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Jeff Peevy, AMAM Profitability - "the degree to which a business or activity yields profit or financial gain." For a collision repair operation this begins with a well-written estimate. Now some may argue they no longer write "estimates," but regardless of how you arrive at what you charge for the work your shop performs, matters. In fact, it is where profitability starts or in many cases, doesn't. This means the individual in your collision repair business who is determining what you will get paid for and who works with customers and insurers must be smart and well-trained. So how can you be sure they know their stuff? Let's start with credentials. Last summer, AMi launched a comprehensive professional designation program for Collision Repair Estimators. It's comprehensive because it requires non-technical training, including soft skills development, negotiations, DRP management, and much more. It requires technical training from I-CAR, estimating system training or successful completion of an online estimating system assessment and for the masters level, ASE B6 certification. These professional designations are identified as ACE - Accredited Collision-Repair Estimator and AMCE - Accredited Master Collision-Repair Estimator. In the future one of these designations should be required to even get an interview for an Estimator position. For more information: ... read more

Jeff Peevy, AMAM I can't stress the importance of learning enough! We use the words "learn" and "learning" a lot, but don't always stop and give serious thought to its impact on everything, especially our lives, both personally and professionally. You will see AMi promoting - learning as the only source of a sustainable competitive advantage, and even that statement takes a minute to soak in. So if learning is so important, then understanding our learning style is important as well. AMi has worked with renowned North Carolina State University professor, Richard Felder to provide the "Index of Learning Styles Questionnaire." The Index of Learning Styles Questionnaire takes about 14 short minutes and is both interesting and beneficial. The more you understand about how you learn, the more you play to your learning strengths. The questionnaire can be found hereand the Learning Styles and Strategies document to professor Felder's index can be found here. This simple exercise will raise your level of self-awareness and improve your approach during training opportunities to ensure maximum learning. It's a great tool offered by AMi at no fee and can help you and your coworkers learn and even communicate better. Take the short assess... read more

North Richland Hills, Texas, March 14, 2018 ­- The Automotive Management Institute (AMi), the industry's leading nonprofit provider and collaborator of administration and management education for automotive collision and mechanical service repair professionals, announced Michael Cassata joined the organization in the newly created role of Director of Collision Industry Outreach. In this role, Mike will assist AMi in developing industry relationships and soliciting support for its many programs while promoting the broader value and relevance of the organization. In addition, Mike will help in the development of future programs to ensure the continued growth and service to the industry's educational, and professional credential needs. "Mike and I have worked together for many years promoting professionalism and education in the industry. I am excited to have his assistance in the growth and expansion of AMi. He has always been a strong advocate of exceptional customer service, which fits well with our nonprofit organization's service culture," said AMi President Jeff Peevy, AMAM. Mike recently retired from Amica Insurance, where he held positions as National Repair Assistance Program Manager (DRP), National CAT Manager, and Salvage/Recovery Manager. Since his retirement, Mike has offered consulting services through his company, Hammer Insights. He was the founding member of the I-CAR Rochester Committee and continues to serve on numerous industry adv... read more