ABRA's Benjamin Honored by Better Business Bureau

9 October 2000

ABRA's Benjamin Honored by Better Business Bureau

    MINNEAPOLIS--Oct. 9, 2000--Rollie Benjamin, President and CEO of ABRA Auto Body & Glass, was awarded the Torch of Truth Award by the Better Business Bureau at their September 20th annual meeting. The Torch Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate leadership and commitment to advancing the principle of truth in advertising.
    Benjamin led the Better Business Bureau's efforts in 1999 to raise consumer trust in the auto glass industry which, until 2000, was plagued by questionable marketing tactics - including large rebates and gifts. By successfully bringing together the auto glass and insurance industries to form the Auto Glass Trade Practices Committee, Benjamin worked through the BBB to encourage voluntary self-regulation.
    When asked about the award, Benjamin responded: "Integrity within the damaged vehicle repair business has always been of primary concern to me. I respect the industry that I'm a part of, and I respect the individuals who conduct business in a proper and professional manner. As I witnessed some of the advertising and promotions that were being offered by some of our competitors at the expense of a vulnerable third-party payer (the insurance companies), I felt something could be done to change this with the support of the BBB. Today I'm proud to say that, because of the action taken by our committee and the State Legislature, the consumer can now make a decision based on safety and quality of service rather than exorbitant giveaways."

    ABRA Auto Body & Glass is a national damaged vehicle repair company specializing in collision repair, paintless dent removal, and auto glass repair and replacement. Started with one repair center in 1984, they have grown to sixty-eight facilities in ten states. Their plans for accelerated national growth over the next several years include acquiring existing facilities and building new locations.

    The Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota is a private, non-profit organization providing services to consumers and businesses. The focus of the Bureau's activity is to facilitate good relationships between businesses and consumers by encouraging honest advertising and selling practices, and offering complaint resolution.