The BodyShop Leaders Podcast

Daniel Burkholder
  • 5.0 (1)
  • MARKETING

The BodyShop Leaders Podcast brings you real conversations with the people shaping the future of collision repair — shop owners, vendors, and innovators who lead with purpose. Hosted by Daniel Burkholder of BodyShop Marketing, each episode dives into the lessons, mindsets, and breakthroughs that drive top-performing shops and the leaders behind them. No fluff. Just authentic stories and practical insights to help you grow, lead, and build a smarter, stronger shop. Powered by BodyShop Marketing — where the best shops come to grow.

Episodes

  1. FEB 14

    David Black: Building a $75M MSO Without Compromising the Repair

    What does it take to scale a collision operation to $75 million across 10+ locations — without sacrificing repair integrity? In this episode of BodyShop Leaders, Daniel Burkholder sits down with David Black, Corporate Collision Director at #1 Cochran, to unpack nearly four decades of leadership in the collision repair industry. From starting in his family’s shop at 12 years old to building one of the largest dealer-owned collision groups in the country, David shares the philosophy that drives everything he does: Fix the car the right way. Then talk about cost. You’ll hear how David and his team: Transformed five independent dealership shops into a unified MSOBuilt a 150,000 sq. ft. collision-dedicated parts warehouseLeveraged AI to book repairs, communicate with customers, and improve CSILaunched in-house ADAS calibration centers to control cycle timeDeveloped a 24-month technician mentoring program to grow talent from the ground upNavigated the shift from chasing top-line revenue to protecting car count and long-term profitabilityThis conversation is a masterclass in leadership, innovation, and operational discipline. If you care about OE-correct repairs, sustainable growth, and preparing your business for the next decade of collision repair — this episode is for you. The BodyShop Leaders Podcast is powered by BodyShop Marketing, the agency helping collision industry leaders grow smarter and lead stronger.

    35 min

  2. JAN 31

    From Tech to $29M: Kenny Davis On Culture, Mentorship, And Doing It Right

    In Episode 8 of BodyShop Leaders, Daniel Burkholder sits down with Kenny Davis, co-owner of Bob Maloney Collision Group in Northwest Arkansas, an operation built on people-first leadership, certified repairs, and deep community roots. Kenny’s story is the definition of earned leadership. He started in the automotive world chasing a love for cars, worked his way into collision repair, and eventually helped carry the business through a major turning point. When the Ford dealership side closed in 2009 and the team made a bold decision to keep the body shop alive. What started as a shop doing under $1M a year grew into a multi-location group on track to close around $29M. But this episode isn’t just about growth—it’s about how you grow without losing your soul. Kenny opens up about his early leadership mistakes, how he once believed he had to be tough to earn respect, and the life-changing moment that forced him to rethink how he shows up for people. From mentorship to culture-building, Kenny shares what actually works when you’re trying to keep great technicians, develop young talent, and build a team that stays. You’ll hear practical insights on: How Kenny and his partners protect culture while scaling to multiple locationsWhy they invest heavily in leadership development (including a powerful 4-day program for teammates)The real-world systems they use to retain talent—work-life balance, benefits, and intentional hiringWhy OEM procedures and certified repairs aren’t optional—and how to start the transition if you’re behindThe mindset shift that changed Kenny’s leadership forever: you don’t have to be a jerk to leadIf you’re a shop owner, manager, or future leader in collision repair, this episode is a masterclass in building a business where people thrive and quality wins. The BodyShop Leaders Podcast is powered by BodyShop Marketing, the agency helping collision industry leaders grow smarter and lead stronger.

    34 min

  3. JAN 17

    The Leadership Mistake Killing Collision Shops With Rod Cahoy

    Most collision shops don’t fail because of bad technicians; they fail because of a leadership mistake. In this episode of BodyShop Leaders, host Daniel Burkholder sits down with Rod Cahoy, Business Development Manager at PPG Industries and a 40-year veteran of the collision repair industry, to break down what great leadership actually looks like inside a modern body shop. Rod shares hard-earned lessons from decades on the shop floor, in sales, and in business development. Including the number one leadership mistake that’s holding collision shops back: expecting results before providing the right time, tools, training, and processes. You’ll learn: Why “we don’t have time to train” is costing shops more than they realizeHow strong processes create better people, not the other way aroundWhat high-performing shops do differently the moment you walk inHow leadership has evolved in collision repair over the last 40 yearsWhy technology and automation should support your team, not replace itWhether you’re a shop owner, manager, or future leader, this conversation will challenge how you think about leadership, culture, and growth. And give you a practical framework you can apply immediately. 🎧 If your shop feels busy but stuck, this episode is for you. The BodyShop Leaders Podcast is powered by BodyShop Marketing, the agency helping collision industry leaders grow smarter and lead stronger.

    42 min

  4. JAN 3

    Leading Through Change: Scaling a Family Collision Business the Right Way with Jordan Beshears

    What does it really take to scale a collision repair business without losing your culture, or your people? In this episode of BodyShop Leaders, Daniel Burkholder sits down with Jordan Beshears, Vice President of Steve’s Auto Body, to unpack the real journey from working on the shop floor to helping lead a growing, multi-location operation. Jordan shares how hands-on experience shaped his leadership philosophy, why technicians are the soul of the business, and how Steve’s Auto Body used lean thinking and process—not chaos—to fuel sustainable growth. From navigating family-business dynamics to building replicable systems, managing change, and becoming a Tesla-approved collision center, this conversation goes deep into what modern leadership really looks like in collision repair. If you’re a shop owner or leader thinking about growth, struggling with culture, or trying to lead better from the front—not the office—this episode is packed with insights you can apply immediately. In this episode, you’ll learn: •Why leading from the shop floor creates stronger teams and better results •How lean processes helped Steve’s Auto Body scale with intention •What most shop owners get wrong about growth and complacency •How to support technicians while improving production and profitability •What it truly means to be a BodyShop Leader The BodyShop Leaders Podcast is powered by BodyShop Marketing, the agency helping collision industry leaders grow smarter and lead stronger.

    37 min

  5. 12/20/2025

    How Dave Dunn Built a World-Class Body Shop and Stepped Away by 30

    What does it really take to build a collision repair business that lasts—not just financially, but culturally? In this powerful episode of BodyShop Leaders, host Daniel Burkholder sits down with Dave Dunn, founder of Dave’s Auto Body in Galesburg, Illinois, and co-founder of the Master’s School of Autobody Management—one of the most influential educators in the collision repair industry. Dave shares his journey from a high school dropout and struggling 19-year-old shop owner to building one of the most respected body shops in the country, retiring from day-to-day operations by age 29, and helping thousands of shop owners lead better businesses. This conversation goes far beyond tactics. Dave breaks down the core principles that allowed his shop to thrive for nearly five decades—including: Why culture starts with something as simple as a clean floorHow to build a team that works for more than just moneyThe power of quarterly employee reviews (and why avoiding pay conversations is a mistake)How to step out of the shop without losing control (yes—he literally rolled his toolbox out)What “Principles over Policies” really means through his Liquid Amalgam philosophyHow palm trees, gator sauce, and a “purple cow” mindset helped his shop dominate local mindshareWhy hiring for character over skill is non-negotiable in today’s technician shortageIf you’re a shop owner who wants to stop being the bottleneck, build a team you’re proud of, and create a business that can thrive without burning you out—this episode is required listening. 🔗 Guest Contact Dave Dunn  📧 dave@masters-school.com The BodyShop Leaders Podcast is powered by BodyShop Marketing, the agency helping collision industry leaders grow smarter and lead stronger.

    35 min

  6. 12/06/2025

    How Chris Ray Built One of Georgia’s Fastest-Growing MSOs

    What makes a great collision repair leader? For Chris Ray, owner of One Twenty-Two Collision and one of Georgia’s fastest growing MSOs, the answer comes down to one simple idea: people fix cars, not numbers. In this inspiring conversation, Chris shares the moment he realized he was helping build someone else’s dream and why that pushed him to create a shop where pride, craftsmanship, and culture truly matter. After two decades in the consolidator world, he learned firsthand that KPIs and cycle times can easily overshadow the humans doing the work. That lesson shaped the foundation for one of the most intentional growth stories in the collision repair industry. We talk about how he built mission, vision, and values that guide real decisions instead of sitting on a wall. We dig into how he scaled from one location to eight in only three years while protecting the culture that made the first shop successful. Chris explains how to stay centered when the whirlwind of growth is trying to pull you in every direction. You will also hear: Why perfection slows growth and how Chris opened his first shops before everything was “ready”How to hire for character instead of relying on resumesHow to choose certifications that actually serve your marketThe biggest leadership shift required to move from one shop to manyWhy the collision industry is still full of opportunity for owners who want to grow the right wayThe advice Chris wishes he had known ten years agoThe one decision that completely changed the direction of his businessThis episode is full of powerful lessons for shop owners who want to scale with purpose, lead with confidence, and build a brand that stands the test of time. If Chris’s story motivates you, make sure to hit Subscribe so you never miss an episode of The BodyShop Leaders Podcast. The BodyShop Leaders Podcast is powered by BodyShop Marketing, the agency helping collision industry leaders grow smarter and lead stronger.

    38 min

  7. 11/22/2025

    Built to Lead: People, Not Just KPIs with Kyle Bradshaw

    What does real leadership look like in a collision shop when the industry is changing faster than ever? In this episode of The BodyShop Leaders Podcast, host Daniel Burkholder sits down with Kyle Bradshaw, Director of Fixed Operations at K&M Collision and President of the Carolinas Collision Association. Kyle leads one of the most advanced repair operations in the country while also championing shops across the region through association work and the Southeast Collision Conference. Kyle shares how people-first leadership—prioritizing husbands, wives, moms, and dads before “employees”—has transformed their culture, strengthened their team, and created a place where people can thrive long-term. He explains why grit still matters, how associations can shorten your learning curve by years, and why shops that resist change are about to get left behind. You’ll hear Kyle’s insight on: Why true leadership starts with sacrifice, not egoBuilding a culture where your team wins at work and at homeHow associations like CCA and SCC fast-track connection and growthLeading through increasing vehicle complexity, AI, and industry changeThe mindset shift every shop owner needs to lead effectivelyWhy “we’ve always done it this way” is a dangerous trapIf you’re serious about leadership in the collision repair industry, this conversation will challenge, sharpen, and inspire you. 🔗 Connect with Kyle BradshawLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com Carolinas Collision Association: https://carolinascollisionassociation.com Southeast Collision Conference: https://southeastcollisionconference.com 🔗 Connect with BodyShop MarketingWebsite: https://bodyshopmarketing.io LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com The BodyShop Leaders Podcast is powered by BodyShop Marketing, the agency helping collision industry leaders grow smarter and lead stronger.

    41 min

  8. 11/06/2025

    Grow, Specialize, or Sell: The New Reality for Collision Shop Owners With Cole Strandberg

    In this second episode of The BodyShop Leaders Podcast, host Daniel Burkholder sits down with Cole Strandberg, Managing Director at Focus Investment Banking and host of The Collision Vision Podcast, to unpack one of the most important conversations in the collision repair industry right now — how to grow, specialize, or sell in a changing market. Cole has spent years helping shop owners and multi-shop operators navigate major transitions — from mergers and acquisitions to scaling responsibly and building lasting value. Through his work at Focus and his podcast, he’s had a front-row seat to what separates the best operators from the rest. In this conversation, Daniel and Cole dive into: Why the “era of the single-store generalist” is coming to an endHow high-performing operators turn short-term challenges into long-term opportunitiesWhat visionary leaders are doing differently to scale or specializeThe key leadership habits shared by the best-run shops in the countryWhat’s really happening in M&A and why private equity interest is surgingHow culture and people remain the ultimate competitive advantageCole also shares his advice for shop owners leading through change: how to decide when to grow, when to specialize, and when it might be time to sell — and why access to capital should never be the reason you stop expanding. Listen now to discover how to lead with vision, build a thriving culture, and position your shop for the next era of collision repair. Connect with Cole Strandberg: cole.strandberg@focusbankers.com Focus Investment BankingThe Collision Vision Podcast on YouTubeThe BodyShop Leaders Podcast is powered by BodyShop Marketing, the agency helping collision industry leaders grow smarter and lead stronger. The BodyShop Leaders Podcast is powered by BodyShop Marketing, the agency helping collision industry leaders grow smarter and lead stronger.

    27 min
  9. From Chaos to Clarity: Building a Financially Smart Body Shop with Bill Park

    11/06/2025

    From Chaos to Clarity: Building a Financially Smart Body Shop with Bill Park

    In this first episode of BodyShop Leaders Podcast, host Daniel Burkholder sits down with Bill Park, founder and CEO of Crunchit, to talk about one of the most overlooked skills in the collision repair industry — financial clarity. Bill has spent over 30 years in the industry — from painting his first car at 15 to owning multiple shops, building systems, and now helping other owners master their numbers through Crunch It. He’s seen firsthand how understanding your financials can transform a struggling operation into a thriving business. In this conversation, Daniel and Bill dive into: How to connect your CCC and QuickBooks for better reportingWhy “perfect financials” aren’t about perfection — but about powerful decision-makingThe difference between working in your shop and working on your businessHow to identify your most profitable DRP relationships (and when to walk away)The #1 habit high-performing shop owners shareWhy 'Who Not How' might be the most important book a shop leader reads this yearBill also shares what’s next for Crunch It — including upcoming automation tools to help shops maintain daily financial accuracy — and his practical advice for leading through tough times: step back, think bigger, and rebuild your shop to serve you, not the other way around. Listen now to discover how mastering your numbers can help you lead smarter, grow stronger, and take control of your shop’s future. Connect with Bill Park: www.crunchitfs.com BodyShop Leaders Podcast is powered by BodyShop Marketing, the agency helping collision industry leaders grow smarter and lead stronger. The BodyShop Leaders Podcast is powered by BodyShop Marketing, the agency helping collision industry leaders grow smarter and lead stronger.

    29 min
  • 9 Episodes

About

The BodyShop Leaders Podcast brings you real conversations with the people shaping the future of collision repair — shop owners, vendors, and innovators who lead with purpose. Hosted by Daniel Burkholder of BodyShop Marketing, each episode dives into the lessons, mindsets, and breakthroughs that drive top-performing shops and the leaders behind them. No fluff. Just authentic stories and practical insights to help you grow, lead, and build a smarter, stronger shop. Powered by BodyShop Marketing — where the best shops come to grow.

Information

  • Creator
    Daniel Burkholder
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The BodyShop Leaders Podcast
  • Show Website
    The BodyShop Leaders Podcast