Education is the Foundation
by Ken Miller, AASP/NJ President
Recently, I had the opportunity to join an exercise with a group of state and national association leaders from across the country. Our mission was simple, at least on paper: identify the most pressing issues our members face in their businesses today.
Before we began, the facilitators conducted quick personality assessments and divided us into four groups. I found myself with others whose results mirrored mine. We were labeled the “engineers,” the thinkers, planners and problem-solvers who like to dissect an issue, understand the mechanics behind it and build solutions. Once in our groups, we set out to brainstorm. One by one, we listed the challenges our members face: insurer pressure on rates, keeping up with rapidly evolving vehicle technology, staffing shortages, parts delays, understanding OEM requirements, the increasing complexity of repairs and the ongoing struggle to get paid for the work required to restore a vehicle to pre-loss condition. It did not take long before a pattern began to emerge. No matter the topic, whether it was technical, operational or financial, the root cause kept pointing back to the same place.
Education. Or more specifically, the lack of it. By the time we wrapped up, I realized that nearly 90 percent of the issues collision repairers face every single day trace back to one thing: we, as an industry, have not fully educated ourselves on how to handle these challenges. That is not to say shops are not working hard or that they do not care about doing things right. The reality is that this industry changes faster than many are prepared to adapt, and without constant, deliberate learning, we find ourselves reacting instead of leading.
Education, in this context, means more than just attending a class here or there. It is about building a culture where we actively seek out knowledge. That means learning to interpret OEM repair procedures without compromise, understanding the legal and regulatory environment in which we operate, mastering business and negotiation skills and training every team member – from front office to technician – on both technical and customer-facing best practices. The “engineer” in me views this like a blueprint. Every major frustration we face, such as delayed payments, disputed repairs, safety oversights and inefficient workflows, is a symptom. The foundation that fixes them all is knowledge. The stronger that foundation, the less room there is for outside forces to dictate the quality of our work or the viability of our businesses.
This is exactly why AASP/NJ has made education one of its top priorities. Over the years, we have developed and delivered a wide range of programs designed to give our members the tools to succeed. From our flagship NORTHEAST® Automotive Services Show with its packed seminar schedule, to targeted training on OEM repair procedures, ADAS calibration, estimating best practices, legal and regulatory updates and business management, our goal has always been the same: to prepare you to meet challenges with confidence. These programs are not just about learning for the sake of learning. They are about providing practical solutions to real-world problems. Every class, seminar and workshop is an opportunity to gain an edge, strengthen your operation and protect your business from forces that work against quality and profitability.
If there is one message to take away, it is this: education is the foundation for solving the problems you face every day. It is not optional. It’s survival.
Want more? Check out the September 2025 issue of New Jersey Automotive!