CollisionCast

Peace of Mind or Damage Control? The Case for Proactive Security in Auto Repair

In this CollisionCast episode, sponsored by AMAROK, Editor-in-Chief Jay Sicht sits down with AMAROK Enterprise Development Manager Jackson Skey to talk about how improving your collision repair shop's security can be a turnkey solution that can give your customers peace of mind their vehicle is being cared for. It can even save time and reduce vehicle damage because vehicles may not need to be jockeyed around just so they can be stored inside each night. Join us as we uncover how easily a system can be installed to get your shop on the road to higher security and productivity.
To learn more about AMAROK, click here!

WIN for Women in Collision Repair

Women are not well represented in collision repair, and there’s one organization that aims to support women in this male-dominated field.
Liz Stein, vice president of strategic initiatives at Certified Collision Group and current WIN chair, and Cheryl Boswell, CFO and partner for DCR Systems and a past WIN chair, discuss the importance of WIN and its impact.

The Importance of OEM Procedures in ADAS Calibrations

Following OEM procedures closely is needed not only to ensure proper calibrations of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS,) but can also help seed up works in process (WIP.) Hear how the co-founders of Lightning Auto Service advocate for proper procedures and some steps they've taken to reduce friction with insurers. Check out some of the resources they've made available here. 

Changing Lanes Training: From the Military Life to the Auto Body Life

Caliber Collision doesn’t just combat the tech shortage with their Technician Apprenticeship Program (TAP); they’re also changing the lives of active-duty service members by giving them a smooth transition not only to the collision repair industry but also to civilian life.
Andrew Vaccaro, director of apprenticeships at Caliber Collision, discusses Caliber’s work in their Changing Lanes initiative.

What to Expect When Preparing to Sell Your Business

Focus Advisors is a mergers and acquisitions firm specializing in the collision repair market and helping MSO owners achieve maximum value through a strategic exit. President Chris Lane and Senior Associate Madeleine Roberts Rich join the CollisionCast to discuss how collision repair business owners can help prepare for a sale.

Teaching Teachers Collision Repair

An Abra location in Minnesota participated in a program that gives hands-on collision repair experience to public school teachers so they can apply what they learn to their own teaching.
Danyell Wendland, an Abra operations manager, discusses how the program went and what the goal was.

How 'Trump 2.0' Might Affect EV Sales and the Auto Parts Supply Chain

Donald Trump has long been an EV critic. How might his newly close ties to Elon Musk influence his position on EV policies and regulation? And how might proposed tariffs affect the auto parts supply chain? For insight, we talk with Abey Abraham, managing principal at consulting firm Ducker Carlisle, where he leads the company's automotive and materials practice.

Why Should You Finance Your Next Equipment Order?

There are many ways to pay for the things you need in your shop, including financing.
Paul Knowlton, an automotive service and collision repair equipment sales executive from Huntington National Bank, sat down with FenderBender to discuss why someone should consider financing, even if they have the cash on hand.

How to Handle Insurer Pushback

As insurers tighten their purse strings and adopt more stringent policies, shop owners must navigate this evolving landscape with adaptability and resilience. As Tiffany Menefee, president of Pronto Body Shop in El Paso, Texas, notes in her December column, by focusing on strong customer relationships, meticulous documentation, and strategic business practices, repair shops can weather the storm and continue to thrive. She joins the CollisionCast to talk more about this and how shops can partner with what some may see as an unlikely ally, the personal injury industry, who also face some of the same challenges but have more influence to help change the industry.

Could Another Strike Mean Parts & Supplies Shortages? Preparing for Logistical Changes

Weeks after the recent Longshoreman strikes, we had a conversation with Ryan Mandell, director of claims performance for Mitchell International, Inc.
He discusses how these events are impacting the collision repair industry and how to prepare for more logistical complications that may arise.