Cargrrrl

Holiday spirit

2011-12-13T12:07:00.000-08:00

This is a picture from San Rafael's 2011 Holiday parade. What fun we had riding in a fully decorated 1973 Cadillac convertible on the day after Thanksgiving!

Happy Holidays from the Bertolli family to all our loyal customers. Best wishes for a happy, healthy, and love-filled new year.

Insurance company warranty on auto body repairs??

2011-07-15T11:11:00.000-07:00

One of the ways that an insurance company will 'steer' a customer to a specific shop is the use of manipulative statements. Some we've heard is that the shop is not on our List, so you may have to pay out of pocket for some of the repairs, since THAT shop is SO expensive! Another is that there may be a delay in the repair time because we have to go out to that shop and INSPECT the vehicle.
But the most comical statement is that the insurance company will guarantee the work if you use one of the shops on their List. Since when is the insurance company set up to fix shoddy work?
We are not on any insurance Lists (although we would be if the agreement was fair), and for some reason, customers bring their vehicles to us after having used the shop on the the List. We understand that in order to make any money at the shops on the List, some corners may have to be cut. Or maybe the technicians are paid on commission (flat rate), so they hurry repairs and thus make mistakes. All I can say is that in each case, the insurance company PAID us to do the repairs, and their "warranty" is to make the original shop reimburse the insurance company.
Keep in mind these 'benefits' to using a shop on the List the next time you have an insurance claim. Save yourself a step and come directly to us for a no obligation, free estimate.

Top Gear (BBC version)

2011-02-22T13:33:00.000-08:00

This has got to be one of the best shows about cars on TV right now. Premise: get a comedian who loves cars to test them, rate them, race them and generally do crazy stuff on camera. I love the host, Jeremy Clarkson, and I urge you to check it out. Yes, people, I watch car shows in my off time. It's a disease.

2010-07-06T15:45:00.000-07:00

This is the pic from last year's Best of Marin story in the Pacific Sun. I thought I'd update the blog and throw a fun picture in. Our business is good and we are able to continue to employ everyone in the shot. We work hard to do a quality job so that most of our work is referrals from other happy customers. Thanks for reading and happy summer!

Water-borne paint is here

2009-04-28T16:50:00.001-07:00

Over the past 20 plus years of running Bertolli's, there have been many changes in the way we paint cars. Before my time, there was lacquer. A thin hard paint that was applied in many coats and polished to look great. Unfortunately, the hardness of the paint led to a short paint life and eventually the paint would crack into 'chickenfeet'. You can see this on some classic cars that haven't been restored.
When I entered the industry, urethane was just taking hold. Single stage paint was still being used, but more and more manufacturers were using a base coat/clear coat system which looked shinier and had more durability due to the clear coat. Solvent based urethane has worked well for almost twenty years, but the effect on the environment has brought us water-borne paint.
We have been using water-based primers for a few years and have had excellent results. This was the first stage in lowering the VOC or volatile organic compounds, that are released into the air during the paint process. Solvents are mixed with pigments and applied through spray guns, and then the solvent would evaporate, leaving the color behind. Now water will be used instead of solvent.
We have heat for our paint booth, but we will need air flow to dry the water-based paint. The clear coat is still solvent based, so the heat will still be used for the top coat. The painter needs to have two paint guns in order to avoid contamination. We will also need an additional paint gun washer specifically for water-based sprayguns.
Water-borne finishes take longer to cure, so only a mild soap and water solution should be used for cleaning for the first three weeks. After that, the finish can be maintained as before.

New professional head shot

2009-04-10T15:48:00.000-07:00

Stuart Lirette, Marin IJ photographer, took my headshot yesterday and gave me a copy of the one he likes best. Thank you Stuart! Keep an eye out for the Marin Women Businesses insert in an upcoming issue. I'd love your feedback.

Car and Driver article

2009-04-09T06:28:00.000-07:00

I just read a humorous article in Car and Driver entitled, "10 Used Cars to Avoid" written by John Pearley Huffman. My favorite part is about salvage titled vehicles:

Insurance companies aren’t in the business of losing money. So it’s a good bet that if a car has been written off as a total loss, it’s because it really was a total loss. If it had been worth fixing, the insurance company would have fixed it.
It’s simple: If a car is so badly damaged that it can’t be fixed to an insurance company’s slight standards, to what standards could it have been fixed?

So Insurance companies have slight standards?? Who knew? The point I'd like to make is, please, please listen to your auto body shop about the correct way to fix your vehicle. And forget, or don't believe what the insurance company says about the 'correct' way to fix a damaged car. They will tell you that the body shop is just 'ripping you off', but in reality, it's the other way around.

Please get an estimate from a body shop when your vehicle is involved in a collision and THEN go to the insurance company, so you will have an idea of the necessary repairs and true cost of the repairs.
To read the entire article, go to
http://autos.yahoo.com/articles/autos_content_landing_pages/909/10-used-cars-to-avoid/;_ylc=X3oDMTE1N2g4Z2k1BF9TAzI3MTYxNDkEc2VjA2ZwLXRvZGF5BHNsawN1c2VkLWNhcnM-,

Mid day excitement

2009-03-04T09:33:00.000-08:00

On Thursday, February 26, 2009, this scene unfolded in front of the shop. The BMW was turning into our driveway when a Ford Econoline van, without slowing down, slammed into the BMW. The driver of the BMW was injured and was taken to the hospital in an ambulance. The roadway was blocked for over an hour. Needless to say, we didn't repair either vehicle. I think the BMW might be a total loss and the van was from out of town and still drivable!

Consumer Trends

2008-10-20T10:47:00.000-07:00

Everyone is feeling the pinch of tough economic times. In the auto industry, we hear of dealers closing on a weekly, if not daily, basis. People are losing their jobs, which leads to them possibly losing their homes. The cost of fuel has affected the amount of driving people do. Some trends that affect the auto industry are:
*Poor condition of local roads. Government is feeling the pinch and infrastructure budgets are not able to keep up with the deterioration of roads, bridges, asphalt and concrete. Bad roads put added stress on vehicles. Trucks and SUVs take the stress on the frame. Cars feel pressure on the unibody, which absorbs the flexing and stress on the structure of the vehicle.
*Cars are lasting longer. As is evident by the closing of auto dealers, people just aren't buying new cars unless they absolutely have to. Americans are keeping their cars 9.2 years, the oldest age for the average in a decade. Cars will have more rust, minor body damage, and missing parts.
*Deferred maintenance. In a recession, auto repairers usually do ok, because people would rather fix their vehicles than replace them. However, people are holding off and 'living with' noises, cracks and minor problems. This means that repairs will be more immediate and larger in scope.
*Cars are getting smaller. Highest possible MPG is the goal for vehicle owners. We have hybrids, hydrogen and biofuel vehicles. In order to maximize fuel use, sheetmetal has been replaced with plastics, heavy duty steel is being replaced with aluminum, so vehicles see bigger dollars when they get in an accident. Ten years ago, the average auto body repair was $1570, now it is $2000.
*Less driving. People just might start moving back to the city where public transportation is easier to use and more readily available. In June, 2008, the Department of Transportation reported that travel on all roads and streets fell 12.2 billion miles, which is a 4.7 percent drop from last year. Less driving means less accidents and this trend is bad for the auto body industry. Thankfully people love the freedom of driving, and the rain always brings more accidents.
*Aftermarket parts. People are looking for low cost alternatives when buying, and this trend is no different for the auto industry. Insurance companies love to use aftermarket parts because they save money. The auto body industry doesn't like them because they don't fit well and don't wear as well as factory parts (OEM). In the past, consumers have refused to accept aftermarket parts on their vehicles, but now they are more willing to accept a reduction in quality for a price saving.
All in all, this economy will weed out the poorly run businesses from the well run ones. Keeping up on trends, using lean management principles and being ready to make changes will keep well run businesses going. Now, we have to work harder for less money, but if we can stick this out, the economy will bounce back and we'll be ready.

Save money, wash your own car!

2008-10-01T13:26:00.000-07:00

Handwashing is easier on your car's finish and will give you better results. Start with the tires and wheels and switch to a different mitt once you're finished. Using the tire mitt on the body can leave unwanted particles on the paint and even scratch the finish.
High-quality cleaners for tires and rims will ensure a longer lasting shine. Most of the dirt that appears on wheels comes from brake dust. A good quality rim cleaner will repel this dust, leaving the wheel looking like new longer. As for the tires themselves, dishwashing detergent and a stiff bristled brush work well to get into the pores of the tire and clean out the embedded dirt.
When washing the body, be sure to use a product designed to be used specifically on car paint. Some household cleaners, such as dish detergent, can damage the finish. Start at the top and work with gravity, making your way downward, washing one section at a time. Rinse each section thoroughly. The rear of the car should be saved for last since it often gets the dirtiest and can contaminate the wash mitt.

Great business to be in

2008-06-16T11:13:00.000-07:00

So I have to commute every day from Novato to San Rafael. This 20 mile drive takes between 30 minutes to an hour and a half, depending on traffic. Usually it takes about 50 minutes. Today I saw a woman on the phone with one hand and eating a burrito with the other!!! She was weaving in and out of traffic. This, just minutes after coming to a quick stop with the car behind me quickly stopping only inches from my rear bumper. I looked in my rear view mirror, and about four cars back, a car hit the car in front of it setting off a chain reaction, ending with the car directly behind me. I was happy to not be in that and happy that maybe one of the four cars would end up at my business!! Harsh, but true. Thankfully many drivers are distracted thereby ensuring my business success. Please drive safely!!!!

Michael Finney's 7 on your side

2008-05-20T13:26:00.000-07:00

This story will be aired tonight at 11 pm on Bay Area channel 7. Check out the pic when he was in the shop interviewing me for the story. Pretty cool, huh?

Michael Finney and Seven on your Side

2008-05-16T14:40:00.000-07:00

Today at 6 pm on ABC channel 7 in the Bay Area, I will be on Michael Finney's Seven on your Side segment. He did a story on aftermarket parts and the autobody industry.
New legislation introduced in the California State Senate would penalize insurers that require repair shops to install aftermarket parts on a vehicle that is still under factory warranty. The bill (S.B. 1059) was introduced in January by Senator Carole Migden (D-San Francisco) and sponsored by the Collision Repair Association of California (CRA).
The bill is designed to prevent repairers and customers from inadvertently voiding the factory warranty on a vehicle in case of a failure caused by an aftermarket part.
A few weeks ago, Michael, Sen. Migden, my customer, Tommy Kesecker and i were filmed for the piece at Bertolli's Auto Body. I support the bill.
I'd love to hear from you if you see it.

THANK YOU

2008-05-07T02:01:00.000-07:00

to past and future customers of Bertolli's Auto Body. In this day and age of corporate greed, the insurance companies are making it harder for consumers to exercise their legal right to use the auto body repairer of their choice. There is an anti-steering law, but it is never enforced, so the insurance companies break the law all day long. Most people just don't want to fight for their rights and simply go where ever the insurance company tells them to go. This restraints fair trade and affects the quality of auto repairs. The shops on 'the list' are really extensions of the insurance company and the first thing on their mind is to save the insurance company money or risk losing the 'list' status. At Bertolli's, we're not on any list because we want to fix cars the way WE (the repair professionals) would want our car fixed, and at a fair price. Our customers have to be strong willed and courageous to stand up to the insurance company and say, "We're taking our car to Bertolli's. By law, you cannot talk about any other shops after this point". And the insurance commisioner needs to hear your stories of steering. America was founded on independence, courage and a fighting spirit. Thank you for your support.

Women in Business

2008-04-20T19:03:00.001-07:00

You may have seen the recent 'advertorial' in the Marin IJ. It was in a special section entitled, "Women in Business". Here's the pic.
I also attended the annual 'Women in Business' conference sponsored by the Marin chambers of commerce. The keynote speaker was Jill Eikenberry, actress, producer and activist. She was very inspiring. I listened to talks about the female brain and then one on sales. All in all, a very productive day networking. This conference always builds my confidence since the presentations are usually about things I'm already doing in my business. GO SISTERS!

Getting the most gas for your dollar

2008-03-21T15:03:00.000-07:00

With Premium Gasoline up to $3.99, I thought you might like these practical tips that will help you get the most gasoline for your money. They are from a person who works at a petroleum company in San Jose:

1. Only buy or fill up your car or truck in the early morning when the ground temperature is still cold. Remember that all service stations have their storage tanks buried below ground. The colder the ground the more dense the gasoline, when it gets warmer gasoline expands, so buying in the afternoon or in the evening....your gallon is not exactly a gallon. In the petroleum business, the specific gravity and the temperature of the gasoline, diesel and jet fuel, ethanol and other petroleum products plays an important role. A 1-degree rise in temperature is a big deal for this business. But the service stations do not have temperature compensation at the pumps.

2. When you're filling up do not squeeze the trigger of the nozzle to a fast mode. If you look you will see that the trigger has three (3) stages: low, middle, and high. In slow mode you should be pumping on low speed, thereby minimizing the vapors that are created while you are pumping. All hoses at the pump have a vapor return. If you are pumping on the fast rate, some of the liquid that goes to your tank becomes vapor. Those vapors are being sucked up and back into the underground storage tank so you're getting less worth for your money.

3. One of the most important tips is to fill up when your gas tank is HALF FULL or HALF EMPTY. The reason for this is, the more gas you have in your tank the less air occupying its empty space. Gasoline evaporates faster than you can imagine. Gasoline storage tanks have an internal floating roof. This roof serves as zero clearance between the gas and the atmosphere, so it minimizes the evaporation. Unlike service stations, here where I work, every truck that we load is temperature compensated so that every gallon is actually the exact amount.

4. Another reminder, if there is a gasoline truck pumping into the storage tanks when you stop to buy gas, DO NOT fill up--most likely the gasoline is being stirred up as the gas is being delivered, and you might pick up some of the dirt that normally settles on the bottom. Hope this will help you get the most value for your money. DO SHARE THESE TIPS WITH OTHERS!

Back to Business

2007-11-20T09:17:00.000-08:00

I see that the last time I updated this blog was over two months ago! My nephew's death took a toll on the entire family and I didn't start to come out of the funk it caused until recently. Now I want to get back to talking about auto body and insurance issues.
The local paper, The Marin Independent Journal, had an article this weekend about the medical field (which, because of its strong ties to insurance, is similar to the autobody industry). Patients are getting billed the difference between what their medical provider pays for services and the actual costs from the doctors who provide those services. Doctors are finally doing what dentists have been doing forever. So sorry, your insurance didn't pay the full amount, you need to pay the difference! (http://www.marinij.com//ci_7494816)
Gone are the days where you got three estimates for autobody repair and the insurance paid one of them (usually the lowest). Gone are the days where the adjuster worked with the shops to come up with a mutually beneficial settlement to repair your car properly. Now we have adjusters who inspect the damage and write their own estimates and tell consumers that this is all they'll pay and they'll have to pay the difference if a shop charges more. Autobody business have been cut out of the process.
However, once the car is in the shop, there is a 100% chance of additional costs (called supplements) that the insurance company will pay. In many cases, the original insurance estimate is doubled! DOUBLED!!!!! This means that the adjuster is deliberately 'short paying' the claim. The only way you will be properly reimbursed for the damage is if you repair the car, using a reputable company. Some shops will not 'supplement' the repairs and instead cut corners to make the insurance company happy.
Please don't buy GEICO insurance. They are one of the worst. Don't take my word for it, call the Department of Insurance and see what they think of GEICO. In fact, ask them which insurance companies they don't have trouble with and then buy that insurance. Please don't find out the hard way that you have to pay more than your deductible if you have a claim.

My nephew died today

2007-08-31T23:57:00.001-07:00

The newest member of the Bertolli family, Anthony, born April 9, 2007, died today of SIDS. The family was going out of town for the weekend and went in to get him up from his nap and he had stopped breathing. What was supposed to be a fun getaway weekend has turned into the worst day of our lives. My sister and husband are hysterical and the rest of us are pretty wrecked. Here I am, crying, unable to sleep and typing furiously just to keep myself busy. This is a reminder that we must treat those we love with gratitude and affection because they could be gone from our lives in an instant. I only wish I could wake up from this and find out it was just a bad dream - the worst nightmare I could have. But I WILL have to wake up and life WILL go on. I know this in my head, but my heart is screaming to stop the pain.

Hot Import Nights LA

2007-08-28T18:40:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

Just got back from LA and the biggest HIN show! In the pic is Mike Garcia, the Custom Shop Manager for B. Customs. We took the 95 Toy Supra and the car was a big crowd favorite. Unfortunately, we didn't win any awards, but we're gonna do a little work on the car and the display and maybe in Alameda on Sept. 29th, we'll get something! I enjoyed the show and saw many interesting modifications. One thing I heard is that carbon fiber parts are the new chrome. These carbon fiber parts were everywhere - the hoods, spoilers, bumpers, interior door trim panels, dashboards, and even headliners! Most of the cars had doors that were modified lambo, suicide, vertical, door handles shaved, even MagicTouch where you touch the door somewhere and it pops open. Paint jobs aren't as important at this show as much as performance, suspension, wheels, roll cages, carbon fiber, audio/video and such. I saw a rear bumper with two TV screens in the corners - wild! I have more pix if you're interested, drop me a line.

San Anselmo Car Show

2007-08-20T07:21:00.000-07:00

They call it Hot August Nights San Anselmo. This car show benefits the town's holiday lights fund. In January 2005, San Anselmo was under 4 feet of water and the flood devastated both merchants and residents alike. Why, city hall just opened this week after 20 months of rebuilding. Funding was lost for the holiday lights, so Helen and her daughter, Lauren Gregory of Bloomworks put together this fundraiser, among others so the town could celebrate the holidays in style and welcome visitors back to their newly remodeled shopping district.

The car show was a success. Seventy seven cars were rejected and the money refunded because of lack of space. The cars that did make it were amazing. The best of show went to a '56 Kaiser Darrin - cream color exterior and red interior. Flawless beauty and the cool thing is that the doors open into the fenders - a pocket door on a car!!! I also saw a '61 Pontiac Catalina, the first car I drove and very seldom seen at car shows. I was driving a '65 Mustang that is stock and a pretty sweet ride. The 'stang always gets lots of looks and comments.

Upcoming car shows: Los Angeles Hot Import Nights 8/25, Fairfax 9/9, and Calistoga 9/22. See you there!

b.customs is live!

2007-08-17T08:56:00.000-07:00

Hello all,
Check out bertollis.com where you will enter a portal to choose either Bertolli's Auto Body or B. Customs, the new custom shop. We have been busy working on the '95 Toy Supra that will be entered in Hot Import Nites next weekend in LA. The office remodel is about 90% complete and we hope to have a ribbon cutting party sometime in October. Other than that, summer is almost over, with the kids returning to school. That means that life will be more routine and we can gear up for a busy fall and winter at the shops. I'll be at the San Anselmo car show this Sunday, 8/19/07 and at the Fairfax car show on 9/9/07. Come out, check out the cars and say hello. Yours truly, Laura

I'm embarassed it's been so long!

2007-07-17T08:20:00.001-07:00

What can I say? I have waited way too long to post to my blog. The newest development in my world is the creation of a new division at work - B. Customs. Since I love cars and hate dealing with insurance companies, I'm hoping that doing custom work will give me a creative outlet and hopefully help my company make some money. We have a new logo, are in the middle of an office/shop renovation and have completed out first custom job and are working on our second. The first is a 2007 GMC Yukon that we installed vertical door hinges, also called lambo doors; complete custom paint job; new grilles and wheels, and custom sound system. We put logo decals on the truck and drove it in the Novato Fourth of July parade. The kids and I had a lot of fun and got some great feedback. The next project, a 1996 Toyota Supra will be done by mid August, just in time for Hot Import Nights (HIN) in LA. But before that, I'll be in Reno for Hot August Nights - see ya!

Merry Christmas

2006-12-24T11:32:00.000-08:00

I have been blessed with so many wonderful people in my life. Thank you.
Peace and a warm hug to you all. Laura

Jobs available in the Automotive Industry!!!!

2006-07-17T15:23:00.000-07:00

Recently the Associated Press ran an article entitled, "Need a job? Try selling a car". According to the article, auto dealers have 100,000 job openings at 20,000 dealerships across the nation. The various positions include:
Sales: 42,198
Service: 37,329
Administrative: 7,120
Management: 6,903
Other: 11,253
Some positions, such as in accounting or marketing, may require a college degree, but most, including sales and management, don't. A high school diploma, some technical training and a desire to work from the bottom up are all that are required. Sales jobs can bring in six figures and technicians can earn between $70,000 and $100,000 a year. Office jobs average around $50,000 a year.
The auto industry pays well and offers good job security. Parents, why not encourage your kids to consider a career in automotive?

Rotary Ice Cream booth

2006-07-07T10:06:00.000-07:00

Hi,
This last weekend, the Marin County fair took place. Every year my Rotary club sponsors an ice cream booth to raise funds for our Interact club. Interact is the high school equivalent of Rotary. Marin Catholic High School Interact has about 20 members and they do community service and take an annual trip to Mexico to run dental/eye clinics or sometimes help build homes. Rotarians, their families and Interact club members staff the booth for the four days of the fair. We have a lot of fun and raise some needed money.

Classic Car shows

2006-06-06T21:31:00.000-07:00

Summer has arrived and so have the car shows. Been to three so far, the biggest and most well known being the Good Guys at Pleasanton. This show was dominated by GM. I'm not sure why, but every other car was a Camaro. If you want to restore the classic car you drove when you were a kid, plan on spending $30k in addition to the cost of the car. There's a good chance you won't recoup your investment, but car shows are fun and you will meet lots of cool people who also love cars like you and me. See you in August in Reno!

Hybrid vehicles

2006-05-22T15:04:00.000-07:00

We hear a lot of talk about hybrid vehicles, but the question most of us want to know: How do hybrid vehicles really work? These cars have two motors, one electric and one gas powered, and they work together to save gas and reduce emissions. Since there are two engines, the gas powered one can be smaller, thereby saving fuel costs. The common hybrids today use a generator as the main power plant. The gasoline engine turns the generator, which in turn, can either charge the batteries or power the electric motor that drives the transmission. During acceleration, the electric motor aids the gas engine. During deceleration and when the vehicle is stopped, the engine shuts off. This can be disconcerting the first few times you drive a hybrid. The vehicle is so quiet, it is as though the motor stalled. Employees of Bertolli's have received proper training in safely repairing hybrid vehicles. As when the air bags first came out, there will be a learning curve until the next innovation comes along. Flying cars anyone?

Bumper damage

2006-03-01T12:44:00.000-08:00

Bumpers on most cars are made of a plastic composite material. When these get damaged, the usual repair is to remove the bumper from the vehicle, send it to a remanufacturer who will strip the old paint, repair the bumper and prime it. The body shop gets it back, paints it to match the car and then installs it on the vehicle again. Most bumper jobs are in the $800 to $1200 range, believe it or not! In some rare cases, the plastic bumper is caved in at the corner only. Try using a hair dryer and work the 'bump' out. This works especially well on Toyota Camry and Honda Accord bumpers, but try it on others. You never know, and you could save yourself hundreds of dollars in repair cost.

Experience

2006-02-09T18:51:00.000-08:00

I've been reflecting on running my business for almost 20 years. I realized that the best way to operate a successful business is to focus on why I am in business. I know I am in business to make money. Over the years, I told myself that as a business owner, I contribute to the local economy through employment, sales, community service, etc. But really, I just want to make money. Running a business is hard work and there is no one to blame for failures or mistakes. The buck stops with me and if I play my cards right, stays with me!

2006-01-28T08:04:00.000-08:00

Hello,
This past week has been hectic. We had the commercial shoot on Saturday. I think it will turn out great. My dad, Frank, was a trooper. He is featured along with all the grandkids (11)! For a 30 second commercial, we spent more than 8 hours on the shoot. Since then they have been editing it. I'm always surprised at how much time is spent on production. Usually the result is worth the wait. I'm confident that the company that produced the commerical, IMA Interactive, will do a great job. If you like the commercial or the video on the website, I can get you more info, just call or write.
Last night was the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce's annual Installation of Officers and Awards ceremony. This is my last one as a Board member. I will have served for six years, the maximum allowed. I've enjoyed all the professionals I have met and worked with and love being 'in the know' on city happenings. The dinner had a somber tone due to the fact that Roger Grossman had passed on the day before. Roger will continue to inspire many of us for being community minded and a fully present person. I hope to touch lives in the way Roger did. He will be missed.

New commercial

2006-01-21T06:47:00.000-08:00

Uh-oh. A month since my last posting. I had made a vow to myself that I would post at least once a week. Oh, well. Today I am shooting a new commercial. The theme is family business and will feature my father, Frank, me, and grandkids (11 of the 13). I'm nervous because I get a lot of 'constructive criticism' about the commercials I have on cable TV. I've even had hate messages left on my voicemail. The life of a faux-celebrity! Watch for it and I welcome your feedback (only good, of course).

CAA

2005-12-19T13:48:00.000-08:00

What is CAA? California Autobody Association is our industry's leading association. Across the nation, California is looked to for help in regulations and laws relating to the autobody industry. We are lucky that our own CAA is actively lobbying for the autobody industry. They are in constant communication with the Department of Insurance (DOI), the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) and our elected officials, especially Senator Jackie Speier. Our local chapter, Golden Gate, is being revived with the help of Blake Andros (Blake's Auto Body) and myself. I'm excited to have the opportunity to get local shops involved in such an important group. We held an introductory meeting on Friday and had several shops commit to joining. We will have bimonthly meetings and hopefully take back our industry from those trying to take it away from us. For more info, please contact me and I'll be glad to fill you in on what we're doing.

Insurance

2005-12-13T13:51:00.000-08:00

Can't live without it, can't live with it! Insurance is a necessary part of our lives; life, auto, home, umbrella, liability, uninsured motorist, health, dental, mortgage, accident, earthquake, flood and the list goes on. If a profit can be made, insurance will be created to cover any loss. My wish is for insurance to stick to what they sell - monetary relief for a covered loss. I wish they would stop trying to control the manner in which the covered loss is taken care of. Let the policyholder decide how they want their medical, dental, home, auto, etc problem solved (under the terms of the policy purchased, of course). Any attempt by the insurance to control the remedies further is not the insurance specialty and ought to be left to the professionals providing the service. This is my conviction and my vision.

Holiday message

2005-11-28T09:28:00.000-08:00

After a weekend of family and friends, I had a chance to reflect as I drove to work. The sky was full of clouds and the sun was peeking through. I admired the hills and trees along 101 and the view of Mt. Tam from San Rafael is one I am so grateful for. Life is beautiful. I am blessed with wonderful kids, family nearby, friends who complete me, and fulfilling work. I am lucky to work with the 'cream of the crop' - technicians who work as a team, helping and teaching each other to strive for the highest quality repairs. Take time from your stressful day to appreciate where you live and with whom you spend life. May you have a peaceful holiday season filled with love.

NACE

2005-11-08T20:08:00.000-08:00

I just got back from an autobody convention called NACE (National Autobody Convention and Exposition). This is the biggest convention for our industry. I enjoyed attending the California Autobody Association Board Meeting. California has led the country in laws and regulations regarding our industry. The best part of NACE is hearing from other shop owners all around the nation. Some areas are having a hard time financially and others are just now learning about the low VOC paints we use here in California. I was disappointed in how many shops are dying to become a DRP (direct repair provider) for insurance companies. They think this is the only way to get work. DRPs do provide a steady flow of customers that are steered to their shop, but this is not the only way to get work. I believe in the old fashioned way of advertising, networking and getting out in the community so people know and trust you. There are a few shop owners like me, but they are few and far between. They weren't at NACE. Perhaps they are dissillusioned like me. I pledge to work with the CAA and other body shop owners to prevent the takeover of our industry by the insurance companies (just as they have taken over the medical field). I welcome your comments.

Fun times

2005-10-28T14:47:00.000-07:00

Last night Bertolli's hosted a fellowship event for my Rotary club. Each quarter we get together in the evening to have drinks and get to know each other better. We took the opportunity to honor a longtime employee, Mark Poore, who has worked in the autobody industry for 30 years as an auto painter. Everyone had fun, ate well (a Mexican feast!) and enjoyed each other's company in a less structured, informal way. For more info on Rotary - check out our club's website at www.rotary-sanrafael.org.

What I look like

2005-10-24T12:03:00.000-07:00

Hello! Today I posted my picture so you know what I look like. Of course, if you came from the website (www.bertollis.com), you would have seen me on video.

Welcome

2005-10-21T12:10:00.000-07:00

Hello!
Welcome to the Bertolli's Auto Body Shop blog. Our daily dealings with customers, insurance companies, car dealers, employees, etc. can offer some insight into the world of an auto body shop. Our customers entrust us with what amounts to the second most valuable investment they make (after a home) and expect us to repair it properly - safely and beautifully. Of course, we charge for this service. Fortunately for our customers and us, an insurance company will pay for most of the cost of repairs. The goal of the insurance claims adjuster is to minimize the cost of the repairs. We politely refer to this situation as a 'negotiation'. The bottom line is that there are three parties to an auto body repair - the customer, the shop and the insurance company - all with the same goal in mind; repairing a vehicle to its pre-accident condition. We have many stories to tell and hope you enjoy reading them.