Erick's love for the collision repair industry began in the late 1970s, when he started working in a shop as a teenager. The hands-on experience he gained there sparked a lifelong passion that would lead him to become a successful business owner and industry leader.

In 1987, Erick and his partner took a leap of faith and opened their own collision repair business. With hard work and dedication, they grew the company into a thriving operation with 10 locations and $40 million in revenue. Erick's entrepreneurial spirit didn't stop there. In 1991, he co-founded Caliber Collision Centers with six other collision repair partners, creating a network that would eventually become one of the nation's largest.

But Erick's impact on the industry didn't end there. In 1992, he founded the Collision Industry Electronic Commerce Association (CIECA), a non-profit organization that has revolutionized the way collision repair shops conduct business. Then, in 1997, he founded FIX Auto USA, a franchise network that grew to include over 165 locations in 15 states. When Erick and his partner sold the collision businesses to Driven Brands in 2020, they had created a powerhouse in the industry.

Erick's innovative spirit led him to venture into technology in 2001, when he founded CynCast, a company that served thousands of collision repair shops. He later sold CynCast to Enterprise Rent-A-Car, further cementing his reputation as a visionary leader.

Today, Erick remains active in the collision repair industry as the CEO Collision Career Institute and NuVentory Systems, a software company he invested in to help collision shops manage their paint and material inventory. Along with CCi His passion for the industry and his commitment to innovation continue to drive him forward. Whether he's developing new technologies or mentoring the next generation of collision repair professionals Erick has demonstrated commitment to make the Collision Industry better.

Charlie, a Southern California native, boasts a rich legacy in the automotive industry. With over four decades of experience, his journey began under the guidance of a mentor who sculpted him into a skilled technician, painter, and shop owner. With academic pursuits in Auto Collision Repair and a Master’s in Instructional Design, Charlie cultivated a robust educational foundation.

For more than 25 years, Charlie shared his wealth of knowledge with over six thousand students at Cerritos College and through the Collision Career Institute (CCI). Pioneering curriculum development, he seamlessly integrated online and face-to-face instruction to elevate hands-on skills transfer. Collaborating with industry titans like I-CAR and VeriFacts Automotive, Charlie coached technicians and repair planners, specializing in advanced materials vehicles such as BMW, Mercedes Benz, Porsche, and Ferrari.

Retiring from Cerritos College in 2018, Charlie remains an influential figure as a co-founder and Director of Product Development at the Collision Career Institute since 2015. His unwavering commitment to education and industry advancement continues to shape the future of collision repair professionals.

Dan Dutra's love for the collision repair industry began at just 16 years old, when he started his apprenticeship in a small shop in San Francisco Bay Area. Over the next 12 years, he absorbed knowledge from every corner of the business, mastering everything from estimating and frame repair to painting and customer service.

In 1990, Dan's career took a new turn when he joined the paint industry. He spent several years with Spies Hecker, before advancing to management roles at Standox and eventually Dupont. Throughout this chapter, Dan remained actively involved with the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) and various boards, using his growing influence to tackle industry challenges head-on.

In 2002, Dan joined Fix Auto as they expanded across the United States. His leadership and business acumen were crucial in opening new markets and growing the network from coast to coast. But Dan's entrepreneurial spirit never wavered. In 2006, he and his partner pursued their dream of owning a shop, which led them to the beautiful islands of Hawaii.

For the next 16 years, Dan co-owned and managed Sigs Collision Centers, growing it into Hawaii's only multi-shop operation (MSO). Under his leadership, the business thrived, providing top-notch collision repair services to customers across the islands. In 2021, Dan made the difficult decision to sell the business and retire, but he continues to be active in the industry.

Now living in Florida with his wife Deb, Dan enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and staying involved in the collision repair community. He remains passionate about the industry he has dedicated his life to, and continues to be a thought leader and problem-solver in the field.