Article Summary
Brittani McLeod is a collision repair appraiser and mentor at CARSTAR who transformed her initial temporary job into a thriving career by learning from seasoned leaders. Now recognized as a 30 Under 40 nominee, she advocates for modernizing the industry through flexible, people-first management practices and creating welcoming work environments to attract and retain young talent.
- Brittani McLeod viewed her early collision repair role as a working business degree, learning directly from proven industry leaders rather than pursuing formal education.
- She was nominated for the 30 Under 40 distinction for her leadership, adaptability, and ability to manage high-volume locations while staying current with evolving vehicle technology.
- McLeod emphasizes that people remain the heart of collision repair, prioritizing mentorship and employee well-being over hitting KPIs and targets.
- She advocates for flexible, modern management styles, stating that employment must be as adaptable as the industry itself to retain workers in the new generation.
- McLeod believes the biggest growth opportunity in collision repair is creating clean, bright, friendly, modern work environments that appeal to young people entering the trade.
She was young, driven, and looking for experience—but what started as a short-term job soon transformed into something more. Surrounded by seasoned mentors and immersed in the everyday operations of a thriving shop, Brittani realized she was gaining more than just a paycheque—she was building a career.
“To me, it was a working business degree,” said Brittani. “Why not learn from proven leaders who have been doing it for decades, and very successfully? Over time, my bar height changed. I had new goals and aspirations to target and achieve within my career. I was very lucky to have a mentor who not only saw this as well, but fostered it and helped me grow along the way.”
Now working as an appraiser at CARSTAR, Brittani has become a mentor in her own right. One recognized for her leadership, adaptability, and sharp attention to the fast-moving changes in modern collision repair.
She was nominated for the 30 Under 40 distinction by a former colleague from Fix Network, who noted her ability to lead a highvolume location while keeping pace with evolving vehicle technology.
“I fortunately love this aspect of the collision industry,” said Brittani. “No two days are the same technology-wise. Whether it be new repair procedures are released, or an insurance company has guideline changes–you need to stay informed.”
Technology may be what drives the industry forward, but for Brittani, people remain the heart of the work.
One of her proudest moments came not from hitting targets or exceeding KPIs, but from an impromptu conversation in a parking lot. She had noticed a young apprentice lingering after hours and decided to check in. That simple moment became a turning point— for both of them.
“It didn’t directly impact my job, my trajectory or anything personally, but it really helped him and to this day he regularly checks in with me. That small gesture made a big impact,” she said. Brittani is also deeply aware of the cultural shifts happening within the trade. She sees outdated management styles as a risk to workforce retention, particularly as a new generation enters the field.
“We struggle with the old school way of handling employees and that just does not work in this new climate. Employment used to be black & white, it now needs to be a rainbow,” she said. “No two employees are the same, no two jobs are the same. We cannot be rigid in handling people. It has to be as pliable and flexible as the plastic we fix.”
Looking ahead, Brittani sees the biggest opportunity for growth not in equipment or certifications, but in people. And she’s ready to lead that charge.
“Young people coming into any potential career or trade want a clean, bright, friendly, modern work environment and I think we as a collective are starting to not only understand but prioritize it on a conscious level,” said Brittani. “Even if I can make a change for one person, I’ve made a difference.”
“Young people coming into any potential career or trade want a clean, bright, friendly, modern work environment and I think we as a collective are starting to not only understand but prioritize it on a conscious level. Even if I can make a change for one person, I’ve made a difference.” - NOMINATED BY FORMER COLLEAGUE
