in-creased, the U.S. light vehicle population rose faster, reducingannual miles recorded by the typical car and light truck to justover 10,300. While this would seem to indicate aftermarket product use

per vehicle declined during 2014, higher average age of vehiclesin the U.S. and the growth of vehicles 12 years and up generateda strong gain in aftermarket product 2014 volume, despite a dropin annual mileage by the average car and light truck.

$110 Billion Prize: Orphaned & Stranded Vehicles Orphaned vehicles (discontinued nameplates) and strandedvehicles (cars and light trucks whose selling dealers have closed)represent a combined $110 billion aftermarket DIFM prize for in-dependent (non-dealer) repair outlets between now and 2018, andan even larger aftermarket opportunity in the years beyond. Lang Marketing estimates nearly one-fifth of all cars andlight trucks on U.S. roads are orphaned or stranded. Independent(non-dealer) repair outlets are the most convenient and in somecases the only DIFM repair choice for these vehicle owners (over50 million cars and light trucks).

Aging Vehicles Hammer Out Market Change At the beginning of 2015, cars and light trucks on U.S.roads reached a record high average age: 11.8 years. This marksover 15 years of consecutive age growth across this country’s


AASP News



light vehicle population and is a two-year super gain over 2005. Some key vehicle sectors experienced even more phenome-nal age growth, with one major light vehicle group in the U.S.topping 13.6 years in average age this year. Soaring vehicle age(projected by Lang Marketing to continue climbing for at leastseveral more years) is generating big aftermarket changes andpromises to reshape the marketplace from top to bottom throughthe end of this decade.

Quick Lube Lanes Go Big Quick Lube lanes (bays) are the fastest expanding group oflight vehicle service bays in the U.S. Service (DIFM) Market.Quick Lube bays are growing as more Quick Lube outlets openand Car Dealers add Quick Lube lanes to their service facilities. Quick Lube bays are building average sales tickets by in-specting vehicles for needed repairs and expanding their servicemenus. Quick Lube bays are evolving into Quick Service bays.

F.Y.I.

continued from page 15

ARE YOU USING THE DEG???The DATABASE ENHANCEMENT GATEWAY is an initiative toallow those who use the collision repair estimating databases toprovide proactive feedback to the information providers.

If you have questions or concerns about estimating datarepresented inyour estimating guide or system, visit www.DEGweb.org to submit aDatabase Inquiry or get more information.

Funded & operated by: DATA

BASE

ENHANCEM

ENTGATE

WAY

Missing LaborJust because a part does not have a labor time showing in the estimatingsystem does NOT mean the labor is included with another labor operation. Ifa labor operation is included with another labor operation there will be an“inc” in the labor column. DEG inquiry 7987 is a good example.

You can view this tip and others on the DEG website: www.degweb.org/estimate-tips

ESTIMATING TIP


Safety records were covered in the February 2015 issue,but what about environmental records? If you have the stor-age space, keep environmental records for the life of yourbusiness. If you are running out of space, here are the mini-mum amounts of time to keep environmental records.

In most cases, you must keep hazardous waste recordsfor three years and air regulation records for five years.Records can be hard copies or electronic and must be legible.You must be able to make hazardous waste records immedi-ately available to an inspector. MPCA air permit records canbe moved to a central office after one year, but must be madeavailable to an inspector in a reasonable amount of time.

License or permit applications. Keep copies of haz-ardous waste license applications and supporting documentsfor three years. Keep copies of an air permit application,change forms and supporting documents as long as you havethe permit and for five years after.

Hazardous waste evaluation records. Keep hazardouswaste evaluation records as long as your shop generates thewaste and for three years after the last time the waste isshipped. Your evaluation records might include lab test re-sults, product information or manufacturer certifications. If aconsultant or transporter made the evaluation for you, keep acopy of the reasoning or method they used, such as lab testresults, as well as the final determination.

Manifests and shipping records. Keep copies of mani-fests, shipping records and related documents for at least

three years after the waste is shipped. The Minnesota Pollu-tion Control Agency recommends keeping manifests for thelife of your business and beyond. This is because your busi-ness’s hazardous waste liability lasts forever, and manifestsare proof that wastes reached their intended destinations.

Shipping records at your shop might include those fromshipping used oil or rags, Very Small Quantity Generator col-lection center receipts or pumping receipts. Related docu-ments might include manifest exception reports or landdisposal restriction notices.

Weekly hazardous waste inspection logs. Keep haz-ardous waste inspection logs for three years. If you keep thelog sheets close to the hazardous waste storage area for con-venience, make sure to file the completed log sheets so theydon’t get lost or damaged.

Air permit requirements. If you have an air permit,keep a copy of the permit for the life of the permit and keeprelated records for five years. Records might include emis-sions calculations, emissions inventory submittals, support-ing documents such as VOC reports from your paint vendor,records of equipment changes and any required monitoring.If you have calculations that show you don’t need an air per-mit, keep them for the life of the business.

Emergency planning notifications, if required. Keepemergency planning notification documents as long as theyare current and for three years after. Small and large quantityhazardous waste generators must notify local emergency

Environmental Recordkeeping

PARTNERS IN PREVENTION


continued on pg. 21

LET US TURN THEMAROUND!

Contact AASP-MN News

Sales DirectorAlicia Figurelli

973.667.6922 /[email protected]



MEET THE MEMBER

What’s been your history in the auto repair industry?I’m currently the owner and operator of Falk Auto Body. I’m

a second-generation shop; my dad opened the facility in 1958 andI took over in 1974. We’ve got two locations. Our original locationis here in Zumbrota but we’ve got a spot over in Red Wing, as well.

How long have you been a member of AASP-MN?Our shop has been a member for about one year now. Last year

I went to a training seminar providedthrough AASP-MN and met DanSjolseth, the President of SuperiorService Center. He recommendedthat we look into it. I’m definitelyglad we did, I think it’s a good thing.I’d like to get more involved in theindustry; I want to know what’sgoing on.

Tell me a little bit about youremployees.

All of our employees are 20-plus year employees. My wife,Nancy, and I are the owners of theshop and then we have seven peopleworking at our location in Red Wingand three at our location in Zumbrota. They’re all really good.They’re all well trained.

Do you or your shop participate in any charity or vol-unteer organizations?

Absolutely. Nancy and I are both members of civic organiza-tions and have even served as Board members. Also, we’re in a fewdifferent rotary clubs, we’re in the local Chamber of Commerce,we participate in a breast cancer walk and we donate to a numberof charities. We’re highly involved in both the Red Wing and

Zumbrota communities. That’s been the case since my father ownedthe shop. If you’re going to serve the community, you have to be apart of it.

What has been your biggest and best accomplishment?

I’d probably say opening up our second facility. We equippedit, hired the proper staff and it’s been really successful. We have

more people working at that locationthan we have at our original.

What do you like to do for fun?When I’m not at the shop, I like to

golf. My wife and I have a boat so wego out on Lake Pepin sometimes. Welike to spend time with our family: ourkids and grandchildren. Also, we liketo travel. We don’t do any crazy travel-ing but we’ve been to Mexico, to is-lands in the Caribbean, to Arizona andto Canada.

What trait do you appreciatemost in other people?

Honesty and integrity. They’re not just important in the colli-sion repair industry, they’re important in life in general.

What sets you apart from other shops?Our employees! Most of them have been with us for over 20

years. They ARE our business. They’re constantly getting certifiedin the latest technologies. Their professionalism and their commit-ment to their trade is what has given us our exceptional reputationin our area.

Red Wing & ZumbrotaDon Falk

Member Since: 2014

Don’s wife Nancy is co-owner of Falk Auto Body & Trim.



responders about what is stored on site and where. Verysmall quantity generators do not have this notification re-quirement.

Employee training, if required. Keep hazardouswaste training records until three years after the employeeleaves your employment. Small and large quantity haz-ardous waste generators must conduct annual employeehazardous waste training. Very small quantity hazardouswaste generators are not required to conduct hazardouswaste training, but it is recommended. Shops regulated bythe EPA’s 6H NESHAP must keep records of initial and re-fresher painter training for five years.

6H NESHAP, if required. Keep 6H records for fiveyears. This includes documentation related to spray guns,booth filter efficiency, use of methylene chloride paintstrippers, painter training, deviations and corrective ac-tions and forms submitted. 6H NESHAP records can bemoved off-site after two years.

For practical reasons, it is a good idea to make andkeep a copy of all forms you submit. If the original sub-mittal gets lost you have proof that you submitted it ontime and it will be easier to resend. For information thatyou renew or submit every year, such as a hazardous wastelicense or air emission inventory, referring to a copy of lastyear’s submittal can help you complete the paperworkfaster.

The hardest part of recordkeeping isn’t storing thefiles – it’s finding them when you need them. Take thetime to label a folder in your file drawer and put all yourenvironmental records in it. The exception is your haz-ardous waste generator’s license, which must be postedwhere it is visible to the general public.

PARTNERS IN PREVENTION

continued from pg. 19 continued from pg. 6

of time trying to get paid for every operation that we complete andoverlook database errors. Take the time, go to the DEG website(www.degweb.org), look around, download the latest version ofthe P-pages, add the DEG to your Twitter and Facebook accountsand submit some database inquiries. WE can make a difference!

COLLISION DIVISION DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE



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 Begley763-549-2260 / [email protected] 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 / [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 / [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 Julson651-486-4866Discounts 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 / [email protected] 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 HOTLINEIDENTIFIX800-288-6220Members 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 Pillsbury612-623-1110 / [email protected] rate on printed business forms and calendars.

SHOP SERVICESSummit eMarketing SherpasContact: Frank Terlep888-377-2661 / [email protected] members receive a 5% discount on all SummiteMarketing Sherpas’ services, including: websitedesign and development, search engine optimization,email marketing and communication, online reviewand reputation management and social mediamarketing.

INFORMATION PROVIDERSMitchell1Contact: Mitchell1 Representative888-724-6742 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 800-238-9111

AASP members receive a 15% discount on anyMitchell RepairCenter TechAdvisor package. Visithttp://repaircenter.mitchell.com/Catalog/OEMRepair.aspx for more information.

PAYROLL PROCESSINGCBIZ PayrollContact: Carrie Hobrough612-436-4620 / [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] 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. 5329AASP members receive insider information, specialaccess and other perks from Dorman Products, aleading supplier of dealer “exclusive” automotive re-placement parts.

LEGAL CONSULTATIONFryberger, Buchanan, Smith & Frederick800-496-6789Members 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

Bankcard: Liability Shifts to Businesses on October 1

A major change is coming in bankcard processing that willaffect you. In fact, it’s the biggest change since the industry wentfrom paper processing to electronic close to 25 years ago. Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express are con-tinuing to issue credit and debit cards that contain an electronicchip. Their reason for doing so is because of the “bad guys” ofthe world who increasingly find ways to change data on thecard’s magnetic strip. It is entirely possible that a card with an altered magneticstrip has been presented in your shop. Chances are you, as a shopowner, never knew it was fraudulent, processed the transactionand were paid by your credit card processor just like normal. To cut down on altered magnetic strip fraud, card companiesare providing credit and debit cards with an electronic chip on thefront, while also maintaining the traditional magnetic strip on theback. With this change, there will also be a shift in the liability ofswiped credit card transactions that turn out to be fraudulent. By October 1 of this year, if your shop has not invested inupgraded terminals or other equipment capable of reading elec-tronic chips, and instead you continue to swipe and read eachcard’s magnetic strip, the liability for any fraudulent sales willshift to you. The card companies will no longer absorb it. So while you will still be able to process cards with your

present terminal and equipment even after October 1, you will bedoing so at the risk of accepting a card with an altered magneticstrip. When this happens, you will be on the hook for the cost ofany fraudulent transactions. The only way to avoid this risk willbe to invest in equipment capable of reading electronic chips. If you use AASP-MN as your bankcard processor, we al-ready have chip-reading terminals available. These terminals canread both a chip and a magnetic strip, so you will have no prob-lem with cards presented in your shop that don’t yet have a chip.And, it’s important to note, members on AASP-MN’s program al-ways receive preferential equipment pricing resulting in the low-est possible price. If you don’t use AASP-MN, you’ll need to ask yourbankcard processor what equipment they will make available toyou. If you’re processing directly through a point-of sale system,card chip reading equipment would come from your POS sup-plier. For additional information on processing the new electronicchip cards, or if you would like to find out if AASP-MN’sbankcard service can save you money, please contact Mac Hardinat 800-999-4399, or by email, [email protected] is available to assist all AASP-MN members with all of theirbankcard processing questions and needs.

By Mac Hardin, AASP-MN Bankcard Program


aasp-mn news june 2015

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