This event has become a staple of the collision repair calendar.

On December 16, Budds’ Collision Services in Oakville, Ont., hosted its annual Pig Roast. Each year, this event has represented an opportunity for Budds’ management team, staff, vendors and other key collision industry professionals to come together for a common cause, to raise money for the Sam Piercey Foundation, which supports young apprentices in the collision repair industry.

Sam Piercey was Co-owner, Vice President and General Manager of Budds’ Collision from 1983 until 2015 and created what was one of the most advanced and progressive body shop operations of its kind, not only in Canada, but across North America. From developing new processes, improving the customer experience; investing in new training and repair techniques (including one of the first locations in Canada to have its own dedicated aluminum repair space), Budds’ was and continues to be a pioneer, setting benchmarks for the industry. Always looking to the future, Piercey actively encouraged mentorship and training, ensuring a sustainable pipeline of new talented staff and technicians. Piercey sadly passed away in 2016, but his legacy lives on. Sam’s successor and mentee, current General Manager (and Autosphere columnist) J.R. Martino, delivered an address at this year’s Pig Roast.

Martino noted that despite all the upheaval the collision industry has faced over the last few years, the ability for everybody to come together at an industry event like the Pig Roast and support the Sam Piercey Foundation is hugely significant. “I would like to extend a big thank you to our event planning committee for nailing this event and for everyone who has come here today and shown their support.” Martino also took the opportunity, to acknowledge the passing of Bonnie Budd, the matriarch of the Budds’ group of companies.” Without Bonnie, we probably would not be here today. I’m grateful for that and I’m sure a lot of you are too. We will miss you Bonnie!”

As in past years, there was plenty of food, plenty of networking and tons of raffle prizes, with all proceeds from tickets sold at the event going to the Sam Piercey Foundation.