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

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.

Doug Orr, PPG Industries

How TMC Works for You!

Find out more about what the Technology & Maintenance Council is and how it is helping set standards for maintenance standards in the trucking industry. This session will also address the Council’s Study Group 17, which addresses collision and corrosion control issues.

Blake Franko, American Trucking Associations' Technology & Maintenance Council

Political Narratives & Economic Realities - The US Outlook

In this session, Dr. Christopher Thornberg examines the divergence between social narratives and economic realities, with a sharp focus on the collision repair industry and heavy-duty trucks and fleets. Get ready for an entertaining, often contrarian, and eye-opening exploration of the forces shaping the sector, and discover the potential impacts of a rapidly evolving economic landscape.

Dr. Christopher Thornberg, Beacon Economics, LLC

Networking Break

Sponsored by

Isuzu Parts Procurement Program and EV Strategy

Isuzu executives take the stage to provide an overview of Isuzu’s Battery Electric Trucks, NRR EV, and resource guidance for after sales support. Following, is a review of new parts products and programs to increase availability and simplify the purchase process. 

Chris Bishop | Matt Mesick, Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc.

Industry Resources - Upskilling Collision Technicians and Estimators

Join us for an insightful session where we will explore comprehensive training programs designed to address the top challenges and priorities in the collision repair industry. Driven by the mission to deliver on key industry priorities, 3M’s hands-on training at the world-class Skills Development Center in St. Paul, MN, focuses on enhancing production efficiency, quality, process orientation, communication skills, and profit enhancement across body, paint, and front office operations. Discover how these tailored programs can elevate your business performance and drive success.

John Ascheman | Jason Garfoot, 3M

Industry Resources - The Automotive Management Institute

The Automotive Management Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing industry-recognized professional management designations, certificates and career paths to the service and collision repair segments of the automotive and HD truck industries. AMi collaborates with training providers across the industry, reviewing, recognizing and awarding credit hours for quality management and leadership education both online and through in person workshops and seminars.

Mark J. Claypool, AMAM, Automotive Management Institute

Networking Luncheon - Sponsored by Beacon Economics

Sponsored by

Track A: Paint & Materials Potential: Developing Your Plan

In this session, we will explore how to write estimates with efficiency, accuracy, quality, and profitability, while enhancing communication between collision repair stakeholders. We will also delve into benchmarking for successful materials management, including key performance indicators (KPIs), metrics, and analytics, along with practical ways to get started.

John Ascheman, 3M Company

Track B: Diesel Aftertreatment Systems in Collision Repair: Tips for Troubleshooting

Diesel aftertreatment systems are complex, and when a truck is involved in a collision, identifying the root cause of system failures can be challenging.  In this session attendees will learn how to distinguish pre-existing conditions from collision-induced damage and improper repair and explore best practices for diagnosing diesel aftertreatment system issues in collision repair. Schneider will also touch on other key topics including: understanding diesel aftertreatment components and failure modes, assessing post-collision system integrity, common technician mistakes, and much more.

Karl Schneider, Bosch

Track C: Latest Risk Management Tips

In this session, Billy Eddy of Spark Underwriters will share real life claims scenarios for heavy-duty repairers and illuminate the latest risk management tips for maximum preparedness.

Billy Eddy, Spark Underwriters

Track A: Transforming Your Business Through Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

SOPs are simply best practices, what you and your team have determined to be the very best way to do a particular operation most efficiently, most effectively and with maximum result time after time. SOPs help you work SMARTER, not HARDER. But how do you get there? Learn how to transform your business through documenting what you do and holding your team accountable for following through. The end results will be a job done correctly, predictably, on time, and profitably.

Mark Claypool | Dean Hancock, SOP MD, A Division of K-Quest Inc.

Track B: RV Estimating Solutions

This session will focus on the challenges within the RV collision industry and how Duncan Systems is providing  state-of-the-art solutions.

Matthew Marks, Duncan Systems

Track C: Modern Innovations in Heavy-Duty Frame Repair

Frame repair to heavy-duty vehicles has evolved over the years. Thanks to advancements in technology, equipment, and repair processes several options exist today that make these repairs easier, safer, and more efficient. Join in on this session for a look at the latest in repair techniques and equipment for efficient solutions in frame repair to vehicles in classes 6, 7, & 8.

James Garibay, Celette

Refreshment Break

Sponsored by

Track A: Revolutionizing Heavy-Duty Repairs: Unlocking the Potential of Glue Pull Repair (GPR)

Glue Pull Repair (GPR) is transforming heavy-duty collision repair by offering a strong, non-invasive solution for vehicles like semi-trucks and commercial equipment. Designed to handle the thick panels and reinforced materials found in heavy-duty vehicles, GPR provides precise repairs that reduce downtime and preserve structural integrity. This presentation will showcase the strength and versatility of GPR, explore its applications for heavy-duty panels, and highlight real-world success stories. Attendees will learn how this innovative technique is addressing the unique challenges of heavy-duty repair, making it an essential tool for the industry.

Chris White, KECO

Track B: Bendix ® ADAS Component Replacement

This session will focus on the replacement of Bendix ® radar and camera units that are utilized in the Bendix ® Wingman ® Advanced™ and Bendix ® Fusion™ systems. Participants will learn what procedures should be followed, required tools needed, where to find the appropriate Service Data Sheets, and how to get technical assistance. The session will also include information regarding component differences from various Bendix ® ADAS systems.

Joe Lauritsen, Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC

Track C: Financing the Future: How Debt & Equity Shape Business Growth

Navigating the road to growth requires the right capital strategy. In this session, get a breakdown of the forces driving private equity investments and M&A activity in the HD collision space and understand how “Wall Street” money is influencing the industry’s evolution. Also in this session, you will discover how debt financing, especially through the SBA 7a program, can offer flexible, business-friendly options to fuel business expansion. With over $2 billion in SBA-backed loans flowing into the automotive repair sector in the past five years, understanding how to access and leverage this capital is more critical than ever. Whether you’re exploring a deal or looking for practical financing solutions, this session will equip you with the insights and tools to drive your business forward.

John Walcher | Veritas Advisors, Tipu Chaudhary | Byline Bank

Industry Networking Reception

*This is a working agenda for the 2025 HD Repair Forum, subject to change.
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Networking Breakfast & Vendor Fair

Welcome Back - Day 1 Recap

HD Repair Forum

PACCAR Vehicle Technology & Information

Bill Kahn, Peterbilt Motors

Servicing Last-Mile Delivery Vehicles

The last-mile delivery segment has experienced significant growth, driven by the introduction of new vehicle models.  These vehicles are essential for urban logistics and require specialized repair and maintenance procedures. With the shift toward electrification and advanced vehicle technologies, repair facilities must adapt to new challenges.

Doug Spiller, Vehicle Services Group

Exploring Documentation and Repair Procedures Post Collision

The sophistication of today’s vehicle requires repair facilities and insurers alike, to pay attention to possible OEM repair procedures. OEM repair procedures are guidelines for repairing a vehicle using parts and methods recommended by the original equipment manufacturer. This session will look at the misperceptions that exist within today’s repair environment, as it pertains to OEM repair procedures. It will also provide guidance and direction to those repairing today’s vehicles to the availability of and the possibility to implement OEM Repair Procedures into today’s heavy-duty and medium-duty collision repairs.

John Spoto, Premier Truck Group

Networking Break

Sponsored by

Track A: Paint Shop Efficiency: Developing Your Plan

In this session, we will explore best practices for paint departments in the collision repair industry, examine new technologies that can impact your bottom line, and discuss how to establish and track KPIs tailored to your business. Also highlighted is the connection between paint department efficiencies and new front office best practices, demonstrating practical methods and tools to implement these strategies effectively.

Jason Garfoot, 3M Company

Track B: Bendix ® Technology Changes

This session will cover the transition of Bendix ® diagnostic software from ACom ® PRO™ to ACom ® AE. Also to discuss is the introduction of Bendix ® Global Scalable Brake Control (GSBC ® ) and Global Scalable Air Treatment (GSAT ® ) to the North American commercial vehicle market. Finally, this session will also include information regarding the transition from Bendix ® Fusion™ version 2.10 to version 3 and the continued release of Bendix ® Intellipark into the North American market.

Joe Lauritsen, Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC

Track C: Fleetrite Collision Program

Join us for a session on the Fleetrite brand, where you’ll learn where to buy products and the benefits of Fleetrite’s collision parts. This session will highlight Fleetrite’s commitment to quality and durability, helping you make informed decisions for your repair needs.

Jil Marchand, International Motors

Networking Luncheon

Track A: Abrasives - Surface Evaluation & Finding the Right Solution for Your Shop

In this session abrasives expert, Kirby Stephens will help attendees understand which grain is best for each repair’s needs. He will underscore why it is important to make the right choice when evaluating available grains on the market and explain why the most expensive grain probably isn’t going to fulfill your shop’s needs. Also discussed is an overview of backing, bond, and coating types as well as best practices in storing your abrasives.

Kirby Stephens, Norton | Saint-Gobain

Track B: What's in an Hour?

Learn which sub-operations are included in R&R and Refinish time, and which aren’t. Designed for experienced collision damage appraisers and estimate reviewers, this presentation goes beyond a basic P-page lesson to assist you in determining when an “addition to labor time” is appropriate so that no safety step is left unperformed. Included is a discussion on:
-Warranty vs. Developed Time
-What’s in an Hour?
-Additional Labor Operations

Jerry Gastineau, Mitchell

Track C: Achieving Mentoring ROI in HD Repair

Hiring entry-level technicians is one challenge—getting them productive and keeping them long-term is another. This session breaks down how heavy-duty repair shops can implement structured technical mentoring programs to reduce turnover, accelerate training, and drive measurable ROI. Learn practical, scalable strategies that help businesses turn new hires into skilled, long-term assets while saving tens of thousands in rehiring costs and lost productivity.

Marc Brune, MentorMentee

HD Repair Forum Announcements

Trends in Medium- and Heavy-Duty Collision Repair

What are this year’s top trends in collision claims and how will they impact you? In this session, we’ll explore the current challenges and opportunities facing insurers, independent appraisers, fleet owners, collision facilities and others responsible for supporting proper and safe commercial vehicle repairs. From the latest data on claims severity, total losses, and parts usage to the impact of new technological advancements on repair processes and cycle time.

Jerry Gastineau, Mitchell

ADAS Truck Evolution - Debunking Myths and Sharing Facts

During this session attendees will receive information about the various Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) becoming more prevalent in medium- & heavy-duty vehicles.  Industry experts will break down the latest safety technologies, explain when and why recalibration is necessary, and share best practices to ensure accurate and compliant calibration procedures during repair.

Greg Peeters, Jeff Deskin | Car ADAS Solutions, Denis White | TEXA

Wiring: Repair & Replacement on Electric Vehicles & Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

Carl Dumele, Aeromotive

Open Mic and Closing Comments