December 2000 Editor's Page
Who's Really in Charge?

It appears these are the best of times, the worst of times, as well as the not-so-sure-times.

Consolidation, a wave that swept over this industry during the latter part of the nineties, now finds itself somewhat stalled at the shoreline.

When Minnesota-based CARA Collision and Glass, once among the fastest-growing of the consolidators, had its accounts frozen and subsequently filed for bankruptcy, a collective uh-oh could be heard throughout the consolidation field. That a once-strong company could find itself in such a rapid decline put a scare into the industry that still seems to linger.

This month’s feature story takes a close look at the ongoing consolidation effort - where it’s been, where it is, and where it’s headed. I find it interesting that where some see the current state of affairs as a cause for anxiety, others look at the field and see opportunity. CARSTAR, for instance, has announced an ambitious five-year growth plan that calls for the addition of 200 company-owned locations (see inset on page 15 for a discussion of the criteria such ambitious consolidators are considering as they expand).

This month’s issue also explores a hodge podge of other interesting topics.

For those considering a technology upgrade in the near future, the article on page 24 breaks down the key issues you should be considering as you approach such an important, and no doubt costly decision. The second part of our UK Report offers a revealing glimpse into the UK collision repair industry. And of course, Gus is always dishing up a helping of something good over at his garage (not to mention a movie review or two).

And yet the most interesting topic of discussion these days is mostly ignored in this issue, although it is reflected in this month’s Investment Report, where what appeared to be the makings of a healthy bounce was suddenly stalled as of November 7.

November 7. Election Day. Not that there was too much electing going on. In any event, as the world and the media wrestle with the idea that there is no current "leader of the free world," I am struck by a question that seems too little asked these days - Who’s in charge?

I don’t mean Bush or Gore, or Republicans or Democrats. What I mean, in short, is us or them. The people or the government. You and me, or the powers that be.

Clearly, they are in charge of politics and elections and the like. One of these days we’ll wake up and they’ll tell us that someone is the new president. We may or may not like it, but it will be out of our control and will stay that way.

But until then, and after then, you and I will be in charge of our lives. There will be cars to fix, words to publish, deadlines to meet. And it seems that we are, and always will be in charge of such things. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

So when all is said and done, and Bush or Gore or whoever is crowned victor, remember that these are the best of times, and these are the worst of times.