CARSTAR recently concluded its spring regional meetings, successfully bringing together its franchise family within its various provinces throughout Canada.
These gatherings provided a platform for insightful and productive sessions, allowing franchisees to receive valuable training in everything from estimating to EV repairs to co-op placement and everything in between. Franchisees shared best practices as they engaged in meaningful discussions with one another and with industry experts.
“We experienced the highest level of franchise partner participation in these meetings than ever before, filling every room we were in,” said Dave Foster, SVP Operations and Development, CARSTAR Canada. “Collin Welsh, Andrew Northrup, Dave Meery and Remi Michaud displayed exceptional leadership in each of their regions, cultivating content and curating guest speakers that mattered to their markets. We care deeply about bringing value to our network and these hyperlocal educational sessions are the perfect forum for just that.”
Ontario
The Spring regional meetings in Ontario were held in four different cities including London, Vaughan, Ottawa and Sudbury throughout April. These meetings included sessions on operational best practices, collision centre financial management, performance analytics and apprenticeship program education. With guests from local colleges, financial experts and industry experts, the Ontario owners were all able to take something away from each meeting. Special thanks to CARSTAR Sudbury and CARSTAR Ottawa South East (Hunt Club) for providing tours and providing space for these incredible sessions.
Alberta
Held in Edmonton at the beginning of May, the whole Alberta region gathered for a jam-packed day of industry, corporate and leadership speakers. Highlights included a discussion on AI by Ryan Taylor and team-building strategies from the Calgary Flames’ Coach Ryan Huska. CARSTAR was also able to share updates as it relates to Alberta specifically in it’s operational performance and coaching strategies to move the needle in franchise partner profitability.
British Columbia
Following Alberta, the roadshow continued in Burnaby, B.C. where franchisees gathered for two days of industry insights, training and collaboration. Ryan Taylor’s AI presentation drove thought-provoking discussion on customer service, as did ICBC and ARA. The first day concluded with an exciting presentation on CARSTAR’s newest partnership with the BC Lions and Grey Cup leadership team. The second day was geared towards estimate training for stores and their teams lead by special guest Stefanio Liessi from Color Compass.
Atlantic Canada
Atlantic Canada provinces gathered in Halifax for two days of successful events. Jeff Oldenettel from Collision Advice led a comprehensive full-day estimate training with owners bringing their managers and estimators to the event. The next day, Dave Meery and Victor Lanceleve led operations discussions along with other CARSTAR departmental initiatives. The Kember family hosted store tours and CARSTAR Sydney GM Angus Wilson also celebrated his birthday at the infamous wing night.
Quebec
At the end of May, the regional meetings concluded with a bang in Quebec as over 50 insurance members and 75 franchise partners gathered for two days of in-depth sessions. The highlight was the innovative Programme Competence VE training by CPCPA, which focused on EV and hybrid vehicle repair. The second day featured an estimating activity supported by Cam Auto and LKQ, geared at boosting profitability through advanced estimating tools.
“A special thank you to all CARSTAR franchise partners for making these regional meetings an outstanding success,” continued Foster. “Your participation in these events and commitment each day enable the CARSTAR network to uphold the highest standards of collision repair excellence for our valued customers.”
Visit CARSTAR.ca for more information.