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Posts published by “Rob Merwin”

Shops must let customers know they’re open during pandemic as first important step

John Eppstein, of John's Automotive Care, closed off his shop's waiting room with a barrier to prevent customers from approaching the counter.

Shops must let customers know they’re open during pandemic as first important step

By Rob Merwin on April 1, 2020

San Diego shop owner also says alleviating customers’ concerns for safety and health is paramount.

Colorado shop owners offer advice on business survival during Covid-19 outbreak

“Shops are an essential business and many of us are servicing doctors, nurses, gas stations and trucks that deliver food to stores, as well as the people who work in them,” says Bryan Gossel, of BG Automotive. “We’re all life-sustaining businesses and there are bigger things than just money.”

Colorado shop owners offer advice on business survival during Covid-19 outbreak

By Rob Merwin on April 1, 2020

Repairers need to contact their lenders, dial back fixed operating costs, keep staff informed and reassure customers.

Collision repairers refocus shop operations as pandemic affects business

“Even if we remain at 50 percent of our usual business, we won’t have to lay anyone off. Our cycle days might even get better as we tighten things up," says Melanie Allan, of Craftsmen Collision in Long Beach, Calif.

Collision repairers refocus shop operations as pandemic affects business

By Rob Merwin on April 1, 2020

Collision shops from the Midwest and California share how they’re being proactive as the coronavirus bears down.

ASA Northwest turns focus toward member safety and assistance

“Everyone is reaching out to help others less fortunate — and that’s what we’re all about in this country as well as right here in ASA. We support our membership, their business needs and becoming a resource for them to call so they get answers to their questions," says Jeff Lovell, executive director.

ASA Northwest turns focus toward member safety and assistance

By Rob Merwin on March 25, 2020

Executive Director Jeff Lovell says aftermarket coming together to provide solutions and answers in wake of coronavirus.

Iowa shop owner Trent Lee Waltersdorf, 47, passes away

Trent Lee Waltersdorf was the owner of Trent's Garage in Clive, Iowa, and was the husband of Amy Waltersdorf, MWACA Des Moines Chapter Treasurer.

Iowa shop owner Trent Lee Waltersdorf, 47, passes away

By Rob Merwin on March 18, 2020

Memorial services will be Saturday, March 21, at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway in West Des Moines from 1-4 p.m.

KABA seeks to ‘raise everybody’s game’ at second annual trade show

“Our goal is to serve our membership and the state by bettering our industry for the safety and education of consumers, repairers and insurance companies,” says KABA President Jeff Oldenettel, pictured here at the 2019 event.

KABA seeks to ‘raise everybody’s game’ at second annual trade show

By Rob Merwin on March 18, 2020

“Our goal is to serve our membership and the state by bettering our industry for the safety and education of consumers, repairers and insurance companies,” said KABA President Jeff Oldenettel.

Lawyer advises employers on proper steps with staff regarding coronavirus

By Rob Merwin on March 18, 2020

What does an employer do if an employee exhibits Covid-19 symptoms? What happens when an employee exhausts their sick time? Can employers restrict personal travel?