Main Navigation

Uncategorized

Ohio Senate Bill Extends Registration Requirement To Mechanical Repair Shops

Under current law, only collision repair facilities are required to register with the MVRB. This loophole for mechanical repairs has allowed "backyard" operators to undercut legitimate businesses by avoiding compliance with OSHA laws and Ohio's environmental standards.
By Shop Owner Staff
Published:

In November 2013, state Sen. Joe Uecker (R-14)
introduced Ohio Senate Bill 232, a bill to level the playing field for mechanical
automotive repair shops. S.B. 232 extends the jurisdiction of the Motor Vehicle
Repair Board (MVRB) to anyone who performs mechanical repairs on motor
vehicles, requires motor vehicle repair facilities to register with the board,
creates the Motor Vehicle Repair Operator Vendor’s License Suspension Fund and
makes changes to the Motor Vehicle Repair and Window Tint Operator Law. The
Automotive Service Association (ASA) supports S.B. 232.

Related Articles

Under current law, only collision repair
facilities are required to register with the MVRB. This loophole for mechanical
repairs has allowed “backyard” operators to undercut legitimate businesses by
avoiding compliance with OSHA laws and Ohio’s environmental standards. Because
many of these “backyard” shops do not pay taxes or workers’ benefits, there is
a considerable price difference between these operators and law-abiding shop
owners. S.B. 232 would ensure that all automotive repair professionals are
adhering to a uniform set of service and safety standards.

ASA has been supportive of this bill since its
inception. ASA-Ohio worked with Uecker and the mechanical repair industry in
Ohio to create the legislation that is currently before the Ohio Senate
chamber. It is important to note that S.B. 232 does not require additional
licensure, it simply ensures that legitimate businesses face fair competition.
It also provides more information to the consumer, protecting them from unfair
business practices.

ASA encourages Ohio’s mechanical repairers to
go to the ASA legislative website, www.TakingTheHill.com, to send a letter to
the Ohio legislature in support of S.B. 232.

The Automotive Service Association is the
largest not-for-profit trade association of its kind dedicated to and governed
by independent automotive service and repair professionals. ASA serves an
international membership base that includes numerous affiliate, state and
chapter groups from both the mechanical and collision repair segments of the
automotive service industry.

ASA advances professionalism and excellence in
the automotive repair industry through education, representation and member
services. For additional information about ASA, including past news releases,
go to www.ASAshop.org, or visit ASA’s legislative website at www.TakingTheHill.com.

You May Also Like
Uncategorized

When Your Shop Is Worth Much More Than You Thought

Although every sale of a shop in which I am involved has its own unique set of circumstances, which makes my job both very interesting and very challenging, Cowden Automotive stands out as particularly memorable because I was able to demonstrate to the long-time owner, Paul Cowden, that his business was worth about three times what he had initially thought.

By Art Blumenthal
Leveraging more than 30 years of experience as both an aftermarket business owner and aftermarket technology executive, Art Blumenthal LLC provides business intermediary and advisory services to both buyers and sellers of industry businesses of all sizes. Art is a member of IBBA (International Business Brokers Association, Inc.). For more information, or to initiate a no-obligation confidential consultation, visit www.art-blumenthal.com.
Published:

Case Study: Owner of San Francisco-based Import Service Shop Delighted to Discover Just How Valuable His Business is to Qualified Buyers
I sometimes share case studies of the clients I have been able to assist in my role as an aftermarket business broker and provider of intermediary and advisory services. I do that when I think the story will provide a reader in similar circumstances with new insights or helpful information.
In the case of Cowden Automotive, Inc., I acted in a consulting capacity assisting the owner and his broker in valuing the business, creating a marketing plan, finding a qualified buyer, and arranging financing for the sale.
Although every sale of a shop in which I am involved has its own unique set of circumstances, which makes my job both very interesting and very challenging, Cowden Automotive stands out as particularly memorable because I was able to demonstrate to the long-time owner, Paul Cowden, that his business was worth about three times what he had initially thought.
Needless to say, delivering that kind of good news to a shop owner is a rewarding experience. Discovering that the sale of his business would result in his retirement nest-egg being substantially larger than he had ever thought was a fitting tribute to someone who had spent his entire working career as a busy automotive service shop owner.

Read Full Article
More Uncategorized Posts
Will You Adapt And Cope With Changing Technology?

I remember my boss complaining that electronic ignition was going to destroy our business back in the mid-’70s. “They are taking away our tune up business,” he would say. In some ways, he was right. Technology and change are things we can’t control. In fact, “change” is perhaps the one thing we can count on. And, as in life, it’s how we deal with change that matters.

By Shop Owner Staff
The Secret To Price Advertising

Believe it or not, price advertising is a good thing. I am sure you will agree, everyone likes to find a good value, and price advertising lets people in your community know that you are looking for ways to help them save money. The problem most shop owners come across is that they’re unsure of exactly how to price advertise.

By Shop Owner Staff
Phone Shoppers Made Easy

Although there is no silver bullet that will allow you to bring in every first-time caller, there are a number of things you can do to get more appointments. In this article, I would like to share some of the best practices your advisors can use that will generate immediate results.

By Shop Owner Staff
The True Cost Of Comebacks

Comebacks are a hot topic today. You need to track all comebacks, determine the reason (tech error, part error, training issue, other) and then calculate the true cost of the comeback.

By Shop Owner Staff
Other Posts
Want To Increase A/C Sales?

Have your techs, as part of their preliminary checks, turn on the A/C and see if the system is working. Is the compressor turning on? Are all the fan speeds working? Is the system getting cold? Is there a smell from the vents?

By Shop Owner Staff
Call For Entries For The ATMC National Excellence In Training Awards

The Automotive Training Managers Council (ATMC) has issued a call for entries for the 2014 National Excellence in Training Awards. The annual program is designed to highlight the importance of training to the success of the transportation industry by honoring highly effective or innovative training programs. The awards are open to any person or entity providing training in the industry.

By Shop Owner Staff
CARS 2014: ‘Not Your Father’s Oldsmobile’

From ASA comes word that CARS this year “is not your father’s Oldsmobile.” This year’s CARS will be held July 30-Aug. 2 in Detroit and, for the first time, the focus will be on younger techs. Each program at CARS this year has been handpicked with an eye toward making your shop better, said Donny Seyfer, chairman-elect of the Automotive Service Association, which sponsors CARS.

By Shop Owner Staff
GAAS Attendees Get ‘Connected’ In Chicago

Attendees of the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium’s (GAAS) 2014 Connected conference were engaged in a range of high-level topics affecting the automotive aftermarket now and in the future.

By Shop Owner Staff