Collision Training Expo - NWACA

Bringing the Collision Industry to a Higher Level of Excellence

Training is essential for collision repair technicians as it helps them in multiple ways, including:

• Keeping up with evolving technology: The automotive industry is continuously progressing, and new models with advanced technologies are launched every year. To cater to these changes, collision repair technicians need to stay updated with the latest processes and techniques. Training sessions and programs help them learn about the latest advancements, which helps in performing complex repairs with ease.

• Enhancing Skills: Through training, collision repair technicians can enhance their skills and knowledge, which helps them in providing quality services. The automobile industry demands technicians with updated techniques to resolve new problems that arise. Training programs further give technicians the opportunity to become specialized in their area of interest, such as spray painting, welding or damage diagnosis.

• Increased Safety: Collision repair technicians work with heavy machinery, tools and chemicals that can potentially cause harm if not used appropriately. With proper training, technicians learn to operate these machines with caution and handle chemicals effectively, thus reducing the risk of accidents and injuries in the workplace.

• Meeting Standards and Regulations: The Government mandates strict standards and regulations for the automobile industry. Collision repair technicians must be aware of these regulations to ensure that their work complies with legal standards for repairs, safety and environmental aspects. Training programs help technicians understand and meet these standards.

In summary, training is imperative in the collision repair industry as it helps technicians remain up-to-date with new technology, enhance their skills, ensure safety in the workplace and meet government regulations.

Our Speakers:

Institute Presenter Schedule

FRIDAY MORNING, May 2, 2025

8:30am-11:30am PST

Transform Your Shop’s Communication | Presented by Jimmy Lea and Rhonda Lea • Sponsored by The Institute

FRIDAY AFTERNOON, May 2, 2025

1:00pm-4:00pm PST

Ringing in Success: Elevate Your Phone Proficiency | Presented by Jimmy Lea • The Institute

1:00pm-4:00pm PST

Built to Lead: The Collision Shop Leader’s Edge | Presented by Cecil Bullard • Sponsored by WTI

SATURDAY MORNING, May 3, 2025

8:30am-11:30am PST

Collision Shop Financial Mastery | Presented by Cecil Bullard • Sponsored by WTI

8:30am-11:30am PST

Reign Supreme in the Digital Realm: Master Your Recession-Proof Presence! | Presented by Jimmy Lea • Sponsored by The Institute

Presentation Descriptions:

*Transform Your Shop’s Communication

Presented by Jimmy Lea and Rhonda Lea • Sponsored by The Institute

Transform Your Shop’s Communication to Connect Every Time and Maximize Your Revenue

Are These Shop Challenges Costing You Money?

• Customers who don’t trust your service recommendations.

• Estimators struggling to explain repairs to customers.

• Other Employees and Estimators not communicating effectively.

• Front office conflicts affecting shop efficiency.

• Customer complaints about communication.

• Lost repeat business due to misunderstandings.

Turn Your Team into a High-Performance Pit Crew

Discover how you can use the Bird Personality system to:

• Close more service recommendations by matching each customer’s communication style.

• Transform estimator and other employee relationships for faster ticket completion.

• Reduce costly comebacks through better team communication.

• Turn angry customers into raving fans.

• Increase average repair order through better explanation techniques.

This Isn’t Your Typical Shop Training

Participants will experience hands-on, automotive-specific scenarios including:

• Other employee-estimator communication exercises

• Interactive team dynamics scenarios

• Real-world case studies from successful stories Real Shop Results

• Increase in service recommendation approval rate.

• Reduction in customer complaints.

• Improvement in shop efficiency.

• Higher CSI scores.

• Increased customer retention.

• More 5-star reviews.

• Reduced employee turnover.

Perfect For:

• Owners working with estimators, managers, and other employees.

• Estimators who need to build trust quickly.

• Shop Managers balancing customer and team needs.

• Other Employees struggling to explain technical issues.

• Front Office Staff handling difficult customers.

• Parts Department personnel coordinating with multiple departments

*Ringing in Success: Elevate Your Phone Proficiency

Presented by Jimmy Lea • The Institute

Embark on a transformative journey to redefine your phone skills under the guidance of renowned expert, Jimmy Lea from The Institute. Discover the secrets to crafting compelling value propositions and effortlessly setting appointments that drive business success. “Ringing in Success” isn’t just a course; it’s a game-changer in the realm of customer service. This immersive experience unveils the pivotal role of phone etiquette in shaping customer perceptions and driving business growth. In this electrifying course, you will delve into:

• Harnessing the Power of the First 4.5 Seconds: Learn to captivate your audience from the outset.

• Overcoming Objections with Finesse: Equip yourself with strategies to handle objections with confidence and grace.

• Closing Mastery: Unlock the secrets to boosting appointment conversion rates with effective closing techniques.

• Pitfall Prevention: Identify and avoid common pitfalls that sabotage your success.

• Cultivating Advocates: Transform inquiries into devoted advocates who champion your business.

• Energized Engagement: Discover how to infuse every interaction with excitement, enthusiasm, and genuine interest. • Value Creation and Objection Mastery: Equip yourself with techniques to demonstrate value, overcome objections, and convert.

• The Art of Closing: Learn when and how to confidently seal the deal, securing appointments that propel your success.

• Strategic Engagement: Identify opportune moments to nurture leads and elevate your service offerings.

• Empowerment through Practice: Hone your skills through real-world examples and practical exercises, ensuring seamless execution in any scenario.

Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your phone prowess and unlock a world of untapped potential. Enroll now and revolutionize your approach to phone interactions for unparalleled success!

*Built to Lead: The Collision Shop Leader’s Edge

Presented by Cecil Bullard • Sponsored by WTI

In the rapidly evolving Collision Repair Industry, the difference between a good shop and a great one comes down to one thing—leadership. This course is designed for collision shop owners, managers, and team leaders who are ready to break through performance plateaus and build teams that operate with accountability, consistency, and passion. Led by Cecil Bullard, one of the most respected minds in the aftermarket space, this immersive leadership session dives deep into what it takes to lead effectively in today’s high-pressure repair environment. You’ll learn the exact mindset, systems, and communication strategies that transform average employees into highly engaged team members who take ownership of their results. Understand the six stages of leadership, the four phases of building trust, and how to create a culture where your team doesn’t just follow—they lead. Whether you’re managing technicians, estimators, or front office staff, this session delivers practical, collision-specific tools to boost morale, productivity, and profitability.

Top 5 Takeaways for Participants:

• Master the Six Stages of Leadership and how they apply to managing highstakes collision teams.

• Develop a Trust-Building Framework that eliminates micromanagement and boosts independent decision-making.

• Learn Practical Systems for Accountability that reduce rework, improve cycle times, and increase morale.

• Discover the Secrets to Inspiring Culture Change and empowering team members to become problem-solvers.

• Walk Away with a Proven Leadership Toolkit you can implement immediately to lead your shop to the next level.

*Collision Shop Financial Mastery

Presented by Cecil Bullard • Sponsored by WTI

Let’s face it: most collision shop owners are working harder than ever and still not seeing the financial results they deserve. It’s not because they aren’t capable—it’s because they were never taught the financial systems that top-performing shops rely on to thrive.

This course, led by Cecil Bullard, delivers the financial roadmap every collision shop owner and operator needs to finally get control of their numbers, improve cash flow, and build long-term wealth. Whether you’re running DRP-heavy operations or navigating a mix of insurance and retail, the principles in this course will apply directly to your reality.

Participants will dive into the 10 most important numbers every shop must track, learn how to create financial projections, and develop pricing strategies that protect margins without sacrificing customer retention. You’ll also learn the 6 keys to sustainable financial success—and how to stop working 60+ hours a week just to break even.

Top 5 Takeaways for Participants:

• Understand the 10 Financial Metrics every successful collision shop tracks—and how to interpret them.

• Learn the 4 Critical Financial Reports that tell you exactly where you stand—and what needs to change.

• Build a Pricing Model that Works by balancing insurance rates, labor profitability, and parts markup.

• Discover the 6 Keys to Financial Success that allow you to work less and make more.

• Walk Away with a Collision-Focused Financial Blueprint to grow revenue, protect your margins, and scale with confidence.

*Reign Supreme in the Digital Realm: Master Your Recession-Proof Presence!

Presented by Jimmy Lea • Sponsored by The Institute

Welcome to the 21st where if you don’t exist digitally… you don’t exist. Grab your recession ready checklist for building a fool-proof foundation to establish your marketing superiority online. Step into the digital age and ensure your brand’s immortality with “Is Your Digital Footprint Recession Ready?” led by the maestro of marketing, Jimmy Lea from The Institute. In this electrifying session, Jimmy unveils the keys to digital dominance, guiding you through the intricacies of establishing an unassailable online presence.

Embrace the Revolution: Join Jimmy Lea on a journey to not just survive but thrive in the relentless digital landscape. Armed with a recession-ready checklist, you’ll uncover the strategies to fortify your digital fortress and elevate your brand’s visibility to unprecedented heights.

Takeaways:

1. Master the Art of Digital Dominance: Gain expert insights into optimizing your online identity, ensuring you stand out amidst the digital noise.

2. Fortify Your Online Fortress: Learn how to navigate Google’s algorithms, claim your social territories, and construct a resilient online presence impervious to economic downturns.

3. Future-Proof Your Brand: Equip yourself with the tools and techniques to confidently conquer the digital landscape, securing your brand’s relevance and resilience for years to come.

Don’t let economic uncertainties dim your brand’s shine. Secure your spot now and embark on a journey to digital supremacy!