Welcome to our new follow-up roundtable on The Collision Vision. I'm Cole Strandberg, joined by our permanent panelists, Erin Solis and Sheryl Driggers, and today, our recent guest John Melendez is back with us.

We're unpacking John's decision to add ASE mechanical inside a collision-first shop — what it did for sublet, cycle time, pricing power, and customer experience — and how independent operators can pilot the same playbook. Let's get into it.

Connect with John:

Email: [email protected] Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-melendez-576b59294/ Connect with our panelists:

Sheryl: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheryldriggers/

Erin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-solis-534470105/

Happy New Year, and welcome back to The Collision Vision, driven by Autobody News!

We're kicking off 2026 with a new look and a slightly new format— and most importantly, the same great, actionable content you've come to expect from the best operators and minds in the industry… right here on the Collision Vision…

To start the year strong, we're bringing back a friend of the show: John Melendez, owner of JDM Collision. Today we're unpacking a bold strategic move you don't see every day in collision—John's decision to pursue ASE mechanical certifications inside a collision-first operation. We'll get into the trigger, the roadmap, the investment, and the results: keeping more of the repair in-house, speeding cycle time, and capturing more of the total repair bill without sacrificing quality. If you've ever wondered whether adding mechanical capability belongs in your growth plan, this is the blueprint. Let's dive in.

Connect with John:

Email: [email protected] Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-melendez-576b59294/ Website: https://www.jdmcollision.com/

For the final episode of the year, we wanted to revisit one of our favorite conversations with Mike Anderson. During this discussion, we covered why shops should consider OEM certifications, how to choose the right ones, the steps to get certified, and how to maximize the value of those credentials. If you're looking to strengthen your shop's credibility, improve repair quality, and position yourself for long-term success in an evolving industry, this episode is for you. See you in 2026!

Connect with Mike: Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-anderson-1124ba48/ Website: https://collisionadvice.com/ Contact: https://collisionadvice.com/contact/

Today Cole talks with a colleague at FOCUS Investment Banking, Rob Adams. Rob helps founders fund expansion so during today's conversion the guys address private debt and capital raising as a deliberate growth strategy.

Over the last few years we've watched more growth-oriented operators partner with private equity—thinking of it less as a sale and more as a strategic alliance. The question for 2026: will we see that thesis taken one step further—using private debt (the same kind of debt PE uses) to scale while retaining maximum equity and control?

Today we'll break down what private debt is, when it beats bank debt or equity, what lenders actually look for, and how to structure capital so it accelerates growth without stressing the business. Let's get into it.

Connect with Robert: Website: https://focusbankers.com/ Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-adams-34725725/ Email: [email protected]

Today we're tackling one of the biggest moments in any owner's career: a liquidity event. Our guest is Brian Odelli, a private wealth advisor who specializes in helping entrepreneurs prepare for—and thrive after—a sale. We'll break down the emotional side of deciding when to sell, how to know if you're financially ready, and how to assemble the right deal team. Then we'll get tactical: pre-sale planning to optimize taxes and protect your family, and post-sale strategy to turn proceeds into a durable plan—one that makes sure you're never poor, funds your lifestyle, and supports your legacy. If you're considering an exit in the next 1–3 years—or you simply want to be prepared—this episode is your playbook. Let's get into it.

Today I'm joined by my FOCUS Investment Banking partner, Giorgio Andonian, Managing Director and a go-to advisor for owners navigating growth and liquidity. We're talking what's real in M&A right now, how private equity is showing up as a growth partner, a quick preview of private debt as a tool we'll cover in depth soon, and a few fresh takeaways from SEMA—plus the trends and questions we're hearing most from operators in the market today.If you're weighing scale, recapitalization, or a future exit, this one's for you. Let's dive in.

Connect with Giorgio: Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giorgio-andonian/ Web: https://focusbankers.com/automotive/ Email: [email protected]

Today, we've got a standout guest who brings a fresh lens to growth and strategy in the auto space: Aaron Zucker, Founder and CEO of Zucker Investment Group (ZIG). ZIG operates at the intersection of real estate development and growth equity—helping operators scale by leveraging strategic site‑selection, creative financing, and aligned capital.

In this conversation, we'll dig into how real estate can become a foundational growth lever for collision repair operators: sale‑leasebacks, partnering with developers, and structuring deals for scale. We'll also explore why ZIG is now setting its sights on the collision industry and what qualities they look for in the operators they back. If you're a shop owner ready to grow, an MSO planning your next move, or an investor curious about the collision space, then this episode is for you.

Connect with Aaron:

Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-zucker-zig/

Limitless Podcast Ft. Cole Strandberg: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/limitless-with-cole-strandberg/id1513018036?i=1000734044255

Today we're recording a special "post‑SEMA" edition: two independent shop owners who attended the show, digested the trends, and are ready to act.

Joining us for this episode: John Melendez, owner of JDM Collision in Illinois, and Adan Ibarra, owner of Leading Edge Collision in Houston. They're going to give us their fresh take on what they saw at SEMA, how they're thinking about applying it, and what independent shop operators need to watch for as we move into the next chapter of the industry.

Connect with Adan: Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adan-ibarra-801aa4270/ Website: https://www.leadingedgecollision.com/

Connect with John: Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-melendez-576b59294/ Website: https://www.jdmcollision.com/

Today, we're continuing our SEMA series—and we're joined by someone who's not only scaled his business, but done so by making smart partnerships, staying true to quality, and embracing growth with purpose. Please welcome Paul Williams, CEO of Brightpoint Auto Body. Since his last time on the show, Brightpoint has expanded its footprint, refined its strategy, and positioned itself for what's next in collision repair. In this conversation, we'll talk about how to grow with intention, how the right financial and operational relationships make a difference, what's on Paul's radar at SEMA, and how he sees the future of our industry unfolding.

Connect with Paul: Socials: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-williams-72132a133/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/brightpointautobody/posts/?feedView=all

Today, we have a special episode featuring someone who sits at the helm of one of the most iconic names in the automotive world — Mike Spagnola, CEO of SEMA.

SEMA is more than just a trade show — it's a global leader of- an influence for- automotive innovation, culture, and connection. Mike oversees it all: from lobbying the federal government on the automotive industry's behalf to strategic industry programs and the continued evolution of the SEMA Show itself.

In this conversation, we'll preview what to expect at SEMA 2025, explore trends across the broader automotive aftermarket, and talk about what excites Mike most about the future of our industry. Whether you're a builder, a supplier, or a repairer — this is one of those episodes that reminds you why we love this space.

Enjoy the show!