The ninth annual Heavy Duty (HD) Repair Forum took place April 2-3 in Frisco, TX, at the Hyatt Regency. The event drew several hundred attendees representing a cross section of the heavy- and medium-duty collision repair industry, including shop owners, executives, insurers, suppliers and OEM representatives.
With a focus on collaboration and actionable insight, the Forum once again delivered forward-looking dialogue around repair safety, profitability and adapting to technological shifts in Class 5-8 vehicle repairs. This year’s event emphasized data-driven decision-making and the need for practical strategies in the face of rising complexity.
Opening with a Challenge: Rethinking Economic Narratives
The Forum kicked off with a keynote from economist Dr. Christopher Thornberg, founding partner of Beacon Economics, who set the tone with his presentation, “Political Narratives & Economic Realities: The U.S. Outlook with a Focus on the Heavy-Duty Collision Repair Industry.”
Known for his candid and data-focused approach, Thornberg challenged attendees to question prevailing narratives about the economy. He addressed a common concern among business owners -- whether the U.S. is heading toward or already in a recession.
“There’s a persistent narrative that the economy is collapsing, that we’re already in a recession or about to fall into one,” he said. “The data just doesn’t support that. Yes, risks are higher than they’ve been, but growth continues, employment is strong, and consumer spending is near record highs.”
Rather than preparing for an imminent collapse, Thornberg advised businesses to prepare for structural imbalance. He urged decision-makers to ground their strategies in economic fundamentals and resist panic-driven thinking.
“Resilience comes from understanding what’s really happening,” Thornberg emphasized. “Invest in productivity, don’t overextend, and prioritize workforce stability, because labor will stay tight, recession or not.”
In an interview with Autobody News, Thornberg shared why he accepted the Forum’s speaking invitation: “The HD Repair Forum brings together business owners and professionals who live in the real economy. What stood out was how eager they were to focus on real economic signals -- something we at Beacon spend a lot of time trying to clarify.”
Adjusting to the Data: Repair Trends and Market Insights
Building on the macroeconomic perspective, Douglas Orr of PPG Industries delivered a well-received presentation that focused on industry-specific repair trends. Drawing on insights from the AdjustRite® estimating system, Orr presented data on repair frequency and the underlying causes behind rising costs.
Karl Scheider with Bosch presented one of 15 breakout sessions throughout the two-day conference.
He pointed out that features like Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are reshaping the nature of heavy-duty repairs, often requiring recalibrations and precise diagnostics. Also, point-of-impact analysis revealed a need for more accurate initial estimates, a critical step to improving overall repair outcomes and cycle times.
He said the goal is to arm repair facilities with tools that help them be both precise and competitive and that includes systems like AdjustRite, which can help shops provide more accurate estimates up front, improving communication with insurers and customers while reducing supplements.
Industry Momentum and a Focus on the Future
HD Repair Forum event management reflected on the event’s continued growth and its expanding role in the industry: “The 2025 HD Repair Forum continues to enjoy industry support and growing engagement. However, the success of the event is defined by the positive impact it has on the medium- and heavy-duty collision repair industry.
“We’re seeing more safety technologies, alternative fuel vehicles, and OEM-specific repair requirements. These advancements impact all stakeholders -- not just the shops, but insurers, suppliers and training institutions as well.”
To meet this challenge, the Forum offered multiple sessions on evolving repair standards, workforce development and shop profitability. From hands-on estimating demonstrations to panels on parts procurement and technician recruitment, attendees had access to a diverse range of content tailored to current challenges.
Honoring a Leader: Gigi Walker’s Service Award
Gigi Walker of Auto Body & Fleet Repair was recognized as Repairer of the Year.
A standout moment at this year’s Forum was the presentation of the Repairer of the Year Award to Gigi Walker, a long-time advisory board member and respected advocate for industry advancement. She was honored for her exceptional leadership, tireless mentorship and dedication to fostering collaboration across the heavy-duty repair sector.
With a 41-year career in the collision industry -- 37 of those as a shop owner -- Walker has been instrumental in building connections between repair facilities, educators and local youth programs. Her unwavering passion for mentoring the next generation of technicians, especially young women entering the trade, has earned her widespread admiration and respect.
Walker said she was “surprised and honored” by her recognition and added, “Most people know my heart has been in this industry from day one. Being a part of this amazing group of people has been the best part of my career in the collision industry. The heavy duty and commercial space is special, and my fellow committee members are unique and dedicated people, and I thank them for the recognition.”
One Takeaway: Ask the Right Questions
Thornberg closed his keynote with a challenge to attendees: be intentional about how you assess risk and opportunity.
“Don’t let the narrative fool you,” he warned. “We are living in a period of record prosperity -- yes, with risk, yes, with imbalance -- but the sky is not falling.”
In a media climate often dominated by fear-based headlines, Thornberg urged business owners to tune out the noise and return to fundamentals: look at local data, listen to customer behavior, and assess operational strengths.
“Ask yourself: am I pricing and investing based on the actual economy, or just reacting to the media cycle?” he said. “That one question could make or break your business in 2025.”
As the Forum wrapped up, attendees left with new connections, practical insights, and a clear message: staying competitive in the evolving heavy-duty repair market requires critical thinking, reliable data and a willingness to embrace change.
Leona Scott