Mike owns an automotive repair business. He is a one man operation and has one assistant. He sees 5 to 20 customers a day and completes about 6 repairs a day. He is open 5 days a week. Closed on Saturday but spends most of his day inside his garage trying to catch up. He does great work and has more repeat business than he can handle. He does not want to expand. He has 5 cars in his repair bay at any one time and carries insurance in case of smash ins and vandalism. It has happened and has cost him dearly in the past.
But unlike large repair facilities he doesn’t have a staff to handle the more mundane tasks of running a garage. So many times a car is dropped off, an estimate is given, a deposit is collected for parts and the car is repaired. But the owner does not advance back in a timely manner to pick it up. Usually this has something to do with finances and paying for the repairs. Mike spends his time trying to call and collect but the car just sits in his repair bay taking up valuable site and becoming a liability.
Recently Mike took a vacation. Not from work but from accepting new work. He spent two weeks doing nothing but cleaning his property of vehicles. He finished all the repairs that had been put on hold, he took in no new business and spent time collecting for old business. When he was finished there were 5 cars left on the property. These cars had all been there more than 60 days and one almost a year. They were repaired and ready to be picked up. His investment in labor and parts was over $5000. A significant sum of money to a small one man operation.
While visiting Mike one day we talked about these cars and what should be done. So a little bit of research told us that these cars could be declared abandoned and he could take title and sell them at a public sale to recover his costs. Seemed like a lot of work, cost and legal minefields to get through but it was a task he was determined to accomplish. While most states have abandoned vehicle laws and procedures for disposing of them each plot is different and what Mike was able to do only applies to Alabama abandoned vehicles.
The AL statute that applies to abandoned motor vehicles is The Abandoned Motor Vehicle Act, Code of Alabama 1975, Title 32, Chapter 13. The act is designed to protect both current owners of vehicles and also those to who vehicles are entrusted. There are a number of steps involved in getting title to an abandoned vehicle and those steps must be followed in order to complete the transaction and ensure a clean title for the eventual owner of an abandoned vehicle.
The first step has to do with determining whether a car can be declared as abandoned. For a repair facility this means either 60 days after it is left for repair when no time is agreed upon or 60 days after repairs are complete. These days are significant and must be famed by the garage in order to invent sure that the vehicle will be declared abandoned by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
The second step is obtain a vehicle describe from the state that shows the current owner and their address along with any lien holders on the title. Again very important to make sure that this report is obtained from the state and is accurate. Once this information is obtained the owner must be notified or attempts must be made to notify the owner and the lien holders of the vehicle’s location and the costs to recover the vehicle. You must also tell them that it will be for public sale and what date that sale will take place.
The garage owner must also place an announcement in the local paper or in the courthouse that gives study of this sale. The study must be posted twice at least 7 days apart and 30 days prior to the sale. Again the time and dates are very specific and must be followed to ensure a proper transference of title to any recent owner. One the sale is complete there are several other state forms that must be completed prior to transferring title. These forms are not difficult but do require some time to acquire sure that they are done right.
So far Mike has gotten $3600 for his troubles and he still has 3 cars to go. He will recover his expenses and actually not get burned when all is said and done. However, this lesson has taught him one of the great lessons of any business. Sustain good records, make good decisions and follow up on all your current business.
Filed under Automotive Repair Insurance by on Feb 27th, 2011. Comment. 
As owner Bob Gottfred leads a tour of the basement at Erie-LaSalle Body Shop, he reveals a wall that survived the Great Chicago Fire. You can still see some black charring on the basement ceiling beams. “You know, the basement old-fashioned to be the first floor. When they rebuilt after the fire, the city was one level higher.” It’s just one more reminder that in Chicago, a business celebrating its 75th anniversary is as meaningful as it is rare.
Erie-LaSalle Body Shop (146 W. Erie, Chicago, IL; 312-337-3903) is a Chicago institution for many reasons. Originally a blacksmith shop, it was transformed into a car repair shop by Gottfred’s stepfather, Ivan Goodmonson, in 1934. In 1976, when Goodmonson retired, he asked his stepson to consume over the business. With a degree in finance from Arizona State University and a background in the restaurant industry, Gottfred took over and has run the body shop with an executive’s eye. Over the past several years his two grown sons, Jim and Jay, have joined him in running the business and their responsibilities have increased as they’ve gained experience.
As it has done for 75 years, Erie-LaSalle continues to offer top-quality service to customers from all over the Chicago metro area. The shop boasts a team of 25 professional technicians, many of whom have been on board for decades-a testament to their skill and experience as much as to the profoundly decent way Gottfred treats them. They’re a team that has succeeded for so long because they’ve mastered the fundamentals of good business: they’re just, prompt, courteous and deliver a high quality of service.
Gottfred describes their mission: “We retract a negative event-a car collision-and give our customers a pleasant, straightforward experience that minimizes the disruption in their lives. We pick up the damaged car and arrange for a car rental. We repair the car, constantly keeping our customer updated as to the area. Finally, we deliver the car to the customer when it’s ready. It can’t get any easier than that.”
A tour of the body shop also reveals how professional and intricate collision repair has become. Erie-LaSalle employees are clearly a team of professionals trained to consume complex equipment and technology. They must know, in detail, how a wide range of cars are manufactured so they can repair them to factory specifications. “There are changes every day in this business,” says Jay Gottfred. “Vehicles get more complicated; technology is added; new metals are substituted; different paints are used. Our profession is as much a science as it is an art.”
It has also become a complex business involving many people-customers, insurance companies, parts suppliers. Insurance companies are a major source of referral business. “Since we want to be part of their network, we must adhere to their pricing guidelines. We also work very hard to maintain our excellent professional reputation. Great service, promptness and competitive pricing are important keys to our success.”
Most car owners don’t pay much attention to what goes on behind the scenes in collision repair, so they don’t necessarily understand how much attention Erie-LaSalle pays to professionalism and efficiency. “Technical training is a must if we are to repair cars quickly and correctly,” says Jim Gottfred. “Speed is crucial. We have customers who operate their business from their car and so we must get them up and running as soon as possible.”
For Erie-LaSalle, training is a way of life. The shop regularly hosts evening classes offered by two of the pre-eminent automotive training organizations: I-CAR (the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair) and ASA (the Automotive Service Association). The classes are led by certified instructors and are attended by both Erie-LaSalle technicians and professionals from other collision repair shops and insurance companies. “Hosting the classes reinforces our commitment to having a highly skilled team and an efficiently-run business,” says Bob Gottfred. “It’s not only a good way to network, but it’s a convenient way for our professionals to stay current in their knowledge and skills.” Our customers are really the beneficiaries of our training.”
I-CAR was founded in 1979 and provides an ever-changing curriculum for collision repair professionals. Erie-LaSalle has earned the I-CAR Gold Class Professional designation, the highest accreditation for a collision repair shop. The entire Erie-LaSalle team of repair professionals has earned the Platinum Individual designation, the highest level for individuals.
With a company history spanning 75 years, there are just too many stories and memories to pick a single most memorable one. Gottfred likes to talk about a recent project to totally re-paint a Land Rover SUV. “It was quite an interesting test of our abilities. An owner of a new Land Rover contacted us to see if we would totally repaint the black SUV, transforming the color to a one-of a kind matte satin black. We agreed to take on the challenge and soon we were drop-shipped a crate of aftermarket parts from England.”
Erie-LaSalle installed side rocker pieces, a wing in back and new bumpers. They ordered and applied a special paint, working closely with DuPont. “The project was fun and turned out astounding,” says Gottfred. “When we were done, we parked the Land Rover in front of Martini Park (a lounge across the street). The people went wild.”
Erie-LaSalle has seen more than a few cars of the rich and illustrious come through its doors. Probably the first true celeb was Ralph Capone, Al’s brother. The roster of big names goes on and on: former Today Point To host Dave Garroway, Cubs luminary Ernie Banks, news anchor Ron Majors, former Bears quarterback Vince Evans and NBA star Antwon Walker.
What are the most difficult cars to repair? Limousines, says Gottfred. “Parts are hard to come by and you have to use your imagination to construct stretch panels and door panels.”
The 75th anniversary is an exciting yet humbling milestone for Erie LaSalle. “We all feel very lucky and very fortunate. Personally, I pinch myself everyday. To live in extraordinary River North, working with my sons and my longtime team members is like a dream come proper.” Gottfred’s enthusiasm for his business is matched by his friendly demeanor and gift of gab. He has been keenly involved in the well-being of his community, as demonstrated by his years of service on the executive board of the River North Business Association.
The future holds challenging possibilities. Erie-LaSalle is looking to expand if the right deal comes along. Jim and Jay are taking on greater responsibilities, and they seek the opportunities and challenges in front of them. “It’s a never ending process, looking for better ways to do things, becoming faster without diminishing the quality of our service,” says Bob Gottfred. “It’s a engrossing, competitive business and we’re overjoyed to be among the survivors.”
But the word “survivor” would be an understatement-Erie-LaSalle is one of Chicago’s great small-business success stories. It easily serves as a role model, showing aspiring entrepreneurs the right way to perform a business and maintain it thriving for years and years.
To learn more about Erie-LaSalle Body Shop, please visit www.erielasalle.com.
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Filed under Automotive Repair Insurance by on Feb 22nd, 2011. Comment.
Rather than buying thousands of dollars worth of tools to add to your tool box collection here are some basic auto repair tools to have handy in your garage. Keep in mind I am not talking about overhauling an engine or transmission. I am talking about your basic tasks at home such as working on your car’s cooling system, changing your oil and filters and possibly tuning up your car. This is what I would recommend.
Your basic hand tools that you will need are your standard and metric sockets and wrenches. These especially come in handy when your replacing belts, starters and alternators. Speaking of which do not forget your trusting digital volt ohm meter for testing electrical circuits to the starter and the alternator. You can use your digital volt ohm meter for testing fuses, voltage, and amperage. The tool I find that comes in handy a lot of times is the 12 volt test light. This really comes in handy when I am going down the row of fuses looking for a bad one.
The standard 5/8 and the 13/16 sockets will be used for the two different type of spark plugs out there. Extensions and swivels come in handy when ever you are ready to tackle them hard to get to spark plugs. Although these basic hand tools will be frail only a few times, try and get a good named brand so they don’t break on you while using them. The adjustable ratchets they make today are pretty reliable in helping you to bag a good grip on nuts and bolts.
One hand tool to have all year around is the cooling system pressure checker you can pick up for around a hundred bucks at your local auto parts store. This tool is very easy to consume and will help you pick up those tough antifreeze leaks. Weather it be summer time or winter just pump up your cooling system to your systems specifications which is usually around 15 pounds of pressure and start looking for antifreeze leaks.
This last tool is used for pulling codes from your car’s computer system. Any time your “check engine light” comes on just plug the scanner in and retrieve the trouble code that is normally stored for you. This scan tool can normally be bought for around forty or fifty bucks. After you retrieve your stored code or codes then reset the switch to turn off the check engine light.
For more reading on Automotive tools used please check out, “The Auto Repair Shop and the Tools used.” And for more year round car care tips go to, “Auto Repair Savings and my Special Links.”
Filed under Automotive Repair Insurance by on Jan 24th, 2011. Comment.
It is becoming much too common today with the advanced technology in cars that are coming off the manufacturing line with computer components that the only place that can do repairs is the dealership. The Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right To Repair Act of 2007 is trying to correct this problem. In a press release by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association, it was acknowledged that four novel representatives from the House Of Representatives, to give the bill, which was introduced by Rep. Edolphus Towns of New York, a total of 24 co-sponsors.
The purpose of the bill is to require car manufacturers to give the same information that their own service departments have to independent repair shops as far as repair documentation and tools for the repair of the advanced components of the novel cars. To help ease the car manufacturers concerns, the bill does have provisions in it that will protect the trade secrets of the manufacturers regarding the cars they produce, with this exchange of information.
Cars have become more reliant on computer technology in original years with computers and electronics controlling key functions involving areas of safety, emissions, and entertainment. The computer components do provide quite a few benefits to car owners, these include increased fule efficiency, better safety features, and comfort enhancements. Along with these benefits though, complaints have came from both repair shops and car owners that the only people that are able to repair their cars are the licensed franchised dealer networks. The Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act of 2007, would legislate changes in these repair issues.
The four new co-sponsors of the bill are Rep. Howard Berman of Califonia, Rep. Alcee Hastings of Florida, Re. Albert Wynn of Maryland, and Rep. Donald Payne of New Jersey. The sponsor of the bill, Rep. Towns is from Novel York. Kathleen Schmatz of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association, was very relish of the effort by the Representatives alive to with the bill.
“We want to thank the four new co-sponsors for supporting this vital
piece of legislation that benefits every car owner and exiguous independent
repair shop,” said Schmatz. “The growing co-sponsor list for the Right to
Repair Act demonstrates the commitment by many members of Congress to
ensuring that their constituents, and not the sizable car companies, retain
the ability to choose where to have their vehicle serviced and repaired.”
The earliest the bill will be considered on the floor of the House Of Representantives would be after they return from their August recess.
SOURCES:
Prnewswire.com. “‘Right To Repair Act’” Gains More Congressional Back”.
URL: http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl? ACCT=ind_focus.story&STORY=/www/story/08-08-2007/0004641858&EDATE=WED+Aug+08+2007,+10:49+AM
Filed under Automotive Repair Insurance by on Jan 21st, 2011. Comment.
Anybody in the market for a new or utilized vehicle is in luck when shopping in Lk Charles, Louisiana Right here shoppers can decide on from Martin Pontiac GMC, Radford Buick Mazda, Saturn of Lk Charles, Billy Navarre Chevrolet Honda Hyundai, Mark Dodge and Bolton Ford.
Martin Pontiac GMC, found at 2948 U.S 90 E in Lk Charles, LA sells and companies Pontiac, GMC, Freightliner and Sterling vehicles and vans Car or truck purchasers right here will locate SUVs this kind of as Pontiac Montana, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Denali and Envoy, minivans this sort of as GMC Safari or Pickups these kinds of as GMC Sierra and Sonoma Heavy vehicles made by GMC, Freightliner and Sterling are also to choose from right here This dealership also has a support and components office, pre-owned cars and its own financial section For additional knowledge, contact 337-433-0506 or stop by www.martinautomotive.com Radford Buick Mazda, found at 2113 Broad Street in Lk Charles, LA sells and companies Buick and Mazda cars Motor vehicle purchasers right here will locate Buick goods these types of as Lacrosse, Lesabre, Terraza, Rendezvous, Rainier and Lucerne Mazda merchandise this kind of as three Sedan, 6 Sedan, Miata, Tribute, MPV, Mazda Vehicles and the RX-8 Rotary Powered Sports Automotive are also carried by this dealership This dealership also has pre-owned cars this sort of as GM and Mazda program vehicles, service plan and elements division in which all operate is assured A direct repair support center for all significant insurance corporations is also situated on the premises and certified technicians perform all operate For considerably more answers, phone 337-433-1066 or drop by www.radfordsbuickmazda.com Saturn of Lk Charles, situated at 1900 Siebarth Drive (Loop 210 and Legion) in Lk Charles, LA., is house to Saturn Vehicles these types of as the Saturn Ion, Saturn Vue, Saturn Relay 2 and Saturn Relay three This full provider retailer also has a finance section as well as a company section with factory trained support experts appropriate on the premises For a great deal more data, get in touch with 800-443-9589 or drop by and see www.saturnoflakecharles.com for specials Billy Navarre Chevrolet Honda Hyundai is found at 1300 School Street, in Lk Charles, LA Chevrolet versions existing at this dealership are Equinox, Impala, Tahoe, Suburban, Trailblazer, Silverado, Avalanche, Corvette, Colorado, Uplander, Malibu, Cobalt and Express Cargo Van Honda versions in existence right here are S2000, Accord, Pilot, CR-V, Ridgeline, Element and Odyssey Hyundai fashions to be had are Elantra, Tucson, Santa Fe, XG350, Sonata, Accent and Tiburon Pre-owned vehicles are you can get right here and this dealership has a complete automotive repair shop in which all operate is assured For a little more information and facts, get in touch with 337-474-1999 or head to www.billynavarreauto.com Mark Dodge Chrysler Jeep is situated at 3777 Gerstner Memorial Drive, in Lk Charles, LA Dodge types accessible right here are Caravan, Charger, Dakota, Magnum, Ram, Stratus, Viper, Durango, Neon and SRT-4 Chrysler designs accessible are PT Cruiser, Pacifica, Sebring, Town & Country and Crossfire Jeep fashions offered are Commander, Grand Cherokee, Liberty and Wrangler This dealership also has a support and components office For far more important info, phone 337-474-2640 or head to www.markdodge.net Bolton Ford is found at 1500 East School, Lk Charles, LA Automobiles and minivans to choose from are Focus, Fusion, Mustang, Taurus, Five Hundred, Freestar, Crown Victoria, Freestyle and Thunderbird Vehicles presented are Ranger, F150 and Super Duty Vans are E-Series and Suvs are Escape, Explorer, Expedition and Excursion This dealership also has a support and elements division For even more detail, contact 337-474-0070 or take a look at www.boltonford.net
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Filed under Automotive Repair Insurance by on Nov 8th, 2010. Comment.
