Sun, Strategy, and Success: Highlights from the CSN “Charging Forward” Conference

The CSN conference transported attendees from winter’s icy grip to a sun-drenched paradise, setting the perfect stage for networking, learning, and relaxation. With palm tree-lined streets, pastel-colored architecture, and a backdrop of both dusty and snowcapped mountains, the conference location provided a stunning contrast to the winter conditions many had left behind.

Attendees, including CSN Shops from Canada, the U.S., and Italy, along with vendors, OEMs, and insurers, arrived ready to embrace an action-packed agenda.

A Perfect Blend of Business and Leisure

From the moment guests arrived, the resort’s luxurious amenities set the tone for an unforgettable experience. Golf carts shuttled attendees around the expansive grounds, providing views of the resort’s sparkling pools, lazy river, and on-site golf course. Each morning began with a rooftop breakfast, offering panoramic views and the perfect way to launch a day filled with industry insights and inspiration.

Powerful Keynotes & Insightful Workshops

This year’s speakers and workshops didn’t just share insights, they sparked conversations, inspired fresh thinking, and left attendees with plenty to take back to their businesses:

• Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser, AGM of Toronto Maple Leafs – As a six-time Olympian, physician, and Hockey Hall of Famer, Dr. Wickenheiser knows what it takes to succeed under pressure. She shared powerful stories about leadership, resilience, and pushing through adversity, proving that a winning mindset applies far beyond the ice rink.
• Garrison Wynn, Author, Consultant and Motivational Speaker – With his signature humor and energy, Wynn explored what makes great leaders stand out. He broke down the key traits that set influential people apart and shared practical ways to build trust, improve communication, and lead with confidence.
• Dave Kindig, Founder of Kindig-it Design – The mastermind behind custom car design and star of Bitchin’ Rides took attendees behind the scenes of automotive craftsmanship, creativity, and branding. His insights into innovation and standing out in the industry were both inspiring and entertaining.
• Susan Dooley, Commercial Excellence Manager at BASF – Negotiation can make or break a business deal, and Dooley made sure attendees walked away with real, actionable skills. Her interactive workshop on mastering negotiations gave people the tools to approach tough conversations with confidence, whether it’s with vendors, insurers, or customers.
• Sean Carey, President, SCG Management Consulting – Always a crowd favorite, Carey challenged attendees to think ahead about the future of collision repair. From new technology to changing industry standards, his session was packed with insights that got everyone thinking about what’s coming next.
• OEM Updates – Kevin Nicol, Collision Repair and Brand Protection Manager at Toyota, Christopher Wallace, Collision and Global Brand Protection Manager at Ford, Casey Hamilton, Senior Manager, Certified Collision Networks at Rivian broke down the latest in repair standards, vehicle technology, and why OEM certifications matter more than ever. Their insights were a wake-up call for shops to stay ahead of the curve in an industry that’s evolving fast.
• Brandon Eckenrode, Executive Director Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) – The skills gap in collision repair is real, and Eckenrode made a passionate case for investing in the next generation of repair professionals. Through CREF, he highlighted ways shops can mentor young talent and build the future of the industry.
• Recycled Rides® by NABC® – One of the most touching moments of the conference came during the Recycled Rides® presentation by the National Auto Body Council (NABC®). Attendees watched as a refurbished vehicle was gifted to a single mother in need, giving her not just reliable transportation, but a fresh start. It was a powerful reminder of the real impact the collision repair industry can have on people’s lives.

With each session, attendees walked away with new ideas, fresh motivation, and a clear vision for the future, ready to bring what they learned back to their teams and businesses.

Entertainment and Industry Showcases

The vendor showcase, themed “Past, Present, and Future,” was a true crowd-pleaser, packed with fun, hands-on experiences. Whether it was shooting hoops, stepping into virtual reality, rolling cigars, sampling seaweed, or indulging in fresh pasta and tequila tastings, there was something for everyone. Unique giveaways and creative displays kept the energy high, sparking conversations and connections throughout the event.

But the fun didn’t stop there, entertainment was woven into every part of the conference. From the very start, a vibrant mariachi band set the stage, getting the event underway with an electrifying performance that had everyone buzzing with excitement.

Then came the Gala Night’s Evening of Excellence, where the spotlight wasn’t just on the award winners, it was on the unforgettable performances as well. Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra impersonators brought a touch of classic Hollywood glamour to the night, opening and closing the celebration in style. Marilyn even added a personal touch, congratulating award winners with a playful, customized rendition, making an already special evening even more memorable.

During the day, the resort offered plenty of ways to unwind. Some attendees floated along the lazy river, lounged by the pools, or teed off on the golf course, while others explored the breathtaking landscape on hiking excursions and Aerial Tramway rides. Whether relaxing or adventuring, there was no shortage of ways to soak in the sun and enjoy the experience to the fullest.

Gala Night & Shop of the Year Awards

The conference concluded with a spectacular Gala Night’s Evening of Excellence, celebrating the hard work and dedication of CSN Shops. The prestigious CSN Shop of the Year awards were announced:

Canada: CSN Neighbourhood – This shop has set the standard for excellence through continuous improvement, performance-driven operations, and an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. With recent expansions, new staff, and a growing list of OEM certifications, they have built an efficient yet personable business that prioritizes both quality repairs and community engagement, exemplified by their sponsorship of a local hockey team. Their impressive sales growth, 2.9-day average touch time, and dedication to training showcase their leadership within the CSN network.

Photo credit: Autosphere. From left to right: Jay Hayward, SVP of Operations, CSN Collision; Paul Ash, Owner of CSN Neighbourhood, Shop of the Year; Sean Donaldson, SVP of Business Development and Marketing, CSN Collision; and Ryan Bruno, President & CEO, CSN Collision.

U.S.: CSN Superior Automotive – This shop stood out for its exceptional operational standards, earning praise from industry leaders for its immaculate and highly efficient facilities. Their strong community involvement, industry engagement, and commitment to CSN’s growth and collaboration make them a model of excellence.

Photo credit: Autosphere. From left to right: Sean Donaldson, SVP of Business Development & Marketing, CSN Collision; Ryan Bruno, President & CEO, CSN Collision; Dan Sjolseth, Owner of CSN Superior Automotive, Shop of the Year; and Jay Hayward, SVP of Operations, CSN Collision.

Both shops have gone above and beyond to enhance the CSN brand and inspire others in the industry. A heartfelt congratulations to CSN Neighbourhood and CSN Superior Automotive for their outstanding commitment to excellence and their well-earned recognition!

Amidst the evening’s glamour and celebration, generosity took center stage. In a show of support, guests raised over $25,000 for the Make-A-Wish Canada Foundation, proving that beyond business, the industry is all about making a real difference.

A Conference to Remember

As the sun set on the conference, attendees left feeling recharged, inspired, and ready to embrace the future of the industry. From powerful insights to unforgettable experiences, the conference was a perfect fusion of business, networking, and adventure, proving that success isn’t just about moving forward, but charging ahead with purpose.