Fix Network makes considerable efforts to provide their franchisees across Canada with the support they need to succeed. Behind the big banner, a whole team of experts works behind the scenes to develop effective support strategies covering all operational challenges for both Fix Auto and ProColor Collision repair shops.

The added value of this support is reflected in all aspects of the daily operations of Canadian collision repair shops. Whether celebrating an anniversary, highlighting the opening of a new facility, upgrading the shop for electric vehicle repairs, or helping a manager increase profits to ensure business growth and sustainability, network experts travel throughout all regions of the country to offer innovative, modern, and customized solutions.

At Fix Network, Sonia Bouthillette holds the position of Associate Vice President for Sales and Operations, managing Quebec and all eastern territories to the Atlantic seaboard. Meanwhile, Jeff Labanovich oversees the Canadian regions, spanning from Ontario to the Pacific coast. Their work is built on the same foundations.

Building on solid foundations

“Our mission is to promote human resource development, optimize processes, and support the adoption of new technologies by our franchisees,” says Bouthillette.

Several avenues are taken to accomplish this mission. The support approach goes beyond analyzing performance data or comparing figures between shops. Obviously, comparison is the first step towards continuous improvement and increased profit margins. “It’s difficult for a manager to identify what can be improved, as they are often already busy with day-to-day operations management.” Discussing performance with collision repair specialists inherently includes addressing concerns raised by insurers.

“We can organize meetings with a group of shops or work on a personalized action plan,” explains Bouthillette. “Our experts in the field can collaborate with them to identify areas where they need support. Together, with these managers, we review performance data and identify operational areas needing improvement. We also stand ready to support franchisees in discovering and leveraging untapped business opportunities.”

Over the past two years, Fix Network has established a new sustainability and profitability program that’s focused precisely on these aspects. This formula accompanies, for example, representatives of the new generation who wish to take the reins of a shop, or group of shops.

Supporting certification processes

“Another area where we can support our franchisees is manufacturer certifications,” adds Labanovich. “Based on repair volume analysis, we assist collision repair shops in identifying their most beneficial certification paths. We’re deeply invested in this guidance, believing these specialized skills are crucial. This commitment extends equally to developing capabilities for electric and hybrid vehicle repairs in applicable markets.”

It’s worth noting that Fix Network makes it a point of honour to inform insurance partners whenever one of their franchisees obtains one of these certifications.

Through this tailored support, they can pinpoint exact requirements for both managerial assistance and technical skill advancement. Responding to these needs, three training hubs situated across major Canadian regions allow technicians to perfect their skills using the most advanced equipment.

It’s clear that Fix Network puts in place all the necessary tools for their franchisees to ensure profitability, which is essential for the financial health of the entire organization.

Marketing and communications form another essential component of the Network team’s behind-the-scenes work. The seamless flow of information between franchisees parallels the importance of consumers recognizing Fix Auto and ProColor Collision facilities as industry pacesetters.

Franchisees are regularly invited to participate in both small and large-scale meetings. Regional and local tours are often organized often, and collision repairers are also invited to the annual National Convention to get an overview of the Network’s developments.

Circulating information

“We’ve developed strategic communication frameworks for franchisee engagement and brand marketing initiatives, employing all of today’s digital tools,” says Philippe-André Bisson, Marketing and Communication Director for Fix Network Canada. “Regarding communication, we share everything that is new in our operations with our shops and insurance partners. For example, we have privileged communication channels with insurers that allow us to keep them informed about our new services, repair capabilities in all our regions, and the latest certifications obtained by Network shops.”

Of course, promoting the brand image of Fix Auto shops and ProColor Collision is at the top of Bisson’s team’s priorities. “We rely on marketing specialists in each market. We develop major national advertising campaigns. We are present on television, social networks, and even visible during major sporting events on the ice, as well as on the Formula 1 circuit. We want insurers and consumers to always keep us in mind. At the marketing level, our mission is to give our franchisees maximum visibility while helping them develop their own local advertising tools.”

Encouraging local initiatives

The marketing team’s strategic guidance for local initiatives, while less noticeable, is equally important. “We coach shops how to increase their visibility on social media,” explains Bisson. “These channels represent a powerful tool, but they are double-edged, as everyone knows. Our team can accompany them, give them practical advice, like the need for good photos, to help them stand out while enhancing our brand image.” Fix Network even offers shops the opportunity to manage all comments that might appear on social media on their behalf.

In addition, Fix Network excels in supporting special activities. A shop that joins the banner or celebrates an anniversary or expansion has the right to be celebrated and to invite customers and friends to the party. “These are all opportunities to showcase our franchisees,” says Bisson. “Our local teams can help them organize the event, and we ensure we make as much noise as possible around each activity.”

In short, being part of Fix Network is much more than joining a banner; it’s having access to a complete toolbox with which shops can build a more prosperous future.

Resources to use

Karim Zaidane owns five, soon to be six, collision repair shops under the Fix Auto and ProColor Collision banners on the island of Montreal. According to Zaidane, Fix Network offers resources that franchisees should take advantage of.

“I have good ideas, but I don’t always have the time or resources to implement them,” he says. “What I value about the Fix Network team is their constant availability and ability to provide support and respond to my questions.”

As an example, he mentions the assistance provided during the organization of significant events celebrating key achievements for his company. “The team took charge of the entire distribution aspect,” explains Zaidane. “When we have good news, they process it, enhance it, and distribute it everywhere, with more expertise than I have.”

The manager doesn’t hesitate to call upon the regional representatives of the banner to assist them in their operations. For example, a representative took four of his estimators under his wing, and invited them to visit high-performing collision repair shops in the network in order to inspire them with better practices. “A visit that had measurable financial effects,” adds Zaidane.

He notes that Fix Network promotes exchanges and visits between shop managers. “It’s a very concrete approach, and I like it,” adds Zaidane. “We can see what is being done well elsewhere, and our good ideas can also inspire our colleagues. The network is a great facilitator.”

According to Zaidane, it is essential to sometimes know how to ask for outside help in order to progress. “The brand represents far more than just a logo on a building,” he concludes. “It encompasses valuable resources meant to be utilized.