Abra, CARSTAR and Fix Auto USA franchise partners gathered for Limitless 2024, Driven Brands' second annual U.S. collision repair conference, to recognize the achievements of the franchisees acknowledged as the most outstanding in each brand for the year.
The three-day event featured education, discussions, fundraising and networking opportunities, culminating in the awards gala, held at the Omni Dallas Hotel.
Franchisee of the Year Award
This prestigious honor was awarded to individuals from each brand who masterfully leveraged the network's resources to achieve outstanding operational excellence. These franchisees excelled in all facets of the business, consistently delivering top-notch quality and setting exemplary standards for others.
Abra: Jeremy and Matt Buller, owners of Abra Bismark, Abra Mandan and Abra Minot
With an impressive Google review average of 4.9 stars, their locations have set a high standard in the industry, becoming a cornerstone for residents and showcasing their unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction and community support. In addition to providing exceptional service to their three shops, Jeremy and Matt are deeply committed to their community. They host an annual summer event, Abra Community Day, with all proceeds benefiting a local charity, further solidifying their role as community leaders
CARSTAR: Heath Harris, owner of CARSTAR Arnold
Starting with CARSTAR in 1997 and acquiring his own shop in 2010, Heath Harris has successfully expanded his business five times in volume without increasing its physical size. His expertise is backed by almost 30 years in the industry, during which he has been featured on the cover of FenderBender and served as an advisory board member. His commitment to outstanding service is evident in his average Google rating of 4.9 stars, based on more than 800 satisfied customer reviews.
Fix Auto USA: Selvi Rizk Menard, owner of Fix Auto Brea, Fix Auto Chino and Fix Auto Moreno Valley
Starting her journey without prior experience in a body shop, Selvi Rizk Menard has become an exemplary figure in the Fix Auto USA network and the broader collision industry. Her achievements include serving as a former IBIS panelist, being featured on the cover of FenderBender, and actively participating in the Women’s Industry Network (WIN). Currently, Rizk Menard leads her three locationa with a steadfast commitment to excellent customer service and high-quality repairs. Her impact extends beyond her business, inspiring other women to pursue leadership roles in the collision repair field.
Rookie of the Year Award
This award recognized franchisees with 10 years or less in the network who demonstrated outstanding performance and drive in their early years of operation.
Abra: Eve Knudsten, owner of Abra Spokane
A significant milestone came in 2014 when Abra joined forces with Eve Knudsten's business, bringing new growth opportunities. The partnership has facilitated the acquisition of OEM certifications, standardized programs, and stronger insurance relationships. After a years-long process, the opening of her most recent location marks a new chapter in their expansion, with ambitions to add more locations.
CARSTAR: TJ Patel, owner of Autobody Denton
TJ Patel joined the CARSTAR family three years ago, and through his dedication, hard work and proactive approach to building his business and navigating challenges, he achieved remarkable growth. His business has grown from $1.2 million to $8 million during that time. He has already purchased three additional licenses to continue to grow.
Fix Auto USA: The Cid Del Prado family, owners of Fix Auto San Marcos
Francisco and Ivonne Cid Del Prado opened Fix Auto San Marcos in 2022 and have already opened a second location in the San Diego area. With more than 32 years of collective experience in the automotive industry, they have far surpassed expectations, earning multiple certifications, including the prestigious I-CAR Platinum certification, reserved for those who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to maintaining the highest standards of service and repair.
Brand Awards
These awards celebrated the unique qualities and achievements of franchise owners within each brand's framework.
Top Gun Award (Abra): The Dahl Group, owners of Abra Auto Body La Crosse and Abra Auto Body Winona
Over the past decade, the Dahl group has demonstrated exceptional performance and set a high standard within the Abra network. Known for exceptional service, Abra Auto Body La Crosse and Abra Auto Body Winona consistently maintain an impressive Google review rating of 4.8 stars. Both locations proudly hold I-CAR Gold Class certifications.
Ironman Award (CARSTAR): Jamie White, owner of CARSTAR Universal of Fort Oglethorpe, Dalton CARSTAR South, and Ken's CARSTAR North
Operating three CARSTAR locations in Georgia, Jamie White not only excels in business but also demonstrates leadership for the CARSTAR network outside of his shops. Along with being an MSO, he is an advisory board leader and an active EPG committee member, with a strong commitment to community service. His dedication is demonstrated through his active involvement in Shine Season, NABC Recycled Rides and numerous charitable and community initiatives.
Arrow Award (Fix Auto USA): David Caulfield, owner of Fix Auto Anaheim
Since opening Fix Auto Anaheim in 2018, David Caulfield has consistently shared his best practices to help fellow owners succeed, warmly welcoming them into his shop. Currently pursuing his 10th OEM certification, he has also developed software programs to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and enhance customer service. As a respected leader in the Fix Auto USA network, Caulfield serves as an inspiring example for others.
Community Champion Award
This award recognized owners who went above and beyond in community outreach efforts.
Abra: The Kottschade family, owners of Jerry’s ABRA Mankato
Through the family’s relentless commitment to initiatives like NABC Recycled Rides, numerous community outreach programs, networking events, introducing high school students to the collision repair field, and significant contributions to Mankato, they have consistently shown an exceptional commitment to making a meaningful difference. Geralynn Kottschade is also a founding member of critical organizations like the Women’s Industry Network. Their efforts exemplify a profound dedication to positive change and community improvement.
CARSTAR: Bob Waldron, owner of Lancaster A-1 A B CARSTAR, Thomas Waldron CARSTAR Auto Body, Waldron’s A-1 A B CARSTAR and Waldron's CARSTAR Auto Body
Bob Waldron is celebrated for his unwavering dedication to community service and his commitment to changing lives both within his shops and beyond. His passion for helping others inspires his team at four locations in the Boston area. Waldron consistently prioritizes his team and customers, exemplifying a deep commitment to excellence and community impact.
Fix Auto USA: Henry and Gloria Arroyo, owners of Fix Auto Cathedral City, Fix Auto Indio, Fix Auto Palm Desert, Fix Auto Palm Springs and Fix Auto Palm Desert-South
Henry Arroyo, a five-store MSO owner, and his wife Gloria’s influence extends beyond the auto repair industry, leaving a profound legacy of compassion and service. Notably, they are actively involved with the NABC, working tirelessly to provide vehicles to families and veterans in need. Their contributions also include support for local charities such as Martha’s Kitchen, which offers food to those in need, and the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission, aiding the homeless, and establishing them as leaders in the Palm Springs and Palm Desert communities.
Top Shop Award
This was awarded to the store that had exemplary KPI scores and was highly regarded by both customers and industry partners.
Abra: Henry Cornelius, owner of Abra Chanhassen
Since 1993, Henry Cornelius has exemplified unwavering dedication to exceptional service and outstanding craftsmanship in the collision repair industry. His commitment to quality is evident in every aspect of his work, from the meticulous attention to detail in repairs to the personalized service he provides to each customer. Cornelius has consistently achieved best-in-class KPI scores within the Abra network, a testament to his effectiveness in optimizing operations and maintaining high standards of excellence.
CARSTAR: Greg Arnett, owner of Superior CARSTAR Paint and Body
Over the last decade, Greg Arnett has earned an outstanding reputation in his community for providing exceptional service and quality workmanship. By diligently following CARSTAR’s EDGE platform and actively participating as a leader in Executive Peer Groups (EPGs), he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to driving results. Arnett's efforts have not only enhanced the performance of his shop but have also solidified Superior CARSTAR Paint and Body as a trusted name in the local area.
Fix Auto USA: Efrain and Rebecca Perez, owners of Fix Auto Ogden
Efrain Perez began his career in the automotive industry in Columbia, South America, where he supported his father’s body shop. After relocating to the U.S., he established Fix Auto Ogden as a leading store within the Fix Auto USA network. Along with his wife, Rebecca, Efrain has infused the business with their shared passion and dedication, consistently exceeding expectations. Their exemplary KPI scores and strong reputation among customers and industry partners, have established them as a benchmark for success in the network.
Length of Rental Award
This honor was given to facilities that consistently achieved the shortest average rental car duration across the network.
Abra: Lonnie Olson, owner of Abra Grand Fork
Lonnie Olson and his dedicated team at Abra Grand Forks have exemplified what it means to enhance efficiency and service excellence. Their strategic focus on streamlining operations, combined with a commitment to outstanding customer care, has allowed them to achieve this remarkable milestone. By implementing best practices and fostering a culture of collaboration, they have significantly reduced the average rental car length, benefiting both their customers and the overall network.
CARSTAR: Mike Chilton, owner of CARSTAR Chilton Auto Body
Mike Chilton and the Chilton Auto Body Group's success stems from a meticulous approach that includes streamlined operational processes, ongoing staff training and strong, effective management. By prioritizing efficiency and service excellence, they have consistently achieved the shortest average rental car length across the CARSTAR network. This commitment to excellence not only benefits their operations but also significantly enhances customer satisfaction.
Fix Auto USA: Vatche Derderian, owner of Fix Auto Montrose
Vatche Derderian has reached this impressive milestone through his dedicated efforts, innovative practices and steadfast commitment to exceptional service. His success stems from a meticulous approach that includes streamlined operational processes, ongoing staff training and strong, effective management. This award reflects not only his leadership but also his team's remarkable dedication to efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Franchisee Engagement Award
This award recognized franchisees who exemplified engagement within the network.
Abra: Austen Iverson, owner of Abra Auto Body Mitchell-SD
With an impressive 100% readership rate of corporate communications and effective use of the Qlik dashboard, Austen Iverson has set a new benchmark for franchisee engagement. Through his exceptional dedication and active participation in the Abra network, Iverson has established a new standard. His commitment to staying informed and connected demonstrates not only his dedication to personal and professional growth but also his desire to inspire others in the franchise community.
CARSTAR: Miguel Espana, owner of CARSTAR Espana's San Jose
Since 2015, Miguel Espana has consistently demonstrated outstanding dedication to the collision repair network, fully leveraging all the resources available to him. His commitment goes beyond mere participation; he actively engages with the network by maintaining a strong readership of corporate communications, ensuring that he stays informed and connected. In addition to this, Espana continuously enhances his skills and knowledge through various webinars and training resources, reflecting his determination to not only improve his operations but also to contribute to the overall success of the network.
Fix Auto USA: Ron and Lynn Werner, owners of Fix Auto Deer Valley
Ron and Lynn Werner have shown exemplary participation in the Fix Auto USA network, fostering continuous growth both inside and outside their shop. By leveraging the extensive tools, training and webinars available to them, as well as attending various events, they demonstrate a deep understanding of how active engagement drives business success. Their commitment to the brand has resulted in outstanding outcomes.
