Protecting Our Industry Requires Our Involvement

by Manuel Rubio, ABAT Board Member

Whatever business or profession we choose to work in, I believe we have a responsibility to promote it, protect it and develop it.

The collision repair industry is no different. The future of our industry depends on people like you and me getting involved and having a voice in where it goes tomorrow.

That is one of the reasons I became involved with the Auto Body Association of Texas. ABAT gives us an opportunity to stay informed, share ideas and work together on the issues that affect our businesses, our employees and the customers we serve.

Being involved means more than simply knowing what is happening inside our own shop. It means paying attention to what is happening throughout the industry and understanding how those changes may affect us. Technology continues to change the way vehicles are repaired. OEM repair procedures are becoming more complex. New software, artificial intelligence (AI) and other tools are changing how we estimate, communicate and manage repairs. At the same time, legislation can directly affect our businesses, making it critical that our industry has a voice in the process.

We cannot expect our industry to move in the right direction if we are not willing to help steer it.

That is why education and networking are so important. None of us has all the answers, and some of the best ideas come from talking to people who have already faced the challenges we are dealing with today. We can learn from what another shop has tried, share experiences about what worked and what did not, and bring those lessons back to our own businesses. When independent shops work together and share knowledge, it makes the entire industry stronger. This is true whether you’re an owner, manager, technician, service writer or vendor. We all bring experiences that matter.

The Texas Auto Body Trade Show, taking place September 18-19, is a great example of that opportunity. This year, our team is making a point of attending as many classes as possible. The lineup covers a wide range of issues that directly affect the way we operate our business.

There are sessions on AI and how it can improve accuracy, efficiency and customer service. There are discussions about technology and automation that can reduce administrative burdens and help estimators and repair facilities operate more efficiently. Other sessions focus on customer experience, negotiations, getting paid properly for the work we perform and adapting our businesses to a changing market.

These are not simply topics that are interesting to hear about. They are opportunities to find ideas that we can take back to our shops, discuss with our teams and determine how they can make us better. Investing the time to learn something new is only valuable if we are willing to put that knowledge into practice.

I am personally looking forward to participating in the “Industry Over a Pint: Alternative Revenue Sources for Body Shops” panel. The collision industry is changing, and shops have to be willing to look at new opportunities while continuing to provide value to their customers. Glass repair, ceramic coatings and other services can provide additional ways for shops to serve their customers and adapt to changing market conditions. Sharing our experiences is important. Hearing what other shops are doing is exactly the kind of conversation that can benefit all of us.

Ultimately, protecting and advancing collision repair is not something that can be left to someone else. It takes awareness, participation, education and teamwork. It takes shop owners, technicians, managers, vendors and other industry professionals to get involved, ask questions and speak up when issues affect our businesses or the quality of repairs our customers receive.

That is what I believe ABAT is all about. It provides a place for our industry to come together, learn from one another and work toward a stronger future.

If we want our businesses and our industry to continue to grow, we have to be willing to invest in them. I encourage every shop and industry professional who is not already involved with ABAT to join us. We cannot expect others to favorably shape the direction of our industry if we are unwilling to participate in it. Start by joining us at the Texas Auto Body Trade Show on September 18 and 19. Come learn, connect and see firsthand the value of being part of the ABAT network. I think you’ll leave with new ideas, new relationships and a resource you can continue to rely on to grow your business.

Want more? Check out the September 2026 issue of Texas Automotive!