Trailblazing Leadership in Collision Repair: The Inspiring Journey of April Lausch

Looking at April Lausch today — manager of the highly-successful Faulkner Collision Center of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and the recipient of nearly 20 prestigious industry awards — it’s hard to imagine there was ever a time when she was unfamiliar with the world of collision…but, she says, that’s exactly how it all began 30 years ago.

After graduating with a degree in business and accounting, Lausch was offered the position of office manager at a small collision shop, Brookside Collision, where she would gain her first glimpse into the world she now adores.

Learning alongside a formative manager, Joe, and embracing the opportunity to attend estimating school, Lausch officially caught the bug. And the industry has benefited every day since. 

“I don’t know when the last time was that I actually stopped, honestly,” Lausch admits. But it’s that unstoppable work ethic, that unstoppable drive, that’s helped her achieve what would take two lifetimes for most.

A Trailblazer Out of the Gate

After having a conversation with Lausch, you leave certain of this — she never gives less than 100% effort to everything she takes on. 

“When I put my mind to something, I make it happen, no matter what,” she says. And she’s got the track record to prove it. 

After working at Brookside for about five years, she moved on to a full-time estimating position with a Chevy dealership for the next five, again learning everything she possibly could from her manager, Paul, and the techs in the shop. She then joined Faulkner Collision Center of Lancaster 16 years ago as an estimator and quickly moved into management within the first year — again, surrounded by excellent mentors and colleagues. 

Lausch didn’t waste any time obtaining Certified Collision Repair Center (CCRC) status through BMW, something several previous managers had attempted but never successfully finished. At the time, Lausch was one of only three women in the U.S. leading a team that achieved the designation. 

“We did it in 16 months,” she says. “For 16 months straight, we flew to California, North Carolina, and New Jersey whenever we had to. Anywhere there was a class that we had to take, we flew somebody there to take it.” 

Tesla, Porsche, and Volvo certifications followed, cementing the Lancaster shop as the go-to for high-end repairs in the 10-location Faulkner Collision Center network throughout Pennsylvania. 

“We have those dealers close to us, and they trusted me to take the high-end line and run with it.” 

As manager, Lausch says her mission is to lead with integrity, elevate repair excellence, and deliver an experience that leaves every customer the team serves feeling confident in their work. 

“I am committed to building a culture where craftsmanship, safety, and accountability are nonnegotiable, where my team is empowered to perform at their highest level, and where every vehicle leaving our facility reflects the quality and trust that define the Faulkner name,” she adds. “Through clear communication, operational discipline, and unwavering dedication to doing what’s right, I strive to create an environment where customers feel supported, employees feel valued, and our collision center consistently sets the standard for performance and professionalism.” 

Every repair, says Lausch, is completed with meticulous attention to detail using only OEM-approved methods by highly trained, certified techs. The technology of today’s vehicles requires nothing less, in her opinion. 

“The cars are changing daily, weekly. If you don't stay on top of the tech, then you're going to fall behind. That’s why my team and I complete OEM certifications. I’m I-CAR Platinum-certified and the shop is Gold Class.” 

And speaking of her team, Lausch shares that the best advice she ever received was this: “Your techs don’t work for you; they work with you.” 

“You’re only as good as your team,” she adds, and hers, she says, is exceptional. 

“They’re my family.” 

Taking Notice

Lausch’s conscientious approach to shop operation and repairs has garnered plenty of attention from the industry, both for her personally and the shop, collectively. 

In the past several years, alone, Faulkner Collision Center of Lancaster was named BMW’s #1 Shop of the Year (2023), and Lausch and the shop were awarded I-CAR’s two highest honors simultaneously in 2025: Lausch won the Jeff Silver Memorial Award for Platinum individuals and the shop won the Russ Verona Memorial Award for Gold Class collision repair shops. 

It’s only the second time that a shop and its leader have won the awards together, and only the second time in the history of the Jeff Silver Memorial Award that a woman has won. 

The recognition is the latest in a long string of accolades bestowed on Lausch and her team—tangible proof of just how committed to her work she truly is. 

“I remember going to my first BMW conference in 2015, and at the awards ceremony I thought to myself, ‘We’re going to be up there on stage one day, winning #1 shop in the country.’ I knew our amazing team would make it happen, and we did it! It was a huge honor, and I’m hopeful we’ll do it again this year. Regardless, I’m incredibly proud of our team — we’ve been top three in the U.S. the last three years, and that is quite the accomplishment!” 

As we talk about it, she humbly admits the attention is surreal at times — but she’s extremely appreciative that people have taken notice of her and her team’s tireless work both in and out of the shop.

 “The recognition…not that I need to be recognized…but it drives me even more because I know there’s people who care about me and my accomplishments outside of just making money for the shop.” 

It Takes a Village

The kind of success Lausch has achieved didn’t happen overnight, and it wouldn’t have happened at all without the backing of her husband and kids, she says, and the mentorship she’s received from her colleagues in the industry over the years. 

“My husband is amazingly supportive, as are my kids,” she says proudly. “I am so grateful for them. My mentors, too — without them, my career likely would have headed in a very different direction.” 

It’s one of the reasons she’s so passionate about mentoring other up-and-comers in the industry, and finding ways to attract new talent for the future. 

Lausch serves as vice president of the Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology Foundation Board and chairs their occupational advisory committee (OAC) as well. She’s also chair of the Central Pennsylvania I-CAR Committee. 

 “I wish more people understood just how multifaceted the industry really is, and how many different opportunities exist. If the first avenue you try isn’t for you, try another! We can teach anyone anything they need to know to be in the industry. When I see someone drop out [of tech school] I just want to grab them and say no, no, no, no…we’ve got a place for you, you just haven’t found it yet!” 

Another invaluable avenue of growth for Lausch, she says, has been the Women’s Industry Network (WIN), an organization devoted to attracting and supporting women in the field of collision. She was recognized with their “Most Influential Women in the Collision Repair Industry” award in 2023. 

“Being part of WIN has given me a combination of professional growth, community support, and industry visibility that I wouldn’t have found anywhere else. It’s empowering to be part of a movement that highlights women’s contributions in a traditionally male-dominated field, and help shape a more inclusive future for the industry.” 

The Lausch Roadmap

Want to follow in Lausch’s footsteps? Here’s how, in her own words. 

Focus on People First

Your technicians, estimators, CSRs, and parts staff  are  the business. 

 “Invest in training and certifications so they stay sharp. Create a culture where people feel respected and supported. And communicate expectations clearly and consistently. Shops with strong teams outperform shops with fancy equipment every time.” 

 Lead With Integrity

Always repair vehicles to OEM standards and document everything. 

 “Shops that cut corners eventually get exposed,” warns Lausch. “Stand behind your work. Reputation is currency in this industry!” 

 Work Hard, Give Back

 “Faulkner is a place where hard work is recognized, teamwork is real, and you’re given the tools to succeed in a fastmoving, customer-focused environment,” Lausch says. 

 It’s also a place where that success is shared. 

 One of the hallmarks of Faulkner’s businesses — which also includes a network of dealerships in addition to the Collision Centers — is a long-standing commitment to giving back to the communities they’ve served for 90 years. The Faulkner Family Foundation contributes to a variety of charitable causes on a large scale, and teammates in all areas of the business are encouraged to find ways to make a difference in their local markets.  

With the company’s support, Lausch and her team have refurbished 30 cars for the National Auto Body Council (NABC) Recycled Rides program since she first started — eight just in the last year. They also lead the annual NABC First Responders Emergency Extraction (F.R.E.E.) event for the committee that Lausch chairs through the NABC, where she serves on the board of directors.

“Serving on the NABC board has been an incredibly meaningful experience. Their passion, integrity, and commitment to giving back inspire real and lasting change. I’m proud to support & serve a Board that leads with purpose, compassion, and a true sense of service to our industry and our communities where we are ‘changing and saving lives.’” 

Unusable parts are often donated to local schools for training as well, and, over the course of the last three years, Lausch and her team have raised $100,000 through fundraisers for scholarship funds. She also had the opportunity to partner recently with NHRA racer Steve Johnson to expand his Be a Technician scholarship program, after two students she was helping received the award. 

“Together with the ASE Education Foundation, we found ways to grow the scholarship to reach even more students. It was incredibly rewarding to speak to the recipients and follow up with them after they started their careers in collision and hear how his scholarship changed their lives.”

“Things like that, they drive me,” Lausch says. “Knowing that we’re making a difference not just in our customers’ lives, but in the lives of so many other people outside these four walls, too…it’s motivating, for sure.”