The Autobody Source Podcast

Send us Fan MailThis episode highlights an interview published by The Autobody Source in Summer of 2022. Enjoy the show!For generational body shop business owners who refuse to hire and train Millennials, it’s probably time to reconsider.It Matters because the old era of collision center management is over and the Millennial takeover has begun. According to Deloitte’s Millennial Survey in 2014, Millennials (born between 1980 and 1995) will comprise 75% of the global workforce by 2025. About 80 million Millennials dominate the U.S. workforce today.Our expert on the topic is Mike Lanza, who was Manager of Business Consulting Services for Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes from 2015 to 2024. With over 33 years of automotive experience managing and owning both independents and MSO’s, he advised the industry in recruiting, training, technical, sales, and all central services.    Thanks for listening! Follow us for more inspiring content on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Send us Fan MailThe name IWATA is synonymous with world-class spray gun technology and is considered a holy grail product line, especially among air-brushing pros. But the company also provides precision tools for industrial and automotive refinish applications. We chatted with Dale Stitt, Vice President and General Manager of ANEST IWATA USA, to learn more. Thanks for listening! Follow us for more inspiring content on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Send us Fan MailZero Rust Primer is a high-solids phenolic-modified alkyd coating that controls rust and corrosion by forming an impermeable barrier at the metal level on new and old steel, rusty surfaces and partially rusted and partially painted surfaces such as decorative metal fixtures, metal railings, barns and metal furniture. Zero Rust Business Development Specialist Brian Hilton explains the product's advantages over traditional rust-removal techniques. Thanks for listening! Follow us for more inspiring content on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Send us Fan MailSEM Products brings Performance Abrasives to the game with it's all-new Precision Grit Technology! Designed for every stage of the automotive collision repair process, the product line prioritizes the needs of technicians and provides top-tier offerings to body shops for simpler repairs. We chatted with PPG Automotive Refinish Global Manager of Allied Products and SEM Products Specialist Scott Barnes about this new innovation. Thanks for listening! Follow us for more inspiring content on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Send us Fan MailSummertime heat is a body filler nightmare that raises a hot-button question: What’s the best hardener mixing ratio in a high-heat environment? What about year-round repairs? Evercoat’s resident expert Tim Mckinney has sound advice. Hey, Autobody Source fans! We're excited to bring you our Collision Quick-Fix episodes for a dose of collision repair advice in under 3 minutes. Designed for busy technicians, it offers fresh, digestible tips and techniques to make your day-to-day repairs a little easier. We hope you enjoy our content and stay tuned for more! Thanks for listening! Follow us for more inspiring content on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Send us Fan MailSince 2017, vehicle detailers have leveled up their professional skills with hands-on training sessions at the RUPES USA BigFoot Academy near Denver, Colorado, where trainees get hands-on guidance in every part of the RUPES System and maximum one-on-one coaching from the RUPES expert technical team. Chris Wright, National Accounts Manager at RUPES USA, tells us how the company helps its students step into the future of surface correction. Thanks for listening! Follow us for more inspiring content on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Send us Fan MailFor its 4th year in a row, the U.S. Auto Tech National Championship Driven by Yokohama spotlights the incredible skills of auto technician pros and students across the country, and elevates the awareness and importance of trade jobs around the world. This year's contestants are vying for a share of over $250,000 in cash PLUS an all-expense-paid trip to West Palm Beach, Florida, for a televised finale in September 2024. Trey Becker serves as the Vice President of Business Development at The University of Northwestern Ohio – a university known worldwide as a leader in the Automotive, Diesel, and High-Performance industries. Trey is also Technical Advisor to the U.S. Auto Tech National Championship Driven by Yokohama since it began in 2021, and he’s dedicated to bringing in and training the next generation of automotive technicians. ​Here's Trey giving a rundown of the 2024 USATNC competition currently under way. Thanks for listening! Follow us for more inspiring content on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Send us Fan MailFor over 30 years, RBL Products founder Ron Lipson has pioneered automotive paint masking systems, self-adhering films, pneumatic connectors, waxes and sealants, cordless tools, and more. This year, he chatted with us on his legacy, and the latest changes to his brand that launched at the end of 2023.Interested in RBL's new handheld cordless sander, 6" Cordless Orbital DA Polisher, or all-new GEOTek Digitally Engineered Abrasive? See your local jobber for pricing and availability. Thanks for listening! Follow us for more inspiring content on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Send us Fan MailWe chatted with Klean-Strip Regional Sales Manager Josh Strobl on what's changed with all-new KleanStrip Aircraft Ultra Paint Remover, how the new formula's different, and several tips to improve & speed up your paint removal process. Thanks for listening! Follow us for more inspiring content on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Send us Fan MailIn July 2023, the CollisionCareers.com website and social channels officially launched with the goal of  building a bridge between the growing field of collision repair and the skilled professionals who will shape its future.  Dara Goroff, I-CAR Vice-President of Planning and Industry Talent Programming, discusses how schools, parents, educators & counselors can support students and career-changers to create qualified employees and connect them with rewarding career opportunities. Thanks for listening! Follow us for more inspiring content on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Send us Fan MailAre you looking for quality employees to work for your business. Body Shop Jobs is the premier job board for the automotive collision industry.  We chat with the company's founder and president Diane Benting. Thanks for listening! Follow us for more inspiring content on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Send us Fan MailLarry Trexler, Marketing Manager Technical Products & Training for SEM Products, shares application tips & advice for the brand's all-new Gladiator XC Xtreme Coating. Thanks for listening! Follow us for more inspiring content on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Send us Fan MailCollision Repair Education Foundation Executive Director Brandon Eckenrode discusses the importance of businesses getting involved with local high school/post-secondary collision school programs & students to help foster the next generation of industry professionals. Thanks for listening! Follow us for more inspiring content on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Send us Fan MailLarsen Motorsports' two-time world champion jet car racer Elaine Larsen and Vice President of Race Operations Josette Roach discuss their Blazing Trails nonprofit's mission to fuel autobody careers & more through Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math education. Thanks for listening! Follow us for more inspiring content on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Send us Fan MailThis beloved autobody pro is arguably the refinish family’s biggest cheerleader! Sheik chats with us on how to encourage new comers into the trade, the benefits of building social media connections, gaining experience in the trade, and the new products and tools available to make our professional lives easier. Thanks for listening! Follow us for more inspiring content on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Send us Fan MailAmy Kramer, North American Inside Sales Mananger with BASF Refinish & Annie Dovali, Automotive Collision Technology student at Metropolitan Community College in Omaha, discuss their career stories as females in a predominately male industry with the goal of intriguing young women into the Automotive world. Thanks for listening! Follow us for more inspiring content on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Send us Fan MailPresta Automotive National Sales Director David Kidd demonstrates effective, professional vehicle paint restoration techniques to remove defects from the paint process or years of exposure and common surface scratches that appear in the vehicle finish. Thanks for listening! Follow us for more inspiring content on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Send us Fan MailPresta Automotive National Sales Manager David Kidd demonstrates 3 proprietary techniques developed to reduce cycle time and get the amazing finish of a detail shop with the speed of a body shop using the Presta Hybrid System. Thanks for listening! Follow us for more inspiring content on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Send us Fan MailMore than just NASCAR: Universal Technical Institute's core vocational school programs prep students for automotive, welding, HVACR, robotics & automation, and CNC machining careers.We chatted with Rich Izer, Education Manager at NASCAR Technical Institute in Mooresville, SC — and active member of TechForce Foundation online network — on all things training, education, and mentorship. Rich also gave insight into how the next generation of technicians works, and what they are looking for in their first shops.For scholarships & grants for transportation technicians, visit https://techforce.org/Thanks for listening! Follow us for more inspiring content on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Thanks for listening! Follow us for more inspiring content on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Send us Fan MailD.J. White, Regional Sales Manager, Automotive Aftermarket with Norton Abrasives, relates the inspirations he received throughout his career journey that charted his defining moments along the way. He also discusses the broad career opportunities available within in the Collision Repair industry and how his own career story can serve as a map. Thanks for listening! Follow us for more inspiring content on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Send us Fan MailBen Peoples with TechForce Foundation, a national nonprofit 501(c)(3), highlights its exciting efforts to drive the pipeline of future automotive technicians, support them through their education with scholarships, and connect them with hands-on careers, including industry-sponsored training and free resources for students, educators, techs, and employers.Visit https://techforce.org/ for more information. Thanks for listening! Follow us for more inspiring content on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.