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3 weeks ago | 
fenderbender.com | Tiffany Menefee
In recent years, the auto collision repair industry has been undergoing a technological revolution. From advanced driver-assistance systems to electric vehicle platforms, the cars rolling into body shops today are far more complex than those of just a decade ago. These innovations designed to make driving safer and more efficient also place immense pressure on small, independent collision repair shops.
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1 month ago | 
fenderbender.com | Tiffany Menefee
As the owner of a smaller shop, I’ve always tackled problems head-on. From technical challenges to customer concerns, I’ve handled it all with determination. However, for far too long I ignored the inevitable. I convinced myself that if I kept working hard, the economic pressures and industry changes wouldn’t affect me. Like an ostrich with its head in the sand, I hoped that things would eventually improve. But now, the reality is clear: I’ve been avoiding the writing on the wall.
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2 months ago | 
fenderbender.com | Tiffany Menefee
As a small shop owner, managing time and money efficiently is always a priority. With limited hours and resources to allocate toward systems, services, and skilled help, I am always searching for ways to streamline operations and improve productivity. This extends beyond the physical work of repairing vehicles; it includes optimizing how my office staff, such as estimators, manage their time. I want to ensure they are working as efficiently as possible without burning out.
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Mar 3, 2025 | 
fenderbender.com | Tiffany Menefee
As an avid history enthusiast, I’ve often heard the saying, “Do you want to win the battle, or do you want to win the war?” While the larger goal is to win the war with the insurance companies, I also know that winning individual battles is crucial when you're in the trenches every day. After all, I run a business, and I have bills to pay and employees to support.
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Feb 7, 2025 | 
fenderbender.com | Tiffany Menefee
In recent years, much attention has been given to mental health within the body shop industry. We hear a lot about the importance of self-care, preventing burnout, and how to spot the signs of stress in employees. But there's an elephant in the room: the pervasive issue of alcohol and drug abuse in the workplace. If you think this problem isn't widespread, I would argue you're simply not facing reality.
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Dec 1, 2024 | 
fenderbender.com | Tiffany Menefee
In the world of auto collision repair, a familiar refrain has emerged among shop owners: "Are we experiencing increased pushback from insurance companies?" The answer is a resounding yes. As I engage with various shops, it becomes clear that this issue is widespread, impacting the industry as a whole. The Current Landscape Insurance companies are tightening their belts, leading to significant changes in how they handle claims and payouts.
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Sep 30, 2024 | 
fenderbender.com | Tiffany Menefee
There should be a course on how to identify unprofitable repairs. But for most of us, it’s a matter of trial and error. Each shop has its own learning curve in figuring out what works. When I first took over my shop, I said “yes” to almost everything that came through the door. Unfortunately, that approach didn’t always work out, and there were times it came back to bite me.
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Sep 10, 2024 | 
fenderbender.com | Tiffany Menefee
After I attended the Auto Body Association of Texas Trade Show and then a Shopfix Academy conference, I was motivated and had all these ideas. I just went back to my normal routine. But then I came across a quote from Dipen Parmar: “The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.” There are so many things in my shop I know I need to address that I’ve put off. I’m always busy doing busy work and not doing the tedious work that needs to get done so I can run a more profitable shop.
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Jul 31, 2024 | 
fenderbender.com | Tiffany Menefee
Keeping skilled and trained employees is a top priority for all shops. But good employees are especially hard to come by for smaller shops that often must compete with larger shops or dealerships on the pay scale and benefits they can offer. That is why I think as a small shop owner, it’s important for me to have strong employee benefits. What I offer to my employees has evolved and grown as my shop has grown. I wanted to offer my employees health insurance, but I would have to cover the cost.
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Jul 18, 2024 | 
fenderbender.com | Tiffany Menefee
I see articles all the time talking about setting up training pathways for technicians and career pathways for employees, but I always feel like they are geared toward larger shops. A smaller shop may not have the ability to have technicians and employees step away from the shop for an extended period or even know where to start. It also feels like it’s hard to set up a career path in a small shop because there are only so many positions available.
