GM Expands Collision Assistance Tool

GM Expands Collision Assistance Tool

Whether you’re wanting to order a sandwich delivery or look up specs on the newest power tool at the big box store, there’s an app for that. General Motors’ Brian Wakefield, director of Global Digital Service Solutions, joins the CollisionCast to talk about the enhancements to its Collision Assistance tool, and how it can help motorists needing a collision repair find your GM-certified shop. For more information, go to GM Collision Repair Network Info Page [https://www.gmparts.com/trade-professionals/collision-repair-network].

Changing Lives with NABC

As the National Auto Body Council celebrates its 30th anniversary and looks to the next 30 years, we talk with Executive Director Debby Robinson about NABC's various programs and how your shop can get involved. Learn more about the Recycled Rides program, the First Responder Emergency Extrication (F.R.E.E.), and the Changing and Saving Lives Foundation Keys for Change program, which can help you dispose of abandoned vehicles on your lot.

The Plastic Repair Decision

There are a number of reasons why you might consider repairing certain plastic parts, including lack of availability of replacement parts, their prohibitive replacement cost, and the rise in customer pay work. How plastic automotive parts are repaired has evolved, but with concern over affecting ADAS functionality, it’s also important to view each repair on a case-by-case basis. To learn more about the state of today’s plastic repairs, in today’s episode I talk with Frank Phillips Jr., CEO of 4Plastic [https://4plastic.com/].

Helping Close the Technical Gap with BackBay Estimator

Built around proactive microlearning, Collision ProAssist [https://www.collisionproassist.com/]'s BackBay Discord community replaces one-size-fits-all training and opinion-driven social media advice with documented, expert-backed answers that improve estimate accuracy, capture overlooked operations, and strengthen communication between the front office and the shop floor.  In this episode, Collision ProAssist's Jason Bartanen explains how BackBay and its newest extension, BackBay Estimator [https://www.collisionproassist.com/copy-of-backbay-memberships]— addresses a critical gap in the collision repair industry by connecting technicians and estimators directly with OEMs, equipment manufacturers, and product experts for tailored, real-time guidance.  By helping repair planners or estimators understand the technical “why” behind required procedures, Back Bay Estimator supports better customer and insurer conversations, increased shop profitability, and technicians being paid for all work performed, and that ultimately creates safer repairs and a more aligned, knowledgeable repair team.

Give Up What You Don't Need

Are you ready to let go of beliefs, habits, emotions, and stories that no longer serve you? In this special Endeavor to Discover episode, Endeavor B2B’s Chris Messer is joined by Mike Jones of Discover Leadership and Louie Sharp, owner of Sharp Auto Body in Chicago. They emphasize that past struggles, negative motivation, anger, fear, or even past success can initially drive achievement—but holding onto them eventually limits progress. True leadership and fulfillment come from awareness, self-reflection, and consciously choosing how to respond to events rather than reacting emotionally. By changing the internal narrative, practicing self-worth, and being curious instead of judgmental—especially in leadership situations—people can build trust, stronger relationships, and healthier cultures. The discussion highlights that everyone controls their response to circumstances, and that lasting success requires releasing control, punishment, blame, and outdated motivations. Growth is a lifelong process, and moving forward means giving up what once helped you but now holds you back.