Smithfield, RI – As things return somewhat back to normal for me and my travel schedule, going back to visiting ABPA members is something that I truly enjoy doing. After almost 25 years in the industry and hearing so many stories, I still appreciate hearing how ABPA members run their businesses, their tales of success and challenges, Read more…
By Edward Salamy, Executive Director – Automotive Body Parts Association Smithfield, RI – Famed YouTuber Tyler Hoover aka “Hoovie” of Hoovie’s Garage recently posted a video stating that his 2020 Jeep Gladiator was just totaled for a very “DUMB reason”. That reason? A simple lack of repair parts from Stellantis, the company that manufacturers the Jeep. Hoover Read more…
Smithfield, RI – As many ABPA members know, my office is based in RI which is the smallest US state. Back in the 1980’s, the popular tourism slogan was “Rhode Island, the biggest little state in the union”. To this day, I am not 100% certain what that meant. Despite our small size, Rhode Island does have Read more…
Hyattsville, MD – On a recent visit to our nation’s capital, I took the opportunity to make a side trip to visit one of the ABPA’s newer members, Impact Pro Parts. Led by William (Bill) Nohle, a relative newcomer to our industry, Impact is conveniently located about 20 minutes outside of the center of Washington, DC. Bill Read more…
Houston, TX – Many ABPA members are familiar with the fact that the Association is based in Texas with strong routes dating back to Texas resident and late Executive Director Stan Rodman managing the ABPA from his Texas-based office starting in the early eighties. What many people may not realize is that Texas has one of the Read more…
In the current climate of industry consolidation, many past mid-sized ABPA members have disappeared over the past twenty years leaving opportunities for smaller, niche distributors to fill in a certain market need. One of those smaller, specialty ABPA members is B&D Autobody Parts of Florida which is run by owner and industry veteran, Brian Bisbee. Starting in Read more…
Providence, RI – The Rhode Island Senate is considering a bill that would require written consent from consumers if insurers or body shops specify aftermarket crash parts for vehicles that are newer than 48 months beyond their manufacturing date. ABPA Executive Director Ed Salamy, who is also a Rhode Island resident, recently wrote a piece that was Read more…
San Diego, CA – During this year’s meeting to the ABPA convention held in San Diego, ABPA Board member Nick Scheid and I took the opportunity to visit with ABPA member Quality Plus Automotive. Quality Plus is located right in the heart of San Diego and was an easy trip for Nick and me on our commute Read more…
By Ed Salamy, ABPA Executive Director San Diego, CA – After an amazing week in sunny San Diego, the 38th Annual ABPA Convention is complete! With the highest attendance and participation in recent memory, this was the best ABPA event in years. Here are some of the highlights: Tuesday 4/24 Early bird attendees flew into San Diego Read more…
By Ed Salamy, Executive Director, ABPA Houston, TX – While in town to attend the services for the late ABPA Executive Director, Stan Rodman, I had the opportunity to meet up with local ABPA member, Pro Parts Center. Pro Parts is owned and operated by Tommy Wong, a dedicated parts professional who has been in the aftermarket Read more…
