Body Bangin'

In this value-packed episode, Micki Woods sits down with Kena Dacus, co-owner of Dacus Auto Body & Collision Repair, to uncover real-world strategies for shop owners who are ready to grow smarter, not harder in the collision repair industry.

Here’s what you’ll learn:
 ✅ Insurance Headaches: Why getting paid for proper repairs (like safety inspections) feels impossible, and how Kena’s team manages the pushback.

 ✅ Towing Business Truths: The real cost of adding towing services, the risks you need to know, and why it’s a completely different business model from collision repair.

 ✅ The 4-Day Work Week Experiment: How moving to a 4-day production schedule improved efficiency, reduced burnout, and became a game-changing recruiting tool for Kena’s shop.

 ✅ Why Industry Involvement is Non-Negotiable: Kena shares how getting involved in industry groups, trade shows, and learning from other shop owners unlocked massive growth—and why you can’t afford to stay on the sidelines.

If you’re an independent shop owner feeling the pressure of insurer challenges, consolidation, and keeping your team happy while growing profitably—this episode is a must-listen.

🔔 Subscribe now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you don’t miss future episodes that help you build a shop that’s thriving—not just surviving.

RESOURCES & LINKS:

 🎧 Subscribe to Body Bangin’ on Apple Podcasts: 
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/body-bangin/id1558234037

 🎧 Subscribe to Body Bangin’ on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/491aIUWJ72fFpVARROeRcA?si=0df935d45b4c4786

 ▶️ Watch more Body Bangin’ episodes on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@BodyBangin

 🌐 Learn more about Dacus Auto Body & Collision Repair: dacusauto.com

 📧 Connect with Kena Dacus: [email protected]

 🔗 Follow Micki on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/micki-woods-36374121

 🚀 Need help growing your shop with marketing that actually drives leads? DM Micki or visit https://collisioncentermarketing.com/

Support the show

For more info on Micki's Marketing Services to help you grow your shop's revenue click here: https://collisioncentermarketing.com
Email Micki directly at [email protected]

Join the Body Bangin' Facebook Group!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/989546031854134

I am talking with Michael Giarrizzo, CEO/President of DCR Systems, about embracing the change of our industry. As our vehicles become more complex things NEED TO CHANGE!

Vehicles today are safety machines on wheels so what is your shop doing to make sure you are keeping those vehicles that come to you after a collision are being restored so they operate exactly like they would if they never would have gotten into an accident.

We need to start taking on the responsibility of this to create a sustainable future in our industry! 
No more are the days of just checking fit and finish!  

Michael challenges shops to:
1 – establish your why
2 – create processes that are non-negotiable (consistency)
3 – have extensive documentation (documentation before, during and after the repair including manufacturer repair procedures, videos, photos, notes, etc.)
4 – create quality control check points throughout your shop (ask your team where those QC checks should be. Utilize your team to make your business better.)

If you want to ask any questions of Michael or inquire about becoming one of his licensed shops you can email him directly at:
[email protected]

Links to Michael’s past Body Bangin’ interview -
Episode #30 – Becoming a Lean, Mean, Auto Body Repair Machine:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-30-becoming-a-lean-mean-auto-body-repair-machine/id1558234037?i=1000553311049
On YouTube: https://youtu.be/3YVwWiA9Um0?si=-CtQbNXGGYDoPf07

____________________________ 

Connect with Micki on LinkedIn Now! :) 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/micki-woods-36374121/ 

For more info on Micki's Marketing Services to help you grow your shop's revenue click here: https://collisioncentermarketing.com
Email Micki directly at [email protected]

Support the show

For more info on Micki's Marketing Services to help you grow your shop's revenue click here: https://collisioncentermarketing.com
Email Micki directly at [email protected]

Join the Body Bangin' Facebook Group!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/989546031854134

Thank you to our wonderful sponsor, Lombard Equipment, who sells new and refurbished equipment AND provides training on that equipment in your shop!
Reach out to them and get the help you need...
Massachussets Office: (800) 422-PULL
Florida Office: 888-440-WELD
Virginia Office: 833-MIG-WELD
Visit them online: https://lombardequipment.com/

What made this year's SE Collision Conference amazing? Several of those involved chatted about some things that happened behind the scenes plus a recap of the show. 
Joining me today is: Josh Kent - CCA's Executive Director, Kyle Bradshaw - CCA's President and Board Members of WMABA & CCA - Brian Davies & John Shoemaker 
Make sure to mark your calendar to join in next May-ish in Virginia!

Contact WMABA or CCA Directly:
Email WMABA's Office: [email protected]
Email WMABA's Executive Director - Jordan Hendler: [email protected]
WMABA's website: https://wmaba.com/

Email CCA's Office: [email protected]
Email CCA's Executive Director - Josh Kent: [email protected]
CCA's website: https://carolinascollisionassociation.com/

Join the Collision Cocktail Hour monthly meetings!
Learn more here: https://collisioncocktailhour.com/
____________________________ 

Connect with Micki on LinkedIn Now! :) 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/micki-woods-36374121/ 

For more info on Micki's Marketing Services to help you grow your shop's revenue click here: https://collisioncentermarketing.com
Email Micki directly at [email protected]

Support the show

For more info on Micki's Marketing Services to help you grow your shop's revenue click here: https://collisioncentermarketing.com
Email Micki directly at [email protected]

Join the Body Bangin' Facebook Group!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/989546031854134

Thank you to our wonderful sponsor, Lombard Equipment, who sells new and refurbished equipment AND provides training on that equipment in your shop!
Reach out to them and get the help you need...
Massachussets Office: (800) 422-PULL
Florida Office: 888-440-WELD
Virginia Office: 833-MIG-WELD
Visit them online: https://lombardequipment.com/

We are talking about a very polarizing topic today with Steve Krieps of Collision Safety Consultants of West Virginia. Steve was part of a panel at the SE Collsiion Conference where they discussed the pros and cons of RTAs (Right to Appraisals), PRI (Post Repair Inspections) and what the shop's role is in those things. This is super informational for all shops out there!

Listen to Billy Walkowiak's episode where we get into the nitty gritty of RTAs:
Ep #58: Use the Appraisal Clause to Get Paid with Bill Walkowiak
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-58-use-the-appraisal-clause-to-get-paid-with/id1558234037?i=1000590615764

Contact Steve Directly:
Email Steve: [email protected]
Collision Safety Consultant's website: https://collisionsafetyconsultants.us/

Join the Collision Cocktail Hour monthly meetings!
Learn more here: https://collisioncocktailhour.com/
____________________________ 

Connect with Micki on LinkedIn Now! :) 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/micki-woods-36374121/ 

For more info on Micki's Marketing Services to help you grow your shop's revenue click here: https://collisioncentermarketing.com
Email Micki directly at [email protected]

Support the show

For more info on Micki's Marketing Services to help you grow your shop's revenue click here: https://collisioncentermarketing.com
Email Micki directly at [email protected]

Join the Body Bangin' Facebook Group!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/989546031854134

For all of you listening Lombard Equipment is offering a FREE Air Jack (3 bag) with purchase of any Chisum equipment piece PLUS Chisum is offering incredible factory pricing through the end of June!
https://youtu.be/AsTdmSVxSHs?si=v-sKc171vEm1eaKC

Kevin Lombard & Dave Caron of Lombard Equipment chat with us today about the opportunities shops have as they are experiencing some slow downs right now.
A survey was done and found that a technician standing up ergonomically (versus down on the ground) are 22% more efficient!

They also talk about the latest frame machine that is the Swiss army knife of all frame machines - the Bronco and Bronco XL!
For all of you listening Lombard is offering a FREE Air Jack (3 bag) with purchase of any Chisum equipment piece PLUS Chisum is offering incredible factory pricing through the end of June!
Watch the video of the Bronco: https://youtu.be/AsTdmSVxSHs?si=v-sKc171vEm1eaKC

Contact Lombard Equipment:
Contact Form: https://lombardequipment.com/contact/
Massachussets Office: (800) 422-PULL
Florida Office: 888-440-WELD
Virginia Office: 833-MIG-WELD
Visit them online: https://lombardequipment.com/

Join the Collision Cocktail Hour monthly meetings!
Learn more here: https://collisioncocktailhour.com/
____________________________ 

Connect with Micki on LinkedIn Now! :) 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/micki-woods-36374121/ 

For more info on Micki's Marketing Services to help you grow your shop's revenue click here: https://collisioncentermarketing.com
Email Micki directly at [email protected]

Support the show

For more info on Micki's Marketing Services to help you grow your shop's revenue click here: https://collisioncentermarketing.com
Email Micki directly at [email protected]

Join the Body Bangin' Facebook Group!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/989546031854134

Thank you to our wonderful sponsor, Lombard Equipment, who sells new and refurbished equipment AND provides training on that equipment in your shop!
Reach out to them and get the help you need...
Massachussets Office: (800) 422-PULL
Florida Office: 888-440-WELD
Virginia Office: 833-MIG-WELD
Visit them online: https://lombardequipment.com/

I'm excited to bring to you today Mister Blake Farley, the Executive VP of Operations for Quality Collision Group from the Southeast Collision Conference. Blake talks about how he used to get in his own way thinking he didn't need any feedback or help and changing that perspective allowed him to change the game.
We talk about so many good things today!

Contact Blake Farley Directly:
Email Blake: [email protected]
Quality Collision Group's website: https://www.qualitycollisiongroup.com/

Join the Collision Cocktail Hour monthly meetings!
Learn more here: https://collisioncocktailhour.com/
____________________________ 

Connect with Micki on LinkedIn Now! :) 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/micki-woods-36374121/ 

For more info on Micki's Marketing Services to help you grow your shop's revenue click here: https://collisioncentermarketing.com
Email Micki directly at [email protected]

Support the show

For more info on Micki's Marketing Services to help you grow your shop's revenue click here: https://collisioncentermarketing.com
Email Micki directly at [email protected]

Join the Body Bangin' Facebook Group!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/989546031854134

Thank you to our wonderful sponsor, Lombard Equipment, who sells new and refurbished equipment AND provides training on that equipment in your shop!
Reach out to them and get the help you need...
Massachussets Office: (800) 422-PULL
Florida Office: 888-440-WELD
Virginia Office: 833-MIG-WELD
Visit them online: https://lombardequipment.com/

Next in our lineup from the Southeast Collision Conference is Jay Goninen, the President and Co-Founder of Wrench Way and the Podcast host of "Beyond the Wrench". Jay talks about some great things to consider about if you are looking to get some new technicians and also fantastic takeaways on ways to retain that top talent that you have!

Contact Jay Goninen Directly:
Email Jay: [email protected]
WrenchWay's Website: https://wrenchway.com/
Beyond the Wrench Podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-wrench/id1503503473

Join the Collision Cocktail Hour monthly meetings!
Learn more here: https://collisioncocktailhour.com/
____________________________ 

Connect with Micki on LinkedIn Now! :) 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/micki-woods-36374121/ 

For more info on Micki's Marketing Services to help you grow your shop's revenue click here: https://collisioncentermarketing.com
Email Micki directly at [email protected]

Support the show

For more info on Micki's Marketing Services to help you grow your shop's revenue click here: https://collisioncentermarketing.com
Email Micki directly at [email protected]

Join the Body Bangin' Facebook Group!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/989546031854134

Thank you to our wonderful sponsor, Lombard Equipment, who sells new and refurbished equipment AND provides training on that equipment in your shop!
Reach out to them and get the help you need...
Massachussets Office: (800) 422-PULL
Florida Office: 888-440-WELD
Virginia Office: 833-MIG-WELD
Visit them online: https://lombardequipment.com/

Today we chat with Taylor Moss of OEC (OE Connection). Taylor talks about some of the main ways that shops are losing (leaking) profit and how you can stop the leaks!
Taylor utilizes Repair Logic and offers a free demo if you are interested.

Contact Taylor Directly:
Email Taylor: [email protected]
Request a Demo of Repair Logic: https://oeconnection.com/free-demo/

Join the Collision Cocktail Hour monthly meetings!
Learn more here: https://collisioncocktailhour.com/
____________________________ 

Connect with Micki on LinkedIn Now! :) 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/micki-woods-36374121/ 

For more info on Micki's Marketing Services to help you grow your shop's revenue click here: https://collisioncentermarketing.com
Email Micki directly at [email protected]

Support the show

For more info on Micki's Marketing Services to help you grow your shop's revenue click here: https://collisioncentermarketing.com
Email Micki directly at [email protected]

Join the Body Bangin' Facebook Group!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/989546031854134

Thank you to Lombard Equipment, our wonderful sponsor, whose goal is to help improve the quality of people's lives.
Reach out to them and get the help you need...
Massachussets Office: (800) 422-PULL
Florida Office: 888-440-WELD
Virginia Office: 833-MIG-WELD
Visit them online: https://lombardequipment.com/

Next in line at the SE Collision Conference we are taking with StrongLead's CEO, Bruce Schronce. Bruce and his team help grow collision centers. In his session he gives 5 critical aspects of growing your business, attracting, developing and retaining great people, leadership cohesion, and enjoying a meaningful and prosperous journey.

Contact Bruce Directly:
Email Bruce: [email protected]
StrongLead Website: https://stronglead.org/
Contact the StrongLead Team or a consultation: https://stronglead.org/contact/

Join the Collision Cocktail Hour monthly meetings!
Learn more here: https://collisioncocktailhour.com/

____________________________ 

Connect with Micki on LinkedIn Now! :) 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/micki-woods-36374121/ 

For more info on Micki's Marketing Services to help you grow your shop's revenue click here: https://collisioncentermarketing.com
Email Micki directly at [email protected]

Support the show

For more info on Micki's Marketing Services to help you grow your shop's revenue click here: https://collisioncentermarketing.com
Email Micki directly at [email protected]

Join the Body Bangin' Facebook Group!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/989546031854134

Lombard Equipment, our fantastic sponsor has 5 star online reviews, they do all of their own service and warranty work! Amazing! :)
Reach out to them today...
Massachussets Office: (800) 422-PULL
Florida Office: 888-440-WELD
Virginia Office: 833-MIG-WELD
Visit them online: https://lombardequipment.com/

Kyle Motzkus, GM of Hunter Autobody,  and Danny Gredinberg of the DEG (Database Enhancement Gateway) are with us today!
Their session was called "Self Confidence: An advanced repair plan you can expand on."
They discussed the non-negotiable required operations and how they talk about some of these more complex things to the guest.
Their goal is to help you build a bullet proof repair plan supported by facts.

WATCH A VIDEO WITH DANNY ON THE USAGES OF THE DEG:
Episode #70 of Body Bangin' - Write Your Strongest Sheet
https://youtu.be/TcLSJbFJ9Ik

Contact Danny or Kyle directly
Email Danny: [email protected]
Email Kyle: [email protected]
DEG Website: https://degweb.org/

Join the Collision Cocktail Hour monthly meetings!
Learn more here: https://collisioncocktailhour.com/
____________________________ 

Connect with Micki on LinkedIn Now! :) 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/micki-woods-36374121/ 

For more info on Micki's Marketing Services to help you grow your shop's revenue click here: https://collisioncentermarketing.com
Email Micki directly at [email protected]

Support the show

For more info on Micki's Marketing Services to help you grow your shop's revenue click here: https://collisioncentermarketing.com
Email Micki directly at [email protected]

Join the Body Bangin' Facebook Group!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/989546031854134