"To Unite and Elevate Automotive Professionals, and Give Them Voice" | | |
Empowering Automotive Professionals:
A Look Inside ACT Group with Ray Kunz and Dave Kusa
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In this feature, we sit down with Ray Kunz, founder of The Automotive Coaching and Training (ACT) Group, and Dave Kusa, a seasoned coach and consultant with the company. With decades of combined experience in the automotive industry, both have dedicated themselves to helping shop owners and service professionals elevate their businesses. Through their unique coaching approach, ACT Group offers real-world, results-driven training designed to drive profitability and efficiency. Read on to learn more about their journeys, insights, and the valuable lessons they’ve gained along the way.
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Ray Kunz – Founder of The ACT Group
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about your journey into the automotive industry and how you ended up founding the ACT Group?
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RK: The Automotive Coaching and Training (ACT) Group was conceived and developed by me, Ray Kunz of Ray Kunz Enterprises, LLC. I have professionally coached & trained automotive facility Owners, Managers and Service Advisors alike for over 25 years now! It is through this understanding of the automotive industry as well as my dedication to making the industry a better place to work and make a living, that the ACT Group was formed.
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Q: What key experience(s) shaped your journey in the automotive industry?
RK: I started in the automotive world working on rebuilding an engine with my dad at probably 12 years old, and hearing that big piece of metal start up when we were finished hooked me. I got into working on cars full time out of high school and never looked back. About 18years into the technical side of the business I got stuck underneath a dash twice in one week and decided that Service Advising might be a better long-term solution and was fortunate enough to have the opportunity present itself, so I made that move. Then I meet this Trainer named Jim Hunt of Educational Seminars Institute (ESi) and started attending his seminars, I had found my calling. Through Jims training and eventual passing, Maylan Newton bought the business, and we started Coaching & Training together. That eventually lead me to 7 years ago, where I formed the ACT Group, and this is where I belong!
| | | March Team Weekend Wrap-up | | |
ASCCA President, Dave Kusa welcomed fellow leaders, members, and partners to the March 2025 Team Weekend on Saturday, March 15th, in Sacramento CA. A special welcome was extended to Brad Reich, Chapter 24 President, attending his first Team Weekend. In addition to those that attended in-person, several attendees participated via Zoom. If you couldn’t join us, here is a recap of the Team Weekend events.
Government Affairs Committee
Jack Molodanof provided a legislative update noting that 2,300 bills have been introduced, and highlighted the following:
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SB 615, concerning Electric Vehicle Batteries was introduced. This bill, among other things, requires that automotive repair dealers who remove electric batteries for repair, remanufacturing, or recycling must ensure that the battery is disposed of properly, adhering to requirements specified in the legislation.
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AB 1331, regarding Workplace Surveillance was introduced. This bill would limit the use of workplace surveillance tools by employers. Employers would be prohibited from monitoring or surveilling workers in private, off-duty areas, as specified, and require workplace surveillance tools to be disabled during off-duty hours.
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SB 310, addressing Failure to Pay Wages (Penalties) was introduced. Existing law allows wage claim penalties to either be recovered by an employee as a statutory penalty or by the Labor Commissioner as a civil penalty, as prescribed. This bill would also permit the penalty to be recovered through an independent civil action, as specified.
Other legislation reviewed by Jack Molodanof address Smog Check (Exemption) and Insurance Warranty (Catalytic Converter). He also provided updates on regulations from California Energy Commission, Bureau of Automatic Repair, and the BAR Citation & Fine program.
The Committee also discussed the status of two competing pieces of federal legislation addressing Right to Repair. A task force has been formed to develop ASCCA’s position and priorities on this issue.
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ASCCA members are reminded to watch for updates on these and
other important matters from Jack Molodanof on TeamTalk, in
the monthly newsletter, and in email blasts!
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ASCCA Annual Training Conference:
Sponsors & Exhibitors
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Becoming a sponsor is a great way to show your support of the association and the educational opportunities that the association provides to its members.
Looking to exhibit at this year's conference? ASCCA has table tops available for vendors during the Training Conference. You will also be listed in the conference materials as an exhibitor.
| | 🎉 Sign up before April 18 to receive a 10% discount off your sponsorship or exhibitor package! | | |
Calling All Automotive Technology Students!
Application Now Open for ASCEF SCHOLARSHIPS!
Deadline: March 31, 2025
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Applications are currently being accepted for the Automotive Service Councils Educational Foundation (ASCEF) 2025 scholarships! Each year, the ASCEF awards scholarships ranging from $500 - $1,000. These scholarships provide assistance to current under-graduates who are in the automotive service field.
Overall Qualifications: You must be planning to seek employment in the California after-market/independent repair industry and be a
- California high school senior who plans to enroll in post high school technical and academic training or
- California college under-graduate in the automotive service field.
Applications must be submitted by March 31, 2025.
To apply online visit: https://automotivescholarships.com/scholarships/ascca
The ASCEF is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to supporting and advancing the entire automotive industry through technical education and training, scholarships, and other industry inspired programs.
To learn more about the ASCEF, visit www.ascef.org.
Questions? Contact Kate Peyser at 916-290-5828 or kpeyser@amgroup.us.
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Over 2,300 legislative bills were introduced this year. Many of these bills are “spot bills,” intended for later amendment with more substantive language. We are currently in the process of reviewing all of them. Below are the bills we have identified as noteworthy so far. As our review of introduced bills and amendments progresses, we will update this list accordingly.
We will continue to review, monitor, and report.
-Jack Molodanof
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Independent Repairers, Automakers Announce
Landmark Right-to-Repair Legislation
| WASHINGTON, DC - Organizations representing the country's independent automotive repair industry, service professionals, collision repair experts and leading automakers today presented a legislative proposal to Congressional leaders on automotive right-to-repair. The guarantees independent repair facilities will continue to have the Safety as First Emphasis (SAFE) Repair Act same ability to perform diagnostic and repair services as franchised auto dealers. | | | | |
ARD's can now Submit Educational
Certifications online with BAR
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Automotive repair dealers can now submit their educational certifications online. This information is also now displayed on BAR's Auto Shop Locator. Help consumers learn about your business's qualifications when choosing an auto shop. Submit your educational certifications today!
If you've already submitted certifications with your application, please resubmit them online. This will help ensure they appear on the Auto Shop Locator.
Types of educational certifications you can submit
You can submit certifications for both you and your employees. These include:
- Nationally recognized and industry-accepted educational certifications from I-CAR, ASE, trade schools, community colleges, and vehicle manufacturers.
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Bureau-accepted educational certifications. Learn more➡️
How to submit your educational certifications
Go to the online portal now or follow these steps:
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Go to www.bar.ca.gov.
- Click on Business licenses under the Licensees tab.
- Select Update and click on Change of educational certification information in the menu.
- Select the Change educational certification information button. Follow the instructions to add your information and upload your documents.
| | Past Webinar Recordings Available! | | ASCCA Webinar: Cars4Careers | | New 2025 401K Laws by Grant Knox: | | Bureau of Automotive Repair Updates: | | 2025 Dates For BAR Advisory Group Meetings | | Remarkable Results Radio - New Podcast Episodes! | |
Grow Faster, Go Further – The Peer Group Advantage
(Town Hall Academy)
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Recorded at the 2025 Institute Summit, discover the transformative power of coaching and accountability within the automotive repair industry. Jennifer Hulbert and Aaron Woods, facilitators of the Institute’s performance groups, share insights on how peer support and leadership development can drive significant improvements in shop owners’ businesses. They emphasize the importance of personal growth, strategic focus, and the ripple effect of better business practices on employees and communities.
Read More/Listen...
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From Employee to Business Owner: Structuring a Win-Win Succession Plan
(Remarkable Results)
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This episode focuses on the importance of planning ahead for selling a business in the auto repair industry. Bob Ward stresses that business owners should start identifying and training potential successors early—often from their current team. He walks through a clear four-step process to help with the transition, covering key areas like finding the right fit, determining the business’s value, securing financing, and handling legal requirements.
Read More/Listen...
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You can find all the newest episodes as well as the entire library HERE!
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Scott Carvalho
Mazda's Plus LLC
Modesto, CA
Ch. 20 Regular Member
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Bill Garcia
Bill's Quuality Auto Care
Simi Valley, CA
Ch. 5 Regular Member
| | ASCEF at your Chapter Meetings! | | |
Attention ASCCA Chapters! Have a Chapter Meeting Coming Up? ASCEF Chair John Eppstein and ASCEF President Dave Kusa would like to come to your meeting and talk about the ASCEF Car Donation Program and the value it can bring to not only your shop, but also your customers!
Interested in them in coming to your next meeting?
Email John at john@johnsautomotivecare.com and
Dave at dave@autotrenddiagnostics.com.
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ASCCA committees are seeking volunteers. Involvement can be at varying levels of time commitment, comfort level and responsibility. Simply reach out to committee leaders and let them know more about your interest, talent and available time commitment and they will match you up with ways you can help.
ASCCA committee volunteers have one thing in common, they agree that by volunteering they received more than they give in the way of both personal and professional growth.
Let us know if you’d like to attend a future meeting at info@ascca.com
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Your donations will continue to help us award scholarships to
students seeking a career in the automotive aftermarket industry.
We appreciate all the support!
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Visit www.ascef.org.
Help us reach our goal of $45,000 in car donations by providing your customer with a simple way to donate an unwanted vehicle quickly and safely!
- It’s easy and the pick-up is free!
- The proceeds from the sale of the vehicle will help us continue to award scholarships to students wanting to develop a career in the automotive aftermarket industry!
- Donating saves time and money on repairs and maintenance.
- Added value to your shop while supporting an automotive industry nonprofit.
- Our Vehicle Donation Support Team is here to guide you every step of the way.
- We help you take care of the paperwork and provide you with any necessary tax documents.
- Vehicle donations are tax-deductible.
To donate, call (844) 877-2473. We accept all types of vehicles that meet the following basic requirements:
- Vehicle has a clear title.
- Vehicle is in one piece.
- Vehicle is accessible for safe towing.
- Vehicle does not need to be running.
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It’s so easy to build careers one car at a time. ASC Educational Foundation rewards scholarships each year to students wishing to develop a career in the automotive aftermarket industry. So help us make a difference in a student’s life! Learn more about donations through the ASC Educational Foundation.
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The ADA Checklist: 2021 Compliance
Guidelines for Website Accessibility
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ADA website compliance and web accessibility are two terms that are used interchangeably but they are distinct from one another.
ADA stands for the Americans with Disabilities Act which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability. Courts are construing Title III of the ADA to mean that websites must be accessible. Thus, with ADA website compliance, we're referring to the law.
| | Refer a Member Receive $125 | |
You're eligible for a $125 referral fee when you refer a new Regular or Associate member to ASCCA!
Referral Awards are paid out when the member's annual dues are paid for their first year.
Contact the ASCCA office if you have any questions at info@ascca.com or (800) 810-4272!
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1 Capitol Mall, Ste. 800
Sacramento, CA 95814
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