Insights
Episode 20: Making Better Collision Repair Parts Decisions
When it comes to automotive parts, price is only one part of the equation. Host Ryan Mandell and Greg Horn, vice president of sales enablement at PartsTrader, explore how parts pricing, availability and delivery times affect collision repair decisions. They discuss supply chain disruptions, price matching, parts inflation and competitive sourcing, along with how carriers and repairers can balance cost with cycle time, throughput and profitability.
Episode 19: The Road Ahead for ADAS, EVs and the Automotive Aftermarket
As vehicles become more connected, complex and technology-driven, the automotive industry is adapting to significant change. Host Ryan Mandell is joined by Rick Schwartz, CEO of Schwartz Advisors, for an in-depth discussion on trends in vehicles-in-operation (VIO), EV adoption, ADAS, automobile repair, and supply chain dynamics. Together they examine how these changes could influence the future of auto claims and collision repair.
Episode 18: Tariffs, Technology and Total Loss: What 2025 Tells Us About 2026
In this episode, host Ryan Mandell reviews key collision repair trends from 2025 and shares his outlook for 2026. From parts inflation to tariff impacts and total loss frequency to calibration growth, he explores the forces shaping the industry. The podcast highlights how these factors are influencing severity, repair economics and strategic decision-making for both carriers and repairers—and what to expect in the year ahead.
Episode 17: Claims Crossroads: Understanding Market Trends
Are there fewer auto accidents or just fewer insurance claims? Host Ryan Mandell welcomes Olga Yuskevych, manager of automotive and mobility at Boston Consulting Group, and Josh Meyer, vice president of strategy and innovation at LKQ Corporation, to answer that question and explore trends reshaping the collision industry. Together, these experts analyze how vehicle repair economics impact claims severity, total loss decisions and parts selection. They also examine the effect of advanced driver assistance systems on accident frequency along with differences in passenger and commercial vehicle repair.
Episode 16: Driving Success Through Collaboration
Matt Ebert, Founder & CEO of Crash Champions, joins host Ryan Mandell to discuss the evolution of the collision industry. While addressing topics that include changes in claims frequency, vehicle complexity and shop profitability, they explore how increased collaboration between insurers and repairers is benefiting consumers. Matt also shares his journey from owning a single facility to a 650-location MSO along with his insights into why a partnership approach is essential to solving the technician shortage and ensuring the industry’s future success.
Episode 15: Parts Unknown: Tariffs and Auto Recycling
As global trade tensions escalate, how will insurers and repairers weather the storm? Host Ryan Mandell sits down with Natalie Miller, CEO of Miller’s Auto Recycling, and David Gold, president of Standard Auto Wreckers, to discuss the latest cross-border tariffs and their anticipated effect on the parts supply chain. Together they explore the important role automotive recycling plays in developing a sustainable circular economy.
Episode 14: Trade Tensions, Tariffs and Their Toll
With the introduction of new U.S. import tariffs, auto insurers and collision repairers are navigating an uncertain future. In this episode, Ryan and Bill Hanvey, president and CEO of the Auto Care Association, discuss the downstream impact of tariffs on the industry and how some businesses may be preparing for potential disruptions.