San Diego, Calif. — Mitchell International, a leading provider of information, workflow and performance management solutions to the automotive insurance claims and collision repair industries, today announced the addition of Mr. Jim Guthrie to its Board of Directors.
 
“We’re very pleased that Jim accepted the Board’s invitation to become a member,” said James D. Lindner, Chairman of the Board & Chief Executive Officer at Mitchell. “Jim Guthrie is extremely well versed in the collision repair industry and in business-management practices and technologies for collision shops; his expertise will be invaluable in helping us to better understand our clients’ needs, and how best to address those needs in our software solutions.”
 
 Guthrie came to the attention of Mitchell through his instrumental role in the development of the Collision Industry Management System (CIMS), a web-based shop-management system that increases shop productivity and profitability by using technology to create a disciplined, performance-oriented culture as well as to automate specific tasks. The CIMS technology was acquired by Mitchell in October of 2005, and forms the core of Mitchell ABS® Enterprise, for high-performing and multi-location collision-repair concerns.
 
 Guthrie’s work developing shop management solutions leverages his twenty-five years spent owning and operating Car Crafters Collision Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico. His extensive knowledge of traditional and evolving collision repair marketplaces and practices and passion for fostering shop success through technology and best-practices — such as continuous measurement in real-time, paperless processes, and increasing production efficiencies — has made Guthrie a respected consultant in the shop industry.
 
He has also distinguished himself in Indy car racing, being named 1997’s “Rookie of the Year” by the Indianapolis Racing League, after winning the Phoenix race of that same year and leading four other races. The philosophical discipline Jim used to master auto-racing is the same he uses to drive the continuous improvement of his business practices and process. “That which is measured shall improve.” It is a Mantra that has served Jim well on and off the track.
 
“Steady growth and savvy acquisitions have brought Mitchell International the financial stability, technical expertise, and organizational momentum to take advantage of a rich field of opportunities,” Guthrie remarks. “Mitchell is well-positioned to grow, which is the kind of company everyone wants to be a part of, and to help drive an even more successful future.”
 
Guthrie also serves on the IT committee of the Collision Industry Conference.
 
www.mitchell.com