Networking Breakfast & Vendor Fair

Meet us on the second floor of the Hyatt Regency Frisco-Dallas, where the industry will start their day sharing breakfast, catching up, and preparing for the day’s program.

Registration & Check-In opens at 7:00 a.m.

Welcome & Overview

The HD Repair Forum is the place for industry updates and information in heavy-duty and medium-duty collision repair. President and co-founder, Brian Nessen, welcomes attendees to Frisco and provides an overview of the 2024 conference’s session and speakers.

Brian Nessen, HD Repair Forum

Industry Data and Trends

This session will include an overview of trends and data in heavy-duty collision repair. Areas such as Severity, Sales Mix, Labor Mix, and Average Labor Cost/Estimate and more will be reviewed. This data derives from PPG’s AdjustRite® Commercial Estimating System.

Douglas Orr, Manager, AdjustRite, PPG Industries

Unlocking Opportunities: Exploring the Power of Franchising

Franchising isn’t just about brand expansion; it’s about empowering entrepreneurs with a shared vision of excellence. This presentation will explore how franchising can revolutionize heavy-duty collision repair, from streamlining operations and elevating customer experience to igniting growth and fostering innovation.

Steve Leal, President & CEO, Fix Network

PACCAR Parts Aftermarket Transportation Solutions

PACCAR Parts provides after sales support to Kenworth and Peterbilt dealer locations around the world. This session will cover details on PACCAR All-Makes TRP parts for trucks, trailers and buses, as well as PACCAR Parts Fleet Services program expansion to insurance companies. PACCAR’s newest models and vehicle technology will also be discussed.

Marisol Monge, Product Director – Cab & Frame, PACCAR

Rivian Certified Fleet Network

This session will go over the details of Rivian’s Certified Fleet Center Network and what the path is to become a certified partner with Rivian. The third party repair networks have evolved over the last 3 years and Rivian will cover all of the details.

Kelly Logan, Director, Collision Repair Programs, Rivian

Networking Break

Sponsored by

Panel Discussion: Driving Efficiency in the Claims Handling Process

This panel will explore ways to improve in communication and documentation earlier in the claims handling process. A number of key implementation strategies will be discussed, including the value in creating a standard operating procedure for the vehicle check-in process and getting answers up front to key questions. These early efforts among others will improve efficiency, result in reduced cycle times and friction throughout the process, eliminate challenges for repairers and insurers, and benefit the vehicle owner.

Kelly Reich, Home Office Claims Manager – Material Damage, Federated Insurance – Property & Casualty Claims
John Spoto, Director of Collision , Premier Truck Group
Leo Nenortas, Field Operations Manager - Collision Centers, Penske Truck Leasing
Rick Melcher, Director of Service Body Shops, Rush Enterprises
Moderated By: Mark Polzin, Budget Truck & Auto

Truck Technology Updates and Preparations for the Future

With fleets pushing for more sustainable transportation solutions the needs to support these shifts require a look into where we are and where we are going. This session will discuss what will be required to repair these next generation vehicles, including modifications to facilities, additional training of technicians, and infrastructure enhancements. 

Bill Kahn, Sr. Principal Engineer, Manager Advanced Concepts, Peterbilt Motors

Networking Luncheon

Sponsored by

Track A: Refinishing Fire and Emergency Vehicles with Different Substrates

This session will go over product and process requirements for fire and emergency vehicle repairs.  It will also discuss the different substrates used in repairs and products used and/or encountered during a repair on a fire and emergency vehicle.

Brandon Daemmrich, Technical Service Representative, AkzoNobel

Track B: Material Management and Invoicing

This session will focus on the advantages of inventory management, material invoicing and how data tracking can increase your shop’s performance. We will discuss trends in the market and review how these topics have increased productivity and profitability.

John Ascheman, Senior Application Engineer, 3M

Track C: Getting it Right with QuickBooks … For Performance Management Success

QuickBooks is the most popular accounting software for service businesses in the United States, but is often not setup, or used properly to get the benefits it has available.  This session will examine the key points for obtaining performance management utilizing QuickBooks along with critical mistakes made during its setup and implementation with or without a 3rd party management system.  The program is designed for owners, managers, comptrollers, and bookkeepers desiring to gain the ability to utilize QuickBooks for Performance Management.

Tony Passwater, President, AEII

Track A: Post-Collision Inspection and Repair Requirements on Today's Motorcoach

Attend this session to gain an understanding of the safety systems and driver assistance features present on today’s motorcoaches and the most up-to-date repair requirements needed during repair. Prevost representative, Stephane will also review with attendees the information needed to properly inspect Prevost vehicles post-collision and discuss potential effects to ADAS features and subsequent calibration needs. Finally, Stephane will provide a brief overview of Prevost’s service network and what to expect from its range of vehicles and products.

Stephane Lord, Network Collision Manager, Prevost

Track B: Foundation Fundamentals and Considerations for Truck Frame Repair

Join this session to receive a review in truck frame repair analysis. Attendees should also be prepared to hear related information pertaining to repairs in suspension and alignment. 

Chris Schutt, Technical Training Specialist, BeeLine

Track C: Financials and Managing Your Business in the Heavy-& Medium-Duty Repair Facility

Business owners should view their financials as a historical roadmap and scorecard for their business. This 1-hour session will help the business owner learn how to identify areas of good performance of profit, as well as areas of opportunity for improvement. Additionally, you’ll learn how to make staffing decisions, as well as guidelines for budgeting and other critical objectives of your business.

Ron Kuehn, President, Collision Business Solutions

Networking Break

Sponsored by

Track A: Technologies Impact on Evaluating Wire Damage and Repair

In this session we will discuss the effect technological advances have on the architecture of the electrical system, in particular the wire harness assembly.. For example, systems such as: ADAS, HVEV, communication and navigation, miniaturization of material and production tooling have led to a high impact/high probability of failure when repairing these circuits. We will address the pain points and discuss how to identify potential risks and avoid errors when it comes to service repairs and manufacturing operations.

Carl Dumele , CEO, Aeromotive

Track B: Collision Damage to the Steering System: Seen and Unseen

This session will include information and guidance on repairing steering components when a vehicle has had frontal damage from a collision. What to look for externally and what could be damaged internally. Best Practices recommendations and repair procedures.

Mike Long, Product Support Specialist- Steering, Sheppard / Bendix CVS

Track C: Growth Financing Options from SBA to Private Equity

Growth has never been a more important factor of long-term success in the heavy-duty industry than it is today.  This session will explore the numerous options for funding growth, whether it’s adding square footage, purchasing new equipment or acquiring another operating location.

Tipu Chauhdary, Senior Vice President, Byline Bank, John Walcher, M&A and Strategy | Automotive Aftermarket, Veritas Advisors

Industry Networking Reception

Networking Breakfast & Vendor Fair

Welcome Back - Day 1 Recap

Brian Nessen, HD Repair Forum

Educating the Vehicle Owner to Reduce Cycle Time & Friction

Unrelated existing damage and parts identification are just a few of the challenges repairers encounter with vehicle owners. In this presentation, industry veteran Shane Carder, will shed insight into how educating the customer and presenting proper documentation can positively impact cycle times and improve relationships with insurance carriers.

Shane Carder, Body Shop Manager, MHC Kenworth - Tulsa

OSHA Compliance and the HD Repair industry

This session will provide information and guidance regarding workplace safety and health, regulatory compliance, statistics, and best practices. Attendees will have to opportunity to learn about safety and health hazards that have led to fatalities within the HD repair industry, and the methods used to correct them.

Stephen Boyd, Deputy Regional Administrator, OSHA Region VI, OSHA

High Impact Insurance Evaluations for Heavy-Duty Repairers

As a quality heavy-duty shop, you work hard to repair vehicles properly. How do you know if your insurance provider is working as hard for your business? This session will cover claims handling, underwriting intent, reductions in coverage, and more.

David Willet, Chief Underwriting Officer, Spark Underwriters

Networking Break

Sponsored by

Speaker to be confirmed

Understanding Data Generation and Access

Brandon Hadley, Manager, Regional Field Sales - Southwest, Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, LLC

Panel Discussion: Data and Processing Total Losses

In this discussion, panelists will share their insight into data access and collection. They will dive into questions like “What data is available? How do you access it? Who can read the data? What if the vehicle was declared a total loss or quarantined? What is a shop and a carrier’s responsibility?” The information discussed will also help attendees gain a better understanding as to what documentation and authorization is needed, prior to accessing things such as mileage, driver data and vehicle performance.

Kory Coffey, Premier Truck Group
Bob Razenberg, K&R Truck Sales
Mark Leadem, Progressive
Moderated By: Ron Kuehn, Collision Business Solutions

Open Mic

Networking Lunch

Sponsored by

Track A: Let’s Put Things Straight

In this session, George Prokos of Snap-on Equipment will discuss how repair facilities can quickly and effectively repair a damaged frame and suspension system on a heavy-duty vehicle. He will also share the needs and benefits of including alignment in the collision repair process, how to shorten your customer’s downtime, and other opportunities available to repair facilities that can increase the efficiency and profitability of your business.

George Prokos, Manager, Special Projects, Heavy Duty, Snap-On Equipment

Track B: Box Truck Sidewall and Roof Repair with Acrylic Foam Tape

In this session attendees will receive information about acrylic foam tapes. Review the steps needed for fast, reliable repairs when using acrylic foam tape to replace damaged composite, shiplap sidewall, and partial roof sections. Also, gain an understanding of how quickly bonds are established by receiving hands-on demonstrations and a facilitated review of instructional video.

Mark Jennings, Market Development Manager, 3M
Matt Melbye, Senior Application Engineering Specialist,, 3M

Track C: Repair Don’t Replace – Plastic Repair

It is common for plastic parts on heavy and medium duty vehicles to incur damage that generally leads to those parts needing to be replaced. In this session we will discuss the benefits of repairing damaged plastic components on heavy and medium duty vehicles. Additionally, we will cover the process and best practices for repairing these plastic surfaces commonly found in the heavy-duty market.

Lico Chavira, Technical Specialist, Kent Automotive, Kent Automotive

Track A: Total Loss Considerations - Cost or Profit?

Total losses can consume a tremendous amount of a shop’s labor and administrative resources, and frequently, shops do not recover the costs incurred. In this session, we’ll look at what considerations the HD market should think about when handling a total loss. Additionally, we’ll discuss a number of items that are required in the process and point to opportunities for revenue, how to document, and how to get compensated.

Ron Kuehn, President, Collision Business Solutions
Dean Hancock, Owner, Fleet Collision Solutions

Track B: Getting your Collision Repair Business Ready for EV’s

This session will discuss what a collision center owner/operator can do to prepare for more EV’s entering the HD Markets. Will cover a number of steps that shops can do that will prepare them for the future of EV’s.

Kelly Logan, Director, Collision Repair Programs, Rivian

Track C: Composite & Substrate Repairs on HD Trucks and RV’s

This session will discuss HD Truck composite repairs including FRP, SMC, and Metton.  Also included will be topics around common RV substrates and repair materials with a focus on an RV side wall splice repair method.

Matthew Aguirre, Key Account Manager - Heavy Duty Truck and Commercial Vehicle, 3M
Todd Mathes, Application Engineer, 3M