GLENDON CO

Glendon (Glen) Co’s passion for cars began in childhood when he would spend countless hours watching vehicles pass by his street, captivated by their form and movement. His fascination was influenced by his mother who worked in the automotive industry, and Glen found himself drawn back to that early love after university. So, he returned to school to study auto body repair. “From the first day, I knew I had found my place,” said Glen. “I fell in love with the hands-on work, the precision and the satisfaction of restoring something to its former glory.”

Glen was nominated for 30 Under 40 by his mentor, Rob Gargaro, who is now a trainer for Area 22 Training Centre after a 35-year career as a body technician. “Glen was my apprentice for four years and went on to be a fantastic body technician and shop owner. After only 10 years as a body technician Glen went into a partnership with Fred Cutone at BMC Auto Collision Inc. and is doing very well,” said Rob. “I am very proud of him.”

For Glen, owning his own shop has been a dream come true. “It’s more than just a business,” he said. “I hope it serves as a source of inspiration for the next generation of car enthusiasts who, like me, want to turn their passion into a lifelong craft.”

As his proudest accomplishment, it marked a full-circle journey from student to business owner. “As an owner, some of my most fulfilling moments come from tackling complex repairs and being able to return a vehicle to a client with complete confidence that it’s road-ready and safe,” said Glen. “Knowing I’ve restored not just their car, but also their peace of mind, is incredibly rewarding, and that’s what drives me every day.”

Glen doesn’t shy away from the number of ongoing challenges facing the automotive industry, such as trade tensions, supply chain disruptions, rapid technological transitions and the shift toward electrification. However, these don’t faze him. “The key to navigating these changes is staying informed and adaptable. Whether it’s through continued education, attending seminars or keeping up with current events, staying engaged is essential,” he said. “That’s why I prioritize certified training directly from car manufacturers—it ensures I stay current and capable of meeting evolving standards and expectations.”

While Glen’s shop is small and independent, he and his team use AI-powered tools. “Artificial intelligence is starting to change how we do things, from damage assessments to estimating repairs more accurately and quickly,” said Glen. “While we may not have the same resources as larger operations, we can still leverage AI-powered tools to improve efficiency and customer service.”

In addition, Glen focuses on continuous training and staying current with manufacturer certifications. “There’s huge potential in getting certified for newer vehicle systems—like electric vehicles and advanced driver-assistance features,” he said. “Cars are getting more complex, and customers are looking for shops they can trust to handle those systems properly.” For Glen, this isn’t a burden—just a labour of love.

“Glen was my apprentice for four years and went on to be a fantastic body technician and shop owner. After only 10 years as a body technician Glen went into a partnership with Fred Cutone at BMC Auto Collision Inc. and is doing very well. I am very proud of him.” - NOMINATED BY ROB GARGARO, MENTOR