Certified Collision Group Returns to Nashville

A record number of affiliates and vendor partners returned to Music City for CCG's annual conference.
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May 1, 2025
2 min read
Jay Sicht
A WINNING TEAM From left, Ryan Taylor, David Black, Jason Taylor, Steve Olson, Chris Ray, and Jesse Parks' panel discussion offered a number of strategies for solving the technician shortage problem.
A WINNING TEAM From left, Ryan Taylor, David Black, Jason Taylor, Steve Olson, Chris Ray, and Jesse Parks' panel discussion offered a number of strategies for solving the technician shortage problem.

The Certified Collision Group returned to Nashville, Tennessee, for its annual conference, Mar. 30 - Apr. 1, and its fourth annual event broke records in the Music City.

"Our annual conference saw a record number of affiliates, vendor and strategic partners in attendance at 400+," said Michelle Sullivan, CEO of Certified Collision Group.
As she noted in her welcoming address, CCG began 10 years ago "to level the playing field and provide a competitive advantage" built on three pillars: improved shop performance, enhanced insurance carrier relationships, and amplified purchasing power.
The energetic conference brought together high-performing CCG affiliates sharing their strategies for success in panel discussions, engaging keynote speakers, and breakout sessions on topics including using AI, how to drill down an examination of financial numbers, how to market OEM certifications, and how adding a CFO to your staff can reap benefits.
A vendor fair with over 40 exhibitors was open during meals and breaks, offering everything from paint to management software from CCG vendor partners.

"It is exciting to see the evolution and growth from our inaugural conference in 2022," Sullivan said. "Value-driven partnerships and trust are the foundation in all that we do. Bringing together the brightest minds across North America and creating the opportunity to collaborate, learn, share ideas and network is powerful, and that is what our conference provides. We introduced a few new programs and will continue to enhance value for our affiliates, vendor and strategic partners in 2025 and beyond."

Jay Sicht
VALUE-DRIVEN PARTNERSHIPS: CEO Michelle Sullivan noted CCG's evolution since its formation 10 years ago to 'level the playing field and provide a competitive advantage.'
VALUE-DRIVEN PARTNERSHIPS: CEO Michelle Sullivan noted CCG's evolution since its formation 10 years ago to "level the playing field and provide a competitive advantage."
Jay Sicht
SONGWRITING ON THE SPOT: Nashville-based songwriter Jimmy Yeary ended the event as the closing keynote speaker with a delightful and often humorous method of writing a song, 'That's Who We Are,' based on attendees' life experiences.
SONGWRITING ON THE SPOT: Nashville-based songwriter Jimmy Yeary ended the event as the closing keynote speaker with a delightful and often humorous method of writing a song, "That's Who We Are," based on attendees' life experiences.
Jay Sicht
OVER 40 VENDOR PARTNERS exhibited at the vendor fair.
OVER 40 VENDOR PARTNERS exhibited at the vendor fair.
Jay Sicht
TALKING SHOP: Carolyne Vasconcellos (left) and Jessica Wanek greet CCG affiliates at the vendor fair.
TALKING SHOP: Carolyne Vasconcellos (left) and Jessica Wanek greet CCG affiliates at the vendor fair.
Jay Sicht
SHOP CFO: In a breakout session, Rachel James, Adam Asby, and Ron Reichen talk about how a shop CFO has a unique perspective on daily operations to maintain profitability.
SHOP CFO: In a breakout session, Rachel James, Adam Asby, and Ron Reichen talk about how a shop CFO has a unique perspective on daily operations to maintain profitability.
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Jay Sicht
ON THE ROOFTOP: Tuesday evening's trek to Jason Aldean's Kitchen + Rooftop Bar for hors d'oeuvres, drinks, and dancing closed out the event.
ON THE ROOFTOP: Tuesday evening's trek to Jason Aldean's Kitchen + Rooftop Bar for hors d'oeuvres, drinks, and dancing closed out the event.
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About the Author

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Jay Sicht

Editor-in-Chief, FenderBender and ABRN

Jay Sicht is editor-in-chief of FenderBender and ABRN. He has worked in the automotive aftermarket for more than 29 years, including in a number of sales and technical support roles in paint/parts distribution and service/repair. He has a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Central Missouri with a minor in aviation, and as a writer and editor, he has covered all segments of the automotive aftermarket for more than 20 of those years, including formerly serving as editor-in-chief of Motor Age and Aftermarket Business World. Connect with him on LinkedIn.

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