CARSTAR shares strong outlook on future at 2013 conference

Jan. 1, 2020
When you’re North America’s largest collision repair network, it’s only fitting that you host the largest MSO network event.
When you’re North America’s largest collision repair network, it’s only fitting that you host the largest MSO network event with a star-studded lineup of industry experts, and the nation’s top collision repair shop owners. CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts kicked off the 2013 CARSTAR Conference, held in Las Vegas at the Palazzo Las Vegas Resort at the Venetian, with its annual awards presentation on Saturday night and Sunday’ general session.  The 2013 CARSTAR Conference, themed “Peak Performance”, delivers world-class business education programs, vendor partner networking events, motivational speakers and an insurance industry forum.   “This is the most dynamic collision industry event of the year where store owners, business leaders, vendor partners and insurance companies come together to help build the collective industry for the future,” said David Byers, CEO of CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts.  “This is the largest MSO network event of the year, with an incredible lineup of speakers, education events and networking opportunities exclusively for the CARSTAR store owners.  This is just one of the many resources we provide store owners in the CARSTAR family, and a powerful tool for them to help grow and improve their operations.” In his opening presentation, Byers shared a few milestones about CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts’ performance in 2013, and outlook for the years ahead. “We continue to be the largest and best MSO in the auto body repair industry, with some 5,000 employees, more than $600 million in revenue and over 440 stores,” he said.  “Our same store sales have been up double digits across North America this year, and we are on track to outpace our number of new stores versus last year and triple the number two years ago.” But Byers cautioned the audience that significant change will continue in the industry, and that there are really three options for independents and smaller MSOs today – continue to go it alone, an increasingly difficult road; sell out to a corporately owned consolidator and give up their business; or join a MSO network like CARSTAR that offers national resources but allows independent owners to keep their businesses.

To counter the industry changes and help CARSTAR store owners grow and thrive, Byers shared four strategic objectives – grow existing stores’ sales and profits; add more new stores; add insurance programs; and fully utilize the CARSTAR Solution.  He pointed to CARSTAR’s out-performance against the industry’s cycle time, customer satisfaction and closing ratio standards that the organization is on the right track.
 
“There’s no doubt that we have an ambitious agenda for CARSTAR, and no one is better positioned than us to get it done,” said Byers.  “And, we want to have the best independent shop owners and smaller MSOs join us as we pursue Peak Performance.”
 
Byers’ remarks were echoed by keynote speakers, which included:

  • Keynote speaker, Anthony Bourke, CEO and founder of Mach 2 Consulting, which uses the fighter pilot debriefing concept to help companies achieve operational excellence and deliver on their goals.
  • Mike Anderson, founder of CollisionAdvice.com
  • Vince Romans, founding partner of The Romans Group, LLC
  • Jeff Peevy, director of field operations for I-CAR
  • Michael Macaluso, chief operating officer for CARSTAR Canada
  • Jeff Middleton, owner of three CARSTAR stores in the Seattle region
  • John Holt, Senior Vice President of Off-Airport Operations North America for Hertz
  • Mark Algie, business development manager for 3M Automotive Aftermarket Division
  • Paul Whittleston, vice president for Automotive Refinish and Industrial Coatings for BASF
  • Curt Nading, senior director, Industry Relations for LKQ
  • Alex Sun, president and CEO of Mitchell International

 
The 2013 CARSTAR Conference also includes hands-on classes in marketing, estimating, customer service, operations and management;  tour opportunities to Red Rock Canyon and the Hoover Dam; a golf tournament at Royal Links; and the closing ceremonies at the Stratosphere Las Vegas high above the historic Las Vegas strip.

For event photos and a complete listing of all national award winners, visit www.CARSTAR.com, www.Facebook.com/CARSTAR, www.twitter.com/carstarpro and www.linkedin.com/company/carstar.
 
About CARSTAR
CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts is North America’s largest Multi-Shop Operator Network of independently owned collision repair facilities with more than 430 locations in 32 states and 10 Canadian provinces. CARSTAR delivers national scale, consistently high-quality vehicle repairs, repeatable outcomes and the industry’s highest customer satisfaction ratings; all repairs are backed by a national warranty and service guarantee.  For more information visit www.carstar.com. CARSTAR is actively seeking new franchisees.  Interested parties should contact Scott Robertson, Vice President of Development at [email protected] or 913-948-5014.

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