After more than 45 years in the collision repair industry, Larry Jaskowiak, body shop owner, still speaks about the business with the perspective of someone who remembers exactly where it all began.
Larry entered the industry through Wyoming Technical Institute in Laramie, Wyo., training as a technician at a time when learning the trade meant mastering fundamentals through hands-on work. That early experience shaped not only his technical foundation, but also his leadership philosophy. Over the years, his career path expanded well beyond the shop floor. He served as COO and managing partner for a 28-location operation, then as vice president for a large MSO. Today, Larry is the owner of two OEM-certified, focused collision repair shops in Florida, bringing decades of experience into every decision he makes.
Colleagues describe Larry as deeply respected — not just for the success of his businesses, but for the way he runs them. He is known for developing people, thinking independently, and contributing thoughtfully to the industry. Those who work alongside him say his perspective is always worth hearing, precisely because it’s grounded in experience rather than trends.
Leadership Shaped by Roots, Not Titles
Despite holding senior leadership roles throughout his career, Larry has never lost sight of the industry’s roots — or his own. Ask him what’s been most rewarding, and he doesn’t point to expansion, revenue, or titles. Instead, he talks about remembering where he came from.
That grounding informs how he leads. Larry encourages young professionals to resist the pressure to follow every new trend simply because it’s popular. “Take a path you actually want to follow,” he advises. “Don’t be afraid to think outside the box.”
It’s advice shaped by decades of watching the industry evolve. Technology, processes, and business models may change, but Larry believes clarity of purpose matters more than chasing the next big thing. His approach favors long-term thinking over short-term reactions, a mindset that has helped him navigate both growth and change.
When it comes to efficiency and performance, Larry is quick to redirect the conversation away from tools and equipment. While technology plays an important role, he believes the most valuable asset in any shop is its people. Employees and staff members, he says, are the true engine of success. Investing in them through trust, opportunity, and development creates stability that no piece of equipment can replace.
Changing Perceptions and Creating Opportunity
Larry is also passionate about correcting misconceptions surrounding the collision repair industry. One of the most persistent, he says, is the outdated notion that technicians are simply “greasy mechanics.”
“The reality today is very different,” he says. Modern collision repair requires advanced technical skill, problem-solving ability, and continuous learning. It’s a profession that can be deeply rewarding — not only personally, but financially as well.
That belief fuels Larry’s commitment to developing the next generation. What excites him most about the future isn’t a specific technology or certification, but the opportunity to see young people grow into roles they may never have imagined for themselves. He takes particular pride in watching individuals succeed without a traditional college education, proving that skilled trades remain a powerful pathway to meaningful, well-paying careers.
Those who know Larry say this focus on people isn’t just talk. It’s reflected in how he runs his shops and mentors others in the industry. His leadership style blends accountability with encouragement, creating environments where individuals can grow into responsibilities rather than be boxed into roles.
Looking Forward, With an Eye on the Past
If Larry hadn’t built his career in collision repair, he says he likely would have pursued construction. He enjoys flipping homes and building out collision facilities, drawn to the process of transforming spaces from the ground up. That same appreciation for craftsmanship extends to his dream automotive projects — particularly 1970s muscle cars, which represent an era defined by bold design and mechanical character.
Even outside the shop, Larry’s passion for cars remains evident. His favorite car-related movie, “Gone in 60 Seconds,” reflects a lifelong connection to automotive culture and the stories that surround it.
More than four decades in, Larry Jaskowiak remains energized by the industry — not because it stays the same, but because it continues to create opportunity. For him, success isn’t measured solely by growth or scale, but by people developed, perspectives challenged and roots remembered along the way.
Frame by Frame is an ongoing industry spotlight series from Autobody News, highlighting the people whose experience, leadership, and commitment continue to shape the future of collision repair.
Leona Scott