Curbside Chat

In this episode of Curbside Chat, host Lorraine Sommerfeld is joined by Mauricio Zelaya, partner and national economics leader at EY-Parthenon, and Mubasher Faruki, associate Dean at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Together, they unpack the forces shaping future careers in Canada’s auto care sector, from evolving technologies and workforce training to the cultural shifts redef...

In this episode of Curbside Chat, host Lorraine Sommerfeld sits down with Chris Kinghorn, vice president of digital and sales enablement at UAP Inc., and Paul Prochilo, CEO of Simplicity Car Care. Together, they explore strategies for improving retention in Canada’s auto care sector, from empowering employees through digital transformation to fostering strong workplace cultures. Listeners will gai...

In this episode of Curbside Chat, we explore the power of mentorship and its role in driving professional growth within the auto care sector.  Host Lorraine Sommerfeld sits down with Stephanie Cooney-Mann, general manager at UAP Inc., and Trevor Jones, vice president of sales at Mevotech. Together, they discuss how mentorship helps cultivate future leaders, strengthen career paths, and support lon...

In this episode of Curbside Chat, we explore the challenges and best practices around attracting, recruiting, and retaining talent in Canada’s auto care sector. From navigating generational differences to building successful workplace cultures, we discuss how businesses can position themselves to attract top talent.  Join our host, Lorraine Sommerfeld, as she sits down with industry experts Karim...

In this episode of Curbside Chat, we dive into the biggest challenges facing collision repair shops today, such as workforce shortages, the rising complexity of modern vehicles, and ensuring profitability.  Join our host, Lorraine Sommerfeld, as she sits down with industry experts Greg Wing, director of strategic partnerships at Simplicity Car Care, and Jim Bethune, CFO, CARSTAR Manitoba, and pres...

Gain valuable insights into the latest auto care industry trends and their impact on businesses in this episode of Curbside Chat . Hosted by Lorraine Sommerfeld, the discussion features industry leaders Bill Hanvey, CEO of Auto Care Association; Trevor Tennant, President of Piston Ring Service; and independent consultant Mathew Growden.  Explore key topics such as artificial intelligence, global a...

In this Curbside Chat episode, we dive into the impact of Trump-era policies on the Canadian auto care sector, such as tariffs and their potential effects on the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). We examine how these changes could reshape trade dynamics and impact the industry.  Joining the conversation are Kate Harrison, vice chair at Summa Strategies, and Jean-François Champagne, CA...

Join our host, Lorraine Sommerfeld, who discusses top auto care sector trends and what it means for the sectors' future with President and CEO of MEMA, Paul McCarthy, Brand President, Collision Group, of Driven Brands, Sabrina Thring, and Vice President of Strategy and Growth at UAP Inc., Chris Kinghorn. Watch the episode to gain new perspectives and insight on trends and challenges and how t...

Join Lorraine Sommerfeld for an engaging conversation that dives into the critical role of continuous collision training and the importance of standardized training in Canada’s collision sector, especially with the emergence of new, complex vehicle technologies. Gain valuable insights how—and why—collision shops can stay up to date with the latest advancements to deliver consistent, safe, and qual...

Join Lorraine Sommerfeld for an in-depth conversation about current challenges Canada’s collision sector is facing, such as repair times, supply chain management, and of course, the emergence and impact of electric vehicles on collision repair shops. On this episode of Curbside Chat, we have Ryan Bruno, President and CEO at CSN Collision Centres, and Rocco Neglia, President and CEO of Dumfries Mut...

For the auto care sector to survive and thrive, we need the right to repair—Canada is too geographically diverse to rely on automakers alone to service our vehicles. Quebec is taking a step in the right direction with Bill 29, but what exactly does this bill—or the absence of it—mean for the auto care industry? And how does the Federal bill, C-244 compare, and what does it mean for Canadian consum...

Le 5 octobre 2023, le Québec est devenu la première province à adopter une loi sur le droit à la réparation, le projet de loi 29. En bref, cette loi permettra aux propriétaires de véhicules québécois de choisir l’endroit où ils feront entretenir et réparer leur véhicule. Ce balado Curbside Chat se penchera sur la façon que le Québec a réussi à franchir cette étape importante en ce qui concerne le...

AIA Canada Chairman, Jason Yurchak welcomes Saifullah Sanaye, Professor of Automotive Technology at St. Lawrence College, and discuss the current environment in automotive training and on the future of the auto care industry.  For more information about the Innovation in Automotive Training program, visit: ev-training.ca Want to see more Curbside Chat? Find videos from previous shows here:  https:...

AIA Canada Chairman, Jason Yurchak welcomes Patrick Verriet, Key Account Manager at MANN + HUMMEL, discuss Young Professionals in the Aftermarket (YPA) and developing next generation leaders in the auto care sector. Want to see more Curbside Chat? Find videos from previous shows here:  https://www.aiacanada.com/curbside-ch... Do not miss any of AIA Canada’s events, including upcoming episodes of C...

Podcast guest: John Washbish, President & CEO – Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance On this episode, Bob and John discuss what’s going on in the global world when it comes to consolidation at a supplier level. They'll also address how consolidation is affecting the quality of the parts that are being supplied in the aftermarket in respect to the good-better-best approach to pricing. Join Lorr...

Podcast guest: Jasna Smiljcic, Canadian Country Sales Director – Gates Corporation Join Lorraine Sommerfeld, host of the Curbside Chat vodcast series, giving sector professionals a forum to talk about the issues important to the Canadian auto care industry with the people who make things happen!

Podcast guest: Élisabeth Lambert, Vice-President and General Manager – Pièces d'Auto Joliette Join Lorraine Sommerfeld, host of the Curbside Chat vodcast series, giving sector professionals a forum to talk about the issues important to the Canadian auto care industry with the people who make things happen!

Podcast guest: Mike Kealey, Executive Vice President – Commercial, Dorman Products Join Lorraine Sommerfeld, host of the Curbside Chat vodcast series, giving sector professionals a forum to talk about the issues important to the Canadian auto care industry with the people who make things happen!

Podcast guest: Mauro Cifelli, President and CEO, Groupe Del Vasto Join Lorraine Sommerfeld, host of the Curbside Chat vodcast series, giving sector professionals a forum to talk about the issues important to the Canadian auto care industry with the people who make things happen!

Podcast guest: Samantha Coates, Vice President of Operations, Lordco Auto Parts Join Lorraine Sommerfeld, host of the Curbside Chat vodcast series, giving sector professionals a forum to talk about the issues important to the Canadian auto care industry with the people who make things happen!

Podcast guest: Bill Gardiner, Host of the “Motoring Tip Of The Week” at MOTORING TV. Join Lorraine Sommerfeld, host of the Curbside Chat vodcast series, giving sector professionals a forum to talk about the issues important to the Canadian auto care industry with the people who make things happen!

Podcast guest: Malcolm Sissmore, North American Vice President Sales, Delphi Technologies Join Lorraine Sommerfeld, host of the Curbside Chat vodcast series, giving sector professionals a forum to talk about the issues important to the Canadian auto care industry with the people who make things happen!

Shop certification and its importance in providing safety and peace of mind to Canadian vehicle owners. Podcast guest: Steve Leal, President and CEO, Fix Network World Join Lorraine Sommerfeld, host of the Curbside Chat vodcast series, giving sector professionals a forum to talk about the issues important to the Canadian auto care industry with the people who make things happen!

Young Professionals in the Aftermarket (YPA) Committee and the role young leaders play in the aftermarket industry, along with the importance of recruiting and retaining talent to maintain a strong industry workforce. Podcast guest: Brad Cochrane, Director of Sales Operations & Business Analytics, NAPA Auto Parts Join Lorraine Sommerfeld, host of the Curbside Chat vodcast series, giving sector...