A Winning Formula for the Next Generation in Collision Repair

A non-traditional, innovative, surprising, and certainly inspiring path: where do you even begin with the career of Daniel Fortin, co-owner of a fleet of 15 Fix Auto automotive repair shops in the Greater Quebec City area?

Daniel Fortin, in his mid-fifties, shares this journey full of twists and turns in a rich, solid, and warm voice. The entrepreneur, who took ownership of his first shop in 1995 through what was already an adventurous financing deal, takes pleasure in sharing his experiences and scattering ideas to the wind. At age 17, he was fixing up wrecked cars in a makeshift garage set up in his family’s backyard, a project that meant sacrificing the pool. It was a trade-off his father, Jean-Marie, a mechanic himself, was more than happy to make. After fixing them up, he would flip them right away. A brief side step into electrical work eventually brought him back to the auto industry, and by 25, he was ready to own his own shop. “The manager at the Caisse took a chance on me,” the entrepreneur recalls warmly. “I’ve stayed loyal to that financial institution ever since. That vote of confidence really left a mark on me and taught me how important it is to give young people a chance.”

A turning point

Two decades later, Fortin found himself sitting in his pickup truck outside the shop one morning, reluctant to go inside. “I was around 44 or 45, experiencing a real slump and a loss of motivation, perhaps the beginning of burnout. What was clear was that I needed to step back.” It was a wise move. The break gave him the perspective to realize that customer-facing work had worn him down and was dampening his professional drive. “What I realized at that point in my career was that my real passion was helping the next generation step up and succeed, much like the manager at the Caisse had done for me back then.” Regarding trust, he emphasizes that Fix Network has always supported his growth, which explains his deep connection to the brands over the years. Moving from concept to action is a big step, but one Fortin quickly took. “I bought a shop where a transition from father to daughter was on the horizon. Today, that young woman, passionate about collision repair, is a co-owner of the shop with me.” One acquisition followed another, and on each occasion, an employee or family member of the former owners found their place as a co-owner. At times, the stories make you scratch your head in disbelief. Such is likely the case of a young sports car enthusiast, recruited at a local Tim Hortons by one of Fortin’s sharp-eyed partners, who four years later became a partner in his own shop at just 21 years old.

Tools for success

The shop managers working alongside Fortin today, both seasoned veterans and newcomers, have built a tight-knit community centered on collaboration and mutual support. “Younger workers operate differently, but I’m telling you, when you give them space, they will blow you away. At a team meeting, one of them suggested launching a private group chat to exchange tips. Two hours later, the group chat was live and buzzing.” This commitment to personal development and knowledge sharing reflects Fix Network’s own values. Through state-of-the-art training centers across North America, performance groups, marketing expertise, and operational support, the network invests in the long-term success of its franchise partners while helping prepare the next generation of collision repair professionals and business leaders. While Fortin remains the captain of this fleet of businesses, he understands that every manager likes to have a free hand at the helm of their shop. “We all share a performance dashboard built around only seven key indicators. Every result from our shops is marked in green, yellow, or red. I share the numbers, and my business partners and I then connect to review their performance and see how they can improve.” This community also forms an ecosystem rarely seen in Quebec. The shops are both independent and complementary. All advanced technical calibrations are sent to a specialized center. If major mechanical work is required, it can easily be routed to one of the group’s two mechanical repair shops. Auto glass service is even more versatile, thanks to nine mobile units ready to serve its Fix Auto and ProColor Collision locations on short notice. “As a group, backed by the expertise of Fix Network, we can be strategic and optimize our operations,” explains Fortin. “Their advice, tools, and expertise played an important role in helping our businesses grow and evolve. Plus, I’m not great at promoting my services, whereas the network works constantly to get us recognized by insurers while highlighting our shared commitment to operational excellence.” Fortin truly embodies the entrepreneurial spirit driving Fix Network franchisees. He is an example of a local entrepreneur, backed by the resources and expertise of a global network, who knows how to leverage ongoing training and network support.

A breeding ground for careers

Fortin’s group is no stranger to success. Yet beyond the bottom line, that success is truly measured on the shop floor. “We can welcome young people and help them grow into technicians and managers,” he explains. “More experienced staff know how to step back and give them space while staying on hand as a valuable resource. We also support mobility across our group, helping employees move between roles or locations to find where they excel and build a solid foundation for their career.” Alexandre Fortin, Daniel’s son, is now co-owner of his own Fix Auto collision shop. His father never forced him to join the family business. He, too, carved out his own spot within this group, which serves as a true incubator for careers. “Daniel Fortin is a great example of the entrepreneurial spirit driving our network forward,” says Sonia Bouthillette, Vice President, Sales and Operations, at Fix Network Canada. “His commitment to excellence, openness to new business opportunities, and ability to rally high-performing teams have enabled him to build a thriving multi-brand enterprise. His success stands as a testament to both his personal ambition and the strength of a network designed to support its franchisees in their growth and development.”