Article Summary
Connor Jameson transformed CSN Elite Body Shop in Castlegar, B.C. by embracing new technologies like AI estimating tools, EV certifications, and ADAS recalibration, driving a 70% increase in sales while also promoting industry growth through youth recruitment and community engagement.
- 70% sales growth since Connor joined CSN Elite Body Shop, ending a decade of stagnant revenue
- Implemented AI estimating tools, EV certifications, ADAS recalibration, and glass/mechanical services to create new revenue streams and stay competitive
- Created documented career pathways for all staff positions, establishing the shop as the employer of choice in the region
- Launched youth recruitment initiatives including high school partnerships, shop field trips, and community college advisory board involvement
- Overcame public speaking anxiety to take on industry leadership roles and panel discussions, promoting collision careers to the next generation
When Connor walked into the collision repair world, he wasn’t planning to play it safe. Within a few short years at CSN Elite Body Shop in Castlegar, B.C., he’s become known for shaking up the way things are done—blending marketing savvy, technical curiosity and a drive to bring new ideas into the fold.
“He documented career progression pathways for all areas of staff in a collision shop helping us to become the employer of choice in the area,” said Wade, a colleague and mentor at CSN Elite Body Shop who nominated Connor. “I have been in the collision industry for 40 years now so I have seen a lot, but I have not seen someone like Connor. Our sales were pretty unchanged for about 10 years but since Connor joined our company, our sales have jumped 70 percent.”
Connor doesn’t describe his approach as disruptive—just instinctive. “I kind of just find something, do a bit of research, and then I’m like, let’s try that,” he said. “I kind of like to be first, you know. RepairLogic launched in Canada, I saw a LinkedIn post, and like, four minutes later we were signed up. We were number two in Canada. It just seemed like a cool program. We’re not afraid of change.”
That willingness to adopt new systems has helped CSN Elite stay ahead of the curve. Connor has led initiatives like AI estimating tools, EV certifications, and the integration of glass, ADAS recalibration and mechanical services into the business. “We could be scared by it, or we could go buy the ADAS tool,” he said. “So we bought the tool, created the space for it, trained the technicians, and now we do sublets for other shops in the area. That’s another revenue stream.”
Beyond the shop floor, Connor has made it a mission to promote the industry itself. He joined his local community college advisory board, regularly attends career fairs, and even hosts shop “field trips” for collision students. He’s forged links with high schools to allow students to earn graduation credits while exploring collision careers. Bringing young people in, he said, benefits both sides. “I don’t have to feel worried when I bring these high school students into the shop, because our technicians’ faces almost light up when they get to pass on their knowledge. They get fulfillment from that too.”
For someone who admits he once dreaded public speaking, Connor has also embraced industry leadership roles. In recent years, he’s stepped into panel discussions and events, pushing himself out of his comfort zone. “My natural reaction is like, oh no—clammy, heart racing, like, these people don’t want to listen to me talk,” he said. “But then you get up there, and you just start talking. It’s actually not so bad, and it’s kind of fun.”
Still early in his career, Connor’s trajectory is fuelled by curiosity and a refusal to accept “the old way of thinking.” As Wade put it: “Connor is not limited in vision. He views most things with the idea to make the situation better or more enjoyable.”
