GRATITUDE, GROWTH, AND GOALS FOR 2025
With EVs, ADAS, and OEM standards shaping our path, the journey ahead begins with proper training and a commitment to safety By DARRYL SIMMONS With 2024 coming to a close, it’s a time to reflect on the milestones we’ve reached and the challenges we’ve faced in Canada’s collision repair industry. It’s been a year of […]
Publisher’s Page: Reflections on SEMA 2024
Las Vegas, Nevada — As the dust settles after another exhilarating SEMA Show in Las Vegas, I find myself reflecting on the invaluable experiences and connections forged during this iconic event. For anyone involved in the collision repair industry, attending trade shows like SEMA is not just beneficial—it’s essential. This year was a testament to […]
CONNECTING WITH INDUSTRY CHAMPIONS
Connecting with the collision repair industry is a privilege By DARRYL SIMMONS One of the most rewarding aspects of being the publisher of Collision Repair magazine is the opportunity to attend industry events and meet the extraordinary people who make this vital industry as exciting and influential as it is. There’s something special about the […]
NAVIGATING THE FUTURE
The collision repair industry’s response to emerging challenges By DARRYL SIMMONS The collision repair industry in Canada is at a crucial juncture, where collaboration and dialogue among shops, insurers, and OEMs is becoming more important than ever. This shift in dynamic is vital, as repair shops possess the onthe- ground knowledge necessary to ensure safe […]
A SUMMER OF SYNERGY
The power of sharing ideas and finding common ground By DARRYL SIMMONS As we dive into the vibrant season of network conferences, golf events and training sessions, it’s a perfect moment to reflect on the importance of sharing ideas and finding common ground. In the collision repair industry, we all face unique challenges daily—but it’s […]
IT STARTS WITH YOU
First-ever Canadian Council of Collision Repairers meeting sets the foundation for collaborative industry change By DARRYL SIMMONS In early January, I had the privilege of attending the historic first in-person meeting of the Canadian Council of Collision Repairers (CCCR) at Pfaff Autoworks in Markham, Ontario. If you’ve yet to hear about it, trust me when […]
PROGRESS, PROMISE AND PROSPERITY
With a commitment to training and embracing safe repairs, Canada’s collision repair industry is poised for a great new year! By DARRYL SIMMONS As we make our way through the holiday season, it’s the perfect time to take a breather and reflect on the year that was and the one quickly approaching. This period is […]
EMBRACING AN OPEN DIALOGUE
Transparent communication is key to moving the industry forward By DARRYL SIMMONS It truly baffles me why our industry hesitates to foster open dialogue between insurers and repairers, particularly when it comes to agreeing upon safe and effective repair practices, as outlined by OEM and I-CAR standards. This hesitance risks unnecessary confrontation and discord. Why […]
WHEELS OF FORTUNE
There’s a lot of collaboration in the collision industry’s future BY DARRYL SIMMONS One of the best things about my job is getting out to events and meeting the incredible people of our industry. Two recent events that I really enjoyed were IBIS and the Driven Brands convention. IBIS is a global summit where we […]
THE OEM IMPACT
Automakers and insurers are no longer stange bedfellows By DARRYL SIMMONS With Toyota’s recent foray to provide insurance to the U.S. market, the stage seems to be quietly getting set for the ultimate behemoth of consolidation and full cradle-to-grave control by the OEM. This trend, which has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the […]