Markham, Ontario — Common challenges need common solutions— this was the key message at this past weekend’s first in-person meeting of the Canadian Council of Collision Repairers (CCCR) in Markham, ON at Pfaff Autoworks.
During the day-long meeting, this significant gathering of more than 50 shop owners and managers, alongside several key OEM representatives, candidly discussed vital industry topics and planned a roadmap to help move the industry forward.
A particular theme running throughout was A Safe Repair is The Only Repair. This was echoed by OEM panel discussion featuring Paul Stella of Toyota, Scott Wideman of Volkswagen, John Evers of Porsche and Chris Castagna from BMW. Mark Millson of Excellence Collision and Jeff Pabst from Pfaff led the panel, providing attendees with detailed and personalized information based on audience questions.
This landmark meeting was organized in response to member requests for an in-person dialogue on trends and challenges in the industry. Surrounded literally by millions of dollars worth of Porsches, McLarens, Teslas, and other high-end automobiles in various shapes of repair, attendees represented more than 100 unique locations across Canada from coast to coast.
According to industry veteran and owner of Saputo Capital Collision Group Joe Saputo, the meeting had all the right players in attendance.
“Today I saw a room of collision experts in every category of the industry at the very highest level. There were 60-year veterans and there were young entrepreneurs. They were from banners, they were from dealer groups and there were independents. There were MSOs and there were single-store owners, but what I saw verified and confirmed that if we are to make a change, rest assured, all the elements are there!”
Kelvin Campbell, from Halifax, N.S., along with Shawn Stenson of Kingston, Ont., co-chaired the meeting. On hand were four other Regional Reps, Jeff Pabst from Markham, Ont.; Daniel Trevisanutto from Thunder Bay, Ont.; Wade Bartok from North Vancouver, B.C. and Mike Mario from Regina, Sask.
Due to a cross country blizzard and cancelled flights the evening prior, representatives Joel McPhail from Winnipeg, Man., and Steve Hammond from Edmonton, Alta., were unable to attend.
Also featured were the results of the CCCR Time Study based on results compiled via a select group of different sized shops throughout 2023. Each step of operations from when the vehicle entered to shop to when it left were noted and measured from the test locations for a period of time.
Another eagerly anticipated segment was the Success Stories of the Year panel. This session spotlighted industry leaders Wade Bartok of North Vancouver as well as Koos Reneiking of Lift Auto Group, who had a banner year of growing his group of locations.
Kelvin Campbell remarked that, “this gathering isn’t just about celebrating our successes; it’s a call-to-action for continuous improvement and innovation in our industry.”
The event, open to shop owners and managers, concluded with an Open Mic session—which proved to be one of the most engaging segments. This platform allowed for an open exchange of ideas and experiences, steering clear of financially sensitive topics.
The session brought to light numerous issues for detail discussions at future meetings. The unanimous agreement on the importance of in-person meetings was evident, with a recognition of the benefits virtual meetings like Zoom can offer in maintaining interest and spreading information and awareness.
Setting a new precedent for industry gatherings the CCCR meeting showcased the unity and dedication of collision repair professionals across Canada, and also laid the groundwork for future collaboration and innovation in the industry.
With plans for a video highlight reel, the impact of this meeting is set to reach even wider audiences, further reinforcing the event’s significance. There will be a follow up Zoom meeting for members, complete with video highlights, for those unable to attend in person.
BASF and PPG provided a catered breakfast and lunch. Pfaff Autoworks provided the incredible location which attendees happily and excitedly toured. The logistical arrangements, including registration, sound and stage management, were handled by Collision Repair magazine.
Following the meeting, Peter Woo, of Excellence Collision in Markham commented on social media: “The association is definitely going in the right direction! Well done!”
Stay tuned to Collision Repair magazine for more exclusive content on the CCCR Meeting.
Click here to sign up for the Canadian Council of Collision Repairers.
Shop owners and managers are invited to sign up for updates and meeting invites at www.collisionrepaircouncil.ca
