The Vision Issue
This issue of Collision Reporter is packed with insights into the ever-changing collision repair industry. Bringing you clarity for the road ahead.
In this issue, you will find:
- Back to Basics – Training Remains the Industry’s "Constant"
- BodyShopology – Industry’s First Neutral, Objective Shop Locator
- Telematics Redefines the Claims Process
- Ask RTS: Always Follow Vehicle Maker Procedures
- Driving the Conversation Panel: Structural Technicians in Today’s Technical Tsunami
- What’s New at I-CAR
- ...and Much More.
Bonus Q&A with Jonathan Morrision from NHTSA
READ BONUS QUESTIONS
Dave Gruskos
Reliable Automotive Equipment, Inc
Darrell Amberson
LaMettry's Collision
Robert Means
Metropolitan Collision
Mark Allen
Audi of America
PANEL BIOs
President
Reliable Automotive Equipment, Inc
Dave Gruskos started his career in the collision industry as a teenager and went on to open his own collision repair equipment company, Reliable Automotive Equipment, Inc. (RAE) in 1987. Dave is one of the pioneers of the certified collision programs, including training and safety, and has now been the proud and dedicated owner of RAE for over 30 years. Under his direction, RAE has demonstrated superior customer service with its first class presence in the automotive aftermarket and has become a vital part of the OE certification process.
Structural Technician
Metropolitan Collision
Robert Means began his career in the collision industry in 2005 by attending Universal Technical Institute in Houston, Texas. Robert has continued to excel as a structural technician by obtaining and maintaining certifications with Audi, Volkswagen, BMW and most recently, Tesla. Robert also carries Platinum status with I-CAR, and specializes in steel and aluminum welding. His eye for perfection and persistent work ethic are apparent with every vehicle that he completes. For the past 10 years, Robert has grown with Metropolitan Collision. Robert has demonstrated his leadership qualities by training others and as a result, Metropolitan Collision has four more structural technicians.
President, Operations
LaMettry's Collision
Darrell Amberson has enjoyed diverse involvement in the collision repair industry, serving as the president of Lehman’s Garage from 1999 to 2012 before becoming the president of operations at LaMettry’s Collision. In addition to his work with LaMettry’s, Darrell has also served as a contributor to Auto Body Repair News (ABRN) magazine for the past seven years. Darrell is active in several industry councils, including an I-CAR ISAC committee, and has been recognized with many industry awards.
Collision Programs and Workshop Equipment Manager
Audi of America
Mark T. Allen joined Audi of America as the Collision Programs and Work Shop Equipment Manager in August of 2011, responsible for the collision program, electric vehicle service strategy and workshop equipment for Audi. Mark’s 41 year career in the automotive industry has spanned various areas including collision, insurance, parts, machinist and equipment. Mark holds and Bachelor of Science in Marketing/Management from Ramapo College of New Jersey, is a long-time member of the Society of Automotive Engineers, is DIN ISO Certified to weld aluminum, participates in test writing with ASE and is a member of the I-CAR Executive Board.
President
SCG Management Consulting LLC
Sean has over 30 years’ experience in the automotive industry. A mechanical engineer by trade he embarked on his sales and marketing career with the UK’s largest parts distribution company during which time he earn a degree in marketing from the Charted Institute of Marketing. In 1991 Sean joined Nissan at its London headquarters, where he created, launched and managed Nissan’s Certified Collision Repair Program.
In 1995 Sean moved to the USA where he established Carter & Carter International and managed its development and growth into a leading automotive consulting firm. In 2004 Sean joined the Fix Auto organization where he was jointly responsibly for the spinoff of CynCast an automotive claims and collision repair IT Company.
In 2009 Sean established SCG Management Consulting LLC. Since establishing SCG Sean has consulted at the highest level with all sectors of the automotive claims industry and has a keen understanding of the needs of insurers, repairers, OEMs, technology providers and a wide range of industry supply chain vendors. Sean is respected in the industry as a strategic visionary and a leader in growing businesses and markets from concept to implementation. In the past 5 years Sean has become a regular speaker at industry conferences on the subject of telematics and the potential impact this will have on the claims and collision market.
Sean lives in Chicago with his wife and four children.