Episodes

26 episodes, newest first

26Ep 26 · Oct 23, 2026 · 43 minElias Akiki“I Have No Idea How to Repair a Vehicle”: Elias Akiki on Doing It Right“I have no idea how to repair a vehicle.” It is not what you expect from one of the most respected collision repair operators in the Northeast. But it is exactly how Elias Akiki explains real leadership in this industry. Elias took over his family’s shop at 19. He built Akiki Auto Body into a multifaceted operation rooted in people, culture, and doing things the right way. In this episode, he explains why his job is not to decide how a car gets repaired. His job is to follow the manufacturer’s directions to the letter. And he is blunt about why so many shops and insurers still refuse to do the same. Daniel and Elias cover a lot of ground. How to build a low-turnover team in an industry that struggles to keep people. Why Elias says making money is not the most important thing. The painful decision to “call his own baby ugly” and rebuild the business the right way. His take on OEM certifications, ADAS, and being the last true advocate for the customer. Own a shop, manage one, or just getting started? This conversation will challenge how you think about safe and proper repairs, culture, and leaving the trade better than you found it. What does being a BodyShop Leader mean to you? The BodyShop Leaders Podcast is powered by BodyShop Marketing, the agency helping collision industry leaders grow smarter and lead stronger.
25Ep 25 · Oct 8, 2026 · 29 minLogan Martin"Fear Is a Mile Wide, But an Inch Deep" | Logan Martin on Scaling From 1 to 4 Shops"Fear is a mile wide, but an inch deep." That's how Logan Martin, co-owner of Mr. Dent Collision Repair, describes the leap most shop owners are too scared to take. In this episode of The BodyShop Leaders Podcast, Logan shares the story of a true family business — three generations of Martins fixing and painting cars in West Plains, Missouri — and how he went from a three-month stint as an accountant to running a growing multi-shop operation now building its fourth location. We get into the real work of scaling a collision MSO: why processes make or break the jump from one shop to many, how to find and keep great technicians in rural markets (including the apprenticeship program that dropped Mr. Dent's average tech age to 36), and why culture, trust, and the right people in the right seats matter more than any building or piece of equipment. Logan also opens up about the leadership mindset he calls "leading with a servant's towel," the surprising skill he carried over from his days as a championship dirt-track racer, and why watching his people win is what drives him. A must-listen for any shop owner thinking about growth. The BodyShop Leaders Podcast is powered by BodyShop Marketing, the agency helping collision industry leaders grow smarter and lead stronger.
24Ep 24 · Sep 25, 2026 · 57 minJosh Piccione"I Thought We Were Doing It Right" The Question That Changed How Josh Piccione Runs His ShopJosh Piccione started his collision career manning a pressure washer. Today he's the general manager of Tom Wood Collision Center in Indianapolis, running one of the most heavily OEM-certified shops in the country — more than 20 manufacturer certifications under one roof. But the turning point in his career wasn't a promotion. It was a question he couldn't answer. At his first 20 group, moderator Mike Anderson called him to the front of the room as "the most certified shop here" and asked how many Subaru steering columns he'd measured that year. Josh had no answer. He went home and tore his own process apart. In this episode, Josh walks through what it actually cost to rebuild a shop around doing it right — the training, the bruised egos, the carriers and customers who didn't love it. He explains why he wants OEM certification audits to get harder, how EOS reshaped the way his leadership team operates, and why he stopped treating insurers like a war and started treating them like an opposing team with a different scoreboard. He tells the story of one hour-long call with an adjuster that moved a stalled supplement by thousands of dollars, without a raised voice. Plus: how to judge which new technology is worth the investment, why he believes the estimator role is headed for extinction, and what rising total-loss rates mean for your business model. Then the question we ask every guest — what does being a BodyShop Leader mean to you? The BodyShop Leaders Podcast is powered by BodyShop Marketing, the agency helping collision industry leaders grow smarter and lead stronger.
23Ep 23 · Sep 10, 2026 · 35 minKena DacusHow a Firing Started a 40-Employee Shop | Kena DacusKena Dacus never planned to own a body shop. She had an accounting degree, a career in banking, and a husband with a dream. Then Chris asked his boss — a shop owner in his late seventies — about buying the business someday. The next morning he was told that if he wanted to be the competition, it was time to part ways. Three months into their marriage, he was unemployed. What they had left was a 3,000-square-foot building on Main Street in Canton, Kansas, a town of about 700 people. They bought a secondhand paint booth for $2,000 and learned the hard way why nobody moves a booth themselves. Chris wrote estimates all day and did body work after he locked the front door. Then the backlog hit twelve months, and they went all in. Three years later, the same owner who let Chris go called. He needed to sell fast. They closed in thirty days. Today Dacus Auto Body runs multiple locations plus a towing company, with more than 40 employees, 16 OEM certifications, and I-CAR Gold Class status. Kena joins Daniel to talk about why she'd be more selective about OEM certifications if she could start over, how she and Chris divide visionary and integrator roles, what leading the Kansas Auto Body Association taught her, why she pushes shop owners toward SkillsUSA and trade school advisory committees, and what she really thinks about where women stand in collision repair. The BodyShop Leaders Podcast is powered by BodyShop Marketing, the agency helping collision industry leaders grow smarter and lead stronger.
22Ep 22 · Aug 28, 2026 · 53 minDoug HigginsDoug Higgins on What Your Shop Is Actually Worth"I'm sorry to tell you, the business is worth whatever somebody is willing to pay for it." Doug Higgins has watched shop owners fixate on a multiple they heard at a conference and then make bad decisions for years because of it. In this episode, I sit down with Doug Higgins, founder of Collision Advisory, a fractional CFO practice built specifically for collision repair operators. Doug spent more than a decade at Kroger in high-level finance roles, including running the numbers for a $2 billion division and working M&A and strategic planning at the corporate level. Then he left the Fortune 100 behind for collision repair, where he ran a collision MSO and an ADAS calibration company at the same time under the TAG umbrella. Doug breaks down the financial side of shop ownership that most of us never get taught. He explains EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA in plain English, including what add-backs are and why a buyer wants them. He walks through the number one cash flow mistake he sees, why operating out of your checking account puts blinders on you, and why a five percent sales drop can turn into a twenty percent profit drop when your cost structure is stuck. We get into why he pushes back on the 7X valuation talk and the question almost nobody asks: why are you worth that? He also gives three things you can do this week to get a handle on your numbers, and shares a genuinely contrarian take on where independent shops land five years from now. If you own or manage a shop and your books aren't where they need to be, this one is for you. The BodyShop Leaders Podcast is powered by BodyShop Marketing, the agency helping collision industry leaders grow smarter and lead stronger.
21Ep 21 · Aug 14, 2026 · 28 minBrian von TressBrian von Tress: "We Burned the Ships and Said We're Doing This"At 53 years old, Brian von Tress cashed in his retirement, walked away from a COO role at a 19-shop chain, and opened his first body shop with no private equity and no safety net. "We burned the ships and said we're doing this." In this episode, I sit down with Brian von Tress, the Founder and President of Collision Pros Inc., a 13-location MSO spanning Northern California and Nevada with 170 employees. Brian's collision career started at 15, sweeping floors and washing cars to earn money for his first car. He went on to earn his MBA while working full-time, spent time at Caliber Collision when they had just 15 locations, and climbed to COO of a 19-shop chain before betting everything on himself. Brian breaks down what it really takes to scale a bootstrapped MSO, including why the jump from four to six shops was a nightmare and what infrastructure he had to build to get through it. He shares his acquisition playbook and how it's shifted from buying small underperforming shops to buying market share. We talk about the devastating Camp Fire that destroyed his Paradise location and displaced eight employee families, and how he kept every one of them on payroll. Brian also gets into why he still sends handwritten birthday cards to all 170 employees, what Tesla certification actually costs and how it's changed, and how independent operators can compete against PE-backed consolidators through what he calls guerrilla warfare. Whether you're running one shop or thinking about your tenth, Brian's journey is one you need to hear. The BodyShop Leaders Podcast is powered by BodyShop Marketing, the agency helping collision industry leaders grow smarter and lead stronger.
20Ep 20 · Jul 17, 2026 · 43 minBrad GreenBrad Green: You Come SecondWhat does it take to grow a single family shop into a 14-location MSO spanning two Canadian provinces in just seven years? According to Brad Green, Director of Operations at Raydar Collision Group — it starts with recognizing that as a leader, you come second. In this episode, Brad sits down with Daniel Burkholder to unpack the people-first philosophy that's fueled Raydar's rapid expansion across British Columbia and Alberta. From his start washing cars in the rain at a small North Vancouver shop to overseeing operations across 14 locations, Brad shares the real mechanics behind scaling a collision repair business without losing your culture along the way. You'll hear Brad's take on why accountability is really just communication, how to stop managing by gut feel and start using data without overcomplicating it, the biggest mistake shop owners make when scaling from one location to two or three, why he wrote a candid article on women in collision repair and what the response taught him, navigating the "Bermuda Triangle" between shops, insurers, and OEMs, why a safe repair isn't enough anymore — it has to be a safe AND profitable repair, and his advice to any shop owner who says "we can't find good people" — maybe look in the mirror first. Whether you're running a single shop or building toward your next acquisition, Brad's approach to leadership, patience, and playing the long game on your people is a masterclass worth hearing. The BodyShop Leaders Podcast is powered by BodyShop Marketing, the agency helping collision industry leaders grow smarter and lead stronger.
19Ep 19 · Jul 3, 2026 · 50 minDavid LuehrFrom Bankrupt to Bluebird Cafe to Body Shop Legend — David Luehr's StoryDavid Luehr started his first collision shop with a $100 bill and a borrowed paint gun. Two years later he had 13 employees and was doing over a million dollars a year — and then he lost all of it. In this episode of The BodyShop Leaders Podcast, David — founder of Elite Body Shop Solutions and co-author of the #1 bestseller The Secrets of America's Greatest Body Shops — shares one of the most unexpected comeback stories in collision repair. From bankruptcy to a touring country band that opened for Brooks & Dunn, to a corporate buyout that blindsided him, to the mission that drives him today: helping independent shop owners avoid the mistakes that nearly cost him everything. If you own or manage an auto body shop, this conversation is full of practical, been-there advice. You'll hear why "more work" can quietly bankrupt a growing shop, the "ownership shift" that gets owners off the shop floor, which business pillar to fix first, and the five things that turn a shop into a magnet for good technicians. David also makes his case for why now is the best time to be an independent. Whether you run a single location or a growing MSO, you'll walk away with ideas you can use this week. Be bold, be learning, be limitless. #AutoBody #CollisionRepair #BodyShop #DavidLuehr The BodyShop Leaders Podcast is powered by BodyShop Marketing, the agency helping collision industry leaders grow smarter and lead stronger.
18Ep 18 · Jun 19, 2026 · 40 minDan CarranzaDan Carranza: We Before Me, Building a Shop Culture That Actually LastsWhat separates the collision shops that are thriving right now from the ones that are barely holding on? According to Dan Carranza, it comes down to one thing: culture — and whether it actually lives on the shop floor or just in the owner's head. Dan is the CEO and founder of Accelerate Growth Partners and one of the most well-rounded voices in the collision repair industry. He spent 16 years building a PBE distribution business to five locations before selling to LKQ, then another 14 years in senior corporate leadership at LKQ and Akzo Nobel. Now he's channeling 30 years of hard-won experience into coaching and consulting collision repair owners on vision, leadership, mindset, and building teams that last. In this episode, Dan breaks down why most shop owners have a culture gap they don't even know exists, why goals without commitments underneath them are worthless, and what it really took to walk away from a senior executive position to bet on himself. He also shares what's coming with Collision Next 2026 and the simple philosophy that drives everything he does: we before me. If you want to lead better, grow smarter, and build something that lasts — this one's for you. Connect with Dan: Website: dancarranza.com Email: dan@dancarranza.com Topics: collision repair leadership, shop culture, coaching, PBE distribution, MSO growth, technician retention, vision and mission, Collision Next 2026 The BodyShop Leaders Podcast is powered by BodyShop Marketing, the agency helping collision industry leaders grow smarter and lead stronger.
17Ep 17 · Jun 10, 2026 · 36 minSean GuthrieSean Guthrie, From the Family Shop to 37 Locations and the Team That Made It HappenSean Guthrie spent 20 years helping build one of the most impressive growth stories in the collision repair industry. Starting alongside his father Jim at Car Crafters in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Sean worked every role in the shop before stepping into operations leadership. When the family made the decision to partner with private equity, Sean served as COO of the newly formed Open Road Collision and helped scale the business from 5 locations to 37, growing revenue from $35 million to over $140 million. In this episode, Sean shares what that journey really looked like from the inside. He talks about the team that made the growth possible, the SOPs and systems that kept things from falling apart, and how they worked to preserve a family culture even as they expanded across multiple states. He also gets into the details on launching dedicated ADAS calibration centers, building a technician apprentice program from scratch, and why he believes every shop owner needs a calibration strategy. Sean is candid about the harder moments too. He shares the story of almost selling to a major consolidator before walking away at the last minute, the challenges of balancing family dynamics in business, and the deeply personal decision to step away after two decades. His advice for shop owners in early growth is grounded in experience and humility. If you're running a collision repair shop and thinking about growth, leadership, culture, or what the future of this industry looks like, this is an episode you don't want to skip. The BodyShop Leaders Podcast is powered by BodyShop Marketing, the agency helping collision industry leaders grow smarter and lead stronger.
16Ep 16 · May 22, 2026 · 42 minTim PaapTim Paap: From Chicken Wire on a '67 Mustang to Most Certified Shop in Central ILTim Paap bought a rusty '67 Mustang at 15, discovered his love for collision repair with chicken wire and body filler, and opened Paap Auto Body as a one-man shop in Mattoon, Illinois in 2001. Nearly 25 years later, he's built one of the most OEM-certified collision repair facilities in central Illinois. In this episode, Tim shares the full story. From Nashville Auto Diesel College to painting cars after hours to save money, to building his first shop in a 30x50 pole barn with a homemade paint booth. He talks about the person who told him he'd never make it and how that became the fuel behind everything he's built. Here's what we cover: How Tim went from a three-car garage to a 10,000 square foot multi-location facility. Why he invested over $600,000 in OEM certifications including Tesla, Rivian, Lucid, Ford, GM, Nissan, Kia, and more. What shop owners need to know about EV repair and why it's not as intimidating as it seems. The Concierge Center concept and how a converted Jiffy Lube transformed his customer experience. How a luxury hotel scent inspired him to rethink every detail of his facility. His stance on insurance steering and why he refuses to participate in most repair networks. Co-founding Estimating Professionals with Mark Probst and their mission to raise the bar on estimating across the industry. Building a family legacy with his son Zack, from taping wheel wells at five years old to becoming an A-tech. Their drag racing hobby and how it strengthens the father-son bond. His sponsorship policy that holds the community accountable. What being a BodyShop Leader means to Tim. Whether you're running a one-man shop, thinking about OEM certifications, or figuring out how to stand out in your market, this episode is loaded with practical takeaways from someone who's been in the trenches for over two decades. Connect with Tim Paap at paapautobody.com or find him on Facebook. Check out Estimating Professionals at estimatingprofessionals.com. The BodyShop Leaders Podcast is powered by BodyShop Marketing, the agency helping collision industry leaders grow smarter and lead stronger.
15Ep 15 · May 8, 2026 · 1 hr 3 minJim LovejoyJim Lovejoy on Why Your Estimators Aren't Closing"Let us know if we can help you." That's what Jim Lovejoy hears estimators say in shop after shop. And it's not a closing attempt. It's not even close. In this episode, I sit down with Jim Lovejoy, Senior Services Consultant at Akzo Nobel Vehicle Refinish, who has spent over 25 years helping auto body shops improve their profitability, their processes, and their people. Jim has seen the numbers across hundreds of shops, and he noticed something after COVID. Closing ratios dropped 12 to 15 percentage points. Shops got busy, stopped training on sales, and never picked it back up. Jim walks us through what a real sales process should look like from the first phone call all the way through follow-up. He breaks down the assumptive close, explains why follow-up alone can move your closing ratio by 10 points or more, and shares the lean workflow mistakes that are quietly killing your cycle time and profitability. We also get into the metrics that actually matter, what it takes to train and retain good people, and the leadership habits that help owners get out of the daily chaos. This one is packed with value. Every shop owner and manager needs to hear it. The BodyShop Leaders Podcast is powered by BodyShop Marketing, the agency helping collision industry leaders grow smarter and lead stronger.
14Ep 14 · Apr 24, 2026 · 31 minDoug MartinFrom Sweeping Floors to Three Locations, Doug Martin's Leadership JourneyWhat does it take to go from sweeping floors in your dad's body shop to owning and operating three collision repair locations? In this episode of BodyShop Leaders, host Daniel Burkholder sits down with Doug Martin, second-generation owner of Martin's Body Shop in southern Indiana, to unpack a leadership journey built on hard work, family legacy, and the courage to take action. Doug shares what growing up in the shop really taught him — even when he didn't realize he was learning. He opens up about earning respect from a team that watched him grow up, the pivotal process change that eliminated the daily chaos of rushing cars out the door, and why he purchased his first additional location in May 2020 — right in the middle of COVID — and wouldn't change a thing. You'll walk away with insights on building a culture that retains employees for decades, using OEM certifications to boost technician pride and repair quality, creating bonus programs that give your team skin in the game, and knowing when to stop planning and start doing. Doug also shares why he's spent 10 years advocating for shops and consumers through the Indiana Autobody Association — and why more shop owners need to step up. If you're a collision repair shop owner looking for honest, no-fluff leadership advice from someone who's lived it, this episode is for you. The BodyShop Leaders Podcast is powered by BodyShop Marketing, the agency helping collision industry leaders grow smarter and lead stronger.
13Ep 13 · Apr 9, 2026 · 27 minChase LandersChase Landers on Growth, Leadership, and the Future of Collision RepairIn this episode of BodyShop Leaders, Daniel Burkholder talks with Chase Landers about what it means to grow up in a body shop, step into leadership, and help move a family-owned collision repair business into the future. Chase shares stories from his early days around the shop and the path that eventually led him into a larger leadership role at Landers Towing and Collision Centers. He talks candidly about the early grind of helping build a location, wearing multiple hats, and learning through trial, pressure, and experience. He also reflects on what changed as he matured as a leader — from pushing hard and reacting quickly to learning how to work through problems with more clarity, patience, and perspective. Daniel and Chase also discuss the realities of growing a multi-location operation: earning trust from longtime employees, creating buy-in around new systems and processes, developing future leaders inside the organization, and maintaining a healthy culture while scaling. Along the way, Chase shares his perspective on the importance of team, responsibility, safe repairs, profitability, and doing what is right for both the customer and the long-term health of the business. The conversation also explores where the collision repair industry may be heading next. Chase offers insight into how AI, OEM procedures, repair standards, and insurer relationships could shape the future of body shops over the next several years. It’s a thoughtful discussion for anyone trying to grow a shop, lead a team, and stay ahead in a changing industry. This episode is especially valuable for collision shop owners, managers, next-generation leaders, and anyone building a business inside the auto body and collision repair space. The BodyShop Leaders Podcast is powered by BodyShop Marketing, the agency helping collision industry leaders grow smarter and lead stronger.
12Ep 12 · Mar 27, 2026 · 25 minTodd McGeeFrom Paint Booth to Owner: How Todd McGee Built a Top Body Shop Through Culture and LeadershipIn this episode of BodyShop Leaders, Daniel Burkholder talks with Todd McGee, owner of Johnson Auto Body in Knightdale, North Carolina, about what real leadership looks like inside a successful collision repair shop. Todd’s story begins in the paint booth and grows into something much bigger: ownership, mentorship, culture, and building a business that puts people first. He shares how his early years on the shop floor shaped the way he leads today, what it meant to carry on the Johnson Auto Body legacy, and why hiring the right people matters just as much as fixing cars the right way. They also discuss some of the biggest issues facing auto body shop owners right now, including navigating insurance challenges, following OEM repair procedures, building better systems, and staying connected to peers and coaches who understand the business. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the collision repair industry, especially independent shop owners focused on leadership, growth, and long-term success. Topics covered include: Auto body shop leadership Collision repair shop culture Hiring and team building Shop ownership and succession OEM procedures vs. insurance pressure Coaching and peer accountability Community involvement and customer trust Body shop growth and leadership development BodyShop Leaders is powered by BodyShop Marketing and created for collision repair professionals who want to grow smarter, lead stronger, and stay independent. The BodyShop Leaders Podcast is powered by BodyShop Marketing, the agency helping collision industry leaders grow smarter and lead stronger.
11Ep 11 · Mar 13, 2026 · 27 minSteve OlsonSteve Olson: From $350K to $1.4M/Month, The Culture Playbook Behind the GrowthIn this episode of BodyShop Leaders, Daniel Burkholder sits down with Steve Olson, Managing Partner of Louisville Collision Centers and co-owner of Manchester Collision, to unpack one of the most compelling growth stories in collision repair. Steve shares how he went from washing cars for $8.50 an hour to leading a high-performing operation that scaled from $350K/month to over $1.4M/month—without chasing DRPs or cutting corners. You’ll hear the simple framework he uses to build (and protect) culture—“skill + will”—and the hard decisions that came with rebuilding a team, raising standards, and creating a shop people are proud to work in. Steve also breaks down what keeps turnover low, how a people-first mindset can still drive elite performance, and why many shops are falling behind right now as car counts shift and margins tighten. If you’re serious about growing your shop, leading better, and building a team that actually buys in—this one is loaded with takeaways you can apply immediately. In this episode, you’ll learn: The “skill + will” rule Steve uses to hire, lead, and build a winning culture The first key decisions that helped fuel massive growth How Steve blends empathy with high expectations (without lowering standards) Why being zero-DRP and leaning into OEM certifications changed everything Where shops are losing profit today—and how to tighten up operations and maximize HRO What it really means to be a BodyShop leader in a changing industry 🎧 Listen now—and if this episode sparks something for you, share it with another shop owner who needs to hear it. The BodyShop Leaders Podcast is powered by BodyShop Marketing, the agency helping collision industry leaders grow smarter and lead stronger.
10Ep 10 · Feb 27, 2026 · 30 minKen HunnellKen Hunnell: When Process Change Makes People Quit (And Why That’s Good)What if the moment your team starts quitting… is actually proof you’re doing something right? In this episode of BodyShop Leaders, I sit down with multi-shop owner Ken Hunnel to unpack the uncomfortable truth about real process change inside a collision repair business. Ken started in the parts department in 2001 and worked his way up to owning multiple auto body shops across Oklahoma and Kansas. Along the way, he helped transform operations, implement segmented workflow, improve cycle times, introduce team-based pay systems, and build high-performance cultures inside his collision repair facilities. But the breakthrough moment? It came when technicians started quitting. We talk about: Why high performers refuse to tolerate mediocrity What real leadership in a collision repair shop actually looks like How to implement process improvement without losing your team The power of weekly process-only meetings Team-based compensation in auto body shops Building multi-location growth the right way Hiring before you’re ready Creating ownership opportunities for future leaders If you’re an auto body shop owner, collision repair manager, or aspiring MSO, this conversation will challenge how you think about leadership, accountability, and building a first-class operation. The future of the collision repair industry will require stronger leaders — not just better technicians. This episode shows you what that looks like. The BodyShop Leaders Podcast is powered by BodyShop Marketing, the agency helping collision industry leaders grow smarter and lead stronger.
09Ep 9 · Feb 13, 2026 · 35 minDavid BlackDavid Black: Building a $75M MSO Without Compromising the RepairWhat does it take to scale a collision operation to $75 million across 10+ locations — without sacrificing repair integrity? In this episode of BodyShop Leaders, Daniel Burkholder sits down with David Black, Corporate Collision Director at #1 Cochran, to unpack nearly four decades of leadership in the collision repair industry. From starting in his family’s shop at 12 years old to building one of the largest dealer-owned collision groups in the country, David shares the philosophy that drives everything he does: Fix the car the right way. Then talk about cost. You’ll hear how David and his team: Transformed five independent dealership shops into a unified MSO Built a 150,000 sq. ft. collision-dedicated parts warehouse Leveraged AI to book repairs, communicate with customers, and improve CSI Launched in-house ADAS calibration centers to control cycle time Developed a 24-month technician mentoring program to grow talent from the ground up Navigated the shift from chasing top-line revenue to protecting car count and long-term profitability This conversation is a masterclass in leadership, innovation, and operational discipline. If you care about OE-correct repairs, sustainable growth, and preparing your business for the next decade of collision repair — this episode is for you. The BodyShop Leaders Podcast is powered by BodyShop Marketing, the agency helping collision industry leaders grow smarter and lead stronger.
08Ep 8 · Jan 31, 2026 · 34 minKenny DavisFrom Tech to $29M: Kenny Davis On Culture, Mentorship, And Doing It RightIn Episode 8 of BodyShop Leaders, Daniel Burkholder sits down with Kenny Davis, co-owner of Bob Maloney Collision Group in Northwest Arkansas, an operation built on people-first leadership, certified repairs, and deep community roots. Kenny’s story is the definition of earned leadership. He started in the automotive world chasing a love for cars, worked his way into collision repair, and eventually helped carry the business through a major turning point. When the Ford dealership side closed in 2009 and the team made a bold decision to keep the body shop alive. What started as a shop doing under $1M a year grew into a multi-location group on track to close around $29M. But this episode isn’t just about growth—it’s about how you grow without losing your soul. Kenny opens up about his early leadership mistakes, how he once believed he had to be tough to earn respect, and the life-changing moment that forced him to rethink how he shows up for people. From mentorship to culture-building, Kenny shares what actually works when you’re trying to keep great technicians, develop young talent, and build a team that stays. You’ll hear practical insights on: How Kenny and his partners protect culture while scaling to multiple locations Why they invest heavily in leadership development (including a powerful 4-day program for teammates) The real-world systems they use to retain talent—work-life balance, benefits, and intentional hiring Why OEM procedures and certified repairs aren’t optional—and how to start the transition if you’re behind The mindset shift that changed Kenny’s leadership forever: you don’t have to be a jerk to lead If you’re a shop owner, manager, or future leader in collision repair, this episode is a masterclass in building a business where people thrive and quality wins. The BodyShop Leaders Podcast is powered by BodyShop Marketing, the agency helping collision industry leaders grow smarter and lead stronger.
07Ep 7 · Jan 17, 2026 · 42 minRod CahoyThe Leadership Mistake Killing Collision Shops With Rod CahoyMost collision shops don’t fail because of bad technicians; they fail because of a leadership mistake. In this episode of BodyShop Leaders, host Daniel Burkholder sits down with Rod Cahoy, Business Development Manager at PPG Industries and a 40-year veteran of the collision repair industry, to break down what great leadership actually looks like inside a modern body shop. Rod shares hard-earned lessons from decades on the shop floor, in sales, and in business development. Including the number one leadership mistake that’s holding collision shops back: expecting results before providing the right time, tools, training, and processes. You’ll learn: Why “we don’t have time to train” is costing shops more than they realize How strong processes create better people, not the other way around What high-performing shops do differently the moment you walk in How leadership has evolved in collision repair over the last 40 years Why technology and automation should support your team, not replace it Whether you’re a shop owner, manager, or future leader, this conversation will challenge how you think about leadership, culture, and growth. And give you a practical framework you can apply immediately. 🎧 If your shop feels busy but stuck, this episode is for you. The BodyShop Leaders Podcast is powered by BodyShop Marketing, the agency helping collision industry leaders grow smarter and lead stronger.
06Ep 6 · Jan 3, 2026 · 37 minJordan BeshearsLeading Through Change: Scaling a Family Collision Business the Right Way with Jordan BeshearsWhat does it really take to scale a collision repair business without losing your culture, or your people? In this episode of BodyShop Leaders, Daniel Burkholder sits down with Jordan Beshears, Vice President of Steve’s Auto Body, to unpack the real journey from working on the shop floor to helping lead a growing, multi-location operation. Jordan shares how hands-on experience shaped his leadership philosophy, why technicians are the soul of the business, and how Steve’s Auto Body used lean thinking and process—not chaos—to fuel sustainable growth. From navigating family-business dynamics to building replicable systems, managing change, and becoming a Tesla-approved collision center, this conversation goes deep into what modern leadership really looks like in collision repair. If you’re a shop owner or leader thinking about growth, struggling with culture, or trying to lead better from the front—not the office—this episode is packed with insights you can apply immediately. In this episode, you’ll learn: •Why leading from the shop floor creates stronger teams and better results •How lean processes helped Steve’s Auto Body scale with intention •What most shop owners get wrong about growth and complacency •How to support technicians while improving production and profitability •What it truly means to be a BodyShop Leader The BodyShop Leaders Podcast is powered by BodyShop Marketing, the agency helping collision industry leaders grow smarter and lead stronger.
05Ep 5 · Dec 20, 2025 · 35 minDave DunnHow Dave Dunn Built a World-Class Body Shop and Stepped Away by 30What does it really take to build a collision repair business that lasts—not just financially, but culturally? In this powerful episode of BodyShop Leaders, host Daniel Burkholder sits down with Dave Dunn, founder of Dave’s Auto Body in Galesburg, Illinois, and co-founder of the Master’s School of Autobody Management—one of the most influential educators in the collision repair industry. Dave shares his journey from a high school dropout and struggling 19-year-old shop owner to building one of the most respected body shops in the country, retiring from day-to-day operations by age 29, and helping thousands of shop owners lead better businesses. This conversation goes far beyond tactics. Dave breaks down the core principles that allowed his shop to thrive for nearly five decades—including: Why culture starts with something as simple as a clean floor How to build a team that works for more than just money The power of quarterly employee reviews (and why avoiding pay conversations is a mistake) How to step out of the shop without losing control (yes—he literally rolled his toolbox out) What “Principles over Policies” really means through his Liquid Amalgam philosophy How palm trees, gator sauce, and a “purple cow” mindset helped his shop dominate local mindshare Why hiring for character over skill is non-negotiable in today’s technician shortage If you’re a shop owner who wants to stop being the bottleneck, build a team you’re proud of, and create a business that can thrive without burning you out—this episode is required listening. 🔗 Guest Contact Dave Dunn 📧 dave@masters-school.com The BodyShop Leaders Podcast is powered by BodyShop Marketing, the agency helping collision industry leaders grow smarter and lead stronger.
04Ep 4 · Dec 6, 2025 · 38 minChris RayHow Chris Ray Built One of Georgia’s Fastest-Growing MSOsWhat makes a great collision repair leader? For Chris Ray, owner of One Twenty-Two Collision and one of Georgia’s fastest growing MSOs, the answer comes down to one simple idea: people fix cars, not numbers. In this inspiring conversation, Chris shares the moment he realized he was helping build someone else’s dream and why that pushed him to create a shop where pride, craftsmanship, and culture truly matter. After two decades in the consolidator world, he learned firsthand that KPIs and cycle times can easily overshadow the humans doing the work. That lesson shaped the foundation for one of the most intentional growth stories in the collision repair industry. We talk about how he built mission, vision, and values that guide real decisions instead of sitting on a wall. We dig into how he scaled from one location to eight in only three years while protecting the culture that made the first shop successful. Chris explains how to stay centered when the whirlwind of growth is trying to pull you in every direction. You will also hear: Why perfection slows growth and how Chris opened his first shops before everything was “ready” How to hire for character instead of relying on resumes How to choose certifications that actually serve your market The biggest leadership shift required to move from one shop to many Why the collision industry is still full of opportunity for owners who want to grow the right way The advice Chris wishes he had known ten years ago The one decision that completely changed the direction of his business This episode is full of powerful lessons for shop owners who want to scale with purpose, lead with confidence, and build a brand that stands the test of time. If Chris’s story motivates you, make sure to hit Subscribe so you never miss an episode of The BodyShop Leaders Podcast. The BodyShop Leaders Podcast is powered by BodyShop Marketing, the agency helping collision industry leaders grow smarter and lead stronger.
03Ep 3 · Nov 22, 2025 · 41 minKyle BradshawBuilt to Lead: People, Not Just KPIs with Kyle BradshawWhat does real leadership look like in a collision shop when the industry is changing faster than ever? In this episode of The BodyShop Leaders Podcast, host Daniel Burkholder sits down with Kyle Bradshaw, Director of Fixed Operations at K&M Collision and President of the Carolinas Collision Association. Kyle leads one of the most advanced repair operations in the country while also championing shops across the region through association work and the Southeast Collision Conference. Kyle shares how people-first leadership—prioritizing husbands, wives, moms, and dads before “employees”—has transformed their culture, strengthened their team, and created a place where people can thrive long-term. He explains why grit still matters, how associations can shorten your learning curve by years, and why shops that resist change are about to get left behind. You’ll hear Kyle’s insight on: Why true leadership starts with sacrifice, not ego Building a culture where your team wins at work and at home How associations like CCA and SCC fast-track connection and growth Leading through increasing vehicle complexity, AI, and industry change The mindset shift every shop owner needs to lead effectively Why “we’ve always done it this way” is a dangerous trap If you’re serious about leadership in the collision repair industry, this conversation will challenge, sharpen, and inspire you. 🔗 Connect with Kyle Bradshaw LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com Carolinas Collision Association: https://carolinascollisionassociation.com Southeast Collision Conference: https://southeastcollisionconference.com 🔗 Connect with BodyShop Marketing Website: https://bodyshopmarketing.io LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com The BodyShop Leaders Podcast is powered by BodyShop Marketing, the agency helping collision industry leaders grow smarter and lead stronger.
02Ep 2 · Nov 5, 2025 · 27 minCole StrandbergGrow, Specialize, or Sell: The New Reality for Collision Shop Owners With Cole StrandbergIn this second episode of The BodyShop Leaders Podcast, host Daniel Burkholder sits down with Cole Strandberg, Managing Director at Focus Investment Banking and host of The Collision Vision Podcast, to unpack one of the most important conversations in the collision repair industry right now — how to grow, specialize, or sell in a changing market. Cole has spent years helping shop owners and multi-shop operators navigate major transitions — from mergers and acquisitions to scaling responsibly and building lasting value. Through his work at Focus and his podcast, he’s had a front-row seat to what separates the best operators from the rest. In this conversation, Daniel and Cole dive into: Why the “era of the single-store generalist” is coming to an end How high-performing operators turn short-term challenges into long-term opportunities What visionary leaders are doing differently to scale or specialize The key leadership habits shared by the best-run shops in the country What’s really happening in M&A and why private equity interest is surging How culture and people remain the ultimate competitive advantage Cole also shares his advice for shop owners leading through change: how to decide when to grow, when to specialize, and when it might be time to sell — and why access to capital should never be the reason you stop expanding. Listen now to discover how to lead with vision, build a thriving culture, and position your shop for the next era of collision repair. Connect with Cole Strandberg: cole.strandberg@focusbankers.com Focus Investment Banking The Collision Vision Podcast on YouTube The BodyShop Leaders Podcast is powered by BodyShop Marketing, the agency helping collision industry leaders grow smarter and lead stronger. The BodyShop Leaders Podcast is powered by BodyShop Marketing, the agency helping collision industry leaders grow smarter and lead stronger.
01Ep 1 · Nov 5, 2025 · 29 minBill ParkFrom Chaos to Clarity: Building a Financially Smart Body Shop with Bill ParkIn this first episode of BodyShop Leaders Podcast, host Daniel Burkholder sits down with Bill Park, founder and CEO of Crunchit, to talk about one of the most overlooked skills in the collision repair industry — financial clarity. Bill has spent over 30 years in the industry — from painting his first car at 15 to owning multiple shops, building systems, and now helping other owners master their numbers through Crunch It. He’s seen firsthand how understanding your financials can transform a struggling operation into a thriving business. In this conversation, Daniel and Bill dive into: How to connect your CCC and QuickBooks for better reporting Why “perfect financials” aren’t about perfection — but about powerful decision-making The difference between working in your shop and working on your business How to identify your most profitable DRP relationships (and when to walk away) The #1 habit high-performing shop owners share Why 'Who Not How' might be the most important book a shop leader reads this year Bill also shares what’s next for Crunch It — including upcoming automation tools to help shops maintain daily financial accuracy — and his practical advice for leading through tough times: step back, think bigger, and rebuild your shop to serve you, not the other way around. Listen now to discover how mastering your numbers can help you lead smarter, grow stronger, and take control of your shop’s future. Connect with Bill Park: www.crunchitfs.com BodyShop Leaders Podcast is powered by BodyShop Marketing, the agency helping collision industry leaders grow smarter and lead stronger. The BodyShop Leaders Podcast is powered by BodyShop Marketing, the agency helping collision industry leaders grow smarter and lead stronger.