Batenhorst, Andrew

Andrew Batenhorst, body shop manager at Pacific BMW Collision Center (Glendale, CA), started his automotive career in 1999 as a professional detailer. Upon graduation from college, he worked at one of the top 3 largest insurers in the country. After spending his time assessing high end vehicles and exotics around Los Angeles, he decided to expand his passion for collision repair by becoming a repair planner at Pride Collision Centers, Inc. in Van Nuys, CA. Under the guidance of Randy Stabler, Steve Morris Sr, Paco Arias, and Jeff Baker, Andrew developed his skills and became well known for writing very thorough repair plans while incorporating lean theory/processes into his day-to-day tasks. Andrew moved on to become manager of two Pride locations in the Santa Clarita Valley, before eventually moving on to Pacific BMW to head up their body shop. Their CCRC has consistently ranked high in the BMW network due to their innovative processes, standards, and organization for the past 5 years. Andrew is a member of the CIC Estimating Committee, CIECA Repair Procedure Committee, AkzoNobel Acoat program, College of the Canyons Auto Tech Advisory Board, and the California Auto Body Association. I bring a unique perspective to shop processes and organizational culture (like 5S) that can help others transform their businesses and overcome common barriers to success. For too long, we have relied on "well, we did it this way for all these years, let's keep doing that." I firmly believe that fixing cars the right way (the first time), while minimizing waste and increasing efficiency are not unobtainable for the smallest of body shops in our country all the way up to the biggest consolidators. Through my own facility, I am living proof that incremental changes and continuous improvement can be achieved by all shop operators, and hopefully transform our industry to be the go-to choice for people seeking a fulfilling career.