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!

Today, we have a special panel-style discussion in our DRP series with two perspectives in the same room. Shawn Crozat, CEO of G&C Auto Body, a large California-based MSO whose company is built around great DRP relationships and high performance and Dan Tessadri, senior claims operations leader on the insurer side in auto physical damage with CSAA Insurance Group, a AAA Insurer. We'll discuss what each side truly looks for when selecting and sustaining DRP repair partners? How can they make those partnerships work better? And what's changing in the DRP model as vehicles get more complex? Let's get started.

Connect with Patrick: Previous Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iD4lvKd_nIc Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-crozat-2b49b985/ Website: https://gandcautobody.com/

Connect with Dan: Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-tessadri-767a0b9/

Today, we are joined by someone who's seen the collision repair space from multiple angles: operations, insurance, and now investing.

Chris Calk is the former Director of Operations at GEICO, where he had a front-row seat to one of the nation's largest DRP programs. Today, he's an active investor and advisor in the industry, helping collision operators grow their businesses and align with the ever-evolving expectations of insurers.

In this conversation, we'll dive into what insurers like GEICO look for in the ideal DRP partner, how shops can position themselves for long-term success in these programs, and why strong DRP relationships matter now more than ever. Then, we'll zoom out and hear why Chris has doubled down on collision repair as an investor—what makes this space exciting, where the opportunities lie, and how operators can build businesses that attract outside capital. It's a rare chance to peek behind the curtain of both the DRP model and the investor mindset. Let's get into it.

Connect with Chris: Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriscalk/ Email: [email protected]

Gregg is the founder and former CEO of Filterworks USA, now known as Autotality, and someone who's lived and breathed this industry for decades. From building one of the leading paint booth service and equipment companies in the country to guiding the business through rapid growth and eventually a private equity partnership, Gregg has seen it all.

In this conversation, we talk about how equipment and facility design can become growth levers, not cost centers. We also dive into what it's like running a family business, navigating transitions, and the trade-offs between family ownership and private equity. Whether you're outfitting a shop, building your first location, or thinking about your long-term exit — this one's packed with real-world wisdom.

Connect with Gregg: Email: [email protected] Website: autotality.com

This episode is sponsored by: Hunter Engineering Considering getting into the ADAS calibrations business? Then consider visiting Hunter Engineering's centralized ADAS Information Hub learning resource and take advantage of a large library of easy-to-digest videos, insightful articles, interactive training modules, educational tools and much more, covering all aspects of the business of calibration. The ADAS calibrations market is large and getting larger. Schedule a demo at https://www.hunter.com/alignment-machines/hawkeye-elite/?#overview.

Today's episode features Paul Knowlton, Senior VP of Sales at PEAC Solutions. With deep experience in equipment financing and a keen understanding of today's credit landscape, Paul joins us to unpack the real mechanics of financing your next equipment purchase.

We'll talk leasing vs. buying, how to think about preserving cash, when to use a line of credit, and how SBA options can play a role. Paul also shares how PEAC evaluates deals today—including their flexible "C" credit approval program—and what shop owners need to know about the new tax bill and its implications for capital equipment decisions.

Whether you're a seasoned operator or a first-time buyer evaluating your options, this one is packed with insight you can take to the bank—literally.

Connect with Paul: Website: https://peacsolutions.com/ Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-knowlton-5817b5a/ Email: [email protected]

This episode is sponsored by: Hunter Engineering

Considering getting into the ADAS calibrations business? Then consider visiting Hunter Engineering's centralized ADAS Information Hub learning resource and take advantage of a large library of easy-to-digest videos, insightful articles, interactive training modules, educational tools and much more, covering all aspects of the business of calibration. The ADAS calibrations market is large and getting larger.

Schedule a demo at https://www.hunter.com/alignment-machines/hawkeye-elite/?#overview.

Today's guest is an industry icon when it comes to equipment and OE certifications—Dave Gruskos, founder and president of RAE (Reliable Automotive Equipment). Dave has spent decades helping collision repairers across North America select, install, and optimize the tools that drive their operations forward.

In this episode, we'll explore how shops can use equipment as a strategic differentiator, not just a cost line. From OE certification requirements to workflow efficiency, Dave shares insights on how the right investment in tools, technology, and training can set a shop apart in a crowded market. Whether you're just getting started with certifications or looking to take your business to the next level, Dave's wisdom is second to none. Let's dive in.

Connect with Dave: Website: https://www.raeservice.com/

This episode is sponsored by: Hunter Engineering

Today, alignments and ADAS calibrations are two sides of the same coin. If a shop is doing one, it may as well do the other. Unfortunately, many collision shops aren't doing either, but they can start right away with Hunter Engineering's new HawkEye® Elite Xpandable configuration. HawkeEye® Elite X is a world-class alignment and ADAS system that's expandable to Hunter's Ultimate ADAS® for laser-guided static calibrations. Future-proof your business by keeping alignments in-house now, and upgrading to calibrations as soon as you're ready!

Schedule a demo at https://www.hunter.com/alignment-machines/hawkeye-elite/?#overview