Sunshine, swings and a good cause were all on the scorecard Thursday as The Boyd Group representing Assured Automotive and Boyd Auto Body and Glass brought the collision repair industry together at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley.
Under bright sunshine, repairers, suppliers and other collision industry partners traded offices and repair bays for fairways, with a little friendly competition thrown into the mix.
Events like this serve a bigger purpose in an industry built on relationships. People who spend much of the year talking business across desks, phones and computer screens get several hours together where the conversation can wander well beyond the next meeting or project.
More importantly, the tournament put that industry camaraderie behind a worthwhile cause, raising support for the Pinball Foundation and its work helping young people overcome barriers to education, mentorship and career opportunities.
Michael “Pinball” Clemons joined the group toward the end of the day to share a few words with participants and bring the charitable purpose of the tournament into focus.
“Days like this give us a chance to spend time with the people we work with throughout the year in a completely different environment,” said Stephen Boyd, COO Canada at The Boyd Group. “We are so fortunate to work in an industry with so many great people and partners. If we can bring everyone together, have some fun and support an organization doing meaningful work at the same time, that makes for a pretty successful day.”
Between tee shots, missed putts and the occasional search through the rough, much of the day was simply about reconnecting.
“Our industry is built on relationships, and you don’t build those relationships entirely through emails and meetings,” said Des Browne, vice-president, sales and business development. “Getting everyone out here, having some laughs and spending time together is important. Being able to do it while supporting the Pinball Foundation makes the day even better.”
By late afternoon, sunshine was still covering the course as the final groups headed back to the clubhouse.
Some left with respectable scores. Others left with explanations.
Either way, nobody needed a scorecard to call the day a success.
Check out all the photos from the event:
