Curbside Chat

In this episode of Curbside Chat, we dive into the biggest challenges facing collision repair shops today, such as workforce shortages, the rising complexity of modern vehicles, and ensuring profitability. 

Join our host, Lorraine Sommerfeld, as she sits down with industry experts Greg Wing, director of strategic partnerships at Simplicity Car Care, and Jim Bethune, CFO, CARSTAR Manitoba, and president of Bethune Consulting Services...

Gain valuable insights into the latest auto care industry trends and their impact on businesses in this episode of Curbside Chat. Hosted by Lorraine Sommerfeld, the discussion features industry leaders Bill Hanvey, CEO of Auto Care Association; Trevor Tennant, President of Piston Ring Service; and independent consultant Mathew Growden. 

Explore key topics such as artificial intelligence, global affairs, and consumer protection, and ...

In this Curbside Chat episode, we dive into the impact of Trump-era policies on the Canadian auto care sector, such as tariffs and their potential effects on the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). We examine how these changes could reshape trade dynamics and impact the industry. 

Joining the conversation are Kate Harrison, vice chair at Summa Strategies, and Jean-François Champagne, CAE, president and CEO of AIA Canada. ...

Join our host, Lorraine Sommerfeld, who discusses top auto care sector trends and what it means for the sectors' future with President and CEO of MEMA, Paul McCarthy, Brand President, Collision Group, of Driven Brands, Sabrina Thring, and Vice President of Strategy and Growth at UAP Inc., Chris Kinghorn. Watch the episode to gain new perspectives and insight on trends and challenges and how to ensure long-term business success...

Join Lorraine Sommerfeld for an engaging conversation that dives into the critical role of continuous collision training and the importance of standardized training in Canada’s collision sector, especially with the emergence of new, complex vehicle technologies. Gain valuable insights how—and why—collision shops can stay up to date with the latest advancements to deliver consistent, safe, and quality repairs. 

On this epis...

Join Lorraine Sommerfeld for an in-depth conversation about current challenges Canada’s collision sector is facing, such as repair times, supply chain management, and of course, the emergence and impact of electric vehicles on collision repair shops. On this episode of Curbside Chat, we have Ryan Bruno, President and CEO at CSN Collision Centres, and Rocco Neglia, President and CEO of Dumfries Mutual Insurance Company, to provide i...

For the auto care sector to survive and thrive, we need the right to repair—Canada is too geographically diverse to rely on automakers alone to service our vehicles. Quebec is taking a step in the right direction with Bill 29, but what exactly does this bill—or the absence of it—mean for the auto care industry? And how does the Federal bill, C-244 compare, and what does it mean for Canadian consumers? This episode of Curbside Chat,...

Le 5 octobre 2023, le Québec est devenu la première province à adopter une loi sur le droit à la réparation, le projet de loi 29. En bref, cette loi permettra aux propriétaires de véhicules québécois de choisir l’endroit où ils feront entretenir et réparer leur véhicule. Ce balado Curbside Chat se penchera sur la façon que le Québec a réussi à franchir cette étape importante en ce qui concerne le droit à la réparation.

Jea...

AIA Canada Chairman, Jason Yurchak welcomes Saifullah Sanaye, Professor of Automotive Technology at St. Lawrence College, and discuss the current environment in automotive training and on the future of the auto care industry. 

For more information about the Innovation in Automotive Training program, visit: ev-training.ca

Want to see more Curbside Chat? Find videos from previous shows here:  https://www.aiacanada.c...

AIA Canada Chairman, Jason Yurchak welcomes Patrick Verriet, Key Account Manager at MANN + HUMMEL, discuss Young Professionals in the Aftermarket (YPA) and developing next generation leaders in the auto care sector.

Want to see more Curbside Chat? Find videos from previous shows here:  https://www.aiacanada.com/curbside-ch...

Do not miss any of AIA Canada’s events, including upcoming episodes of Curbside Chat! Vis...

Podcast guest: John Washbish, President & CEO – Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance

On this episode, Bob and John discuss what’s going on in the global world when it comes to consolidation at a supplier level. They'll also address how consolidation is affecting the quality of the parts that are being supplied in the aftermarket in respect to the good-better-best approach to pricing.

Join Lorraine Sommerfeld, host of th...