Chasidy Rae Sisk

Published in Autobody News Artificial intelligence (AI) isn’t just a vision for the future; it’s here now, and as it becomes more prevalent in the collision repair industry, body shops need to prepare to navigate its integration into various technologies… or risk being left behind. During the June CIECAST, “The Future of AI in the Collision Industry,” Driaan du Toit, Vice President of Business Development at Solera, and Evan Davies, Solera’s Chief Technology Officer, shared insights on the ways that AI is currently used in the collision repair industry, as well as its future uses. du Toit began by acknowledging, “We all know the world has changed significantly over the…

Published in Autobody News On May 13, House Bill 2534 passed the Texas House of Representatives by a vote of 91-50. If signed into law, the legislation requires insurers to include appraisal clauses on all automotive policies, but it also includes the untraditional stipulation that the loser refunds the winner’s appraiser’s fees and expenses. All other appraisal expenses, including umpire fees, are split evenly between the two parties. Representative Travis Clardy (R – Nacogdoches) sponsored the bill, and prior to the House’s vote, he explained, “House Bill 2534 has to do with the Right of Appraisal. This is a longstanding tradition in the Insurance Code, but this will make it…

Printed in Autobody News “You get to decide what you want to charge and what line items to put on an estimate,” Kristen Felder of Collision Hub stated during an estimating training session, taught by Larry Montanez III of Collision Hub and hosted by the Mississippi Collision Repair Association (MSCRA). She noted, “Getting paid is part of the process that has to start at the beginning when you write your preliminary estimate.” MSCRA Executive Director Josh Kent welcomed attendees, thanked association sponsors, and introduced the evening’s trainer. After reading the antitrust statement, Montanez examined the six steps to completing a damage report: gather information and data, look up procedures, report…

Published in Autobody News Baker’s Collision Repair Specialists in Mansfield, Ohio was recently recognized by the Ohio EPA for achieving its E3 (Encouraging Environmental Excellence) Achievement Level, obtained for “completing pollution preventing activities that decreased emissions from painting operations, initiating activities in management commitment, employee involvement, energy efficiency, continuous improvement and recycling.” DeLee Powell, president of Baker’s Collision, is proud of the accomplishment which she views as “acknowledgement that they recognize the efforts that we have put forth. We are honored to be recognized for doing something that is good for our business and, in turn, good for our community and the environment. At Baker’s, we’ve always benefitted from being…

Published in Autobody News On June 8, the Automotive Women’s Alliance Foundation (AWAF) hosted a Professional Development Workshop on Emotional Intelligence (EI) called “The Heart of Great Leadership” at the VisTaTech Center at Schoolcraft College in Livonia, MI.  Corinne M. Smereka, who is in charge of Workforce Training Solutions for the Schoolcraft Business Development Center and is also co-chair of AWAF’s Professional Development Committee, taught the session, which was attended by more than a dozen industry professionals.  Smereka explained, “Emotional intelligence is critical for enhancing leadership abilities. In fact, studies have found that 67 percent of all competencies deemed essential for high performance were related to EI. “Most people achieve technical and…

Printed in Autobody News If you own a collision repair business, you will eventually have to ask: “Is it time to sell?” Rick Schwartz of Schwartz Advisors discussed this important decision during “Tips on Selling Your Business,” on October 21st as part of ASA’s Webinar Wednesday series. Tony Molla, ASA vice president of industry relations, introduced Schwartz and the presentation: “While it’s not uncommon to have a succession plan in place, changing circumstances can and often do require a different strategy. It’s an individual decision that can only be made by a business owner.” Beginning by looking at mergers and acquisitions (M&A) over the last decade, Schwartz pointed out the…