Collision Repair Industry Q&A

Questions and Answers from the Collision Repair Industry

Although we’re experts in the collision industry, the changing automotive landscape brings several questions to the surface that we might not have the answers to.

We can all relate to being a student, sitting in a classroom and asking the teacher a question, like “How do I solve this math problem?” But when you’re the leader in your shop, you’re expected to have all of the answers – for your staff, technicians and customers.

Although we’re experts in the collision industry, the changing automotive landscape brings several questions to the surface that we might not have the answers to. Every year for the past 22 years, BodyShop Business’ Reader’s Choice issue has provided answers to your questions. This year, we selected the best four questions we received, covering such topics as paint and materials, vehicle technology, marketing and labor rates.

With all of your questions being answered in this special issue, I wanted to leave you with one more: what’s next?

New challenges come knocking at our door each day, and our character is built on how we respond to them. The April 2021 issue was my last issue as the publisher of BodyShop Business, as a new door has opened for me at Babcox Media. My new role will offer me the opportunity to work with all of the Babcox Media brands from a content/revenue perspective across multimedia platforms. I am passing the torch to a familiar face who will continue to provide answers to your questions. Please help me in welcoming back Sean Donohue as the “new” publisher. His previous experience will serve you well, and he’ll be here to answer your future questions.

I’m thankful for the opportunity to have been the publisher of BodyShop Business and introduced to so many new colleagues and friends during my time with the magazine. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions, and I look forward to following the future of the collision industry with you as a reader of the magazine.

You May Also Like

Welder Woman: Forging a Trail with Fire

Jaime Shewbridge is the first woman to have won the 2020 I-CAR Instructor of the Year award and the 2021 Welding Instructor of the Year award — and she’s not done yet.

Spending 30 years in any industry is a major accomplishment. Spending 30 years as a woman in the collision industry is an especially impressive feat, considering how few women were part of the automotive sector as a whole in the early 1990s. Over the last three decades, Jaime Shewbridge has worn a lot of hats. Even today, she is an I-CAR HOSD/welding instructor, Capital Collision Equipment equipment trainer and State Farm P&C claims associate. 

The Evolution of Women in the Collision Industry

Unlike 20 years ago, women today are valued and very well-respected in the collision industry.

Auto Body Shop Owner Writes Book on Customer Service

After many years in the collision industry, Zach Dillard used his experience to write a book that any business can use to create happy customers and employees.

23 Mile Collision: The Young and the Restless

22-year-old Daniel Sumner has big dreams for his dad’s shop.

CARSTAR Little Elm: Family and Passion

For the Royer family, owners of CARSTAR Little Elm in Little Elm, Texas, working together is a celebration of their passion for performance and commitment to their customers.

Other Posts

Retaining Collision Techs: Non-Qualified Benefits

Non-qualified benefits help your company protect itself against the loss of the people who make the most significant contributions.

Giving Back: ROI for your Auto Body Business and Soul

If you can incorporate the spirit of philanthropy into the culture of your company, it will deliver dividends for years to come.

North Carolina SkillsUSA Winner Prepares for Nationals

After winning the North Carolina State SkillsUSA competition, Fayetteville Technical Community College student James Song is heading to Nationals.

Atlanta I-CAR Committee, CREF Boost Local Collision Schools

Instructor Leroy Goodwin of Paulding County High School was able to develop a strong auto body program in a short time thanks to the Atlanta I-CAR Committee and CREF.