TOP TECHS: SKILLS ONTARIO AUTOBODY COMPETITION WINNERS NAMED
A Mohawk College student has taken top honours in the post-secondary autobody competition at the Skills Ontario Competition, following a full day of hands-on collision repair challenges.
Vincent L. of Mohawk College earned gold in the postsecondary division, while Evan B. of the Halton District School Board claimed top spot in the secondary category. Competitors were evaluated across four core modules reflecting modern repair practices, with a total possible score of 1,000 points.
The largest portion of the competition focused on a structural sectioning project, requiring students to complete MIG welding and adhesive bonding while following precise sectioning and measurement points. Participants were also tested on aluminum and silicon bronze welding, a unibody measuring exercise using computerized systems and a dent repair task using BETAG equipment.
Across all modules, judges assessed accuracy, technique and adherence to industry procedures.
Safety requirements were strictly enforced throughout the competition, with students required to use approved personal protective equipment and demonstrate competency with tools and welding systems.
The autobody repair competition is part of Skills Ontario’s annual event, which introduces students to careers in the skilled trades and serves as a pathway to national and international competition.
Top finishers are expected to advance to the Skills Canada National Competition, where they will compete against peers from across the country.
FULL RESULTS
Post-secondary:
Vincent L. – Mohawk College
Ben H. – Algonquin College
GiJeong J. – Centennial College
Makenna M. – Fanshawe College
Tyler H. – Mohawk College
Jordan E. – Centennial College
Secondary:
Evan B. – Halton District School Board
Xavier P. – Upper Canada District School Board
Xavier P. – Greater Essex County District School Board
Elizabeth M. – Limestone District School Board
Ty C. – Halton Catholic District School Board
collisionrepairmag.com/15824450
ONTARIO SUPERIOR COURT RULES ON CSN AND LIFT AUTO GROUP DISPUTE
An Ontario Superior Court judge has granted a permanent injunction in a contractual dispute between CSN Collision and Lift Auto Group Ltd.
The decision, released March 9 in CSN Collision (Canada) Inc. v. Lift Auto Group Ltd., prevents Lift from proceeding with a proposed rebrand of its CSN-aff iliated collision repair locations and from breaching certain restrictive covenants contained in the parties’ agreements.
According to the ruling, the parties entered into a longterm Royalty Agreement in 2018 that runs until 2045. CSN operates approximately 265 collision repair facilities across Canada through a licensing structure similar to a franchise model. Lift currently operates 65 CSN-branded locations and has grown aggressively within the network since entering into agreements with CSN in 2018.
The court heard that Lift advised CSN in October 2025 that it intended to leave the network and transition its facilities to a new “Lift Collision” brand. Lift acknowledged the move could breach the existing agreements. Lift argued that damages would be an adequate remedy. CSN sought specific performance through a permanent injunction.
Justice F.L. Myers ruled that damages would be diff icult to quantify because of the length and complexity of the relationship, including potential impacts related to future business operations, branding and contractual rights. The court granted the injunction and CSN was also awarded costs of $185,000 on a partial indemnity basis. Collision Repair reached out to both parties for comment. Both organizations declined.
collisionrepairmag.com/15825788
CARSTAR OPENS IN FONTHILL ONTARIO
Mark Falkenberg and John Scetta, longtime CARSTAR franchise partners since 2009, have opened a new CARSTAR Fonthill location expanding the brand’s presence in the Niagara region.
CARSTAR Fonthill is led by owner John Scetta and manager Samara Brown, alongside a dedicated team. The facility holds multiple OEM certifications, including FCA, Hyundai, Genesis, Kia, Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Subaru and Nissan, ensuring industry-leading repair standards across all supported vehicles.
“CARSTAR Fonthill represents an exciting step forward in expanding our presence across Ontario while strengthening service in the Niagara region,” said Collin Welsh, senior director, Ontario Region, CARSTAR. “Mark, John, and their teams have a proven track record of excellence and this new location makes it even easier for customers to access the quality and care they expect from CARSTAR.”
Mark Falkenberg and John Scetta bring decades of industry experience to CARSTAR Fonthill, enhancing the network’s growth while delivering the high level of service customers expect.
collisionrepairmag.com/15825533
COLOR COMPASS ACQUIRES FLAT LINE
Color Compass Corporation, one of Canada’s largest independent distributor of autobody and industrial supplies, has announced the acquisition of Flat Line Spraybooth Specialists Incorporated of Richmond Hill, ON. This strategic move marks another milestone in Color Compass’ commitment to expanding its footprint and delivering innovative solutions across the Canadian marketplace.
Flat Line has built a strong reputation in Canada for its customer-centric approach, equipment solutions and technical and service expertise. With this acquisition, Color Compass Corporation claims to strengthen its presence in Ontario and position Flat Line as a key driver of growth and innovation throughout Canada.
Matt Gibson, general manager states that “Flat Line will continue to operate under our established brand while we get to benefit from Color Compass’s extensive resources, distribution network and training infrastructure. Our integration will enable and enhance our service capabilities, streamline our operations, and expand products, services, solution off erings for customers coast to coast.”
For more information about Color Compass Corporation, please visit colorcompass.com
ANNUAL EVENT: PBE DISTRIBUTORS’ 31ST ANNUAL SPRING SHOWCASE
On April 16, distributors from across Canada’s automotive aftermarket gathered at the Mississauga Hilton for PBE Distributors’ 31st annual Spring Showcase, an annual trade event focused on the paint, bodyshop and equipment segments.
The invitation-only event drew just under 300 attendees, including jobbers from British Columbia to Quebec, with 50 manufacturers presenting new products and services to distributor partners. Organizers framed this year’s theme, Stronger Together, around collaboration across the supply chain, as distributors and vendors navigate ongoing changes in product technology and shop demands.
Custom painter Ron Gibbs appeared at the House of Kolor booth, where he demonstrated pinstriping techniques for attendees.
Sherwin-Williams, 3M Canada and Wesco Group supported the event as food and beverage sponsors. A follow-up prize draw is scheduled for June 1 in London, Ontario with 16 prizes totalling $4,000.
collisionrepairmag.com/15822981
IN MEMORIAM: HUBERT SO, FIX NETWORK’S GLOBAL V-P OF FINANCE
Born in Hong Kong, So came to Canada as an infant in the mid-1970s. After high school, he studied financial management at the British Columbia Institute of Technology and accounting at the University of Calgary before earning his CPA, CGA designation in 2000.
So began his career in accounting roles with Superstar Group Ltd. and Eagle Quest Golf Centers before joining Burnaby-based TCG International in 1998. Over nearly two decades at TCG International, he advanced through a series of accounting and financial planning roles before becoming controller.
Fix Network acquired TCG International in 2017, bringing So into the organization as controller. He was later promoted to senior financial director, vice-president finance and global vice-president of finance.
During his tenure, Fix Network expanded internationally through acquisitions and franchise growth across collision repair, glass, mechanical repair and property restoration operations.
The company credited So with helping modernize and scale its finance operations while supporting acquisitions, governance initiatives and broader international expansion.
“Hubert was a trusted leader and a generous mentor who made people better — not just in their roles, but as part of this organization,” executive vice-president and chief financial off icer Dan Hogg said in a statement. “He brought clarity, calm, and confidence to those around him, and his impact will continue to shape our teams and our network for years to come.”
Fix Network president and CEO Steve Leal said So played “a pivotal role” in many of the company’s major milestones.
“But more than that, he was someone people counted on — thoughtful, steady and genuinely kind,” Leal said. He is survived by his wife, Decelia, and sons Jaden and Kalen.
collisionrepairmag.com/15825291
NEW POSITIONS FOR SIMPLICITY CO-FOUNDERS
As CEO, Ieraci will lead company perfomance, strategy and execution, with a focus on alignment, accountability and consistent execution as the business scales. Ieraci previously served as president of Simplicity Car Care, a role in which he was involved in the company’s growth trajectory, insurer capacity agreements, technology enablement and leadership training.
Ieraci said the leadership shift comes as the collision repair sector faces rising vehicle complexity, electric vehicle adoption, OEM repair standards and technician shortages.
“The collision repair industry is entering one of the most transformative periods it has ever seen,” said Ieraci. “Increasing vehicle complexity, EV adoption, OEM repair standards and technician shortages are fundamentally reshaping the industry and raising the bar for what it takes to compete at a high level.”
“Our philosophy has never been growth at all costs,” said Paul Prochilo, chief growth officer of Simplicity Car Care. “We believe sustainable growth only happens when operational consistency, a high-performance culture and franchisee success remain the foundation of the business. We continue to invest heavily in our operations, insurer performance management, OEM readiness, training, centralized support systems and data-driven accountability across the network.”
