Collision Buzz: Recent Episodes

Driven Brands

Working in the collision industry can be challenging yet rewarding. We're bringing together guest leaders and operators from all aspects of the collision repair industry to explore those challenges and provide solutions and meaningful insights. Each episode contains powerful information to help your body shop business succeed.

View Details

In the first episode of season four, we are joined by Geralynn and Laura Kottschade, owners of Jerry's Abra located in Mankato, MN! After winning Franchisee of the Year at the 2023 Driven Brands US Collision Conference, Jerry's Abra decided to make a change. Tune in for valuable insights on succession planning and learn how Geri and Laura have transitioned their business within their family!

View Details

In this episode, we are diving into the importance of the Disassembly for Repair (DFR) process. This approach is crucial for diagnosing, repairing and maintaining vehicles at the highest level of quality. Join us as we hear from industry professionals Jeremy Buller, Mike Peek, Bobby Shamoon, and Nick Floyd in understanding, developing, and implementing a DFR (Pre-Op) Process in your body shop.

View Details

In today's conclusion of our two-part series, we wrap up the discussion on expanding your collision repair business with a focus on actionable strategies and real-life success stories. Joined once again by prominent leaders from the Driven Brands team, we delve deeper into the current market dynamics and reveal untapped avenues for growth and optimizing your work-mix to enhance your business strategies.

Whether you're an independent shop owner or affiliated with renowned franchise networks like Abra, CARSTAR, or Fix Auto, this episode promises to equip you with insights and advice tailored to independent body shop owners.

Tune in now to discover the transformative strategies that will revolutionize your business and pave the way for unparalleled success.

FOLLOW THE COLLISION BUZZ PODCAST

INSTAGRAM | instagram.com/collisionbuzzpodcast

FACEBOOK | facebook.com/collisionbuzzpodcast

Thank you to all of our guests in this episode for their participation.

GUESTS

  • Damien Reyna, COO - US Collision
    Driven Brands Collision
  • Brian Newberry, VP of Development - US Collision
    Driven Brands Collision
  • Tony Mammone, VP of Strategy & Analytics - CARSTAR Canada
    CARSTAR Canada
  • Lesa Laird, VP of Franchise Services - US Collision
    Driven Brands Collision

HOST

  • Ron Zappetillo, Sr. Field Performance Manager
    Driven Brands Collision

PRODUCER

  • Eliezer Plasencia, Creative Marketing Manager
    Driven Brands Collision

View Details

In today's episode, part one of a two-part series, we dive into the numerous opportunities for growth and why now might be a good time to expand your collision repair business. With guests from the Driven Brands leadership team, we discuss the current market landscape, the importance of strategic growth, and how to identify new opportunities. Our panel of experts shares insights on optimizing work-mix, maintaining strong internal culture, and capitalizing on underserved markets.

Whether you're an independent shop owner or part of a franchise network like Abra, CARSTAR, or Fix Auto, this episode will provide valuable insights and tips for growing your business in today's fast-paced, high-demand environment. Don't miss this chance to learn from industry leaders and discover new strategies to take your business to the next level.

FOLLOW THE COLLISION BUZZ PODCAST

INSTAGRAM | instagram.com/collisionbuzzpodcast

FACEBOOK | facebook.com/collisionbuzzpodcast

Thank you to all of our guests in this episode for their participation.

GUESTS

  • Damien Reyna, COO - US Collision
    Driven Brands Collision
  • Brian Newberry, VP of Development - US Collision
    Driven Brands Collision
  • Tony Mammone, VP of Strategy & Analytics - CARSTAR Canada
    CARSTAR Canada
  • Lesa Laird, VP of Franchise Services - US Collision
    Driven Brands Collision

HOST

  • Ron Zappetillo, Sr. Field Performance Manager
    Driven Brands Collision

PRODUCER

  • Eliezer Plasencia, Creative Marketing Manager
    Driven Brands Collision

View Details

In the first episode of season 3, we explore how you can breathe new life into your body shop by breaking away from the traditional methods and processes that might be holding you back. From fixing inefficient workflows to updating technology - this episode's guests Richard Fish (Fix Auto USA MSO) and Chase Marchese (CARSTAR MSO) - discuss their journeys from single-store operators to 5+ locations and growing, addressing common roadblocks that prevent body shops from running at their best and sharing strategies to overcome them.

Fish, who won Fix Auto USA's 2022 Franchisee of the Year award, and Marchese, a veteran who recently opened the 1,000th Driven Brands Collision repair facility - highlight real-world examples of how changing the way you work can lead to improved efficiency and increased profitability.

Whether you're a seasoned shop owner or just starting out, this episode will provide you with actionable insights and practical advice for revitalizing your body shop and taking your business to the next level. So listen today as we break the mold and discover new paths to success for today's body shop.

FOLLOW THE COLLISION BUZZ PODCAST

INSTAGRAM | instagram.com/collisionbuzzpodcast

FACEBOOK | facebook.com/collisionbuzzpodcast

Thank you to all of our guests in this episode for their participation.

GUESTS

  • Richard Fish, Owner-Operator
    FIX AUTO CARLSBAD VILLAGE
    FIX AUTO KEARNY MESA
    FIX AUTO LAKE FOREST
    FIX AUTO LONG BEACH
    FIX AUTO OCEANSIDE
    FIX AUTO SAN CLEMENTE
    FIX AUTO SIGNAL HILL
    FIX AUTO TUSTIN
  • Chase Marchese, Owner-Operator
    CARSTAR PATRIOT AUTO BODY
    CARSTAR PATRIOT AUTO BODY ALBERT PIKE
    CARSTAR PATRIOT AUTO BODY CONWAY
    CARSTAR PATRIOT AUTO BODY LITTLE ROCK
    CARSTAR PATRIOT AUTO BODY MAUMELLE

HOST

  • Ron Zappetillo, Sr. Field Performance Manager
    Driven Brands Collision

PRODUCER

  • Eliezer Plasencia, Creative Marketing Manager
    Driven Brands Collision

View Details

In this episode, we explore the ins and outs of the Tesla Certification Program. With a growing number of Tesla vehicles on the road and the growing EV shift in the automotive industry, learning how to repair these vehicles properly is becoming necessary for collision repair operators. So what does it take for a collision repair shop to become Tesla certified, and what benefits can it offer both shops and Tesla owners? We speak with Tesla-certified collision repair shop owners to learn about the certification process and the challenges and rewards of working on Tesla vehicles.

Tune in to learn more about the Tesla collision repair certification program and the importance of using trained technicians for repairs on these advanced vehicles.

FOLLOW THE COLLISION BUZZ PODCAST

INSTAGRAM | instagram.com/collisionbuzz

FACEBOOK | facebook.com/collisionbuzzpodcast

Thank you to all of our guests in this episode for their participation.

GUESTS

  • Brad Payne, Director of Business Development
    CARSTAR North Toronto
  • Ernie Loggarakis, Owner and Operator
    Fix Auto Skokie
  • Jason Wong, Owner-Operator
    CARSTAR Auto World Collision
    CARSTAR Auto World Collision San Jose
  • Micah Elsom, Director of Operations
    ABRA Fort Collins
    ABRA Greeley

HOST

  • Ron Zappetillo, Sr. Field Performance Manager
    Driven Brands Collision

PRODUCER

  • Eliezer Plasencia, Creative Marketing Manager
    Driven Brands Collision

View Details

This live episode of Collision Buzz was recorded on stage at the 2022 Fix Auto USA Conference.

Co-hosted by Driven Brands Collision - Sr. Vice President of Operations, Dennis O'Mahoney, and Sr. Director of Marketing, Jennifer Paulino - the episode features top-performing Fix Auto Franchise leaders discussing their best strategies when it comes to marketing, operations, and planning for the future.

The 50-minute conversation covers a range of topics from tackling the challenges of modern customer expectations to planning for the EV and technology evolution that is nearing closer every day. Dennis and Jennifer lead our guests through impactful discourse allowing each of the owner-operators to divulge their best tips and insights that are certain to help fellow body shop owners improve their operations.

FOLLOW THE COLLISION BUZZ PODCAST

INSTAGRAM | instagram.com/collisionbuzz

FACEBOOK | facebook.com/collisionbuzzpodcast

Thank you to all our guests in this month's episode.

GUESTS

  • Alex Doria, Owner-Operator
    Fix Auto Santee
  • Richard Fish, Owner-Operator
    Fix Auto Carlsbad Village
    Fix Auto Kearny Mesa
    Fix Auto Lake Forest
    Fix Auto Long Beach
    Fix Auto Oceanside
    Fix Auto San Clemente
    Fix Auto Signal Hill
    Fix Auto Tustin
  • Jesse Hord, Owner-Operator
    Fix Auto Capital City
    Fix Auto Orangevale
    Fix Auto Roseville
  • Ernie Loggarakis, Owner-Operator
    Fix Auto Skokie

HOSTS

  • Dennis O'Mahoney, Sr. Vice President of Operations, Collision
    Driven Brands
  • Jennifer Paulino, Sr. Director of Marketing, Collision
    Driven Brands

PRODUCER

  • Eliezer Plasencia, Creative Marketing Manager
    Driven Brands Collision

View Details

In the second part of this two-part series of Collision Buzz, we conclude our conversation with well-known industry speaker, consultant, and business owner, Mike Anderson, to share his wealth of knowledge and insights with our own Driven Brands' Collision Group Coaches.

During this sit down our coaches discuss a range of strategies around growing your team, managing the high volume of WIP, dealing with stress in the current work environment, customer service strategies, and so much more.

Mike Anderson is an acclaimed champion of everything that is, or could be, right about the industry. As one of the most knowledgeable people in his field, he is a sought-after speaker, author, and consultant, who can discuss and teach on a wide range of topics – from the politics affecting collision repair, to researching repairs properly via technology, to giving and getting the best from insurers, to creating a unified and supportive work culture, to performing a safe and correct repair – just to name a few things!

Tune in and enjoy this highly impactful and beneficial episode.

FOLLOW THE COLLISION BUZZ PODCAST

INSTAGRAM | instagram.com/collisionbuzz

FACEBOOK | facebook.com/collisionbuzzpodcast

Thank you to all our guests in this month's episode.

GUESTS

  • Mike Anderson, Consultant and Speaker
    Collision Advice
  • Kris Joeckel, Field Performance Manager
    ABRA Auto Body Repair
  • Erik Long, Field Performance Manager
    Fix Auto USA

HOST

  • Ron Zappetillo, Sr. Field Performance Manager
    CARSTAR

PRODUCER

  • Eliezer Plasencia, Creative Marketing Manager
    Driven Brands Collision

View Details

In the first part of a two-part episode of Collision Buzz, we bring in well-known industry speaker, consultant, and business owner, Mike Anderson, to share his wealth of knowledge and insights with our own Driven Brands' Collision Group Coaches.

During this sit down our coaches discuss a range of strategies around growing your team, managing the high volume of WIP, dealing with stress in the current work environment, customer service strategies, and so much more.

Mike Anderson is an acclaimed champion of everything that is, or could be, right about the industry. As one of the most knowledgeable people in his field, he is a sought-after speaker, author, and consultant, who can discuss and teach on a wide range of topics – from the politics affecting collision repair, to researching repairs properly via technology, to giving and getting the best from insurers, to creating a unified and supportive work culture, to performing a safe and correct repair – just to name a few things!

Tune in and enjoy this highly impactful and beneficial episode.

FOLLOW THE COLLISION BUZZ PODCAST

INSTAGRAM | instagram.com/collisionbuzz

FACEBOOK | facebook.com/collisionbuzzpodcast

Thank you to all our guests in this month's episode.

GUESTS

  • Mike Anderson, Consultant and Speaker
    Collision Advice
  • Kris Joeckel, Field Performance Manager
    ABRA Auto Body Repair
  • Erik Long, Field Performance Manager
    Fix Auto USA

HOST

  • Ron Zappetillo, Sr. Field Performance Manager
    CARSTAR

PRODUCER

  • Eliezer Plasencia, Creative Marketing Manager
    Driven Brands Collision

View Details

This special episode of Collision Buzz was recorded live and on stage at the 2022 CARSTAR Conference.

Hosted by Driven Brands Collision Senior Director of Marketing, Jennifer Paulino - the episode features past Collision Buzz guests and CARSTAR brand leaders discussing their approach to an integrated marketing plan.

The discussion encompasses everything from community involvement to a strong digital presence - focused on the growing “Reputation Revolution,” Jennifer leads our guests through a meaningful dialogue around the necessary tools and initiatives that today’s body shops need to have a successful and impactful brand presence.

Thank you to all our guests in this month's episode.

FOLLOW THE COLLISION BUZZ PODCAST

INSTAGRAM | instagram.com/collisionbuzz

FACEBOOK | facebook.com/collisionbuzzpodcast

GUESTS

  • Johnny K., Owner-Operator
    CARSTAR Edmonton Gateway
    CARSTAR Edmonton Mayfield
    CARSTAR Edmonton South East
    CARSTAR Ellerslie
    CARSTAR Express Edmonton South
    CARSTAR Leduc North
  • Wendy Murray, Owner-Operator
    CARSTAR Murray's
    CARSTAR Port Orchard
    Fix Auto Gig Harbor
    Fix Auto Port Orchard
    Fix Auto Puyallup
  • Sebastian Torres, Owner-Operator
    CARSTAR Brantford
    CARSTAR Brantford Westd
    CARSTAR Simcoe
  • Jamie White, Owner-Operator
    CARSTAR Universal of Fort Oglethorpe
    Dalton CARSTAR South
    Ken's CARSTAR North

HOST

  • Jennifer Paulino, Sr. Director of Marketing
    Driven Brands Collision

PRODUCER

  • Eliezer Plasencia, Creative Marketing Manager
    Driven Brands Collision

View Details

Collision Buzz is excited to feature Opus IVS and asTech in this episode of Collision Buzz!

To better support scanning and diagnostics practices, align to insurance partner expectations, and promote calibration services across all collision brands, Driven Brands has partnered with Opus IVS and asTech as our co-preferred vendors. In today’s episode, we discuss the importance of scanning and diagnostics with leading shops in our network.

We understand that there are many different approaches to scanning currently used within our network of collision brands. We hope this episode provides more insight into the importance of scanning and calibrations as the collision industry evolves.

Thank you to all our guests in this month's episode.

FOLLOW THE COLLISION BUZZ PODCAST

INSTAGRAM | instagram.com/collisionbuzz

FACEBOOK | facebook.com/collisionbuzzpodcast

GUESTS

(Part 1 - Opus IVS)

  • David Joseph, Product Manager
    Opus IVS
  • Sean Coles, Manager
    CARSTAR Direct Repair Collision
  • Snehal Shah, Owner-Operator
    Fix Auto Fremont

(Part 2 - asTech)

  • Chris Chesney, VP of Training & Organizational Development
    asTech (Repairify)
  • Donald Gray, Regional Operations Manager
    Fix Auto Anaheim
    Fix Auto Buena Park
    Fix Auto Hi-Line
    Fix Auto Orange
    Fix Auto Yorba Linda
  • Kelly Domer, General Manager
    CARSTAR Jordan Road

HOST

  • Ron Zappetillo, Sr. Field Performance Manager
    Driven Brands Collision

PRODUCER

  • Eliezer Plasencia, Creative Marketing Manager
    Driven Brands Collision

View Details

Shine Season is a dedicated time to give back to the communities that we live and work in. From June through September, our network has the opportunity to find time to fundraise, bring awareness to a cause or simply give back to their charity of choice with their fellow franchisees. For the Driven Brands Collision Group, that Charity of Choice is the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Today's guests have taken the philanthropic and charitable approach to the way they run their everyday business. Tune in to hear their stories and why they work so hard to give back to the communities that serve them.

Thank you to all our guests and host in this month's episode.

HOST

  • Ron Zappetillo, Sr. Field Performance Manager
    Driven Brands Collision

GUESTS

  • Jim Hansen, Owner-Operator
    ABRA Auto Body Grand Forks
  • Colin Manuel, Owner-Operator
    CARSTAR Miramichi
  • Steve Springer, Owner-Operator
    Fix Auto Gilroy
    Fix Auto San Jose
    Fix Auto Sunnyvale
  • Jamie White, Owner-Operator
    CARSTAR Universal of Fort Oglethorpe
    Dalton CARSTAR South
    Ken's CARSTAR North

PRODUCER

  • Eliezer Plasencia, Creative Marketing Manager
    Driven Brands Collision

FOLLOW COLLISION BUZZ PODCAST

INSTAGRAM | instagram.com/collisionbuzz

FACEBOOK | facebook.com/collisionbuzzpodcast

View Details

Auto body repair standards are continuously evolving with the expansion of new technology inside vehicles. Today's guests have made huge leaps in labor segmentation to address the car standards of new vehicles. With high-tech cars, electric vehicles, aluminum panels, plastic repair, scanning, glasswork, and so much more, it's near impossible to have experts at everything. By breaking the old school thought of having one person do everything, our guests can do more with less, leading to huge benefits.

As a result, their efforts are not only leading to financial and operational benefits but they're also able to address one of the biggest challenges of all, the labor shortage.

Thank you to all our guests and host in this month's episode.

HOST

  • Ron Zappetillo, Sr. Field Performance Manager
    Driven Brands Collision

GUESTS

  • David Caulfield, Owner-Operator
    Fix Auto Anaheim North
  • Clarke Schwartz, Managing Director
    CARSTAR Danrich
  • Sebastian Torres, Owner-Operator
    CARSTAR Brantford
    CARSTAR Brantford West
    CARSTAR Simcoe

PRODUCER

  • Eliezer Plasencia, Creative Marketing Manager
    Driven Brands Collision

FOLLOW COLLISION BUZZ PODCAST

INSTAGRAM | instagram.com/collisionbuzz

FACEBOOK | facebook.com/collisionbuzzpodcast

View Details

In honor of Women's History Month, this episode highlights the efforts and impacts of our female leaders in the collision repair industry. We are proud to spotlight leading ladies from across all three collision brands, ABRA, CARSTAR, and Fix Auto USA. Our guests share their history, successes, and challenges of being a female in a male-dominated industry as well as insightful commentary on some of the most significant challenges the industry faces today, like the technician shortage.

This episode is hosted by Sabrina Thring, U.S. Collision Chief Operating Officer for Driven Brands.

Thank you to all participants.

GUEST HOST

  • Sabrina Thring, COO, US Collision
    Driven Brands Collision

GUESTS

  • Patricia Fahey, Owner-Operator
    CARSTAR Calgary McKnight
    CARSTAR Calgary Bowness
  • Eve Knudtsen, Owner-Operator
    ABRA Post Falls
    ABRA Spokane
  • Wendy Murray, Owner-Operator
    CARSTAR Murray's
    CARSTAR Port Orchard
    Fix Auto Gig Harbor
    Fix Auto Port Orchard
    Fix Auto Puyallup
  • Selvi Rizk, Owner-Operator
    Fix Auto Brea
    Fix Auto Moreno Valley

PRODUCER

  • Eliezer Plasencia, Creative Marketing Manager
    Driven Brands Collision

FOLLOW COLLISION BUZZ PODCAST

INSTAGRAM | instagram.com/collisionbuzz

FACEBOOK | facebook.com/collisionbuzzpodcast

View Details

In continuation of our three-part series, we take a deeper dive into the origin stories of body shop owners that started with one location and are now successful multi-store owners (MSO). Sharing their successes as well as some of their biggest challenges, these guests divulge their tips, motivations, and reasons for growing their footprint in their respective markets.

Tune in to listen to the second part of our three-part MSO series, hosted by Ron Zappetillo, senior field performance manager on our collision team.

Thank you to all participants.

HOST & CO-HOST

  • Ron Zappetillo, Sr. Field Performance Manager
    Driven Brands Collision
  • Brian Newberry, VP of Development
    Driven Brands Collision

GUESTS

  • Jesse Hord, Owner-Operator
    Fix Auto South Capital City
    Fix Auto Orangevale
    Fix Auto Roseville
  • Mike Chilton, Owner-Operator
    CARSTAR Chilton Auto Body Burlingame North
    CARSTAR Chilton Auto Body Burlingame South
    CARSTAR Chilton Auto Body Oakland
    CARSTAR Chilton Auto Body San Bruno
    CARSTAR Chilton Auto Body SF Wisconsin Street
    CARSTAR Chilton Auto Body Nob Hill
    CARSTAR Chilton Auto Body San Mateo
    CARSTAR Chilton Auto Body San Carlos
    CARSTAR Chilton Auto Body San Rafael
    CARSTAR Chilton Auto Body Santa Clara
    CARSTAR Chilton Auto Body Pleasanton
    CARSTAR Chilton Autobody of Pleasanton - Stanley Boulevard
    CARSTAR Chilton Autobody Hayward
    CARSTAR Chilton Autobody - San Leandro
    Fix Auto Hawthorne

PRODUCER

  • Eliezer Plasencia, Creative Marketing Manager
    Driven Brands Collision

FOLLOW COLLISION BUZZ PODCAST

INSTAGRAM | instagram.com/collisionbuzz

FACEBOOK | facebook.com/collisionbuzzpodcast

View Details

In this three-part series, we take a deeper dive into the origin stories of body shop owners that started with one location and are now successful multi-store owners (MSO). Sharing their successes as well as some of their biggest challenges, these guests divulge their tips, motivations, and reasons for growing their footprint in their respective markets.

Tune in to the first part of our three-part MSO series, hosted by Ron Zappetillo, senior field performance manager on our collision team.

Thank you to all participants.

HOST & CO-HOST

  • Ron Zappetillo, Sr. Field Performance Manager
    Driven Brands Collision
  • Brian Newberry, VP of Development
    Driven Brands Collision

GUESTS

  • Jesse Hord, Owner-Operator
    Fix Auto South Capital City
    Fix Auto Orangevale
    Fix Auto Roseville
  • Mike Chilton, Owner-Operator
    CARSTAR Chilton Auto Body Burlingame North
    CARSTAR Chilton Auto Body Burlingame South
    CARSTAR Chilton Auto Body Oakland
    CARSTAR Chilton Auto Body San Bruno
    CARSTAR Chilton Auto Body SF Wisconsin Street
    CARSTAR Chilton Auto Body Nob Hill
    CARSTAR Chilton Auto Body San Mateo
    CARSTAR Chilton Auto Body San Carlos
    CARSTAR Chilton Auto Body San Rafael
    CARSTAR Chilton Auto Body Santa Clara
    CARSTAR Chilton Auto Body Pleasanton
    CARSTAR Chilton Autobody of Pleasanton - Stanley Boulevard
    CARSTAR Chilton Autobody Hayward
    CARSTAR Chilton Autobody - San Leandro
    Fix Auto Hawthorne

PRODUCER

  • Eliezer Plasencia, Creative Marketing Manager
    Driven Brands Collision

FOLLOW COLLISION BUZZ PODCAST

INSTAGRAM | instagram.com/collisionbuzz

FACEBOOK | facebook.com/collisionbuzzpodcast

View Details

Three, five, and even six days above market average are the impressive cycle time metrics of today's Collision Buzz guests. Cycle time may not always be your body shop’s focus. But, above-average numbers can help lead to improved customer satisfaction, enhanced insurer relationships, increased cash flow, and much more.

Today's guests share some of their exclusive day-to-day tactics on how to master cycle time. Tune in today!

Thank you to all our guests and host in this month's episode.

HOST

  • Ron Zappetillo, Sr. Field Performance Manager
    CARSTAR

GUESTS

  • Jason Wong, Owner-Operator
    CARSTAR Auto World Collision
  • Laura Kottschade, Production Manager
    Jerry's ABRA Auto Body of Mankato
  • Ray Heidari, Owner-Operator
    Fix Auto South San Jose

PRODUCER

  • Eliezer Plasencia, Creative Marketing Manager
    Driven Brands Collision

FOLLOW COLLISION BUZZ PODCAST

INSTAGRAM | instagram.com/collisionbuzz

FACEBOOK | facebook.com/collisionbuzzpodcast

View Details

An integral part of a successful body shop business is maintaining long-term, quality employees. One of the first steps in employee retention is creating a good company culture. Each shop is different, and they all take different approaches to build a positive work environment, but they all share some common key elements. With strong company cultures and low turnovers, today's guests share some of their best practices and techniques, positively impacting their shop culture.

In this episode, franchise owners from the Driven Brands Collision Group open up about things that have helped and challenges they've encountered when creating a good company culture. Please tune in to learn more about their experiences.

Thank you to all our guests and host in this month's episode.

HOST

  • Scott Paul, VP of West Operations (US)
    CARSTAR

GUESTS

  • Gary Boesel, Owner
    CARSTAR Alpine Auto Body, CARSTAR Jordan Road Collision
  • Mark Descoteau, Owner
    CARSTAR Quality Assured - Terminal
  • Arthur Mercado, Owner
    Fix Auto Alameda, Fix Auto Castro Valley,Fix Auto Chico

PRODUCER

  • Eliezer Plasencia, Creative Marketing Manager
    Driven Brands Collision

FOLLOW COLLISION BUZZ PODCAST

INSTAGRAM | instagram.com/collisionbuzz

FACEBOOK | facebook.com/collisionbuzzpodcast

View Details

An integral part of a successful body shop is the ability to maintain and adhere to car standards that frequently evolve with the pace of technology. Achieving this level of training and education requires time, investment, and dedication in order to lead a team that takes pride in staying ahead of the learning curve. In a Collision Buzz first, we invite Doug Schlueter, a representative from I-CAR, the industry leader in continuous training and education.

As necessary and important as is to have continuous training in a successful body shop, it's also important to know how educators are preparing and evolving with the times. I-CAR's participation in today's conversation helps to shed light on their current state of training and what their future holds in store.

Thank you to all our guests and host in this month's episode.

HOST

  • Jenna Smathers, Sr. Manager of LMS & Content Design
    Driven Brands Collision

GUESTS

  • Micah Elsom, Director of Operations
    ABRA Greeley, ABRA Fort Collins
  • Jon Rowcroft, Owner
    CARSTAR Collision of Amherst,CARSTAR Eastern Hills

FEATURED GUEST

  • Doug Schlueter, MSO Business Development Principal
    I-CAR

PRODUCER

  • Eliezer Plasencia, Creative Marketing Manager
    Driven Brands Collision

FOLLOW COLLISION BUZZ PODCAST

INSTAGRAM | instagram.com/collisionbuzz

FACEBOOK | facebook.com/collisionbuzzpodcast

View Details

One of the biggest challenges facing today's body shop industry is the shortage of qualified technicians. Finding the right talent is a skill, an art even, that takes time to master and has become even more necessary in today's post-pandemic world. Sharing from their personal journeys, today's guests divulge some of their best tips to address staffing shortages and find innovative ways to acquire new talent.

Whether you have years of experience in the industry or are new to the business, today's episode will leave you with some tools that will surely improve your scouting and hiring processes.

Thank you to all our guests and host in this month's episode.

HOST

  • Scott Paul, VP of West Operations (US)
    CARSTAR

GUESTS

  • Gary Boesel, Owner
    CARSTAR Alpine Auto Body, CARSTAR Jordan Road Collision
  • Mark Descoteau, Owner
    CARSTAR Quality Assured - Terminal
  • Arthur Mercado, Owner
    Fix Auto Alameda, Fix Auto Castro Valley,Fix Auto Chico

PRODUCER

  • Eliezer Plasencia, Creative Marketing Manager
    Driven Brands Collision

FOLLOW COLLISION BUZZ PODCAST

INSTAGRAM | instagram.com/collisionbuzz

FACEBOOK | facebook.com/collisionbuzzpodcast

View Details

As the world of collision repairs continues to evolve, so do the standards, models, and players that influence the ways in which body shops function and thrive. This month's guests take a moment to discuss the future of OEM certifications and what it means for their body shops, from benefits to challenges and changes resulting from their prominence.

Tune in to learn some of the different ways body shop owners and operators are embracing the OEM evolution and how they're using these new tools to elevate their businesses.

Thank you to all our guests and host in this month's episode.

HOST

  • Dennis O'Mahoney, VP of Business Development
    Fix Auto USA

GUESTS

  • Donald Gray, Regional Operations Manager
    Fix Auto Anaheim, Fix Auto Buena Park, Fix Auto Hi-Line, Fix Auto Orange, Fix Auto Yorba Linda
  • Geralynn Kottschade, CFO and Co-Owner
    Jerry's ABRA Auto Body & Glass
  • Pat Murray, Owner
    Murray's CARSTAR Collision, CARSTAR Port Orchard

PRODUCER

  • Eliezer Plasencia, Creative Marketing Manager
    Driven Brands Collision

FOLLOW COLLISION BUZZ PODCAST

INSTAGRAM | instagram.com/collisionbuzz

FACEBOOK | facebook.com/collisionbuzzpodcast

View Details

This month we take the unique approach of connecting with operators from CARSTAR Canada, CARSTAR US, and Fix Auto USA to discuss their strategies to excelling and achieving top performance in the many scorecards. Our guests and hosts dive into the scorecards they're using as well as how they track, manage, and ensure top performance results.

Tune in to learn what are some of the keys to performance scorecards and see whether your business is setting itself up for success.

Thank you to all our guests and hosts in this month's episode.

HOSTS

  • Tony Mammone, VP of Operations
    CARSTAR Canada
  • Damien Reyna, VP of Insurance
    Driven Brands Collision

GUESTS

  • Kelly Domer, General Manager
    CARSTAR Jordan Road
  • Kekoa Iaea, COO
    Fix Auto 5th Avenue, Fix Auto Fairbanks, Fix Auto Gambell, Fix Auto Juneau, Fix Auto South Anchorage, Fix Auto Valley
  • Curtis Williams, Area Manager of Operations
    CARSTAR Airdrie, CARSTAR Express Elboya, CARSTAR Express Macleod, CARSTAR Calgary Fish Creek, CARSTAR Calgary Heritage, CARSTAR High River, CARSTAR Okotoks, CARSTAR Calgary Shaganappi

PRODUCER

  • Eliezer Plasencia, Creative Marketing Manager
    Driven Brands Collision

FOLLOW COLLISION BUZZ PODCAST

INSTAGRAM | instagram.com/collisionbuzz

FACEBOOK | facebook.com/collisionbuzzpodcast

View Details

2020 was a year unlike any we've ever experienced. In our inaugural episode we bring together Franchise Partners from CARSTAR, ABRA, and Fix Auto USA to discuss the lessons and key takeaways from the global pandemic.

Beginning with initial reactions and leading into strategies that worked, today's guest take a "rearview" look at the Covid-19 pandemic and how we've grown from it. Not everything that was implemented will continue, but there were some valuable lessons to learn from.

Host

  • Landon Thompson, VP of Operations - Fix Auto USA

Guests

  • Jim Ryan, Owner and Operator - ABRA Omaha
  • Joe Saputo, Owner and Operator - CARSTAR Ancaster East, CARSTAR Ancaster West
  • Sheila Samuel, Owner and Operator - Ideal CARSTAR, Ideal CARSTAR Arvada, CARSTAR Ideal Northglenn
  • Ernie Loggarakis, Owner and Operator - Fix Auto Skokie

Producer

  • Eliezer Plasencia, Creative Marketing Manager - Driven Brands Collision

FOLLOW COLLISION BUZZ PODCAST

INSTAGRAM | instagram.com/collisionbuzz

FACEBOOK | facebook.com/collisionbuzzpodcast