In today's competitive and economic environment the challenges are growing faster than ever. The true industry leaders are the ones who can adapt to change and adopt "faster, better, cheaper" as a way of life while at the same time creating a people friendly environment that enables us to attract and retain that level of talent necessary to enable success.

Since their beginning ABSAP has possessed the ability to fully understand and adapt to what every collision center needs in order to be successful. However, with the continuing changes and everyday surprises it is becoming more and more challenging for every shop to understand exactly what it is they can do to improve their overall profitability, productivity and customer satisfaction. Keeping this in mind ABSAP Inc., Collision Management Services, Inc. (CMS) and Bernie Blickenstaff have recognized these needs and have established a reputable number of services and seminars to help assist with these challenges.   ABSAP and CMS remain on the forefront of this challenge. Our products and services are targeted to meet the needs of the collision repair industry and those who serve it, such as manufacturers, insurers, and distributors.

Bernie Blickenstaff

Collision Management Services, Inc. has extensive experience in the complex and competitive field of collision repair. CMS principals and associates have over 50 years experience in shop ownership, management, distribution, finance, and general management. Their insights in assessing markets, setting specific goals, and developing action plans can be valuable tools for your operation. Initially, CMS developed and presented the Vision Plus(TM) Professional Management Seminar series on behalf of BASF Corporation and has set the standard and defined a leadership role in helping collision industry management move into the 21st Century. Automotive Management Institute (AMI) has accredited all eight of the Vision Plus Seminars. In addition, CMS has presented at the NACE convention since 1999. Since then over 8,000 seats have been filled at CMS Seminars and Workshops. In addition to seminar development and presenting, CMS has provided on-site consultative services to consolidators, dealerships, and independent collision centers.

Bernie Blickenstaff

Bernie is former owner and operator of Auto Glo Body Shop in Baltimore, MD. He is also shareholder & CEO of Superior Auto Paints and the president of CMS. Former President of C.A.R.S. of Maryland (SCRS affiliate). Collision Industry Conference Gold Pin member and participant on the Education and Human Resources committees. Bernie was one of the originating founders of the Collision Technician Apprenticeship Program (CTAP).

As a shop owner, Bernie succeeded by building Auto Glo into a million dollar shop in its first seven years, but struggled with the challenges of business and technical changes. The need for more help from his paint jobber led Bernie to open Superior Auto Paints. Superior set the pace for distributors in the Baltimore - Washington area growing to 5 locations. Providing value to its customers beyond delivering paint led Bernie & Superior into shop consulting, "Key Numbers" analysis and tracking, the development of management seminars, and the eventual formation of a non-profit apprenticeship program. In 1995, BASF agreed to sponsor a series of four management seminars, the Vision Plus Professional Management Series, and Collision Management Services was formed.

Today, Bernie is a regular at national industry events, and maintains a rigorous speaking schedule of 50 - 70 dates per year plus conducting intensive 2-day training programs for manufacturers, consolidators, and industry groups.