RR 448: Larry Dragan – Life After Selling My Business – Lemon Law Expert Witness, Certified Mediator and Appraiser

Larry Dragan – Lemon Law Expert Witness, Certified Mediator and Appraiser  

Larry Dragan is the 2nd generation owner of Stan’s Garage founded in 1941 at Dearborn Heights, Mi. He sold his ownership to his son, Scott. He now serves as its chairman of the board. He is a member of ASA, ASE Blue Seal and IAAA (International Automotive Appraisers Association).

Larry got involved during the ’90s in the mediation of problem vehicles and served on the arbitration boards for both Chrysler and Ford.  Larry still provides many services nationwide including expert witness services, Lemon Law cases, pre-purchase inspections, automotive appraisals, automotive mediation/ umpiring and automotive business coaching and development.

Larry Dragan has 40 + years experience in the automotive industry and still maintains his ASE certifications in Auto and HD Truck.  He was the second generation owner of Stan’s Garage (establish 1941) in Dearborn Heights Mi for over 38 years and still serves as chairman of the board. His son Scott has now taken over the operations but Larry’s still stays very active in the automotive industry.  Larry got involved during the ’90s in the mediation of problem vehicles and served on the arbitration boards for both Chrysler and Ford. Larry stills provides many services nationwide including expert witness services, Lemon Law cases, pre-purchase inspections, automotive appraisals, automotive mediation/ umpiring and automotive business coaching and development.  He is a member of ASA, ASE Blue Seal and IAAA (International Automotive Appraisers Association).

Key Talking Points:

• Expert witness for Lemon Law Attorneys- hired by the owner of the vehicle
  • Every state has different rules and regulations- most are 3 attempts for same repair or 30+ days out of service
  • Can’t verify the complaint. Dealerships will not go too far to solve problems.
  • Larry comes in after process is started or prior to attorney taking case- verifies the complaint, takes documentation   
  • People remain patient for a vehicle that is reliable
  • Most of the time vehicles do not get repaired at dealerships- limitation technicians have to verify the complaint, only getting paid half hour to diagnose 
  • Most cases don’t go to court- cases get settled
• Certified as mediator/umpire
  • Settle cases between two insurance companies or insurance company and owner with collision or flood cases/damages to the vehicle
  • He would go to the TSBs first to see if the problem exists  
• Technician shortage
  • Average technicians are 45-50 years old- what will happen in 10 years when they retire 
  • Need to grow your own technician and appreciate them
• Appraisal discussion

Resources:

• Thanks to Larry Dragan for his contribution to the aftermarket’s premier podcast.
• Link to the ‘BOOKS‘ page highlighting all books discussed in the podcast library HERE. Leaders are readers.
• Leave me an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one of them.

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