The Collision Vision

Joining us for this episode is Leanne Jefferies, Vice President of Strategic Accounts at OEC. Leanne has been on the front lines of OEM certification for years and brings a unique perspective on how shops can not only achieve certification—but truly leverage it as a strategic business advantage. We'll talk about how certifications have expanded from luxury-only to mainstream, how they're adapting for the EV era, what the investment and ROI really look like, and how certified shops can better serve consumers, insurers, and their own teams. Connect with Leanne: Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leannejefferies/ OEC's Certified Repair Network (CRN): https://oeconnection.com/products/oec-certified-repair-network/ Collision Performance Network (CPN): https://oeconnection.com/products/cpn/ Canadian OEM Certification – Certified Collision Care:  https://certifiedcollisioncare.ca//canada Electric Vehicle Handling Qualified (EVHQ): https://oeconnection.com/products/evhq/ CRN Coaching:  https://oeconnection.com/products/quality-coaching/     This episode is sponsored by: asTech asTech is dedicated to safety, precision, and innovation in vehicle diagnostics. With industry-leading scanning and calibration solutions, asTech ensures every repair meets OEM standards, enhancing safety and customer satisfaction. Continuously testing and scanning new vehicles, asTech refines its technology to stay ahead of modern repair challenges. A tool stack covering 40+ brands and a network of 400+ ASE and I-CAR certified technicians provide fast, accurate diagnostics that maximize efficiency. asTech—driven by precision, powered by safety. Visit https://astech.com/ today or call 1-888-486-1166.

Today's guest is Liz Stein, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Certified Collision Group, one of the largest networks of independent, OEM-certified repairers in the country. CCG is known for helping its members obtain, maintain, and—critically—maximize the value of their certifications. During our conversation, we'll dig into how CCG supports shops in building a certification game plan, what independent operators can learn from that approach, and how certification can be much more than a credential—it can be a driver of long-term business growth.  Connect with Liz: Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-stein-77412850/ Website: https://certifiedcg.com/https://certifiedcg.com/   This episode is sponsored by: asTech asTech is dedicated to safety, precision, and innovation in vehicle diagnostics. With industry-leading scanning and calibration solutions, asTech ensures every repair meets OEM standards, enhancing safety and customer satisfaction. Continuously testing and scanning new vehicles, asTech refines its technology to stay ahead of modern repair challenges. A tool stack covering 40+ brands and a network of 400+ ASE and I-CAR certified technicians provide fast, accurate diagnostics that maximize efficiency. asTech—driven by precision, powered by safety. Visit https://astech.com/ today or call 1-888-486-1166.

Joining us for this episode are Christian Ruecker and Gabriel Morley from DEKRA, one of the most trusted names in certification and inspection across the globe. In this episode, we'll unpack what it really takes to pursue and maintain OE certifications, what makes BMW's process so unique, and how to evaluate the ROI of certification—especially for high-volume brands. If you're considering OE certification or want to improve how you leverage the ones you already have, this one's for you. Connect with Gabriel & Christian: gabriel.morley@dekra.com christian.ruecker@dekra.com     This episode is sponsored by: asTech asTech is dedicated to safety, precision, and innovation in vehicle diagnostics. With industry-leading scanning and calibration solutions, asTech ensures every repair meets OEM standards, enhancing safety and customer satisfaction. Continuously testing and scanning new vehicles, asTech refines its technology to stay ahead of modern repair challenges. A tool stack covering 40+ brands and a network of 400+ ASE and I-CAR certified technicians provide fast, accurate diagnostics that maximize efficiency. asTech—driven by precision, powered by safety. Visit https://astech.com/ today or call 1-888-486-1166.

Welcome back to the Collision Vision. Joining us is Bryan Thompson, President and CEO of Beverly Coachcraft, an elite, OEM-certified collision center based in Los Angeles. Beverly Coachcraft is a go-to destination for high-end vehicle repair, with certifications from brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, and more. In this episode, we'll talk about how Bryan has leveraged OEM certifications and dealer relationships to build one of the most trusted shops in one of the most competitive markets in the country. We'll cover how to get certified, how to build dealership sponsorships, and—most importantly—how to turn those certifications into real business growth. Connect with Bryan: Social: https://www.instagram.com/beverlycoachcraft/?hl=en  https://www.linkedin.com/company/beverlycoachcraft/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-thompson-14a8578a/, Website: https://www.beverlycoachcraft.com/   This episode is sponsored by: asTech asTech is dedicated to safety, precision, and innovation in vehicle diagnostics. With industry-leading scanning and calibration solutions, asTech ensures every repair meets OEM standards, enhancing safety and customer satisfaction. Continuously testing and scanning new vehicles, asTech refines its technology to stay ahead of modern repair challenges. A tool stack covering 40+ brands and a network of 400+ ASE and I-CAR certified technicians provide fast, accurate diagnostics that maximize efficiency. asTech—driven by precision, powered by safety. Visit https://astech.com/ today or call 1-888-486-1166.

For this week's episode, we staring a new series on OEM certification. To kick off the OEM discussion, we have industry legend Mike Anderson returning to the show. Mike is the President and Owner of CollisionAdvice, Collision Industry Trainer, Consultant, Facilitator, and host of the new podcast "On The Road with Mike Anderson." Today, we'll cover why shops should consider OEM certifications, how to choose the right ones, the steps to get certified, and how to maximize the value of those credentials. If you're looking to strengthen your shop's credibility, improve repair quality, and position yourself for long-term success in an evolving industry, this episode is for you. Let's get started!  Connect with Mike: Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-anderson-1124ba48/ Website: https://collisionadvice.com/ Contact: https://collisionadvice.com/contact/     This episode is sponsored by: asTech asTech is dedicated to safety, precision, and innovation in vehicle diagnostics. With industry-leading scanning and calibration solutions, asTech ensures every repair meets OEM standards, enhancing safety and customer satisfaction. Continuously testing and scanning new vehicles, asTech refines its technology to stay ahead of modern repair challenges. A tool stack covering 40+ brands and a network of 400+ ASE and I-CAR certified technicians provide fast, accurate diagnostics that maximize efficiency. asTech—driven by precision, powered by safety.  Visit https://astech.com/ today or call 1-888-486-1166.

On the episode with week is Ryan Brown, Western Technical Manager at AkzoNobel, and a leader in helping body shops implement smarter, greener, and more efficient practices through product innovation and hands-on support. Today, we'll talk about why sustainability is a business imperative, how AkzoNobel is helping shops reduce their environmental impact, and the role of new product innovations—like Autowave Optima—in pushing the industry forward. Whether you've been following the series closely or you're just jumping in, this conversation will leave you with a clear picture of what it means to go green—and how to take action in your shop. Connect with Ryan: email: ryan.brown@akzonobel.com   This episode is sponsored by: asTech asTech is dedicated to safety, precision, and innovation in vehicle diagnostics. With industry-leading scanning and calibration solutions, asTech ensures every repair meets OEM standards, enhancing safety and customer satisfaction. Continuously testing and scanning new vehicles, asTech refines its technology to stay ahead of modern repair challenges. A tool stack covering 40+ brands and a network of 400+ ASE and I-CAR certified technicians provide fast, accurate diagnostics that maximize efficiency. asTech—driven by precision, powered by safety. Visit https://astech.com/ today or call 1-888-486-1166.

Joining the show today is Cinthia Gutierrez, Premium Segment Manager Americas for Automotive Refinish Coatings Solutions at BASF. BASF has been a leader in sustainable innovation, helping collision repair businesses reduce waste, improve efficiency, and meet the growing demand for eco-friendly practices. In this episode, we'll discuss why sustainability matters for shops of all sizes, how it impacts hiring and retention, and the latest innovations from BASF that are shaping the future of collision repair. Whether you're looking to lower costs, attract top talent, or position your shop for long-term success, this episode will give you insights on how sustainability can be a competitive advantage.  Connect with Cinthia: Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cinthia-gutierrez-75b624218/ Website: https://refinish.basf.us/     This episode is sponsored by: asTech asTech is dedicated to safety, precision, and innovation in vehicle diagnostics. With industry-leading scanning and calibration solutions, asTech ensures every repair meets OEM standards, enhancing safety and customer satisfaction. Continuously testing and scanning new vehicles, asTech refines its technology to stay ahead of modern repair challenges. A tool stack covering 40+ brands and a network of 400+ ASE and I-CAR certified technicians provide fast, accurate diagnostics that maximize efficiency. asTech—driven by precision, powered by safety. Visit https://astech.com/ today or call 1-888-486-1166.

Welcome back to the show. Joining us for this episode is Bill Brower, an industry leader in vehicle lifecycle management and AI-driven claims automation. Bill has been at the forefront of integrating sustainable estimates, helping insurers and repairers reduce their carbon footprint while improving efficiency. We'll explore how touchless claims processing, AI, and automation are shaping a more sustainable and profitable repair ecosystem. We'll also break down how insurers are measuring carbon emissions in the claims process, the role of Scope 3 emissions, and what all of this means for collision repair businesses. If you're wondering how sustainability initiatives can impact your bottom line, improve efficiency, and future-proof your business, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Let's get started!  Connect with Bill Brower: Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-brower-mba-9426b51/ Website: https://www.solera.com/ Email: William.brower@Solera.com   This episode is sponsored by: asTech asTech is dedicated to safety, precision, and innovation in vehicle diagnostics. With industry-leading scanning and calibration solutions, asTech ensures every repair meets OEM standards, enhancing safety and customer satisfaction. Continuously testing and scanning new vehicles, asTech refines its technology to stay ahead of modern repair challenges. A tool stack covering 40+ brands and a network of 400+ ASE and I-CAR certified technicians provide fast, accurate diagnostics that maximize efficiency. asTech—driven by precision, powered by safety Visit https://astech.com/ today or call 1-888-486-1166.

Today's guest is Eddie Hightower, Senior Vice President of Sustainability & Social Responsibility at Caliber Collision, to discuss the steps Caliber is taking to lead the industry toward a more sustainable future. While sustainability in collision repair often brings to mind environmental efforts, it's much bigger than that. Today, we'll explore Caliber's sustainability initiatives, how they're reducing waste, cutting emissions, and ensuring long-term business viability—all while making a positive impact on the communities they serve. Sustainability isn't just for big MSOs either —independent shops and smaller operators can take meaningful steps toward a more responsible and forward-thinking business model. If you're wondering what sustainability means for your business, this episode is for you! Connect with Eddie: Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddiehightower/ Download: https://www.caliber.com/dA/e0d44f8677/fileAsset/2023+Sustainability+Report+-+Caliber+-+FINAL+-+ADA+(3).pdf    This episode is sponsored by: asTech asTech is dedicated to safety, precision, and innovation in vehicle diagnostics. With industry-leading scanning and calibration solutions, asTech ensures every repair meets OEM standards, enhancing safety and customer satisfaction. Continuously testing and scanning new vehicles, asTech refines its technology to stay ahead of modern repair challenges. A tool stack covering 40+ brands and a network of 400+ ASE and I-CAR certified technicians provide fast, accurate diagnostics that maximize efficiency. asTech—driven by precision, powered by safety. Visit https://astech.com/ today or call 1-888-486-1166.

Our guest for this episode is Mary Mahoney, Vice President, Replacement & Leisure Division at Enterprise Mobility and a key leader in the Collision Engineering Program. Enterprise has been a driving force behind this initiative, which is designed to bridge the technician gap by providing structured, hands-on education and career pathways for aspiring collision repair professionals. We'll discuss why programs like Collision Engineering are critical to solving the technician shortage, how they're expanding to make an even greater impact, and what shop owners can do to engage with and benefit from this growing talent pipeline. If you're looking for ways to bring new talent into your shop and support the next generation of technicians, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Let's dive in!   This episode is sponsored by: asTech asTech is dedicated to safety, precision, and innovation in vehicle diagnostics. With industry-leading scanning and calibration solutions, asTech ensures every repair meets OEM standards, enhancing safety and customer satisfaction. Continuously testing and scanning new vehicles, asTech refines its technology to stay ahead of modern repair challenges. A tool stack covering 40+ brands and a network of 400+ ASE and I-CAR certified technicians provide fast, accurate diagnostics that maximize efficiency. asTech—driven by precision, powered by safety. Visit https://astech.com/ today or call 1-888-486-1166.

Joining us today are three incredible industry leaders—Kristle Bollans (National Sales Director at CSN Collision), Olivia Peterson (An Instructor Trainee with I-CAR, as of very recently), and Kayla Clark (SVP of Business Development at Classic Collision)—who are here to discuss how we attract, onboard, and retain top talent in collision repair. In this episode, we'll explore what shops can do to create a more welcoming and supportive work environment, how we can modernize hiring and training practices, and why it's critical to move away from outdated mentalities like “earning your stripes” in ways that discourage new talent. And of course, we'll talk about how to make the industry a great place to work for women, and what shop owners can do to create a more inclusive and supportive workplace. This is going to be an insightful, honest conversation—enjoy!

Our guest for this episode is David Dart, Chief People Officer at Caliber Collision. With over 1,700 locations nationwide, Caliber has developed some of the most comprehensive and innovative workforce development programs in the industry. We'll explore how Caliber attracts new talent, builds world-class technicians, and creates career growth opportunities that keep employees engaged. We'll also discuss the broader industry implications of workforce development and what independent shop owners can learn from Caliber's approach to building a skilled and sustainable workforce. If you're looking for strategies to strengthen your team, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss. Let's get started!

In this episode, we're tackling one of the most pressing challenges in the collision repair industry: the technician shortage. Joining me is Jay Goninen, Co-Founder and President of WrenchWay, and owner of his family's longtime repair shop. We explore the root causes of the technician shortage, highlight innovative solutions to bridge the skills gap, and discuss how shop owners can recruit, train, and retain top talent in an increasingly competitive market. If you've ever wondered how to stand out as an employer or build a world-class team, this is the episode for you. Connect with Jay Goninen: Websites:  https://wrenchway.com/ https://wrenchway.com/pay Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaygoninen/

Today we're continuing our Technology Takeover: The Impact of ADAS & Calibration series. In this episode, we're joined by Lance Bull and Steve Davis from Techmotive, a company dedicated to helping collision repair shops navigate the complexities of ADAS calibration with the right tools, technology, and expertise. ADAS calibration has become one of the most critical—and sometimes daunting—services in collision repair, and Lance and Steve are here to demystify it. We'll dive into what shops need to succeed in this space, discuss the role of proper equipment and processes, and explore how Techmotive is making it easier for operators to thrive in this rapidly evolving industry. If you've been thinking about entering the ADAS calibration game or want to improve your shop's current processes, you won't want to miss this conversation. Let's jump in!  Links: https://techmotive.co/

Today we're continuing our Technology Takeover: The Impact of ADAS & Calibration series with another deep dive into the evolving world of ADAS calibration. Joining us is Sam Poradish, Vice President of Insights & Innovation at Repairify, a company leading the charge in advanced diagnostics and calibration solutions for the collision repair industry. As ADAS technology becomes more advanced and widespread, shops that embrace proper calibration processes have a massive opportunity ahead—but they also face challenges in execution, equipment investment, and reimbursement.  Links: https://astech.com/

Today we're diving into the fascinating world of ADAS and calibration as part of our series titled Technology Takeover: The Impact of ADAS & Calibration. Joining us today is Greg Peeters, CEO of Car ADAS Solutions, a company at the forefront of licensing and supporting dedicated ADAS calibration facilities across the country. Greg and his team are leading the charge in helping collision repair businesses navigate the complexities of ADAS technology, ensuring vehicle safety and creating new opportunities for growth.    Connect with Car ADAS Solutions: https://caradas.com/

Joining us today is Adi Bathla, CEO of Revv, an AI-powered platform that's transforming how collision repair shops approach ADAS calibration. Adi and his team recently raised over $20 million to expand their operations and revolutionize the way shops handle this critical service. In this episode, we'll explore the incredible opportunities ADAS calibration presents for collision repair businesses, discuss how Revv's AI solutions are simplifying the process, and uncover strategies for shops to maximize profitability in this evolving space. 

In this episode, we're focusing on the “scale” option—how shop owners can grow their operations strategically to compete in today's collision repair landscape. To help us navigate this topic, we're joined by Thomas Goforth, former owner of Absolute Collision and a two-time guest of The Collision Vision. Thomas built Absolute Collision into a seven-store MSO in less than four years, creating a strong culture, developing a robust acquisition pipeline, and ultimately selling the business to a national consolidator in late 2024. He's one of the best operators in the industry, and today, he'll share insights into scaling a business, building a winning culture, and navigating the sale of a rapidly growing MSO.

In this episode, we're tackling the “sell” option in the equation—what it looks like when body shop owners decide to exit the business and pass the torch. Joining us is Mike LeVasseur, Senior Advisor at FOCUS Investment Banking, and Giorgio Andonian, Managing Director at FOCUS Investment Banking. Together, we'll dive into the current M&A landscape, the process of preparing for a sale, and what it takes to ensure a successful outcome. Whether you're actively considering selling or just curious about what the process entails, this episode is packed with insights and actionable advice to help you make informed decisions. Let's get started! 

For this episode, our Host Cole Strandberg outlines the seismic shifts disrupting the collision repair industry. The single-store generalist shop, capable of repairing every type of vehicle, is quickly becoming unsustainable. Increasing vehicle complexity, equipment costs, and training demands are forcing shop owners to rethink their strategies. Cole walks us through three paths forward: specialize, scale, or sell. Each option offers opportunities and challenges, but doing nothing is no longer an option. We hope you enjoy the show. Connect with Cole: Website: https://focusbankers.com/teammember/cole-strandberg/ Email: Cole.Strandberg@focusbankers.com Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colestrandberg/ Additional Resource: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/7a-loans 

On this episode we are focusing on the importance of building a strong paint team. Joining us is John Melendez, Owner of JDM Collision. John has built a reputation for his leadership in the industry, his partnership with I-CAR, and his dedication to fostering the next generation of technicians. In this episode, we'll discuss John's approach to building a successful paint team, the impact of his recent hires, and how his efforts with industry associations are shaping the future of collision repair. Connect with John Melendez: Email: john@jdmcollision.com Website: https://www.jdmcollision.com/ https://aaspi.org/   This episode is sponsored by: Thryv Ready to hit the gas on growth? Meet Thryv, the do-it-all small business software that can save you over 20 hours a week. Attract customers, manage day-to-day tasks, and keep communication simple with one powerful tool made for your auto business. Rev up your revenue today and let Thryv save you time so you can get back to doing what you love. Schedule a demo today by visiting https://www.thryv.com/ 

Joining us for this episode is Bruce Sorensen Jr., a master paint technician with years of experience working on luxury vehicles. Bruce is also an expert in OEM-certified refinishing, tackling the unique challenges of precision, advanced technology, and the high standards expected in this segment of the industry. We'll dive into the talent, tools, and certifications that set high-end refinishing apart. Enjoy the show! Connect with Bruce Sorenson: Website: https://www.no1collision.com/ Socials: https://www.instagram.com/no1_refinish_tech/ https://www.instagram.com/no1abrbellingham/    This episode is sponsored by: Thryv Ready to hit the gas on growth? Meet Thryv, the do-it-all small business software that can save you over 20 hours a week. Attract customers, manage day-to-day tasks, and keep communication simple with one powerful tool made for your auto business. Rev up your revenue today and let Thryv save you time so you can get back to doing what you love. Schedule a demo today by visiting https://www.thryv.com/ 

For this episode, we continue our Safety First: Prioritizing Health in the Workshop series with a discussion on lift safety and ergonomically designed equipment. Joining us is Dave Wiederschall, National Account Manager at BendPak, a leader in designing lifts and other shop equipment that prioritize both safety and efficiency. Dave will walk us through the importance of proper lift usage, best practices for safety and maintenance, and how ergonomically designed equipment can improve technician health and shop performance. Connect with Dave & Bendpak: Website: BendPak.com Phone: (800) 253-2363 Find an ALI Certified Lift Inspector in your area, consult the Directory of Certified Lifts and learn how to “Lift It Right” on the Automotive Lift Institute (ALI) website autolift.org.    This episode is sponsored by: Thryv  Ready to hit the gas on growth? Meet Thryv, the do-it-all small business software that can save you over 20 hours a week. Attract customers, manage day-to-day tasks, and keep communication simple with one powerful tool made for your auto business. Rev up your revenue today and let Thryv save you time so you can get back to doing what you love. Schedule a demo today by visiting https://www.thryv.com/ 

For this episode, we're diving into one of the most important topics in EV repair—safety and personal protective equipment (PPE). Our guests are Baily Soto and Mavrick Knoles from Legacy EV, leaders in EV education and technology. Baily and Mavrick share best practices for protecting technicians working on electric vehicles and insights into how Legacy EV is helping shops create safer environments for EV repairs. From specialized PPE to essential safety protocols, we'll cover it all. Enjoy the show! Connect with Legacy EV: Websites: https://legacyev.com/ https://legacyev.com/collections/education https://academy.legacyev.com/ Socials: https://www.instagram.com/legacy.ev/?hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/company/legacy-ev/   This episode is sponsored by: Thryv Ready to hit the gas on growth? Meet Thryv, the do-it-all small business software that can save you over 20 hours a week. Attract customers, manage day-to-day tasks, and keep communication simple with one powerful tool made for your auto business. Rev up your revenue today and let Thryv save you time so you can get back to doing what you love. Schedule a demo today by visiting https://www.thryv.com/ 

For this episode, we have an essential discussion on personal protective equipment (PPE) and how innovation is shaping workplace safety in collision repair shops. Our guests for this episode are Scott Shinn, advanced technical service specialist in the Personal Safety Division for 3M, and Jason Scharton, global industry relations leader for 3M. Scott and Jason bring a wealth of knowledge about the latest advancements in PPE, how 3M is addressing the unique safety challenges in our industry, and what shops can do to keep their teams safe and productive. Enjoy the show! Connect with Scott and Jason: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/collision-repair-us/   This episode is sponsored by: Thryv Ready to hit the gas on growth? Meet Thryv, the do-it-all small business software that can save you over 20 hours a week. Attract customers, manage day-to-day tasks, and keep communication simple with one powerful tool made for your auto business. Rev up your revenue today and let Thryv save you time so you can get back to doing what you love. Schedule a demo today by visiting https://www.thryv.com/ 

Today, we're continuing our Safety First: Prioritizing Health in the Workshop series by diving into best practices for workplace safety. Joining us today is Stephany Birkholz, regulatory project manager at KPA. Stephany is an expert in workplace safety and compliance, helping collision repair shops implement tools and strategies to protect their employees and improve operations. Today, we'll explore practical steps shop owners can take to build safer workplaces and ensure long-term compliance with industry standards. We hope you enjoy! Connect with Stephany: Website: https://kpa.io/ Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/birkholzs/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/kpa-llc/   This episode is sponsored by: Thryv Ready to hit the gas on growth? Meet Thryv, the do-it-all small business software that can save you over 20 hours a week. Attract customers, manage day-to-day tasks, and keep communication simple with one powerful tool made for your auto business. Rev up your revenue today and let Thryv save you time so you can get back to doing what you love. Schedule a demo today by visiting https://www.thryv.com/

Our guest for this episode is Andrew Batenhorst, Body Shop Manager at Pacific BMW. In addition to being all over the industry and very active in his volunteer work, Andrew is a leader with a vision for how to embed safety into the day-to-day practices of auto body shops. Today, we'll discuss his strategies for building a strong safety culture, reducing risks on the shop floor, and how prioritizing safety can ultimately improve business performance. Connect with Andrew: Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-b-1119a4186/   This episode is sponsored by: Thryv  Ready to hit the gas on growth? Meet Thryv, the do-it-all small business software that can save you over 20 hours a week. Attract customers, manage day-to-day tasks, and keep communication simple with one powerful tool made for your auto business. Rev up your revenue today and let Thryv save you time so you can get back to doing what you love. Schedule a demo today by visiting https://www.thryv.com/

We're kicking off our brand-new series, Safety First: Prioritizing Health in the Workshop. In this first episode, we're diving into a critical aspect of workplace health—employee well-being and the role of benefits in collision repair shops. Joining us is Richie Seaberry, Vice President of Business Development and Enterprise Portfolio Manager at Decisely. Richie is here to talk about how offering comprehensive health benefits—like medical, dental, and vision coverage—can have a tremendous impact on both your employees' well-being and your shop's success. We'll explore the connection between employee health, workplace performance, recruiting and retention, and why investing in benefits can be a game-changer for collision repair businesses. Connect with Decisely: https://scrsbenefitscenter.decisely.com/ This episode is sponsored by: Thryv Ready to hit the gas on growth? Meet Thryv, the do-it-all small business software that can save you over 20 hours a week. Attract customers, manage day-to-day tasks, and keep communication simple with one powerful tool made for your auto business. Rev up your revenue today and let Thryv save you time so you can get back to doing what you love. Schedule a demo today by visiting https://www.thryv.com/ 

On this episode, we're diving into one of the most exciting and highly anticipated events of the year for the automotive industry: SEMA 2024. Our guest today is RJ de Vera, Vice President of Marketing at SEMA, and an influential figure in the world of car culture, customization, and the aftermarket industry. RJ has seen it all at SEMA, and we'll discuss what attendees can expect from this year's show, the trends shaping the industry, and the builds that will blow everyone away. Enjoy the show! More information and to register: www.SEMAShow.com   www.SEMAFest.com   Download the SEMA App: https://www.semashow.com/app/   This episode is sponsored by: Thryv  Ready to hit the gas on growth? Meet Thryv, the do-it-all small business software that can save you over 20 hours a week. Attract customers, manage day-to-day tasks, and keep communication simple with one powerful tool made for your auto business. Rev up your revenue today and let Thryv save you time so you can get back to doing what you love. Schedule a demo today by visiting https://www.thryv.com/

We are continuing our Art of Restoration series by talking with Ryan Basseri, founder of Rywire Motorsport Electronics. Ryan's known for his work in high-performance custom builds and his expertise in wiring and electronics. More recently, he's been making waves with his EV conversion builds, a couple of which he will be showing at SEMA 2024. Today, we'll discuss his journey, the evolving world of custom builds, and what's next for Rywire. We hope you enjoy the show! Connect with Ryan: Website: https://www.rywire.com/default.asp Social: https://www.instagram.com/rywire_motorsport/?hl=en   This episode is sponsored by: Thryv  Ready to hit the gas on growth? Meet Thryv, the do-it-all small business software that can save you over 20 hours a week. Attract customers, manage day-to-day tasks, and keep communication simple with one powerful tool made for your auto business. Rev up your revenue today and let Thryv save you time so you can get back to doing what you love. Schedule a demo today by visiting https://www.thryv.com/

As SEMA 2024 gets closer, we continue to highlight some of the most innovative and exciting creators in the automotive industry. Today we have a fellow southerner who puts a signature flair on his hot rod builds. Jonathan Goolsby is the Owner of Goolsby Customs, an award-winning hot rod shop fueled by their passion for bringing automotive visions to reality for their customers. Jonathan and I talk about his story, some of his favorite builds, his strategy for fostering an engaged team, and what Goolsby Customs has planned for SEMA 2024… enjoy the show! Connect with Jonathon: Websites: https://goolsbycustoms.com/  https://www.carbuffnetwork.com/shop-service/goolsby-customs/ Socials: https://www.instagram.com/goolsbycustoms  https://www.facebook.com/GoolsbyCustomsInc/ https://x.com/goolsbycustoms?mx=2   This episode is sponsored by: Thryv Ready to hit the gas on growth? Meet Thryv, the do-it-all small business software that can save you over 20 hours a week. Attract customers, manage day-to-day tasks, and keep communication simple with one powerful tool made for your auto business. Rev up your revenue today and let Thryv save you time so you can get back to doing what you love. Schedule a demo today by visiting https://www.thryv.com/ 

Welcome to another episode of the collision vision. As SEMA quickly approaches, we continue to highlight some of the most innovative, exciting creators in the automotive industry. Eddie B. is the Founder and CEO of Revolt Systems, a manufacturer of electric motors for high-performance vehicle, and Snow is his right-hand man at Revolt, as well as… basically a rocket science. Today, Eddy, Snow and I are talking all about some of their favorite builds, the past and the future of electrification in classic cars, the business of EVs, SEMA 2024, and a whole lot more… enjoy the show! This episode is sponsored by: Thryv Ready to hit the gas on growth? Meet Thryv, the do-it-all small business software that can save you over 20 hours a week. Attract customers, manage day-to-day tasks, and keep communication simple with one powerful tool made for your auto business. Rev up your revenue today and let Thryv save you time so you can get back to doing what you love. Schedule a demo today by visiting https://www.thryv.com/

Welcome to our newest series titled Art of Restoration. With SEMA just around the corner, we're bringing the who's who of custom cars and classic car restorations… and we're starting with one of the very biggest names in the industry…. Dave Kindig. Dave is an industry giant, and insanely talented artist, and a great guy to speak with. The passion he has for what he does—and that is, of course, creating some of the coolest cars you've ever seen—is contagious. I had the opportunity to meet Dave at SEMA last year, so it's fitting we'll spend a fair bit of time talking about SEMA coming up this year, as well as some of his favorite builds, his inspiration, how he's built a world-class team, and much more… enjoy the show! This episode is sponsored by: Thryv Ready to hit the gas on growth? Meet Thryv, the do-it-all small business software that can save you over 20 hours a week. Attract customers, manage day-to-day tasks, and keep communication simple with one powerful tool made for your auto business. Rev up your revenue today and let Thryv save you time so you can get back to doing what you love. Schedule a demo today by visiting https://www.thryv.com/

Today's episode is all about new technologies and their relationship with insurance. More specifically, we'll dive into how ADAS calibration and insurance are working together, and what the future of that relationship might look like. Our guests are Mike Anderson, president & owner of Collision Advice, and Steve Dawson, Washington DC Regional Manager for Hunter Engineering. Enjoy the show! Connect with Steve Dawson: Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-dawson-hunter/ Web: https://www.hunter.com/alignment-machines/collision-alignment/#overview  https://www.hunter.com/alignment-machines/adas-calibration-tools/   Connect with Mike Anderson: Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-anderson-1124ba48/ Web: https://collisionadvice.com/ This episode is sponsored by: Hunter Engineering At Hunter Engineering, the theme behind all their products is do it right, do it once. So when you're doing alignments, the time to find hidden damage is before you start, not after. The workflow for Hunter's Collision Alignment System surfaces the trouble right up front by providing five additional collision-specific measurements, like toe out on turn, maximum steer and ride height, to find the problems right away. It's all about efficiency, so find the damage before it finds you. To learn more about Hunter's Collision Alignment System, visit https://www.hunter.com/

Today's guest is Billy Walkowiak, the founder and president of Collision Safety Consultants. During our conversation, Billy provides helpful insights on how to properly negotiate with insurance providers, the importance of detailed documentation on repairs, and the value of doing right by your consumers. Enjoy the show! Connect with Bill Walkowiak: Website: https://collisionsafetyconsultants.us/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billy-walkowiak-%F0%9F%94%8D-88262276/    This episode is sponsored by: Hunter Engineering  At Hunter Engineering, the theme behind all their products is do it right, do it once. So when you're doing alignments, the time to find hidden damage is before you start, not after. The workflow for Hunter's Collision Alignment System surfaces the trouble right up front by providing five additional collision-specific measurements, like toe out on turn, maximum steer and ride height, to find the problems right away. It's all about efficiency, so find the damage before it finds you. To learn more about Hunter's Collision Alignment System, visit https://www.hunter.com/

On this episode we speak with Patrick Crozat, COO of G&C Auto Body, a fast-growing California based MSO. During our conversation, we discuss how to utilize insurance relationship and DRP's to fuel growth in your shop. Pat has become an authority on how to approach DRP business with a lazer focus on efficiency. We love Pat's perspective on diversifying your profit centers and we think you will gain a lot from this episode. Connect with Pat Crozat and G&C Auto Body: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-crozat-2b49b985/ Email: pcrozat@gandcautobody.com Website: https://gandcautobody.com/    This episode is sponsored by: Hunter Engineering At Hunter Engineering, the theme behind all their products is do it right, do it once. So when you're doing alignments, the time to find hidden damage is before you start, not after. The workflow for Hunter's Collision Alignment System surfaces the trouble right up front by providing five additional collision-specific measurements, like toe out on turn, maximum steer and ride height, to find the problems right away. It's all about efficiency, so find the damage before it finds you.  To learn more about Hunter's Collision Alignment System, visit https://www.hunter.com/

Welcome to the first episode of a new series for the Collision Vision podcast titled Insurance Talk: Navigating Insurance and Repairs. For the first episode we had the pleasure of talking with John Yoswick, a seasoned journalist in the collision repair and working columnist for Autobody News. John also runs his own publication focused on insurance and the collision industry called the Crash Network. For these reason's, John is the perfect person to give us an overview on the state of insurance relationships in collision repair, and the emerging trends. Connect with John Yoswick: Website: https://www.crashnetwork.com/ "Who Pays for What?" surveys: https://www.crashnetwork.com/collisio... "Insurer Report Card" https://www.crashnetwork.com/irc/   This episode is sponsored by: Hunter Engineering At Hunter Engineering, the theme behind all their products is do it right, do it once. So when you're doing alignments, the time to find hidden damage is before you start, not after. The workflow for Hunter's Collision Alignment System surfaces the trouble right up front by providing five additional collision-specific measurements, like toe out on turn, maximum steer and ride height, to find the problems right away. It's all about efficiency, so find the damage before it finds you. To learn more about Hunter's Collision Alignment System, visit https://www.hunter.com/

Today's guest is Steve Olson, Managing Partner of Louisville Collision Center out of Kentucky and, more recently, Manchester Collision Center out of New Hampshire. With two shops so far apart, we'll talk about how Steve uses technology and software to help his business scale and run smoothly and efficiently. Additionally, if you know anything of Steve, you know he's a culture fanatic, so it's no surprise we'll discuss culture and how it relates to technology. Enjoy the show!   Connect with Steve Olson:  LinkedIn:   / steve-olson-24b24378   Email: solson@louisvillecollision.com Website: https://www.louisvillecollision.com/   This episode is sponsored by: Hunter Engineering  At Hunter Engineering, the theme behind all their products is do it right, do it once. So when you're doing alignments, the time to find hidden damage is before you start, not after. The workflow for Hunter's Collision Alignment System surfaces the trouble right up front by providing five additional collision-specific measurements, like toe out on turn, maximum steer and ride height, to find the problems right away. It's all about efficiency, so find the damage before it finds you. To learn more about Hunter's Collision Alignment System, visit https://www.hunter.com/

Today's episode marks yet another in our series titled Operational Excellence: Shop Strategies for Success. Today's conversation is all about the talent side of your operation, an update on the talent shortage, and how to solve for it in YOUR shop. Today's guest is kind of THE guy in the talent space, a multi-time guest here on the Collision Vision, and a good friend of mine. Jay Goninen is the Co-founder and President of WrenchWay, and- more recently- owner of his family's longtime repair shop. Today, we'll talk all about how to hire, retain, and develop a world-class team for your organization. Enjoy the show! Website: https://wrenchway.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaygoninen Beyond the Wrench Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2VNAbdlBcMGfB9Qy_yjLZJjcgfHxViFA   This episode is sponsored by: Hunter Engineering  At Hunter Engineering, the theme behind all their products is do it right, do it once. So when you're doing alignments, the time to find hidden damage is before you start, not after. The workflow for Hunter's Collision Alignment System surfaces the trouble right up front by providing five additional collision-specific measurements, like toe out on turn, maximum steer and ride height, to find the problems right away. It's all about efficiency, so find the damage before it finds you. To learn more about Hunter's Collision Alignment System, visit https://www.hunter.com/ 

Thank you for tuning in to the Collision Vision, driven by Autobody News. As always, I'm your host, Cole Strandberg. Today's episode represents another episode of our latest series, Operational Excellence: Shop Strategies for Success. Today, we're going to talk about streamlining operations for efficiency, and finding some profit centers you might be overlooking. Our guest today is Steve Dawson, Washington DC Regional Manager for Hunter Engineering, and a bit of a collision repair expert for Hunter, as well as a systems and processes guru. Tune in for a great conversation around all things operations, as well as some serious talk about the opportunities surrounding collision alignments and ADAS calibration. Enjoy the show! Connect with Steve Dawson & Hunter Engineering: Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-dawson-hunter/ Web: https://www.hunter.com/alignment-machines/collision-alignment/#overview  https://www.hunter.com/alignment-machines/adas-calibration-tools/   This episode is sponsored by: Hunter Engineering At Hunter Engineering, the theme behind all their products is do it right, do it once. So when you're doing alignments, the time to find hidden damage is before you start, not after. The workflow for Hunter's Collision Alignment System surfaces the trouble right up front by providing five additional collision-specific measurements, like toe out on turn, maximum steer and ride height, to find the problems right away. It's all about efficiency, so find the damage before it finds you. To learn more about Hunter's Collision Alignment System, visit https://www.hunter.com/ 

Today marks the very first episode of our latest series titled…. Operational Excellence: Shop Strategies for Success. This is going to be an impactful, and actionable series, offering real ways to improve the operations of your business. Today's guest is a good industry friend of mine and someone I consider to be one of the best operators in the business. Walt Link was most recently a Division VP for Gerber, though he's got some exciting entrepreneurial things happening right now, which we'll talk about. Additionally, Walt and I are going to spend a lot of time focusing on a topic near and dear to my heart… Financial Management and Growth Planning. Enjoy this episode with some great insights, and a uniquely compelling perspective. This episode is sponsored by: Hunter Engineering At Hunter Engineering, the theme behind all their products is do it right, do it once. So when you're doing alignments, the time to find hidden damage is before you start, not after. The workflow for Hunter's Collision Alignment System surfaces the trouble right up front by providing five additional collision-specific measurements, like toe out on turn, maximum steer and ride height, to find the problems right away. It's all about efficiency, so find the damage before it finds you.  To learn more about Hunter's Collision Alignment System, visit https://www.hunter.com/

Today's episode represents the last in our MSO Chronicles series, so we're ending it with a bang. We've had many great MSOs represented so far, from the small up-and-comers to some well-established juggernauts, and everything in between. It's only fitting then, that we end this series with the largest of the MSOs. Today's guest is Todd Dillender, COO of Caliber Collision. Caliber obviously needs no introduction, and today we'll talk about their growth, Todd's take on culture, the future of Caliber and the industry as a whole, and much more. Stay tuned at the end of the show for a sneak peek of our next series and, in the meantime enjoy this insightful episode. This episode is sponsored by: Hunter Engineering At Hunter Engineering, the theme behind all their products is do it right, do it once. So when you're doing alignments, the time to find hidden damage is before you start, not after. The workflow for Hunter's Collision Alignment System surfaces the trouble right up front by providing five additional collision-specific measurements, like toe out on turn, maximum steer and ride height, to find the problems right away. It's all about efficiency, so find the damage before it finds you. To learn more about Hunter's Collision Alignment System, visit https://www.hunter.com/

We continue our MSO Chronicles series with a guest who's had high-level experience work for a national consolidator then making the leap into building his own regional MSO. Chris Ray is the owner of One Twenty-Two Collision, an Atlanta-area MSO with three locations planning to double in size by the end of the year. Today, we start by diving into Chris' background and what led him to start One Twenty-Two Collision. We then focus on key attributes of mainting strong culture such as hiring, delegating and communicating. We also talk growth strategies, OEM certifications, real-estate opportunities and a whole lot more. Enjoy the show! Get connected with One Twenty-Two Collision: Website: https://onetwenty-two.com/ Social: https://www.facebook.com/onetwentytwocollision/ This episode is sponsored by: Hunter Engineering At Hunter Engineering, the theme behind all their products is do it right, do it once. So when you're doing alignments, the time to find hidden damage is before you start, not after. The workflow for Hunter's Collision Alignment System surfaces the trouble right up front by providing five additional collision-specific measurements, like toe out on turn, maximum steer and ride height, to find the problems right away. It's all about efficiency, so find the damage before it finds you. To learn more about Hunter's Collision Alignment System, visit https://www.hunter.com/ 

Today's guest is a different type of collision repair leader… we've had a few franchisees here on the Collision Vision, but we've yet to have a franchisor… until today. Domenic Leraci is the President of Simplicity Car Care, a Canadian franchisor of collision repair centers with over 100 locations at the time of this recording. We discuss the growth avenue of franchising and why it may be a fit for the right operator. We also get Domenic's take on the popular topics of growth and culture. We hope you enjoy the show! Connect with Domenic and Simplicity Car Car: https://www.linkedin.com/in/domenic-ieraci-54294524/ https://simplicitycc.com/   This episode is sponsored by: Hunter Engineering At Hunter Engineering, the theme behind all their products is do it right, do it once. So when you're doing alignments, the time to find hidden damage is before you start, not after. The workflow for Hunter's Collision Alignment System surfaces the trouble right up front by providing five additional collision-specific measurements, like toe out on turn, maximum steer and ride height, to find the problems right away. It's all about efficiency, so find the damage before it finds you. To learn more about Hunter's Collision Alignment System, visit https://www.hunter.com/

Today's guest is the CEO of an MSO quickly approaching that 50-store mark, and they've also been in the news recently for a big-time private equity re-cap. Vartan Jerian Jr. is the CEO of VIVE Collision, a fast-growing, northeast-based MSO. Vartan and I will cover a variety of topics today, and his passion for the industry- and general optimism as a leader- make this one a fun and insightful listen. Enjoy the show! Connect with Vartan Jerion Jr. & Vive Collision: Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vartan-jerian-jr-18471722/ Website: https://www.vivecollision.com/   This episode is sponsored by: Hunter Engineering At Hunter Engineering, the theme behind all their products is do it right, do it once. So when you're doing alignments, the time to find hidden damage is before you start, not after. The workflow for Hunter's Collision Alignment System surfaces the trouble right up front by providing five additional collision-specific measurements, like toe out on turn, maximum steer and ride height, to find the problems right away. It's all about efficiency, so find the damage before it finds you. To learn more about Hunter's Collision Alignment System, visit https://www.hunter.com/ 

Thank you for tuning into another episode of The Collision Vision's latest series, The MSO Chronicles. Today's guest is the founder and CEO of a fast-growing regional MSO who has a heck of a track record and big-time goals. Jonathon Best is the CEO of Better Collision, a Carolina-based MSO with seven stores, and growing quickly. We're going to talk a lot about scale today, and the different ways to do it, so if you're someone with a growth mindset, you're going to love this episode. Enjoy the show! Connect the Jonathon Best & Better Collision: Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathon-b-96bbb7b2/  https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-collision-centers/ Website:  https://www.bettercollision.com/   This episode is sponsored by: Hunter Engineering At Hunter Engineering, the theme behind all their products is do it right, do it once. So when you're doing alignments, the time to find hidden damage is before you start, not after. The workflow for Hunter's Collision Alignment System surfaces the trouble right up front by providing five additional collision-specific measurements, like toe out on turn, maximum steer and ride height, to find the problems right away. It's all about efficiency, so find the damage before it finds you. To learn more about Hunter's Collision Alignment System, visit https://www.hunter.com/ 

Today's episode is the third installment of our MSO Chronicles series where we host some dynamic leaders of multi-location organizations across the collision repair space. Today's guest is currently leading a 50+ location MSO. Joe Morella is the CEO of Puget Collision, a large consolidator originating from the Pacific Northwest. We're going to dive into Joe's background, Puget Collision, private equity, and the world of collision repair franchise systems, along with some great leadership lessons for those looking to scale like Joe has. Enjoy the show!   Contact Joe Morella: Email: joe.morella@Pugetcollision.com Cell: (206)799-9146 Website: https://pugetcollision.com/

Today marks the second installment in our series titled the “MSO Chronicles,” and today's guest is the CEO of one of the most interesting and innovative operators in the industry. Michael Giarizzo Jr. is the CEO of DCR Systems, a dealer-focused body shop group with four distinct business units and 10 locations at the time of this recording. You've probably seen Michael online or at conferences, and in this conversation we'll take a deep dive into his very unique business and his leadership style. Enjoy the Show! Connect with DCR Systems:  https://www.dcrsystems.com/ 

Welcome back to the Collision Vision. We are excited dive into a new series over the next few months titled "The MSO Chronicles." We will be featuring titans of industry currently leading or who have led MSOs from around the country, ranging from national juggernauts to the regional up-and-comers. Today's guest has been both, though today he is currently well within the juggernaut status… Matt Ebert is the CEO of Crash Champions, a national consolidator with roughly 650 locations at the time of this recording. Today, we're going to talk about Matt's origin story, the growth of Crash Champions and what that journey looks like, how to prepare your organization for growth, and the future of the organization and the industry as a whole. We hope you enjoy the show!

We have two all-stars on today's show, each coming from unique perspectives. Kelly Logan, a return guest on the Collision Vision, is the Director of Collision Repair Programs at Rivian and Kris Burton is the Owner of Rosslyn Autobody, an OEM-certification centric collision center out of Alexandria, VA and a Board Member with SCRS. They spend much of today's conversation around how exactly body shops can take full advantage of the opportunities EV repair creates, both from the perspective of an OE and from a shop that is doing it. Enjoy the show!

Today marks a continuation of our technology series here on The Collision Vision. This episode is a high-level overview of where we are in the ever evolving arena of Technology within collision repair.  When approaching this overview, we figured who better to discuss this far-reaching range of topics than a couple of our friends from I-CAR, who continue to help guide the industry through new technical innovations.  Today's guests are Bud Center, director of technical products and curriculum, and Scott Kaboos, principal OEM technical lead and subject matter expert. We cover a lot of topics on today's show, ranging from where we are today, the requirements and ROI for shops looking to invest in the future, and what exactly the future looks like. Enjoy the show! Connect with I-CAR:  Bud.Center@i-car.com Scott.Kaboos@i-car.com I-CAR.com/ADAS: Central hub for ADAS courses and resources, including I-CAR's two multi-day hands-on ADAS courses taught at the Chicago Technical Center I-CAR.com/EV: Central hub for EV courses and resources, including I-CAR's 5-Day Hands-On Skills Development course. Collision Careers: An online resource for parents, counselors, students, and educators to dive into the promising careers within collision repair. Industry Training Alliance: Through this program, individuals can earn I-CAR training credit for completing education via approved Alliance Partners. RTS: Now available in an app format, the Repairability Technical Support service is a free resource that provides essential and real-time support, especially to technicians and those doing repair planning. Just in Time: A short-video series that offers repair insights in 5 minutes or less from I-CAR's technical subject matter experts. Repairers Realm: I-CAR's live web series, which includes audience Q&A, where I-CAR's technical experts discuss collision repair topics, covering everything from extensive repairs to specific vehicles. With step-by-step demonstrations and special guests from various industry segments, this series format brings comprehensive insights for technicians.