CollisionCast is the premier collision repair industry podcast, helping shop owners and operators improve their businesses with real-world solutions to common problems, delivered by leading industry experts and elite shop leaders.
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While Josh Sorel started posting to social media to share his achievements with his wife, he now reaches tens of thousands of followers on Instagram and Facebook with his channel, Josh Refinish. He sits down with Editor-in-Chief Jay Sicht to talk about his refinishing career — now beginning his 23rd year — in which he shows his techniques and test-drives new spray guns, and various prepping…
Claims are down across the country, but Shey Knight, CFO of Autosport Bodyworks in Opelika, Alabama and FenderBender columnist, has some strategies to share on how he approaches the collision repair business. He is not only a 40-year veteran of the industry; as an insurance producer, he has a different perspective than most. Check out his recent column on the subject here .
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, or ADAS, have aided driver safety and prevented or lessened the severity of collisions. At the same time, they require specific procedures to ensure they’re working as designed post-collision. What is the shop’s liability, and how can an operator lessen that risk? In this episode, we're joined by Rebekah Cooper of The Cooper Firm, a nationwide catastrophic…
As more customers turn to AI chatbots and search engine reviews to decide where to bring their car after an accident, if your shop doesn’t have a strong digital brand, you’ve lost a customer before they’ve even had a chance to walk through your door. In our July case study in the magazine, Noah Brown interviewed Megan Fulkerson, founder of 3P Marketing, on how to build a strong online presence and…
Whether you’re wanting to order a sandwich delivery or look up specs on the newest power tool at the big box store, there’s an app for that. General Motors’ Brian Wakefield, director of Global Digital Service Solutions, joins the CollisionCast to talk about the enhancements to its Collision Assistance tool, and how it can help motorists needing a collision repair find your GM-certified shop. For…
As the National Auto Body Council celebrates its 30th anniversary and looks to the next 30 years, we talk with Executive Director Debby Robinson about NABC's various programs and how your shop can get involved. Learn more about the Recycled Rides program, the First Responder Emergency Extrication (F.R.E.E.), and the Changing and Saving Lives Foundation Keys for Change program, which can help you…
There are a number of reasons why you might consider repairing certain plastic parts, including lack of availability of replacement parts, their prohibitive replacement cost, and the rise in customer pay work. How plastic automotive parts are repaired has evolved, but with concern over affecting ADAS functionality, it’s also important to view each repair on a case-by-case basis. To learn more…
Built around proactive microlearning, Collision ProAssist 's BackBay Discord community replaces one-size-fits-all training and opinion-driven social media advice with documented, expert-backed answers that improve estimate accuracy, capture overlooked operations, and strengthen communication between the front office and the shop floor. In this episode, Collision ProAssist's Jason Bartanen explains…
Are you ready to let go of beliefs, habits, emotions, and stories that no longer serve you? In this special Endeavor to Discover episode, Endeavor B2B’s Chris Messer is joined by Mike Jones of Discover Leadership and Louie Sharp, owner of Sharp Auto Body in Chicago. They emphasize that past struggles, negative motivation, anger, fear, or even past success can initially drive achievement—but…
How do you manage safety, human resources, and environmental regulations and management? Wayne Curtis, CEO of KPA, has over 20 years of firsthand experience working with collision centers and auto body shops to help them balance compliance with the challenges of focusing on daily operations. He explains the reasons why although the Trump administration has softened certain safety and environmental…
He built 14 stores. Then he sold 10 of them — one by one — during one of the toughest economic downturns in modern history. In Fearless to Courageous, James Baxter reveals the sleepless nights, payroll fears, and hard leadership decisions that reshaped his company, and why focusing on four strong stores made him more profitable than ever before. If you’re an entrepreneur navigating growth,…
The Women’s Industry Network’s mission is to attract, develop, and promote women into collision repair professions. And there is still time to register for Empowering Excellence, the 2026 WIN Conference, May 4-6 in Tucson, Arizona. Blair Womble, director of strategic account services with Caliber Collision; and Nicole Carpenter, head of marketing at VIVE Collision, join the CollisionCast to tell…
More drivers these days are choosing to pay out of pocket instead of filing an insurance claim. At FenderBender, we know of some shop owners reporting as much as a 30 percent increase in customer-pay work. In today’s episode, Rich Harrison, CEO of MSO CollisionRight, explains the reasons for this shift, how this evolution creates both pressure and opportunity, and how shop owners and operators can…
Safety inspections, including but not limited to restraint systems, steering gear, and collapsible steering columns, are of utmost importance when required by an OEM. But with the amount of procedure research required, they can be labor-intensive before the toolbox even opens. Here to talk about those inspections is Gerry Rosenbarker, general manager of Mohawk Collision Center, and two members of…
What if the biggest thing holding you back isn’t your goals — but how you’re framing them? In this special Endeavor to Discover episode, Chris Messer, vice president of transportation at Endeavor Business Media, sits down with Mike Jones, president of Discover Leadership, alongside editorial director Chris Jones for a powerful conversation on fighting forward. From personal growth to shop…
In the second part of this two-part podcast, Dave Luehr of Elite Body Shop Solutions joins the CollisionCast to discuss how a transformational approach to the customer experience can allow you to have customers for life through your unique selling propositions. If you have OEM certifications, we discuss ways you can maximize your ROI at the dealership service lane, plus how to change what you can…
In trying times, independent collision repairers are positioned to succeed by leveraging community relationships, reputation, and ability to quickly adapt, including custom programs to capitalize on the rising trend of customer-pay work. In part 1 of this episode, Dave Luehr, owner of Elite Body Shop Solutions, joins the CollisionCast to talk about how the best time to be independent is now. We'll…
What's the state of the labor shortage in the collision repair industry, and what are some strategies for recruiting and retention? Crash Champions Founder and CEO Matt Ebert joins the CollisionCast to talk about how more young people are choosing skilled trades careers over traditional college educations, how the company's Skills Training Education Program apprenticeship is designed to get a…
In this Endeavor to Discover special episode of CollisionCast, Endeavor B2B's Chris Messer and Discover Leadership's Mike Jones dive into why your mindset — not your skill set — determines the trajectory of your business. From the power of surrounding yourself with the right people to embracing change in a fast-moving industry, this episode challenges shop owners and leaders to elevate their…
Do you have a toxic team, or does your shop have a family atmosphere? Today, we’re talking about toxic leadership and team conflict in collision repair. Dr. Paul White, co-author of The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace, joins the CollisionCast with speaker and coach Sheryl Driggers of Collision Advice, who's also a former collision repair shop owner, for real talk about tough people,…
I-CAR President and CEO Kyle Thompson joins the CollisionCast to highlight the organization's focus on talent development. Highlights of this year include the rollout of the I-CAR Academy and Registered Apprentice Program, plus the organization's strong partnerships with ASE, CREF, the Collision Career Institute, and WrenchWay. Hear how these collaborations act as “force multipliers” to help…
Boost productivity, reduce turnover, and elevate morale by mastering one overlooked leadership skill: showing appreciation. Dr. Paul White, co-author of The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace, joins the CollisionCast with speaker and coach Sheryl Driggers of Collision Advice, who's also a former collision repair shop owner, to talk about how misconceptions could be hurting your…
In business, conflict is inevitable, whether it’s from customers or your staff. As Mike Jones, founder and president of Discover Leadership, points out, conflict often arises because people operate from their own “belief systems.” In this special episode, Mike joins Chris Messer, executive vice president of EndeavorB2B’s vehicle service and repair group, and Randy O’Connor, owner of Dealer to…
In this episode, we’ll be talking with Andrew McInnes, FCSD, Collision & Global Brand Protection Manager, Ford Motor Company, about how the OEM recently updated its position statements for all Ford and Lincoln vehicles from 1996 and later to include a powerful word change to “required,” and the reasons for that change. For more information and the links to those position statements, go to:…
Do you have an “I can” attitude…or an “I will” one? You may recall the protagonist in the children’s book “The Little Engine That Could” overcoming a seemingly impossible task. But according to Mike Jones, president and master trainer at Discover Leadership, “I can” is a statement only of potential. And saying, “I will try” can set oneself up with an excuse for failure. In this special…
Last year, U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized over 211,000 counterfeit auto parts, a whopping doubling from the number seized the previous year. This issue goes beyond selling an unlicensed copy of an emblem. NHTSA identified five known cases of death or serious injury in 2023 and 2024 in which the vehicle was equipped with a defective counterfeit air bag. In this episode, Bob Stewart,…
Owners of late-model Audis can better find your Audi Authorized shop with the OEM's latest offering. Mark Allen, manager of collision equipment and EV after sales service at Audi of America, joins the CollisionCast to talk about the Audi Roadside Events Platform, a telematics-based roadside assistance and collision notification platform available in all Audi vehicles from 2016 and newer. It's…
Leadership isn’t just for those with a title. Every team member has a leadership role. Whether you're a manager or a technician, success comes from shared vision, ownership, and consistent action. Great cultures are built intentionally by people who lead from the front, together. Everyone, regardless of their role, has the power (and responsibility) to lead by example. In this special episode of…
There are several reasons to consider adding ADAS calibration, including reducing cycle time, offering a profitable service, or gaining control over quality. Steve Dawson, regional manager in the Washington, D.C., area for Hunter Engineering, joins the CollisionCast to talk about what you might need for a facility and the return on investment you can expect, which Steve says can be recouped in as…
Are you a manager, or are you a leader? Do you know the distinction? If you are setting specific outcomes and making sure projects are moving forward, not just waiting until the deadline, you’re likely a leader, someone who follows up and follows through. For over 30 years, Mike Jones, president and master trainer at Discover Leadership Training, has urged his followers to follow up and follow…
As it relates to ADAS calibrations in collision repair shops, what is the skill level of technicians? AirPro Diagnostics conducted a survey and presented the data to professors at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Florida, for analysis. The 26-page report from Dr. Debbie Wang and Dr. Pingying Zhang, "Skilled Labor Shortage in Auto Collision Industry Posts Motorist Safety Risk," was…
In this episode, we explore the critical role that training and development play in driving success at CARSTAR, one of the leading collision repair networks in the country. Our guest, a proud CARSTAR owner, opens up about the inspiration behind making employee growth a top priority and how this focus has transformed both their team and customer experience.
For anyone who has ever uttered the words, “failure is not an option,” Mike Jones, president and master trainer at Discover Leadership Training, has a message you should consider. In this special edition of CollisionCast, Jones, who works extensively with small to medium-sized business owners and their teams on evolving to improve, talks with Chris Messer, the executive vice president of the…
At a time when many across the country are experiencing slowing sales, Greg Lobsiger, owner of Loren's Body Shop in Bluffton, Indiana, and monthly FenderBender Shop Profits columnist, had the best sales month since his grandfather opened the shop in 1951. Lobsiger offers a message of hope and a few tips shop owners and operators can implement immediately, and at little cost, to help bring more…
The on-again, off-again nature of the various tariffs that apply to our industry can be confusing. To help our listeners gain a better understanding of what tariffs currently apply and how they could soon affect collision repairers, we talk with veteran analyst PartsTrader Chief Industry Relations Officer Greg Horn. Go here for a summary on FenderBender.com of Greg's blog post, as well as a link…
In California, the Bureau of Automotive Repair is implementing new regulations July 1 that will change how collision repairers will do business. These changes will be detailed in the Write it Right guide, also on July 1. Andrew Batenhorst, body shop manager of Pacific BMW in Glendale, California, Glendale and Foothill chapter president of the California Autobody Association, and FenderBender…
Vehicle complexity, including the growing average number of replacement parts — up by 15% — and lightweight parts that more often need to be replaced instead of repaired, means repair times are longer and the labor required for this is more specialized. This has increased severity. Meanwhile, claims frequency is down. In this CollisionCast episode, John Barbagallo, strategic advisor for fleet…
A paint booth is essentially a large air mover. The freer air can move in and out, the better off you'll be. But if a booth is imbalanced, the air can be turbulent and dirty, and that creates more work to sand out and polish dirt nibs. In this CollisionCast episode, sponsored by Accudraft Paint Booths, Editor-in-Chief Jay Sicht sits down with Jeremy Winters, content and marketing at Accudraft, to…
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, formed in 1949 by what is now known as Mental Health America. This year, its campaign theme is "Turn Awareness into Action," which celebrates "the progress we've made in recognizing the importance of mental health — and challenging us to turn understanding into meaningful steps toward change." In this month's FenderBender magazine feature , Andy Tylka, owner…
Join this episode of the CollisionCast, in which Mike Brockway, owner of Dabler Auto Body & Collision Repair in Salem, Oregon, talks with Editor-in-Chief Jay Sicht about some of the challenges facing the collision repair industry today, including pushback from insurers on certain line items, and how he plans to meet the challenges in the coming months.
Beginning in May, 3M is rolling out its new Front Office Collision Repair Training course. Intended for repair planners/estimators, adjusters, collision repair shop managers and owners, the focus of the three-day course is on foundational processes in the body repair and paint shop areas. FenderBender Editor-in-Chief Jay Sicht talks with the two who developed the course, 3M Digital Performance…
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…
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.
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 .
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…
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.
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.
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.
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.
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…
