Plasnomic's plastic repair center progresses in Argyle, Texas
Development is progressing at the Plastic Repair Excellence Center that Plasnomic is building in Argyle, Texas. The facility has specialist repair stations along with learning and collaboration areas, and it is being built to house a digital content and training studio. Plasnomic said the center will reach technicians, educators, and other partners beyond Texas with remote learning, demonstrations, and technical content.
"The center is being designed to connect practical repair expertise with advancing technology, bringing learning, innovation and real repair activity together under one roof," said Mario Dimovski, president of Plasnomic and chairman of the Plastic Repair Alliance Council.
Plasnomic said its central priority will be developing new plastic repair specialists, along with learning opportunities for current technicians, estimators, and other industry professionals. Dimovski said the center's research and development work will be tied closely to its repair work. The company described working with multi-shop operators (MSOs), insurers, automakers, training organizations, government groups, and technical schools and colleges as central to its vision.
New nonprofit Champion It Forward targets the technician pipeline
Champion It Forward, a new 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has launched with a goal of building a stronger supply of collision repair technicians. It plans to widen career paths and mentorship and to offer financial support to people entering the trade. The organization is developing programs that include paid apprenticeships, tool grants, and educational support.
In September, Crash Champions raised $300,000 for the group at its annual Champions Classic charity golf outing. LKQ and 3M are among the industry leaders lending executive support to Champion It Forward's board of directors.
"Champion It Forward is designed to unite the automotive and collision repair industries in support of building and sustaining a strong workforce," said Matt Ebert, founder and CEO of Crash Champions.
Sulkala Family Fund asks the industry to sponsor SkillsUSA students
The Sulkala Family Fund wants collision repair shops, insurers, suppliers, and others in the industry to help students compete at the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference. The fund gives travel grants to qualified state winners in collision repair-related competitions who might not otherwise afford the trip. A $2,500 sponsorship covers a state winner's travel, lodging, and contest costs.
The fund honors Chuck Sulkala, who co-founded the National Auto Body Council (NABC) and served as its executive director until retiring at the end of 2017. It also honors his son, Chad Sulkala, who worked at Acme Body & Paint, Allstate, Esurance, and CCC Information Services. Chad held leadership roles with NABC, I-CAR, the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS), and the Collision Industry Electronic Commerce Association (CIECA). He died May 31, 2025, at 54. Sponsors join what the fund calls "Team Chad."
"When a collision-repair student wins at the state SkillsUSA competition, the next step is Nationals, your sponsorship helps cover a travel grant so skill—not expenses—decides who competes," said Chuck Sulkala.
Driven Brands Collision Group brings Resilience 2027 to Chicago
Driven Brands Collision Group will hold Resilience 2027, the group's annual U.S. conference, Feb. 9–11, 2027, at the Hilton Chicago. Franchise partners from Abra, CARSTAR, and Fix Auto USA are expected, joined by vendors, industry leaders, and Driven Brands staff.
The conference will open with a Chicago Bulls game. It will also include educational sessions, a casino night raising money for cystic fibrosis, and an awards gala recognizing franchise partners.
"This conference brings us into one room to learn from each other, celebrate what we've overcome and accomplished, and look ahead to what we can achieve together," said Damien Reyna, chief operating officer of Driven Brands Collision Group.
Crash Champions opens its ninth Michigan location
Crash Champions opened its ninth Michigan repair center at 8105 Big Lake Road in Clarkston. The 28,000-square-foot facility offers collision repair and calibration services.
Crash Champions operates more than 650 repair centers in 38 states and Washington, D.C.
"This is an important step forward in our strategic growth plan, and more importantly, we look forward to growing alongside our local Clarkston neighbors and business partners with the Crash Champions promise of trusted service," Ebert said.
Fix Auto Inglewood opens in California
Fix Auto USA opened Fix Auto Inglewood at 737 N. La Brea Ave. in Inglewood, California. Owner Nevin Baratian runs the facility, which handles both collision and mechanical repair.
The shop is certified by automakers including Ford, General Motors, Honda ProFirst, Hyundai, and Nissan, and expects BMW and Mercedes-Benz certifications once training is complete. Its entire repair team is I-CAR Platinum certified.
"As a family-owned business, we are committed to earning the trust of every customer while building strong relationships within the Inglewood community and supporting local charities and initiatives," Baratian said.
