alliance-of-automotive-service-providers-of-minnesota

Home Stretch of a Politically Fraught Biennium

Tue, 12 May 2026 11:00:16 GMT

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Lawmakers returned from the Easter/Passover recess in early April attempting to shift into the final phase of the legislative session, assembling omnibus bills that can pass the House and Senate. At the time of this writing, things were not going particularly smoothly and the path forward seemed murky at best as lawmakers attempted to find a way to wrap up what has been a very strange and tense biennium.

The second year of the biennium is typically focused on policy bills and a capital investment bill as the state’s two-year budget is set during the first year of the biennium. This means nothing is actually required to pass during the second year, and with the tie in the Minnesota House and one-seat majority in the Senate, finding items on policy that have enough bipartisan agreement to pass has proven extremely challenging for legislative leaders.

With that in mind, it’s not surprising that lawmakers are finding it difficult to assemble omnibus bills that make any meaningful change in state law this year. There are no agreed-to budget targets, which means committee chairs do not know how much, if any, money they are allowed to spend. This has led to an awkward mix of spending and policy proposals moving forward without a clear path to enactment. As we’ve discussed, the tie in the House has led to something akin to veto power for both GOP and DFL caucuses, meaning any policy that is deemed remotely controversial by either party has no path forward.

This political dynamic has impacted AASPMN’s legislative efforts to clarify and strengthen Minn. Stat. 72A.201 this year. While we were able to get a hearing on our bill in the Senate Commerce Committee and have meaningful conversations with lawmakers throughout the legislative session, the strong opposition to our bill from the Insurance Federation has blocked our path forward for this legislative session. There still was legislative progress made on our issues this year, with additional legislative supporters developed and strengthened, but a path for our proposal, like most legislative proposals in 2026, has not materialized.

What lawmakers are actually able to pass this year remains very much up in the air, but one issue that looms over the end of session negotiations is a funding fix for the state’s largest safety-net hospital, Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC). HCMC is facing a severe financial crisis with a potential closure as early as June 2026 due to a projected $200 million deficit, high uncompensated care costs and Medicaid funding reductions. Lawmakers are trying to find a way to provide financial certainty for HCMC and are weighing different tax proposals to shore up the troubled hospital before an unthinkable closure occurs.

The session has a constitutionally required adjournment date of May 18 this year. We will continue to work and see if any opportunities present themselves between now and then, but all signs currently point to a very limited number of legislative successes for lawmakers in 2026.

Moving Our Industry Forward

Wed, 06 May 2026 13:52:12 GMT

A MESSAGE FROM AASPMN

As the new President of AASPMN, I’m honored to serve an industry that has been a part of my life from the very beginning. I grew up in a body shop, working alongside my parents as a child and learning early on the values of hard work, honesty and taking pride in doing things the right way. Those early experiences shaped not only my career, but also my commitment to the people and businesses that make up this industry.

Over the years, I’ve worked my way through nearly every role in the shop – from detailer to body technician, estimator and eventually general manager. Each step gave me a deeper understanding of the day-to-day challenges shop owners and technicians face, as well as the importance of strong relationships, both with customers and within the industry.

Today, I’m the owner of two body shop locations in Elk River and Andover, where I continue to focus on doing what’s best for the customer and staying true to the values I was raised on. That same mindset carries directly into my role with AASPMN.

As the new President, I’m excited to meet others across the industry, learn from their experiences and help be a strong, unified voice for our profession. I believe AASPMN plays an important role in supporting shop owners, advocating for the industry and helping all of us navigate the changes and challenges ahead.

My goal is to bring a practical, real-world perspective to the association, one grounded in firsthand experience and a genuine respect for the work we all do. I’m committed to leading with integrity, building trust and helping strengthen the future of the industry for the next generation.

At the end of the day, this industry has given me so much, and stepping into this role is an opportunity to give back, support others and help move our industry forward in a positive direction.

24th Annual Race for Automotive Education Raises Nearly $12,000 for Student Scholarships

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 11:00:04 GMT

ASSOCIATION UPDATES

AASPMN held its 24th Annual Race for Automotive Education February 23-26 at ProKart Indoor Racing in Burnsville. The event raised nearly $12,000 to support the AASPMN’s Automotive Education Fund and will fund scholarships for automotive students enrolled in ASE-accredited auto service and collision repair programs in Minnesota’s technical colleges.

During the four nights of racing, 29 teams (145 racers) of auto service and collision repair shops, technical school students and industry suppliers took to the track in go-karts reaching speeds of up to 40 miles per hour. Many spectator fans were also on hand to cheer on their team.

In addition to the 29 race teams, the event was supported by:

3M Company
Auto Value Parts Stores/APH
BASF Corporation
CSN Collision
LKQ - Minnesota
Lube-Tech
MN ADAS
NCS/Single Source
Optimize Digital Marketing
PPG Automotive Finishes
Suburban Chevrolet

The Automotive Education Fund was established in 2002 to provide financial resources to support automotive students, enhance automotive programs and raise awareness of career opportunities in the automotive service industry. Since its inception, over $360,000 has been invested in student scholarships, SkillsUSA and automotive education programs throughout the state.

For more information, visit aaspmn.org or call the AASPMN office at 612-623-1110 .

31st Annual AASPMN Golf Outing Announced

The 31st Annual AASPMN Golf Outing will be held Wednesday, June 10 at Majestic Oaks Golf Club in Ham Lake. All collision repair and auto service industry professionals and suppliers are invited to attend the event to enjoy a day of golfing and socializing with industry peers.

Play will begin at 12:30pm, followed by dinner and an awards presentation. The cost to participate is $125 per golfer or $500 per foursome. Golf holes are also available to sponsor ($350 member/$450 non-member).

For additional information, see page 8 or visit the association’s website aaspmn.org . You may also email the AASPMN office at aasp@aaspmn.org or call 612-623-1110 .

Trophies were awarded to the first place and runner-up teams each night. They were:

Monday, February 23

First place – Gallagher
Runner-up – LaMettry’s

Tuesday, February 24

First place – Wenzel Auto Electric
Runner-up – Heppner’s #3

Wednesday, February 25

First place – DCTC - Mechanical
Runner-up – Dunwoody - Collision

Thursday, February 26

First place – Lancer Service
Runner-up – ACON Wheel Service

AASPMN Leadership Conference & Annual Meeting

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 11:00:49 GMT

ADAPTABILITY FOR THE ROAD AHEAD

April 29 & 30, 2026

Mystic Lake Center & Casino

2400 Mystic Lake Blvd NW, Prior Lake, MN 55372

Wednesday, April 29

8:00am - 6:30pm Registration Open

9:00am - 9:30am Coffee with Vendors

9:30am - 9:40am Opening Remarks

9:40am - 10:45am Opening Keynote & Panel Discussion: Adaptability and Accountability

Presented by Melissa Furman, CEO, Career Potential, LLC;

Panel Members: Shannon Christian, Jesse Jacobson, Tom Archambault and Ashlan Kaplan

10:45am - 11:00am Morning Break

11:00am - Noon BREAKOUT SESSION 1

A. Is There a Talent Shortage for Mid-Level Automotive Technicians in Minnesota? Presented by Melinda Fierro, Research Strategist, RealTime Talent

B. Grow or Go Presented by Chris Jones, CEO, Sunbelt Business Advisors

C. Unlocking Advisor Performance: The Leadership Blueprint for Higher Sales Presented by Doris Barnes, Director of Strategic Growth, Transformers Institute

Noon - 1:30pm Lunch with Annual Meeting

1:45pm - 2:45pm BREAKOUT SESSION 2

A. Information Data Strategies for Today Presented by Donny Seyfer, Executive Director, National Automotive Service Task Force

B. Adaptability and Accountability in Practice Presented by Melissa Furman, CEO, Career Potential, LLC

C. The Evolving Technician Presented by Bill Haas, Auto Ignite Management

2:45pm - 3:00pm Afternoon Break

3:00pm - 5:00pm Roundtable Discussions

5:00pm - 6:30pm Happy Hour & Vendor Showcase

Thursday, April 30

8:00am - 11:00am Registration Open

8:30am - 9:00am Coffee & Networking

9:00am - 11:30am WORKSHOPS

A. Unlocking Growth with Custom ChatGPT Agents in Your Auto Shop Presented by Seth Thorson, Owner, Eurotech Auto

B. Speed of Service – Time is Crucial! Presented by Bill Haas, Auto Ignite Management

C. Body Shop Communications to Improve Your Bottom Line Presented by Scott Miller, Estimating Manager, Collision Specialists Inc., Aaron Rolfsrud, Owner, Elevated Luxury Services, Linden Wicklund, Executive Director, AASPMN

D. Profitable Expansion: The Systems, Strategy, and Mindset Required to Scale Presented by Greg Bunch, CEO & Founder, Transformers Institute

10:15am - 10:30am Workshop Break

THIS CAN’T-MISS EVENT

Designed For Shop Owners & Managers! JOIN US APRIL 29-30!

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29:

Coffee with Vendors - 9:00am – 9:30am

The day will kick off with a caffeine boost and a slightly later start, so those who drive in from a distance or had too much fun the night before, will have time. Vendors from across the state and country will be showcasing the latest they have to offer with their local experts there to meet with you. This is an opportunity to connect and network without the high-pressure speed of big trade shows. We know good suppliers make all the difference in the quality, speed and profitability of your repairs.

Adaptability and Accountability - 9:40am – 10:45am

Presented by Melissa Furman, CEO,

Career Potential, LLC

Panel Members: Shannon Christian, Jesse Jacobson, Tom Archambault and Ashlan Kaplan

In today’s fast-paced, ever-changing workplace, change isn’t optional—it’s constant. To survive and thrive as a business, you can’t avoid challenges, you need to embrace them with adaptability and accountability. This dynamic, interactive session includes a thought-provoking presentation followed by recommendations shared by a panel of industry professionals. This session will equip you with the mindset and tools to not just survive disruption, but to turn it into opportunity.

Morning Break - 10:45am – 11:00am

BREAKOUT SESSION 1 (Choose One) - 11:00am – Noon

A. Is There a Talent Shortage for Mid-Level Automotive Technicians in Minnesota?

Presented by Melinda Fierro, Research Strategist, RealTime Talent

This session will explore the themes of labor market supply and demand for the Automotive Technician Occupation and the challenges involved in filling entry and mid-level roles in Minnesota. MNCARS has partnered with RealTime talent to provide labor market information and develop an interview guide. RealTime Talent will present the labor market research findings related to supply and demand for the Automotive Technician Occupation with a focus on the mid-level career statistics

B. Grow or Go

Presented by Chris Jones, CEO,

Sunbelt Business Advisors

This session is designed to help business owners determine if they are ready to grow the business or exit it. If someone is ready to grow there are typically a couple of paths – they can grow organically or they can grow through acquisition. If it’s time to Go, what are the optional Exit Paths and how to prepare your business to exit. Chris will talk through what to do to make a business more attractive to buyers and how to increase the value.

C. Unlocking Advisor Performance: The Leadership Blueprint for Higher Sales

Presented by Doris Barnes, Director of Strategic Growth, Transformers Institute

Strong advisor performance starts with strong leadership. In this session, Doris will teach shop owners and managers how to coach service advisors to confidently present recommendations, handle objections, and close more work while maintaining trust with customers. Attendees will learn practical leadership strategies, coaching techniques, and systems that help advisors move from order takers to trusted professionals— driving higher sales and stronger shop performance.

Lunch with Annual Meeting - Noon – 1:30pm

Enjoy a three-course lunch while honoring departing Board Members and swearing in new ones. Updates on member benefits, legislative efforts, and upcoming events will be followed by additional networking time.

BREAKOUT SESSION 2 (Choose One) - 1:45pm – 2:45pm

A. Information and Data Strategies to Save Time

and Increase Accuracy

Presented by Donny Seyfer, Executive Director, National Automotive Service Task Force

Information availability has evolved since it became widely available in the early 2000s.

If you do not have a plan to find what you need quickly and accurately it will have a direct impact on how much of your time you convert to money.

NASTF fields more than 40,000 support questions and tens of thousands of hits on our information systems related to information, tool applications and vehicle security. Let us show you some best practices to create the best strategy for you.

Donny Seyfer is the executive officer for the National Automotive Service Task Force but also a technician with over 35 years of experience as a diagnostician, industry educator and finder of information in servicing over 100- year span of vehicles at his family business.

B. Adaptability and Accountability in Practice

Presented by Melissa Furman, CEO,

Career Potential, LLC

This session is a continuation of the keynote session and will provide practical tools and resources to develop adaptability and accountability in your business.

C. The Evolving Technician

Presented by Bill Haas, Auto Ignite Management

Based on the Voice of the Technician survey. This session presents the perspective of over 4,700 automotive professionals across the U.S. Learn what technicians value the most. Is your shop providing what they are seeking; compensation, training, equipment, career paths, work-life balance, etc.

Is the technician shortage real or are you short on providing the leadership, environment, and culture to attract and retain the best talent. Technicians are telling us what we need to hear.

Afternoon Break - 2:45pm – 3:00pm

Roundtable Discussions - 3:00pm – 5:00pm

Attendees will participate in 4 roundtable discussions for 25 minutes each. Each discussion is moderated by AASPMN member experts. Choose from the following topics:

1) How to Prepare for an OSHA Inspection, moderated by Carol Keys & Ann Oelrich

2) The Multi Shop Business, moderated by Brad Peterson

3) Customer Communications & Relationships, moderated by Aaron Rolfsrud

4) AI Training in Auto Shops, presented by Matt Boudinot & Jeff Copeland

5) Tech School Partnerships & Internships, presented by Shawn Haag

6) ADAS Repairs: OEM versus Aftermarket, moderated by Paul Bostel

7) Blacklist Steering, moderated by Josh Shaw

8) Desk Appraisals & Third-Party Diminished Value, moderated by Jordan Fara

9) Retention Marketing, moderated by Max Gamm

10) Online Scheduling for Increase Sales, moderated by Jim May

Happy Hour & Vendor Showcase - 5:00pm – 6:30pm

Continue the conversations you started during the roundtables while enjoying happy hour refreshments.

THURSDAY, APRIL 30:

Coffee & Networking - 8:30am – 9:00am

Day two begins with some more coffee and catching up from yesterday’s sessions before you kick into gear for today’s workshops!

WORKSHOPS (Choose One) - 9:00am – 11:30am

A. Unlocking Growth with Custom ChatGPT Agents in Your Auto Shop

Presented by Seth Thorson, Owner, Eurotech Auto

Ready to put AI to work in your shop? This hands-on course will show you how custom ChatGPT agents can automate tasks, streamline operations, and improve both employee and customer experiences in your automotive repair business. You’ll explore real-world applications— from service writer tools that handle customer communication to internal bots trained on your own SOPs and HR policies. Learn how one shop, Eurotech, built and deployed their own GPT agents to save time, reduce errors, and improve shop efficiency.

You’ll walk away knowing how to create and train your own AI assistant to help with day-to-day operations, get hands-on experience uploading your own documents, and develop a roadmap to integrate these tools with platforms like Tekmetric, Google Drive, and more. If you’re looking for a smarter, faster, and more consistent way to run your shop, this is the class that puts AI in your toolbox.

B. Speed of Service – Time is Crucial!

Presented by Bill Haas, Auto Ignite Management

Time isn’t just a metric. It’s the make-or-break factor in how your shop is judged. Today’s guests expect quick callbacks, same-day updates, and a workflow that doesn’t keep them waiting. They aren’t comparing you to the shop down the street. They’re comparing you to Amazon, DoorDash, and every other service that runs like clockwork. If your processes aren’t keeping up, your reputation and revenue are taking the hit.

This course dives into the systems and habits that slow shops down. From scheduling and workflow to parts, communication, and leadership, you’ll uncover what’s stealing your time and how to take it back. You’ll explore where breakdowns happen, how to prevent them, and what it takes to build momentum that lasts. Learn how to tighten up operations without sacrificing quality or culture. These are real strategies you can take back and implement immediately, changes your team will feel and your customers will notice.

C. Body Shop Communications to Improve Your Bottom Line

Presented by Scott Miller, Estimating Manager,

Collision Specialists Inc., Aaron Rolfsrud, Owner, Elevated Luxury Services, Linden Wicklund, Executive Director, AASPMN

The communication strategies shops need to win go well beyond a strong estimate. This class will cover three main areas of focus:

Scott Miller will talk about estimating from the perspective of a high performing DRP shop that produces estimates that look more like a non-DRP with well-organized documentation and shop processes to guide what to prioritize.

Aaron’s presentation will focus on the changing landscape of strong customer communications, which are increasingly critical for happy return customers and not being left with a short pay.

Linden will share how to reference Minnesota’s statutes for improved outcomes and to know when to stand your ground with strong back-up.

D. Profitable Expansion: The Systems, Strategy, and Mindset Required to Scale

Presented by Greg Bunch, CEO & Founder, Transformers Institute

Expanding beyond a single location can create tremendous opportunity, but many shop owners discover that growth simply multiplies chaos instead of profit. True expansion requires more than adding locations. It requires the right systems, financial strategy, and leadership mindset.

In this session, Greg Bunch explains what it actually takes to scale an independent auto repair business successfully. You will learn how to remove yourself as the operational bottleneck, build repeatable systems, understand the financial upside of acquisitions, and create a business that grows in revenue, profitability, consistency, and control.

Workshop Break - 10:15am – 10:30am

AASPMN Day at the Capitol Event Recap

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 11:00:17 GMT

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

AASPMN hosted its Day at the Capitol event the first week of March. AASPMN members from across the state came to Saint Paul to advocate for passage of our legislation and to educate lawmakers on challenges and issues facing the automotive repair industry.

AASPMN members met with their local elected officials throughout the day and were able to generate a number of co-authors for our legislation as a result. We appreciate everyone who took time out of their busy schedules to come and participate in this event.

Participating in the legislative process makes a huge difference in how our legislation is viewed by lawmakers, and we hope to continue to grow this event in years to come. As noted in previous updates, there are going to be an unusually large number of new lawmakers sworn in during the next legislative session, so it will be a great year for AASPMN members to participate in our event and get to know lawmakers as they start their career.

Our Day at the Capitol event lined up with a hearing on our priority piece of legislation, Senate File 2209, in the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee. AASPMN Executive Director Linden Wicklund, Josh Shaw and Sarah Czech all testified in support of the bill and made compelling arguments for why state statute needs to be strengthened. The Insurance Federation of Minnesota testified in opposition of the bill, which was laid over by the committee for possible inclusion in the committee’s omnibus bill later this session.

The legislative session has been ramping up toward committee deadlines at the end of March with numerous bill hearings and long nights scheduled between now and then. Lawmakers will take a week off for the Easter Passover break and then come back looking to move omnibus bills, possibly a tax bill and possibly a large capital investment bill.

Much work remains between now and then, we will continue to advocate for our legislation and keep you informed if there are bills that would impact AASPMN members as the session progresses.

Consumer Choice is Not Optional, At Least It Used To Be

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 13:16:38 GMT

A MESSAGE FROM AASPMN

Those of us who run collision repair shops in Minnesota have all heard the same line: the customer has the right to choose where their vehicle is repaired. It’s written into law, it’s repeated in training materials and it shows up in policy language. But if we’re being honest with each other, we also know that what’s written and what happens in the claim don’t always line up. Like a couple of months ago, when an insurer told our customer we sold to an MSO and were closed, so they needed to take their vehicle to the other MSO’s location across town. Or when Chelsie called in her deer hit and was told outright that the repair cost would not be covered if she came to our shop.

The way steering shows up today isn’t obvious. No one is usually told outright that they can’t use a certain shop. Instead, the pressure builds quietly. Approvals drag on. Estimates come back missing procedures we know are required. Supplements and reinspection get requested again and again. Customers start calling, frustrated, asking why nothing is moving. At some point, many of them are nudged – sometimes subtly, sometimes not – toward a different repair path because it seems like the only way to get their car back. That nudge might be moving the vehicle. That nudge might be disregarding certain repairs to save the customer out of pocket cost. That nudge is generally only beneficial to one party in this process and it is not the customer and not the shop.

From the outside, it might not look like steering. From the bay floor, it feels exactly like it.

Minnesota’s anti-steering laws exist for a reason. They were put in place because collision repair isn’t a commodity and never has been. A bumper cover today isn’t just a piece of plastic – it’s a mounting point for sensors, cameras and safety systems that we’re responsible for returning to proper operation. Structural repairs aren’t guesses. Calibrations aren’t optional. And documentation isn’t busywork; it’s how we prove the vehicle is safe when it leaves our shop.

What’s changed is that the claims process hasn’t kept pace with the reality of the work. Vehicles have gotten more complex, repair procedures more precise and liability more real. At the same time, approval processes have become more centralized and more rigid. When delays or selective denials start influencing where a customer feels they can repair their vehicle, consumer choice becomes theoretical instead of real.

We all see how this plays out. A customer comes in after an accident already stressed. They’re worried about transportation, work, family schedules and rental limits. When the claim stalls, the pressure doesn’t fall on the insurer – it falls on the shop and the customer. Eventually, the customer asks the question we’ve all heard: “Would this be easier somewhere else?” That moment is where consumer choice quietly slips away.

This matters, not just for our businesses, but for safety. The cars we’re repairing now are full of systems that don’t forgive shortcuts. Missed calibrations don’t announce themselves. Improper structural repairs don’t show up on the first test drive. If steering – intentional or not – pushes repairs toward speed or cost over procedure, the risk follows that vehicle long after the claim is closed.

As shop owners, we walk a fine line. We’re not lawyers. We’re not regulators. And we’re not trying to pick fights with insurers. But we are the ones responsible for the repair. Our role is to document what the vehicle requires, tie it back to manufacturer procedures and industry standards, and explain it clearly to the customer. When we do that professionally and consistently, we give the customer the information they need to make real choices instead of pressured ones.

In today’s environment, artificial intelligence and automation have crept in on replacing meaningful discussions, in-person inspections and phone calls. Technology was supposed to help the industry, but instead it feels like it is putting insurers and their profits far ahead of what used to be quality and taking care of customers. If you as a shop can’t press 0 to speak to a human, most of the time neither can a customer…Just more delay, more skirting around conversations that insurers do not want to have, and more pressure on the customer to cave in and the shop to comply.

That’s why this conversation matters now. When delays, partial approvals and selective denials become normal, it hurts everyone. Shops carry financial strain. Customers lose confidence in the process. Insurers face growing distrust and scrutiny. Nobody wins when the system relies on attrition instead of transparency.

Let’s face it, modern collision repair and the associated technology are evolving faster than the insurances’ understanding of the repairs required on it. Remember, the insurance companies were, in large part, responsible for many of the modern-day safety systems that are so rapidly evolving. They pushed to have features and technologies that would reduce injury and accidents, and it is working. It does seem that they’ve failed to recognize the challenges, complexities and even costs of what it would take to repair that same technology.

A healthy claims environment doesn’t require special treatment for shops. It requires clarity, timely decisions and respect for the repair process. Consumer choice only works if it holds up under pressure – when the repair is complicated, when the procedures are expensive and when the timeline isn’t convenient.

Minnesota already has the framework to support that. The challenge is making sure those protections mean something in today’s repair environment. Anti-steering laws aren’t anti-insurance. They’re pro-consumer, pro-safety and ultimately pro-credibility for the entire system.

Ensure that the Minnesota Department of Commerce is aware of any of the discussed situations occurring in your shop. Send a letter, send an email, file a complaint online, or have customers fill out the AASPMN steering form. It may not have an immediate impact, but if we all were to share our concerns and the concerns of our customers, it can have a lasting impact. Showing a pattern or business practice is much easier when everyone speaks up.

Speak with your state representatives and share how this is affecting not only you, but more importantly, the lasting impact on your customers. We all have stories that we can tell for days. We need to share them with the right people.

As shop owners and managers, we’re not asking for shortcuts or special favors. We’re asking for a process that recognizes what modern repairs require and allows customers to make decisions without being worn down by delay or pressure. When consumer choice is real, repairs are safer, trust is higher and everyone – drivers included – benefits.

AASPMN’s Uniform Program Pays Over $65,000 in Rebates to Members

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 11:00:10 GMT

AASPMN recently distributed over $65,000 to 128 members participating in its uniform program through Vestis.

That’s an average rebate of $508! The rebate is equal to 10 percent of their qualifying purchases during 2025.

This is just one of many cost-savings programs AASPMN offers its members. To find out more about the member benefits/services available, check out page 23 of this issue of AASPMN News, call the office at (612) 623-1110, or visit the AASPMN website, aaspmn.org and start saving today!

2026 Membership Dues Are Due!

Annual membership renewals for AASPMN were due February 1. If you have not paid your 2026 membership dues, PLEASE log in to the AASPMN Online Community (aaspmn.org) using the username and password provided to you when your dues invoice was mailed to you. If you do not have your log in credentials, please contact the AASPMN office at (612) 623-1110.

Your timely payment will save AASPMN the additional cost and time incurred with re-billing and other collection efforts. We’d much rather be working on programs and initiatives to improve the automotive service industry – and your business. Thank you!

Sponsorships Support AASPMN’s

Educational Programs & Other Activities in 2026

Recently, AASPMN asked for program sponsorships from its Associate members and other industry vendors to help support the association’s educational programs and other activities in 2026. Sponsorships help the AASPMN deliver quality programming at affordable prices to members.

To date, the following companies have made sponsorship commitments:

PREMIER SPONSOR

MN ADAS

PLATINUM SPONSORS

LKQ-Minnesota
Lube Tech & Partners
Optimize Digital Marketing

GOLD SPONSORS

3M Automotive Aftermarket Division
National Coatings/Single Source, Inc
PPG Automotive Finishes

SILVER SPONSORS

Apple Ford White Bear Lake
Axalta Coating Systems
Enterprise Mobility
O’Reilly Auto Parts
Sherwin Willams
Suburban GM Parts
Tekmetric

BRONZE SPONSORS

CHESS
Dentsmart PDR
Gallagher
Langer Construction
Precision Diagnostics

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor for any of AASPMN’s educational programs or events, contact the AASPMN office at (612) 623-1110.

2026 Legislative Session Begins with Somber Remembrance of Melissa Hortman

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 11:00:01 GMT

On Tuesday, February 17, 2026, the Minnesota Legislature gaveled in and kicked off the 2026 legislative session. They met in an uncommon join session to memorialize the late Speaker Emerita, Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark following their murder last June. Legislators also honored Sen. John Hoffman (DFL-Champlin), who survived an assassination attempt that same evening and recognized the unexpected passing of Sen. Bruce Anderson last fall. No legislative committees met on the first day of session in recognition of the tribute to Rep. Hortman and Sen. Hoffman.

The next day, however, legislative activity kicked off in full force with committees hearing reports from state agencies, 2025 legislative implementation updates, and recommendations from the governor related to his capital investment proposal. As the week progressed, two clear themes emerged as primary topics of discussion for 2026. Republican legislators continued their push for greater program integrity and fraud prevention with multiple bills to broadly address fraud in state programs. One approach is to create a new, independent Office of the Inspector General to oversee state run funding programs. At the same time, Democrats introduced and began holding hearings on nearly a dozen bills that would seek to prohibit certain immigration enforcement activities or create new forms of civil liability for federal agents in response to recent federal activities in Minnesota.

These opposite approaches by Democrats and Republicans highlight the difficult political circumstances the 2026 session is taking place under. With all 201 legislators up for reelection in November, there is little incentive to cross party lines and compromise on any issues. These dynamics exist in nearly all budget and policy committees, which have led to fears of a highly unproductive session ahead.

AASPMN’s priority legislation, SF 2209, is scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee in early March and will coincide with AASPMN’s Day at the Capitol event.

Important Legislative Dates

Committee deadlines are as follows:

• Friday, March 27 at 5pm: Committees must act favorably on bills in both the house of origin and committees must act favorably on bills, or companions of bills, which met the first deadline in the other body.

• Friday, April 17 at 5pm: Committees must act favorably on major appropriation and finance bills, i.e. omnibus bills.

Legislative leaders also announced the schedule for legislative breaks, including:

• The Eid break begins on Thursday, March 19 at 8am. The Legislature will resume activities on Friday, March 20 at 8am.

• The Easter/Passover break begins on March 27 at 5pm. The Legislature will resume activities on Tuesday, April 7 at 8am.The legislature must adjourn no later than midnight on May 18, 2026.

Community Involvement Is More Than Good PR – It’s Good Business

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 16:42:17 GMT

In the automotive repair industry, we spend a lot of time focused on efficiency, diagnostics, staffing and profitability. Those things matter. But one of the most overlooked growth strategies for an independent shop isn’t found in a scan tool or management system, it’s found in the community in the other businesses around us.

For many independent shops, especially in smaller towns, the business isn’t just a plaxce people go for repairs. It’s part of the local fabric. When a shop actively invests in its community, something powerful happens: customers stop seeing you as just a service provider and start seeing you as their shop – as their neighbor and friend.

Community Builds Trust Before the First Repair

Trust is the currency of our industry. Customers usually come to us during stressful situations, breakdowns, unexpected repairs or safety concerns in something that takes them to work, brings their kids to school or gets them to the doctor. If they already know you from a local event, a fundraiser or a community gathering, that trust starts long before they walk through your door.

Community involvement humanizes your business. It shows that you care about more than the transaction. People remember that.

Real-World Examples Make the Biggest Impact

At our shop, we’ve made community involvement a priority, not a marketing tactic. Each May, we host an annual car show in memory of my late father that brings together car enthusiasts, families and local businesses. It’s a fun event, but it’s also a way to connect with people outside the service counter. It’s three hours out of the middle of our working day that makes a huge difference. Conversations happen, relationships build and people see a different side of our industry.

In August, we hold a community appreciation event as a way to thank the people who support us year-round. It is not just for our customer base but for anyone in the community. Food, activities and a welcoming environment go a long way toward showing genuine gratitude. It’s less about business and more about appreciation.

During the winter, we host a chili cook-off right in the shop that has become a favorite local tradition. Multiple local businesses in town make their own chili recipes to participate and promote their business, and community members come to taste and vote for their favorites. It brings people together during the colder months and creates a fun, friendly competition between businesses.

Even more meaningful, all proceeds from the chili event go back into the community through donations to the local food shelf and Toys for Tots. That’s what makes the event special – it’s not just about gathering, it’s about giving back.

None of these events are about selling repairs or the business making money. They’re about building relationships and supporting the community that supports us each and every day.

It Strengthens Your Team Too

One unexpected benefit of community involvement is what it does for shop culture. When employees participate in these events, they feel pride in where they work. It gives purpose beyond the daily workload.

Technicians and staff appreciate working for a business that gives back. It builds morale and often helps with retention because employees feel part of something meaningful. Something more than just fixing a car or selling a job.

The Long-Term Payoff

Community involvement isn’t a quick marketing win. It’s a long-term relationship builder. The return doesn’t always show up immediately on a financial report, but it shows up in other forms:

Customer loyalty
Word-of-mouth referrals
Positive local reputation
Multi-generational customers
Stronger community partnerships with other businesses

Shops that stay involved tend to become staples in their towns. When people trust you as a neighbor, they trust you as their automotive repair shop.

Start Small and Stay Consistent

If you’re not currently involved, start small. Pick one or two things that align with your values and your bandwidth. Consistency matters more than scale.

Community involvement shouldn’t feel forced. Customers can tell when it’s authentic and when it’s just marketing.

Independent repair shops are uniquely positioned to make a local impact. We keep families safe on the road. We help people during stressful moments. We’re already serving the community with our knowledge and skills, getting involved simply extends that mission beyond the repair order.

When you invest in your community, your community invests back in you!!!

Under Construction: Maintaining Rhythm During Construction

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 14:24:21 GMT

Embarking on a construction project can feel like a colossal undertaking in the automotive world.

A shop owner may believe there is never a right time to sign up for loss in productivity, profit or people – even when there is a slow down at the shop.

Fortunately, the good news is that with the right planning and people in place, an automotive business doesn’t have to sacrifice its operations while having the necessary construction done to upgrade and improve the facility.

Langer Construction (St. Paul) has been in this business for 80 years, and they have come to specialize in the automotive industry. Decades of working with dealerships, auto body shops, service stations and then some, give their team the knowledge and expertise to set up a construction project that works and keeps them in production while the project is ongoing.

They know their way around the structure of an automotive business from outside in and inside out.

Russ Zellmer, president of Langer Construction, explains, “We started as a concrete masonry company. A lot of shops are concrete heavy structures. So, this really is our turf. Working in this type of environment is what we do well.”

The company primarily works with businesses that own and occupy their space, which Zellmer feels is important because “when you occupy your own space, you tend to care a lot more about your building than a developer or someone who just rents the space.” He believes those who own their space genuinely want to mold it into who they are and make the necessary adjustments that work best for their business.

“Every shop is different. There are some similarities; equipment and processes may be the same, but the way they are laid out and the way they operate is always changing,” he observes.

Figuring out what a business’ needs are and how to go about it in a way that’s affordable and keeps cars moving in and out of the facility starts with proper planning.

Recently, the company was able to provide a body shop with structural modifications to allow for the addition of four bays with two post-lifts by raising the structure rather than replacing the roof. “We were able to do structural modifications to give them enough room to get two post-lifts in and four bays they never had before, and the cost was fairly insignificant all things considered,” shares Zellmer. Had they not been able to structurally raise the roof, the project would have been cost prohibitive.

It’s never too early to start planning, says Zellmer, and there may never really be a “right” time because so many factors can weigh in. Having conversations early can identify the needs and possibilities, and through those discussions, owners can get an understanding of what they may need to modify in order to achieve their goals.

“It’s tough to look at what time of year is the best time because if there is a weather event, business could be booming. Service stations tend to be busy all the time. Slow winters could possibly make for a slow down at a body shop, but it can vary as we all know,” explains Zellmer.

The pre-construction process is crucial in determining what can happen, how and when, adds Josh Schultz, vice president of Langer Construction. A lot of questions need to be asked. “We talk as a team to make sense of it all,” Schultz conveys. “Do we start as quickly as possible? How does the city come into play? Once under construction, how do we handle flows of traffic and customers? How do you not turn away customers if you’re doing a large project? Or if it’s small, how do you shut down certain bays but keep the rest open? How do you get cars in and out? How do you keep service techs happy during construction? How do you sell a better space to them during construction, knowing that they’re going to be inconvenienced a bit?”

Changing the traffic pattern at one shop allowed them to complete an addition to a body shop without forcing the shop to close. “We were able to complete an addition that wrapped two sides of a body shop, and they were able to stay open the entire time,” Zellmer recalls. “Their bays were open the entire time even though we blocked off all but one door into the facility. We just changed the traffic pattern in a way that made sure everyone could still work.”

One dealership could not afford to lose the ability to provide service to their customers, so Langer found a way to arrange it so modification could be done to all of their service bays while keeping some open the entire time. “We built an addition and added service bays. Then we moved one section of service bays, remodeled those and then we moved the other section of service bays, always keeping 22 bays open at any one time,” Zellmer illustrates. Another thing to keep in mind is, if a project is small enough, it can even be done over a weekend.

Because the team knows the automotive business so well, they are prepared and equipped to help businesses do the appropriate modifications to buildings for ADAS work such as putting in a clean room or building a room that meets size requirements for the aiming of cameras and systems.

The Langer Construction team does the designing as well, which streamlines the understanding of what the business needs. We don’t have an architect going in one direction and the business owners going in another. We don’t have budget problems as we are able to manage both the cost and the design at the same time,” according to Zellmer. They will also handle the red tape of whatever city requirements may be involved so the business owner does not have to. “Shop owners may know what they are looking for at their facility, but we’ll navigate with the city to find out what’s allowed, what we can ask for and how to push any boundaries.”

Getting it done really starts with having a goal and a conversation. “We specialize in sitting down with customers early and working through some of these wishes, goals or problems,” adds Schultz. “Whether one seeks solutions for remodeling, service work, or just to shift things around their facility, whatever it may be, bring us on as early as possible and we will figure out the next step.”

Beneath the Hood: What’s Driving Change in 2026

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 12:00:15 GMT

A new year has rolled around, and as we begin 2026, the automotive and collision repair industries are facing continued evolutions at a neck-breaking pace.

What exactly does 2026 have in store for shops, and how can you navigate the market?

It all starts with the vehicles. In recent years, vehicle technology advancements have created challenges across the mechanical and auto body worlds. While federal incentives related to electric vehicles (EVs) expired last year, cooling the demand for these sustainable vehicles, projections still suggest that over a quarter of new passenger vehicle sales could be electric in 2026, necessitating that shops continue to invest in the tools, equipment and training necessary to repair EVs.

This increasing complexity can also be seen in internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles which include more embedded electronics, integrated components and a higher number of ADAS features. All of these computerized systems require calibrations during the repair process. “Scans appeared on nearly 88 percent of DRP estimates, while calibrations rose to more than 35 percent – both notable year-over-year increases,” according to CCC Intelligent Solutions’ 2025 Q4 Crash Course Report (available at cccis.com/reports/crash-course-2025/q4 ). “Repairers have had to adjust workflows, invest in new tools and training and coordinate more tightly with insurers as the electronic and software components of repairs expand.”

Rising costs associated with repairing complex vehicles has led to an increase in total losses, with frequency in 2025 rising to 22.8 percent from 22.1 percent, CCC reports, noting that this is “driven by the increased age of vehicles, a decline in lower severity claims filings and the accumulation of advanced electronics that often tip borderline repairs toward total loss decisions.”

Despite more vehicles being declared total losses, new vehicle sales have seen a downturn in recent months as tariffs on imported vehicles have increased costs by as much as $6,000 on vehicles priced under $40,000. This has caused many consumers to turn to the used car market, though the low inventory of pre-owned vehicles creates its own set of challenges.

With inflation continuing to contribute to increased costs, more drivers are inclined to maintain the vehicles they already own; experts predict that consumer spending will slow down in 2026. This could be great news for mechanical shops as vehicle owners will likely be more willing to invest in vehicle maintenance…assuming they are properly educated on how that will benefit them in the long run. But the cost of repairs can be a detriment to their decision as well. The 2025 Cox Automotive Service Industry Study discovered that consumers are more likely to consider trading their vehicle in if the repair cost exceeds $3,195.

On the collision side, ever-increasing insurance premiums may make drivers more reluctant to file claims with their insurers, leading them to ignore the need for what they see as minor cosmetic repairs. For shops to thrive in 2026 and beyond, there is a great need to educate consumers on their vehicles and help them understand what is going on beneath the hood, beyond what their eyes may see.

That need for education begins at home with shops investing in acquiring training for their technicians to perform repairs properly, according to OEM procedures, as well as by ensuring repair planners and service advisors are equipped with the knowledge to explain the needed repairs or maintenance items to customers.

After the sale, it’s also vital that shops exceed customers’ expectations in terms of communications, transparency and timeliness of repairs. Losing their vehicle while it’s in the shop presents a major inconvenience for most drivers, so utilizing digital interactions to keep them apprised of the progress of repairs can be a major benefit to the business, and many shops are implementing artificial intelligence (AI) to augment staff capacity as they struggle with the ongoing workforce shortage.

With reduced staff plaguing many facilities, efficiency remains a hot topic as shops seek out ways to repair more with fewer technicians. For some, this means seeking out more qualified help, but it’s equally important to retain the staff already in place. Creating a positive work environment and culture that focuses on training demonstrates that a shop owner is willing to invest in their team. The days of “pay more and they will come” are long gone. Today’s employees want to know that their work matters and is appreciated, and innovative employers show their commitment to their teams in a variety of ways.

Offering benefits that can be found in other industries – health insurance, 401(k) retirement plans and sufficient paid time off – is no longer an option; it’s necessary if you want to develop a workplace that inspires dedication and longevity. There are many other ways to incentivize employees to work more efficiently, but a long-ignored issue came to light in 2025 and will likely continue to gain a foothold in the future.

Burnout is real! Shop owners face burnout as they struggle to do everything a business requires, but team members often face similar challenges. Throughout the industry’s history, mental health has been disregarded, yet this topic was brought to the forefront last year by TAG Auto Group owner Andy Tylka who started promoting the value of mental health resources after learning that “one in four automotive professionals experience mental health conditions, and the suicide rate in the auto industry ranks amongst the highest of any industry.”

Also learning that 80 percent of workers suggested that support for mental health could improve their performance at work, Tylka founded Brake the Stigma ( brakethestigma.com ) to raise awareness, provide support, empower employers and advocate for change.

Shop owners can support their teams in myriad ways, and when it comes to supporting their businesses, marketing remains a vital component of a shop’s success, as demonstrated in an AASPMN News August 2025 feature which provides tips for marketing in today’s digital era (available at grecopublishing.com/aasp0825coverstory ).

Most importantly, automotive and collision repairers need to remember that things are shifting constantly, so when the business gets hard, being willing to embrace change can make all the difference. What are you going to do differently in 2026?

AASPMN Day at the Capitol

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 12:00:15 GMT

AASPMN works year-round to uphold the existing laws that help and protect member businesses, educate members on the laws and fight for or against legislative changes through our robust lobbying efforts.

This legislative cycle there are three primary areas of activity that are being addressed. Your support, both by participating at our Day at the Capitol event or financially, is greatly appreciated to help advance these efforts.

On March 3, AASPMN will arrange meetings between lawmakers from the House and Senate, and their AASPMN member constituents. During these meetings our member constituents will share their top concerns, and details on AASPMN’s legislative agenda, which includes:

AASPMN bill to improve 72A.201, specifically regarding supplement process misuse by insurance companies with time delays and denials of required operations, including a new legal pathway to hold insurance companies accountable and enforce Minnesota’s strong insurance laws.
Remind lawmakers that employers need a clear way to contest paid leave claims to prevent fraud.
General introductions and “Thank you” to build relationships for future requests from shops.

If you are interested in participating in AASPMN’s Day at the Capitol, contact Linden Wicklund at linden@aaspmn.org or (612) 623-1110.

Change of Date for the AASPMN Leadership Conference & Annual Meeting

Please note the dates for the 2026 AASPMN Leadership Conference and Annual Meeting have changed to April 29 and 30 . Last month, AASPMN announced the dates as March 30 and 31, but shortly thereafter discovered conflicts with those days. The event will be held at Mystic Lake Center & Casino in Prior Lake.

Things are coming together for a great day-and-a-half event. Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect to see at the conference. More details and registration information to follow.

Day 1

8am – 4pm: Registration Open
9am – 9:30am: Coffee with vendors
9:30am – 9:40am: Opening remarks
9:40am – 10:55am: Opening Keynote and Panel Discussion: Adaptability and Accountability with Dr. Melissa Furman and panelists (four leaders from AASPMN member companies)
11am – 12pm: Morning Breakout Sessions: three classes to choose from, including collision, mechanical and leadership topics
12pm – 1:30pm: Lunch and Annual Meeting
1:45pm – 2:45pm: Afternoon Breakout Sessions: three classes to choose from, including collision, mechanical and leadership topics
3pm – 5pm: Roundtable discussions: 10 topics led by MN industry leaders (Attendees will participate in four topics for 25 minutes each)
5pm – 6:30pm : Happy Hour and Vendor Showcase

Day 2

8am – 11am: Registration Open
8:30am – 9am: Morning coffee and networking
9am – 11:30am: Workshops – Three separate workshops that are 2.5 hours each with topics including AI, mechanical shop growth, collision estimating and more.
11:45am – 3pm: Committee Meetings – Let us know if you would like to join a committee!

AASPMN Rolls Out New Online Community

AASPMN recently rolled out its new CRM system (online community) for members to enjoy. The new system allows registrants to update their user/shop profile, register for events, participate in industry group discussions, search the member directory and more! AASPMN members also have access to exclusive “Members Only” content, such as our Resource Library and new Career Center (coming soon)!

AASPMN members are encouraged to login using the credentials provided by AASPMN and update their profile today!

AASPMN’s Automotive Scholarships Up for Grabs

AASPMN will be awarding up to $20,000 in scholarships to select students enrolled in post-secondary automotive service or collision repair programs. Scholarship awards will be $500 - $2,000 per student and can be applied toward tuition or tool purchases.

Applicants must be enrolled in a Minnesota-based ASE-accredited automotive program in the fall of 2026. Applications will be reviewed by a committee of industry representatives, with consideration given to scholastic achievement, education, career goals, financial need and written recommendations. Applications must be submitted electronically or postmarked no later than March 31, 2026.

Applications must be completed and submitted online at automotivescholarships.com/scholarships/ alliance . Online submissions give students the opportunity to compete for several different awards, including those offered by the University of the Aftermarket Foundation Scholarship Committee and over 40 other automotive aftermarket organizations and companies. Specific requirements for each organization’s awards can be found at automotivescholarships.com .

AASPMN’s Automotive Education Fund was established in 2002 to provide financial resources to support automotive students, enhance automotive programs and raise awareness of career opportunities in the independent automotive service industry. Since that time, nearly $365,000 has been invested in student scholarships, SkillsUSA and automotive education programs throughout the state. In 2016, AASPMN’s efforts to attract a future workforce expanded significantly with the creation of Minnesota Careers in Automotive Repair and Service (MNCARS), a statewide marketing and outreach initiative to encourage high school students to pursue an education and career in the automotive service and collision repair industry. Visit carcareers.org to learn more.

Year-Long Sponsorships Support AASPMN’s Educational Programs & Other Activities in 2026

Sponsorships for AASPMN events and activities in 2026 are now available. Sponsors are rewarded with increased visibility and recognition within the AASPMN membership and industry at large. It’s a great way to stand out, expand marketing dollars and connect with the best shops in the industry.

Recently, AASPMN asked for year-long program sponsorships from its Associate members and other industry vendors to help support educational programs and other activities in 2026. Sponsorships help AASPMN deliver the quality programs members expect and keep registration fees affordable.

To date, the following companies have made sponsorship commitments:

PREMIER

MN ADAS

PLATINUM

LKQ Minnesota

Lube-Tech

Optimize Digital Marketing

GOLD

3M Automotive

PPG Automotive Finishes

SILVER

Apple Ford White Bear Lake

Axalta Coating Systems

Enterprise Mobility

O’Reilly Auto Parts

Sherwin Williams

Suburban GM Parts

BRONZE

aaa Auto Parts

C.H.E.S.S.

Dentsmart PDR

Gallagher

Langer Construction

Precision Diagnostics

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor in 2026, contact the office at (612) 623-1110 or aasp@aaspmn.org .

2026 Membership Dues Are Due!

If you have not yet paid your 2026 membership dues, PLEASE do so today. Your timely payment will save AASPMN the additional cost and time incurred with re-billing and other collection efforts. We’d much rather be working on programs and initiatives to improve the automotive service industry – and your business. Thank you!

Legislative Session Looms Amidst Chaos in Minnesota

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 12:00:25 GMT

The 2026 legislative session is scheduled to begin on February 17.

AASPMN is planning to host another Day at the Capitol event with members on March 3. We anticipate having a hearing in the Senate Commerce Committee on that same day on our priority piece of legislation, Senate File 2209. This event will be most impactful with a strong presence from our membership, so please consider attending if you are able to join us. Please reach out to Linden Wicklund at linden@aaspmn.org or Sam Richie at srichie@larkinhoffman.com for more information.

Governor Walz Drops Reelection Bid

Minnesota has been in the national news as of late for multiple reasons. First, Governor Tim Walz announced in early January that he will not seek reelection in 2026, immediately changing the political dynamic for the race for the Governor’s seat. Speculation is intensifying that Senator Amy Klobuchar may consider a run for Governor, which would provide the DFL with as strong a candidate as possible given her electoral track record in statewide races. While Klobuchar has not made any public announcement, the volume of political and donor chatter around this possibility has increased notably, and it is beginning to shape early strategic conversations around the 2026 statewide landscape.

We will continue monitoring how these dynamics evolve and what they mean for Minnesota’s delegation, federal funding priorities and the broader political environment.

Federal Government Orders ICE Presence in Minnesota

Secretary Kristi Noem announced that the Department of Homeland Security would be dispatching approximately 2,000 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers to Minnesota. The influx of ICE operations in Minnesota was quickly met with concern and opposition from Gov. Tim Walz and multiple local elected officials. That tension turned tragic when, on the morning of January 7, 2026, news broke of an ICE officer shooting and killing a Minneapolis resident, Renee Good.

The incident, which was recorded by numerous individuals, has been a lightning rod for an ongoing political debate and has touched off protests locally and across the country. Gov. Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey are urging restraint in the hope of avoiding a civil unrest. However, the tension shows no sign of decreasing as Secretary Noem and other Trump Administration officials continue to demonize immigrant communities and shift the focus of the shooting from the officer involved to the victim herself and protesters in general.

How this issue resolves remains to be seen, but the political fallout has been wide ranging and will continue to impact the 2026 legislative session in ways we cannot yet predict.

Legislative Calendar Set; Deadlines and Recesses Announced

State legislative leaders announced the committee deadlines for the upcoming 2026 legislative session. As with previous sessions, there are three deadlines for legislation to meet specific milestones, with the first and second being on the same day. Deadlines are as follows:

Friday, March 27 at 5pm: Committees must act favorably on bills in both the house of origin and committees must act favorably on bills, or companions of bills, that met the first deadline in the other body.
Friday, April 17 at 5pm: Committees must act favorably on major appropriation and finance bills.

These deadlines do not apply to the capital investment, tax or Ways & Means/Finance committees.

Legislative leaders also announced the schedule for legislative breaks, including:

The Eid break begins on Thursday, March 19 at 8am and the legislature will resume activities on Friday, March 20 at 8am.
The Easter/Passover break is scheduled to begin on March 27 at 5pm. The Legislature will resume activities on Tuesday, April 7 at 8am.

The 2026 legislative session begins February 17, 2026 and the legislature will adjourn no later than May 18, 2026.

Winter and Q1: Here for Real

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 17:34:04 GMT

Finally, we are seeing some real winter weather and the business boost that comes with it!

Two very mild winters, compounded with other factors, have taken their toll on car counts. Quarter One (Q1) is also in full swing, which means finalizing the books from 2025 and setting into motion plans for 2026. Politics are certainly adding a layer of complexity to daily activities for some shops and customers right now. Overall, the level of business uncertainty that existed at this time last year was much worse, so businesses can now start to plan further out.

In this month’s feature article—and in a recent collision workshop—AASPMN takes a closer look at industry forecasting to help shops plan for the year ahead. During her January 14 workshop, Kristen Felder shared data showing that collision car counts have been declining by about 5% annually and are expected to continue falling. As vehicle technology advances, the industry could see an overall reduction of more than 30% in collision repair jobs. Smaller claims, which often deliver higher profit margins, are being affected the most. Mechanical shops are also experiencing shifts in job patterns as vehicle technology evolves. Together, these changes are reshaping staffing needs, shop capabilities, and the physical footprint of today’s automotive businesses.

When AASPMN surveyed members in Q4 of 2025, the projections of where shops expected to be in five years were particularly telling. Around 50 percent of shops are looking to expand the scope and size of their business, while simultaneously losing top talent that is critical for profitability. Managing those two things in concert takes active planning. The number of shops that will be changing hands is also staggering. Twenty-five percent of owners are looking to purchase another location with almost that many looking to sell. Shops cannot be reactive and expect to be thriving in five years.

Selling business: 18 percent
Purchasing an additional shop: 25 percent
Expanding the size or capabilities of your business: 48 percent
Retirements of top talent/key employees: 41 percent
Hiring to increase the size of your team: 59 percent

To help members navigate these changes, AASPMN has a full year of education, networking, and new member benefits planned. If you’re not already a member—or know a shop that isn’t—keep in mind that membership dues often pay for themselves quickly when shops apply what they learn and take advantage of available savings. In many cases, just one repair done differently can generate more than the cost of membership.

The AASPMN Leadership Conference and Annual Meeting is the largest gathering of members each year, so it is the most important benefit to participate in. April 29-30 at Mystic Lake Center , industry leaders will be gathering to network, compare notes, learn and meet with suppliers. This year will be a deep dive into what it takes to grow your business in today’s world, including future staffing, AI implementation, buying or selling a shop, profitability in estimates and repair orders and more. Adaptability and accountability will be the overarching themes that provide the mindset and tactical skills needed for leaders and shops to thrive.

I look forward to seeing you at the conference and throughout the year!

Future Techs on Training Wheels

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 12:00:20 GMT

Inside AASPMN & MNCARS’ EV Scholarship Program

“The automotive and collision repair industries need more young people to choose this career path, but no one wants to repair cars anymore!”

If you’ve been involved in this field for any length of time, you’ve surely heard some variation of this complaint, and though there are a multitude of organizations around the country lending their support to this growing dilemma in hopes of alleviating the workforce shortage shops are facing, the majority of these efforts focus the high school and college age groups. But by the time students have reached this stage in their education, many already have a clear vision of what their futures look like!

So, what’s the alternative? Reach them when they’re younger!

In late 2024, AASPMN and Minnesota Careers in Auto Repair and Service (MNCARS) launched a $50,000 Electric Vehicle (EV) Scholarship Program in partnership with Infento and H2I Group, helping to fund the installation of innovative STEM construction kits in schools throughout Minnesota. Ten schools benefitted from this program in 2025, but the truly exciting aspect is that these kits are inspiring consideration of an automotive career in children at younger ages than ever before!

Alexandra Jones utilizes the Infento Pro Kit in her fifth and sixth grade science classes at Bold Middle School (Olivia). “I incorporated the lessons learning about technology and engineering,” she explains. “All of my students have enjoyed using the kits and working together to build different things. Each student was given a job – whether it was putting things together or finding the right pieces to correctly complete the project. My students who used them last year are already asking when we will be building one of the larger pieces. My new fifth grade students are also eager to get started because they saw the students from last year testing out the scooters they built and rode in the school hallways.”

It’s pretty electrifying (pun intended) to envision 10-year-olds experimenting in the automotive world, but this initiative is reaching students who are even younger! Melissa Pedersen teaches second grade – YES, that means seven and eight year olds! – at Weaver Lake Elementary in Maple Grove.

“I use these bikes in connection with Minnesota’s second grade standards around force and motion,” she shares. Students use the Pro Kits to explore phenomena and engineering problems, being given ample opportunity to ask questions about their observations and the object’s motion before investigating how it works and analyzing the empirical evidence to better understand it. The study of physical science is incorporated as students “identify and predict quantitative patterns of the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces on the motion of an object.” The project also incorporates mathematics to “represent physical variations and their relationships,” comparing their calculations to real-world expressions.

“My students are very engaged with these bikes,” Pedersen reports. “I have designed the lessons so that one second grade class puts together half of the bike and then another class continues where they left off in order to finish the bikes in two days. We do these bike builds as an in-house field trip. Students build bikes all day with breaks for their lunch/recess and specialists’ classes. It really helped these younger students stay in the mindset of building bikes so that they were able to get farther along in the build process. There was also less set up and clean up. Once the bikes are built (though I often need to finish up a few), students come back to ride the bikes. We only build the bike called Caterpillar, because it fits the ability level of the students and also the visual of unbalanced and balanced forces while riding the bike.”

Other participating schools target an older audience, demonstrating the diversity of the Pro Kit, and AASPMN and MNCARS’ scholarship program accounts for that by providing training for teachers to equip them with the tools and resources needed to guide students through hands-on projects that align with industry standards and workforce needs. By providing teachers with the necessary knowledge and support, the program aims to ensure that students receive high-quality instruction that prepares them for future careers in the automotive industry.

“The educational uses of the Pro Kits are wildly flexible, so they can be implemented for any age group and apply to just about any subject,” AASPMN Executive Director Linden Wicklund says, crediting H2I Group for providing step-by-step instructions that aid teachers in applying the curriculum to their programs.

“We are dedicated to creating inspiring learning environments that prepare students for the future of work,” says Nate Thiesfeld, executive vice president of H2I Group. “This program aligns perfectly with our mission, and we are proud to contribute our expertise in delivering the infrastructure and resources to support Infento’s innovative approach to education. By ensuring that schools have the appropriate facilities and equipment, we can foster an engaging and stimulating learning experience that ignites a lifelong passion for STEM and paves the way for successful careers in the automotive industry.”

Those efforts have gone a long way in helping instructors incorporate the Pro Kits into their curriculum. “It is not too difficult to teach the curriculum due to having upper elementary students,” Jones insists. “They are really great with problem solving and helping each other even if they are not in the same group. It does get tricky when some groups fall behind with the time limit I have in place for them.”

But as the students’ age decreases, the difficulty increases. Fortunately, teachers are equipped with problem-solving strategies themselves. “These bikes were quite difficult to use at the elementary level,” Pedersen admits, but she found a solution. “In order to help the students be successful, I modified the instructions. I went through and leveled the directions with more information so that the materials were easier to find. I labeled the many bins and then marked on the instructions where to find that piece and what it was called. That way, students did not spend their time searching for the right part. I have also color-coded the bins, so students continue to go to the bins that they are using. That way, there is a better chance that the students are not using other groups’ materials.”

And those materials are pretty impressive! The Pro Kits include real tools and materials for students to use. “The quality of the tools and supplies provided are overall really great,” Jones praises. “We have had some things break due to pieces getting stuck due to not correctly following directions, but we have learned to slow down and look at each piece with better observation skills.”

“The quality of the materials is great!” Pedersen agrees. “I love that it can withstand mistakes and can be modified quickly. I was also told during my orientation that the materials are things that can be found at any hardware store, which is wonderful since it is very easy to lose things while in a school setting; however, we have done a great job keeping track of our materials so far.”

Wicklund particularly appreciates the high-quality tools and materials since it means “the kits will be useful for many years once a school has them.”

“Infento’s EV Pro Kits are powerful tools for schools to help support their students in developing the skills that are essential for the future of the automotive industry,” Max Ringelheim, Infento head of operations believes. “By engaging students in hands-on learning, we can inspire a new generation of engineers, technicians and innovators who are passionate about electric vehicles and their potential to shape the future of transportation. Through our kits, students can develop critical thinking, creativity, communication and collaboration skills, which are invaluable in any industry, particularly in the rapidly-evolving world of automotive technology.”

Wicklund is most impressed by the kits’ ability to reach a broader audience of potential future automotive and collision professionals. “By the time a student reaches high school, they are self-selecting into programs, but with the Pro Kits being utilized by younger students, we have the opportunity to excite and engage a wider array of children who likely haven’t settled on a future career and may have never considered an automotive career without this exposure.

“When we get these items in students’ hands, they start thinking about building things and will hopefully consider an automotive career path,” she continues. “And by reaching them at a younger age – before there’s gender or socio-economic bias – we have a chance to diversify and expand our industry’s future workforce!”

Funding still remains to equip another dozen elementary and middle schools with the Infento Pro Kits, but Wicklund hopes to expand the program even further through support from automotive and collision shops. Email linden@aaspmn.org for more information about how your shop can connect with and support a local school to help make pathways to a future industry career feel more accessible.

Learn more about MNCARS and its efforts at carcareers.org .

Happy New Year

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 12:00:14 GMT

Association Updates

AASPMN Leadership Conference & Annual Meeting Announced

AASPMN is excited to announce its Leadership Conference & Annual Meeting will take place March 30 - 31, 2026 at the Mystic Lake Center & Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, Minnesota.

This two-day event will deliver practical, real-world guidance along with forward-looking insights into the key trends and challenges shaping the future of automotive service and collision repair businesses.

In addition to a strong lineup of educational sessions, attendees will have plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow shop owners, industry leaders and vendors during dedicated networking events, including a vendor happy hour featuring the latest products and services.

More details will be shared soon – stay tuned!

We Need You - Act Now!

AASPMN urgently needs committed automotive industry professionals to step forward and help lead the association in the coming years. Open positions are available on the Board of Directors and multiple Advisory Committees , and your participation is critical to advancing and protecting our industry.

The deadline to nominate yourself or a colleague is February 15 – and it’s approaching fast. To be considered, a candidate must be nominated by five or more Regular Members . The Nominating Committee may also put forward qualified candidates. If only one nomination is received for an open Board seat by February 15, that individual will be automatically elected . If more than one candidate is nominated, an electronic ballot will be distributed to Regular Members by March 10 .

Several seats are also open on the Collision, Mechanical and Associate Advisory Committees , as well as the Governmental & Regulatory Affairs Committee . These committees play a vital role in representing member interests and shaping industry policy—your voice matters.

If you’re willing to serve, or know someone who should, don’t wait . Contact the Nominating Committee Chair or the AASPMN office by February 15 :

Aaron Swanson, Nominating Committee Chair
(612) 817-9651 | aarons@minorautogroup.com

AASPMN Office
(612) 623-1110 | aasp@aaspmn.org

Important:

Only representatives of member businesses performing collision work may be nominated for Collision Division seats, and only representatives of member businesses performing auto service work may be nominated for Mechanical Division seats. Step up. Speak out. Help lead AASPMN.

AASPMN Day at the Capitol March 3, 2026

Join the AASPMN lobbying team and other members to advocate for Minnesota’s independent shops. Collision and mechanical shops are encouraged to participate to help advance current AASPMN bills and build critical relationships with lawmakers.

For more information, please email linden@aaspmn.org .

Automotive Scholarships Available

AASPMN is awarding scholarships to outstanding students enrolled in post-secondary automotive programs focused on auto service or collision repair . Scholarship awards range from $500 to $1,500 per student and may be applied toward tuition or tool purchases .

To be eligible, applicants must be enrolled in a Minnesota-based, ASE-accredited automotive program in the fall of 2026 .

Applications will be reviewed by a committee of industry professionals, with selections based on academic achievement, career goals, financial need, and written recommendations.

The application deadline is March 31, 2026 . Applications must be submitted electronically or postmarked by this date.

Students are encouraged to apply online at: automotivescholarships.com/scholarships/alliance . Online applicants are automatically considered for multiple scholarship opportunities , including awards from the University of the Aftermarket Foundation Scholarship Committee and more than 40 additional automotive aftermarket organizations and companies . Specific eligibility requirements for each scholarship can be found at automotivescholarships.com . A printable application is also available by emailing the AASPMN office at aasp@aaspmn. org.

Established in 2002, the Automotive Education Fund supports automotive students, strengthens training programs and promotes career opportunities within the independent automotive service industry. To date, more than $360,000 has been invested in student scholarships, SkillsUSA, and automotive education initiatives across Minnesota.

In 2016, AASPMN further expanded workforce development efforts with the launch of Minnesota Careers in Automotive Repair and Service (MNCARS) – a statewide outreach program designed to encourage high school students to explore careers in automotive service and collision repair. Learn more at carcareers.org .

Sponsorship Support Needed for AASPMN Education & Events in 2026

Sponsorship opportunities are now open for AASPMN’s 2026 education programs and events. Sponsor support plays a vital role in allowing the association to deliver high-quality programming while keeping registration costs affordable for members.

Sponsors receive valuable exposure and recognition throughout the year, increasing visibility within the AASPMN membership and the automotive industry as a whole. Sponsorship is an effective way to maximize marketing dollars, strengthen brand awareness and build meaningful connections with leading shops across the state.

We would like to thank the following companies that have already committed to sponsoring AASPMN activities in 2026:

aaa Auto Parts
Complete Health, Environmental & Safety Services
(C.H.E.S.S.)
Langer Construction
LKQ – Minnesota

Companies interested in sponsoring this year’s events can find additional information at: aaspmn.org/sponsors or by contacting the AASPMN office at (612) 623-1110.

AASPMN Hosts Claims Trends & Strategies Workshop

On January 14, AASPMN will host “Claims Trends & Strategies” at APH Headquarters in St. Cloud. The evening workshop, presented by Kristen Felder of Collision Hub, will dive deep into the claims and economic factors impacting total losses and what strategies shops can use to ensure this does not become disappearing profits.

Understanding the dynamics of human interactions is a critical basis for negotiations. Attendees will learn the meaning behind certain behaviors and some techniques to shift the dialogue and feelings around their estimate. Participants will leave better prepared to start and close negotiations with anyone, specifically insurance companies.

2026 Membership Dues Are Now Due

Annual membership renewal invoices were mailed on January 1 . Prompt payment helps AASPMN avoid additional administrative costs associated with re-billing and collection efforts.

By paying on time, you allow us to focus our resources where they matter most – on programs and initiatives that strengthen the automotive service industry and support your business.

Thank you for your continued membership and support of AASPMN.

Discussions of Fraud Remain Front and Center

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 12:00:05 GMT

Legislative Update

Amidst national scrutiny and continued concerns over reports of fraud within state programs, Governor Tim Walz held a press conference to announce a new fraud-prevention program in Minnesota. In doing so, Gov. Walz announced the appointment of Judge Tim O’Malley as the state’s new Director of Program Integrity.

Currently the interim chief judge of the Court of Administrative Hearings, O’Malley previously served as the superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) under Gov. Tim Pawlenty. O’Malley also previously served as director of Ministerial Standards and Safe Environment with the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis to lead efforts promoting child protection and clergy accountability.

Gov. Walz also announced the state’s engagement of WayPoint, Inc., a Minnesota-based professional service firm of former law enforcement and federal special agents specializing in forensic accounting, financial investigations, health care compliance and investigations, and tax litigation support.

The issue of fraud in state programs has been getting more attention in the run up to the 2026 legislative session and has forced additional messaging and attention from Democrats. Republican lawmakers have made fraud the centerpiece of their political messaging and will likely continue to do so in 2026.

Gov. Walz Returns to Discussion of Gun Control

In addition to the discussion of fraud, Gov. Walz also discussed his intentions to promote a series of gun control measures in advance of the 2026 legislative session. He said he plans to take “incredibly aggressive executive actions.” He was critical of some legislators and blamed them for a lack of legislative action this fall. The governor did not outline specific proposals, but made it clear that this will be a priority for him heading into 2026.

After the high profile shootings in Minnesota this summer and fall, DFL lawmakers have advocated for additional gun safety measures at the state level. Given the narrow majority DFL lawmakers have in the Senate and the ongoing tie in the House, no legislation will be able to pass without Republican support. What these gun-related bills look like remains to be seen, but you can expect any legislation to face serious opposition when lawmakers consider them in St. Paul.

Minnesota Political News and Updates

As we look toward the 2026 legislative session and the 2026 elections, the political landscape continues to evolve as individuals announce retirements or new political endeavors. The following are a few recent developments:

Steve Drazkowski (R-Mazeppa) announced that he will not run for office again next year. Drazkowski served in the Minnesota House of Representatives from 2007-2023 and has served one term as a State Senator. He is known as a conservative voice at the Legislature and has served on several different committees throughout his tenure, including taxes, transportation, agriculture and education.
MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell formally announced he is running for governor of Minnesota as a Republican. He joins a dozen other Republican candidates hoping to deny Gov. Walz a third term. In total, 22 candidates are currently running for governor in 2026.
Ramsey County Commissioner Raphel Ortega, the longest serving member of the Ramsey County Board, announced that he will not seek re-election in 2026. Ortega has been a county commissioner since 1994 and is currently serving as chair of the board. Saint Paul City Council President Rebecca Noecker announced just days earlier her intent to seek Ortega’s seat and state Rep. María Isa Pérez-Vega (DFL-St. Paul) announced her candidacy to fill the seat.

What’s in Store for 2026?

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 15:07:19 GMT

A Message From AASPMN

I’m hoping last year ended to your satisfaction. We business owners are always trying to do better than we have in the past and 2025 presented some challenges. A low car count was the major problem for shops across the industry. Mechanical shops struggled with this in the beginning of the year, while collision shops had a second lull in the fall with steering issues. Two warm winters have taken their toll. Thankfully, we are welcoming a real Minnesota winter to “jump start” us into the new year.

Now that 2025 is in the rear-view mirror, what is in store for us in 2026? Owning an automotive business in Minnesota offers many advantages, including a strong demand for services. The necessity for transportation, the all-time high number of registered vehicles and the oldest average vehicle age in history ensures a steady demand for our services. Market dynamics suggest a trend of customers increasingly relying on independents over dealerships, wanting a more personal transaction. All we have to do is some forecasting and some planning to make this a great year.

To get ready for this year, we need to review our marketing, evaluate the current staff, keep vendors in check and take a good look at our facilities. Are there processes that need updating or creating? Oh yeah, that elephant in the room: AI. How are we going to use it and other new technologies that keep coming? Strategically addressing these things can help us thrive this year.

I know, that all sounds great, but how do we do all this? The best way is by making sure you are connected to a group of like-minded business owners to network with.

This group, The Alliance, is just that.

Network and learn from other shop leaders as they navigate similar strategy questions. Search the member directory to find new connections to reach out to. Coming soon, there will be a private forum for members to ask questions, share ideas, and gather new insights into what is working in the Minnesota market.

Make sure you have aasp@aaspmn.org saved as a trusted sender, so you don’t miss any critical updates on new opportunities. We look forward to seeing you at an AASPMN event this year!

Mark your calendar for the AASPMN Leadership Conference & Annual Meeting, March 30-31, 2026, Mystic Lake Center & Casino Hotel, Prior Lake!

The Pros and Cons of PFML

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 14:27:58 GMT

Effective January 1, 2026, Minnesota law mandates that all businesses must offer Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) to employees.

Since most small businesses – including mechanical and collision repair shops – have never dealt with this process before, it’s not surprising that many have questions and concerns about how this new law will impact their businesses. AASPMN News is here to provide some important information and help shops take a look at the pros and cons of PFML

So, what exactly is PFML? It is a type of insurance that protects employees when the need for longer-term absences arise due to serious medical conditions (theirs or a family member’s) or to bond with a new child. “Paid leave is broken into two categories – 1) medical leave (including pregnancy or recovery from childbirth) and 2) all other leave,” explains AASPMN Lobbyist Sam Richie (Larkin Hoffman). “Workers may take up to 12 weeks per benefit year in each of the two categories, but workers who need leave from both categories will be capped at 20 weeks in a benefit year.”

Who pays for PFML? Paid leave premiums will be funded by both employers and employees through an increase in the payroll tax. The amount paid depends on the size of the business and the individual employee’s salary. The total premium for large employers (those with more than 30 employees) will be 0.88 percent of the worker’s salary, which can be divided equally between the company and the employee; the employer is required to pay at least 0.44 percent of the premium.

According to the 2025 AASPMN Membership Survey, over 80 percent of respondents indicated that they employ no more than 25 employees, which means the majority of association members fortunately fall into the category of “small employer” (30 or fewer employees). Under the Minnesota law, the premium for small employers is reduced to 0.66 percent with the employer paying at least 0.22 percent while employees pay up to 0.44 percent.

Employers can begin deducting the employee portion of the tax on January 1 when the benefits become available, but the employee portion will be paid quarterly with the first payment being due on April 30, 2026, based on first quarter wages. Employers can estimate the amount of taxes they can anticipate at bit.ly/PFMLtaxcalculator . Additionally, employers are required to continue funding their portion of the employee’s healthcare insurance premiums.

Beyond the explicit costs associated with PFML, the extended absence of a key employee can certainly be viewed as a major concern as shops may be challenged to balance staffing on top of the ongoing technician shortage; however, because PFML pays a portion of the employee’s wages while they’re on leave, the employer is not responsible for wage replacement (though they have the option of paying the difference in wages which can further boost loyalty and retention). Employers can reallocate these funds to hire temporary assistance or to offer overtime to existing staff. Small employers can also apply for an assistance grant to help offset some of these costs with grants of up to $3,000 per leave ($6,000 per employer) available.

Although the state’s requirement admittedly adds to a business’s expenses, creating a statewide pool of shared premiums minimizes those costs in comparison to private plans which are often more cost-prohibitive. Currently, less than a quarter of Minnesota employees have access to this vital job protection with significant disparities based on certain demographics, including employer size. PFML is often omitted from benefit packages industry-wide. Only four percent of respondents to the Society of Collision Repair Specialists’ 2023 Collision Technician Survey were offered paid family leave. With shops struggling to maintain their existing workforce – and facing even greater challenges to expand it – it’s important to remember that you’re competing against other industries that have offered this vital benefit for years. Subpar benefits are often a major barrier for those considering a career in this field.

On the flip side, offering a comprehensive benefit package has been proven to improve employee retention, ultimately increasing loyalty and productivity while reducing turnover costs, which can be particularly high for repair shops that invest so much time, energy and funding into ensuring staff is well trained. PFML is just another investment into your team, and the return on this investment is well worth it – ensuring employees feel valued by demonstrating this type of concern for their wellbeing and that of their families provides a lot of positives in the long run. There’s no denying that this industry can be particularly rough on the body, causing employees to develop physical problems that inhibit their ability to perform the tasks demanded of them.

Even though it may be painful in the short term to lose a team member while they’re recovering from surgery, ensuring they have the ability to address their physical ailments immediately will allow them to return to work quicker than if they delay their medical needs, causing their situation to worsen; getting the care they need early may even reduce the length of their absence! On the opposite end of the spectrum, there have been cases where employees who were unable to obtain necessary medical care saw such a negative impact on their health that they decided to switch careers or retire early.

But is it possible for an employee to abuse PFML? It’s possible…but studies show that abuse of PFML is extremely rare. Although an eligible employee can apply for leave yearly, they must meet certain qualification requirements each time, including providing medical documentation to prove their need. And in the event that fraud occurs, the penalties can be extremely expensive for the person who misused the insurance. Besides, since you’re going to do everything in your power to become an employer of choice, why would anyone on your team want to jeopardize their standing just to spend a couple weeks watching reruns of old sitcoms?!

Could PFML become an added inconvenience? Possibly. But employees are people, who come with “all the inconveniences of being human,” AASPMN Executive Director Linden Wicklund points out. But recognizing each person’s humanity allows employers to make a lot of progress in bettering the industry’s reputation. “When employers are understanding of their employees’ situations and respect the need for work/life balance, it can result in enhanced loyalty from those employees and a desire to work even harder to achieve the business goal.”

If your shop hasn’t already made plans to prepare for the rollout of PFML, the time is NOW!

“Employers can still choose to go with a private plan on a quarterly basis; however, as previously mentioned, they will need to have coverage in place beginning January 1. If an employer wants to return to the state program after going with a private plan, they must wait until the end of their approved private plan’s coverage period (typically the plan year) and then rejoin the state program for the next year,” explains William Knopick of Gallagher, AASPMN’s endorsed health insurance broker.

“Previous states that administer PFML have a bumpy track record of delayed payments, and we expect the experience in Minnesota to be similar,” he warned, pointing out that the state “also has zero experience processing claims, so we expect a heavy influx at the beginning of the year. Businesses should also note that certain private carriers are offering two-year rate guarantees. The state’s only guidance for next year is that the rate will not exceed 1.2 percent. We expect it to land around 1.1 percent.” Member shops can contact Knopick to learn more about the available options, (612) 412-3041 or email William_knopick@ajg.com .

Alternately, businesses must now enroll in the state’s plan (at paidleave.mn.gov ) by the end of this month or face significant penalties for failing to comply with the law. The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce offers all the information needed and a plethora of resources related to PFML (available at bit.ly/MN-PFML ). Additionally, AASPMN member shops can also turn to the team at Larkin Hoffman for specific advice on how to manage this at a discounted rate.

Of course, learning to navigate PFML is only one of the ever-changing challenges related to managing the automotive and collision repair workforce. Stay tuned to future editions of AASPMN News as we explore some additional challenges shops face and how they can contend with the ups and downs of staffing.

Happy Holidays from AASPMN

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 11:00:07 GMT

Association Updates

We Need You!

AASPMN is looking for automotive industry professionals who are interested in advancing the industry by serving in leadership positions on the AASPMN board of directors and advisory committees in 2026.

Several positions will be open on the Collision, Mechanical and Associate Advisory Committees, as well as the Government & Regulatory Affairs Committee. There will also be seats on the AASPMN Board of Directors.

Volunteer service is a fantastic way for AASPMN members to get more involved in the organization, influence the direction of projects and priorities, and positively change the association and the industry.

If you have a personal interest or would like to nominate someone else, contact the Nominating Committee Chair Aaron Swanson at (612) 817-9651 or aswanson7575@icloud.com or the AASPMN office at (612) 623-1110 or aasp@aaspmn.org . Nominations must be received by February 15, 2026.

Current Board Members & Term Expiration Date

Randy Notto, Lenfer Automotive & Transmission , President – 3/31/27

Aaron Swanson, CARSTAR Collision, Immediate Past President – 3/31/26

Brandon Wistrom, Deano’s Collision & Mechanical, Secretary/Treasurer – 3/31/27

Andrea Ossowski, Blue Rock Refinishing Solutions, Associate Division Director – 3/31/28

Shannon Christian, Shannon’s Auto Body, Collision Division Director – 3/31/26

Ashlan Kaplan, Cannon Auto Repair, Mechanical Division Director – 3/31/27

Scott Miller, Collision Specialists, Collision Seat – 3/31/27

Dan Gleason, Pro-Tech Auto Repair, Mechanical Seat – 3/31/26

Greg Kasel, Downtown Tire & Auto, Mechanical Seat – 3/31/28

AASPMN Announces 24th Annual

Race for Automotive Education

The 24th Annual Race for Automotive Education is planned for February 23 – 26, 2026 at ProKart Indoor Racing in Burnsville. The event serves as the Alliance’s primary fundraiser for its Automotive Education Fund, which provides financial resources to support automotive students, enhance automotive programs and raise awareness of career opportunities in the automotive service industry. Since its start, the fund has disbursed over $360,000 directly to students and automotive programs through the association’s scholarship program and Skills USA competition.

AASPMN members and other industry supporters will organize teams to compete in karts racing at speeds up to 40-miles per hour. When the final checkered flag waves, the Race for Automotive Education is expected to raise up to $15,000, which is earmarked to fund scholarships for students enrolled in ASE-accredited automotive program (collision repair or auto service) in the state of Minnesota. Scholarship awards will be announced in the spring of 2026.

Sponsorship Support Needed for AASPMN Education & Events

Sponsorships are now available for AASPMN education and events in 2026. Sponsorships help AASPMN deliver quality programs and keep registration fees affordable. Sponsors are rewarded with increased visibility and recognition within the association’s membership and industry at large. It’s a terrific way to stand out, expand marketing dollars and connect with the best shops in the industry.

Sponsorship package details can be found on the association’s website, aaspmn.org .

A Final Shout-Out to Our 2025 Sponsors

Our sponsors play a key role in our organization. They support us. They provide us with extra resources to deliver exceptional programs, education, and networking opportunities to members. They help us keep our costs and fees reasonable and affordable. Please acknowledge those companies that support us in this way!

PLATINUM

LKQ Minnesota

Lube-Tech

Optimize Digital Marketing

GOLD

Auto Value/Benco Equipment

BASF

NCS/Single Source

PPG Automotive Finishes

SILVER

Axalta Coating Systems

Colonial Life

Enterprise Mobility

O’Reilly Auto Parts

Sherwin Williams

Suburban GM Parts

Vestis

BRONZE

aaa Auto Parts

Apple Ford White Bear Lake

C.H.E.S.S.

Dentsmart PDR

Gallagher

Heartman Insurance

Langer Construction

Precision Diagnostics

2025 Election Recap

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 11:00:27 GMT

The 2025 election cycle in Minnesota had interesting races in the Twin Cities metro area for mayoral and city council races, as well as a pair of special elections for state Senate seats after vacancies arose this summer.

This article will provide a recap of those races as we look to turn the page from election season to the buildup of the 2026 legislative session in St. Paul.

While the national storyline for the 2025 election results may have centered on Democratic wins, the most notable result in Minnesota did not involve partisan politics. Instead, the biggest surprise of the November 4 election was the Saint Paul mayoral race as current Minnesota State Rep. Kaohly Her (DFL-St. Paul) defeated two-term incumbent Mayor Melvin Carter. Her is the first woman and first Hmong American mayor in Saint Paul history. Saint Paul voters also resoundingly supported a ballot initiative providing the city authority to impose administrative sanctions, a tool many described as essential to ensuring public safety and holding out-of-state property owners accountable.

Rep. Her has been serving as the DFL Chair of the House Commerce Committee this biennium and has been a strong supporter of AASPMN’s legislative efforts and will be sorely missed in the state House.

Across the river, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey won his bid for a third term, narrowly beating his closest opponent, current state Sen. Omar Fateh (DFL-Minneapolis), after a second round of tabulation in the election that used ranked choice voting. In the Minneapolis City Council races, all but one incumbent held on to their seat with all 13 wards up for election. In Ward 7, Elizabeth Shaffer unseated incumbent Katie Cashman in what was the city council’s most expensive race. The new member in Ward 5, Pearl Warren, will take the seat vacated by Jeremiah Ellison. Soren Stevenson in Ward 8 and Jamison Whiting in Ward 11 are also new members, filling the vacated seats of Andrea Jenkins (W8) and Emily Koski (W11).

The November 4 election also included special elections for two seats in the Minnesota Senate to replace outgoing members Senator Anderson and Senator Mitchell. There were no major surprises or upsets with these races, each incumbent party held onto their seat and so Democrats will retain their 34-33 majority in the state Senate. Current state Rep. Amanda Hemmingsen-Jager (DFL-Woodbury) defeated Republican candidate Dwight Dorau in District 47 and Republican Michael Holmstrom defeated DFL candidate Louis McNutt in District 29.

Political Updates

• Additional Upcoming Special Elections – With two sitting state representatives winning elections for higher office last week – Rep. Her as Mayor of Saint Paul and Rep. Hemmingsen-Jager as the newest member of the Minnesota Senate – two seats in Minnesota House of Representatives will require a special election prior to the 2026 legislative session. Gov. Walz is expected to issue a writ later this month and it is anticipated that the primaries for these seats will be held December 16, 2025 and the special elections on January 27, 2026.

• Sen. Pappas Announces Retirement – One of Minnesota’s longest serving legislators, state Sen. Sandy Pappas (DFL-Saint Paul) announced that she will not run for re-election in 2026. Pappas has served 42 years in the Minnesota Legislature having been first elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 1984 before being elected to the Minnesota Senate in 1990. Sen. Pappas is the former Senate President and currently chairs the Senate Capital Investment Committee.

• Demuth Announces Running Mate – Just a week after announcing her candidacy for governor, Speaker of the House Rep. Lisa Demuth (R-Cold Spring) announced Ryan Wilson as her running mate. Wilson ran for State Auditor in 2022, losing to Julie Blaha by only 0.4 percent of the vote. He is a former small business owner and has also served as an attorney for the Minnesota Republican Party.

• Patrick Knight Enters Governor’s Race – Patrick Knight, current CEO of snack food company, Waymouth Foods, joins a growing field of Republican candidates for governor. Knight, a Minnesota Native and retired Marine, attended law school at Georgetown University

and received his MBA from Harvard University.

Wrap It Up

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 14:55:59 GMT

Each December, there are two major and somewhat competing themes that run through my head: taking stock of what the year has taught me and trying to wrap up the year so I can move on to other things.

It’s not all that different from the hope and love that we all try to shove into beautiful little packages, that all too often bring so much anticipatory joy that it can be hard for whatever is inside to live up to expectations. Yet, no matter what the outcome is, this reflecting and gathering primes us for the coming New Year.

What is your biggest take away from this year that you will carry into next year?

For me, the elusive ever-present challenge is communication; specifically, building understanding and two-way dialogue with members about AASPMN activities. This includes everything from making sure emails are being opened to increasing the impact of our programs for shops. To improve our communication, AASPMN is switching to a new Customer Management System (CRM). I’m sure many of you are familiar with the hope and excitement of a new Shop Management System, and the challenges of getting it to do what you are dreaming of.

Jodi and I are quite literally packaging up all our disparate data piles to populate this new CRM in a way that increases communication potential. Let’s say for example, you have a team member who comes to the AASPMN golf event with you every year or a friend you wanted to introduce to AASPMN. Outside of chatting with them in person at golf, historically we have not included them in ongoing emails or mailings about programs that may benefit them, not even about golf for the next year. This is a big, missed opportunity.

As we venture into the new year, the overarching goals are to bring in more new members, connect with more team members working at members’ shops and increase the ways members can connect with one another and our team. We are asking questions like: How do we grab people’s attention in a world where they are constantly being flooded with information and noise of all sorts? How do we track what is working and what isn’t? How do we make communication more personal and meaningful? How do we make it past those darn email junk filters?!

This entire shift in communication operations and strategy is all focused on who is talking to who, when, where and how. So, in addition to increasing our overall number of contacts, there will be new ways for members to communicate with one another, as well as prospective customers and job applicants. Starting in early 2026, there will be an expanded member portal that includes community forums and groups. This means that members can log in and chat with other members with similar interests (or challenges). Unlike groups on social media, this is a safe member-only space to ask questions and share. If you have ever wanted to be able to email a group of other members, now you will be able to!

Throughout 2026, other features will be rolled out such as a new member directory to help customers find your shop and a jobs board to help shops find qualified technicians and connect students with internships.

Communication is forever one of the hardest things to get right, perhaps because it is never ending. There is no winning and then moving on to master something else. It stops working just as fast as it starts, but we keep at it. Watch your email and stay tuned for more updates on how to make the most of your membership.

I wish you and your team all the best during this holiday season. Good luck wrapping up the year and the gifts you are giving. See you in 2026!

What Lies Beneath: The Terrors of Not Performing Safety Inspections

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 11:00:05 GMT

True or false? Performing safety inspections on seat belts, steering columns or SRS components is optional.

Now, if you really believe that statement to be true, not only would you be wrong, but you could be dangerously wrong. Hopefully, it won’t take a serious accident involving one of your customers – or a loved one – to convince you to research those OEM repair procedures and make sure you don’t miss this vital step.

According to Mike Anderson (Collision Advice), “Most, if not all OEM manufacturers, have safety inspection procedures for items such as seat belts, steering columns or SRS components such as airbag sensors or the actual airbag – all the items that you may have to inspect after a vehicle has been in a collision.”

It’s a crucial step in keeping vehicle occupants safe. “If you aren’t doing safety inspections, you have no validation that the consumer will be traveling down the road safely,” suggests Will Latuff (Latuff Brothers Auto Body; St. Paul).

Unfortunately some repairers view it as an unnecessary step to have to disassemble parts of the vehicles that were otherwise untouched, but as one New Jersey shop owner recently discovered, it really is pivotal!

Ken Miller (821 Collision; North Haledon, NJ) couldn’t believe his eyes when he learned what his team had uncovered – the seat belt and airbag systems had been rigged to appear as though they were fixed! And this discovery would not be known had Miller’s shop failed to perform the required post-repair safety inspection.

“It’s totally disgusting,” laments Miller about the worst repair job he’s ever come across from another shop. He has been taking measures to help spread the word about this frightening situation via a video he has shared on multiple social media platforms.

Upon performing a mandatory seat belt inspection on a 2024 Honda CRV, Miller’s team “had to visibly inspect the unit which required doing some disassembly to get to the seat belt units. Evidently, from what we could tell, the seat belts deployed and cinched up tight to keep the driver in his seat. The shop that performed the repairs cut the seat belt to release the mechanism and cut the air bag harnesses and wired in resistors to trick the computer to think the air bag system was functioning properly.

“We had no suspicions. After the repair was performed, we went through to verify everything via the safety inspection, and that’s how we uncovered this. The parts [the other shop] manipulated are the parts that cinch you into the seat. Now, that has a repercussion on how the individual would protrude forward toward the air bag and how they would hit that air bag. It’s a really big deal,” Miller outlines the dangers.

Latuff and his team have also witnessed the frustration of uncovering issues with poor repairs done by other shops. Recently, his shop helped a customer with a 2018 Toyota Prius Prime that had been repaired at another shop with “repeated issues. She took the car back to them at least a half dozen times before she did her research and reached out to our shop.” Through a post-repair inspection, it was uncovered that the repairs that had been done “were absolutely atrocious. We notified the insurance company of all the missed damage, the undocumented damage, that they didn’t cover under the claim, and they wound up buying the car back from the customer. On that particular claim, they hadn’t done any of the safety inspections required by Toyota on the airbags or seat belts. It had just been ignored and was basically a cosmetic patch over structural damage that was performed.”

Latuff stressed how this was “an absolutely horrifying experience for the customer to have to go through,” even though it had a happy conclusion.

“The only real explanation is money,” Miller considers as insurer pushback unfortunately leads some shops to cut corners in dangerous ways. “There was a fair amount of work put in to do what they did, but it wasn’t going to work. The retractors that keep the occupant in the seat and cinch up in an accident would not work at all.”CR

So, with all the dangers involved in not fixing cars correctly, why would a body shop do something like this?

I-CAR’s Bud Center believes there’s a combination of reasons collision repairers are failing to perform post-collision safety inspections. “It’s not something that’s really easily identifiable in the OEM repair procedures.

For example, if somebody’s replacing the quarter-panel on a car and they pull up the quarter-panel replacement procedure, there’s nothing in there that says you have to do a post-collision safety inspection. You have to look for that information in the vehicle maker’s general procedures, so there are some who will say they didn’t know that it needed to be done. And then there are others who will say they’re not doing it because they’re having a challenge getting third-party payers to agree to cover the expense.”

Anderson acknowledged the seriousness of this issue insisting “one hundred percent, safety inspections is the single biggest friction point that I see out there between shops and insurers.”

Like Center noted, Anderson relayed, “In fairness, some of the OEMS don’t provide clarity as to what defines a collision so you know when it should be done or not be done. But some OEMs really do define it. And a lot of people say, ‘I don’t find anything the majority of the time.’ Well, I get that. But instead of talking about what you don’t find, let’s talk about the times that you do find things .”

Anderson cited examples of what issues inspections can reveal like how removing the dash uncovered a damaged or cracked dash carrier or the possibility of measuring a steering column only to discover it’s collapsed.

“Insurers will talk about how much it drives up severity, but what’s the price of a life worth? Because when seat belts don’t work or the steering column collapses, what does it take to save a life? So, at the end of the day, we can talk about how it drives up severity, but on the flip side, it also saves lives when these components work as intended.”

“I’m not an attorney, so don’t take legal advice from me, but if any shops were to run into a problem down the road when someone gets hurt in a subsequent accident and the shop didn’t do the proper safety inspections, they are going to have a legal problem,” Center predicts. “They have some liability. So, at the end of the day, just because a third-party payer won’t cover it, that does not remove the shop’s liability, and they need to understand that.”

How insurers feel about safety inspections is one thing, but unfortunately, the collision repair industry is also not very educated about it. Anderson believes shops need to really fully gain an understanding of what needs to be done.

“I was doing a seminar out west recently, and a shop owner showed me their estimate, stating they got paid for doing a safety inspection. They had one hour on the estimate for the safety inspection. He was proud of himself, and I didn’t mean to burst his bubble, but I told him there was no way he spent only one hour doing a safety inspection. I explained to him that he had to remove the steering column and remove this and that, and he admitted he didn’t realize that.”

Anderson sees many make the mistake of thinking one doesn’t need to do more than jerk a seat belt once, “but some OEMs require you to test drive the vehicle, at three different speeds and braking conditions to test them. Sometimes, it involves a diagnostic tool; sometimes, it’s inspecting the mounting location. It’s not just a one-hour procedure. It can be very invasive and very time-consuming.”

According to Center, the OEMs are wide open to helping educate the industry about post-collision safety inspections. “The conversations we are having with OEMs have been about getting more clarity around the requirements. They’ve actually asked us to help them understand how they can help”

Center pointed to examples that leave a lot of room for interpretation, which is another snag in the process of getting the industry on board with safety inspections.

“In some cases, you’ll see things like ‘following a collision with damage that is beyond cosmetic, you will need to perform the post-collision safety inspection,’ and then they will list out the tasks that need to be done for post inspection, but what is the definition of cosmetic? Or if there is substantial damage that’s considered more than cosmetic, it leaves things open to interpretation. Repairers are going to have to put together their own definition of what that means, and it causes confusion.”

In order to collect information to be shared with OEMs, I-CAR has set up a link rts.i-car.com/srs-inspection-feedback-form via its Repairability Technical Support (RTS) “to allow people to submit information about post-collision safety inspections or safety inspections on SRS systems. They can submit any kind of questions, information or photos they have to report what they are seeing when they perform these types of inspections. We can put all that information together and work with the OEMs to figure out how to make some of this better.”

Where some shops are starting to offer re-inspections on vehicles that were steered away, performing inspections is really just part of the repair process, as Latuff points out. “We’ve had three or four of these cases where a customer has come to us with this need, and we uncovered issues which resulted in having their insurance company buy the car back.

There are a lot of fake reasons for shops to not perform these inspections. None of them are valid. They are just excuses or barriers keeping them from doing what is right for the customer.”

Endangering vehicle occupants is one important factor, but shops also need to be aware of the liability aspect. Had Miller not uncovered what he did when he did, who would have been on the hook if that vehicle were to get into a subsequent serious accident?

“That’s an even bigger issue here,” he states. “The unsuspecting repairer, like ourselves, fixing this car. Now, I knew it was in another accident because the repairs that were done on the front weren’t great. This was a minor repair, so my guys were complaining a bit about having to do a safety inspection, but we replaced the gate, so the answer was yes. If we didn’t uncover that, I was the last person to touch it. I wouldn’t have had photos of the good parts, if they were not undamaged. So, then I would have been on the hook if somebody got hurt or worse, because I was the last person to touch it.”

Center validates the importance of industry education on post-collision safety inspections. “Those doing these inspections are actually finding some things that are concerning. Some manufacturers say that following a collision, you need to check the steering gear and the steering rack. You’re doing very specific testing that requires some unique equipment and processes to do these tests. Shops need to understand what their investment is in equipment, what they need to be looking for and why. The industry needs more education and more clarity on this.”

A customer will understand what needs to be done to keep their car safe when shops keep them engaged with the process, Latuff insists. “I’ve yet to have a customer tell me ‘don’t make my car safe’ when we explain to them that we need to do a seven to eight page inspection on their vehicle which may have only suffered cosmetic damage. If a bill payer doesn’t think a safety inspection is necessary, the customer will advocate and will get their carrier to cover it.

“You have to be committed to it and know your why for performing these inspections,” he adds. “You don’t do it for the 99 percent that are okay; you do it for the one that is not to make sure you’re protecting your customer and your shop. That makes it all worth it.”

AASPMN “AI in Automotive” Roundtable Discussion & Shop Tours Highlights

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 11:00:18 GMT

On October 22, AASPMN hosted “AI in Automotive: How Auto Shops are Leveraging AI as a Partner,” at Auto Works Automotive Service Center in Woodbury.

The roundtable discussion, attended by 20 AASPMN members, focused on how AI is being used to enhance efficiency, accuracy and customer service, and what platforms have the biggest impact for the most value. There was a good deal of conversation about using AI to make better use of a shop’s own internal information and data, including for example a reminder to have a taff policy on AI and only upload data into a secure paid AI service, not the open internet.

In addition, attendees had the opportunity to tour Auto Works Automotive Service Center and Eurotech Auto Repair – two top performing shops in Woodbury.

Thank you to AASPMN members Wayne Watson (Auto Works Automotive Service Center) and Seth Thorson (Eurotech Auto Repair) for their time and hospitality during this event.

Establishing and Strengthening Lawmaker Relationships

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 19:04:55 GMT

We are in the midst of an overhaul of the Minnesota Legislature membership in the post-COVID world.

After the previous biennium, over 35 percent of the entire legislature was replaced due to many retiring and incumbents losing reelection bids. After recent announcements of a number of House and Senate member retirements planned for after the 2026 legislative session – including long time Senate DFL Tax Chair and legislative institution Ann Rest – it feels as though the end of the current biennium will also see an unusually high number of lawmaker retirements. The influx of new legislators will provide an opportunity for organizations like AASPMN to develop relationships with the new crop of lawmakers who will become committee chairs, caucus leaders and possibly even an eventual Governor.

With this in mind, I think it’s an important time to highlight a couple of AASPMN member success stories

in developing and cultivating these relationships. Jesse Jacobson (Heppner’s Auto Body & Glass) attended AASPMN’s Day at the Capitol event during the 2025 legislative session and met with his state senator and House members. Jesse was in an unusual position because his state senator was on the outs with her own caucus as she awaited a trial for a felony burglary charge, but Jesse did the work anyway and met with all his elected officials. One of his House members was particularly interested in what Jesse had to say and followed up with him to organize a time to come and tour his shop, which she did a few weeks later.

Flash forward a couple of months and Senator Mitchell had formally resigned her Senate seat after being found guilty of felony burglary. There was a special election primary between the two House members in the Senate district. Low and behold, Representative Hemmingsen-Jaeger, the member who Jesse met and formed an actual relationship with, handily won the special election and is very likely to be successful in the upcoming general election to fill the Senate seat. Jesse already has an established relationship with an incoming State senator, and one that was established without having anything he specifically needed to ask her help on.

Another shop doing great work at forging relationships with state lawmakers is Shannon’s Auto Body. Shannon Christian and Josh Shaw also attended the AASPMN Day at the Capitol events this year. They have long-standing relationships with some of the elected officials in northern Minnesota, but were able to solidify those in St. Paul and establish a few new ones. Shannon’s Auto Body recently had state representative Josh Heintzeman and his wife, newly elected state senator Keri Heintzeman, to their shop to see the operation. When he got back to his car after this shop visit, Representative Heintzeman called me to talk about AASPMN’s legislative priorities and asked how he can be helpful moving forward – a step he only took because of how impressed he was by Shannon’s Auto Body.

These lawmaker interactions do not need to be an over-the-top production or something you need to be deeply prepared for. Your legislators want to be helpful to you, they want to know more about what you do in the community, they want to be a champion for you in St. Paul; but that only really works when they know who you are and what you do. Given the opportunity with new folks coming into decision making roles in Minnesota, we would love to get more AASPMN members to invite elected officials to your shops to develop these relationships.

Please reach out to Linden Wicklund ( 612-623-1110 or linden@aaspmn.org ) if you’re interested in hosting an elected official at your shop and we can help make it happen.

AI in Collision Repair: What It Is, What It’s Doing and How to Adapt

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 18:56:56 GMT

The collision repair industry is undergoing a seismic shift.

For decades, body shops have relied heavily on skilled technicians’ eyes, hands and experience to evaluate damage, estimate repairs and deliver quality service. But with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), this long-standing model is evolving faster than many expected.

Artificial intelligence, once a futuristic concept, is now very much a part of today’s collision repair landscape. By automating complex tasks, improving accuracy and speeding up communication between shops and insurers, AI is changing how vehicles get back on the road. But what exactly is AI doing in this space, and what steps should repair shops take to adapt successfully?

Understanding AI in Collision Repair

At its core, AI refers to technologies that enable machines to learn from data, recognize patterns and make decisions with minimal human intervention. In collision repair, this means computers can “see” damage through photos, analyze the severity and even estimate the cost of repairs – tasks traditionally done only by human experts.

These AI systems often combine computer vision (which interprets images), machine learning (which improves with data) and predictive analytics to make their assessments. They work by training on vast datasets of vehicle damage images and repair outcomes, learning to identify scratches, dents, broken parts and structural issues with remarkable accuracy.

AI’s Current Role in Collision Repair

One of the most visible impacts of AI today is in damage detection and estimating. Thanks to smartphone apps and web portals, customers or insurance adjusters can submit photos of a damaged vehicle from anywhere. AI-powered platforms then quickly analyze the images and provide preliminary estimates, sometimes in minutes. This not only accelerates the claims process, but also helps shops prepare for repairs more efficiently.

By automating the initial damage assessment, AI reduces the risk of human error or overlooked details that might lead to costly surprises later. It also allows shops to prioritize jobs and better manage technician workloads.

Beyond damage detection, AI is playing a role in streamlining communication between insurers and repair shops. Historically, this interaction has been fraught with delays, miscommunication and disputes over repair costs or coverage. AI-powered claims processing platforms should help speed up approvals by flagging inconsistent or fraudulent claims and recommending repair or total loss decisions based on data analysis. This should lead to faster claim resolution and smoother collaboration.

On the shop floor, AI tools are helping optimize operations in ways that were previously impossible. For example, AI can predict the parts needed for upcoming repairs based on the damage type, vehicle model and repair history, helping shops maintain the right inventory and reduce downtime caused by missing components. AI also assists in scheduling by allocating jobs to technicians based on skill levels, availability and complexity, which we are hopeful will lead to better efficiency and reduced cycle times.

Customer experience is another area benefiting from AI. Automated updates via chatbots or SMS keep vehicle owners informed throughout the repair process, answering common questions and providing real-time status reports. This kind of transparency typically reduces anxiety and builds trust – key factors in customer satisfaction and retention.

Adapting to the AI-Driven Future

While the benefits of AI are clear, adapting to this new reality is not without challenges. For many collision repair shops, the investment in new technology and training can feel daunting.

The first step toward adaptation is recognizing that AI is a tool meant to enhance, not replace, the expertise of technicians and estimators. Shops should begin by integrating AI solutions gradually, choosing applications that address the most pressing operational pain points. For example, adopting a photo-based estimating tool can offer immediate benefits without disrupting existing workflows.

Equally important is investing in employee training. New technology requires new skills, from understanding how AI platforms generate estimates to managing digital communication with insurers and customers. Providing hands-on training and continuous learning opportunities ensures staff feel confident and competent in leveraging AI tools.

Partnerships play a critical role in successful adaptation. Collaboration between shops, insurers and AI technology providers helps create a seamless workflow. Sharing feedback on AI-generated estimates and repair processes allows systems to improve over time, ultimately benefiting all parties involved.

Data security is another vital consideration. As shops handle more customer and vehicle data through digital platforms, maintaining strict privacy standards and cybersecurity measures is essential to protect sensitive information and build customer trust.

Finally, staying informed and flexible will be key. The AI landscape is evolving rapidly, with new applications – like augmented reality-guided repairs and vehicle telematics integration – on the horizon. Shops that actively follow industry trends and participate in training sessions or conferences will be better positioned to embrace these innovations when they arrive.

Looking Ahead: A Smarter Collision Repair Industry

The collision repair industry is no stranger to innovation, from the adoption of new paint technologies to advanced diagnostic tools. AI is simply the latest, and arguably the most transformative, wave of change.

It is said that in the near future, AI won’t just help estimate damage but will integrate with vehicle sensors and telematics, providing real-time accident data that can speed up response times and repair plans. Augmented reality may assist technicians by overlaying repair instructions directly onto damaged areas. Fully automated repair bays, powered by robotics and AI, may help in handling routine bodywork with precision and speed.

For collision repair shops, embracing AI means more than just adopting new software; it requires a mindset shift toward continuous improvement and collaboration.

The key takeaway? AI can be a powerful ally in an increasingly digital world.

Bringing New Skills to the Table: Women in Shops

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 17:59:14 GMT

Not too long ago, it was extremely rare to see a woman working in a repair shop – mechanical or collision – but these days, more women are changing careers and lending their unique skill sets to the automotive industry.

With backgrounds in a variety of fields, these ladies bring unique insights and perspectives to their businesses.

Angela Wishard-Thomas co-owns Lancer Service (St. Paul) alongside her husband Carl, but before “stepping into the automotive world,” she enjoyed a sales career in the print and paper industry, helping corporations and marketing agencies with their marketing communications needs. “I absolutely loved working in that field – it allowed me to build strong client relationships and really understand the power of customer service and strategic solutions.” She credits her position with woman-owned SeaChange for helping develop her leadership skills. “Being part of a company that championed female leadership was inspiring and helped shape how I view my own role as a leader today.”

Although Lancer Service has been operating since 1977, in 2007, Carl opened a performance business that focuses on tuning late model General Motors vehicles. “As CJ Tunes began to really take off, he was running both businesses out of Lancer’s location, which was exciting but also demanding,” Wishard-Thomas recalls. “In 2021, we found a dedicated location and expanded CJ Tunes, rebranding it as Twin Cities Performance (TCP). At that point, it became increasingly difficult for Carl to manage both businesses on his own, so I stepped in to oversee the operations of Lancer, while also supporting TCP with back office responsibilities, HR and fostering a strong culture.

“As COO at Lancer Service, I focus on business operations, leadership development, customer experience and building a strong team culture,” she adds. “I’m passionate about creating an environment where our employees feel valued and our customers trust us

for transparent, high-quality automotive care.”

Aimee Tabaka (Five Star Auto Body; Walker) taught first and second grade for 10 years. A decade ago, her husband purchased an existing shop where his mother helped with administrative duties, but when his mother decided it was time to retire three years ago, Tabaka stepped into her duties as a co-owner and now operates the front end of the business, managing the day-to-day operations, providing customer service, dealing with insurers, ordering parts and keeping the books.

“Other than visiting the shop in the summer, I didn’t have a lot of exposure to this world,” Tabaka acknowledges. “So, there was a big learning curve, but I learned a lot through the AASPMN meet-ups in Northern Minnesota and being able to learn from other shops and create great connections with those who have more experience in this industry.”

Crystal Frank-Shannon and her husband both had established careers prior to 2017. Her career in social services led to her becoming the director of a shelter and housing program in Minneapolis; however, her husband had always dreamed of turning his automotive experience into entrepreneurship by operating his own auto repair shop. With a new baby in their arms, they “thought we should make a leap and try a new adventure capitalizing on my directorial knowledge and his lifelong career in the automotive industry. Together, we took our individual strengths and founded VanGo Auto (St. Paul). Initially, in 2017, we bit off a lot forming two businesses – VanGo Rental, which rented out a fleet of Volkswagen Vanagon Campervans AND VanGo Auto, which focuses on German and import repair. In 2023, we made a strategic decision to close the popular rental business and rather invest in expanding our repair business, from a two-bay to a four-bay shop.”

While AASPMN Mechanical Division Director Ashlan Kaplan had some exposure to the automotive field through her father, a mechanic by trade who owned Cannon Auto Repair (Cannon Falls) for 20 years, she pursued a different path. After graduating from University of Minnesota Duluth with a degree in health care management, she worked as a personal trainer and then as a clinic manager and marketing coordinator for chiropractic clinics. She “spent many years dedicating my life to the physical fitness and the wellness of others,” but during her tenure as a college student, her experiences traveling abroad to study healthcare taught her “that the world is a beautiful place that has endless opportunities out there for us! All you need to do is put your mind to it.”

Kaplan decided to put her mind to something new, going to work in the shop one day a week to try it out while working part-time for a chiropractic clinic, and after a year of keeping that schedule, she joined the shop full-time, redirecting her dedication to others’ health to focus on their vehicles’ safety. “I worked side by side with my dad until 2023, when we tragically lost him to a heart attack just shy of his 66th birthday. Dad was truly a jack of all trades; if Rich couldn’t fix it, it truly was broken. To say we all miss him is an understatement, but I feel truly blessed to continue his legacy and keep the business running strong!”

Now, she runs the day-to-day operations at Cannon Auto Repair, overseeing the team of technicians and service advisors, working with customers, managing finances and “steering the long-term vision of the business.”

Historically, women have worked in fields like those above that allow them to focus their efforts on helping others, and that nurturing nature leads to a lot of success for shops that capitalize on those assets. Unfortunately, women in shops still encounter some challenges related exclusively to their gender.

“Being a woman in a male-dominated industry comes with both pluses and minuses. When I first started, there were times I felt underestimated, not appreciated or had to work harder to prove myself in conversations with vendors, employees or even some customers,” Kaplan acknowledges. “On the other hand, being a woman can be an advantage – I bring a different perspective and communication style, and many customers and vendors appreciate that.”

Frank-Shannon believes that most vendors find it refreshing to work with a woman. She rarely encounters “locker room” talk, but when she does, she’s “not shy about pushing back on it. Fortunately, that is uncommon. There are also times that a customer will want to ‘talk with a mechanic,’ but they later realize that I know more than enough to give them a good educational chat. I have used my social service skills to be a car counselor and educator, assisting customers through repairs and maintaining their car. Female customers find it comforting to work with another woman around their car needs; instead of presenting them with car jargon, I share evidence reported in a way that is easy to understand.”

“Sometimes, a guy will walk past me and insist on talking to the guy who can write an estimate, but thankfully, that doesn’t happen too often,” Tabaka says. “I believe having a woman in the front office helps our business because I can comfort the other women who have no clue what’s going on with their car. I have a good grasp on what might be wrong, so I can ease their concerns. This industry is evolving, and it’s great to see more women spearheading those changes.”

Wishard-Thomas has “always worked in industries that tend to be male-dominated, but that’s never been my focus. For me, it’s always been about hard work, determination and consistently proving myself in every role I’ve taken on. What I bring to the table is a people-first leadership style that emphasizes empathy, collaboration and relationship-building. I thrive on creating cultures where teams feel supported, valued and motivated to grow, and I also have a strong operational and business background, which allows me to balance big-picture strategy with the day-to-day details that keep a shop running smoothly.

“I’ve been fortunate to work with a team that values skill and character above everything else,” she continues. “I’m not someone who backs down easily, so very little gets in the way of moving forward with what I believe is right. There have certainly been times when I’ve felt uncomfortable, but that has less to do with the gender dynamics of the industry and more to do with navigating difficult people – which is something every leader faces at some point.”

Still, automotive repair careers offer a lot of benefits and an opportunity for women to take pride in what they do. What are some of their favorite parts of the job?

“Hands down, it’s the people – both our team and our customers,” Wishard-Thomas shares. “I love seeing our employees grow, reach their goals and take pride in what they accomplish. Watching someone step into their potential is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do. On the customer side, it’s not just about fixing a car – it’s about giving someone peace of mind, knowing they can trust us to keep them and their family safely on the road. One of my favorite things is hearing our front office staff laughing and connecting with customers – it shows that we’re not just providing a service; we’re building real relationships. That combination of growth, trust and genuine connection is what makes this work so meaningful for me.”

“I love the people – both my team and our customers!” Kaplan agrees. “It’s rewarding to help customers feel safe and confident in their vehicles, and I enjoy watching our employees grow in their skills and careers. I also like the fact that no two days are the same; there’s always a new challenge to solve, new customers to meet and a new part to learn about. I also love giving back to the community and hosting community events several times a year that give back to our local community, whether that is churches, the food shelf, schools or donating to a vehicle to a family in need. All aspects of the shop seem to fill my cup, and the good days always outweigh the bad!”

Frank-Shannon “absolutely love[s] the collaborative nature of VanGo Auto. All the staff enjoy their job, like each other, care for our customers and work hard. Each day buzzes by fast – full of learning, helping others and problem solving.”

Tabaka finds joy in helping people. “I love the customer service side of the shop. Educating and helping people was my job as a teacher, and now, I get to teach vehicle owners about their cars and the insurance claims process. I still use my passion for teaching in the body shop, and leading a local association meeting gives me another opportunity to offer assistance and lift others up.”

Businesses that hire women have found that diversity bolsters innovative thought and positively impacts profitability, yet according

to a 2024 report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 10.9 percent of auto repair/maintenance employees are female. What can repairers do to attract more women to this field?

“Women have different skills than men, and there is a place for both genders in all fields,” Frank-Shannon reminds. “I love hiring women because they are more likely to notice if the shop smells a bit funky, may ask a customer about their ill mom and multitask in a different way, keeping all the balls from falling. It’s cool when women know what’s up with a customer’s car and can confidently relay car needs to that customer.”

“The first step is creating a workplace culture that feels welcoming and supportive,” Kaplan advises. “That means providing mentorship, flexible opportunities and an environment where women feel respected and valued. Shop owners should exert that effort because diversity makes businesses stronger. Women bring unique problem-solving skills, empathy and communication styles that

help build trust with customers and strengthen teams.”

“Women are valuable because we offer different assets like being organized, having a keen attention

to detail and being creative,” Tabaka points out. “Making this field more palatable for women allows shops to tap into those resources and talents. There’s a lot of power in women being visible in the office or in the shop.”

“We’ve got to make automotive careers more visible and accessible to women, and that really starts at a young age,” Wishard-Thomas offers. “Mentorship matters, representation matters, and so does building shop cultures that prioritize respect, flexibility and growth. I actually think this is already happening naturally because the trades overall are becoming more visible and people are realizing how great of a career path they can be. And it’s not just about becoming a technician – independent shops are small businesses, which means there are opportunities in leadership, operations, customer service, HR and so much more.

“At the end of the day, shops only benefit from having diverse perspectives – problem-solving gets better, communication gets stronger, and customers feel more connected when they see themselves reflected in the people helping them,” she adds. “It’s not just a culture win; it’s a business win too!”

Despite being interested in pursuing an automotive repair career, some women may feel daunted by the idea of entering the shop world. What advice would these ladies offer other women interested in pursuing a career in the collision industry?

“Do it!” Frank-Shannon urges. “Find a shop with leaders who value people over making money. Money is important to continue to reinvest in the shop – staff, tools, programming, etc. – but not at the cost of being unfair to the customers.”

“Don’t be afraid to step into this space,” Wishard-Thomas advises. “There are so many opportunities in independent shops. Learn everything you can, find mentors who truly support you, and trust your ability to succeed. Your perspective is valuable, and the industry is better when more voices, experiences and talents are represented.”

Tabaka agrees. “This is an important job that you can be proud of. It’s rewarding and truly empowering.”

“Don’t be afraid to step into a role that may feel uncomfortable; you belong here just as much as anyone else,” Kaplan insists. “Find mentors, peers and leaders who support you. Stay confident in your abilities, and don’t shy away from learning the technical side or getting your hands dirty (they are washable, and so are your jeans). Most importantly, remember that the skills you bring – whether it’s communication, organization or leadership – are just as valuable as turning a wrench.”

Kaplan encourages other women to get involved with the organizations supporting their growth. In addition to serving on AASPMN’s Board, Kaplan has been a member of Amazing Women in Automotive (AWiA) since 2020, finding the community of automotive women she didn’t know she needed. “AWiA holds a huge part of my heart. They supported me through COVID and the birth of my second child (helping me learn how to balance work and mom-wife life), and they were a shoulder to lean on when we tragically lost my dad. These women have boosted me up on the days I needed it most and talked me off ledges when I thought I couldn’t do it anymore.

“We’re paving the way for the next generation of women in the automotive industry. We’re on a mission to not only attract women into this dynamic field, but also ensure they stay, grow and flourish in their careers. Our vibrant community is brimming with excitement as we gear up to welcome more trailblazers. We want to show other women – and the next generation – that there’s a place for them in this industry, whether that’s as a technician, advisor, manager or owner. The automotive world is evolving, and there’s so much opportunity for women to make their mark. Having a true support system of peers while being a business owner is a must, and if anyone asked me what the most important part of being a woman in a male dominated industry is, I would tell them just that!”

Minnesota I-CAR SkillsUSA Golf Outing Highlights

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 17:38:22 GMT

The Minnesota Volunteer I-CAR Committee, along with SkillsUSA, had a successful golf outing at the beautiful Oak Glen Golf Club in Stillwater on Wednesday, September 17.

The proceeds from the outing support technical schools and students with scholarships and grants to continue the successful growth of the collision repair industry.

AASPMN sponsored a hole at the event to help support industry education. The event was well attended and a great give-back opportunity for the industry.

Congratulations to the team from LKQ/Keystone who won first place with a score of -11! They were:

1. Bob Auman

2. Jim Hillman

3. Mitch Langer

4. Dustin Jamison

Team Blue Rock Refinishing Solutions tied for first place also with a score of -11! They were:

1. Nick Carson

2. Luke Vang

3. Hue Vang

4. Robert Latuff

There were also many prize winners with all the donations received for the event that were presented during an awards banquet following golf.

“We couldn’t do it without our sponsors,” said tournament coordinator, Jamison Randall. Special thanks to the Event Sponsor Gerber Collison, Dinner/Reception Sponsor LKQ/Keystone, and so many local shops and vendors. “We are pleased we were able to raise over $8,000 to be used for scholarships and grants to help future auto body employees provide safe and quality repairs for

consumers.”

Next year’s event will be held on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at Oak Glen in Stillwater MN.

For more information, please visit icargolf.com .

Join AASPMN For Monthly Morning Meetups

Each month, AASPMN Executive Director Linden Wicklund hosts open format Zoom meetings for members to come together, network, swap ideas and ask questions! This ongoing opportunity to connect is designed to be a welcoming space for new ideas and everyday challenges alike. And, you don’t even have to leave your shop to participate.

Mechanical Shop Zoom Meetups:

Date & Time: Third Tuesday each month, 9am to 10am

Register Here: bit.ly/Mechanicalshopmeetup

Collision Shop Zoom Meetups:

Date & Time: Third Thursday each month, 9am to 10am

Register Here: bit.ly/collisionshopmeetup

Governor Walz Reelection Bid, DFL Retains Former Speaker Hortman’s Seat and Elect New Caucus Leader

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 17:28:06 GMT

The unusually busy legislative offseason continued to make headlines in September.

On September 15, the Minnesota House Democratic Farmer Labor (DFL) Caucus elected Rep. Zack Stephenson (DFL-Brooklyn Park) as their new caucus leader. Stephenson will have to step in and fill the shoes of former DFL Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman after her tragic murder in June. Currently in his fourth term in the House of Representatives, Rep. Stephenson has experience in high profile positions having previously shepherded legislation legalizing and regulating adult use of cannabis in the House of Representatives. He has served as Commerce Committee Chair, as well as Chair of the influential Ways and Means Committee. Stephenson’s legislative experience is likely to be put to the test early in his tenure, as a potential special legislative session dedicated to issues related to gun violence could be called this fall.

The day after electing Rep. Stephenson to fill former Speaker Hortman’s leadership role, former Speaker Hortman’s constituents went to the polls to elect her replacement to the Minnesota House. DFL candidate Xp Lee defeated GOP candidate Ruth Bittner and will be sworn in to serve the remainder of term. Representative-elect Lee’s victory will bring the Minnesota House back to a 67-67 tie for

the remainder of the biennium.

Lastly, after a summer of speculation about his political future, Minnesota’s two-term Democratic Gov. Tim Walz officially announced his bid to seek an unprecedented third consecutive term as Governor. After waiting longer to announce his reelection bid than many expected, there had been a great deal of jockeying of potential DFL gubernatorial candidates preparing to launch potential bids. His reelection announcement should put that positioning to rest and help cement the fields for all other offices that will be on the ballot in November 2026.

Special Session Still a Topic of Discussion

Gov. Walz has been meeting with legislative leaders to discuss the possibility of a special session to address gun violence. The Governor has outlined a series of proposals, including a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, a safe storage law, requiring gun owners to have liability insurance and a stricter red flag law. Meanwhile, Republican leadership has advocated to focus on increasing security and mental health services, including proposals to allow taxpayer money for security for private schools, funds to support school resource officers in all schools, increased funding for mental health services and limitations on the provision of certain gender-affirming care.

While only the Governor has the authority to call a special session, once the legislature is in session, only the legislators can choose if/when to adjourn and what issues they decide to take up. Customarily, the Governor and all four legislative leaders reach a signed agreement about the parameters of the session prior to the Governor formally setting a date. However, with an agreement on such a contentious issue unlikely, it could get complicated because the evenly-divided legislature means no one party has enough votes in either chamber to pass its own proposals. Whether or not the Governor calls a special session remains to be seen, but if so it is likely to impact how lawmakers work together when we come back for the 2026 legislative session.

Shifting Gears: Women Driving Change in Minnesota’s Auto Repair Industry

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 17:18:04 GMT

Walk into most auto repair shops in Minnesota, and chances are, you’ll still find a male-dominated workplace.

Yet, the industry is evolving. Women are entering the automotive field as technicians, advisors and owners and they’re bringing skills, perspective and leadership that our industry sorely needs. With the well-documented shortage of qualified technicians, creating a more inclusive environment isn’t just a social goal, it’s a survival strategy.

I’ve lost count of the times I’ve been the only woman in the room or on a Zoom call for an industry meeting, or the surprise on a new customer’s face when they realize the shop is female-owned. When I walk into my shop each morning, I’m reminded of how different the industry looks today compared to when my dad owned Cannon Auto Repair in Cannon Falls. As a second-generation owner and a woman in a male-dominated field, my career has been a mix of challenges and opportunities.

Nationally, women make up only about 10 to 13 percent of the automotive repair and maintenance workforce. In Minnesota, the numbers are likely similar, with many shops still reporting zero women in their technician ranks. This underrepresentation is not about ability or interest, it’s about opportunity, visibility and culture.

At the same time, the complexity of modern vehicles from electric drivetrains to ADAS calibrations is creating demand for problem solving, detail-oriented technicians who thrive in a technology-driven environment. Traits that women bring to the industry in abundance.

I believe that bringing more women into the industry isn’t just about equality, it’s about survival.

The skills gap is real. Shops are struggling to recruit and retain talent. By welcoming women into the field, we double our chances of finding great technicians, advisors and future owners.
Customers notice. Half of the people walking through our doors are women, and many of them feel more comfortable knowing there’s female representation in the shop.
Diversity strengthens teams. Women often bring fresh perspectives to diagnostics, communication and leadership. That diversity makes our shops stronger and more innovative. Shops led by women, whether as owners or managers, are proving that inclusivity and profitability go hand-in-hand.

So how do we change the narrative?

1. Be Visible. For young women to imagine themselves in this industry, they need to see us. That means telling our stories, highlighting women in shop roles, and making our presence known. (See feature story on page 14.)

2. Mentorship Matters. One of the biggest challenges for women entering auto repair is isolation, being “the only one.” Pairing new women with mentors, whether male or female, helps them feel supported.

3. E qual Opportunity in the Bay . Don’t sideline women into routine tasks. Give them the same access to diagnostics, EV training and leadership opportunities as their male peers.

4. Create Welcoming Workplaces. Culture matters. From a clean, professional shop environment to respectful communication, the way we treat people directly impacts whether they stay.

I often think about my own journey. If my dad hadn’t welcomed me into the business and encouraged me to grow, I might not be here today. His support gave me the confidence to step into leadership and eventually serve as

mechanical director for AASPMN.

Now, it’s on all of us as industry leaders to provide that same encouragement to the next generation. Whether it’s offering internships, speaking at a local school or hiring and mentoring a young woman technician, every effort helps shift the gears of our industry.

The future of auto repair depends on the people willing to do the work. Women are ready, capable and eager to be part of that future. It’s time we open the doors a little wider!

Fighting the Good Fight

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 05:00:05 GMT

Industry Leaders Consider Changes and Challenges

Every day, the collision repair industry changes. Shops face a heavy load of challenges that come in many forms – from consolidation and workforce shortages to technological advances and contention with third-party payers. Yet, the need for vehicle repairs remains consistent, demanding shops keep up with the constant evolution of the industry to remain competitive and profitable. Those unwilling to put in the work to strengthen their businesses just might see their doors shuttered before long.

But what are the biggest changes and challenges facing the industry? And how can shops make sure they’re strong enough to carry the burden? AASPMN News sat down with AASPMN Executive Director Linden Wicklund, Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Massachusetts (AASP/MA) Executive Director Lucky Papageorg, Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ) Executive Director Charles Bryant, Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) Executive Director Aaron Schulenburg and Auto Body Association of Texas (ABAT) Executive Director Jill Tuggle who weighed in on some of the biggest challenges they’re seeing in their regions and offered suggestions on how shops can build the business muscle needed to survive the onslaught.

Wicklund offered a very valid reminder that is worth sharing before we dive into the responses given by the industry leaders above: “In answering these questions, it is easy to make generalizations that cast criticism or give the sense that the issues facing the industry are straightforward. They are the right questions, but these are tricky topics. Trying to distill down the enormity of what shops are facing into a few sentences does not capture the reality of what shops are grappling with. I know that is obvious, but I don’t think it is said enough. It needs to be said loudly and repetitively, so shops that are struggling don’t feel alienated by other shops or lose hope because they see the struggle around them. Independent shops have lasted for good reason, and they will continue to do so.”

AASPMN News: Although the collision repair industry continues to be in high demand, it faces a number of challenges which forces constant evolution. What do you see as the biggest changes impacting shops today?

Linden Wicklund: The biggest disrupter for shops – both mechanical and collision – seems to be a few different things coming together to make a perfect storm: baby boomers who own a large percentage of independent shops are retiring, investment companies are buying up businesses and consumer spending habits are changing. Boomers selling at the same time that investment companies are looking to buy is an obvious threat to the share of shops remaining independent. Consumer preferences might seem a bit removed from that, but as shops are given a facelift that looks like professionalism when they are bought out, customers may increasingly see this as an improvement in quality regardless of what actually goes on in the shop.

Lucky Papageorg: The challenges in keeping up with the advances in technology because of the very low ROI when investing in training, equipment and keeping and attracting new talent to the industry.

Charles Bryant: The biggest change is the car itself and how vehicles have evolved. Today’s cars are computerized and contain tons of electronic components which need to be recalibrated after an accident, and shops need the right tools, equipment and training to do that.

Aaron Schulenburg: The obligation to perform safe and proper repairs has never been more critical – especially when it comes to structural components and safety systems designed to protect occupants. There are many external, commercial entities trying to influence what processes, parts and tools shops use, but the repair facility ultimately holds full responsibility for the decisions made during the repair. That accountability hasn’t changed, but the external pressure is increasing significantly.

Those decisions must be rooted in OEM procedures and factory information, yet we’re seeing growing resistance to proper safety inspections, adherence to repair procedures and even third-party service providers entering agreements with insurers that dictate pricing. Often, these agreements include end-user license terms that subtly shift liability back to the shop – it’s essential to read those closely.

At the same time, vehicle technology continues to advance rapidly, adding to repair complexity. Combine that with rising costs for materials, labor and outsourced services, and you have a perfect storm driving up the total cost of repair while putting more pressure on shops to do more with less.

Jill Tuggle: Economic changes are being felt really heavily right now. Many of us saw this coming in some regard because there were warnings, but none of us expected the way it actually showed up. Part of the problem for shops lies in insurers’ insistence on decreasing labor rates by $5 to $8 per hour which presents additional pressures in a time when claims are down and the cost of living has increased.

AASP: Many independent shops may view consolidation as a huge problem they’re forced to contend with. Why does consolidation create challenges, and how can independent operators overcome those concerns?

LW: In addition to customer perceptions, the speed of buyouts is increasing the pressure as some shops are feeling the need to ‘get out while they can.’ The other big factor is buying power; those with national contracts can get better pricing than individual shops can. Independents need to differentiate themselves and have a clear understanding of how they can serve their customers better than the competition. The challenge is knowing what this looks like from the customer’s perspective. Badmouthing the quality of repairs coming from consolidators is not an effective strategy.

It is worth noting that consolidation is a big topic on the collision side, but it is also happening on the mechanical side. The market squeeze from national quick-service operations popping up is a clear indicator of what customers are looking for.

LP: Part of the issue regarding consolidation stems from some shop owners not knowing the true value of their business by either selling themselves short and leaving too much on the table or having truly unrealistic expectations of what they are worth. The other challenge is thinking that they have to jump on the consolidation train as their only way of surviving rather than expending the energy to make themselves unique and appealing to potential customers who do not want the big box store type of service.

CB: The biggest problem is consolidators controlling industry rates by lowballing and working on volume; it’s difficult for independent shops to compete with that. If the consolidators were smart, they would lay down the law and tell insurers ‘this is how much it takes to fix the car, period’ because they hold a large enough market share that they could make a positive impact. Until they do that, I’d urge independent shops to focus on performing quality repairs and refusing to accept the nonsense that insurance companies try to demand. After all, the insurer isn’t liable for the repairs; the shop is. Too many shops buckle to the insurer and make concessions on how they repair a car just to get the work, but the potential ramifications aren’t worth it.

AS: Anytime you have larger entities that are focused primarily on volume and growth, there’s often pressure to make agreements and concessions on how the repair process and claims process intersect. This can create confusion for customers who are told by some shops that certain steps aren’t needed or that others will do the job for less.

The concern around consolidation often comes from the presence of well-funded businesses that prioritize acquiring market share above all else. That can tilt the playing field. Businesses who have invested in their culture, their people, their capabilities, their communities and their commitment to the vehicle owner still have a clear path to stand out. There’s an opportunity to differentiate through commitment to process, transparency and relationships. Customers recognize and value that.

JT: Shops should recognize that consolidators rely on a completely different business model. Instead of trying to compete, they should lean into their identity as an independent shop by pushing consumer education and engaging with their local community – because they are part of that community, and MSOs cannot compete with that. Find new ways to differentiate your shop by focusing on providing a higher customer service experience and possibly seeking out those certifications that you’ve been putting off.

AASP: Rising costs present another obstacle for shops to overcome, especially as they continue to face pecuniary pressures from third-party payers. What are the best ways for shops to clear that hurdle?

LW: Shops need to know their numbers: what their profit margins are on every element of a repair, how many repairs they need to be doing to cover general overhead and when to turn away certain jobs. Third party payers are a major challenge, but mechanical shops are also faced with repairs being turned down. Maybe there is more to learn from one another with that.

LP: BE MORE PROFESSIONAL IN THEIR APPROACH and overcome the fear... put the time in to explain what insurers are doing and why. Just as in the medical field, the vehicle owner may have to pay upfront and seek reimbursement from the insurer to be fully indemnified as per the policy they purchased. Shops have to take a stand and STOP subsidizing an industry which announces from the mountaintops how much profit they are making – profit at the expense of the vehicle owner and the collision repairer.

CB: Educate yourself. Every shop should belong to their local and national associations and take advantage of the training opportunities! Beyond that, they can simply lay the law down. It’s a joke (though it’s not funny) how insurers use the 15 percent of shops that are DRPs to control the other 85 percent, but those shops get concessions to compensate for their restrictions, which non-DRP shops don’t get, such as being able to act as the appraiser. That gives DRP shops the opportunity to adjust their hours to ensure they’re remaining profitable.

AS: The biggest issue with rising costs is when businesses fail to track them closely or adjust quickly. If you’re not actively monitoring your costs – and updating your pricing to reflect them – you’re likely already behind. Everyone involved in the repair planning and billing process needs to understand and communicate real-time costs accurately. For example, if your part-code tables or pricing systems aren’t updated to reflect your charges, inflation will outpace your revenue. More responsive estimating and invoicing tools can help ensure your pricing aligns with actual costs and profit expectations. Ultimately, staying agile and informed is key.

JT: It’s more important than ever to ask good questions, present the right documentation and be willing to challenge insurers when they refuse to pay for certain operations. Shops can also make their voices heard with their local Department of Insurance and by keeping labor rate surveys, like the National AutoBody Research’s (NABR) LaborRate Hero and insurer surveys, updated with their actual door rates. This will help lay the groundwork for future fights on their behalf. In the meantime, it’s worth considering a customer co-pay model.

AASP: Even as the number of shops dwindle due to the aforementioned issues, workforce shortages continue to plague the industry as experienced technicians near retirement and fewer young people are entering the trade. Some estimates suggest as many as 100,000 positions could be unfilled by 2026! Where can shop owners/ managers find qualified talent? Are there ways for them to proactively cultivate an incoming workforce?

LW: This is an interesting question because in the past 18 months, I have had so many shops say this is no longer an issue, yet the numbers clearly suggest a major shift is coming. The conversation has gone from not being able to find anyone to there being enough entry level people, but too few people with advanced skills. Replacing a top-level performer with a top-level performer is not easily done unless the shop is promoting someone internally. Shops need to pay close attention to retention. Sending a B-tech to host a table at a career fair might be just the thing to give them a sense of pride in the work they are doing and pay off even more than picking up some student names. MNCARS has resources shops can use when visiting a tech school. Being on a school advisory board builds direct relationships with faculty, which is a great way to get leads on new graduates. Techs need clear growth pathways at every level of their careers.

LP: Offering apprenticeship opportunities in their shop and getting involved with their local technical schools is a good place to start, but they also need to look outside the box and always be seeking new sources of employees, whether it is at the local fast food venue or at a store selling gaming equipment. Think outside the box!

CB: Not to keep harping on the same topic, but the labor rate is the biggest deterrent to attracting more talent to our industry. When body shops are working for $50-$55 an hour, they cannot pay someone a decent salary. Why would a young man or woman come to work in such a physically and mentally demanding job when they can make the same amount – or more! – working at Amazon? Or they can go to work at a mechanical shop and make nearly double what they could make in a body shop. Until our labor rate realistically addresses the cost of doing business and allows shops to fairly compensate workers, this problem is going to persist; we aren’t going to attract new talent into our industry.

AS: Attracting and retaining talent starts with building the right culture. Shops that only focus on hiring the next ‘A-tech’ on-demand are likely to continue struggling. The most successful businesses I’ve seen invest in developing their own people. They foster mentorship, support interdisciplinary training and create collaborative environments where employees have a voice in shaping both process and culture. Even in tough labor markets, these shops grow and retain experienced staff.

Culture isn’t just about what happens at work – it’s also about how a business supports its people outside of work. Do they offer strong benefits? Are they helping create better financial planning? Do they provide flexible scheduling that respects work-life balance? These things matter. As an association, SCRS has been working to provide tools and resources – such as our 401(k) resource ( scrs.com/401k ) or healthcare insurance ( scrsbenefitscenter.decisely.com ) which help our members become better employers in this regard.

JT: It starts with keeping a good culture for the employees that shops already have, which includes creating incentives that encourage employees to help with efforts to grow their own talent. Because consolidators have different resources that often allow them an edge, smaller shops need to lean into their identity by engaging in their local community, getting to know people and seeking out opportunities to attract more young people to the industry – whether that be by partnering with local schools or simply developing relationships with neighbors and friends which might give them an opportunity to learn that someone they know is seeking a new position.

Shops can also embrace some of the more technologically advanced methods for finding talent, such as bodyshopjobs.com, which was created specifically to help independent shops find employees.

AASP: They say that ‘only the strong survive’ – do you think that’s true when it comes to collision shops in the current environment? With so many changes coming at lightning speed, how can shops strengthen their positions to ensure they are among those that survive the evolution of the industry?

LW: Nimble can beat brute strength. In Japan, fabric buildings are often used instead of metal buildings in areas susceptible to storms, particularly tsunamis. The buildings’ fabric shell washes away, but the foundation and frame are unharmed and ready to quickly be recovered with a new fabric shell. I don’t know what the version of this is for shops, but I’m very certain there are independent shops who know how to think like this. They know what is not important and can be sacrificed versus what is critical for thriving even after the worst the world can throw at them.

LP: Strength has to come from within, but know that you cannot do it alone. There are resources out there, and the ‘strong’ have set great examples of how to survive and get better, so you do not have to reinvent the wheel...find out how others have succeeded and do what they did!

CB: The strong survive, but strength doesn’t have to be individual. Join together. Create a strong network. Our industry needs more unity; we need to create a community among the shops that are willing to fight for our industry. We need to come together as a team that will stand together to do what’s right not just for our businesses but also for the customers who are counting on us to make sure their vehicles are safe to drive when they leave our shops. We are always going to be stronger collectively than any one of us can be alone.

AS: If it’s true that ‘only the strong survive,’ it’s worth considering how strength is formed. True strength isn’t something we simply have; it’s something we build, often slowly, from the repeated act of showing up and pushing through resistance. But I think it’s fair to say that the process is accelerated — and made more sustainable — when you are surrounded by others. A strong and supportive community can help challenge your blind spots, celebrate your growth and share resources, perspectives and wisdom you couldn’t access on your own. I like to think the associations in our industry offer these types of communities and opportunities for growth, accountability and vision.

I’d encourage shops to do more than just seek survival in your business; seek belonging, and be a part of something bigger than the four walls of your business!

JT: The strong certainly survive, but consider how you define strength. Does ‘strong’ encompass having a good business acumen, a marketing mind or something more? I believe being well-rounded is the most important component to strengthening your shop, and that begins with educating yourself to understand all the opportunities that exist within this industry and embracing what makes the most sense for your individual business.

AASPMN’s St. Paul Saints Game Outing Highlights

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 05:00:13 GMT

September's Association Updates

AASPMN hosted “A Night Out with the St. Paul Saints,” Thursday, August 21 at CHS Field in St. Paul. Nearly 60 AASPMN members, their employees and families attended the event, which kicked off with a tailgate party at Lancer Service – just a few blocks from the field.

Along with the free parking provided by Lancer Service, attendees enjoyed a BBQ, along with a few cold beverages and great conversation before heading to the 7pm game. The game featured the St. Paul Saints v. Round Rock Express.

Unfortunately for Saints fans, the Round Rock Express took the win in a 0-6 victory.

Record Year for Special Elections

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 05:00:09 GMT

Minnesota voters have already gone to the polls for three separate special elections this year to fill vacancies in the Minnesota Senate and the Minnesota House of Representatives and they are just getting warmed up.

Following the tragic assassination of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, the resignation of Senator Nicole Mitchell following a guilty verdict in her felony burglary case and the surprising passing of Senator Bruce Anderson, Minnesota voters will be busy this summer and fall filling vacancies at the Legislature.

Sen. Mitchell Resigns

State Senator Nicole Mitchell (DFL – Woodbury) resigned her Senate seat in early August, one week after being convicted of felony burglary following an April 22, 2024 arrest at her stepmother’s home in Becker County. Sen. Mitchell’s resignation came slightly earlier than expected after her attorney previously announced that she would resign sometime prior to August 4, 2025, citing the need to wrap up some constituent projects and support her staff in transitioning to new employment. Michell currently awaits sentencing and faces between six months and 20 years in jail. Her resignation had been called for by her DFL colleagues after her guilty verdict was returned.

Sen. Anderson Passes Away Unexpectedly

A second vacancy occurred in the Minnesota Senate after the unexpected passing of Sen. Bruce Anderson (R-Buffalo) at the age of 75. Sen. Anderson served in the Minnesota Senate since 2012, having previously served in the Minnesota House of Representatives from 1995-2012. A military veteran, Sen. Anderson’s legislative service focused on issues impacting veterans and rural communities.

With the passing of Sen. Anderson and Sen. Mitchell’s resignation, the Senate Democrats currently hold a 33-32 majority in the chamber. Gov. Tim Walz has called special elections to fill these vacant seats in November. Two sitting DFL House members have expressed interest in running to fill Sen. Mitchell’s seat, if either is successful there would need to be yet another special election to fill their vacant House seat.

Security Is an Issue

The discussion surrounding lawmaker security and the security of those at the Capitol has long been a debate in Minnesota. However, the assassination of Speaker Emerita Hortman and her husband Mark have turbo charged up this conversation. There will be further discussions going into the 2026 legislative session as to how the Capitol will be further protected.

In light of the security breach that occurred in late July when Capitol security found a man in the Senate chamber and arrested him, while later determining he required a mental health evaluation, a more in-depth look into security issues has been requested. The man returned to the Capitol grounds twice more over the weekend before he was arrested and is now being detained at the Ramsey County jail.

Legislative leaders stated that they are disappointed in the security breach, as Capitol security is unsure as to how he got into the Senate chamber. Everything from security check points at the Capitol to an investigation by the Office of the Legislative auditor to review security and rapid response protocols have been suggested.

It was announced last week that current Minnesota lawmakers will have access to each chamber’s operation fund to access up to $4,500 per member to cover the cost of home security systems, deadbolt locks, and other safety enhancements to their homes.

Minneapolis Mayoral Race

While the legislative races have the potential to be incredibly impactful, the race for mayor of Minneapolis is likely the most high-profile contest heading into the fall. Earlier this summer the Minneapolis Democratic Farmer-Labor Party (DFL) endorsed Sen. Omar Fateh (DFL-Minneapolis) over two-term incumbent Mayor Jacob Frey. This was the first time in 16 years that the Minneapolis DFL had reached the 60 percent thresholder needed to endorse a candidate for mayor. Sen. Fateh’s success was seen as a major victory for the more progressive wing of the Minneapolis DFL, including those who identify as Democratic Socialists. However, because Minneapolis uses ranked choice voting for municipal elections, all candidates will face off on the same ballot regardless of party, and the winning candidate must receive more than 50 percent of the initial votes.

Another interesting twist in the race occurred recently when Democratic Gov. Tim Walz endorsed Mayor Frey for re-election, stating that he is a national leader on issues like housing and that he believes he is the right choice for the future of the city. Mayor Frey has also announced that he will challenge the DFL endorsement of Fateh over alleged issues with the electronic voting system used at the DFL convention.

St. Paul Mayoral Race

Saint Paul’s Mayor Melvin Carter officially filed to run for his third term as St. Paul Mayor. To the surprise of many, Mayor Carter faces a challenge from within his own party ranks as state Representative Kaohly Vang Her (DFL-St. Paul), announced her candidacy in late July. Rep. Her (District 64A), which encompasses the Mac-Groveland, Cathedral Hill, Lexington-Hamilton and Merriam Park neighborhood, has served in the legislature since 2019. Rep. Her previously worked for Mayor Carter at the City of St. Paul and is currently the co-chair of the House Commerce Committee.

Like Minneapolis, St. Paul also uses ranked choice voting to determine the winner. One other interesting note about this year’s St. Paul mayoral election is that the mayor typically serves a four-year term, without term limits, but the person elected in 2025 will only serve a three-year term. This is because last year, St. Paul voters approved a ballot measure to move the city’s mayoral and city council elections to presidential years starting in 2028.

Collision Repair in Minnesota: What Should You Be Doing?

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 05:00:13 GMT

A MESSAGE FROM AASPMN

Shannon Christian, AASPMN Collision Division Director

As a collision repair professional in Minnesota, your role goes beyond fixing vehicles - you’re also a key advocate for your customers’ rights. Understanding the landscape around appraisal rights, arbitration, OEM procedures, customer decision-making and the cost of doing business is essential for protecting your shop’s integrity and ensuring vehicles are repaired safely and correctly.

We all understand that we need work in the door to be profitable. With that said, the days of undercutting, lowballing and rate dropping need to disappear. Our big red insurance company just lowered rates in many areas of the state and across the country, but guess what…you let them. All the estimate matching, rate concessions, adjustments... well, that all works in their favor. We need to write fair, honest, accurate repair assessments and stick with them. We are the repair professionals and should retain professional judgement of how the vehicle needs to be repaired and what that cost is - that is, if you have the customer’s support and have explained everything to them. The current technology of new vehicles is vastly outpacing what insurance companies can keep up with. If you are not educated and prepared, then how do you help your customer?

When insurers undervalue repairs or push for total loss declarations, the Right to Appraisal (RTA) can be a powerful tool for your customer. Minnesota-written insurance policies often include this clause, allowing both parties to appoint independent appraisers when there’s a dispute over repair costs. You can support your customer in invoking appraisal to challenge incomplete insurance estimates. The customer must be the one to exercise this policy right if it is part of their policy. You, as the shop, can support them with accurate estimates, referrals to quality independent appraisers and by being transparent about the process. Ensure your estimates are well-documented and based on OEM procedures to strengthen your position. Collaborate with qualified appraisers who understand structural and safety-critical repairs. I invite you to actually read through several auto insurance policies to see what the fine print states. This, by no means, makes you an expert in policy interpretation, but knowing what is in most policies can be helpful when talking with your customers.

Minnesota’s arbitration system, managed by the American Arbitration Association (AAA), offers a streamlined way to resolve disputes with insurers. If you have read many insurance policies issued in Minnesota, you would probably find this in most of them. This is especially useful when insurers refuse to pay for necessary procedures or parts. Educate your team on how to assist customers in filing arbitration claims. There is training available from industry professionals all over the country, and we have local public adjusters who are familiar with this process. You can attend training virtually or in-person, or have an industry professional come on site and present directly to your team. Maintain detailed records of repair procedures, communications and insurer responses. Consider working with legal counsel, industry advocates or public adjusters familiar with Minnesota’s arbitration process.

Minnesota supports the use of OEM repair procedures and parts, especially when safety is at stake. Insurers may attempt to substitute aftermarket parts or shortcut repairs, but you are not obligated to comply if it compromises vehicle integrity. Be sure you are serving the right customer.

It seems like every day I am reviewing an estimate from a customer that went to a preferred shop but now chose to come to my shop. No one asked the customer what parts they preferred, but all aftermarket and LKQ were selected. No one asked the customer if they preferred mandatory safety inspections, but they were omitted in the estimate. No one asked the customer if they preferred OEM procedures be followed and they were not, based on the estimate written. Preferred shops will eventually mean nothing if you don’t have preferred customers.

A few key points to consider: speak with the customer and find out how they want the vehicle repaired; parts, procedures, calibrations, paint, etc. Follow OEM guidelines and document the repairs. Use estimating systems as a guide; that is all they are. Estimating systems were designed as a guide for labor studied times on new vehicles, with new undamaged panels. When was the last time you worked on a brand-new vehicle with all new undamaged panels during a collision repair? This process will involve manual line entries to accurately assess the scope of damage. Push back against insurer “caps” or refusals to pay for OEM-required steps. Your customer’s safety is non-negotiable. As repairers, it is our responsibility to know what is right, do what is right and involve the customer in their repair.

We all need to do better at understanding the cost of doing business. How many price increases have been released in the last five years on refinish products, allied supplies and body supplies? Did you recalculate your cost of doing business at the time? Did you just eat the difference? Are you charging for what you use? Are you accepting what you are told? If the latter is true, you are the problem. Is a car cover really $3? Has your cost of labor risen in the last few years? Do you have a door rate that doesn’t match what you bill insurance companies? Does your rate and what you charge for vary based on which insurance company it is? Does your final bill match what was completed? These are all questions that you need to ask yourself. Why should the repair cost vary on my vehicle just because of my insurance company? The repair cost should be based on the procedures required to properly repair the car, regardless of who the bill payer is. Why, as a shop, would you be willing to charge your customers full rate, but give the billion-dollar insurance companies a break?

A conversation that occurred this morning has me wondering…The following statements were made: “You over-repair cars,” “You make it harder for the rest of us to get paid for what is needed,” and “Not every car needs a scan or calibration.” When I reflect on the conversation, I can see that person’s point of view, at least for a moment. A few questions come to mind: Where were they educated on collision repair? How up-to-date is their training on modern repair methods and technology? When have they reviewed OEM procedures? What training have they attended for negotiation and/or customer communications? Is this person aware that most vehicle manufacturers have at least a position statement on pre- and post- scanning? After a bit of reflection, my response is quite simple.

You are under-repairing cars by not following manufacturers’ procedures. If you billed for what was required, it would help the industry and your customers versus your insurance partner. Your views of scanning and calibration requirements are dead wrong. Perhaps you should find a new line of work before someone gets hurt.

Minnesota law prohibits insurers from steering customers to specific shops or adjusting estimates without proper inspection. How many shops have had their customers file a complaint with the Department of Commerce when this occurs? Honest answer: Very few, because it involves time, work and customer involvement. Did you ever think that if nothing is reported, then in the eyes of the Commerce Department, there is no problem?

As a shop owner, you must ensure customers are fully informed and empowered to make decisions. Clearly explain repair options, costs and implications to customers. Avoid any practices that could be seen as coercive or misleading; leave that to the claims folks. Encourage customers to retain control over their claim and repair decisions. There are too many times that I have been told, “They just had me drop it off and called me when it was done. I have no idea what they did.” Nor did they even receive a final bill on what was completed.

Insurers attempt to direct repairs, limit costs or override your professional judgment every day. Your responsibility is to advocate for proper repairs and ensure customers are not misled or pressured. You and your staff need to be trained to handle insurer pushback both professionally and assertively. This will not happen when the big picture goal of most shops is “insurance partner.” Our industry needs to do better by building relationships with customer advocates and legal experts. It is paramount that customers are educated about their rights and the importance of safe and proper repairs.

Collision repair in Minnesota is not just about restoring vehicles; it’s about restoring trust, safety and fairness. By understanding and leveraging consumer rights around appraisal, arbitration, OEM procedures, customer advocacy and your cost of doing business, you can protect your shop’s reputation and ensure every vehicle is repaired to the highest standards. That is, manufacturer’s standards; not insurance company standards.

Shifting Gears: Marketing in the Digital Age

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 05:00:09 GMT

Alerting customers to why your shop is the best choice.

It’s impossible to operate a repair shop (mechanical or collision) without vehicles to work on, and that means convincing drivers that your shop is the best choice for their needs through a marketing strategy tailored not only to your business but also to the customers you’re hoping to attract. Because that strategy needs to extend beyond that initial interaction to keep them coming back, a digital presence is imperative to remain relevant in today’s market.

With society relying more and more on technology in every activity, the way that consumers select a repair shop has changed over the years…yet it’s not that different in some ways.

“Word of mouth has always been one of the best ways for shops to attract new customers, but these days, no one is asking their neighbor for recommendations,” observes Joanna Knox (Tekmetric). “Now, they’re talking to the entire online community, so it’s imperative that shops are maintaining their digital presence. A professional website is key, and even more importantly, shops should be asking for reviews since that’s the modern ‘word of mouth.’”

According to Micki Woods (Micki Woods Marketing), the biggest drivers for attracting new customers are Google Ads, a Google Business Profile and SEO (search engine optimization). “Go where your customers are…and that is Google! According to multiple studies and our real world experience, this is where our guests are going to find a shop or investigate a shop.”

Max Gamm (Optimize Digital Marketing) believes that shops must have “an SEO and user-friendly website which makes it easier to be found online within search engines, gives the shop a more professional look and provides users with the information they are seeking. Don’t forget to update your website too! The digital world changes every day, and if there are no updates going on the website, search engines will see that the website is never updated and start dropping you in the organic rankings.”

“Using real photos instead of generic photos on your website tells the shop’s story and lets customers know what to expect,” Gregg Rainville (Steer CRM) adds. He also stresses the value of being just as meticulous with other places the business is listed. “Optimize your Google Business Profile to stand out. Ask for reviews, respond to reviews and add a scheduling button to make it easier for customers to do business with you.”

“Having a good scheduling tool that can be linked to all your platforms makes it easier for your customers to schedule a time that works for them without calling you,” Gamm agrees. He suggests claiming your shop’s Yelp page as well. “Yelp is a very important tool every auto shop should be utilizing. Their data not only drives more than 50 percent of car dashboard systems but also drives searches on iPhones.” He also stresses the importance of “answering all reviews on all platforms. Incorporating key words into the review responses will help enhance SEO and build trust with future clients before they step into the door.”

However, shops should be careful to avoid getting too personal when answering negative reviews, Gamm cautions. “When putting something out on the internet, it stays there forever. We want to make sure to answer reviews politely while getting the point across, so future customers reading these reviews don’t get pushed away.”

Social media is a part of daily life for many, so establishing a presence on various platforms can also drive new business. Gamm recommends, “being active on Facebook and posting several times per week. Organic reach is less than two percent of their current following, so the reality of someone seeing every post is very slim, so if you only post once every other week, you will not reach your whole audience.”

Although shops need to maintain a digital presence, they should still be taking a more traditional approach as well since automotive repair is such a localized service; a resident of Grand Rapids is unlikely to drive to Minneapolis for an oil change!

“Get involved in your community by sponsoring local teams and visiting high school career days,” Knox recommends, suggesting that co-marketing with another business also offers a “really cost-effective way to build your brand and attract new customers.”

“Postcards still work for shops in some markets,” Rainville acknowledges. “It’s worth trying to see if your customers respond, and it’s easy to track since customers often bring the postcard to their appointment.”

Acquiring new customers is actually the most expensive part of any marketing strategy, so it’s vital that shops also establish methods for retaining those customers. Fortunately, technology works to shops’ benefit in this circumstance, due to the availability of good customer retention management (CRM) programs that will automate many processes.

However, Woods warns shops to “be careful about inserting automated tools into the entire communications process. People are looking for safety and comfort and want to speak to a real person. Those real people need to be thoughtful and empathetic for the customer and then use a scheduler that will prompt texts of their upcoming appointments and reminders as customers are more than 50 percent more likely to show up if given reminders for their appointments.”

“A CRM program sends email and text reminders that coincide with your social media posts and advertising,” Gamm explains. “It can also request more reviews from customers and provide valuable data about your marketing efforts by tracking where incoming calls are generated from, which allows shops to track calls from ads and determine more accurate ROI on their ad spend, plus it enables shops to track their marketing funds throughout the planning, executive, feedback and analytics stages of each campaign.”

“Knowing the cost of acquisition is important for businesses,” Knox weighs in. “If it costs $10,000 to run an ad for a year, how many customers need to schedule services to see a return on that investment?”

For the CRM to work effectively, shops first need to make sure they are collecting their customers’ data, something shops forget to do entirely too often, according to Rainville. “Ask for their email and cell number, so you can curate the customer journey – check in after the visit, ask for reviews, send reminders and share specials. Most CRMs can automate that journey, but you have to input the data for it to do the job.”

He warns that data hygiene is also extremely important. “Make sure you’re typing the customer’s name correctly; no one wants to receive a text that clearly demonstrates you couldn’t even take the time to spell their name right!”

Instead of assuming customers want to do business the way you do business, asking about their preferences is another great way to build loyalty and make the customer journey much more palatable. “Send an email if that’s the customer’s preference. Or maybe they would rather all reminders come only through text,” Rainville points out. “Being open-minded and meeting their needs and desires establishes trust and makes it much more likely that they’ll continue seeking services with your shop.”

“Always think about how your processes are making your customer FEEL,” Woods contributes.

Streamlining communications makes it easier to market to customers as it relates specifically to their vehicle, but opening up that “dialogue” also enhances the opportunity to tackle a different type of promotion that has become increasingly relevant with the escalating complexity of vehicles: education. Today’s consumers don’t want to be simply told what to do; they want to know why it’s necessary.

“Instead of simply telling a customer that a sprocket needs to be replaced, having the technician point out the leak creates buy-in,” Knox insists, recommending that mechanical shops provide customers with a “report card” that clearly shows the work performed, declined services and upcoming maintenance work. “The goal is to have more high-margin work coming in because you’re taking care of your customers’ cars for the long term.”

This is a little different for collision shops, Knox acknowledges. “Collision is a rare beast because, hopefully, your customers aren’t visiting all that frequently, so marketing efforts should focus on establishing trust and expertise that will convince consumers to tell insurers where they’re taking their car after an accident, instead of relying on the insurance carrier to suggest a shop.”

She suggests creating that reputation by participating in local networking events to “explain the difference between high-quality repairs and the alternative, including how that affects the vehicle’s safety.”

“Stop and take the time to discuss what makes your shop different, if you have any certifications – what does that really mean – and also what the repair process will look like without sounding like you are just complaining about the insurance company,” Woods advises. “Be a partner to your guests, and let them feel like you have their best interest in mind!”

Utilizing social media is another effective way to educate consumers. “Pin a post to your Facebook page regarding insurance policies to help customers know what to expect,” Gamm offers. “You can also add this information to a page on your website for customers to access.”

Distributing a monthly e-newsletter that targets a specific type of maintenance or repair is another way to create an educational touchpoint with customers, according to Rainville, whose company has also designed a way to personalize education by creating vehicle profile pages that provide customers with a maintenance schedule along with videos that explain the importance of those services.

Although many customers prefer a more automated scheduling process, it’s still imperative to remain a “personal touch.”

“Go where your customers are,” Woods says. “Don’t assume you know what their journey looks like. Look at your marketing through the lens of your customer and what they want to feel from you in that moment.”

“Meet customers where they are,” Knox advises. “No matter what you’re selling, the goal is to make the buying decision easier. Every individual has different needs, and you must be prepared to fulfill those needs; some may want to ask questions of a live person over the phone, while another simply wants to book online without contending with hold times, and those needs may vary based on their current situation – a driver broken down on the side of the road will have a different sense of urgency than the customer scheduling general maintenance. Failing to offer various options can be detrimental to a business because the average consumer wants to do things the way they’re most comfortable, and if you don’t provide a way for them to do that, they’ll forget to schedule the appointment. Imagine if frequency was cut in half with just 10 percent of your client base…that’s a lot of lost revenue!”

“Stronger, personalized communication creates a more engaged customer, so while shops should be automating a lot of this communication, they should set it up to include the customer’s name and vehicle information, ensuring it goes out at the appropriate time for the services needed,” Rainville says, cautioning multi-shop operators to be sure their CRM clearly communicates with all locations to avoid sending multiple communications from different locations or having one location remind a customer that a service is needed after they just performed that maintenance at one of the company’s other sites. “No one wants to be spammed with marketing.”

With technological advancements constantly bombarding us, it may seem overwhelming to shift advertising gears, but it doesn’t have to be that difficult. Start by establishing your goals. “Do you want to increase car count, hire new techs, be more involved in the community or something else?” Gamm asks. “Figure out your goals, and then post information to help achieve those goals. If a shop is not consistently posting or being active on these platforms, it will be hard for new customers to find them and current customers to keep them at top of mind. People like to try different shops to see what the best deal is, and if you are not keeping them informed about you, they could try another place.”

How a shop presents itself is also important. “Make sure your marketing is targeted and in your voice,” Knox emphasizes. “Your brand should be presented in a tone that attracts the customers you want to work with. Not everyone is going to be your best customer, but you’ll see more profitability and enjoy life more if you’re attracting the customers who resonate with your brand’s promises.

“Whether you promote yourself as the cheapest, the cleanest or the highest quality shop around, follow through on what you promise to maintain and build your reputation,” she continues. “Do what you do really well and consistently. Find your brand, stick with it and have fun!”

“Marketing is not for your ego; it’s to help your guest through a tragic event,” Woods reminds shops. “Most people forget the ‘why,’ and then nothing else falls into place. If we remember WHY we are doing what we are doing, we can start to shift our heart posture in all that we do. Customers will feel that when they read an ad, call your shop or come in – if we are coming from the right place – which is to be a help to them and be an advocate for them.”

Want more? Check out the August 2025 issue of AASP-MN News!

August's Association Updates

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 05:00:15 GMT

AASPMN Hosts End of Summer Saints Game Outing

AASPMN Hosts End of Summer Saints Game Outing

AASPMN is pleased to announce an end of summer Saints game and tailgate party, Thursday, August 21. The game begins at 7pm at CHS Field and will feature the St. Paul Saints as they take on the Round Rock Express. Prior to the game, AASPMN members, Carl and Angie Thomas (Lancer Service; St. Paul), will host a tailgate party for those that attend. “This outing is a great way to get AASPMN members, their employees and families together in an informal setting and have a little fun before the kids go back to school,” said AASPMN Executive Director Linden Wicklund.

This event is sponsored in part by the following AASPMN year-long sponsors: 3M Automotive Trades Division, Auto Value Parts Stores/ Benco Equipment, Axalta Coating Systems, BASF, Colonial Life, Enterprise Mobility, LKQ-Minnesota, Lube-Tech, NCS/Single Source, O’Reilly Auto Parts, PPG Automotive Finishes, Sherwin-Williams, Suburban GM Parts and Vestis.

For additional information see page 8, contact the AASPMN office at (612) 623-1110 or visit aaspmn.org .

AWAIR Program Required in Minnesota

All automotive repair facilities in Minnesota are required to have A Workplace Accident and Injury Reduction (AWAIR) program. The Minnesota legislature has also added a requirement for a safety committee to any company that needs an AWAIR program. Any auto repair facility in Minnesota that does not have a current AWAIR program could be cited, and the penalties have increased substantially.

AASPMN, in conjunction with its partner, Complete Health Environmental & Safety Services (CHESS), developed “Creating an AWAIR Program for Your Shop.” This webinar helps members understand the components of an AWAIR program and helps them create an AWAIR program for their own facility.

The cost for the webinar is $100 and it includes a 20-minute phone consultation with a representative from CHESS to review the program you draft for your company.

To view the “Creating an AWAIR Program for Your Shop” webinar, contact the AASPMN office at aasp@ aaspmn.org or (612) 623-1110.

2025 Minnesota I-CAR/ SkillsUSA Fall Golf Event Announced

The Minnesota I-CAR/SkillsUSA Volunteer Committee invites golfers and sponsors to Oak Glen Golf Club in Stillwater, Wednesday, September 17 for a fun-filled day of golf and networking. All proceeds from the event go towards scholarships for future technicians, equipment for technical colleges and other collision industry training needs in Minnesota. The event includes a four-person scramble, grilled dinner and awards reception following the golf. In addition, there will be complimentary refreshments on several holes around the course, as well as unique contests for prizes.

This is a great opportunity for vendors to market their business, products and/or services, while supporting the industry and enjoying a round of golf with industry leaders.

Registration and payment for golfers and/or sponsors can be found on the event’s website, icargolf.com .

For more information, contact tournament director Jamison Randall at jrandall@latuffbrothers.com or (651) 796-8003.

AASPMN UPCOMING EVENTS

Northern MN Collision Shop Meeting

1st Tuesday Each Month, 6 - 8pm

TBA Northern MN

Southern Metro Collision Shop Meeting

1st Wednesday Each Month, 8 – 9:30am

MN ADAS, Bloomington Central MN Area

Collision Shop Meeting

2nd Wednesday Each Month, 7:30 – 9:30am

APH Headquarters, St. Cloud

Mechanical Zoom Meetup

3rd Tuesday Each Month 9 - 10am

Collision Zoom Meetup

3rd Thursday Each Month, 9 - 10am

A Night Out with the St. Paul Saints

August 21

CHS Field, St. Paul

Minnesota Consumer Data Privacy Act – What AASPMN Members Need to Know

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 15:41:36 GMT

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

On July 31, 2025, the Minnesota Consumer Data Privacy Act of 2024 (MNCDPA) went into effect. This law provides Minnesota consumers with comprehensive privacy protections. This article provides an overview of the key provisions of the MNCDPA and what and how AASPMN members can comply with the requirements.

Scope of the MNCDPA

The MNCDPA applies to legal entities that conduct business in Minnesota or provide products and services targeted to Minnesota

residents that control or process personal data of:

100,000 or more Minnesota consumers during a calendar year, excluding personal data processed solely to complete a payment transaction; or
25,000 or more Minnesota consumers, if they also derive more than 25 percent of their gross personal data sales.

As the law excludes entities that process Minnesota consumers’ personal data solely for the purpose of completing a payment transaction, many businesses are likely to be exempt from this law. However, if your business collects personal data for any other purposes and you meet the threshold of consumers, you are subject to the MNCDPA. For the purposes of this law, “personal data” includes any information that is linked or reasonably linkable to an identified or identifiable individual or household. Some examples of personal data include names, email addresses, phone numbers, financial information, device identifiers, geolocation data and biometric data.

Consumer Rights

Under the MNCDPA, consumers are afforded certain rights regarding their personal data. These rights include:

• Access: Consumers can request confirmation from a business about how a business is processing their data, access the data and obtain a list of specific parties to whom its data has been disclosed.

• Correction: Consumers can request corrections to any inaccurate personal data collected by a business.

• Deletion: Consumers can require deletion of their personal data at any time.

• Data portability: Consumers can request a copy of their data in an accessible format.

• Opt-Out: Consumers can opt out of any personal data sales, targeted advertising and profiling activities.

• Appeal: If a business denies any personal data request from a consumer, the consumer can appeal this decision.

One unique aspect of the MNCDPA is the right for consumers to question the results of any decision, including the reasoning behind the decision.

What Businesses Need to Do to Comply with the MNCDPA

If you are subject to the MNCDPA, you must take several actions to remain in compliance:

Provide transparent and accessible privacy notices detailing your business’s data collection practices and the consumer’s rights.
Limit personal data collection to what is adequate, relevant and reasonably necessary to perform the processing as disclosed.
Not retain any personal data that is no longer relevant or for a period not reasonably necessary for its original collection.
Implement reasonable administrative, technical and physical data security procedures to protect the personal data’s confidentiality and accessibility.
Obtain consent before processing sensitive data.
Obtain consent from a parent or guardian before processing the data of a known child (under 13).
Maintain comprehensive records of collected/ processed personal data.
Enable, act on, and respond to a consumer’s data rights requests.
Conduct regular assessments to determine if activities present heightened risks, including targeted advertising or processing sensitive data.
Establish contracts with data processors outlining all processing instructions, confidentiality obligations, and compliance.

Businesses must respond to any consumer request within 45 days. If it is reasonably necessary to handle a complex request, a business may extend that response by 45 more days. However, consumers must be informed of any extension and its reason within the initial 45-day period.

Next Steps

Penalties for non-compliance can reach up to $7,500 per each individual violation. Until January 31, 2026, businesses have a 30-day period to cure any alleged violations before official enforcement actions begin. Given these steep penalties for violations and the approaching date of effect, AASPMN members are encouraged to take the steps to comply with the law:

Assess whether they fall within the scope of the MNCDPA.
Review and update data collection and processing practices.
Develop or revise privacy policies to align with the MNCDPA requirements.
Implement mechanisms for consumers to exercise their rights. This could include the proper opt-out language on all emails, as well as a designated privacy email address where consumers can address their concerns and submit their requests.

AASPMN is committed to providing its members with resources to implement these actions, including a template Privacy Policy that conforms to the MNCDPA requirements, and can be tailored to fit your specific website and business.

Templates to Address Legal Needs of Members

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 15:26:37 GMT

A MESSAGE FROM AASPMN

Running a small business and being an entrepreneur requires considerable time spent navigating through legal requirements and best practices. One of the many goals of AASPMN is to make this process a bit easier for members by providing general resources and templates. Some of the newest resources include a privacy policy, website terms and conditions and an updated hazard notice. As a member, you have access to these templates, which are worth thousands of dollars, at no cost!

This month’s Legislative Update (see page 5) focuses on Minnesota’s new privacy law, which is actively being rolled out. Both the privacy policy and website terms and conditions templates have been created to be compliant with the new regulations. Privacy is a particularly big deal for shops because of vehicle data. It is widely known in the industry that the data transmitted through scans and parts searches is sold. Unfortunately, there is little understanding of who is selling it and at what step in the process. Having a privacy policy means you are clearly telling your customers that you are doing all you can to protect their privacy, but that it is outside of your control if that data is sold by a different entity. Clearly disclosing this information is critical in protecting your shop from legal trouble.

The vehicle hazard notice was mentioned several times in last month’s feature, Exploring Shop Liability: Is a Partial Repair Ever Acceptable? (See grecopublishing. com/aasp0725coverstory/ ) The point of that article was to help shops navigate the very real and frequent issue of repairs being turned down. The vehicle hazard notice is designed to be used when a vehicle is in disrepair to the point that the safety of passengers or others on the road is in question. A signature by the customer and good shop notes are key for protecting a shop if something does go wrong. When and how to start using this form is a judgement call for each shop. The AASPMN legal team at Larkin Hoffman can help shops further tailor the form to meet specific needs and answer questions.

There are several other templates available and there will continue to be others added as needs from members arise. Let us know what you would like to see or are struggling with!

If you would like a copy of these valuable templates, please reach out to the AASPMN team at aasp@aaspmn . org or call (612) 623-1110. 30659 Pearl Drive Unit #3 • St. Joseph, MN 56374 CALL US TODAY!! Randy: (320) 428-6200 Office (320) 363-410

Exploring SHOP LIABILITY: Is a Partial Repair Ever Acceptable?

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 09:48:12 GMT

With all the conversations that take place in this industry, it can surely feel like billboards are out there flashing “complete and proper repair” just about everywhere you turn. But, realistically, is it something that shops can fully promise or deliver?

Perhaps, there should be signs flashing caution to the many cars that roll off lots when those promises are not met.

Here’s the situation: Shops have more access to information on OEM repair procedures than ever before and with that comes increasing pressure to find and follow all procedures for each new job that comes into the shop. The days of only having to look up procedures when you can’t figure something out on your own are basically over. One of the major motivating fears that shops have pushing them to research procedures is a vehicle they worked on ending up in a deadly accident, and those fatalities being blamed on the shop. Yet, shops face the hard challenge of negotiating with customers and payers for complete repairs that are, unfortunately, frequently denied or put off.

Therefore, shops may not be performing all tasks related to a complete repair or recommended maintenance for numerous reasons, both accidental and intentional, including: failure to diagnose all necessary repairs, customers choosing to put off repairs, payment limitations or issues (i.e. arguing with an insurer or a customer who does not want to pay for certain things), to name a few.

AASPMN News has previously explored the various factors that inadvertently give shops no choice but to perform a complete repair (see “Is a Partial Repair Ever ‘Good Enough?’” Parts 1 and 2” grecopublishing.com/aasp0824coverstory and grecopublishing.com/aasp0924coverstory ). This month, we reached out to attorney Chris Yetka of Larkin Hoffman to take the conversation further by diving into the legalities behind the unsettling practice of partial repair.

AASPMN News: What are the main liabilities when a shop does not make repairs that they have identified as needed at that time, or in the near future?

Chris Yetka: If the needed repair affects the safety of the vehicle and the vehicle causes an accident, it could expose the shop to a lawsuit. If the shop informs the car owner of the issue, and the owner refuses to do the repair and takes the car, it is the vehicle owner who is likely more liable for any damage or injury, but that does not insulate the shop from a suit. The shop can ask for a waiver of liability (which, again, potentially protects them from damages, but not from being sued), or in extreme cases where the vehicle poses an immediate threat of harm, or they could tell the customer that they will release the vehicle, but will be informing authorities of the shop’s belief that the vehicle is unsafe.

AASPMN: Is there a way the shop can fully put the liability onto the customer or payer who has knowingly denied the needed repairs the shop identified?

CY: A liability waiver is always an option, but it does not completely eliminate risk. The individual providing the waiver may not have sufficient insurance or assets to make good on the waiver, and even a waiver does not limit the ability of an injured party to drag in the shop. A waiver is better than nothing, but again, if the shop truly believes that releasing the vehicle poses an immediate risk, the best approach is to alert authorities of their concern. In any case, whether a waiver is obtained or not, the shop should identify the issue and inform the customer of the issue and potential dangers.

AASPMN: Some shops may think that if they pretend that they didn’t know there was a problem, or even try to claim there was not a problem when they had the vehicle, they are removing themselves from the issue, but willful blindness is something that they can be liable for just the same. Does the liability change depending on if they do, or do not, disclose the issues to the customer? What best business practices could shops put in place to protect themselves when customers turn down repairs?

CY: Taking a blind-eye approach increases the risk to the shop. In that instance, the injured party will look to the shop for all liability because the automobile owner can plausibly deny they knew there was a problem. Again, if the shop knows of issues, they should be clearly described, and if there is substantial risk, a waiver should be obtained. In those exceptional cases where the threat of injury and damage is clear, it may be the best approach to notify the authorities if the vehicle is not towed away.

AASPMN: Customers do sometimes have issues with their vehicles following a repair that may or may not be related to the repair. This is particularly true with calibration issues. Is there a statute of limitations or other legal mechanisms to protect a shop if a customer comes back months or years later with a complaint, or worse, based on repairs that were not done or were incomplete? Are there best practices regarding what to include in repair agreements to help address this?

CY: The best practice is to describe any and all issues that are noticed at the time of the repair, and also to specifically identify what work was done and what work was not done. Ultimately, the customer will have to prove that the work done, or not done, by the shop was the cause of the future issues, and that the shop was responsible for them. The statute of limitations for breach of contract is six years, but different, shorter limitations periods could apply, depending on the nature of the claim.

AASPMN: When insurance companies or vehicle warranties are the payers, the conversation about what is covered versus what is needed for a full repair can be contentious. If these companies were to claim a given repair step is not needed and the shop agrees to skip that step, does the full liability still fall to the shop if something goes wrong?

CY: An insurance company stating that a repair is not needed provides some level of protection to the shop. However, if it is clear that a dangerous aspect of the repair is being left undone, it would be best to again ask for a waiver, have the customer sign an acknowledgement, and in serious cases where the danger is manifest, inform the authorities.

AASPMN: Minnesota does not require vehicle inspections, which means there is not a clear list of minimum required standards for determining when a vehicle is or is not safe to drive on Minnesota roads. Minnesota also does not have any sort of shop licensing related to work being performed on a vehicle and very limited laws regarding repair requirements of the shop. Does this mean it is a judgement call by the shop regarding when to tell a customer a vehicle is unsafe to drive? How does the absence of clear guidelines impact liability for a shop? How about when the issue is not safety, but is related to the performance and longevity of the vehicle?

CY: It is a judgment call for the shop. In any litigation, it will come down to expert testimony on what the standard is. I would look at this from a common sense approach. Things like brakes and fuel systems are pretty clearly dangerous, and should be flagged and treated with appropriate seriousness. Other items may not be as cut and dry. If safety is not an issue, and only performance or longevity, the potential liability is significantly reduced. Again, the best approach is to inform the customer of the risks of not performing service, and get them to sign that acknowledgement, or at least have them sign off on the fact that a recommendation was made.

A Note From AASPMN Executive Director Linden Wicklund

Partial repairs are a touchy subject. Ideally, full repairs are done every time a vehicle is worked on. AASPMN’s goal is to provide clarity for those navigating what to do next when a customer or payer has turned down needed repairs. Since Minnesota does not have inspections on all vehicles, there is not a clear minimum standard to determine if a vehicle is roadworthy, thus shops wind up having to make a judgement call. Shops can simply refuse to work on a vehicle when they know the customer is only going to approve partial repairs, but it often isn’t that simple.

There are several laws that shops can look to when trying to understand what the state deems roadworthy. Most of these laws hold the vehicle owner accountable for violations, but that doesn’t stop the vehicle owner suing a shop to deflect responsibility. The best resource for what repairs may be needed continues to be the OEM procedures. The following Minnesota statutes related to vehicle safety can be found at: revisor.mn.gov/statutes/ .

• 169.47 - Unsafe Equipment – Consumers are liable for the safety of their vehicles while being driven by themselves or others. • 169.46 through 169.75 - Motor Vehicle Safety Standards – Mostly related to vehicles fit for sale, titling, or use, not on shop requirements.

• 325F.6641 - Disclosure of Vehicle Damage – Consumers are liable for the safety of their vehicles and must disclose damages to future owners. This mostly is referenced when a customer wants to repair a vehicle that is a total loss but does not have the insurance company take ownership and sell it back to the customer. When the insurance company takes ownership, then the title is stamped.

• 325E.0952 - Airbag Replacement – Vehicles seven years or newer, acts by collision repair shop. Federally, there is one small bit of law regarding the aftermarket. It is mostly targeted at window tinting and other vehicle modifications that intentionally interfere with the safe operation of a vehicle. Other federal standards that regulate vehicles at point-of-sale could be referenced by an expert witness.

• 30122 of the US Code is available at bit.ly/UScode30122 .

Hopefully, more knowledge on this subject can help shops make empowered decisions on how to navigate hard situations. AASPMN has a sample waiver for shops to use and modify as needed. Larkin Hoffman can work directly with shops on creating a waiver that meets their specific

30th Annual AASPMN Golf Outing Highlights

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 15:41:22 GMT

ASSOCIATION UPDATES

On Wednesday, June 18th, 133 golfers and 21 sponsoring companies enjoyed a beautiful day while golfing and socializing at the 30th Annual AASPMN Golf Outing at Majestic Oaks Golf Club in Ham Lake.

The competition was tough, but the teamwork of the following golfers earned them the first place trophy with a score of 14 under par. They were: Bob Auman (LKQ), Dustin Warren (AkzoNobel), Steve Widen (You Certified Collision Network) and Steve Daniels (LaMettry’s Collision).

The second place team came in at 13 under par. They were: Paul Yager, Kyle Knuth, Brad Corrao and Steve Willey. Congratulations to Shannon Christian, who won AASPMN’s split the pot raffle, taking home $700! Proceeds from the raffle support AASPMN’s Education Fund, which provides scholarships to first and second year auto service and collision repair students attending Minnesota’s automotive technical programs.

1st place team (L to R): Steve Daniels (LaMettry’s Collision),

Bob Auman (LKQ), Dustin Warren (AkzoNobel),

Steve Widen (You Certified Collision Network)

(L to R): AASPMN Executive Director Linden Wicklund thanked the 133 golfers and 21 sponsoring companies for

making the event a huge success; Brandy Wefel (Suburban GM Parts) announces the winner of their yard dice game;

Jim May and Rachel Dirks (Lube Tech) award door prize drawings to attendees.

Unspeakable Tragedy In Minnesota

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 10:14:10 GMT

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

While it is important to sort out what happened during the legislative session and the special session, the actions of a deranged man have overshadowed those details. In the early morning hours of June 14, a masked gunman visited the homes of several DFL lawmakers. He took the lives of DFL Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark. He also shot and wounded DFL Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette. At the time of this writing, they are miraculously expected to survive.

I do not have the words to express my sorrow for this unspeakable act. It is hard to fathom how something like this could happen in our state, but it has happened, and the fallout will last for years to come. How this impacts the legislature and the operation of state government moving forward is yet to be seen, but I think it’s safe to say there will be changes in the day-to-day operations of the legislature, as well as in how lawmakers interact with each other and the public.

I wish I had words of comfort to share, but right now we are all in shock that something like this could happen here.

Special Session Held to Pass Biennial Budget

Three weeks after the 2025 legislative session ended, the legislature held a one-day special session to take up and pass the remaining pieces of the state’s biennial budget and avert the looming partial government shutdown that would have started July 1. With the most evenly divided legislature possible, legislative leaders had to navigate a 67-67 split in the Minnesota House of Representatives and a one vote (34-33) Democratic majority in the Senate to secure bipartisan support for each of the various omnibus finance bills required under the Minnesota Constitution. Legislators had to seek bipartisan (and often unpopular) compromise, and many legislators expressed frustration with proposals they eventually voted to support.

Biennial Budget Passed

The bipartisan agreement to hold a one-day special session on June 9, 2025 left legislators just under 24 hours to debate and vote on the 14 bills agreed upon by leadership. In the end, legislators found a path forward and sent a $66 billion biennial budget that funded all areas of state government to Gov. Tim Walz and averted a government shut down.

The overall budget is an eight percent decrease from previous biennium spending, as legislators sought to get ahead of the budget deficit looming in the next biennium. The 2025 omnibus finance bills lessen the gap between revenue and spending in FY 28-29 by 45 percent and leaves approximately $1.9 billion on the bottom line at the end of the biennium to help cover the state costs in the next biennium. The state budget outlook still predicts a deficit for FY 28-29, even with reductions made this legislative session. However, current projections will change significantly based on the economy and federal budget, which means the legislature could be back next session to pass an additional supplemental budget.

Budget Related Bills

In addition to the nine omnibus finance bills, the omnibus tax bill, and the omnibus capital investment bill, two other legislative proposals passed as “stand alone” bills due to the controversial nature of the topics and the complexity of the legislative negotiations. Many legislators wanted to vote for the overall omnibus bills that would have carried the legislation but were opposed to the specific issues. To ensure passage of the omnibus bills, two proposals were brought forward independently: a bill relating to data centers and a bill that eliminated health care coverage for undocumented adults.

Special Session Anticipated This Fall

While the one-day special session in June did establish the two-year budget, lawmakers have warned that additional work on the state budget could be required if significant federal cuts are enacted by Congress this summer. States receive a large amount of federal funding for Medicare programs, and if the cuts being considered in this area are passed by Congress this summer, state lawmakers are likely to need an additional special session this fall to respond.

Let’s Build Something Great

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 09:52:00 GMT

A MESSAGE FROM AASPMN

As someone who has dedicated my whole career to the automotive service industry, joining the AASPMN Board of Directors is both an honor and a responsibility I take seriously. My passion for this industry is rooted in the people who make this profession what it is – hardworking shop owners, technicians, service advisors, distribution and support teams – all of whom keep the industry moving in Minnesota.

I’m Andrea Ossowski with Blue Rock Refinishing Solutions out of Roseville, MN. We have two other locations in St. Cloud, MN and Little Rock, AR. I’ve been working in the automotive service world for 18 years. I got my start in 2007 with 3M in the Automotive Aftermarket Division as a sales representative based in Greenville, SC. I returned to Minnesota in 2009 and started managing the Meguiar’s product line for 3M in multiple states. I decided to join my family’s business in 2013, working alongside my dad and brother. Over time, I’ve grown not only in skill, but in appreciation for what this profession means to our communities.

In addition to my work at Blue Rock, I am also a wife of 16 years and a mom to two amazing girls. They are my “why” in everything I do.

As a board member, I aim to be a voice for both established and emerging professionals in our field. I joined because I want to help move our industry forward and make a real difference for the people working hard in it every day. Here’s what I’m passionate about:

1. Growing the Next Generation

We need more young people entering this field, plain and simple. I want to support initiatives that connect schools, students and businesses – programs that inspire young people to consider a career in automotive and give them the tools to succeed. It’s not just about filling jobs, it’s about informing kids that there’s pride, purpose and a future here.

2. Training and Technology Access

As vehicle systems grow increasingly complex and at a rapid pace, so too must our technical training. I’d like to help expand access to cutting-edge educational resources and workshops that keep our members competitive and confident in their work.

3. Building a Stronger Community

One of AASPMN’s greatest strengths is its ability to bring people together. I’d love to strengthen that sense of community with new ways of connecting members with shared challenges and goals. We’re all better when we learn from each other.

4. Advocacy and Industry Awareness

From legislation that affects our day-to-day operations to public perceptions of what we do, advocacy matters. I plan to support efforts that raise the profile of our industry and ensure our voices are heard at the local and state level.

I’m here to listen, learn and work. If you’re a member, I hope you’ll reach out. If you’re not yet, I encourage you to get involved – you won’t regret it. The more we show up for each other, the stronger our industry becomes.

Thanks for trusting me to represent you on the AASPMN board. Let’s continue building something great together.

alliance-of-automotive-service-providers-of-minnesota

Home Stretch of a Politically Fraught Biennium

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Moving Our Industry Forward

A MESSAGE FROM AASPMN

24th Annual Race for Automotive Education Raises Nearly $12,000 for Student Scholarships

ASSOCIATION UPDATES

AASPMN Leadership Conference & Annual Meeting

ADAPTABILITY FOR THE ROAD AHEAD

April 29 & 30, 2026 ﻿

Wednesday, April 29

Thursday, April 30

THIS CAN’T-MISS EVENT

Designed For Shop Owners & Managers! JOIN US APRIL 29-30!

AASPMN Day at the Capitol Event Recap

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Consumer Choice is Not Optional, At Least It Used To Be

A MESSAGE FROM AASPMN

AASPMN’s Uniform Program Pays Over $65,000 in Rebates to Members

AASPMN recently distributed over $65,000 to 128 members participating in its uniform program through Vestis.

2026 Legislative Session Begins with Somber Remembrance of Melissa Hortman

Community Involvement Is More Than Good PR – It’s Good Business

Under Construction: Maintaining Rhythm During Construction

Embarking on a construction project can feel like a colossal undertaking in the automotive world.

They know their way around the structure of an automotive business from outside in and inside out.

Beneath the Hood: What’s Driving Change in 2026

A new year has rolled around, and as we begin 2026, the automotive and collision repair industries are facing continued evolutions at a neck-breaking pace.

AASPMN Day at the Capitol

AASPMN works year-round to uphold the existing laws that help and protect member businesses, educate members on the laws and fight for or against legislative changes through our robust lobbying efforts.

Change of Date for the AASPMN Leadership Conference & Annual Meeting

Legislative Session Looms Amidst Chaos in Minnesota

The 2026 legislative session is scheduled to begin on February 17.

Governor Walz Drops Reelection Bid

Federal Government Orders ICE Presence in Minnesota

Legislative Calendar Set; Deadlines and Recesses Announced

Winter and Q1: Here for Real

Finally, we are seeing some real winter weather and the business boost that comes with it! ﻿

Future Techs on Training Wheels

Inside AASPMN & MNCARS’ EV Scholarship Program

Happy New Year

Association Updates

Discussions of Fraud Remain Front and Center

Legislative Update

What’s in Store for 2026?

A Message From AASPMN

The Pros and Cons of PFML

Effective January 1, 2026, Minnesota law mandates that all businesses must offer Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) to employees.

Happy Holidays from AASPMN

Association Updates

2025 Election Recap

The 2025 election cycle in Minnesota had interesting races in the Twin Cities metro area for mayoral and city council races, as well as a pair of special elections for state Senate seats after vacancies arose this summer.

Wrap It Up

Each December, there are two major and somewhat competing themes that run through my head: taking stock of what the year has taught me and trying to wrap up the year so I can move on to other things.

What Lies Beneath: The Terrors of Not Performing Safety Inspections

True or false? Performing safety inspections on seat belts, steering columns or SRS components is optional.

AASPMN “AI in Automotive” Roundtable Discussion & Shop Tours Highlights

On October 22, AASPMN hosted “AI in Automotive: How Auto Shops are Leveraging AI as a Partner,” at Auto Works Automotive Service Center in Woodbury.

Establishing and Strengthening Lawmaker Relationships

We are in the midst of an overhaul of the Minnesota Legislature membership in the post-COVID world.

AI in Collision Repair: What It Is, What It’s Doing and How to Adapt

The collision repair industry is undergoing a seismic shift.

Bringing New Skills to the Table: Women in Shops

Not too long ago, it was extremely rare to see a woman working in a repair shop – mechanical or collision – but these days, more women are changing careers and lending their unique skill sets to the automotive industry.

Minnesota I-CAR SkillsUSA Golf Outing Highlights

The Minnesota Volunteer I-CAR Committee, along with SkillsUSA, had a successful golf outing at the beautiful Oak Glen Golf Club in Stillwater on Wednesday, September 17. ﻿

Governor Walz Reelection Bid, DFL Retains Former Speaker Hortman’s Seat and Elect New Caucus Leader

The unusually busy legislative offseason continued to make headlines in September.

Shifting Gears: Women Driving Change in Minnesota’s Auto Repair Industry

Walk into most auto repair shops in Minnesota, and chances are, you’ll still find a male-dominated workplace.

Fighting the Good Fight

Industry Leaders Consider Changes and Challenges

AASPMN’s St. Paul Saints Game Outing Highlights

September's Association Updates

Record Year for Special Elections

Minnesota voters have already gone to the polls for three separate special elections this year to fill vacancies in the Minnesota Senate and the Minnesota House of Representatives and they are just getting warmed up.

Sen. Mitchell Resigns

Sen. Anderson Passes Away Unexpectedly

Security Is an Issue

Minneapolis Mayoral Race

St. Paul Mayoral Race

April 29 & 30, 2026

Finally, we are seeing some real winter weather and the business boost that comes with it!

The Minnesota Volunteer I-CAR Committee, along with SkillsUSA, had a successful golf outing at the beautiful Oak Glen Golf Club in Stillwater on Wednesday, September 17.