The Collision Vision

Welcome back to The Collision Vision , driven by Autobody News. I'm your host, Cole Strandberg. There are people in this industry who build great businesses. There are others who have an incredible ability to identify opportunities, attract great people, and build organizations around them. Today's guest has spent his career doing both. Jacob Tilzer is the Founder and Managing Partner of Accrual Equity Partners, but many in the collision industry know him best as the founder of Kaizen Collision, which he built from a single location into one of the industry's fastest-growing multi-shop operators. But the Kaizen story is really only part of this conversation. Today, Jacob is building again — investing in and growing businesses across automotive, assembling an incredible team at Accrual Equity Partners, and partnering with entrepreneurs and operators to build the next generation of automotive companies. And this one is a little personal for me. Jacob is one of the guys responsible for bringing me into the organization I'm part of today, NBB, and I've had a front-row seat to one of the things I find most interesting about him: his ability to convince incredibly talented people to come build alongside him. His ability to create, and share, a vision. We'll talk about his journey, the rise of Kaizen, what he learned scaling and ultimately exiting the business, and how those lessons influence the way he invests and builds today. We'll also get into the opportunity he sees across automotive, what he looks for in businesses and founders, how he thinks about talent, and what he believes the next generation of great automotive platforms will look like. Because ultimately, building something great isn't just about finding the right opportunity. It's about finding the right people to build it with. Let's get into it.

Welcome back to The Collision Vision, driven by Autobody News. I'm your host, Cole Strandberg. On a recent episode of the podcast, I sat down with Juan Carlos Gasga Perez, owner of Premier Auto Body and the technician and educator behind Auto Body Strong. We talked about his journey, the evolution of the modern collision technician, and the role that better training, better tools, and better processes play in performing increasingly complex repairs the right way. But there was another part of that conversation that really stood out: the way Juan is helping make the craft of collision repair visible. The response to our content with Juan was incredible, and it raises a bigger question for an industry that spends a lot of time talking about the technician shortage: Are we doing enough to make collision repair a career people actually aspire to? Joining me today to dig into that are Erin Solis and Sheryl Driggers. We'll talk about what stood out from the Juan conversation, how technicians are learning today, and what shops can do to create better pathways for their people to grow. We'll also get into recruiting, retention, mentorship, social media, and how we can do a better job celebrating the skill and craftsmanship that already exists throughout this industry. Because maybe solving the technician shortage isn't only about finding more people. Maybe it starts with building careers people don't want to leave — and showing the next generation why they should want to be here in the first place. Let's get into it. Connect with Erin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-killcoyne-solis-534470105 https://squareonesystems.com/ Connect with Sheryl: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheryldriggers/

Welcome back to The Collision Vision, driven by Autobody News. I'm your host, Cole Strandberg. Collision repair is becoming more technical every year. New materials, more sophisticated joining methods, advanced measuring systems, OEM procedures, and increasingly complex vehicles have raised the bar for what it means to perform a proper repair. But ultimately, all of that technology still comes down to the person holding the tools. Today's guest is Juan Carlos Gasga Perez, owner of Premier Auto Body and the technician and educator behind Auto Body Strong. Juan has built a massive following by doing something relatively simple: showing the industry what great collision repair looks like in the real world. We'll talk about his journey from technician to shop owner, how Auto Body Strong became an educational platform for technicians around the world, and what he's learned by putting his work in front of such a large audience. We'll also get into the technical side — from structural repair and measuring to welding, equipment, efficiency, and what it really takes to perform today's increasingly complex repairs the right way. And finally, we'll look ahead at the technician of the future, and how better training, better tools, and maybe even social media can help us build the next generation of collision repair professionals. Because as sophisticated as the vehicles and technology become, great repairs still depend on great technicians. Let's get into it. Follow Juan: Instagram Youtube

Welcome back to The Collision Vision, driven by Autobody News. I'm your host, Cole Strandberg. On a recent episode of the podcast, I sat down with Fox and Gerard of ADAS Calibrations of Hawaii to discuss how they built a dedicated ADAS calibration business from the ground up. We talked about everything from facility design and workflow to documentation, technician development, and why they believe successful calibrations are driven more by process than equipment. That conversation sparked a bigger question: What does "doing ADAS right" actually look like? So today, we're taking that discussion one step further. Joining me for a roundtable conversation are Sheryl Driggers, Erin Solis, and Dave Agnew — three industry experts who have spent years helping collision repair businesses navigate the growing complexity of ADAS. Together, we'll unpack some of the biggest themes from my conversation with Fox and Gerard, discuss where they agree, where they may see things differently, and explore what today's collision operators need to understand as ADAS becomes an increasingly critical part of every repair. Because as vehicles continue to evolve, success isn't just about having the right technology. It's about building the right processes, developing the right people, and creating a culture that prioritizes precision every step of the way. Let's get into it. Connect with David: dagnew@hunter.com https://www.hunter.com/ Connect with Erin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-killcoyne-solis-534470105 https://squareonesystems.com/ Connect with Sheryl: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheryldriggers/

Welcome back to The Collision Vision, driven by Autobody News. I'm your host, Cole Strandberg. Collision repair has never lacked for technical expertise. But as our industry continues to evolve, success increasingly depends on something else: strong leadership, meaningful relationships, and a willingness to keep learning. Today's guest is Dan Carranza, a longtime industry leader whose career has spanned decades of helping collision businesses grow. After years in leadership at AkzoNobel, Dan recently launched Accelerate Growth Partners, where he's focused on helping operators build stronger organizations, develop better leaders, and prepare for what's next. We'll talk about his journey through the industry, what inspired him to make the leap into entrepreneurship, and the leadership principles he's seen separate great businesses from the rest. We'll also dive into Collision Next, the new industry conference Dan is launching to create more meaningful conversations and challenge the way we think about education, networking, and the future of collision repair. Because while our industry is changing rapidly, one thing hasn't changed: great businesses are still built by great leaders. Let's get into it. Connect with Dan: Website Collision Next LinkedIn

Welcome back to The Collision Vision, driven by Autobody News. I'm your host, Cole Strandberg. Few areas of collision repair have evolved as quickly — or carry as much responsibility — as ADAS calibration. As vehicles become increasingly complex, calibration is no longer just another line item on the repair order. It's a critical part of returning a vehicle to the customer safely and correctly. Today's guests are Gerard and Fox of ADAS Calibrations of Hawaii, a business built from the ground up with one purpose: performing OEM-compliant ADAS calibrations the right way. While Gerrard brings decades of collision repair experience, Fox came into the industry from a completely different background, offering a unique perspective on process, precision, and continuous improvement. We'll talk about why they chose to build a dedicated calibration center, what it really takes to create an environment capable of accurate calibrations, and why they believe process, not equipment, is the true foundation of a successful ADAS business. We'll also explore how the technician's role is changing, what shop owners often misunderstand about calibrations, and how operators should think about building or partnering for this rapidly growing segment of the industry. Because as vehicles continue to evolve, the shops that succeed won't just be the ones with the latest tools. They'll be the ones with the right systems behind them. Let's get into it. Contact Gerard: gerard.ahquin@calibrationcentersofhawaii.com https://www.instagram.com/adas_coh/

Welcome back to The Collision Vision Roundtable. I'm Cole Strandberg. Coming off my conversation with Israel Garcia of Merced Auto Body, we wanted to continue exploring a topic that affects every collision repair business, regardless of size, location, or business model: quality and consistency in the refinish department. Joining me today are regular panelists Sheryl Driggers and Erin Solis, along with Tony Larimer from SATA. Israel shared how a relentless focus on continuous improvement — from process and training to air systems, filtration, and equipment — helped his team improve consistency and eliminate recurring challenges. Today, we're taking that conversation a step further. We'll discuss what actually drives quality, how operators can reduce variability, and why some shops consistently outperform others when it comes to refinish operations. Let's get into it. Connect with Tony: Email: Tony.Larimer@satausa.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SATAUSA YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeemQbCv6Mtc7m5tacP-NPQ Connect with Erin: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-killcoyne-solis-534470105 Website: https://squareonesystems.com Connect with Sheryl: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheryldriggers/

Welcome back to The Collision Vision, driven by Autobody News. I'm your host, Cole Strandberg. In collision repair, we spend a lot of time talking about technology, ADAS, consolidation, and the future of the industry. But at the end of the day, success still comes down to something much more fundamental: doing great work consistently. Today's guest is Israel Garcia of Merced Auto Body, a shop that has built a reputation around quality, craftsmanship, and a relentless commitment to continuous improvement. Whether it's refining paint processes, investing in better equipment, improving air quality and filtration, or simply eliminating the small frustrations that get in the way of great repairs, Israel and his team are constantly looking for ways to get better. We'll talk about his journey in the industry, the culture they've built at Merced Auto Body, and some of the operational changes that have helped improve consistency, efficiency, and quality in the refinish department. Because sometimes the biggest gains don't come from doing something completely different — they come from doing the fundamentals exceptionally well. Connect with Israel: https://www.instagram.com/mercedautobody/

Welcome to another episode of The Collision Vision, driven by Autobody News! I'm Cole Strandberg, and today I'm joined by David Black, chief operating officer of Body by Cochran and an industry veteran who has worked nearly every side of this business: independent owner, consolidator leadership, and now a dealer-owned MSO. We trace Dave's road from a "grunt kid" in his dad's West Virginia shop to helping grow Body by Cochran from five separate dealer body shops into a 13-location, roughly $80-million MSO. We get into the operational rebuild behind that growth including a collision-only parts warehouse that cut parts cycle time from 11.5 days to 1.3 — why the business now runs like an independent while keeping its dealer backing, his approach to brand specialization and developing the next generation of technicians, and the legacy he hopes to leave the industry. Let's get into it.

Welcome back to The Collision Vision Roundtable. I'm Cole Strandberg. Coming off my conversation with Dan Stander, we wanted to continue exploring a topic that's becoming increasingly critical in collision repair: alignment. Specifically, how alignment now touches everything from repair planning and suspension geometry to ADAS performance, liability, and customer safety. Joining me today is regular panelist Erin Solis and guest panelist Justin Allen from Hunter Engineering. Together, we're going to unpack why alignment can no longer be viewed as just a final mechanical procedure and why the shops that integrate it deeply into their repair process are gaining a real operational advantage. This conversation is ultimately about precision, discipline, and process — and why the details matter more than ever in modern collision repair. Let's get into it. Connect with Erin: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-killcoyne-solis-534470105 Website: https://squareonesystems.com Connect with Justin: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-allen-85209949 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jallen.hunter YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jallenhunter TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jallenhunter

Welcome back to The Collision Vision, driven by Autobody News. I'm your host, Cole Strandberg. Today we're diving into a topic that, in many ways, sits at the center of modern collision repair, but still doesn't always get the attention it deserves: alignment. As vehicles become more technologically advanced, proper alignment is no longer just a final step before delivery. It's tied directly to repair planning, suspension geometry, ADAS functionality, vehicle safety, and ultimately liability. Shops that still view alignment as a simple back-end procedure are increasingly finding themselves behind the curve. Joining me today is Dan Stander of Fix Auto Highlands Ranch, a longtime operator, industry leader, and someone deeply passionate about proper repair processes and developing the next generation of talent. Dan has spent decades evolving alongside the industry, and he brings a thoughtful perspective on how alignment, process discipline, training, and consistency all connect in today's repair environment. This is a conversation about doing repairs the right way...and why the details matter more than ever.

Coming off my conversation with Mike Ambrosino of ADAS Diagnostic Solutions, we wanted to continue digging into one of the most important operational shifts happening in collision repair today: the move from ADAS as a sublet task to ADAS as a core repair capability. Joining me today is regular panelist Sheryl Driggers, and special guest Stewart Peregrine from Autel, one of the companies helping shape how shops think about diagnostics, calibration, workflow, and documentation in this rapidly evolving environment. Today's conversation is bigger than tools and equipment. This is about process, liability, repair planning, technician readiness, and ultimately how shops gain more control over the repair itself. Because at this point, ADAS isn't "coming." It's here. And the shops that build disciplined systems around it are going to separate themselves from the ones still treating it like an afterthought. Let's get into it. Connect with Stew: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stewperegrine Connect with Sheryl: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheryldriggers/

Welcome back to The Collision Vision Roundtable. I'm Cole Strandberg. Coming off my conversation with Mike Schoonover, we wanted to go deeper on one of the biggest themes from that episode: partnerships . Not just vendors, not just suppliers, but the idea that the best operators are leveraging their partners as a real extension of their business. Joining me today are our regular panelist, Erin Solis, and for this conversation, Jim Lovejoy, who brings a great perspective on what strong operator-partner relationships actually look like in the field. We're going to break down what shops should expect from their partners, where value is being left on the table, and how partnerships can become a true driver of growth, not just a line item. Connect with Jim: Email: jim.lovejoy@akzonobel.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-lovejoy-1831071/ Connect with Erin: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-killcoyne-solis-534470105/ Website: https://squareonesystems.com/

Welcome back to The Collision Vision, driven by Autobody News. I'm your host, Cole Strandberg. Today's episode is about something every operator wants but very few truly achieve — building a business that lasts, not just for a few years but across generations. I'm joined by Mike Schoonover of Schoonover Bodyworks, a third-generation business that's been serving its community for over 85 years. What's remarkable isn't just the longevity. It's how the business has continued to evolve. From integrating collision, mechanical, and glass into a true one-stop model, to staying on the leading edge of training and technology, to building deep, strategic partnerships that actually move the business forward. And that's really where we're going to spend time today: partnerships. Not just vendors, not just suppliers, but true partners like AkzoNobel who contribute to training, process improvement, and growth. What should you expect from your partners? And just as importantly, are you actually leveraging them the way top operators do? This is a conversation about legacy, evolution, and the idea that great businesses aren't built alone. Let's dive in. Connect with Mike: https://schoonoverbodyworks.com/ https://www.facebook.com/schoonoverbodyworks

Welcome back to The Collision Vision, driven by Autobody News. I'm your host, Cole Strandberg. Today we're diving into a topic that's moving quickly from "emerging" to mission-critical for collision repair operators: EV fire safety. As electric vehicles continue to scale across the country, they're bringing with them a very different risk profile. Lithium-ion batteries, especially when damaged in a collision, can experience something called thermal runaway — a chain reaction that can lead to fires that burn hotter, last longer, and even reignite hours or days after the initial incident. That changes everything from how we intake vehicles, to where we store them, to how we protect our teams, our facilities, and our customers. Joining me today is Bruno Lucarelli of EV Safety, a company focused specifically on helping operators understand, prepare for, and mitigate these risks. We're going to talk about what's actually at stake, where shops are most exposed today, and how to think about building the right safety infrastructure as EV volume continues to grow. This is one of those conversations where awareness alone isn't enough. Action is what truly matters. Let's get into it. Connect with Bruno: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brunolucarelli/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/ev-safety-llc/posts/?feedView=all https://evsafetyproducts.com/

Welcome back to The Collision Vision, driven by Autobody News. I'm your host, Cole Strandberg. Today's episode is a case study, and one that hits right at the center of where collision repair is heading. We're talking ADAS… not as an add-on, not as a sublet, but as a core part of the repair process. Joining me is Mike Ambrosino of ADAS Diagnostic Solutions, an organization closely tied to the Fuller Collision Group, friends of the show and some of the most forward-thinking operators in the industry. Mike's journey from shop operations into ADAS gives him a unique perspective on what's actually happening on the ground and what's required to do this work right. In this conversation, we're breaking down the shift from ADAS bottlenecks to ADAS control — why the old "send it out and deal with it later" model no longer works; how to think about building the right equipment and workflow stack; and what it really takes, from process to people to documentation, to integrate ADAS into your repair plan with confidence. If you're trying to reduce cycle time, capture more of the repair, and most importantly, protect your business from liability, this is one you won't want to miss. Connect with Mike: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-ambrosino-17469022b/ ADAS Diagnostic Solutions LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adas-diagnostic-solutions/posts/?feedView=all www.adscalibrate.com

Welcome to The Collision Vision, driven by Autobody News. I'm your host, Cole Strandberg. Today we're talking about a piece of the collision ecosystem that impacts safety, cycle time, customer experience, and revenue — glass repair and training — with a guest who's become one of the brightest leaders in that space. Joining us is Shauna Davis, President and Founder of Kaizen Glass Solutions. Shauna came into collision through tooling and training for glass work, recognized a critical gap in how technicians were being prepared for today's tech-intensive vehicles, and built a business on continuous improvement — that's what Kaizen means — to train collision centers and elevate glass repair as a strategic capability. We'll explore Shauna's story, why the industry has a training shortage around glass, how that intersects with ADAS and calibration, and how operators can think about glass work as a real part of their business moving forward. Let's dive in. Connect with Shauna: Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-davis-91808b24/ Email: shauna@kaizenglasssolutions.com https://www.kaizenglasssolutions.com/

Welcome back to The Collision Vision Roundtable. I'm Cole Strandberg, and as part of our new format, we're unpacking the key themes from my recent conversation with Sebastian Torres of CARSTAR Torcam Group. Sebastian shared how rethinking intake, by leveraging mobile inspection and capture estimating, allowed his team to deliver estimates before customers leave, increase efficiency, and lay the foundation for smart, sustainable growth. Today I'm joined by our permanent panelists, Erin Solis and Sheryl Driggers, along with returning guest Bill Brower of Solera. We're going deeper — not just on the technology itself, but on what it really takes to build the operational foundation for growth, scale it across locations, and make sure tech adoption actually translates into better performance and profitability. Connect with Bill: Email: william.brower@solera.com Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-brower-mba-9426b51/ Connect with our panelists: Sheryl: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheryldriggers/ Erin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-solis-534470105/

Welcome back to The Collision Vision, driven by Autobody News. I'm your host, Cole Strandberg. Today I'm joined by Sebastian Torres, a sharp family-business operator leading CARSTAR Torcam Group in Canada. When Sebastian took the reins, he challenged legacy habits and leaned into tech—adding Solera's photo-capture estimating and mobile inspection so customers can leave with an estimate in hand. The result? Faster intake, cleaner repair plans, better documentation, and a noticeable lift in profitability. We'll unpack the workflow changes at the front counter, the ROI math behind instant estimates, and—importantly—the leadership side: how to build the foundation for growth and know when the timing is right to scale across locations. Let's get into it. Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastian-torres-4ba591211/ storres@torcamcarstar.ca

Welcome to our new follow-up roundtable on The Collision Vision . I'm Cole Strandberg, joined by our permanent panelists, Erin Solis and Sheryl Driggers , and today, our recent guest John Melendez is back with us. We're unpacking John's decision to add ASE mechanical inside a collision-first shop — what it did for sublet, cycle time, pricing power, and customer experience — and how independent operators can pilot the same playbook. Let's get into it. Connect with John: Email: john@jdmcollision.com Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-melendez-576b59294/ Connect with our panelists: Sheryl: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheryldriggers/ Erin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-solis-534470105/