LAS VEGAS, Oct. 17, 2013—Mike Anderson, a collision repair industry consultant, kicked off the 2013 NACE Expo with a keynote speech entitled “The Future Is Not Set in Stone” at the Opening General Session/Collision Industry Forum.
Anderson used real-life anecdotes and video to underscore his points about perseverance, unity and action.
“We get caught up in how much things cost, in Parts Trader, in cycle time, and we forget that what matters is how we fix the car,” Anderson said. “When the industry gets a black eye, it affects every single person.”
Anderson emphasized the importance of a good shop culture, noting that an atmosphere of “doing it with you versus to you” is vital to creating a culture of change.
"At the end of the day, the best shop is the one that’s got the best culture," he said. "The value is in the discussion that takes place where everyone had an aha moment."
Anderson used the concept to draw parallels to the insurance industry.
“With insurers, they try to come in our industry and do things to us and not with us,” he said.
Anderson also spoke about helping other segments of the industry, including heavy-duty truck, RV and bus repair businesses.
“The people that fix these types of vehicles need our help,” he said. “They don’t have the same training available to them.”
Anderson was also the recipient of the 2013 Joe Jackson Industry Champion Award, presented by Axalta Coating Systems. The award recognizes individuals in the collision repair industry who reflect admirably on the industry through outstanding leadership, charity or humanitarian works.
