Collision Buzz

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!

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.

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 CollisionBrian Newberry,VP of Development - US Collision Driven Brands CollisionTony Mammone,VP of Strategy & Analytics - CARSTAR Canada CARSTAR CanadaLesa Laird, VP of Franchise Services - US Collision Driven Brands Collision HOST Ron ZappetilloSr. Field Performance Manager Driven Brands CollisionPRODUCER Eliezer PlasenciaCreative Marketing Manager Driven Brands Collision

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 CollisionBrian Newberry,VP of Development - US Collision Driven Brands CollisionTony Mammone,VP of Strategy & Analytics - CARSTAR Canada CARSTAR CanadaLesa Laird, VP of Franchise Services - US Collision Driven Brands Collision HOST Ron ZappetilloSr. Field Performance Manager Driven Brands CollisionPRODUCER Eliezer PlasenciaCreative Marketing Manager Driven Brands Collision

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 MAUMELLEHOST Ron ZappetilloSr. Field Performance Manager Driven Brands CollisionPRODUCER Eliezer PlasenciaCreative Marketing Manager Driven Brands Collision

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/collisionbuzzpodcast FACEBOOK | facebook.com/collisionbuzzpodcast Thank you to all of our guests in this episode for their participation. GUESTS CARSTAR North TorontoErnie LoggarakisOwner and Operator Fix Auto SkokieJason WongOwner-Operator CARSTAR Auto World Collision CARSTAR Auto World Collision San JoseMicah ElsomDirector of Operations ABRA Fort Collins ABRA GreeleyHOST Ron ZappetilloSr. Field Performance Manager Driven Brands CollisionPRODUCER Eliezer PlasenciaCreative Marketing Manager Driven Brands Collision

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/collisionbuzzpodcast FACEBOOK | facebook.com/collisionbuzzpodcast Thank you to all our guests in this month's episode. GUESTS Fix Auto Santee 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 Fix Auto Capital City Fix Auto Orangevale Fix Auto Roseville Fix Auto Skokie HOSTS Driven Brands Driven Brands PRODUCER Creative Marketing Manager Driven Brands Collision

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, who shares 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/collisionbuzzpodcast FACEBOOK | facebook.com/collisionbuzzpodcast Thank you to all our guests in this month's episode. GUESTS Mike AndersonConsultant and Speaker Collision Advice Kris JoeckelField Performance Manager ABRA Auto Body Repair Erik Long, Field Performance Manager Fix Auto USA HOST Sr. Field Performance Manager CARSTAR PRODUCER Creative Marketing Manager Driven Brands Collision

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/collisionbuzzpodcast FACEBOOK | facebook.com/collisionbuzzpodcast Thank you to all our guests in this month's episode. GUESTS Mike AndersonConsultant and Speaker Collision Advice Kris JoeckelField Performance Manager ABRA Auto Body Repair Erik Long, Field Performance Manager Fix Auto USA HOST Sr. Field Performance Manager CARSTAR PRODUCER Creative Marketing Manager Driven Brands Collision

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/collisionbuzzpodcast 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 TorresOwner-Operator CARSTAR Brantford CARSTAR Brantford Westd CARSTAR Simcoe Jamie WhiteOwner-Operator CARSTAR Universal of Fort Oglethorpe Dalton CARSTAR South Ken's CARSTAR North HOST Jennifer PaulinoSr. Director of Marketing Driven Brands Collision PRODUCER Creative Marketing Manager Driven Brands Collision

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/collisionbuzzpodcast FACEBOOK | facebook.com/collisionbuzzpodcast GUESTS (Part 1 - Opus IVS) David JosephProduct Manager Opus IVSSean ColesManager CARSTAR Direct Repair CollisionSnehal ShahOwner-Operator Fix Auto Fremont(Part 2 - asTech) Chris ChesneyVP of Training & Organizational Development asTech (Repairify)Donald GrayRegional Operations Manager Fix Auto Anaheim Fix Auto Buena Park Fix Auto Hi-Line Fix Auto Orange Fix Auto Yorba LindaKelly DomerGeneral Manager CARSTAR Jordan Road HOST Ron ZappetilloSr. Field Performance Manager Driven Brands Collision PRODUCER Creative Marketing Manager Driven Brands Collision

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 ZappetilloSr. Field Performance Manager Driven Brands Collision GUESTS Jim HansenOwner-Operator ABRA Auto Body Grand ForksColin ManuelOwner-Operator CARSTAR MiramichiSteve SpringerOwner-Operator Fix Auto Gilroy Fix Auto San Jose Fix Auto SunnyvaleJamie WhiteOwner-Operator CARSTAR Universal of Fort Oglethorpe Dalton CARSTAR South Ken's CARSTAR NorthPRODUCER Creative Marketing Manager Driven Brands Collision FOLLOW THE COLLISION BUZZ PODCAST INSTAGRAM | instagram.com/collisionbuzzpodcast FACEBOOK | facebook.com/collisionbuzzpodcast

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 ZappetilloSr. Field Performance Manager Driven Brands Collision GUESTS David CaulfieldOwner-Operator Fix Auto Anaheim NorthClarke SchwartzManaging Director CARSTAR DanrichSebastian TorresOwner-Operator CARSTAR Brantford CARSTAR Brantford West CARSTAR Simcoe PRODUCER Creative Marketing Manager Driven Brands Collision FOLLOW THE COLLISION BUZZ PODCAST INSTAGRAM | instagram.com/collisionbuzzpodcast FACEBOOK | facebook.com/collisionbuzzpodcast

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 ThringCOO, US Collision Driven Brands Collision GUESTS Patricia FaheyOwner-Operator CARSTAR Calgary McKnight CARSTAR Calgary Bowness Eve KnudtsenOwner-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 Creative Marketing Manager Driven Brands Collision FOLLOW THE COLLISION BUZZ PODCAST INSTAGRAM | instagram.com/collisionbuzzpodcast FACEBOOK | facebook.com/collisionbuzzpodcast

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 ZappetilloSr. Field Performance Manager Driven Brands CollisionBrian NewberryVP of Development Driven Brands Collision GUESTS Jesse HordOwner-Operator Fix Auto South Capital City Fix Auto Orangevale Fix Auto RosevilleMike ChiltonOwner-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 Creative Marketing Manager Driven Brands Collision FOLLOW THE COLLISION BUZZ PODCAST INSTAGRAM | instagram.com/collisionbuzzpodcast FACEBOOK | facebook.com/collisionbuzzpodcast

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 ZappetilloSr. Field Performance Manager Driven Brands CollisionBrian NewberryVP of Development Driven Brands Collision GUESTS Jesse HordOwner-Operator Fix Auto South Capital City Fix Auto Orangevale Fix Auto RosevilleMike ChiltonOwner-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 Creative Marketing Manager Driven Brands Collision FOLLOW THE COLLISION BUZZ PODCAST INSTAGRAM | instagram.com/collisionbuzzpodcast FACEBOOK | facebook.com/collisionbuzzpodcast

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 ZappetilloSr. Field Performance Manager CARSTAR GUESTS Jason WongOwner-Operator CARSTAR Auto World CollisionLaura KottschadeProduction Manager Jerry's ABRA Auto Body of MankatoRay HeidariOwner-Operator Fix Auto South San Jose PRODUCER Creative Marketing Manager Driven Brands Collision FOLLOW THE COLLISION BUZZ PODCAST INSTAGRAM | instagram.com/collisionbuzzpodcast FACEBOOK | facebook.com/collisionbuzzpodcast

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 PaulVP of West Operations (US) CARSTAR GUESTS Gary BoeselOwner CARSTAR Alpine Auto BodyCARSTAR Jordan Road CollisionMark DescoteauOwner CARSTAR Quality Assured - TerminalArthur MercadoOwner Fix Auto Alameda, Fix Auto Castro Valley, Fix Auto Chico PRODUCER Creative Marketing Manager Driven Brands Collision FOLLOW THE COLLISION BUZZ PODCAST INSTAGRAM | instagram.com/collisionbuzzpodcast FACEBOOK | facebook.com/collisionbuzzpodcast

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 SmathersSr. Manager of LMS & Content Design Driven Brands Collision GUESTS Micah ElsomDirector of Operations ABRA GreeleyABRA Fort CollinsJon RowcroftOwner CARSTAR Collision of Amherst, CARSTAR Eastern Hills FEATURED GUEST Doug Schlueter I-CAR PRODUCER Creative Marketing Manager Driven Brands Collision FOLLOW THE COLLISION BUZZ PODCAST INSTAGRAM | instagram.com/collisionbuzzpodcast FACEBOOK | facebook.com/collisionbuzzpodcast

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 PaulVP of West Operations (US) CARSTAR GUESTS Gary BoeselOwner CARSTAR Alpine Auto BodyCARSTAR Jordan Road CollisionMark DescoteauOwner CARSTAR Quality Assured - TerminalArthur MercadoOwner Fix Auto Alameda, Fix Auto Castro Valley, Fix Auto Chico PRODUCER Creative Marketing Manager Driven Brands Collision FOLLOW THE COLLISION BUZZ PODCAST INSTAGRAM | instagram.com/collisionbuzzpodcast FACEBOOK | facebook.com/collisionbuzzpodcast