MICHAEL MINOGUE

Mike Minogue is continuing a family legacy. As a second- generation collision repair professional, Mike has followed in the footsteps of his father, Wayne Minogue, by working his way up from an apprentice to manager, and now multi-shop owner.

“Being a second-generation owner is truly an honour,” said Mike. “It gives me the opportunity to carry the Minogue name forward in this industry while continuing to deliver the exceptional collision services we’re known for. Most importantly, it allows me to preserve and build upon the legacy my dad worked so hard to create.”

Mike had initially planned to take over the family business when he turned 30, but after witnessing his father endure stress throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, he knew it was time to take charge and step up. Although the pandemic provided uncertainty, the transition felt natural for Mike and his father.

His commitment to legacy– as well as to his team and community– are a large part of why he was nominated by CARSTAR corporate. “Mike is committed to the continuous development of his team, regularly attending industry events like the Restore the Star meeting and facilitating ongoing training to maintain high standards and OEM certifications,” said a representative from CARSTAR. Continuing that training for his staff is something that Mike is consistently working towards as the industry evolves. He’s focused on continuous learning for himself and his team.

“One of the biggest challenges is the ongoing need to coach both staff and insurance companies on the rapid advancements in vehicle technology. Training our team to thoroughly interpret OEM procedures, while working closely with insurance partners to ensure everyone is on the same page, is critical to making sure vehicles are repaired safely and correctly.”

Mike believes staying ahead of the curve and keeping up with the latest technology and tools is the key to success. He feels those steps allow his team to repair vehicles efficiently, allowing for better business performance and happy customers.

The technology element of the collision repair industry is one that Mike feels is overlooked as it expands. Mike wishes more people understood that not all collision repairs are the same. “With how quickly vehicles are being developed—especially with ADAS and other advanced systems—every repair is different and increasingly complex. It’s not just about fixing dents anymore,” said Mike.

In a fast-moving industry, Mike believes that focusing on AI will be a way to simplify certain elements of the repair process and day- to-day operations.

“The industry is evolving daily, and I believe we’ll see a greater integration of AI in estimating and repair planning,” said Mike. “This will help streamline processes and significantly improve the customer experience.”

For Mike, this nomination is more than a personal milestone. It’s a reflection of the people around him. “It’s an honor to be recognized,” said Mike. “Not every day in this industry is easy, but this recognition shows that with the right knowledge, drive, and work ethic, your efforts will be rewarded.”

“Mike is committed to the continuous development of his team, regularly attending industry events like the Restore the Star meeting and facilitating ongoing training to maintain high standards and OEM certifications.” - NOMINATED BY COLLEAGUES / PART OF NETWORK