There is Only One Way – The Right Way

by Evangelos “Lucky” Papageorg, MABA Executive Director

One of the greatest challenges the collision repair industry faces today is not technology, tooling, training or even reimbursement.

The greatest challenge is maintaining the discipline and resolve to always do things the right way – especially when outside pressures encourage shortcuts, compromise or expediency.

As collision repair professionals, we must constantly remind ourselves why our industry exists in the first place. We are not simply repairing damaged vehicles. We are restoring complex pieces of safety equipment that families, friends and neighbors rely upon every single day. The decisions we make during the repair process can directly impact the safety and well-being of the vehicle owner and everyone else sharing the roadway.

That responsibility must always come first.

No insurer relationship, customer demand, delivery date or financial pressure can outweigh our obligation to perform safe, complete and proper repairs based upon manufacturer procedures and accepted repair standards. There really is only one acceptable way to repair a vehicle – the right way.

Unfortunately, we must also recognize an important reality: not every vehicle owner will become a good customer. Some individuals simply may not value proper repairs, documentation, safety procedures or the true cost associated with restoring today’s increasingly sophisticated vehicles. Others may prioritize speed or convenience over completeness and safety.

While that can be frustrating, we cannot allow those situations to pressure us into compromising our standards or the integrity of our businesses.

In the long run, collision repair facilities are far better served repairing fewer vehicles properly and being compensated appropriately for those repairs – whether payment comes directly from the vehicle owner, the insurer or a combination of both. Sustainable businesses are built upon professionalism, documentation, proper procedures and the confidence to stand behind the work being performed.

Shops that consistently choose integrity over volume, and quality over compromise, ultimately build stronger reputations, stronger teams and stronger long-term businesses.

The future of this industry depends upon repairers who are willing to advocate not only for fair compensation, but also for the principle that safe and proper repairs are not optional. They are the minimum standard the motoring public deserves.

As an industry, we must continue to educate consumers, insurers, regulators and legislators regarding the realities of modern vehicle repair. Most importantly, we must continue holding ourselves accountable to the professional standards that define true collision repair professionals.

The education of vehicle owners and collision repairers is the driving force behind MABA’s “SAFETY IS NO ACCIDENT” media campaign. Please support our effort by sharing the message. The most recent press release begs the question: “WOULD YOU LET YOUR DAUGHTER DRIVE THIS VEHICLE?” This newest release has already drawn the attention of entities such as the Society of Collision Repair Specialists and other collision repair associations across the country. It focuses on 10 questions every vehicle owner should be asking of any shop they are considering for collision repair work. Please let us know what you think.

There will always be pressure to do things faster, cheaper, or easier.

Our responsibility is to continue doing them correctly. It is the basis for past industry leader and Auto Body Hawaii owner Marsh Taylor’s business philosophy: Kīnāʻole which is the Hawaiian word for the spirit which embodies doing the right thing, in the right place, at the right time, with the right feeling, the first time.

It is a profound business and professional concept representing flawless, selfless and principled action, often associated with integrity and alignment, which each and everyone of us should strive for.

Because there is ONLY one way – THE RIGHT WAY!

Want more? Check out the June 2026 issue of New England Automotive Report!