Networking Breakfast & Sponsor Fair

Sponsored by:

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

Meet us on the second floor of the Music City Center in Nashville, Tennessee and join hundreds from the industry as they begin their day sharing breakfast, discussing business updates, and preparing for this year's two-day program.

Welcome & Overview

HD Repair Forum

Safety and Innovation – Volvo and Mack Trucks

The latest technology, safety features, and cab changes in heavy-duty trucks are having a significant impact on collision repairs. Amy Lytle’s role at Volvo Trucks focuses on the problems and challenges that the field is currently seeing on a daily basis. In this session, she will provide a behind the scenes perspective on one of the safest heavy-duty trucks on the market, sharing insight, and images about what went into the cab testing for the VN(4), which has been 90% redesigned. If you repair, insure, or write damage appraisals on vehicles like the VN(4), the new Mack Pioneer, or any of Volvo or Mack’s legacy models you won’t want to miss this insightful presentation.

Amy Lytle, Volvo Trucks

From Inspection to Valuation: Data and AI are Redefining Repair Estimating

With more than 30 years of experience spanning body shops and leading insurance carriers, this session will offer a unique perspective from a widely recognized industry leader on the evolution of claims and repair processes. With a sharp focus on the power of data, the session will explore how vast global historical data and continuous-learning technologies are reshaping the end-to-end claims and repair journey across all vehicle types. From damage assessment to repair estimating, attendees will learn how AI-powered tools are reducing cycle times from days to minutes, driving stronger business performance and delivering measurable results for all stakeholders.

Bill Brower, Solera

Welcome from TMC

Robert Braswell & Radu Mihai, ATA's Technology & Maintenance Council

Unlocking Repairability

Unlocking Repairability explores how modern Glue Pull Repair (GPR) techniques allow collision technicians to correct damage with greater control, reduced invasiveness, and improved panel integrity. The session walks through KECO’s methodology for assessing damage, applying lateral tension, and managing metal flow to restore repairable panels that might otherwise be replaced or stud-welded. Attendees gain practical insight into when and how to use GPR to increase repairability, improve outcomes, and streamline workflow in today’s collision shops.

Chris White, KECO Body Repair Products

Networking Break

Sponsored by

Panel Discussion: Shop Operations & Best Practices to Greater Efficiency & Profitability

Every repair facility faces challenges during the vehicle repair process. The difference lies in how those challenges are managed and resolved. In this dynamic panel discussion, industry experts will share their experiences, lessons learned, and practical best practices developed through years in the field. Join the conversation to discover actionable ways to reduce waste, streamline cycle time, and improve profitability without compromising repair quality.

Mitch Davisson, Rush Enterprises
Mitch Demko, Penske
John Hart, Crump Truck & Trailer
Mark Polzin, Budget Truck & Auto
Gigi Walker, Walker’s Auto Body & Fleet Repair

The Value Of Hands On Training

Hands-on training has become essential in today’s collision repair industry as shops face a growing technician shortage and increasingly complex vehicle technology. This presentation highlights why practical, instructor-guided education delivers superior skill development, ensures alignment with OEM repair requirements, and strengthens overall repair quality. Attendees will learn how structured, real-world training improves knowledge retention, provides access to expert feedback, builds professional networks, and exposes technicians to advanced tools and materials. The session also outlines how the 3M Skills Development Center supports the industry through comprehensive training in structural repair, aluminum processes, welding, refinishing, front-office procedures, and instructor development-ultimately helping technicians perform safe, accurate, modern repairs.

Ryan Marrinan, 3M

Annual Award Presentation and Open Mic

HD Repair Forum

Networking Luncheon

Federal Deficits, Tech Bubbles and the Outlook: A Focus on the Heavy-Duty Sector

Dr. Christopher Thornberg joins us again to deliver a sharp, data-driven analysis of how the rising federal deficit and shifting macroeconomic conditions are shaping the U.S. economy — with a targeted lens on collision repair and the heavy-duty sector. This timely presentation connects national fiscal policy and market volatility to freight demand, labor markets, and long-term industry stability, offering leaders practical insights to navigate uncertainty and plan for sustainable growth.

Dr. Christopher Thornberg, Beacon Economics

Updates on the Evolution of ADAS Repair

In this session, Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems’ Technical Training & Service Manager, will discuss the latest advancements in ADAS and how repair and maintenance practices are changing alongside vehicle technologies getting more complex. These evolving diagnostics and repair requirements mean today’s systems demand more than a simple alignment.

Brian Screeton, Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems

Track A: Mastering Modern Estimating: A Framework for Success

As commercial vehicles become increasingly complex with advanced electronics and integrated structural components, collision estimating is no longer just about identifying visible damage. It’s about understanding how impacts travel through systems and documenting repairs in a way that supports safety and efficiency. This session introduces a three-part framework designed to help you optimize appraisal processes for precision and speed.

Jerry Gastineau, Mitchell

Track B: Shop Acquisitions & Divestitures - Double Down or Cash Out

John Walcher, Focus Advisors

Track C: Getting Your House in Order: The 5 Pillars of Environmental & Safety Management

Building on the previous day’s discussion of OSHA, EPA, and regulatory trends impacting truck and collision repair facilities, this session shifts from awareness to action. Knowing the top risks is only the first step — protecting your people and your operation requires structure.

This presentation introduces the Five Pillars of Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) that every repair facility should have in place to become inspection-ready and operationally resilient. We’ll also take a deeper look at two of the highest-risk areas in the industry — respiratory protection and hazardous waste generation — and explain why getting these right is critical not only for regulatory compliance, but for long-term employee health, environmental responsibility, and business stability.

Zach Pucillo, KPA

Networking Break

Sponsored by

Track A: Glue Pull Repair - Technical Execution

Building on the foundational principles of Glue Pull Repair, this technical breakout session focuses on the practical execution of Glue Pull Repair in real-world collision scenarios. This session is designed for technicians ready to move beyond theory and develop repeatable, high-control GPR processes in the shop.

Chris White, KECO Body Repair Products

Track B: Beyond the Frame Rack

Is the frame the last thing you check—or the first? In this session, we’ll explore why frame condition analysis should play a central role in the repair planning process. By understanding how frame integrity connects to suspension and alignment, shops can uncover hidden issues sooner, avoid stalled repairs, reduce costly rework, and keep vehicles—and workflow—moving efficiently.

Chris Schutt, Beeline

Track C: Debt That Builds Value – The SBA Advantage

Smart debt can be a powerful growth tool. This session explores how automotive and heavy-duty repair shop owners are leveraging SBA financing to acquire shops, expand facilities, and invest in equipment while maintaining healthy cash flow.  Learn how smart, well-structured debt can help accelerate growth while strengthening long-term business value.

Tipu Chaudhary, Byline Bank

Industry Networking Reception

*This is a working agenda for the 2026 HD Repair Forum, subject to change.
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Networking Breakfast & Sponsor Fair

Welcome Back - Day 1 Recap & Announcements

HD Repair Forum

Advancing Heavy‑Duty Steering: Reliability, Serviceability & the Road Ahead

This session highlights the ongoing evolution of heavy‑duty steering technology with a focus on improving durability, performance, and long‑term reliability. The presentation emphasizes enhanced serviceability through smarter designs, diagnostic tools, and support systems that reduce downtime. It also outlines future development priorities aimed at strengthening safety, efficiency, and lifecycle value for OEMs, fleets, and end‑users.

Jim Barber, R.H. Sheppard

Industry Data & 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

Collision Repair in the AI Era: Changes to Expect

AI is the next technology shift that will change how collision businesses operate, not someday, but starting now. In this main-stage session, Tom breaks down what AI really is, what it is good at today, and the specific areas of the collision workflow that will change first, from estimates and documentation to customer communication and decision-making.

Tom Zoebelein, Hero Group

Joining Technologies for Fleet Repair: Pulse MIG Welding / Riveting / Spot Welding

Join this session for an interactive discussion on the current state-of-the-art repair technologies for Heavy Duty and Fleet equipment. Ron Olsson brings an experienced perspective to the stage, focusing on the advantages of pulse welding, new riveting applications for structural repairs, dent pulling methodologies (welding and glue), aluminum repair best practices, destructive weld testing procedures, and resistance spot welding applications. Also to be discussed is the importance of related technician training and other repair technology advancements to anticipate in the near future.

Ron Olsson, Pro Spot

Networking Break

Sponsored by

Industry Update - Private Equity & Consolidation

In this session Focus Advisors’ EVP & Managing Director John Walcher will share how new private equity entrants are reshaping competition and deal dynamics, and why everyone in the HD industry should be paying attention. He’ll provide practical takeaways for pursuing growth capital, disciplined acquisitions, or an exit.  It will be an information-packed thirty minutes that you won’t want to miss.

John Walcher, Focus Advisors

Top Compliance & Safety Violations for Collision and Truck

Join this session to hear the top OSHA, EPA, and regulatory compliance priorities for repair shops and collision centers. These industry experts will discuss compliance priorities, regulatory enforcement, emphasis programs, and Return on investment considerations for your business’ compliance and safety. 

Wayne Curtis & Zach Pucillo, KPA

CAPA Set the Standards for Auto – Is Heavy-Duty Next?

For nearly 40 years, CAPA has set the quality standard for aftermarket parts in the passenger vehicle market — with nearly 200 million certified parts used in safe, reliable repairs. Now, the heavy-duty industry is asking: what would that same standard mean for HD? Join us for an overview of the CAPA program and a conversation about what quality certification could look like for the heavy-duty market.

Gerry Poirer, CAPA

Open Mic and Closing Comments

HD Repair Forum

Networking Luncheon

Track A: Beyond Guesswork: Harnessing Data and AI for Accurate Repair Estimating

Designed for repair professionals focused on profitability and performance, this deep dive shows how data-driven, AI-powered estimating is improving accuracy, reducing cycle time, and strengthening repair decisions from the very first touchpoint. Learn how to use innovative tools with a vast database of damage imagery to deliver faster, more consistent documented estimates while improving your repair planning, damage inspection, and customer communication. Presented by Phil Langley, a three-decade industry expert in claims workflow transformation, the session highlights how advanced damage detection and intelligent estimating drive smarter, data-backed decisions in an increasingly complex repair environment.

Phil Langley, Solera

Track B: The Bond that Holds, Advanced Riveting in Modern Collision Repair

As commercial vehicle manufacturers pivot toward lightweight, multi-material construction traditional welding is no longer the universal solution. This session dives deep into the science and application of Self-Piercing Rivets (SPR), Blind Rivets, Flow Form Rivets and Solid Rivets. We will explore why OEMs are mandating these cold-joining processes, the critical role of adhesive bonding in hybrid joints, and the specialized tooling required to restore structural integrity to OEM standards.

Brandon Lowder & Mike Davis, Pro Spot

Track C: Paint Shop Efficiency - How Every Detail Matters

Discover the essential details that transform paint shop performance in this comprehensive session. Learn when and how to implement different technologies effectively, while examining the finer points of your processes to drive higher-quality repairs, reduce rework, and improve overall paint shop efficiency.

Connor Alexy, 3M

Track A: Steering System: Diagnostics, Repair, and Replacement

This session covers diagnostic strategies and repair considerations for steering systems after frontal collision damage. Attendees will learn how to assess components, identify hidden damage, and determine when repair or replacement is required. Best practice recommendations and repair procedures will be reviewed to support safe, accurate repairs.

Mike Long, R.H. Sheppard

Track B: Lessons Learned: Insuring Heavy Duty Vehicle Repairers

This session will discuss more than insurance. Spark Underwriters Chief Underwriting Officer and Director of Customer Experience will dive into how risk management factors need to be considered when repairing HD, MD, and CV. Experience and insight into factors tied to welding, cyber security, starting new repair operations in your business, and more.

David Willett & Christina Sepulveda , SPARK Underwriters

Track C: Calibration Demands for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicles Post-Collision

Denis White, TEXA

Track A: Plugging Profit Leaks With AI

Most profit loss is not one big mistake. It is death by a thousand cuts: incomplete estimates, missed sales opportunities, under or overspending on marketing, hiring misfires, and P&L issues hiding in plain sight. In this practical breakout, you will get a free set of AI tools, each with a clear “what it does, how to use it, and the outcome it produces,” so you can systematically find and plug profit leaks across estimating, sales, marketing, hiring, and financial performance.

Tom Zoebelein, Truck Hero

Track B: Beyond the Weld: Why Destructive Testing Matters

Modern repairs rely on a variety of attachment methods including welding and rivets. Visual inspection alone is no longer an efficient method to confirm their strength or integrity. This session will demonstrate how destructive testing is an important step in verifying structural repairs and is useful in validating attachment performance.

Brian Wasson, I-CAR

Track C: Innovative Repair Solutions for Heavy‑Truck Plastics

This session highlights practical methods, materials, and decision‑making strategies for repairing heavy‑truck plastic components. Because plastic parts are routinely damaged through wear, abuse, and collisions, effective repair strategies can significantly reduce fleet maintenance costs by avoiding unnecessary part replacement.  Attendees will learn the fundamentals of evaluating damage, choosing appropriate repair products, applying them effectively, and understanding expected repair outcomes. Emphasis will be placed on Metton™ and fiberglass hood repairs, but will also cover thermoplastic repair for bumpers, side skirts, fender liners, and interior parts.

Scott Bixler, Polyvance