Kyle Payne rose from shop floor worker to managing partner of Simplicity Car Care Scarborough through dedication, mentorship, and a customer-first mindset. His leadership demonstrates that focus, commitment, and innovation—particularly from younger technicians—are transforming the collision repair industry and rebuilding its reputation.
Kyle Payne advanced from entry-level shop work to managing partner of Simplicity Car Care Scarborough over a decade
He leads a multimillion-dollar location and prioritizes mentorship-first leadership to accelerate staff careers
He challenges the misconception that collision repair is dying, calling it a rapidly advancing field with great opportunities for young people
Kyle believes next-generation technicians will drive innovation through their technology expertise and fresh mindset
His core motivation centers on customer service excellence and rebuilding industry trust through quality work
Kyle Payne’s story begins on the shop floor, where he learned the ins and outs of the industry from the ground up. Now, more than a decade later, he’s the managing partner of Simplicity Car Care Scarborough.
“From sweeping floors and organizing parts to running a multimillion- dollar location is something I am very proud of,” said Kyle. “When you tell your kids you have to start at the bottom and work hard to be rewarded, this is my story in a nutshell.”
His nomination came from Paul Prochilo, CEO of Simplicity Car Care. Paul described Kyle as a “standout leader,” whose work demonstrates the future of the industry.
“Kyle’s tremendous leadership exemplifies that focus, commitment and execution are the keys to everyone’s success,” wrote Paul. “He has been working at the Scarborough location for 10 years and has been instrumental in the financial and operating results of our largest location. Today, he has earned himself the role of managing partner, and is supporting his staff through mentorship on how to accelerate their careers.”
That mentorship-first mindset is foundational to Kyle’s approach. He sees his role not just as a manager, but also as someone who can make a difficult day easier, for both staff and clients.
“My main motivation has always been customer service,” said Kyle. “Without the customer, we wouldn’t have a job. Treating people right and taking a bad situation and turning it into something good is what motivates me daily.”
He’s the kind of leader who doesn’t shy away from tough conversations about the industry. For Kyle, one of the biggest challenges comes down to rebuilding trust in the trade.
“Our industry has gotten a bad reputation from some bad apples over the years,” he said. “We’re focused on giving the best quality service every day. Hopefully by doing that, we can leave a good imprint on the community.”
He’s also passionate about dispelling the myth that collision repair is a stagnant field.
“[People say] that collision repair is a dying industry, which is far from the truth—as it is a rapidly advancing field,” he said. “We have great opportunities for young people to get into a good trade that they can make a great living doing.”
With new technologies arriving frequently, Kyle says staying ahead requires a mindset shift. He believes innovation will be driven by tomorrow’s technicians.
“The greatest opportunities for growth and innovation in our industry are going to come with the next generation,” said Kyle. “They have been brought up with technology and being able to infuse the industry with a different mindset is what I believe will drive innovation for the future.”
This recognition in the 30 Under 40 list is deeply meaningful to Kyle, personally and professionally.
“Personally, this means that all the hard work and long hours away from my family were worth it to be recognized, for this is a great honour,” he said. “Professionally this recognition will only focus me more on the future and drive me to be the best that I can be. We will keep striving to make vehicle repairs simple and affordable for every vehicle owner in the world.”
“Kyle’s tremendous leadership exemplifies that focus, commitment and execution are the keys to everyone’s success. Today, he has earned himself the role of managing partner, and is supporting his staff through mentorship on how to accelerate their careers.” - NOMINATED BY PAUL PROCHILO, CEO
