The Other Side: Autobody Veteran Wade Ebert Offers an Inside Look at a Parallel Industry

“Finding out what the industry thinks are legitimate practices can be a harsh reality,” said Wade Ebert, owner of American Auto Body in Springfield, Ill. The comments were made as part of a seminar given by Ebert on some of the things he sees in his auto body business and lessons he has learned both from his own experiences and those of his father, Bill Ebert, who started the business and once prevailed in a suit filed against State Farm alleging tortious interference, fraud and commercial disparagement.

Ebert spoke about insurer steering efforts and combating them, but warned, it requires an investment of time.

“You have to have people in place to do your job while you do your second job of taking back your business,” said Ebert.

Though Ebert’s presentation was called “Freedom of Choice from the Auto Body Perspective,” he questioned the use of the word “choice.”

“The reality is, it’s not a choice,” he said. “You have to do what you have to do to take your business back.”

He also encouraged cooperation between the auto glass and auto body industries in exploring issues that impact both.

“Realistically, we have some real parallel industries,” he said. “ … I think we need to come together or fall hard.”

He also encouraged simplicity.

“I think the simple path is usually the best,” he said.

IGA president Alan Epley applauded Ebert’s speech. (CLICK HERE for related story.)

“It’s a crime that 10,000 glass shops are not listening to this man speak,” said Epley.

CLICK HERE to view an exclusive interview with Ebert.