Before Jill Tuggle ever stepped on a trade show stage or took the reins of the Auto Body Association of Texas (ABAT) as executive director, she was a recent high school grad looking for a “big girl job.” Her friend’s dad owned a wheel repair business and needed a receptionist—something that sounded like just the right amount of grown-up responsibility.
But during the interview, the owner made a surprising offer: “You’ve got a great personality. Want to try running a delivery route instead? It pays better.”
Tuggle politely declined. So he countered: “How about you ride along for a day? If you like it, the job’s yours. If not, the receptionist spot is waiting.”
She rode shotgun the next morning—and loved every minute of it.
That one ride set off a career journey that’s spanned sales, marketing, mentorship and leadership at one of the most active state collision associations in the country. And through it all, Tuggle has followed her instincts—sometimes reluctantly at first, but always with purpose.
A Reluctant ‘Yes’ That Changed Everything
After several years running delivery routes, Tuggle moved into sales and marketing, ultimately launching her own collision marketing company. In the process, she became a familiar face to nearly every shop manager in town, earning their trust and watching them become extended family over time.
Tuggle speaks at the 2024 SEMA Show.
So when ABAT’s board began considering candidates for a new executive director, her name came up more than once.
“Funny thing—I declined the ABAT director role at first,” she said. “See a pattern here? But I eventually came around. And I’m so glad I did.”
What followed has been the most meaningful chapter of her career.
“I was mentored so much in this industry,” she said. “Now I get to be that for other people—for associations, young professionals, and especially women trying to find their place in collision repair.”
Tuggle doesn’t take that responsibility lightly. From panel discussions to trade shows, she shows up prepared, passionate and often with a hilarious story or two in her back pocket.
Laughter, Canva and a Cat in the Trunk
Tuggle’s blend of warmth, humor and leadership was on full display when she emceed the awards ceremony at the Southeast Collision Conference last year. To kick things off, she pulled a stunt no one saw coming: prank calls.
On camera, she called shops run by board members pretending to be an irate customer with outrageous claims, like discovering a cat had birthed kittens in her trunk, or that her estimator waived the deductible in exchange for YouTube views of his old football games.
“The staff handled it so well,” she said. “It was a riot—and everybody got a good laugh.”
Beneath the humor is a serious strategy. Tuggle swears by Canva and says collaboration has been the real secret to her success.
“I’m constantly inspired by my peers,” she said. “SCRS has a great affiliate group, Jordan Hendler is an incredible friend and resource, and I’ve been fortunate to work with vendors who believe in ABAT’s vision.”
Redefining What It Means to Belong
If Tuggle could offer one piece of advice to industry newcomers, it would be this: learn every side of the business.
“When I was reconditioning, I saw things a certain way,” she said. “Then I worked for an MSO and learned their approach. And now, working with ABAT, I understand the full picture. Right, wrong or indifferent, it makes me better at what I do.”
She’s also eager to dispel one of the industry’s biggest misconceptions: that it’s unwelcoming to women.
“Most of the men I’ve worked with have been incredible—honoring, protective and supportive,” she said. “Sure, I’ve encountered creeps, but honestly, they’re not more common in a shop than anywhere else: grocery stores, airports, even churches.”
Her dream project? Building deeper community among women in the industry.
“I’d love to keep building our Ladies’ Night of Honor and maybe start a networking group for women who’ve never quite fit the traditional mold,” she said. “That was always me. This industry drew me in like a magnet, and I’ve formed amazing female friendships. I want to give others a place to build real relationships.”
Eyes on the Future
Despite the ups and downs, Tuggle remains energized by what’s ahead.
“This is the longest game I’ve ever had to play,” she said. “But I am seeing progress, and that keeps me going.”
What fuels her? In-person events.
“There’s something about seeing other people’s passion that reignites mine,” she said. “It reminds me that we’re all moving this industry forward—together.”
On the road, her soundtrack of choice isn’t shop talk; it’s true crime podcasts. And as for favorite car-related movies?
“I’ve always loved ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,’” she said. “Does that count?”
For Tuggle, it more than counts. It captures the joy, curiosity and unexpected adventure that have defined her career, from wheel delivery runs to ABAT leadership and everything in between.
