You – Not AI – Are Magical 

by Jill Tuggle, ABAT Executive Director

If there was one thing we learned throughout the pandemic, it was how important human interaction is.

We live in a world that continues to become more and more virtual and artificially enhanced. As I began to type this very message, Microsoft Word asked if I wanted to write with AI Copilot. 

Ask AI to produce a realistic photo of a Cowboys fan mermaid riding a donkey with kitchen utensils in her hand, and it will be pretty impressive. When ChatGPT gets involved, you will magically turn into a wordsmith, firing off emails that are clear and professional. Technology has certainly made vehicle repair more difficult but has also produced safer cars, and for that, I know we are all grateful. 

But we are the real magical creatures. Technology has not been able to identify issues in our industry, find new ways to navigate them and implement processes for change. It simply cannot problem solve or emote the way we do. 

The past 12 months for ABAT have been marked by a lot more interaction and events. I am seeing us make change and navigate issues like never before, and I do believe it is because of the increase in interaction among us all. I am impressed by Artificial Intelligence, but I am truly inspired by our members. 

From our fall celebration in San Antonio to our day at the Capitol in Austin to another successful Skeet Shoot, we have seen so much networking within our group. I can’t wait to see what happens at the Texas Auto Body Trade Show on September 12-13! Additionally…we are planning a golf tournament for the East Texas region! 

I want to urge you to engage with your local membership group and attend events – we need you to be a part of what we are doing here at ABAT because you, my friend, are more magical than a mermaid on a donkey. 

Want more? Check out the May 2025 issue of Texas Automotive!