Editor’s note: Each month, “Frame by Frame” will spotlight an industry professional who’s making a real impact in the auto body world -- whether through innovation, mentorship, community involvement or simply being an all-around rockstar in collision repair. Get to know the faces behind the work, their journey, and what fuels their passion for the trade.
When a collision sent her car into the body shop years ago, Shauna Davis, president of Kaizen Glass Solutions, had no idea it would mark the beginning of her journey into the collision repair and auto glass industries. What started as an unexpected temp job answering phones soon evolved into a leadership role in global sales and, ultimately, the launch of her own company. Now, Davis is dedicated to bridging gaps, fostering innovation and strengthening industry connections.
A Career Built on Opportunity and Innovation
Davis’s entry into the collision industry wasn’t conventional. She got her start at Fred Haas Toyota in Houston, where her stepmother worked in service. But it wasn’t until 2002, when a job opportunity fell through, that she stumbled into auto glass through a temp agency.
“They placed me as a receptionist at an auto glass tool manufacturer,” Davis says. “Within six months, I was a full-time employee, then a marketing manager, and before long, I was leading global sales and marketing.”
That rapid rise wasn’t just a product of hard work -- it demonstrated her ability to see the bigger picture. Over time, Davis saw a disconnect between the collision repair and auto glass sectors, and in 2024, she took a bold step to address it by launching Kaizen Glass Solutions.
“My goal is to bridge the gap between these industries,” she explained. “Auto glass isn’t just about replacement -- it’s an integral part of modern vehicle safety. The more collision professionals understand that, the better the industry will be as a whole.”
A Passion for People and Progress
In January, Kaizen made an auto glass presentation to a group of students at Georgetown High School in Georgetown, TX. Davis is in the center.
For Davis, success is as much about business growth as it is about the relationships she’s built along the way.
“This industry is built on people,” she said. “I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the most hardworking and passionate professionals. Seeing technicians, students and shop owners grow and innovate is the most rewarding part of my career.”
That same passion drives her belief in continuous learning. If she could offer one piece of advice to newcomers, it would be this: never stop learning.
“The more you know, the more valuable you become,” she says. “Collision repair and auto glass are deeply connected, and understanding that opens up so many career paths.”
Turning Challenges into Innovation
One of Davis’s most memorable industry moments was during a hands-on auto glass removal demo in San Diego early in her career.
“The wire kept breaking in the same spot, and it was getting dark,” she remembered. “Suddenly, all the customers at the event started holding up their phone flashlights to help me finish!”
Embarrassed but determined, she finally spotted the issue -- the wire slipped under the pinch weld, causing it to snap. That frustrating night eventually led to a real-world solution: the development of guide pins to keep the wire in place during removal.
“It was a great lesson,” she said. “Sometimes, our biggest challenges spark the best innovations.”
Setting the Record Straight on Collision Repair
Davis quickly dispelled the misconception that the collision industry is full of “hacks.”
“So many shops are investing in education, training and staying ahead of industry advancements,” she said. “The dedication I see every day is truly inspiring.”
She’s equally passionate about modernizing workflows. She believes the industry is on the cusp of even greater innovation, from integrating technology to improving efficiency.
“Work smarter, not harder,” she advised. “Using the right tools, techniques and technology can make all the difference.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of Auto Glass and Collision Repair
What keeps Davis excited about the industry? The constant evolution.
“There’s always something new to learn,” she said. “Technology is changing, repair techniques are advancing, and the industry is growing in ways we never imagined.”
Her long-term goal is to keep designing and inventing tools that solve real challenges for auto glass techs and body shops. And when she’s not shaping the industry's future, she’s fueling her passion for marketing, brand-building and -- if she ever had a career change -- maybe even hotel ownership.
Like the ever-changing rhythms of collision repair, Davis keeps her momentum going with a matching soundtrack. “I’m a Texas country music fan at heart, but when I’m driving or at the computer, my go-to is the ‘Happy’ playlist on Pandora -- it’s got a mix of oldies, a little Bob Marley, rock, pop (the good kind), and a little country to keep my mindset where it needs to be.”
It’s a fitting theme for someone who thrives on progress -- finding the right balance between innovation, education, and connection. Davis is ready to roll no matter where the road leads, with the perfect soundtrack to fuel the journey.
Leona Scott