The End of Generalist Body Shops, plus Politics, Discussed at SCRS IDEAS Collide
The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) held the IDEAS Collide Showcase (IDEAS) on Wednesday, November 6, during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
The IDEAS Collide Showcase was included in the Full Series Pass, providing the best value and flexibility onsite, or the session could be selected individually.
IDEAS provided a platform for innovative ideas to be shared during multiple fast-paced presentations. The session was designed to challenge speakers and stimulate the audience with concepts that rattled the status quo and ambitious ideas that could have a transformative effect on the industry and the businesses within it.
The 2024 program featured the following speakers and topics:
The Era of the Single-store Generalist Body Shop is Coming to an End
Cole Strandberg, managing director, Focus Investment Banking, LLC, explained how vehicles have become increasingly complex, and the training, equipment, and talent required to repair them have disrupted an industry that’s been around for over a century. He highlighted that this disruption presents a massive opportunity. Depending on their financial resources, skills, and strategic vision, operators have three viable paths forward: specialize, scale, or sell. Each choice has its own set of advantages and challenges, but the one option that isn't on the table is doing nothing.
UN-Divide and Conquer
Jill Tuggle, executive director, Auto Body Association of Texas, addressed the longstanding divisions that have hindered collaboration and education in the collision repair industry for decades. She explained how state associations are taking proactive steps to bridge these gaps by fostering communication, sharing best practices, and advocating for higher industry standards. She emphasized that collision repair businesses can play a vital role in reshaping the industry’s future, ultimately promoting unity and driving positive change for everyone. The answer is to engage with local associations and participate in collaborative initiatives. Together, they can overcome divisiveness and build a stronger, more resilient collision repair community.
Sustainability’s Role in Every Layer of Collision Repair
Christian Ruecker, vice president – mobility sales, Dekra North America, showcased examples of how sustainable practices have contributed to longevity and profitability and how sustainable business practices benefit every stakeholder in the industry, including collision repair.
Peak Blue-Collar: The Evolution of Collision Repair Shops into White-Collar Enterprises
Bill Park, founder of Crunchit Financial Services, discussed how a potential future workforce is balancing a white-collar transformation with technology-driven desires, a focus on flexibility and purpose, and a demand for continuous learning. He described peak blue-collar as a launchpad to embracing the future and understanding how to navigate the divide.
Earning a Return on Capital Spending
Jeramy Holloway, director of aftersales at Spanesi-Americas, talked about how investing in facility and equipment is a necessary aspect of delivering high-quality repairs. He emphasized the importance of understanding how to earn a return on equipment purchases by properly implementing the equipment into the repair process.
The Fine Print of REPAIR Politics
Wayne Weikel, vice president of state government affairs at the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, quoted Plato, saying, “If you do not take an interest in the affairs of your government, then you are doomed to live under the rule of fools.” He explained that it was not just a matter of being interested in politics, but important to understand the motivations influencing policy work in both state capitals and in D.C. He highlighted that without the logic and input from informed members of the community, policy has the potential to be shaped by other vested interests and voted on by individuals who lack the specific understanding of the industry and the economic influences that put pressure on proper repairs. He encouraged participation in the political process and using individual voices to advocate for change, common sense, and consumer protection.
Building the Future Together: Uniting Education, Industry, and Community
Molly Mahoney, national marketing and engagement director for Collision Engineering, discussed the growing demand for skilled collision repair technicians and the Collision Engineering Program's vision that harnesses an impactful collaboration between education, industry, and local communities. She explored how their vision combines hands-on training, innovative educational models, and industry collaboration to pave the way for a brighter future, one where skilled technicians thrive, communities grow, and industries adapt to new challenges.
