Pre-SEMA Plans: What some of the top brands have planned for SEMA360
As SEMA360 draws nearer, the automotive aftermarket is on the edge of its seat waiting to see what this year’s virtual event has in store. While this year’s SEMA Show won’t place us all in the same room for its typical networking extravaganza, show organizers have been working hard to make SEMA360 as close to […]
Digital Dilemma: Lean in to the world of online tradeshows!
Any normal October would see members of the Canadian collision sector working hard to complete any last-minute SEMA Show plans. Plane tickets would be purchased, plans all set in place and products stowed away for travel to the bright lights of Las Vegas. 2020, however, is no normal year. While the 2020 SEMA Show has […]
Towing Town Hall: Conversation between CAA, OPP and PTAO on reforming the industry
Susan Rosenburg once said “it’s not enough just to punish and to hold people accountable for what’s done. It’s to set down procedures so it can’t happen again.” This quote really pertains to Ontario’s towing industry and this concept was discussed heavily in the Towing Town Hall webinar held on August 12. In the webinar, […]
The Art of Delayed Gratification: Refinishing the automobile with pride
Way back, during a time where people paid with cheques and wrote letters of correspondence on birch bark, I used to go shopping for groceries with my mother. As a child, I hated this task, so my buy-in was the acquisition of a magazine at the checkout. A Hot Rod or Car Craft magazine—some of […]
Women Leadership: AIA Quebec Appoints first-ever female executive VP
Ottawa, Ontario — The Automotive Industries Association (AIA) of Canada, Quebec division, appointed two new executive vice-presidents to the steering committee; Élisabeth Lambert and Mario Comtois. The steering committees role is to guide the establishment of priority areas for action and ensure the continued success of CCIF industry events and projects. The automotive industry can be […]
Being There: Communication is a multifaceted tool
By Jay Perry Every piece of research on what to do as a leader during tough times seems to contain this one common thread— communication. It cannot be overstated as to how the proper communication is critical to the wellbeing of your company—the challenge is the ‘proper’ part. Many think communications are restricted to sharing […]
The Silver Fox: The wit and wisdom of Tom Bissonnette
By Chelsea Stebner Much of my career has been spent working for the Silver Fox, who is currently leading the collision industry in Saskatchewan, Canada. However, our leading team wouldn’t be here without a strong, assertive, and engaged Executive Director for SAAR, the Saskatchewan Association of Automotive Repairers, Tom Bissonnette! Tom’s been in the industry […]
Summer Spikes: Some companies thrived, despite the pandemic
By Maddy Kylie Most people can agree that the vast majority of businesses have without a doubt been disadvantaged by the pandemic. It has drastically diminished face-to-face interactions, snatched jobs, and completely altered day-to-day operations. Oddly enough, some businesses have thrived and have actually been more successful than ever amid the COVID-19 frenzy. Don’t worry, […]
At the Forefront: Pro Spot founder and president Ron Olsson
By Allison Rogers When it comes to collision industry innovations, Pro Spot International president Ron Olsson is at the forefront. Since 1986, Ron has been dedicated to providing solutions to all corners of the collision repair sector. A born Swede with dreams of making it in America, Olsson has certainly achieved enough success for a […]
The Dedicated Painter: 37 years and nearly 40,000 cars later
By Sophie Price Passion will get you far in this trade. If you’re skeptical, Vince Figliomeni can prove it. Vince has been a painter at Ken Shaw Lexus Toyota Collision for 37 years. In that time, the dedicated painter has returned approximately 38,480 vehicles to their pre-accident glory. Vince first joined the automotive industry in […]
