Denver, Colorado -- From September 30 to October franchise owners from Abra, CARSTAR and Fix Auto USA (a Driven Brands subsidiary separate from the Quebec-based Fix Network) gathered for the 2025 Ascend Conference Denver.
The event brought together hundreds of franchisees, vendors and industry leaders to share ideas on leadership, repair innovation and technology. Throughout the program, Driven Brands reinforced its focus on operational excellence and network growth through shared success.
A highlight of the weekend was the awards gala, where top-performing franchisees were honoured for their results and leadership. Winners included CARSTAR Platinum Collision Center, owned by the Khoshabeh Group, which received the LOR Award, and Fix Auto Carlsbad Village, led by Richard Fish, which earned the Top Shop Award.
Across the networks, Abra’s Franchisee of the Year went to Doug Sharp of Abra Watertown, while CARSTAR’s Franchisee of the Year was Jason Zander of the Zander Group.
Fix Auto USA’s Franchisee of the Year went to Jesse Hord of the Hord Group. Rookie honours went to Jordan Schmidt of Abra New Lisbon, Petro Tokach of CARSTAR Rice’s Collision, and Brian Brandler of Fix Auto Magnolia-Riverside and Fix Auto Jurupa Valley.
The conference also raised more than US$90,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, reflecting the group’s ongoing commitment to giving back.
Check out photos from the event below.
