The Collision Vision (Auto Body News)

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!

We're coming to you this week with another throwback episode from the vault-- a story of crazy fast growth you may have heard before if you're a longtime listener to the Collision Vision. Our guest today- once more- is Casey Lund, owner of Collision Leaders (formerly known as Warrensburg Collision), an MSO out of Missouri. Casey’s background is fascinating and the growth within the Collision Leaders organization is unbelievable, going from one location to eight in just about one year. Casey and his team received a ton of recognition for that growth at SEMA this year, which was fun to see. We’ll talk about that scalability, how Casey has built a culture- and foundation- that has allowed that type of growth, and much more. Enjoy the show!

Something we are big believers of in today’s business environment is producing high-quality content for your business, and this is especially applicable to collision repair centers. Today, we’ll be speaking with Jon Nigbor, President & CEO of WinWin Videos, a video production company with a ton of experience in the collision industry. We discuss why video is powerful, what kind of content can build trust with your audience, how to go about creating high-quality content, and a lot more. Enjoy the show!

How to connect with John:

Website: winwinvideos.com 

Email: jon.nigbor@winwinvideos.com 

Phone: 503.720.6431 

Few institutions are so interwoven with today’s collision repair industry as I-CAR, and on today’s episode, we are lucky to have the leader of I-CAR himself. John Van Alstyne is the President and CEO of I-CAR, a role he has held since 2010. Obviously, a lot of major events affecting the collision industry have happened since then, and on this episode, John and host Cole Strandberg will dive into those and the impact they’ve had. John and Cole will also talk about industry trends, the technician shortage, and much more. Enjoy the show!

We thank US Autocure for sponsoring this episode.

Have you considered infrared curing? US Autocure designs the world’s most advanced gas-catalytic, medium wave, infrared curing systems available today. Shortened cure times, enhanced finish quality, and protection for EV batteries are all available with infrared. US Autocure systems can be installed in nearly every current spray booth configuration, so if your booth is limiting your ability to grow, visit www.usautocure.com to get started today!

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!

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.

Paul Knowlton is the National Program Manager for Huntington National Bank, where he focuses on business financing - specifically funding for capital equipment- for companies in the collision repair industry, just like yours. Host Cole Strandberg has known Paul from the lense equipment leasing world for many years, and today, they talk about that, along with other business financing needs and how to get financed for growth. Enjoy the show!

With over 25 years of M&A experience, and over 100 completed transactions, Nancy Rolland is a leader within the collision repair M&A world. She is a Managing Director and the automotive aftermarket team lead with FOCUS Investment Banking. Effectively, as it relates to the collision repair industry, it is Nancy’s job to sell body shops on behalf of the owners, to acquirers like MSOs and private equity groups. On this episode, Nancy and host Cole Strandberg talk about that process, as well as how to prepare your business for a sale, who’s buying, and much more. Enjoy the show!

We thank US Autocure for sponsoring this episode.

Have you considered infrared curing? US Autocure designs the world’s most advanced gas-catalytic, medium wave, infrared curing systems available today. Shortened cure times, enhanced finish quality, and protection for EV batteries are all available with infrared. US Autocure systems can be installed in nearly every current spray booth configuration, so if your booth is limiting your ability to grow, visit www.usautocure.com to get started today!

Electric vehicles (EVs) play a major role in the future of collision repair, and they represent a massive opportunity for collision repair owners. For those who are interested in EVs and their role in the future of collision, we have a very exciting guest for you on today’s show. Jake Rodenroth is the North American Body Repair Program Operations Manager for Lucid Motors. Jake has an awesome background, and we’ll discuss that as well as Lucid and their collision repair network, what it takes to go all in on EVs, what it’s like to live with a Lucid, and much more. Enjoy the show!

Techinfo.lucidmotors.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-rodenroth-58796247/

We thank US Autocure for sponsoring this episode.

Have you considered infrared curing? US Autocure designs the world’s most advanced gas-catalytic, medium wave, infrared curing systems available today. Shortened cure times, enhanced finish quality, and protection for EV batteries are all available with infrared. US Autocure systems can be installed in nearly every current spray booth configuration, so if your booth is limiting your ability to grow, visit www.usautocure.com to get started today!

Today’s guest made waves recently, when she announced a major move within the collision repair industry earlier this year. Michelle Sullivan is the CEO of Certified Collision Group, a member network platform that serves nearly 800 highly successful independent collision repair shops across the U.S. and Canada. Today, Michelle and host Cole Strandberg will dive into some high-level industry trends, the future of independent collision repairers, and how independent shops can stay competitive in an increasingly consolidated industry. Enjoy the show!

Connect with Michelle:

msullivan@certifiedcg.com

https://certifiedcg.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/certifiedcg/ 

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 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/ 

Nancy Rolland with FOCUS Investment Banking joins us for another episode of The Collision Vision. As you might remember, Nancy is host Cole Strandberg's partner with the automotive aftermarket team at FOCUS, where they work together on M&A and capital raising within the collision industry. On this episode, Nancy and Cole discuss M&A activity in 2023, trends as we move into 2024, and revisit what you can do to increase your shop’s value and make it attractive to the different buyers out there. Enjoy the show!

On this episode of the Collision Vision, we talk to Kelly Logan, Senior Manager, Collision Repair Program at Rivian. We talk about the impact of electrification, and the growth opportunities EVs provide for collision repair industry. Additionally, we dive into the Rivian repair network, some high level shop attributes Rivian seeks, where the industry is in terms of autonomous vehicles, and much more. If you're excited about learning more about the future of the collision industry, you don't want to miss this episode!

We thank US Autocure for sponsoring this episode.

Have you considered infrared curing? US Autocure designs the world’s most advanced gas-catalytic, medium wave, infrared curing systems available today. Shortened cure times, enhanced finish quality, and protection for EV batteries are all available with infrared. US Autocure systems can be installed in nearly every current spray booth configuration, so if your booth is limiting your ability to grow, visit www.usautocure.com to get started today!

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.

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/ 

Industry icon Mike Anderson joins the Collision Vision on its premiere episode to discuss all things collision. In Part One of a two-part series with Mike, we talk about Mike's start in the industry, current trends, customer experience, the talent shortage and much more. In true Mike Anderson fashion, this episode is both educational and entertaining. Be sure to catch his key takeaways at the end of the episode and tune in next week for Part Two! Learn more about Mike's company, CollisionAdvice, at www.collisionadvice.com.

Welcome to The Collision Vision, driven by Autobody News. Hosted by Cole Strandberg, each episode will feature an industry thought leader, business owner or collision pro diving deep into their knowledge of what it takes to be successful. We’ll talk trends, culture, growth and scalability, to give actionable insights into how to elevate your business. This podcast will enlighten, engage and entertain while covering the full scope of the current state of the industry---and where it is headed. So come along for the ride, and level up with The Collision Vision.

Weekly episodes of The Collision Vision will begin in January 2023. You can follow us now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you enjoy your shows.

Our guest today is Rachel James. Rachel is a financial advisor and founder of Torque Financial Group, where she runs a team focused on financial planning and wealth management for members of the collision industry and related trade industries. Rachel doesn't have a typical finance background, though. She started in the collision industry as a technician, before eventually moving up the ranks at a major paint manufacturer, and then finally venturing out on her own to solve a problem within the industry she knew existed. On this show, we talk about Rachel's non-traditional background as a trade industry-focused financial advisor, her passion for the collision industry and its people, some common financial questions from collision business owners, and much more. https://torquefinancialgroup.com 

We thank US Autocure for sponsoring this episode.

Have you considered infrared curing? US Autocure designs the world’s most advanced gas-catalytic, medium wave, infrared curing systems available today. Shortened cure times, enhanced finish quality, and protection for EV batteries are all available with infrared. US Autocure systems can be installed in nearly every current spray booth configuration, so if your booth is limiting your ability to grow, visit www.usautocure.com to get started today!

DJ Mitchell is the President and CEO of a growing regional MSO out of Florida, and a serial entrepreneur within the collision repair space. DJ has been involved in the scaling of three rapidly growing MSOs, including Car Guys Collision Repair, Mitchco Collision Repair, and now, Mitchell Collision. On this episode, DJ and host Cole Strandberg talk about those experiences, working within a family business, the importance of attracting and retaining the best talent, and much more. Enjoy the show!

We thank US Autocure for sponsoring this episode.

Have you considered infrared curing? US Autocure designs the world’s most advanced gas-catalytic, medium wave, infrared curing systems available today. Shortened cure times, enhanced finish quality, and protection for EV batteries are all available with infrared. US Autocure systems can be installed in nearly every current spray booth configuration, so if your booth is limiting your ability to grow, visit www.usautocure.com to get started today!

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/

Thomas talks about his story, his lofty growth plans, developing a stellar company culture at Absolute Collision (https://absolutecollisioncenter.com/), and solving the technician shortage crisis for good.

Follow along with Thomas' journey via LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-goforth-b36260201/). Thomas can be reached at TGoforth@absolutecollisioncenter.com.

We thank US Autocure for sponsoring this episode.

Have you considered infrared curing? US Autocure designs the world’s most advanced gas-catalytic, medium wave, infrared curing systems available today. Shortened cure times, enhanced finish quality, and protection for EV batteries are all available with infrared. US Autocure systems can be installed in nearly every current spray booth configuration, so if your booth is limiting your ability to grow, visit www.usautocure.com to get started today!

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/

Today’s guest is one host Cole Strandberg has known for many, many years, dating back to his time in the equipment space. Bob Zelano has worn many hats during his lengthy time in the collision industry, going from heavy-duty combo tech, to the insurance side of things, to equipment and consulting. His knowledge on both the technical and qualitative sides of the collision industry is great, and on this show we’ll talk about ensuring safe repairs, building an all-star team, investing in the future of collision repair, and much more… I hope you enjoy the show.

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/ 

This episode marks a very exciting episode of the Collision Vision as the very first episode in our special series on Technology within Collision Repair titled, aptly, Tech Transformation: The Future of Collision Repair. All month long, we’ll dive deep into the world of technology and technology only, giving you the latest tools and strategies, as well as a roadmap for the future.

We’re starting this series with a deep dive on collision repair software with Craig Stevens, Director of Solutions Delivery with CCC Intelligent Solutions. How can your shop use software to increase efficiency and production? What are some of the pitfalls with modern-day software solutions? What does the future of collision repair software look like? Let’s find out together! Enjoy the show, and welcome to our series on the future of collision repair technology.

Connect with Craig Stevens & CCC Intelligent Solutions:

Website: CCCIS.COM, CCCONE.COM, CCCIS.COM/TEAM

Email: cstevens@cccis.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/ 

On this episode, we discuss why Brandon Eckenrode has dedicated his career to bettering the collision repair industry, the CREF mission, exactly what CREF does for collision repairers, and how collision repairers can help CREF in solving the technician shortage and creating an even greater collision repair industry.

Learn more about the Collision Repair Education Foundation here: https://www.collisioneducationfoundation.org/.

We thank US Autocure for sponsoring this episode.

Have you considered infrared curing? US Autocure designs the world’s most advanced gas-catalytic, medium wave, infrared curing systems available today. Shortened cure times, enhanced finish quality, and protection for EV batteries are all available with infrared. US Autocure systems can be installed in nearly every current spray booth configuration, so if your booth is limiting your ability to grow, visit www.usautocure.com to get started today!

John Greer is the co-founder and CEO of Exponential Impact Group, an exit planning education company focused on preparing business owners across a variety of industries plan for an eventual exit from their business. Additionally, John is the co-author of “The Exit Plan,” which we dive into in the show. In this episode, John and I will discuss the power of planning ahead, life after your business exit, preparing your business for a sale, assembling a championship-caliber team, and much more. Enjoy the show!

We thank US Autocure for sponsoring this episode.

Have you considered infrared curing? US Autocure designs the world’s most advanced gas-catalytic, medium wave, infrared curing systems available today. Shortened cure times, enhanced finish quality, and protection for EV batteries are all available with infrared. US Autocure systems can be installed in nearly every current spray booth configuration, so if your booth is limiting your ability to grow, visit www.usautocure.com to get started today!

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/ 

We’ve talked about recruiting and retention a ton here on this show. We’ve also talked training and career mapping. But we’ve never gone to the source, to the very beginning of the supply chain of collision repair talent… straight to the schools themselves. Today’s guest is Jeff Wilson, Collision Instructor and Department Chair at Kingwood Park High School where he is currently teaching 88 students in his collision repair program. Today’ Jeff and host Cole Strandberg will talk about the foundational stage of the future of the collision industry, recruiting the next generation of technicians, retaining this young talent, and much more. Enjoy the show!

Website: https://www.humbleisd.net/o/kphs/staff?search=wilson&filter_ids=324787

Twitter/ X: @KPHSauto

Email: jeff.wilson@humbleisd.net 

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/

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/ 

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 Frank Terlep, a well-known and highly successful entrepreneur within the collision repair space, and currently Vice President of ADAS Solutions for Opus IVS. Frank is truly a visionary in the space, and today we’ll talk a lot about the opportunities ADAS brings to the collision industry, some exciting emerging technologies, the future of collision repair, and more. Enjoy the show! Frank's Email: Frank.Terlep@opusivs.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankterlep/

Today’s guest is Jordan Beshears, Vice President of Steve’s Auto Body, a two-store— and growing— operation out of the St. Louis area. Jordan and host Cole Strandberg discuss a ton in this episode, including how Steve’s Auto Body has grown to where it is today, the dynamics of a family business, OEM certifications vs. DRPs, some exciting growth plans in the works, and much more. Enjoy the show!

Connect with Jordan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-beshears-a9020621a/ 

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’s episode will be a little bit different… while Cole Strandberg is normally your host, today, he’ll be your guest, interviewed by Jay Goninen of Wrench Way. As a guest, Cole does a little bit more talking than normal, as he and Jay discuss many relevant collision topics, including the importance of team building, updates on consolidation and M&A, family business, and much more. Jay Goninen is President of WrenchWay, who is doing their part to help the industry in solving the technician shortage. Be sure to check out Beyond the Wrench Podcast with Jay. Enjoy the show!

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 

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/ 

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/

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/

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/

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.

Today’s guest is Steve Suppe, Director of Collision Services at Holman Automotive group, a leading dealership group focused on high-line vehicle brands operating dealerships- and dealership collision centers- across eight states. Steve is responsible for corporate-wide collision operations. Today, Steve and host Cole Strandberg will speak a lot about the dealership collision world, and more specifically, what independent shops can learn from the best dealership shops in the country. Enjoy the show!

This is a nostalgic time of year. That nostalgia, combined with a continued flurry of conversations around the world of EVs, brings us back to an earlier era of the Collision Vision with our very first “from the vault” episode. This is an episode that- if you’re a longtime listener of The Collision Vision- might sound familiar, because we’ve aired it before, way back to the beginning.

If you enjoy the conversation around EV collision repair, you’ll love this conversation.

With that said, Today’s guest is once more Kelly Logan, Senior Manager for Rivian’s Collision Repair program. Kelly has tons of experience in collision repair, collision repair equipment, and- something we’ll talk about a lot today—collision repair within the world of EV OEs. On this episode, we’ll discuss electrification and the future of collision, Rivian and its OE certification program, autonomous driving, and so much more. I hope you enjoy this – very forward looking, yet uniquely familiar- episode of the Collision Vision “from the vault”!

Today’s guest is Paul Williams, president of Brightpoint Auto Body, a family office-backed collision repair holding company with three brands and five locations at the time of this recording. Paul’s story is a fun one, and we’ll talk all about what Brightpoint is up to, as well as some exciting topics like family business, working for- and selling to- a large consolidator, and partnering with a family office to scale in a big way. Enjoy the show!

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/ 

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/ 

Todd McGowan is the owner of Relentless Collision, a 3-store (soon to be more) MSO out of Raleigh, NC. Todd is a serial entrepreneur in the collision repair industry, having built a collision business before, selling Haddock Collision- a 5-store MSO- to a major consolidator in 2014. On this episode, Todd and Cole talk about Todd’s experience scaling and selling in round one, what he’s doing differently this time around with Relentless Collision, his thoughts on the future of consolidation, and much more. Enjoy the show!

We thank US Autocure for sponsoring this episode.

Have you considered infrared curing? US Autocure designs the world’s most advanced gas-catalytic, medium wave, infrared curing systems available today. Shortened cure times, enhanced finish quality, and protection for EV batteries are all available with infrared. US Autocure systems can be installed in nearly every current spray booth configuration, so if your booth is limiting your ability to grow, visit www.usautocure.com to get started today!

Here on The Collision Vision, we discuss topics surrounding the “business” side of the collision repair industry. We also do our part in giving a voice to organizations dedicated to making the collision repair industry a better place. That’s what a lot of today’s conversation will be focused on, as we host a very special panel discussion among some key women in the collision industry, on behalf of the Women’s Industry Network, or WIN.

Many of you know WIN, but in their own words… The Women’s Industry Network’s mission is to support and enhance the role of women in the collision repair industry, promoting education, professional advancement and networking. The WIN Board of Directors exists to guide the organization in furthering these initiatives. The all-volunteer group represents various collision industry segments including, but not limited to, repair facilities, suppliers, consultants, information providers and insurance companies.

Today, we’ll be speaking with two very accomplished andinsightful women in the collision industry: Cheryl Boswell, Former WIN Chair and CFO of DCR Systems and Jessica Rob, sponsorship chair for WIN and distribution program manager at AkzoNobel Coatings Inc. WIN has exciting things happening which we'll talk all about in this episode….

Links:

WIN Network website: https://thewomensindustrynetwork.site-ym.com/

WIN Membership: https://thewomensindustrynetwork.site-ym.com/page/Membership

WIN Pay It Forward: https://thewomensindustrynetwork.site-ym.com/page/Payitforward

WIN Sponsorship Opportunities: https://thewomensindustrynetwork.site-ym.com/page/Sponsorship

WIN Most Influential Women: https://thewomensindustrynetwork.site-ym.com/page/MIW

WIN Scholarship Program: https://thewomensindustrynetwork.site-ym.com/page/Scholarship

WIN Annual Education Conference: https://thewomensindustrynetwork.site-ym.com/page/Conference2024 

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/

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/

I’m fortunate to have two guests with us today, both focused on something very cool very important in the world of Electric vehicles…. SAFETY! My guests today are Dirk Fuchs, former Director of Technical Programs and Services for I-CAR and now CEO and Founder of Electric Mobility Consulting, an organization that consults on some pretty hot topics in today’s collision repair environment, including all things EV repair. My other guest today is Dalan Zartman, COO of The Energy Security Agency. Today, we’ll run the gamut of EV topics… from safe repairs, the opportunity investing in EVs represents for shops, and EV collision impacts on the larger environment and the safety that comes along with that. Buckle up for a great conversation and enjoy the show! Dirk- Electricmobilityconsulting.net, dirk.fuchs@electricmobilityconsulting.net, https://www.linkedin.com/in/dirk-fuchs-ba570baa/ Dalan— https://energysecurityagency.com 855-ESA-SAFE (911) https://www.linkedin.com/in/dalan-zartman-bbb943227/

Today’s guest is one who has positively impacted the lives of millions of people over the last 30-or-so years. Mike Jones is the President and Master Trainer at Discover Leadership Training, an organization that aims to provide the most impactive, sustainable, and challenging leadership development solutions for the world. Mike is among the most enthusiastic and passionate individuals to touch the collision industry, and today we’ll tap into that and talk all things leadership development, starting the day right, maximizing your potential, and more. Enjoy!

Today's guest is Casey Lund, owner of Collision Leaders (formerly known as Warrensburg Collision), an MSO out of the great state of Missouri. Casey’s background is fascinating and the growth within the Collision Leaders organization is unbelievable, going from one location to eight in just about one year. We’ll talk about that scalability, how Casey has built a culture- and foundation- that has allowed that type of growth, and much more. Enjoy the show!

We thank US Autocure for sponsoring this episode.

Have you considered infrared curing? US Autocure designs the world’s most advanced gas-catalytic, medium wave, infrared curing systems available today. Shortened cure times, enhanced finish quality, and protection for EV batteries are all available with infrared. US Autocure systems can be installed in nearly every current spray booth configuration, so if your booth is limiting your ability to grow, visit www.usautocure.com to get started today!

Our guest today was the first Tesla-certified body shop in the country, and maintains- across his 19 stores- a significant focus on the world of EVs, possessing certifications for Tesla, Rivian, Lucid, VINFast, and more. Mike Chilton is the owner of Chilton Auto Body, based out of Northern California, and he also happens to be one of the largest CARSTAR franchisees in the country. On today’s show, we’ll dive into Mike’s early adoption to EV repair, his experience franchising with CARSTAR, his positioning with insurers, and much more. Enjoy the show!

On this episode of The Collision Vision we talk with Industry Thought Leader Dave Luehr. Dave is a highly regarded collision business coach, owner of Elite Body Shop Solutions (www.elitebodyshopsolutions.com), founder of the Limitless Entrepreneur (www.thelimitlesse.com), and the writer of “The Secrets of America’s Greatest Body shops."
Dave has immense knowledge of the collision industry and has an incredible way of articulating, and breaking down, what it takes to be successful in the collision industry. In Part 1 of this two-part series, we talk about winning within the collision industry, becoming a better leader, being the employer of choice in your community, and much more.

Enjoy the show and be sure to tune in next week for Part 2!

We thank US Autocure for sponsoring this episode.

Have you considered infrared curing? US Autocure designs the world’s most advanced gas-catalytic, medium wave, infrared curing systems available today. Shortened cure times, enhanced finish quality, and protection for EV batteries are all available with infrared. US Autocure systems can be installed in nearly every current spray booth configuration, so if your booth is limiting your ability to grow, visit www.usautocure.com to get started today!

One factor of the M&A process that is often overlooked is… what exactly happens to my real estate after I sell my business? Do the consolidators buy that too? Here to discuss all things collision real estate here with us today is Spencer Ward, an Associate with Marcus & Millichap focused on collision repair real estate investment sales. We’ll talk about what’s happening in the industry from a real estate perspective, what happens with your real estate after selling your business, and much more. Enjoy the show!

Contact Spencer Ward:

Phone: 713-452-4306

Email: spencer.ward@marcusmillichap.com

Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerdward/

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/ 

Our guest today is Deanna Acker, Founder and President of Motocruit. Motocruit is a recruiting firm specifically for the automotive and collision industries nationwide. Today, Deanna and host Cole Strandberg talk about the industry-wide talent shortage and how to best go about fixing that on a micro level for your business. Included in their conversation are some tips and tricks for hiring the people you need. Enjoy the show!

Mike Anderson returns to the Collision Vision, becoming our very first repeat guest. Mike is the biggest name in the collision industry, the Owner of Collision Advice, and really needs no further introduction. On this episode we dive into Mike’s recent article featured in Autobody News titled “Calculating the ROI in ‘Growing’ Your Own New Body Techs.” From there, we’ll have Mike answer some of his most frequently asked questions from body shops. Enjoy the show!

We thank US Autocure for sponsoring this episode.

Have you considered infrared curing? US Autocure designs the world’s most advanced gas-catalytic, medium wave, infrared curing systems available today. Shortened cure times, enhanced finish quality, and protection for EV batteries are all available with infrared. US Autocure systems can be installed in nearly every current spray booth configuration, so if your booth is limiting your ability to grow, visit www.usautocure.com to get started today!

Patrick Crozat is the COO at G&C Auto Body out of beautiful Northern California. Patrick and his family have grown G&C into an absolute monster of a regional MSO via, what Patrick describes as, an “all gas, no brakes” mentality. Considering the G&C team has added over 15 locations since Covid, I think that’s fair to say. On today’s episode, Patrick and host Cole Strandberg will talk about their growth strategy, life within the family business, creating a culture of winning, and much more. Enjoy the show!

We thank US Autocure for sponsoring this episode.

Have you considered infrared curing? US Autocure designs the world’s most advanced gas-catalytic, medium wave, infrared curing systems available today. Shortened cure times, enhanced finish quality, and protection for EV batteries are all available with infrared. US Autocure systems can be installed in nearly every current spray booth configuration, so if your booth is limiting your ability to grow, visit www.usautocure.com to get started today!

It’s no secret that- from the perspective of sales- the last year or two have been good for the collision industry. We have a trend of growing sales and growing backlogs, though the latter seems to be trending downward… so the focus has really been on operations more than on marketing. That needs to change. With that in mind, today’s guest is Daniel Burkholder, Founder of Bodyshop Marketing and former collision operator. Daniel focuses exclusively on digital marketing for collision repairers, so in today’s conversation, we’ll dive into some strategies and tactics to ensure you’re doing what it takes to keep that pipeline full. Enjoy the show!

Website: www.bodyshopmarketing.io

Email: daniel@bodyshopmarketing.io

Phone: 855-667-9648 

This week's guest is Mike LeVasseur, Collision Industry Advocate and Senior Advisor for Focus Banking. In this episode we discuss Mike's background, how he got involved with Keenan Auto Body, and how he scaled Keenan to a major regional MSO. Mike also explains the difference between growing from one to two stores and two to ten-plus. Lastly, we talk about the process of selling your collision business and what to expect as you embark on that process.

We thank US Autocure for sponsoring this episode.

Have you considered infrared curing? US Autocure designs the world’s most advanced gas-catalytic, medium wave, infrared curing systems available today. Shortened cure times, enhanced finish quality, and protection for EV batteries are all available with infrared. US Autocure systems can be installed in nearly every current spray booth configuration, so if your booth is limiting your ability to grow, visit www.usautocure.com to get started today!

Today’s guest is Ryan Clark, Vice President of Eustis Body Shop, as six-store MSO out of Nebraska. Ryan and host Cole Strandberg have a lot to talk about, including how Eustis has grown to where it is today, the dynamics of a family business, Ryan’s… non-traditional… background that led him here today, and much more. Enjoy the show!

Our guests today are Thomas Ince and Logan Lowery, Managing Directors of LP First Capital, a private equity firm out of Austin, TX focused on founder-led and family-owned businesses. A big part of our discussion today will be about their new collision repair platform investment, OpenRoad, who currently owns and operates 13 collision repair centers across multiple states in the southwest. Additionally, we’ll chat with Thomas and Logan about their thoughts on the collision repair industry as a whole, why we’re not anywhere near finished with consolidation, the future of the industry, and much more. Enjoy the show!

Today, we bring you another episode "from the Vault" to round out an incredible 2023. You may remember Steve Olson, Managing Partner of Louisville Collision Centers. In addition to this episode of The Collision Vision, you may see Steve all over social media, where he showcases an incredible facility and a unique, attractive culture. In this conversation, we’ll talk about how Steve built Louisville Collision Centers to what it is today without DRPs, how he built his culture, and where Louisville Collision’s future is trending. An importan note... throughout this episode, we talk about Steve's focus on building one great collision center. Ironically, Steve and his team would go on to acquire Manchester Collision out of New Hampshire- another world-class facility- only a few short week after this initial recording. I encourage you to listen to this conversation through that lense and I hope you enjoy, once more, this great conversation with Steve Olson, from the vault.

Today’s guest is an automotive industry Rockstar focused on fixing the technician shortage, and the host of a very successful automotive podcast himself. Jay Goninen is the Co-Founder and President of WrenchWay, whose mission is to “promote and improve technician careers in the automotive, diesel, and collision industries to help address the technician shortage.” Jay is also the host of the Beyond the Wrench podcast. Today, we’ll talk about Jay’s background, starting in the shop level, what he’s up to at WrenchWay, the technician shortage, and a whole lot more… enjoy the show!

Welcome back to The Collision Vision podcast with Part 2 of our conversation with Dave Luehr, founder of The Limitless Entrepreneur. We dive into some of the “secrets” from Dave's book, “America’s Greatest Body Shops,” and discuss hard-hitting, impactful topics such as busting old beliefs, overcoming challenges of the family operated business, building a sustainable business model, getting customers to your door and more.

You can find Dave Luehr's book “The Secrets of America’s Greatest Body Shops” on Amazon or Audible.

We thank US Autocure for sponsoring this episode.

Have you considered infrared curing? US Autocure designs the world’s most advanced gas-catalytic, medium wave, infrared curing systems available today. Shortened cure times, enhanced finish quality, and protection for EV batteries are all available with infrared. US Autocure systems can be installed in nearly every current spray booth configuration, so if your booth is limiting your ability to grow, visit www.usautocure.com to get started today!

Today’s guest is one you’ve met here on the Collision Vision before… Frank Terlep, a well-known and highly successful entrepreneur within the collision repair space, and currently Vice President of ADAS Solutions for Opus IVS. Frank is also Chairman of the Collision Industry Conference, or CIC, which had a great, day-long meeting at SEMA a few short weeks ago in Vegas. Today, Frank and host Cole Strandberg will talk about CIC and some highlights there, as well as some highlights from SEMA 2023. Enjoy the show!

Connect with Frank Terlep: https://ciclink.com/

Frank.Terlep@opusivs.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankterlep/

You've probably heard about "Right to Repair" in industry news of late, and you may or may not have dug into this battle waging in the background of the collision repair industry. Today, we'll speak with two of the foremost experts on the topic to update us where we are today and how the conversations surrounding "right to repair" will continue to shape our industry. Aaron Shulenburg is the Executive Director for the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) and Wayne Weikel is the Vice President of State Government Affairs at Alliance For Automotive Innovation. In today’s conversation, Aaron, Wayne and host Cole Strandberg will dive into all the latest in the Right to Repair conversation and how it impacts you. Enjoy the show!

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/

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’s guest is a jack of many trades, but one thing is for sure… he knows marketing, and he knows marketing for body shops. Mike Duncan is Director of Marketing for Industrial Finishes, an adjunct professor of marketing for two Oregon universities, and a radio show host and instructor of broadcasting. On this episode, Mike and Cole talk all things marketing for independent body shops, including specific, high-impact tactics. Enjoy the show!

We thank US Autocure for sponsoring this episode.

Have you considered infrared curing? US Autocure designs the world’s most advanced gas-catalytic, medium wave, infrared curing systems available today. Shortened cure times, enhanced finish quality, and protection for EV batteries are all available with infrared. US Autocure systems can be installed in nearly every current spray booth configuration, so if your booth is limiting your ability to grow, visit www.usautocure.com to get started today!

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. 

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’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 Ieraci 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 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/

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!

Today’s guest is someone host Cole Strandberg considers to be a mentor… in fact, he hired Cole at his very first job out of school with an investment bank. David Boim is a long-time executive with vast experience in multiple industries within the world of private equity. He’s a turnaround guy from his early days, and now spends a ton of time consulting on business growth, business planning, and exit planning for small and medium businesses with his company, DSB & Associates. Today, we’ll talk about all of that and how it pertains to business leaders in the collision repair space and beyond. Enjoy the show!

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/

Today's episode is a special one. As some of you know, host Cole Strandberg's dad is a legend in the collision repair industry. Gregg Strandberg founded Filterworks USA (now known as Autotality), a company that eventually became one of the largest paint booth, frame and welding, and wheel and tire equipment distributors in the country. Today, he and Cole will talk all things related to shop buildouts. So whether you're looking to Brownfield or Greenfield new locations, looking to increase productivity in your existing footprint, or just want to hear some fun family banter about the family business, be sure to give this episode a listen. Enjoy the show! P.S. Happy Birthday, Dad!

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.

One extremely positive message that has developed out of the collision industry, particularly over the last few years, is the importance of being involved. That applies both locally and nationally within the collision repair industry. So what better people to speak with about ways to be involved than Josh Kent, Executive Director of The Carolina’s Collision Association, the Gulf States Collision Association, and the Tennessee Collision Repairers Association, and Jill Tuggle, the Executive Director of the Auto Body Association of Texas. Today, we’ll talk about some trends they’re seeing in our industry across the nation, the importance of being involved in your local association, and the value of regional shows for the collision repair industry. Enjoy the show!

Connect with the Carolina's Collision Association here: https://carolinascollisionassociation.com/ 

Connect with Auto Body Association of Texas here: https://abat.us/ of email Jill Tuggle here: jill@abat.us 

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/

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! 

Our guest today is Giorgio Andonian, Managing Director with FOCUS Investment Banking’s Automotive Aftermarket team. Giorgio spends the bulk of his time in the wheel and tire, automotive services, and automotive technology spaces. The guy is an absolute rising star in the automotive industry! Today, we’ll talk about different opportunities to add related services to collision repair centers, the economic profiles of different segments of the automotive industry to offer a nice frame of reference to collision repair business owners, the future of automotive, and a lot more. Enjoy the show!

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 Russ Ramsey, CEO of Blue Vista Data Systems. Russ’ background, much like mine, includes a lot of time focused on supplying things for the collision repair industry… so while Russ knows the industry and knows it well, he proclaims to be a bit of an “outsider on the inside” of the collision industry. That resonates with me… Today, a lot of our conversation revolves around safety, training, reducing liability, and ensuring proper repairs, as well as some family business talk. Another them of this episode? While I have spoken in the past about ways to bring in more business, Russ walks through opportunities to generate more profit of the business you already have…I hope you enjoy the show!

For more information visit https://www.bluevistadata.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/ 

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/

On this episode of The Collision Vision we talk Custom with Ryan Evans! Ryan Evans is the lead painter for Count’s Kustoms, the Las Vegas shop known for its over-the-top builds all over your TV. We talk about where Ryan got his start as a painter and the history behind Count's Kustoms. Ryan talks the role Custom plays in the automotive industry, the value of collision repair shops, and how to motivate a new generation of technicians to join the industry. We hope you enjoy the conversation!

We thank US Autocure for sponsoring this episode.

Have you considered infrared curing? US Autocure designs the world’s most advanced gas-catalytic, medium wave, infrared curing systems available today. Shortened cure times, enhanced finish quality, and protection for EV batteries are all available with infrared. US Autocure systems can be installed in nearly every current spray booth configuration, so if your booth is limiting your ability to grow, visit www.usautocure.com to get started today!

G.B. Outlaw… known by most as just “Outlaw” is the President, Partner and Master Facilitator of Next Progression, providing leadership and performance insights, strategies and tools to help organizations and individuals unleash their full potential and make positive difference in the world. Get ready to be energized and motivated, and enjoy the show!

Jay Goninen of WrenchWay joins us for another episode of The Collision Vision. He and host Cole Strandberg discuss the current state of the technician shortage as well as the ongoing Technician Pay Survey, providing the transparency desperately needed to attract technicians to the space. Learn more about the survey, and get your technicians to participate, here: https://wrenchway.com/blog/announcing-2024-automotive-diesel-technician-pay-survey/.

Robert Molina is the owner of Collision Care Xpress in Pompano Beach, FL. Not unlike the story of Steve Olson, owner of Louisville Collision Centers featured here on the Collision Vision earlier this year, Robert is focusing on building a massive, beautiful shop, that has really evolved into a campus in its own right, instead of scaling via multiple locations. In addition to being one of the nicest, most charismatic people you’ll meet, Robert is a big culture guy, and we'll dive into that, as well as a whole lot more. Enjoy the show!

Learn more by visiting https://collisioncarexpress.com/

Today’s guest is knowledgeable and experienced in two hot topics within the collision repair industry… marketing and recruiting. Today, we’ll talk about both. Diane Benting is a long-time member of the collision repair industry, working in various marketing roles at a prominent regional paint jobber before becoming President of BodyShopJobs, a job board for the collision repair industry. Enjoy the show!

Website: www.bodyshopjobs.com

Email: diane@bodyshopjobs.com

Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dmbenting/  

Today’s guest is someone host Cole Strandberg met at CIC at SEMA this past year and was immediately blown away by his story and his passion for the collision repair industry. John Melendez is the Owner of JDM Collision, located in Thornton, IL just south of Chicago. John used to be a multi-shop operator but currently operates out of one location. Something John believes you don’t need to be a huge operation to be successful in our industry. John is doubling down in the space, though, and we’ll talk all about that in our conversation today. Enjoy the show!

Email: john@jdmcollision.com
Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-melendez-576b59294/

Today's guest is Chase Landers who, along with his family, owns and operates Landers Towing and Collision, a three-store—and growing—MSO out of Illinois. Chase’s stores are massive, and their team aims to be “the future of collision repair.” On today’s show, we’ll talk about where Landers is today, and where it’s going, as well as the value of peer groups, and a whole lot more. Enjoy the show!