HEAT RISING: ABAT’s Next Chapter

by Chasidy Rae Sisk

To start a fire, it starts with three elements: fuel, oxygen and heat. 

ABAT originated in 2014 when pressures – from insurers, rising costs and advancing technology – fueled a need for shops to come together and create a community focused on solving the problems that Texas collision repair facilities face each day. 

Since then, the association has found myriad ways to oxygenate Lone Star repairers. From hosting training and networking events to advocating for legislation promoting consumer safety, ABAT has dedicated efforts to refreshing and sustaining repairers through the ups and downs in their businesses.

And now it’s time to bring the heat!  With last year’s huge legislative victory, which mandated that all Texas insurance policies “must contain an appraisal provision” (more info available at grecopublishing.com/txa0725abatfeature), it’s time for the association to “turn our sights back on keeping the home fires burning,” according to ABAT Executive Director Jill Tuggle. “We’re incredibly proud of our legislative success, but that’s not all we have to stand on; the real magic behind ABAT is in the basics of what a trade association stands for: identifying the challenges that our local shops contend with and finding ways to come together as a community to address them. 

“As we move into the new year, it feels like a lot of our hard work is coming to fruition, and we’re ready to get back to our roots,” she continues. “There are a lot of entities in the industry that provide training and offer different ways to help shops solve their problems, but associations operate a little differently. What’s unique about ABAT is our local community and our ability to put boots on the ground around the state to develop a sense of camaraderie amongst local shops and inspire them to reach new heights while safeguarding them from the burnout that often comes from being denigrated and repeatedly told they’re the ‘only one’ even though they’re not. That’s where we excel – in the service we can provide to our local industry. Shops are hungry for education, and we’re going to stoke that fire.”

While ABAT will continue offering regular webinars to kindle a desire for knowledge in all who are willing to tune in, the bulk of the association’s efforts in 2026 will focus on “continuing to build momentum in our local chapters,” Tuggle reports. Although collision repairers can obtain training through various platforms and organizations, ABAT hopes to see all of its members participate and to engage other shops through its selection of topics. “It’s easy to pick an available speaker who has something to say, but we want to weed through what’s available to find the topics that have real-world value, that will spark a bright flame that allows repairers to implement what they’ve learned to better their businesses. We want to ignite real change for Texas shops.”

Those efforts will begin this month on January 22 with a hands-on training session taught by BETAG Innovation at the Technology, Exploration and Career Center (TECC) in Louisville. “Attendees will spend a few hours in the classroom before experimenting with tools in the shop,” Tuggle explains, promising an intimate, low-pressure setting focused on education. 

ABAT has its sights set on the Houston area. “We want our Houston shops to know that we’re still here for them,” Tuggle says. Acknowledging that after ABAT absorbed the Houston Auto Body Association (HABA) in September 2019, they lost momentum during the pandemic, but “we’re still coming back stronger than ever! Our Houston area shops are an incredibly important part of our membership, and we’re going to demonstrate that by bringing industry icon Mike Anderson (Collision Advice) down to Houston,” alongside CCC’s Craig Stevens to present “Unleashing the Power of CCC.” Attendees can expect to discover valuable new knowledge of the many tools available via CCC One that are likely being underutilized, which they can take advantage of for all pre-repair, repair and post-repair needs. 

Although ABAT is still working out all the details for the education inferno planned for Texas shops in 2026 – including meetings in Austin, San Antonio and Lubbock – Tuggle has been working with Kaizen Glass Solutions to offer training that will allow those in attendance to earn their urethane certification. 

“It’s hard for shop owners and technicians to take time away from the shop, so it’s vital that ABAT offers training that can really make an instant difference or that gives them something to show for the time invested,” Tuggle stresses. “Our goal is to be forward-thinking and forward-moving as we explore different opportunities and try new things to deliver real, tangible training that ends with certifications, action items and strategies to make more money. We’ll explore practical ways for shops to bring more operations in-house, better utilize their teams during slower times and capture every possible billable item on repair plans.”

And while the Texas Auto Body Trade Show certainly isn’t a new thing, anyone who has attended in the past already knows that ABAT will be lighting things up in 2026 with innovative education, exhibition and networking opportunities that will reignite attendees’ passion for collision repair! Mark your calendars for September 11-12 for this year’s event, being held again at the Marriott Dallas Allen Hotel and Convention Center in Allen, and stay tuned to abat.us/trade-show for more information as it becomes available. “We know how hard it is to step away from your business, even for a couple of days, and your presence is what makes this event the premier gathering for our industry,” Tuggle reminds. 

Networking serves as the kindling that bridges the gap between a spark and a flame, so you can bet your boots that ABAT’s social calendar will be brimming with opportunities to connect with your fellow repairers as well. “Education is at the heart of everything ABAT does, but we also want to offer opportunities for repairers to have a little fun along the way!” Tuggle insists, noting that the association is excited for the return of its Ladies Night of Honor in Lubbock next month, plus plans are underway for an East Texas golf tournament and ABAT’s Annual Skeet Shoot – “with more to come.”

Of course, ABAT’s groundbreaking efforts would not be possible without support from the vendors who volunteer to offer training, donate funds and promote the association’s events in various ways. “Their support, engagement and energy fuel the momentum that keeps ABAT moving forward,” Tuggle expresses her gratitude and encourages member shops to “shop with them first if you’re in the market for something!”

Mixing innovation with “business as usual” is the name of the game. “We’re not trying to burn anything down, but our industry is constantly changing, and we need to change with it to bring value to our members.

“Our industry is struggling,” Tuggle acknowledges, referencing the market downturn (addressed in last month’s cover story, available at grecopublishing.com/txa1225coverstory). “But we’re struggling together, and by sticking together even in tough times – by continuing to show up, support our vendors and lift each other up – we’re proving that we are stronger than the challenges in front of us. Nothing can extinguish the light in this industry; collision repairers are some of the most dedicated, passionate professionals out there, and when we work together, we can turn mere embers into an inferno brightly guiding us all to a better future…a future filled with the community that we’re building together.”

Tuggle expresses optimism that 2026 will be a great year for Texas collision repair professionals. “This is going to be an innovative year for ABAT. We have plans to rekindle our sense of community in every chapter across the state, and we’re coming to your town with hands-on education, advanced training and certification opportunities that will stoke the flames of raising the bar for our industry! But to make this year truly impactful, we need to hear from you – the shops, the technicians, the owners and the managers. Tell us what training, topics and support you want most. ABAT is here, we’re listening, and we’re ready to get back to work, across Texas. 

“Together, we’ll keep building an industry that continues to burn bright even in the dimmest times,” she adds. “Get ready! ABAT is bringing the heat in 2026!”

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