Because of the work and involvement of owner Jim Busch, and a commitment to excellence from all employees, Busch Collision in Issaquah, Wash., has made a name for itself as one of the most progressive shops in the country.

The shop has been recognized for its achievements in waste reduction and a focus on environmental concerns. Busch strives to keep on top of industry issues and continually work to better the shop and the industry.

Busch said he didn't start out to be in the automotive industry, but his skills led him here. "I am in this business because this is what I am good at!" says Busch. He started working in the industry in 1963, but left in 1965 to work for Boeing making wind tunnel models. He soon returned to the automotive industry and has been busy making his mark ever since.

He started Busch Collision as a one-man shop in 1975. Today, the shop has eight employees and does about 10 to 12 repairs per week.

The six technicians at the shop have 40 ASE certifications, 34 I-CAR certificates, and DuPont and PPG diplomas. Busch Collision was one of the first ASE Blue Seal of Excellence facilities. "We choose employees based on their ability to learn and adapt," says Busch. "Working for Busch Collision is a continuous learning experience in which we all participate."

With 19 ASE certifications, Busch himself is classified as a "World-Class Technician." He has been honored in the Automotive Hall of Fame, and was the recipient of the 1994 President's Club Ring in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the automotive industry.

Despite his outstanding credentials, Busch no longer works on vehicles. He has now "changed hats" and describes his new roles as "businessman, banker, computer whiz, counselor, philosopher, writer, negotiator and advocate."

Busch's business philosophy is profoundly simple: "You need to deal honestly, and you need to demand your trading partners do the same."

He feels strongly about the issues surrounding the industry, including the controversial topic of direct repair programs (DRPs). His shop does not participate in any DRPs. "I feel I cannot properly service my customers in an honest manner if I have made agreements to compromise the quality of my work," says Busch. "I also feel that DRP agreements minimize the value of technicians. Note that my company is alive and well without DRP!"

The shop maintains and increases its customer base primarily by returns and referrals. "Collision repair is a difficult business to advertise because it is difficult to target people with damaged vehicles," says Busch. The shop does participate in an on-screen slide program at a local movie theater that has been a positive source of name recognition.

In addition to customer recognition, the shop's name has been recognized by many other organizations. Busch Collision has been a pioneer in helping the collision repair industry become more environmentally friendly.

Busch says 10 years ago the industry was targeted by environmental regulators. It was at that time that Busch became involved with the regulators to make sure the industry was treated fairly and the regulations were enforced equally.

Several measures have been taken at the shop to prevent waste. Paint is ordered on an "as needed" basis, to avoid storage of leftover paint. Busch also purchased a computerized paint mixing system that allows technicians to accurately mix only the amount needed for each job.

Recycling is also a major focus at the shop. Scrap metal, cardboard, paper, batteries, tires and oil are all recycled. The company offers cash incentives for employees who have ideas about waste reduction and recycling.

Busch and his son, Michael (pictured, right), created an in-house process to recycle antifreeze by removing impurities, additives and dyes. Busch estimates the process prevents the disposal of almost 100 gallons of antifreeze a year.

These measures have earned Busch and his shop much recognition. In 1997 he was given the Governor's Award for Pollution Prevention and in December 1998 he received the Evergreen Award for Pollution Prevention from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Busch continues to work on environmental issues by working with Washington regulatory and enforcement agencies that affect the automotive industry, such as the Washington State Departments of Ecology and Labor and Industries and the Puget Sound Air Pollution Control Agency.

Busch says he is in a position to speak to regulators without fear of reprisal. "This gives me an opportunity to negotiate regulatory and enforcement policies on behalf of other business owners," says Busch. He has also written many articles concerning regulatory policies in an effort to educate others.

What Busch likes best about his job is helping others and encouraging quality technicians. "I take a great deal of pride in seeing professional automotive technicians receive the high level of recognition they deserve. I want to help young people into our trade."

His commitment to the industry is apparent in the many positions he has held throughout the industry, many of which involve technician training and education. Busch has sat on the boards of ASE and NATEF and has helped write tests for ASE and I-CAR.

Busch's future plans for the business took a tragic turn last year. His son, Michael, who was studying to be an auto collision technician, died of cancer. Busch says now the future of his business has little importance to him. "I had always felt my commitment to the industry would benefit my son. Now I need to focus that attention to others," says Busch.

And he certainly has. ASE has donated money to set up the Michael E. Busch Memorial Foundation, which Busch and his wife administer. The money will provide tuition grants for secondary students to attend post-secondary collision vocational training.

Both the collision repair industry and the environment have benefitted from the positive efforts that continue at Busch Collision.

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