Relinquishing the Reins

by Burl Richards, ABAT President

Twelve years ago, Chad Neal and I pitched the idea of an association to a group of Texas shop owners during an estimating seminar, and within a few short months, ABAT came into existence. Since then, shops from all over this wonderful Lone Star State of ours have come together to take back our businesses, to improve our industry not only for ourselves but for the customers who rely on us to do the right thing.

Through our efforts to offer a haven of training, camaraderie and legislative advocacy, we’ve achieved so much. I’m so proud of what ABAT has become over the years, and it has been one of the greatest honors of my life to serve as the association’s president for over a decade. But all things must eventually come to an end.

And so, my reign as president has come to an end; I’ve made the decision to step down to make room for new energy to take up the reins and help drive ABAT into the future. Please know that this is not a decision I’ve taken lightly; I love this industry, this association, our Board and our members, and I feel a deep sense of accountability to everyone who has contributed their time, energy and money to helping advance our industry.

I’m so very proud of everything we’ve done as an association – collectively. And it’s always been about coming together as an industry to tackle the big things (and even the little ones) with one voice, one purpose. When I helped create this association, never in my wildest dreams did I think we could accomplish so much…but our successes have been numerous.

We’ve built the Texas Auto Body Trade Show into an event that attracts industry professionals from all over the country and provides local shops with an opportunity to learn from world-class trainers right here in our own backyard. Our annual BIG SHOTS Competition allows us to recognize the hands that move our businesses forward and has inspired other associations to host similar contests.

In addition to helping shops and propelling the industry forward, ABAT has advocated for consumers, making a legislative impact that affects every Texas driver through the recent Right to Appraisal mandate.

We have many accomplishments to be proud of, but new challenges face shops every day, and ABAT will continue leading the charge to overcome those obstacles. Our Board is filled with passionate, dedicated leaders who are working diligently on our plans for 2026 to address the state of the industry and determine how we, as an association, can help collision repair shops. That’s always been ABAT’s mission.

I want to applaud the Board members for their commitment; it’s a big job, and the fact that these people volunteer their time and energy to move that needle fills me with admiration. I tip my hat to them and their devotion. They love the industry and truly want to see every shop in Texas succeed. So, I know I’m leaving ABAT in very capable hands, hands that will steer us in the right direction and continue the momentum we’ve created with passion and vision.

As I prepared to relinquish the reins (or is it the reign?) to ABAT, I’ve reflected a lot on these past 12 years and remember my initial prediction when we first got started: “Good things are about to happen!” That’s what I told a journalist who interviewed me about the newly-formed association. Boy, did I undersell that one!

Great things have happened, and it’s all because of YOU, the members who’ve shown up, supported what we’ve done and met the Board’s passion with your own enthusiasm for bettering our industry and our community. Thank you for believing in me, for believing in ABAT and for all your efforts to make ABAT a success.

I’m also appreciative of the unwavering support I’ve received personally. It has meant the world to me and my family.

Although my time as president of ABAT has come to an end, I’m not going anywhere – I’ve still got a shop to run, so I’m still invested in the future of the industry, and I am committed to helping navigate this transition and providing support for the incoming president. I know I’m leaving y’all in good hands.

Let me leave y’all with one final thought that pretty succinctly sums up the messages I’ve written in these pages and the speeches I’ve given over the years: “If you don’t ask for it, you ain’t gonna get it.” You deserve to run a successful business. We deserve a successful industry. Continue advocating for yourselves. And rest assured – you’ll still be seeing me around, my friends!

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