Speakers
Dr. Damon Friedman
Opening Keynote Speaker
Dr. Damon Friedman is a retired Lt Col in Air Force Special Operations. Dr. Friedman served four combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. His personal decorations include three Bronze Stars (one with Valor), the Air Force Combat Action Medal, and 2018 “Spirit of Hope Award.” Described as “electrifying,” Dr. Damon Friedman holds nothing back as he speaks about his life’s challenges. Damon conveys the hard lessons he learned raised in the streets of downtown Los Angeles; how he was able to persevere through some of the fiercest combat in Iraq and Afghanistan; and finally, the events that led to a life-changing experience. Damon’s moment of clarity altered the trajectory of his life and revealed his ultimate mission. Shared with passion and intensity, Damon’s testimony is one that listeners have praised as gripping, powerful, and heartfelt. “Recognize your purpose, find your superpower, and change the world for good.”
Jimmy Yeary
Closing Keynote Speaker
Jimmy Yeary has been writing songs in Nashville for 30 years. He has become one of Nashville's most sought-after songwriters, with 14 number 1 songs, as recognized by Billboard Magazine. Some of his biggest hits include, I Called Mama, by Tim McGraw. Everything’s Gonna Be Alright, by Kenny Chesney. Jimmy is also now called "one of the most engaging speakers in the country". He takes the lessons he has learned and the experiences he has encountered in his music career and applies them to the process of creating results for businesses, organizations, and teams. And does all of this on stage while creating an original song with YOUR HELP! We're serious and you must be there to witness it.
Ryan Taylor
AI: Creating Profound Impact on Operations & Performance
Ryan Taylor opened his first body shop at the age of 17 and decades later has turned his focus on helping collision repairers all over the world grow their businesses and simplify the customer repair experience. His white-hot focus these past 12 months has concentrated on AI and the profound positive impact it is having on a shop’s operations and performance. He travels the globe in search of the latest and greatest and he will join us in Nashville for a dynamic and impactful update.
Rachel James
Shop CFO’s: How to Embrace the Industry’s Hottest Trend
Rachel James has spent a career helping collision repair operators navigate the financial wellbeing of their family business. She is on the pulse of what is important today, and more importantly tomorrow. She has witnessed a significant and rapid trend and that is the addition of CFO’s to collision centers, and not just among larger MSOs. Many owners, even the financially savvy ones, are realizing they don’t have the time to monitor reporting, forecasting, budgeting as they should. She will present and foster discussion around the WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN and HOW of the role, and even help owners and GMs who may not be in the position today to add a CFO but can walk away with tangible ideas on how to improve.
Erin Solis & Elainna Sachire
Business Success by the Numbers
Erin Solis, Square One Systems Sr. VP, and Elainna Sachire, Square One Systems President, will help you gain insight as to how the numbers truly define a successful business. It’s not complicated but very telling as to what every collision repairer should know. They will take a deep dive in helping shop owners and GMs understand P&L Management, CCC/Management System Connectivity and Mapping, along with discussing how to take a more in-depth financial review of your business
Liz Stein
Marketing Your OE Certs & Beating the Competition
Liz Stein, CCG’s VP Strategic Initiatives, North America, has 20+ years of industry experience and most recently with a focus on Automotive Manufacturers. She is the current WIN Chair and Co-Chair of the CIC OEM Industry Relations Committee. She will facilitate a session on marketing your Automotive Manufacturer Certifications and trainings to separate you from your competition.