Daryll O’Keefe, General Manager for Fix Auto Ontario Region, hosted the annual Ontario regional meeting on September 20-21.
“This important yearly event brings together the franchise strategic partners to provide them with updates on the business and also a great opportunity to meet with suppliers, insurance and fleet partners as well as network with their colleagues,” said O’Keefe. Everyone came together at the beautiful Hockley Valley Resort in Mono, one hour north of Toronto. The event, which also included a golf tournament and vendor expo (see autosphere.ca/collisionmanagement for additional coverage), saw approximately 80 attendees from all over the region.
Steve Leal, Fix Auto World President and CEO, opened the meeting by diving right into his vision of growth and innovation. Leal firmly believes in the franchise model. “Our franchise strategic partners are the experts in this industry,” remarked Leal. “Our role is to support their entrepreneurial spirit and mutually drive our business forward through innovation, comprehensive management tools, in-depth training, creative marketing and partnerships with insurance companies and suppliers.”
Leal outlined how the Fix Auto team will continue to support strategic partners with improvements to existing programs and new partnerships with insurance companies and suppliers.
Individual breakout sessions focusing on operations, marketing and sales also took place. Presenters focused on the tools and systems available to the network to help them build a successful and sustainable business. Presentations not only highlighted the current efforts underway to support the shops but also the exciting plans to come, and provided an opportunity for two-way communications with feedback and questions encouraged.
Fix Auto also welcomed Brigitte Pesant, Director of Collision Programs for the Automotive Industries Association (AIA) of Canada, as a special guest speaker. As the collision industry continues to advance rapidly, it is increasingly important for shop owners to keep current with equipment and training. She highlighted the significance of the Canadian Collision Industry Accreditation Program (CCIAP) stating, “CCIAP accredited shops demonstrate to consumers and industry partners alike that they are skilled and capable to repair the latest vehicles on the road.”
An open panel discussion with representatives from three insurance companies saw some keen interest from the attendees. Leaders from TD Insurance, Economical and Aviva Canada participated and provided key insights into their relationship with the industry confirming the value of accreditations from their perspective.
Prior to the annual meeting, the annual Fix Auto Masters Golf Tournament was held at the Hockley Valley course with sunny skies and warm temperatures welcoming players. There were various fundraising activities held on multiple holes with the goal of raising funds for the Ronald MacDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Canada. The Fix Auto Ontario team raised $10,000 to help RMHC provide families of sick children with a home to stay at while their child is being treated at a nearby hospital. “I am extremely proud of the Fix Auto team and the overwhelming generosity of everyone who joined us,” noted Leal. “It was a great way to begin the productive and inspired Ontario regional meeting.”
