104. Building the Future: Apprentice Programs and Mentorship in Collision Repair with Stan Russell

Your Business Your Life

As we enter the new year, many repair shop owners are focused on setting growth and success goals; one challenge remains at the forefront: finding and retaining talent.

It’s an issue facing nearly everyone in the industry, which makes today’s guest, Stan Russell, the perfect person to kick off the year.

With decades of experience as a technician, educator, and mentor, Stan has made it his mission to develop solutions that benefit both shop owners and young technicians. His passion for cars has driven him to create impactful apprentice programs that teach essential skills, including business and financial literacy.

Join Matt DiFrancesco and Stan Russell, Director of Training and Apprentice Development at CollisionRight, as they share their insights on building strong teams, setting realistic goals, and shaping the future of the industry through mentorship and education.

Matt and Stan also talk about:

(03:17) What needs to change to attract young talent into the collision repair industry?

(04:49) Why teaching the business perspective is crucial for training young technicians

(07:39) An advice to help young people future-proof their careers in collision repair

(12:38) Why rapid technician training programs are setting up the industry for failure

(14:04) How can experienced technicians help secure the future of the industry

(15:53) The challenges educators face when running high school automotive programs

(19:57) Why a college degree is no longer the only path to career success

(22:56) Why is training the right person to run your business worth the investment?

(23:53) How can independent shop owners find and attract trained young talent?

Connect With Stan Russell

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stan-russell-08246326/

Website: https://collisionright.com/

Connect With Matt DiFrancesco:

[e-mail]

[phone]

LinkedIn: Matt DiFrancesco

LinkedIn: High Lift Financial

Facebook: High Lift Financial

Instagram: @high_lift_financial

Youtube: @highliftfinancial

About the guest:

Stan Russell began his journey in the collision repair industry in 1984 as an apprentice technician after graduating from Lincoln County High School in Fayetteville, Tennessee. His entrepreneurial spirit soon led him to launch his own repair shop in 1989, marking the start of a dynamic and influential career.

One of his most groundbreaking contributions came in 2015 when he became the pilot instructor for the Service King Start Program. This innovative initiative, the first industry-funded collision repair program in the U.S., was based in high schools, introducing young people to the opportunities available in the trade.

In the fall of 2023, Stan joined CollisionRight, a regional MSO headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, where he now leads the design and implementation of their Right Start Apprentice Programs. His mission is clear: to make a lasting positive impact on the industry and the next generation.

Stan is passionate about highlighting the specialized nature and financial potential of careers in collision repair. He aims to shift perceptions—whether among young people or shop owners—about the lucrative and rewarding opportunities this industry offers.

Disclaimer:

All information is obtained from sources deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. No tax or legal advice is given nor intended. Content provided herein or on our website should not be construed as an offer for investment advice or for securities, insurance, or other investment products. Investments involve the risk of loss and are not guaranteed. Consult a qualified legal, tax, accounting, or financial professional before implementing any investments or strategy discussed here.

High Lift Financial is a DBA for DiFrancesco Financial Concierge, LLC. Investment advisory services are provided through Cornerstone Planning Group, LLC, an independent advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.