With all of the rain and wind hitting the Bay Area this week, all of us at Mike’s Auto Body would like to share this helpful safety information with you.

Driving in conditions that involve strong or heavy wind and rain may not seem like the most pressing safety concern for many drivers, but our safety professionals know that driving in any type of severe weather can significantly increase your risk and potential for a dangerous situation for you, your family and other drivers. Remember that severe weather demands your undivided attention, so be sure to reduce any possible distractions by turning the radio down or turning off that phone to keep your attention fully on the road. Keep in mind that sometimes the best driving decision you can make is to stay off the road completely until the weather clears.

Driving in Heavy Winds

Wind may seem like a minor risk, but this weather condition deserves special consideration from drivers. Strong wind can occur just about anywhere, but it can be more common in wide open spaces. Areas for concern also include highway overpasses, tunnels and ‘road cuts’ through mountainous areas that can act as funnels for wind. The following tips can help keep you on the road and safe if you encounter heavy winds.

1. Anticipate gusts. Take special care when driving through areas prone to strong winds or when weather reports predict severe weather.

2. Notice larger vehicles. Be aware of large vehicles on the road such as tractor-trailers and recreational vehicles. They are more susceptible to high winds and drivers may have difficulties staying in their lanes.

3. Keep a firm grip on the wheel. Keep both hands on the wheel in case the wind begins to move your vehicle, especially if you are driving a large vehicle or towing a trailer.

Driving in Heavy Rain

In addition to the potentially poor visibility that accompanies most heavy rain, drivers should be ready to protect themselves against hydroplaning. Hydroplaning can occur when a vehicle is traveling too fast in heavy rain conditions, causing the vehicle’s tires to travel on a thin layer of water rather than grip the surface of the road. This has the potential to make steering and braking difficult and could even lead to losing control of your vehicle. Follow these tips to help you stay safe while driving in heavy rain.

1. Take your time. Slowing down is the only way to keep your vehicle from hydroplaning. Also remember that one of the most dangerous times to drive is soon after it begins to rain, as oils on roadway make for slick conditions. Waiting a few minutes, rather than rushing to your destination, can be a safer plan when it is raining.

2. Turn your lights on. Turn your headlights on to help other vehicles see you. Many states require the use of headlights during rain, even in broad daylight.

3. Give other vehicles more space. Add 1-2 extra seconds of following time in the rain, which gives you and the cars behind you more time to react to traffic.

Sources: Wikipedia and NHTSA

On December 12th, Christmas came a little early for five deserving families as Mike’s Auto Body and local companies worked together to make life a little easier for those less fortunate. This year’s slogan was “A Gift of Charity Wrapped in Dignity” as Mike’s Auto Body commemorated the donation 79 cars since 2000 through its nationally acclaimed Benevolence Program.

Each year the collision repair industry as a whole comes across cars that are “written off” by either the owner or the insurance company.  Often times these are older vehicles that just need some mechanical and body work to get them back on the road and perfectly safe to drive. Because we believe these cars are going to waste when there are people who really need them, we decided to do something about it.

Mike’s Auto Body’s Benevolence Program is a community relations program designed to generate goodwill at the local level while improving and promoting the image of the collision repair industry whose mission is to “Present refurbished “new” used cars to deserving individuals or organizations during the holiday season.” 

CSAA Insurance Group, Farmers Insurance, State Farm Insurance, Liberty/Safeco Insurance and Enterprise Rent A Car participated this year in the December presentation by donating “written off” vehicles that were given away to five deserving families.

200 people attended the vehicle presentations at Mike’s Auto Body’s ADAC facility in Antioch on a day filled with sunshine and the Christmas spirit. The day always starts with a hearty welcome from Benevolence Ambassador Sal Contreras followed by with an invocation by Pastor Felix Golden. Then there was a flag presentation from the Mt. Diablo JROTC Color Guard; America the Beautiful was presented by Bagpiper Kristopher Muse and then Sandie Browne sang the National Anthem. Then Mike’s Auto Body’s Director of Marketing Dane Dearlove spoke about “Who We Are” and how Mike’s continues to give back to the community, followed by welcoming remarks from Antioch’s Mayor Sean Wright before the five car presentations took place.

Another highlight of the day was when the Contra Costa Firefighters of Antioch’s Station 81 led by Captain Jeff Landis, delivered Santa to the presentation in their fire engine, who then gave brand new bicycles and helmets to the children. As always, local insurance agents filled all the vehicles with gifts and toys for the families.

Next, the Rose family (Ragen, Brennan and Mike), received a Congressional Certificate of Recognition by Congressman Jerry McNerney’s Field Representative Janeesha Jones, followed by closing remarks from Contreras. “A special thank you goes out to our employees and business partners who gave their time, talents and donations to make all this happen.”

This year’s December five recipients included:

·         A single mother with two daughters, Patricia Castellanos, received a 2013 Nissan Rogue that was donated by State Farm; sponsored by Sparkpoint Brighter Beginnings in Bay Point; re-furbished by the crew at Mike’s Pittsburg location and presented by State Farm’s Mike Stoiber.

·         24-year-old Ally Jenkins received a 2016 Toyota Prius that was donated by Safeco/Liberty; sponsored by Cortona Park Senior Living Community; re-furbished by the crew at Mike’s San Ramon location and presented by Safeco/Liberty’s Tom Donahue.

·         A single mother Erika Quinteros received a 2018 Ford Fusion that was donated by Enterprise Rent A Car; sponsored by California Promise Innovation, Contra Costa College; refurbished by the crew at Mike’s location in Antioch and presented by Enterprise’s Kelly Hunt.

·         A single mother Maria Barraza received a 2014 Honda Civic that was donated by Farmers; sponsored by the Hemophilia Foundation of Northern California; re-furbished by the crew at Mike’s North Broadway location and presented by District Manager Dan Brown from Farmers.

·         A single mother/grandmother JoAnn Segura received a 2015 Toyota from CSAA, sponsored by the Housing Authority of Contra Costa County; re-furbished by the crew at Mike’s Fremont Street location and presented by CSAA’s Victor Cordon.

“We feel very fortunate to be involved with such a wonderful program and are very excited to be able to give back to the community that has supported us for the past 46 years,” Owner of Mike’s Auto Body Mike Rose said. “Being in this business for that long, repairing the vehicles is the easy part, having to decide on a recipient is the part that’s hard.  After receiving hundreds of applications over the years and reading the heartbreaking stories, we only wish that we could do more.  But hopefully with increased publicity of our Benevolence Program other shops will adopt a similar program of their own.”  

In honor of Veterans Day, Mike’s Auto Body presented a completely refurbished 2015 Nissan Sentra to Abraham Jackson, USAF Veteran on November 9 at our Fairfield location.

This year, we partnered with GEICO Insurance, Travis AFB Airman & Family Readiness Center, Recycled Rides, and Operation Care and Comfort Organization. High ranking Travis AFB military officers, Mayor Harry Price, Assemblyman Frazier’s Veterans Ambassador Michael L. Brimer, SGM, USAR, RET, Napa Post 113 American Legion Color Guard and Vanden High School Band were in attendance at this well-attended event.  

The Benevolence Program is a community relations program whose mission is to present refurbished “new” used cars to deserving individuals or organizations. Everything is donated, the cars, parts, paint, mechanical inspections, tires and one full year of insurance. The body and paint technicians donate their time and talents. 

Abraham Jackson retired from the U.S. Air Force as a Tech Sergeant and began his military career as a fire fighter before becoming a C-17 Loadmaster. He also did three years in the Contingency Response Wing as an Instructor Loadmaster, Assistant Flight Chief of Operations 21st Airlift Squadron. As a fire fighter, he was deployed to Thumrait, Oman, and as a Loadmaster he was deployed to Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, Kuwait, and Al Udeid in the CRW, as well as being deployed to Jordan. Now as a civilian, Jackson is currently a Unit Program Coordinator for the 9th Air Refueling Squadron, where he acts as a Security Manager, Facility Manager, Drug Demand Reduction Program Trusted Agent, Unit Fitness Program Manager, GOV Purchase Card Cardholder and a Defense Travel System Approving Official.

 Mike’s Benevolence Ambassador Sal Contreras was delighted with this year’s  community involvement and the support of the City of Fairfield. “Every year, we partner with multiple charities, and open up on our web site for applications,” he said. “Then we pick a family and give them a reliable car to make a significant difference in their lives. We fill the car with presents for the kids, we invite our employees to celebrate with us, and give the car away. We do this every year in Fairfield, and with Travis Air Force Base as part of that community, celebrate the heroes who have served our country, work with the base to find the right candidate, and celebrate Veterans Day by giving the vehicle to a military family.”

“It has been so rewarding over the past 17 years presenting cars to deserving families and single parents who are working to improve their skills and become independent,” Mike’s Owner Mike Rose said.  

Mike’s Auto Body has been participating in the Benevolence Program for the last 17 years around the Bay Area and has donated 72 cars to the community. This year marks our 18th year and after presenting cars in four presentations starting in October, November, December and ending on January 9th, we will have presented 80 cars to deserving families.

Here is the letter written by Jackson’s wife Maria on his behalf:

“I, Maria Jackson, nominate my husband, Abraham Jackson. I personally feel as though he is beyond deserving of a, “new to him vehicle”.

My husband retired from the Air Force in July of 2017 as a Loadmaster after serving 20 years. He has always gone above and beyond not only at work, but also, at home and within the community.

He strives every day to do his best for his family, friends and the community.

He’s helped feed the homeless; he’s opened his doors to the homeless, friends and families who were once, perfect strangers.

He’s always put his family, friends and sometimes, total strangers before himself because he wants to make sure everyone is cared for.

He always goes out of his way to say a simple hello to anyone he crosses paths with such as a neighbor, someone at the grocery store or someone he’s simply driving by in a parking lot.

He’s volunteered at the Opportunity House and at the The Father’s House doing security at Kid’s Fest in the summer and Adopt-A-Block. He’s also supported me with the Christmas Closet for Kids In Need the last few years. This guy right here, is a guy with a heart of gold. And, I’m truly honored to call him my husband, my best friend and the best father in the world.”

Jackson was also recommended by Capt. Marie Barrett, Flight Commander 9th Air Refueling Squadron and Nicole Stinnett-Travis AFB, Operation Care and Comfort’s North Bay Liaison and Past President of Vintage Valley Blue Star Moms for this year’s Benevolence car.

On October 26, Mike’s Auto Body hosted a Grand Opening ribbon-cutting event and gave away its 73rd vehicle to Veteran USMC Ryan Mason at its Vallejo location.

The festivities were kicked off by Benevolence Program Coordinator Sal Contreras, who welcomed the 100-plus people in attendance followed by a ribbon cutting ceremony with CFO Ragen Ortland, CEO Brennan Rose and Vallejo Chamber President and CEO James Cooper. 

At every Mike’s Benevolence presentation, there is an Invocation by Contreras followed by the playing of America the Beautiful by Napa Post 113 American Legion Color Guard featuring bagpipe player Kristopher Muse who is also a technician at Mike’s. The National Anthem was then sung by St. Patrick St. Vincent’s  High School’s Choir, under the direction of Ryan Lee.

The big moment of the day was when Ryan Mason received a 2016 Hyundai Elantra that was completely restored by the crew at Vallejo that donated their time. Mason did four tours in Afghanistan and Iraq, and is married and has a five-month-old daughter. He was wounded in action and suffers from PTSD, and before receiving the vehicle, he often had to walk to and from his job.

Other speakers and sponsors made presentations during the ceremony. Mike’s Marketing Director Dane Dearlove shared our story of Benevolence; Vallejo’s Mayor Bob Sampayan welcomed Mike’s to the city; Assemblyman Tim Grayson (14th District) presented the Rose family with a plaque and Founder/CEO of the East County Veterans Support Services Josie Monaghan spoke, as well as Hertz Rent A Car Area Manager Manny Bernal prior the Presentation of the 2018 Benevolence Car to Veteran USMC Ryan Mason.

Dearlove discussed the importance of the company’s Benevolence program and its role in the Bay Area. “We are making history today with our Benevolence Program. Benevolence is just a word, but talk is cheap, but Mike’s Auto Body puts action behind their words to make it work. It starts at the top and works its way down, which means that many of our employees and vendors get involved. We do this to make a real difference in the communities where we do business for all of the right reasons, and it’s now become a part of our legacy.

“After sharing Ryan’s story, we all agreed Ryan is worthy of receiving the Benevolence Car this year,” Contreras said. “As a veteran combat Marine, Ryan has honored our country with four deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. By receiving this car, Ryan will not have to walk or take the bus to work anymore.”

On Dec. 5, PPG Automotive Refinish and Mike’s Auto Body welcomed instructors from the California Department of Correction and Rehabilitation (CDCR) for a full-day event that included presentations from vendors, tours of the Mike’s Auto Body’s Antioch, CA facility and its Auto Damage Assessment Center and Training Center (ADAC), as well as product demonstrations by its Training Program Director Lupe Algood, and a “get to know” session with CDCR’s Superintendent Shannon Swain.

The CDCR is operated in conjunction with the Division of Rehabilitative Programs within the Office of Correctional Education (OCE), an organization that offers 317 various academic and education programs at 35 of California’s adult state prisons. The goal of OCE is to provide offenders with needed education and career training as part of a broader effort to increase public safety and reduce recidivism. Fifteen of its programs involve training inmates on how to become metal technicians and painters so that they can attain careers in the collision repair industry after they have been released.

All adult schools in the CDCR prisons are fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) to ensure the highest level of education. There is currently a wide range of different auto body and paint programs available that are 6-18 months in length, and when completed successfully, graduates receive industry-recognized certifications.

Regional Manager Rob Hengemihle of PPG and Marketing Manager Dane Dearlove from Mike’s Auto Body coordinated the event. With 15-plus CDCR auto body and paint instructors and administrators in attendance, Dearlove kicked off the day with an opening statement. “Our common denominator is training students to work in the collision industry and helping them to build successful lifelong careers,” he said. “We can’t make it in this business by ourselves, so partnerships are essential and that’s why today is so mutually beneficial for all of us.”

After training the CDCR instructors on painting techniques at the PPG Training Center in Concord, CA earlier in the week, PPG’s Regional Manager Rob Hengemihle saw the importance of the meeting. “The instructors had a lot of questions for the vendors and trainers, so we know that a lot of useful information was shared,” he said. “The CDCR is updating their curriculum and undergoing a lot of big changes, and we’re excited to play a role in training these teachers to pass this information onto their students through their programs. PPG is pleased to support initiatives that help provide a pipeline of skilled painters to the collision industry.”

Mike’s Auto Body’s CEO Brennan Rose also saw great value in the meeting. “At Mike’s Auto Body, we understand the real lack of qualified technicians in our industry and have made a conscience and large financial effort to grow our own team members to ensure we have highly qualified technicians to carry us into the future. We are extremely fortunate to have strong partnerships supporting us in this venture as we transform young talented people into organized, efficient, quality technicians.”

Vice Principal of Career Technical Office of Correctional Education Michael Valdez is a former metal technician who oversees the program and supervises all of the auto body and paint instructors. “I know this industry well because I was in it for many years,” he said. “The state needs more and more collision professionals, so we are in the right place at exactly the right time. By meeting with industry leaders and top vendors, we are creating a bridge between what we’re currently doing and what the industry is doing. Mike’s Auto Body is one of the best MSOs in the country, and they are learning a lot about us and vice versa, so it’s two-way learning and these several days of training are invaluable. Our goal is to train our instructors to teach things where the need is the most while creating good habits and copying what companies like Mike’s Auto Body and PPG automotive refinish are doing.”

Leading vendors were on-hand to offer technical information about their services and products, including National Accounts and Industry Relations Manager Chris Springer from SATA; Territory Manager, Northern California/Northern Nevada Kristen Meehan from Western States Marketing; Senior Account Representative Dennis O’Keefe from 3M Automotive Aftermarket Division; Owner of Precision for Collision Joel Smith and Marketing Rep Chuck Leedy from PDX Marketing that represents Iwata and SEM.

CDCR’s Superintendent of Correctional Education Shannon Swain was appointed Gov. Edmund G. Brown, Jr. last October after serving as deputy superintendent since 2014. She was a subject matter expert of correctional education at Synergy Correctional Technology Services 2012-2014 and served in several positions at the CDCR Parolee Educational Programs, operated by the Contra Costa County Office of Education 1989-2012, including principal, program manager, project coordinator and teacher.

Swaim outlined three main things that she and her department want to achieve as part of a long-term plan. “Educating these inmates in collision repair is both fantastic and appropriate, and our overall goal is to help our students to thrive,” she said. “The first thing we want to do is embrace technology, which means we want to improve our infrastructure and have full wireless connectivity in every prison. During the last two years, we have worked to invest in the right tools for our auto body and paint programs, from paint booths to paint guns and all of the tools and equipment required.

“Second, we want safety to be paramount for both our teachers and our students and adhere to all of the state codes and requirements,” she said. “And third, we want to set up our students for good careers with excellent wages by training our teachers how to exhibit pro-social behavior. That includes fostering great customer service, good attitudes, open communication and a work ethic, so that they can learn the skills they need to excel. California is leading the way in prison education, so we also want to show the rest of the world what we’re doing and hopefully getting them onboard as well.”

Originally appeared in Autobody News 

On Oct. 8th at the Back 40 Texas BBQ restaurant in Pleasant Hill, CA, 50 people were on hand to celebrate Mike’s Auto Body’s very first Metal Technician Training Program Graduation.

Francisco Cruz, Ronnie Algood, Patrick Wolfe and Jared Marvin have completed the training and the mentoring program and are now on their way to becoming full-fledged journeymen technicians.

By working closely with their mentors for the past two years, these four graduates are poised and prepared for the future. Special thanks to the mentors who helped these graduates to get to the next level, include Rick Moe, Oscar Hernandez, Jason Tebbit, Gene Duncan and Cameron Lewis.

Owner Mike Rose was delighted to see the company’s first class as it progresses and grows as they pursue careers as Metal Technicians. “We began discussing this idea 10 years ago, so this is very satisfying,” he said. “We really had no choice, because finding good technicians had become problematic. These four guys have worked hard and made a commitment to this program and we will have many more doing the same as we enter our fourth year of our in-house training program.”

Marketing Director Dane Dearlove spoke to the attendees. “We are making history tonight, so we want to sincerely thank all of our new technicians and their mentors. Their journey is not over and the learning will never stop, but now they have great jobs and hopefully long careers in this industry. They are now ready to learn even more and refine their skills, in order to eventually become journeyman metal technicians.”

CEO Brennan Rose also spoke to the assemblage and explained the program’s genesis. “Three years ago, we started this program, because no one was coming into the industry,” he said. “Our goal was to create journeymen and train them our way of doing things and this is exactly what we’ve done. There were some trials and tribulations along the way, but developing by the program, it’s become an integral part of what we’re doing at Mike’s Auto Body.”

The training program’s Head Instructor Lupe Algood has been the driving force behind the company’s Metal Technician Training Program. “These guys are still standing and all have attained the skills they need to reach their goals,” he said. “There is no stopping now! Thanks for the Rose family and everyone at Mike’s Auto Body who gave me a chance to be involved in this program. I am proud of what we’ve achieved and see a great future for this program.”

IT Director Rick Rehm has played a role in the training program since day one, so he is happy to see that the four graduates have completed their mentoring and are ready to continue their employment at Mike’s Auto Body. “They completed six months of classes and worked with mentors for two years, so they are well on their way to becoming journeymen technicians. They now have lucrative jobs and hopefully long careers here and I’d like to congratulate them all.”