San Diego Collision Repairers Form 'Fix Auto' Region

    ANAHEIM HILLS, Calif., Sept. 4 The southern
California-based collision repair consortium FIX USA confirmed today that it
has added 8 large San Diego County collision repairers to the Fix Auto family.
President and CEO Erick Bickett announced the latest expansion at a dinner
meeting Wednesday night in San Diego, adding, "This brings us to 34 U.S.
locations where insurers and vehicle owners can expect and receive
unconditional customer service and superb repair quality at a competitive
cost.  We are extremely proud that repairers of this caliber have chosen to
affiliate with Fix Auto."
    As preparation for a possible alliance with Fix Auto, each candidate
repairer studies the Fix Auto organization and strategy to determine how the
relationship will directly benefit the long-term value goals of his business.
At the same time the repairer undergoes an extensive and rigorous "due
diligence" process to establish eligibility for Fix Auto membership.
    The new Fix Auto members are Balboa Auto Body in San Diego, Beardsley Auto
Body in San Diego, Carter Collision Service in Santee, Drew Ford Collision in
La Mesa, Greenwald's Auto Body & Frameworks in National City and Chula Vista,
Henson & Sons in Escondido, Tag Collision Center in San Marcos, and Thearle's
Auto Werks in Santee.
    Fix Auto is unlike either "consolidators" who purchase shops and replace
the owners or the "go-it-alone" isolated independent operators.  The Fix Auto
strategy combines the effectiveness of consistent marketing, centralized
claims management functions and information technology, with the strength and
drive of the independent, owner-operated repairer.  The Fix affiliates meet
regularly to compare and develop best practices to improve productivity and
responsiveness to insurers' needs.  Laura Delmege, whose Company Chelsea
Management provides peer group and due diligence services to Fix Auto, says,
"It's hard to beat.  The owners enjoy a whole collection of centralized
functions and resources, while they stay in firm control of their long-term
value plan."  With average sales per location of over $2.6M FIX USA is
positioning its elite network to be the primary choice for insurers and
consumers.
    With its Canadian operation, Fix Auto now operates 120 locations in North
America, with estimated sales of $200 million.

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