CollisionCast

Thriving in the Collision Repair Industry with a Customer-First Approach

Tony Cavallaro Sr., owner of Airport Auto Body in Hartford, Connecticut, wanted his customers to feel so at home, they might have been in a hotel lobby. When he relocated his shop, he added a glass showroom for customers to pick up their repaired vehicles. Putting customers first has been Cavallaro’s top priority for more than 35 years. Learn how that approach, coupled with an innovative layout, advanced technology, streamlined processes and the right equipment from Global Finishing Solutions, has positioned his shop for continued success.

Adapt: Marketing OEM Certifications to Clients

Jim Housh, the director of operations for Fix Auto USA, spoke with FenderBender at the company's 2019 national conference in San Diego. The topic: How to explain OEM certifications to customers in a manner that both educates them and sets your shop apart.   

Vision: Utilizing an Underused Marketing Space

Andrew Begnoche, director of operations for Holdcom, a company that manages phone messages for on hold times, shares how small business owners can take advantage of an underused marketing space: marketing while the customer is on hold. 

MSO Podcast: DJ Mitchell’s Tips for Finding Your Next Location

DJ Mitchell, regional director for Joe Hudson's Collision Centers, talks about how to find the right market area and the best fit for your next shop location. 

Adapt: Tackling Commonly Missed KPIs

Richard Daku, co-owner of Daku's Auto Body Shop, shares how 20 groups and an efficient workflow process has helped him stay on track with some commonly missed KPIs.

Vision: Leading Inexperienced Employees

Nick Zeman, an owner with Paul Ries & Sons in Chicago, breaks down how he has inspired a relatively inexperienced staff to quickly turn a new shop location into a $2.4-million-per-year facility. 

Disrupt: Vehicle Restoration on the Rise?

In this episode of CollisionCast, FenderBender spoke with Ed Barr, associate professor of automotive restoration at McPherson (Kan.) College, whose classes are as popular as ever with students. Barr gives his thoughts on whether or not body shop owners should reconsider moving away from restoration work. 

Vision: Tips for Load-Leveling Between Locations

In this edition of CollisionCast, we caught up with the leaders of Referral Collision LLC near Minneapolis, to learn how their recently opened second facility is helping increase the efficiency of both their shops. 

MSO Podcast: DJ Mitchell Talks About Avoiding Stress

In this episode of the MSO Project Series, DJ Mitchell, regional director for Joe Hudson's Collision Centers, shares common stressors in the workplace and his strategies to handling them.

Adapt: Preparing for OSHA Visits

Colette Bruce, the owner of Team Safety LLC, details how body shop operators can prepare their staff for OSHA visits, and avoid violations as a result.