When I joined Collision Repair magazine a year ago, I knew very little about the collision repair industry.
I understood what a collision repair shop did, but I had no idea how much went into getting a vehicle safely back on the road. I certainly didn’t know how many conversations, decisions and people could be involved in a single repair.
A year later, I know a lot more. I also know there is still a lot I don’t know.
That might be one of the things I’ve enjoyed most about this job. There is always another part of the industry to learn about, another technology changing the way repairs are done or another person with a story I haven’t heard yet.
Over the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to speak with shop owners, technicians, apprentices, educators, suppliers, insurers and industry leaders from across the country. I’ve talked to people who have spent their entire careers in collision repair and others who are just getting started.
What has stood out to me is how willing people are to share what they’ve learned.
I’ve had conversations about everything from training and recruitment to EVs, OEM procedures, new technology and the challenges of running a shop. I’ve also heard plenty of stories about family businesses, career changes, community initiatives and people who simply take a lot of pride in doing their jobs well.
Those conversations have changed the way I look at the industry.
Before joining CRM, I probably would have thought of collision repair primarily as fixing damaged vehicles. Now I understand how much knowledge and responsibility sits behind that work. Modern collision repair can involve advanced materials, electronics, scanning, calibration and increasingly specialized training. The technology is changing quickly, but the people working in the industry are changing with it.
There’s a resilience to that that I’ve come to really appreciate.
Of course, there are plenty of challenges. Finding and retaining skilled people, keeping up with technology, navigating changing repair requirements and running a sustainable business are not easy things. But alongside those challenges, there are people investing in their employees, encouraging young people to enter the trade and finding new ways to move their businesses and the industry forward.
Those are the stories I want to keep telling.
As I step into the role of interim editor, I’m looking forward to having a larger role in shaping the direction of Collision Repair and our other media brands. I want us to continue covering the news our readers need to know, while also making room for the people, ideas and conversations that can sometimes get lost in the day-to-day.
I also want to keep asking questions. Lots of them.
I don’t expect to know everything about collision repair — and after one year, I certainly don’t. But I’ve learned that some of the best stories start with admitting you don’t know something and asking someone who does.
So, to everyone who has answered my questions, explained something for the third time, invited me into their shop or trusted me with their story over the past year: thank you.
You’ve made this a fascinating industry to learn about and an even better one to cover.
I’m looking forward to seeing where we go from here.
