GROWING UP WITH THE INDUSTRY

A new chapter begins with the next generation of leaders driving collision repair forward

It is somewhat ironic that the title of this column is The Last Word, because for me, it represents more like a beginning. Although I have been involved in one way or another with Collision Repair magazine since it first started nearly 25 years ago, this is my first real opportunity to introduce myself in these pages.

I was only five when the magazine first came to life, but I still remember helping out—sorting returned copies (five cents a name was big to a kid), hauling boxes of freshly printed issues, and tagging along to events. At the time, it was just a chance to be part of what my family was building, but over the years, it became something much more: a connection to an industry I’ve grown up alongside. Recently, I’ve stepped into a bigger role, and if you haven’t seen me before, there’s a good chance you’ll be seeing me soon at an event or a meeting.

This issue celebrates those under 40 years of age— the youth of today who will shape collision repair tomorrow and well into the future. It’s a milestone worth noting, not just because of the 30 names on our list, but because of what they represent. This industry spans many segments—collision repair, insurance, recycling, manufacturing—and across all of them, the younger generation is stepping up, asking tough questions, and finding new ways forward. When Collision Repair magazine was first launched, the challenges facing the industry looked very different. Repairing a car was largely about steel and paint, less about computers and calibration. Today, the technical demands of a single repair job can rival those of any other high-tech profession. Shops must invest heavily in equipment, training, and people just to stay current, and insurers, suppliers, and educators must all evolve alongside them. That’s why this generation of under-40 leaders is so critical. They aren’t just inheriting an industry; they’re redefining it. Many of them have never known a world without advanced driver assistance systems, digital estimating platforms, or OEM certification programs. For them, technology isn’t an add-on—it’s the baseline. That perspective will be vital as the pace of change only accelerates.

Beyond the technical side, I see cultural change as one of the most powerful shifts happening in collision repair. The professionals highlighted in this issue bring a new emphasis on collaboration, sustainability, and communication. They value transparency with customers, partnerships with insurers, and open dialogue across every segment of the industry. They are also deeply engaged with broader social challenges, from environmental responsibility to workforce development. Recruiting, training, and retaining skilled tradespeople is an urgent priority, and this younger generation is leading the way by making shops more appealing workplaces—places that offer opportunity, respect, and long-term careers.

On a personal level, it’s inspiring to see people close to my age—or younger—already making such a difference. It reinforces why this magazine exists in the first place: to shine a light on the individuals and businesses that keep Canada’s collision repair industry moving forward. I’m proud that Collision Repair magazine continues to be a platform where stories like these are told, where innovation is recognized, and where the voices of the next generation can be amplified. These honourees remind us that the future of this industry is not something to fear, but something to embrace with confidence.

As I take on more responsibility within the magazine, I look forward to building more connections with all of you—whether you’re on the shop floor, in an office, at a supplier’s booth, or teaching in a classroom. The collision repair industry has always been about people first, and this 30 Under 40 feature is proof of that. So while this column may be called The Last Word, for me it feels like the first step in a new chapter. I’m excited to continue the journey with you, to celebrate your successes, and to share the stories that define our industry.

Here’s to the next 25 years—and to the next generation of leaders who will take us there.