Better Collision Centers Expands into Myrtle Beach
Better Collision Centers opened its newest location in Myrtle Beach, SC.
“Myrtle Beach represents exactly the type of market we look to grow into,” said Jonathan Best, Founder and CEO. “High demand, strong growth, and an opportunity to improve the customer experience. This location allows us to bring our model into a market where it is needed.”
This expansion is part of Better Collision’s broader strategy to grow in markets where population growth, traffic volume, and long-term opportunity align, along with a focus on building high-performing locations that deliver reliable repairs and a better experience, according to Better Collision Centers.
Cox Automotive to Acquire Fullpath
Cox Automotive has signed a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of Fullpath, an AI-powered Customer Data Platform (CDP) and marketing automation company serving the automotive retail industry, subject to regulatory approval. The transaction is expected to close within 30 days.
"There is no better opportunity to turbocharge Fullpath's AI-driven platform than joining the world's most expansive automotive tech company with access to the most strategic and iconic data platforms in the industry,” said Aharon Horwitz, CEO & co-founder, Fullpath. “As data is the fuel of a CDP, joining Cox Automotive means our AI-driven platform will deliver more intelligence, more speed, and more value to dealers than ever before."
Boyd Group Services Inc Names New Chief Operating Officer and Chief Commercial Officer
Boyd Group Services Inc announced the appointment of Steve Hoeft as chief operations officer for the Boyd Group’s U.S. collision business and the appointment of Zach Balthrop as chief commercial officer for the Boyd Group.
Hoeft joins Boyd following nine years with Bridgestone Americas, where he most recently served as president of the Commercial Truck Group since 2022. Balthrop has been with the Boyd since 2024 and has served as the leader of Boyd’s South Division. Prior to his time at Boyd, he most recently held the role of chief commercial officer at FYX Fleet and the role of senior vice president, sales, marketing, and customer experience at Pep Boys Auto Service and Tires.
Aftermarket Content Professionals Network Accepting Applications for Leadership 2.0 Scholarship
The Aftermarket Content Professionals Network (ACPN), a community of the Auto Care Association, is now accepting applications for its Leadership 2.0 Scholarship, which will award one ACPN member the opportunity to attend the University of the Aftermarket’s Leadership 2.0 Program.
The Leadership 2.0 Program is a post‑graduate-level leadership and business education experience designed to support the development of auto care industry leaders.
“This scholarship reflects ACPN’s commitment to developing strong leaders within the content community,” said Joe Thomas, scholarship chair, ACPN council.
To be eligible, applicants must be a current member of the ACPN community and employed by an Auto Care Association member company. For more information about the ACPN Leadership 2.0 scholarship, including a complete list of eligibility requirements and the application, visit the ACPN Scholarships landing page.
Sherwin-Williams Celebrates Branch Refresh of Cleveland location
Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes hosted an open house on April 24 to celebrate the Branch refresh of its Cleveland location at 5720 Brookpark Road. The fresh, modern Branch design is meant to provide an elevated retail experience while still providing the high-performing products and dedicated technical expertise, according to Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes.
“We want to provide the best customer experience possible — from the overall feel of our branches to the setup and flow,” said Stephen Osgood, sales director for the Northeast Region for Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes.
“This Branch is the start of the new Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes experience,” said William Raynor, regional branch manager for Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes. “We’re invested in creating a best-in-class experience for everyone who walks in the door, and that doesn’t stop with the physical environment. Our expert staff are here to support you in finding the right products to accelerate your business.”
Collision Industry Partners Gift Refurbished Vehicles to Two Veterans Through NABC Recycled Rides® Program
The National Auto Body Council® (NABC) Recycled Rides® program gifted refurbished vehicles to two veterans recent;y, with presentations in Tulsa, OK, and Wexford, PA, made possible through partnerships with Farmers Insurance, Allstate, CARSTAR, and Body by Cochran.
On April 17, Tulsa-area veteran Mark Bauer received a refurbished 2021 Toyota Camry at CARSTAR Tulsa-Mingo Valley. Bauer, a devoted father nominated by Oklahoma Veterans United, has dedicated his life to serving his country and supporting fellow veterans.
On April 21, Pittsburgh-area veteran Martha Hari received a refurbished 2023 Honda CRV at Cochran Mazda North Hills in Wexford. Hari, a U.S. Army veteran who served from 2015 to 2022 in the Army Medical Logistics Command, is a single mother of two who works daily to support fellow veterans.
Additional partners in the Tulsa presentation included LKQ, O'Reilly Auto Parts, Discount Tires, BASF, Jim Norton Toyota, Urban Auto/Lawn Repair, Advanced Remarketing Services, Cars for Charity, Copart and Enterprise. Additional partners in the Pittsburgh presentation included #1 Cochran Mazda North Hills, #1 Cochran Honda South Hills, WL Davison, Copart, Advanced Remarketing Services and Cars for Charity.
University of the Aftermarket Foundation 40th Ruby Anniversary Campaign Underway
The University of the Aftermarket Foundation (UAF) is celebrating40 years of funding scholarships, grants, and ongoing educational programs to help develop a strong, knowledgeable industry workforce.
To commemorate the special occasion, UAF is conducting a 40th Ruby Anniversary fundraising campaign that will run throughout the year, culminating with a celebration on Oct. 31 in Las Vegas.
“Over the past 40 years, the University of the Aftermarket Foundation has made an indelible mark on our industry by annually funding hundreds of scholarships for deserving young people who have gone on to successful careers in the aftermarket,” said Rick Schwartz, UAF marketing committee chair. “We thank everyone who has championed the UAF mission since 1986 and ask all industry members to support the Ruby Anniversary Campaign so that UAF and its work can continue for the next 40 years and beyond.”
Automotive Communications Council (ACC) Launches Annual Sponsorship Program
The Automotive Communications Council (ACC), a community of the Auto Care Association, launched a new community sponsorship opportunity.
The ACC community now offers an annual sponsorship program that Auto Care Association member companies can purchase at any time throughout the year. The annual program offers increased flexibility to supporters, enabling them a wider range of options for supporting the ACC community and its initiatives serving the auto care industry’s communications professionals.
To learn more about the annual sponsorship opportunities and to view the complete sponsorship packet, visit the ACC’s sponsorship webpage.
Registration Ongoing for 2026 ASE Instructor Conference
Registration continues for the 16th annual ASE Instructor Training Conference, which is scheduled for July 20-23 in Frisco, Texas.
This national training event is presented by the ASE Education Foundation and offers more than 20 hours of technical update training with separate tracks for auto, medium/heavy truck, and collision repair instructors. The ASE Instructor Training Conference also features networking events and a sponsor expo.
