CollisionCast

In this episode, Partly founder and CEO Levi Fawcett explains how Partly is using a repair-specific AI model to help collision repair shops improve estimate accuracy, reduce administrative work, and make better parts procurement decisions. Rather than replacing platforms such as CCC, PartsTrader, or CollisionLink, Partly works alongside them, analyzing estimates, OEM repair procedures, vehicle build data, and shop preferences to identify missed operations, parts, and documentation requirements. Fawcett describes the platform as a "second set of eyes" that can assist with everything from blueprinting and supplement creation to parts basket optimization, photo annotation, and insurer communications.  For more information, go to partly.com.  

Are your painters truly protected? Are your waste streams compliant? Or are you relying on assumptions that could expose your business to fines, liability, and unnecessary costs? In this episode of CollisionCast, Jay Sicht sits down with KPA compliance experts Stephany Birkholz and Zach Pucillo to discuss a new data-driven approach to collision repair safety and environmental compliance. They break down how wearable VOC monitoring badges, hazardous waste testing, and laboratory analysis are helping shops move beyond industry rules of thumb and make decisions based on real-world exposure data. The conversation explores everything from respirator selection and cartridge change-out schedules to paint booth filter testing, sanding dust analysis, oil-water separator compliance, and the regulatory requirements many shops overlook. Stephany and Zach also share real-world examples of how testing has helped shops avoid OSHA headaches, uncover costly waste-handling mistakes, and better protect their employees. If you're a shop owner, manager, painter, or safety professional, this episode offers practical insights into reducing risk, improving compliance, safeguarding technician health, and potentially saving thousands of dollars in disposal and enforcement costs. Key topics include: Why respiratory protection remains OSHA's most-cited issue in collision repair How VOC air monitoring works and what it reveals Determining the right respirator for your operation Hazardous waste testing for paint booth filters, sanding dust, and oil-water separators Common compliance mistakes that can lead to costly fines How data can help defend against future liability claims Unexpected discoveries about respirator cartridge life and employee exposure Tune in to learn how today's leading shops are replacing compliance guesswork with measurable data and creating safer workplaces for the technicians they depend on every day. For more information on KPA, go to kpa.io.   

ADAS, or Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, calibrations have become a routine part of collision repair, but misconceptions about when they’re required can lead to missed procedures, unnecessary work and added risk. In this episode, Isaac Aronson, Product Manager at OEC and a former automotive technician with nearly two decades of hands-on experience, shares why repairers shouldn’t rely on a clean scan or past experience alone. He explains how current OEM repair procedures can help shops identify calibration requirements, improve repair planning and documentation and avoid costly surprises.

While Josh Sorel started posting to social media to share his achievements with his wife, he now reaches tens of thousands of followers on Instagram and Facebook with his channel, Josh Refinish. He sits down with Editor-in-Chief Jay Sicht to talk about his refinishing career — now beginning his 23rd year — in which he shows his techniques and test-drives new spray guns, and various prepping devices, including the Stat-Gun. And tune in to hear tips on enhancing your social media presence. Check him out on Instagram or Facebook.

Claims are down across the country, but Shey Knight, CFO of Autosport Bodyworks in Opelika, Alabama and FenderBender columnist, has some strategies to share on how he approaches the collision repair business. He is not only a 40-year veteran of the industry; as an insurance producer, he has a different perspective than most. Check out his recent column on the subject here.