Shannon Tardiff knows how to turn passion into performance. As the Director of Field Operations at CSN Collision, she leads the company’s Canadian Field Operations. Shannon was nominated for 30 Under 40 by her manager, Jay Hayward, senior vice president of operations at CSN Collision Centres. “Shannon’s commitment to self-improvement is commendable and a clear indicator as to why she has risen from being a technician to now leading an entire country of field staff,” said Jay.
Like many in the collision repair industry, Shannon has always had a “passion for cars and a fascination with how things work.” “What drew me to collision repair specifically was the blend of craftsmanship and technology—it’s where art meets engineering,” Shannon told Collision Repair magazine. At the beginning of her career, Shannon was motivated by the satisfaction of damage restoration. However, “Over time that motivation evolved into a deeper purpose: helping people get back on the road safely and helping our licensees at CSN Collision grow and perform,” she said.
Shannon’s ability to help people perform is a talent of hers. In leading CSN Collision’s Canadian Field Operations, Shannon “has taken what was a very reactive department to being highly effective and proactive,” said Jay. “She has done this through systems and process development and the sourcing and hiring of key staff members. She leads them with a psychologically safe approach that focuses on accountability while ensuring people are supported, cared for and clear on their impacts.”
A major highlight of Shannon’s career has been the creation and implementation of the CSN FOCUS program, which is designed to help CSN engage with licensees to define and achieve their “unique definitions of growth and performance.” FOCUS is now a cornerstone of the CSN Field Operations strategy. “Seeing it grow from concept to a key operational pillar—and witnessing the positive impact it’s had on our network—has been incredibly rewarding,” said Shannon.
Deeply passionate about closing the growing skills gap in the industry, Shannon is committed to aiding and inspiring the next generation of talent. “To me, it’s about more than just filling roles—it’s about reshaping perceptions,” she said. “Collision repair is no longer just about wrenches and paint; it’s a high-tech, high-opportunity field that blends innovation, precision and purpose.”
Shannon stays ahead of the curve by continuously learning, and she has served on the Canadian Collision Industry Forum Steering Committee and the Automotive Industries Association Young Professionals in the Aftermarket Committee. This isn’t something she does alone, as Shannon and her team have “built a culture where staying ahead is part of the job.” For Shannon, staying ahead means preparing for all the ways technology is reshaping the industry.
“My goal is for CSN to be at the forefront of this transformation— adopting cutting-edge tools, championing digital best practices and helping our licensees navigate this shift,” Shannon concluded. “Ultimately, I want to help shape a future where collision repair is not just reactive, but proactive, intelligent and seamlessly integrated with the broader mobility ecosystem.”
“Shannon’s commitment to self-improvement is commendable and a clear indicator as to why she has risen from being a technician to now leading an entire country of field staff.” - NOMINATED BY JAY HAYWARD, MANAGER
