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MSO Symposium Releases 2023 Conference Agenda

Posted by Jennie

The MSO Symposium, an exclusive one-day conference created by and for multi-shop owners and operators and their industry partners, will be held in Las Vegas, Oct. 30, the Monday before SEMA/AAPEX. As is tradition, this annual program provides insight on critical topics to the leaders and executives of the industry’s most influential collision repair operators in North America and beyond.

The program begins at 9 a.m. PDT with a welcome breakfast and networking hour, sponsored by Original One Parts. This sets the stage for the symposium and provides attendees the chance to catch up with colleagues from around the industry and discuss opportunities with the vendors supporting the industry’s largest collision operations.

In addition to a uniquely informative agenda, featuring successful MSO Executives, Amazon, and economy experts, three additional networking opportunities are set aside during the event: a formal luncheon sponsored by PPG, a refreshment break sponsored by Axalta Coating Systems, and an exclusive industry reception from 5:15 – 7:00 p.m. sponsored by Sherwin-Williams. Below is an overview of the 2023 MSO Symposium timeline, agenda, and participating companies:

Monday, October 30, 2023
9:00–10:00 a.m.        Welcome Networking Hour & Breakfast
 10:00–10:15 a.m.       Introductions and Overview
                                      Crash Champions
 10:15–10:45 a.m.       Trends and Metrics Impacting the Repair
  Facility Market
                                       CCC Intelligent Solutions
 10:45–11:15 a.m.        Consolidation 2023: The Big Consolidators and
  the Fast Track MSOs Chasing Them
                                        Focus Advisors
 11:15–11:45 a.m.         Private Equity and Consolidation Trends
  Across the Collision Landscape
                                        Stifel Nicolaus Investment Banking
 11:45–12:30 p.m.       Broken Narratives and Busted Bumpers –
  2024 Outlook for the Auto Repair Market
                                        Beacon Economics
 12:30–1:45 p.m.         Formal Luncheon
 1:45–2:30 p.m.          Panel Discussion: After the First Location-
  Challenges and Opportunities in Growing an MSO
                                       Collision Advice | Collision Leaders |
                                      Eustis Body Shop | Martin’s Body Shop | Midwest ADAS
2:30–3:00 p.m.         Beyond Consolidation
                                       Jeffries LLC
 3:00–3:45 p.m.         Networking Break
 3:45–4:30  p.m.         Panel Discussion: Evolving Scanning
  & Calibration Business Models
                                       ATE | Berkshire Hathaway | Caliber Collision |
                                      Gerber Collision & Glass | LaMettry’s Collision
 4:30–5:15 p.m.          The Next Big Thing
                                     Amazon Web Services
 5:15–7:00 p.m.           Industry Reception


For more information on agenda topics and speakers, you may visit www.msosymposium.com/agenda. To begin the online application process visit: msosymposium.com/register. Those interested in registering should be advised that attendance is limited to those who qualify to attend. This includes multi-shop operators of all sizes, insurers, OEMs, and single-location repair facilities with revenue exceeding $3 million in annual sales.  Limited attendance by equipment or service providers is still available. For additional information visit msosymposium.com or contact Jennie Lepore or Brian Nessen.

Matt Ebert of Crash Champions to Lead 2023 MSO Symposium

Posted by Jennie

Matt Ebert, Founder & CEO of Crash Champions, will serve as emcee for the 2023 MSO Symposium, which will take place Monday, Oct. 30, at The Mirage Convention Center in Las Vegas.

“Throughout its history, the MSO Symposium has earned a reputation as a dynamic platform that brings together top MSO leaders and executives,” Ebert said. “As a lifelong collision repair professional and MSO founder, it’s a true privilege to serve as emcee for this year’s event.”  

Ebert is a passionate entrepreneur who founded Crash Champions in 1999 as a single local repair center serving New Lenox, IL. He has overseen the rapid expansion of the brand into the third-largest MSO in the U.S. Today, Crash Champions serves customers at more than 600 locations in 36 states as the largest founder-led MSO in the country.

“The MSO Symposium has served as the genesis of many significant advancements and innovations in our industry,” Ebert added. “And I believe the 2023 edition of the MSO Symposium will continue that proud tradition.” 

This year’s MSO Symposium encompasses extensive networking opportunities and a very informative agenda. The program will assist small, medium, and large MSOs and growing independent repair facilities in understanding current influences on their business and the data behind it. The program runs from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Monday, October 30 with sessions that include discussions on private equity, the economy, consolidation trends, expanding streams of income, and an outlook on the industry’s future.

Ebert joined the MSO Symposium’s Advisory Board in 2022. He was named the 2022 MSO Executive of the Year and was recently named a winner of the Midwest Ernst & Young (EY) Entrepreneur of the Year award. 

“Matt’s participation and experience instantly had a positive impact on the program. We are pleased to have him serve as emcee at our 12th annual event.” explains Roy Schnepper, former chair and current board member of the MSO Symposium.

To join leading executives from the largest and most successful collision repair facilities in North America at this exclusive annual event, those who qualify may register by following this link. To meet the attendance requirements one must be an owner or executive of any size multi-shop operation (MSO), an employee of an independent collision repair facility operating with greater than $3 million in annual sales, or a representative of a vehicle manufacturer (OEM) or insurance company. The only exception is the limited number of sponsors that help underwrite the program. 

Additional information can be found at: msosymposium.com or by calling 281-819-2332

MSO Symposium 2022 Conference Agenda Released

Posted by Jennie

The MSO Symposium, an exclusive one-day conference created by and for multi-shop owners and operators, will be held in Las Vegas, Oct. 31, the Monday before SEMA/AAPEX. Developed by the Automotive Service Association (ASA) and the MSO Symposium advisory board, the conference includes unique programing with insight on a diverse set of topics top-of-mind to the leadership of the industry’s most influential collision repair operators in North America and beyond.

The event begins at 9:30 a.m. PDT with a light breakfast, networking, and vendor displays. Three additional networking opportunities for attendees during this event include a formal luncheon sponsored by Berkeley Capital Advisors, a refreshment break sponsored by Axalta Coating Systems, and an exclusive industry reception sponsored by Repairify, from 5:15 – 6:30 pm. 

Below is an overview of the MSO Symposium’s 2022 conference timeline and agenda:

Monday, October 31, 2022

9:30–10:30 a.m. Networking Breakfast, Sponsor Showcase
10:30–10:45 a.m. Welcome and Introductions
10:45–11:45 a.m. Industry Macro & Micro Trends with Vincent Romans & CCC Intelligent Solutions
11:45–12:30 p.m. Panel discussion: Inclusion and Diversity
12:30–1:30 p.m. Formal Luncheon
1:30–2:15 p.m. Panel discussion: Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) & Why it Matters
2:15–3:00 p.m. Economic Trends
3:00–3:30 p.m. Labor Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities
3:30–4:00  p.m. Networking Break
4:00–4:30 p.m. Electric Vehicles
4:30–5:15 p.m. Artificial Intelligence and New Technology
5:15–6:30 p.m. Industry Reception

 

Those interested in registering for the 2022 event are advised that attendance is limited and one must qualify to attend. Those invited to attend include multi-shop operators of all sizes, insurers, OEMs, and single-location repair facilities with revenue exceeding $3 million in annual sales. 

Savings with the early bird registration rate is available until Friday, Sept. 16. To begin the registration application process go to the MSO Symposium’s website: www.msosymposium.com/register

Attendance by media personnel and equipment or service providers is available, but also limited. For additional information visit msosymposium.com or send your questions or requests for sponsorship information to Jennie Lenk or Brian Nessen. 

About MSO Symposium
The MSO Symposium is an annual conference directed by many of the most experienced, high-growth executives working within the multi-shop operators, or MSOs, of the automotive collision repair industry and brought to you by ASA. This event, now in its 11th year, offers unique opportunities to learn from and network with industry peers and leaders, acquire knowledge from field experts on current topics influencing the collision repair business, and discover equipment and services made for collision repair business’ success. 

For more information be sure to check out www.msosymposium.com

About Automotive Service Association

ASA advances professionalism and excellence in the automotive repair industry through education, representation, and member services. To take advantage of the many benefits of membership in ASA, please visit ASAshop.org or call (817) 514-2901.

For additional information about ASA, including past news releases, go to ASAshop.org or visit ASA’s legislative website at TakingTheHill.com

Registration for MSO Symposium’s 11th Annual Event is Now Open

Posted by Jennie

The Automotive Service Association (ASA) and the MSO Symposium advisory board announced the 11th annual MSO Symposium will be held October 31st, the Monday before SEMA/AAPEX, in Las Vegas.

Created by and for multi-shop owners, the event will begin at 10 a.m. PDT with a light breakfast, networking, and vendor displays. Following will be a unique program providing information and insight on the economy, the industry’s current state of affairs, matters concerning ESG, DEI, and the lessons observed in private equity and electric vehicle repair adaptation. The conference will conclude at 7 p.m., after an exclusive industry reception.

“The MSO Symposium is truly unique. The caliber of content received, alongside the chance to network with executive peers, is a combination you simply don’t find elsewhere,” stated Julie Massaro, Executive Director of ASA. “The event’s agenda, timing, and content is directed by industry leaders who voluntarily participate on the program’s advisory board.” {www.msosymposium.com/2022-2/advisory-board/}

This year, conversations on national and global shifts of the industry’s economic trends, collaborative partnerships, and internal and external growth expectations will be addressed. Panel participants and presenters will be industry and economy experts, and executives of MSOs, insurance companies, and OEMs.

“This event is not just for large MSOs. If you’re a small to mid-size MSO or independent repair facility looking at the next step, the MSO Symposium will help you successfully prepare your business for the future.” stated Roy Schnepper, owner of Butler’s Collision and MSO Symposium advisory board member. ”The collision repair industry is dealing with incredible technological advancements in today’s vehicles, and companies need to know how to position their business for growth in this changing environment.” 

For those interested in registering for the 2022 event, please be advised that attendance is limited and you must qualify to attend. Qualification standards are met by insurers, OEM’s, multi-shop operators, and single location repair facilities with revenue exceeding $3 million in annual sales. 

Registration with the early bird rate is available for a limited time. To begin the registration process go to the MSO Symposium’s website: www.msosymposium.com/register

“The MSO Symposium continues to bring together the multi-shop owners and operators, dealers, franchisees, and repair networks from all across North America. This exclusive event has evolved into the largest conference in the world, where only collision industry repairers, insurers, and OEMs can gather exclusively,” stated ASA Executive Director, Julie Massaro.  

Attendance by media personnel and equipment or service providers is available, but also limited. For questions regarding registration, please reach out to Jennie Lenk. For sponsorship information, visit the MSO website or contact Brian Nessen.

Save the Date for the 2022 MSO Symposium

Posted by Jennie

North Richland Hills, Texas, July 18, 2022 – Over the past few months, the Automotive Service Association (ASA) has been meeting with the MSO Symposium advisory board members to discuss plans for the 11th annual MSO Symposium. Those interested in participating in the industry’s premier executive event should save the date for this year’s conference, set to take place in Las Vegas on October 31st, Monday of SEMA/AAPEX week. 

The event will begin at 10:00 am PDT with coffee, networking, and a sponsor showcase. Following is a unique program that provides executive-level information on the current trends and state of affairs in the economy and the collision repair industry. Other topics included in this year’s event are solutions to technician shortages, environmental, social and governance matters for business owners, approaches to electric vehicle repair processes, and more. The conference will conclude at 5:00 pm with an evening networking reception.

Last year’s 10th anniversary event was an all-around success, as noted by long-time advisory board member, Jim Keller, President of 1Collision. “The caliber of content received at the MSO Symposium is truly unmatched. The topics, speakers and opportunity to network with my executive peers makes this a must-attend event every year.”

Similar to years past, the event’s agenda, timing, and content is directed by industry leaders who voluntarily participate on the program’s advisory board. For those interested in registering for the 2022 event, please be advised that attendance is limited and you must qualify to attend. Qualification standards are met by insurers, OEM’s, multi-shop operators, and single location repair facilities with revenue exceeding $3 million in annual sales. 

Early bird registration opens later this month and will be available for a limited time. Sign up for the MSO Symposium’s  e-communications  to stay up-to-date with the latest event announcements and opportunities. 

Equipment and service providers to the industry are also invited to attend the event via one of the limited sponsorship opportunities. Attendance by media personnel is available, but also limited. For more information, you may visit our website or contact us. 

About MSO Symposium
The MSO Symposium is an annual conference directed by many of the most experienced, high-growth executives working within the multi-shop operations, or MSOs, of the automotive collision repair industry. This event, now in its 11th year, offers unique opportunities to learn from and network with industry peers and leaders, acquire knowledge from field experts on current topics influencing the collision repair business, and discover equipment and services made for collision repair business’ success. 

About Automotive Service Association
ASA advances professionalism and excellence in the automotive repair industry through education, representation and member services. To take advantage of the many benefits of membership in ASA, please visit ASAshop.org or call (817) 514-2901.

For additional information about ASA, including past news releases, go to ASAshop.org or visit ASA’s legislative website at TakingTheHill.com

Registration for MSO Symposium’s 10th Annual Event is Now Open

Posted by Jennie

North Richland Hills, Texas, July 12, 2021 – The Automotive Service Association (ASA) announced last month that the 2021 MSO Symposium would take place as an in-person event. The 10th anniversary of the annual conference is set to take place in Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay, on November 1st, the Monday of the SEMA/AAPEX show. 

The event will begin at 10 am PDT with coffee, networking, and a sponsor showcase. Following is a unique program that provides information on the economy, the industry’s current state of affairs, and the direction both are trending. The conference will conclude at 7 pm, after a celebration of the event’s 10th installment. 

Last year’s event took place virtually over 5 days and is historically notable in that, for the first time ever, the program was open to the entire industry and at no cost. “The 2020 virtual event provided a chance for the industry to get a feel for this prominent event, while learning how peers were maneuvering throughout and beyond the pandemic,” noted Brian Nessen, long-time Director of Operations for the event. 

“The MSO Symposium is truly unique. The caliber of content alongside the chance to network with executive peers is a combination you simply don’t find elsewhere,” continued Nessen. Similar to years past, the event’s agenda, timing, and content is directed by industry leaders who voluntarily participate on the program’s advisory board. 

This year, conversations on national and global shifts of the industry’s economic trends, technological developments, and collaborative partnerships will be addressed. Panels and presentations will be given by industry and economy experts, and executives of MSOs, insurance companies, and OEM’s. 

Roy Schnepper, owner of Butler’s Collision out of Michigan, and advisory board member of the event added, ”Collision repair businesses certainly need to understand the technological advancements of today’s vehicles, but also and perhaps most importantly, they need to know how to position their business for growth in this changing environment.” He adds, “If you’re a small to mid-size MSO or independent repair facility looking at the next step, you need to make arrangements to attend this year’s MSO Symposium and understand how to prepare your business successfully.”

For those interested in registering for the 2021 event, please be advised that attendance is limited and you must qualify to attend. Qualification standards are met by insurers, OEM’s, multi-shops operators, and single location repair facilities with revenue exceeding $3 million in annual sales. 

Registration with the early bird rate is available for a limited time. To begin the registration process, follow this link. 

“The MSO Symposium continues to bring together the multi-shop owners and operators, dealers, franchisees, and repair networks from all across North America. This exclusive event has evolved into the largest conference in the world, where only collision industry repairers, insurers, and OEM’s can gather exclusively.” stated ASA President/Executive Director, Ray Fisher.  

Attendance by media personnel and equipment or service providers is available, but also limited. Please reach out to Jennie Lenk with your registration interest or questions. For sponsorship information, you may  visit our website or contact Brian Nessen. 

About MSO Symposium
The MSO Symposium is an annual conference directed by many of the most experienced, high-growth executives working within the multi-shop operations, or MSOs, of the automotive collision repair industry. This event, now in its 10th year, offers unique opportunities to learn from and network with industry peers and leaders, acquire knowledge from field experts on current topics influencing the collision repair business, and discover equipment and services made for collision repair business’ success. 

For more information be sure to check out www.msosymposium.com

About Automotive Service Association

ASA advances professionalism and excellence in the automotive repair industry through education, representation and member services. To take advantage of the many benefits of membership in ASA, please visit ASAshop.org or call (817) 514-2901.

For additional information about ASA, including past news releases, go to ASAshop.org or visit ASA’s legislative website at TakingTheHill.com

10th Annual MSO Symposium Announces Post-COVID Conference Format

Posted by Jennie

North Richland Hills, TX, June 14, 2021 – The Automotive Service Association is pleased to announce that the 2021 MSO Symposium will be taking place as a live and in-person event on Monday, November 1st at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, NV.

Over the past several weeks, the event’s advisory board meetings have made it clear that board members, executives from MSOs (multi-shop operators), and many others in the industry are looking forward to a face-to-face event and are making plans to attend the program in November.

The MSO Symposium is an annual collision industry event where repair facility executives from large, small, and regional MSOs come to gather with like-minded peers. The event holds discussions around relevant industry issues and reviews their likely impacts on the market. The 2020 event was held virtually over the course of a week and, for the first time ever, was made available to everyone in the industry. This year’s one-day program will return to its original format.

“We are grateful to be celebrating the tenth year of our MSO Symposium and delighted to be able to do it in person after this past year,” states Ray Fisher, President/Executive Director of the Automotive Service Association, host of the event. “The Advisory Panel has done a wonderful job putting together another great event and we are truly appreciative of their efforts.”

The event is scheduled to begin at 10 am PDT and will feature a unique line-up of presentations and panelists. Topics set to be covered include:
– Industry trends: including scanning, diagnostics, alternative fuel vehicles, etc.
– Insurance relations: including estimates, DRPs, FNOL, etc.
– Economic matters: related to national and global administrations, consolidations, post-pandemic influencers and more.
The one-day conference will conclude with an evening reception celebrating the event’s 10 year anniversary. Registration to this closed event will be made available in late June.

Additional announcements highlighting registration, session details, panel participants, and those involved in the event will be shared over the coming weeks and months. To stay informed about the MSO Symposium, sign up for our e-newsletter for event updates

Historically, this high-profile event generates significant interest and executive attendance. If you are interested in participating or sponsoring this event, please reach out to Jennie Lenk or Brian Nessen. Given the limited number of sponsorships available, we would encourage you to act now.

About Automotive Service Association
The Automotive Service Association (ASA) advances professionalism and excellence in the automotive repair industry through education, representation and member services. Our Washington, D.C., office – located just steps away from the U.S. Capitol, U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives office buildings – is ASA members’ link to the legislative and regulatory issues that are most relevant to automotive repair businesses.

ASA monitors issues at the state and federal level, identifying legislation and regulations most important to members. ASA’s D.C. office serves as an advocate on Capitol Hill and with federal agencies on behalf of independent repairers. ASA provides information and grassroots opportunities through its legislative website, TakingTheHill.com, and various association publications. ASA’s goal is to advance the plight of independent automotive repairers, protecting our members from legislation and regulations that may harm their businesses, and advancing those policies that make our members’ businesses stronger.

Chief Economist Regularly Featured on Bloomberg, CNBC, CNN and Fox Business Headlines MSO Symposium

Posted by Jennie

North Richland Hills, TX, October 27, 2020 – In years past, the MSO Symposium has brought together an exclusive group of attendees to review and discuss the latest trends and expected changes in automotive collision repair. Its annual event delivers executive-level panel discussions and special guest speaker presentations that aim to provide MSOs and large independent repair facilities with information to aid in their business decisions. This year’s virtual conference promises to deliver that same high-quality content in familiar format.  

The 2020 MSO Symposium will run as an open event and offers free registration to attendees, thanks to our industry sponsors. Taking place as a series of 90 minute webinars, it will begin Monday, November 9th at 2:00pm CDT and conclude Friday, November, 13th at 3:30pm CDT. 

Sharing the spotlight on day two, Tuesday, November 10th is Dr. Lindsey Piegza, Chief Economist with Stifel Financial, an economist regularly featured on CNBC, Bloomberg, CNN and Fox Business, and Rex Green, Managing Director and Global Co-Head of Automotive Aftermarket Investment Banking at Jefferies Group LLC.

Their program titled “Beyond Consolidation: Investor Interest and Economic Impacts” will discuss the driving factors for investor interest in the collision industry today and how the economy could impact it moving forward. Marcy Tieger, Managing Director of Symphony Advisors LLC is set to facilitate the informative Q&A session. 

To begin, the session will provide a macro-level view of the U.S. economy post-election with an outlook on the recession, likely expectations on economic recovery, and U.S. trade relations with China. Dialing in deeper, a micro-level perspective will shed light on how the state of the economy could impact the automotive industry and investor interests in it. 

“The information to be shared during this Q&A session is not only timely, but is sure to be extremely captivating, especially considering the high-profile speakers and their collective knowledge,” shares Tieger. 

This year’s event has already generated a lot of interest. MSO Symposium organizers are encouraging all industry stakeholders to register and experience this one of a kind opportunity, learning from some of the brightest minds both inside and outside of the industry.

A link to registration can be found at: www.msosymposium.com/register
Additional information on the event’s 5-day agenda may be seen at www.msosymposium.com/agenda

“The MSO Symposium has a long history of delivering executive level speakers, content, and information that is not readily available to the industry. Dr Piegza and Mr. Green’s participation will build upon the legacy of the MSO Symposium and continue our proud tradition as the premier event dedicated to the executive leaders in the collision repair industry. “ continues Ray Fisher, Executive Director of the ASA. 

Companies interested in gaining enhanced exposure to the multi-shop organizations, both large and small across North America, please reach out to Jennie Lenk at jenniel@msosymposium.com or Brian Nessen briann@msosymposium.com. A limited number of sponsorship positions are still available.

2020 MSO Symposium’s Virtual Conference Opens for Registration

Posted by Jennie

October 19, 2020 – The Automotive Service Association (ASA) announced earlier this month that the 9th installment of the MSO Symposium would take place as a five-day virtual event the week of November 9th and that for the first time ever, the program is open to the entire industry and at no cost. Registration is now open!

The 2020 MSO Symposium will run as a series of 90-minute, daily webinar sessions that provide insight and guidance on the most important issues in the automotive collision repair business. Similar to years past, the agenda, timing, and content is driven and directed by industry leading members who participate on the program’s advisory board. 

The program features speakers like Susanna Gotsch, Industry Analyst from CCC Information Services, Rex Green, Global Co-Head Automotive Aftermarket Investment Banking with Jefferies LLC, OEM and insurance company representatives, and panel participants from a variety of multi-shop organizations, both large and small from across North America. Additional information on this year’s agenda and speakers can be found at: www.msosymposium.com/agenda

Registration to the virtual 2020 event is complimentary thanks to the event’s industry supporters and sponsors. To read more information about these companies and the equipment and services they provide, please visit www.msosymposium.com/sponsors   

To attend the 2020 MSO Symposium, registration is required. To begin the registration process, follow this link

Companies and organizations interested in taking part in our limited sponsorship opportunities, please visit our website or contact us.

Any additional questions can be directed to Jennie Lenk at JennieL@msosymposium.com

About Automotive Service Association
ASA advances professionalism and excellence in the automotive repair industry through education, representation and member services. To take advantage of the many benefits of membership in ASA, please visit ASAshop.org or call (817) 514-2901.

For additional information about ASA, including past news releases, go to ASAshop.org or visit ASA’s legislative website at TakingTheHill.com

How Collision Repair Shops are Doing Their Part to Stop the Spread of COVID-19

Posted by Jennie

As the world watches the spread of the COVID-19 Coronavirus, people and companies are doing everything possible to stay healthy, stay in business, and reduce the impact of this illness on the healthcare system and the economy.

Over the past few days we spoke with a number of shops and companies to find out what they’re doing to keep employees safe and healthy while trying to reduce the spread of the virus. The purpose of these calls was to gather information and share that with the MSO Symposium audience and the collision repair industry.

Following are examples of the steps shops and companies across the US have put in place:

Steps for Staff

  • Every shop we spoke with has all employees wearing gloves at all times. There is a constant exchange of tools and wearing gloves discourages touching around the face.
  • Vendors and other non-employees are not allowed in shops in order to reduce contact and exposure.
  • Lunches and breaks are not at the same time for every employee, thus avoiding everyone congregating in one place at one time (physical distancing).
  • Some shops are purchasing lunch for staff; this reduces risk of bringing an illness from homes, and it supports local food-service businesses that may be surviving by pick-up or delivery only.
  • Some shops have altered work hours and created new shift times, so some employees start earlier in the day and leave earlier, while other employees come and leave later in the day. This establishes little, or no overlap while having fewer people in the shop at the same time.
  • Some businesses have opened on weekends to further spread out their staff’s time in the shop, and allowing some people, who have children at home to work more flexible hours.
  • To reduce bringing illness to the business some are offering a safe, clean place to change and asking workers to consider leaving work clothes and boots at the shop. 
  • More hand-sanitizer stations are being placed throughout the business and a good supply of soap at every sink and wash station.
  • Anyone with so much as a sniffle needs to stay home until absolutely healthy.
  • If any staff can work from home, even for some hours, try to support that.
  • If a company has more than one location, no staff is traveling to other offices 
  • Staff meetings in some shops are limited to no more than 6. Keep group meetings small, in open spaces if possible, and have people physically apart from one another.

It is critical to have staff buy-in for the measures you are taking. Some people are taking this situation more seriously than others, and it is very important everyone is in alignment with the steps and measures taken for the safety of all. One way to do this is to ask your team members for their ideas on how to keep everyone safe. When they feel they have a voice in the process, they are more likely to support new mandates.

Steps for Customers

  • No customers are allowed in shops. Customers are met outside and at a safe distance.
  • Some shops are requiring scheduled appointments only to spread out the number of people coming in for repair work.
  • Do not reuse pens; when a customer signs an estimate or invoice, give them the pen to keep.
  • Photo-estimating is being utilized as much as possible.
  • All vehicles are disinfected before any employee gets in a vehicle. Key touch points are wiped down including but not limited to:
    • Door handles (inside and outside)
    • Armrests
    • Steering wheel
    • Seat belts
    • Car keys and key fobs
    • Any push-button areas on the dash and doors (radio, electric windows, thermostat, etc.)
    • Cruise control and windshield wiper controls
    • Glove box and center console
    • Shift levers and knobs
    • Hazard light buttons

When all work is complete, the vehicle should be disinfected (following the same steps as above) before delivering it to the customer.

It is very important to communicate these measures with customers, so they know your procedures and feel safe when working with your company.

Steps for Leadership

  • Lead by example; if you ask your team to take certain safety measures, you should be abiding by those same measures or they won’t take you seriously.
  • Listen to your team. Many people are losing jobs right now. Kids are at home because schools are closed. Some products are not available on store shelves. All of this is creating stress. Anything you can do to give your employees some level of comfort in their roles will help with productivity and their overall well-being.
  • Look at opportunities to acquire products that your staff cannot get at a store. One shop had a large order of paper towels and toilet paper that they were able to share with their staff.
  • Stay informed of local, regional, and state mandates; they are changing, sometimes daily, and you need to be ready to make adjustments. Some states are requiring shelter in place or mandatory quarantines.
  • If possible, keep in touch with local officials. Your business may be able to help in some way.
  • Contact other shops and share ideas, challenges, and solutions. The MSO Symposium was designed to promote networking within the industry and now is a time to take advantage of communicating with your industry peers.
  • Most importantly, keep yourselves, your team, and your customers safe. This is your highest responsibility.

In speaking with some of the vendor companies, many are cutting travel for their staff so communication and orders should be made by phone and email. Be patient with them as some of those companies are able to shift their efforts to the medical community. Gloves, dust masks, and head socks are difficult to come by right now, because they are being sent to medical establishments. Within your own shops, DO NOT REUSE THESE ITEMS! But do not be wasteful either, they are in high demand right now.

In addition to the many steps listed above, if you are taking additional actions at your place of business and you would like to share them, please let us know. Information is empowering, and this is certainly a time to help one another any way we can.

This article is posted on the MSO Symposium’s homepage, on the right hand sidebar, should you need to refer back to it. www.msosymposium.com

If you have any questions, are looking to connect, or would like to share the additional steps you are taking, please contact us: www.msosymposium.com/contact-us