HD Repair Forum

Registration and Check-In Begins

Networking Breakfast with Our Sponsors

Meet us for coffee, a light breakfast, and connections. It’s the perfect time to get acclimated and discover the greatest products, equipment, and services available to the HD repair market.

Welcome and Overview of the Event

Brian Nessen, President, HD Repair Forum

Keynote: How to Have a ‘Great Day’ Every Day!

Steve Beck is being brought in to provides participants with the knowledge and awareness that they set the tone for every interaction. Insights and methods will be provided that will assist you in making a positive difference on a daily basis and in every interaction.

Steve Beck, President, Beck Seminars

Right to Repair Act for Heavy-Duty Collision Repairers

The increased use of embedded telematics systems on both light and heavy-duty vehicles has the potential to change the competitive dynamics of the repair industry over the next five to ten years.  Policy makers are struggling to address consumer privacy, cyber-security issues related to wireless access to vehicle data, while still ensuring competition in the availability of vehicle related services. Lowe will provide an overview of the legislative and regulatory landscape in Washington, the states, and around the world as it relates to access to in-vehicle data.

Aaron Lowe, Senior Vice President of Regulatory and Government Affairs, Auto Care Association

Bendix- Current Technology and What the Future Holds

Jim Barber, Director, Western US & Canada - Fleet Sales, Service Engineering & Training, Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC

OEM Repair Standards Committee Introduction and Update

The HD Repair Forum has initiated four committees dedicated to helping push the needle forward on several hot button issues that exist within the heavy-duty collision repair space. Find out more information on the mission of the committee, its direction for progress, and how to participate.

Kevin Clary, Product Marketing Manager | Cab Product Team, Daimler Trucks North America, Committee Co-Chair
Rohit Mathew, Manager, Carlisle & Co., Committee Co-Chair

Networking Break

Sponsored by Axalta Coating Systems

Seatbelts: Commercial Vehicle Restraints - Repair Facility Update

This session aims to ensure proper steps and considerations are being taken when undertaking repairs to heavy commercial trucks, school buses and fire and emergency vehicles at your repair facility. IMMI designs and manufactures seat belts and advanced safety products like roll over protection products and frontal air bags for commercial, fire, and emergency vehicles, along with seats and seat belts for school buses and restraints for many other markets. IMMI’s On Highway Sales & Service Manager, Steve Lovelady will outline important and applicable information to consider, when it comes to the repair of seats, seat belts, and airbags. Further insight on the proactive fleet and first responders safety efforts currently being implemented can also be expected.

Steve Lovelady, On-Highway Sales & Service Manager, IMMI

Parts Committee Introduction and Update

The HD Repair Forum has initiated four committees dedicated to helping push the needle forward on several hot button issues that exist within the heavy-duty collision repair space. Find out more information on the mission of the committee, its direction for progress, and how to participate.

T.J. O'Hanlon, Sr. Director of Product Management, North America, Navistar, Committee Co-Chair
Mark Polzin, President, Budget Truck & Auto, Committee Co-Chair

Panel Discussion: Claims Handling

Panelists will provide insight for developing a deeper understanding of the claims handling process, the associated challenges, and what can be done to improve the process for all industry stakeholders

Chris Sterwerf, Chief Operating Officer, Fairfield Auto & Truck Service
Tom Farney, Regional Claims Manager - Specialty Vehicle, National General Insurance
Brad Ellis, Physical Damage Claims Manager, Canal Insurance
Mike O'Leary, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Property Damage Appraisers (PDA)

HD Repair Forum Industry Awards and I-CAR Gold Class Recognition

The Heavy-Duty Collision Repair Industry has many key players working in the background to get the right information to those who need it most. Join us in recognizing the two individuals that have freely and tirelessly given back to the HD collision industry.

Last year’s recipients
John Spoto – 3M
Chris Sterwerf – Fairfield Auto and Truck Service

I-CAR will also be recognizing those collision repairers that have achieved Gold Class status since last year’s event.

Networking Lunch

Attendees receive complimentary lunch and are given the time and opportunity to discuss relevant industry topics with their peers, industry leaders, equipment suppliers, and service providers. Sponsors will be back at their tables at 12:45. Be sure to visit each of them and learn what valuable equipment and service offerings they have for your business.

Sessions One, Two, and Three

Choose the track that best suits your needs. In 2020 we are offering classes that aim to help you develop your current skillset in business management, technical comprehension, equipment and service offerings, and many other repair needs.  There are two/three tracks to choose from during each of our afternoon breakout sessions.
See below for additional details on course offerings.

• Session 1: 1:30 – 3:00 PM
• Session 2: 3:30 – 4:30 PM
• Session 3: 4:30 – 5:30 PM

Networking Break

Sponsored by Axalta Coating Systems

Networking Reception

Sponsored by PDA (Property Damage Appraisers)

Track A: Motivational Leadership

The Motivational Leadership session is about having attendees learn how to lead in these uncertain times where everyone is asked to ‘do more with less’. They will get essential information and tools to motivate their team for greater effectiveness, efficiency and productivity.
Participants discover that their job is not just a job, but in fact a challenge on, ‘How to Motivate Their Team to Be Their Best Every Single Day.’ A Successful Leader is someone who is respected and    whose team would do anything for them because of the trust they have in that person.
Session objectives include:
– Increasing Internal Communication
– Motivating a Team That Does Not Think or Act Like Them
– Adopting Servant Leadership Skills verses EGO Leadership Tendencies
– Exemplifing Personal Excellence-Self Mastery
– Learn the Importance of Sharing Information w/ Their Team
– Learn to Thank the Top 30%, Support the Middle 40%, and Warn the Bottom 30%

Steve Beck, President, Beck Seminars

Track B: Thinking Outside of the Box

In today’s ever changing times, we need to be able to make decisions and implement them quickly. This class will help you identify the reason we stay “safe,” and what it takes to step out of our comfort zone to change our business model.

          – Explore why we are comfortable in our box
          – Think differently
          – Learn how to think outside the box
          – Understand the assumptions we make every day and how they affect our business
          – Learn to act on your outside the box thinking

Maylan Newton, CEO, Educational Seminars

Track C: Achieving Code Compliance & Maximizing ROI in Your Paint Shop

This presentation will cover the importance of code compliance for your finishing equipment, not only to meet local regulations but to help ensure the safety of your employees and facility. The seminar will also cover paint booth features and airflow designs, so you can select a booth that meets your business’ specific needs. Learn how the right paint booth, along with an effective preventative maintenance program, can increase your ROI.

Troy Volbrecht , Senior Territory Manager , Global Finishing Solutions

Track A: ADAS

Jim Barber, Director, Western US & Canada - Fleet Sales, Service Engineering & Training, Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems

Track B: Building a Talent Strategy for Today

The workforce landscape is changing and the hunt for talent is on!  Today’s job seeker is well informed and knows what they want in a company.  Join this session to hear from a company that understands this multi-generational talent pool and has been able to continually attract and recruit top candidates for over 60 years.

Dylan Schweitzer, Corporate Talent Acquisition Manager, Enterprise

Track C: What to Know - Self Piercing Rivets

This presentation will provide a 101 overview of Self Pierce Riveting (SPR) technology, as well as explain how the process is applied during cab manufacturing by OEMs. We will discuss the technical challenges for rivet removal and installation within the collision shop environment, and the supply chains available in the aftermarket for parts and tooling. Gain insight on the engineering, testing, and process to determine the correct rivet and die combinations involved according to various materials found within the body of a truck.

Billy Bonham, Global Key Account Manager | NA Commercial Vehicle, Atlas Copco

Track A: You’re Not Just Welding a Commercial Vehicle

During this presentation details will be shared on how metal gets it strength and the impacts welding can have post-repair. Understand how the application of heat compromises metal during the welding process. Presenters from 3M and I-CAR will provide knowledge on destructive test welds; the proper ways to condition and grind welds, as well as what needs to be looked for when welding diameter size, heat effect weld zones

John Spoto, National Heavy Duty/Commercial Manager, 3M
Brian Wasson, Manager, Program Delivery, I-CAR

Track B: Capital Raising 101 - Finding Money to Grow Your Business

Would you like to invest in new equipment, expand your operation, acquire another shop or buy out a partner?  Making well-informed budgeting and funding decisions is a vital part of your role as an owner and manager. This ninety-minute class will cover the capital raising process – from creating a strategic plan to understanding the optimal mix of debt and equity financing for your unique situation.  You will leave this class with a financing playbook that will help ensure you are investing wisely in your future!

Charlie Rich, Managing Director, Veritas Advisors
John Walcher, President, Veritas Advisors

Track C: Structural Damage Analysis and Frame Repair Planning

Understand what it takes to create an effective repair plan and the corrective techniques required to remove structural damages. In this session the principles involved in measuring heavy-duty vehicle structures for misalignment will be discussed. Also up for review, are the various metals and frame construction designs used in today’s market. Learn more about the repairability of these designs, as per industry standards and OEM recommendations.

Ken Boylan, Collision Industry Consultant, Chief

Registration & Check-in Opens

Networking Breakfast with Collision Industry Peers

Welcome and Re-cap of Day 1

Brian Nessen, President, HD Repair Forum

Detroit Assurance 5.0 Industry Leading Safety and Driver Experience

Kelly Gedert, Vice President, On Highway Segment Market Development, Daimler Trucks North America

Electronic Parts Catalog - An Easy Solution

Bus manufacturer, Prevost joins the HD Repair Forum this year to present its electronic parts catalog, CatBase. Industry professionals with experience using this platform agree the catalog provides their business with a user-friendly database for the parts searching process. Understand what is available to your repair facility, and what is possible for this industry.

David Jacoby, Regional Sales Manager - Parts, Prevost and Nova Bus Divisions

Understanding VMRS and What it Means to the Industry

Vehicle Maintenance Repair Standards (VMRS) is a universal coding system implemented by fleets and service providers across North America. Attendees will get an overview of the various use cases and how it could help the collision repair industry. Attendees will also gain insight as to how VMRS can improve communication within organizations and with customers

Jack Poster, VMRS Services Manager, Technology & Maintenance Council of the American Trucking Associations

Education Committee Introduction and Update

The HD Repair Forum has initiated four committees dedicated to helping push the needle forward on several hot button issues that exist within the heavy-duty collision repair space. Find out more information on the mission of the committee, its direction for progress, and how to participate.

Brandon Eckenrode, Director of Development, Collision Repair Education Foundation, Committee Co-Chair
Doug Schlueter, Principal, MSO Business Development, I-CAR, Committee Co-Chair

Panel Discussion: Finding Talent- Perspectives, Ideas, and Opportunities

Moderator - Teresa Bolton, Director, Collision Repair Test Development, ASE
Jennie Lenk, HD Repair Forum
Jessica Neri, Commercial Territory Manager, PPG
Ellen Voie, President, Women in Trucking
Gigi Walker, Owner, Walker's Auto Body and Fleet Repair

Networking Refreshment Break

Heavy-Duty Collision Repair Industry Statistics in Review

For the first time in history, we will present statistical data specifically geared towards the heavy-duty collision repair industry. This benchmark data will become a staple of the HD Repair Forum and shared with the industry annually.

John Webb, Vice President | Partner, Ten Point Complete

Technology Committee Introduction and Update

The HD Repair Forum has initiated four committees dedicated to helping push the needle forward on several hot button issues that exist within the heavy-duty collision repair space. Find out more information on the mission of the committee, its direction for progress, and how to participate.

Chuck Olsen, SR. VP Automotive Technology Solutions, AirPro Diagnostics, Committee Co-Chair
Aaron Polzin, Strategy Manager, Budget Truck & Auto, Committee Co-Chair

Trailer Technology Now & in the Future: How Repairs Need to be Made

Demands for data and efficiency are pushing trailer manufacturers to add new telematics features to their inventory. In this session find out when repairers can expect to see trailers with advanced technology showing up in their facilities, what precautions will need to be taken, and the type of equipment that will be needed in order to complete those repairs properly.

Tony Neven, Aftermarket Field Support Manager, Great Dane

Networking Lunch

Attendees receive complimentary lunch and are given the time and opportunity to discuss relevant industry topics with their peers, industry leaders, equipment suppliers, and service providers. Sponsors will be back at their tables at 12:3o. Be sure to visit each of them and learn what valuable equipment and service offerings they have for your business.

Sessions Four, Five, and Six

Choose the track that best suits your needs. In 2020 we are offering classes that aim to help you develop your current skillset in business management, technical comprehension, equipment and service offerings, and many other repair needs.  There are two/three tracks to choose from during each of our afternoon breakout sessions.
See below for additional details on course offerings.

• Session 1: 1:00 – 2:30 PM
• Session 2: 3:00 – 4:00 PM
• Session 3: 4:00 – 5:00 PM

Networking Refreshment Break

Closing Session: Next Steps for the Heavy-Duty Collision Repair Industry

Track A: Measuring & Increasing Production Throughput to Improve Sales and Profitability

“If you can measure it, you can improve it” stands to be true in any business. Creating operational and administrative efficiencies within the HD market has shown to face many challenges. In this session learn how HD shops can improve by:
– using proven problem solving techniques
– implementing production systems
– improving administrative efficiencies
– monitoring improvement with measuring methods and reducing ‘process creep’.

If your business can benefit from an improvement in sales, cash flow, profit, quality, and customer/employee satisfaction you won’t want to miss this workshop.

Ron Kuehn, President, Collision Business Solutions

Track B: Influence

Influence is the ability to have a powerful effect on someone or something.  When you influence someone else, you are changing a person or thing in an indirect positive or negative, but significant way.

Each day you influence many directly and indirectly. Have you ever thought about whether your positive or negative influence on people? We will talk about why this is an essential aspect of our lives that we pay little attention to

Maylan Newton, CEO, Educational Seminars

Track C: VMRS – A Closer Look

This breakout session will take a deeper look at VMRS Component Codes, how fleets are using VMRS on repair orders, and how VMRS ties into labor reporting. Attendees of this session, will also review VMRS Code Keys, VMRS codes and warranties, as well as other business advantages experienced with the use of VMRS.

Jack Poster, VMRS Services Manager, Technology & Maintenance Council of the American Trucking Associations

Track A: How to Leverage Auto Body Repair Procedures Within Your Collision Repair Processes

During this seminar you will see comparisons on how OEM processes in the commercial industry are comparable to the automotive industry and how to research the data.

John Spoto, National Heavy Duty Commercial Manager, 3M

Track B: 7 Practical Ways to Use CSI in Your Business

The course is designed to be an introduction to Customer Satisfaction Indexing (CSI) and the Net Promoter Score (NPS) and to give practical applications that attendees can immediately use in their businesses. The course will be tailored to HD repair facilities, but the principals are applicable to anyone in the automotive business (such as OE’s, insurance companies, and vendors

John Webb, Vice President | Partner, Ten Point Complete

Track C: Understanding Why & When - Steering Gear Troubleshooting & Replacements Post-Collision

When a truck is in a collision the steering gear is often over looked in the repair process. This educational track will provide insight as to when it should be replaced and more importantly why. It will also include troubleshooting of the steering system and repair procedures. Mike will also share a brief company history, products available, as well as important market information.

Mike Long, Director of Customer Sales, Service, and Warranty, Sheppard Co. Inc.

Track A: Understanding Vehicle Technology and Its Impact on Repairs

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems like Bendix’s Wingman, the Detroit Assurance Safety Systems, or WABCO’s OnGuard Assist system are rapidly increasing presence within today’s heavy-duty and commercial vehicles. As their frequency increases, the knowledge needed to properly repair them within our shops becomes even more critical. This session will review each of these systems, highlight their differences, and review the diagnostic options available for each of them. Attendees will learn when calibrations, inspections, or maintenance procedures on such systems are needed. Gain insight into the OEM’s current positions on repairing vehicles containing these technological advancements.

Tyler Robertson, CEO, Diesel Laptops

Track B: The Modern Customer Journey

Consumers have changed the way the find, select, and communicate with businesses. From online search to offline messaging, learn how to navigate the modern customer journey and use these evolving methods of research to drive business to your facility.

Brett Steele, Senior Account Executive, Podium

Track C: Keeping Targets Off Your Shop - Labor & Employment Trends, Developments

Every shop is affected by ever-changing employment laws.  Shops that do not stay up to speed can quickly find themselves facing millions of dollars in liability. Unfortunately, “I didn’t know” is not a defense.  In this session Mr. King will address the latest threats facing shops and present real-world solutions to help you stay out of trouble.  Discussion will include “hot topics” of independent contractors, wage-hour compliance, the #metoo movement, and arbitration of employment disputes.  Bring your labor & employment questions to this session.

Cory J. King, Attorney at Law, Ford Harrison - Global HR Lawyers