FORMULA FIRST COLLISION

December 18, 2025

DRIVING EXCELLENCE THROUGH OEM CERTIFICATION AND STRATEGIC WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Formula First Collision, located in Windsor, Ontario, is a standout in the Canadian collision repair industry. Founded in 2002 by Frank Gobbato, the shop has grown into a leader in OEMcertified repairs, known for its commitment to quality, innovation and customer-first service. This shop profile explores Formula First’s journey, its unique culture, and its strategic working relationships with Mercedes-Benz Canada and Sherwin-Williams Canada.

Gobbato’s passion for automotive repair began early, working in his father’s shop, Continental Collision, where Sherwin-Williams was Continental’s paint brand of choice. That legacy laid the foundation for Formula First Collision, which Gobbato launched with a vision to elevate repair standards and prioritize customer safety.

Since its inception, Formula First has grown steadily, embracing new technologies and certifications while maintaining a strong internal culture. The shop now employs 30 people, most of whom started their careers there, reflecting a deep commitment to mentorship and long-term development.

WHAT MAKES FORMULA FIRST UNIQUE

1. OEM-CERTIFIED REPAIRS

Formula First is a non-direct repair program facility, meaning it works directly for customers rather than insurance companies. This independence allows the shop to strictly follow OEM procedures, ensuring repairs meet manufacturer standards for safety and performance.

2. PASSION-DRIVEN ENVIRONMENT

From antique restorations to high-end luxury vehicles, Formula First’s work is fueled by passion. The shop fosters a family-like atmosphere, complete with a communal lunch space and even an in-house garden, reinforcing its commitment to employee well-being and sustainability.

3. CULTURE OF GROWTH AND EDUCATION

The team is built from the ground up, with most employees starting young and receiving in-house training across multiple disciplines, as well as regular OEM training to stay certified in all its partners’ latest repair techniques.

General Manager Cristian Agostini, for example, began at age 15 and now oversees certification audits and training programs.

“We pride ourselves as a team here in the quality and craftsmanship of our work, our working environment and our culture,” says Agostini. “We really follow the OEM procedures and make sure that the repairs we give our clients are as if they were our own vehicles.”

MERCEDES-BENZ CERTIFICATION: A BADGE OF EXCELLENCE

Formula First’s journey to Mercedes-Benz certification was rigorous and rewarding. The process involved multiple steps, including:

• Extensive training: Technicians undergo specialized training, including welding courses offered by Mercedes-Benz.

• Tooling and audits: The shop maintains strict compliance with tooling requirements and audit protocols

• Attention to detail: Certification demands precision and accountability, which Formula First embraces wholeheartedly Mercedes-Benz Canada Collision Program Manager Edwin Marasigan notes its mission is to ensure appropriate geographic locations for each region to provide ample coverage for Mercedes- Benz customers.

“Mercedes-Benz customers are unique,” he says. “They expect the highest level of service and expect the vehicle to be perfect when returned from an accident. That’s why when a collision center like Formula First meets and exceeds these standards, our customers trust their repair is in good hands. Another reason this is true, is they know they are using only certified Mercedes Benz OE parts and Preferred-Partner coatings.” Gobbato is definitely a believer.

“If you’re looking to pursue a Mercedes-Benz certification, it’s definitely worth it. But shops need to dedicate themselves to properly training their people, buying the right equipment, not taking shortcuts on repairs and always being faithful to the consumer.”

— Frank Gobbato

WORKING WITH SHERWIN-WILLIAMS: INNOVATION MEETS RELIABILITY

Gobbato’s history with Sherwin-Williams made the decision to work together again a natural one—especially after Mercedes-Benz named Sherwin-Williams Canada as its Preferred Paint supplier. The working relationship was driven by:

• Product quality: The Ultra 9K® paint system delivers superior finishes and color matching

• Support and service: Sherwin-Williams provides responsive, hands-on support with reliable delivery even across long distances

• Shared vision: Both companies value innovation, quality and customer success

Regarding transitioning his paint supplier to Sherwin-Williams, Gobbato says, “If anybody is thinking of making a switch to Sherwin- Williams, it has been a good conversion. We like the Ultra 9K product. It’s superior and the matches have been fantastic. The clears are crystal clear. The undercoats are marvelous, and the training is there.”

Formula First was the first shop in Canada to join the Mercedes- Benz/Sherwin-Williams Preferred Program and has been recognized for setting a high standard in collision repair.

“Sherwin-Williams Canada is very proud to be named the Mercedes- Benz Preferred Paint Program partner,” says Tim Gallant, Senior Sales Manager, Sherwin-Williams Canada. “And we’re also extremely proud that Frank was the first to be in that program. The stature that his shop carries throughout the industry demonstrates the level of commitment Sherwin-Williams can provide for anyone’s collision center.”

Sherwin-Williams also introduced several tools that enhanced Formula First’s operations including its Collision Core™ Inventory, which digitizes inventory management, eliminates shortages and streamlines ordering; its digital platforms, which integrate tools to improve efficiency and support seamless operations; and its Collision Core™ Pronto® system, which completely automates paint mixing, improves accuracy, reduces waste, and boosts productivity. RESULTS AND IMPACT

The end result for the shop was a significant increase in its operational efficiency. Since adding these Sherwin-Williams productivity tools, Formula First has seen increased throughput benefits, such as reduced downtime and errors in the paint department, improved inventory tracking and ordering, and faster turnaround times with accurate colour matching.

The shop has also facilitated employee empowerment with staff trained on new technologies and systems and increased engagement and ownership of repair processes. The result has been continued high-quality, OEM-certified repairs and transparent communication and education during vehicle handover to satisfied customers.

Formula First Collision exemplifies how passion, precision and strategic working relationships can elevate a business. Through its commitment to OEM standards, investment in staff development, and collaboration with Mercedes-Benz and Sherwin-Williams, Formula First has positioned itself as a powerhouse in the Canadian collision repair industry.