Two Sides of the Same Coin: Collision & Mechanical Repairers Share Vision
by Alana Quartuccio
In this day and age, the lines continue to blur between collision and mechanical repair. No longer do auto body technicians just fix metal while mechanics fix what is underneath the hood. Advances in vehicle technology have played a large role in bridging that gap.
Today, both sides of the coin share many of the same struggles. While AASP/NJ’s mechanical division has grown substantially over the past two years, the association continues to work hard to effectively serve the needs of both auto body and automotive service businesses.
New Jersey Automotive reached out to collision repair shop owners: Dennis Cataldo, Jr. (D&M Auto Body; Old Bridge), Ken Miller (821 Collision; North Haledon), Larry Peotter (Peotter Auto Body; Summit) and Rick Symons (Secaucus Auto Body; Secaucus) and mechanical repair shop owners: Ron Ananian (R\A Automotive; Waldwick), Keith Krehel (Krehel Automotive, Clifton), Tom Petty (Petty Motorworks; Waretown) and Jacki Skillender (Skillender’s Service Center; Howell).
Read on to learn what these professionals report from within the four walls of their shops – What are the biggest stress factors? What do they have most in common? What keeps them going in this business and how can everyone work together?
New Jersey Automotive: What are some of the biggest challenges your business faces?
Ron Ananian (Mechanical): Educating consumers about the needs to properly repair a vehicle. And of course, finding technicians.
Dennis Cataldo (Collision): The constant change of the technology and design of the vehicles. How they are repaired, along with how to access repair information, decipher and implement it into a repair process. Then you have to try to estimate it and be properly compensated for it…all of it. Also, add in the numerous software subscriptions needed for information/estimating as well as tools and equipment.
Keith Krehel (Mechanical): Hiring technicians. I find that the ones looking for work are not hirable. They have little to no skills, want to be over compensated for the job and have no formal training – without that, they are forever limited.
Ken Miller (Collision):A summary of the biggest challenges are as follows: Insurers continue to apply pressure in controlling reimbursement costs creating large gaps for consumers in receiving proper compensation for a correct, safe repair. The claim volume is largely reduced, and the industry downturn persists and by all measures, this appears to be the new normal. Vehicle complexity continues to advance, and the resulting repair requirements are extensive. The resulting requirements are driving research time and repair/calibration requirements, procedures and costs.
Larry Peotter (Collision): Dealing with insurance companies is one of the biggest ones. It continues to get more and more challenging for non-DRP shops. They don’t want to pay for things they don’t believe are necessary. My staff members have to spend countless hours to justify a proper repair in order to get paid. It’s a process, but in my opinion, it is just a huge waste to have to do that to justify a correct and proper repair. It makes the process more difficult. This is mainly with the large insurance companies. Some of the smaller ones are easier and a pleasure to deal with. Dealing with the large ones can be brutal and I think that’s likely the case for most collision repair shops.
Tom Petty (Mechanical): One of our biggest challenges is keeping up with the pace of change in the automotive industry. Today’s vehicles are more advanced than ever, with complex electronics, ADAS systems and manufacturer-specific repair procedures that require ongoing investment in equipment, information access and training. At the same time, finding and retaining skilled technicians continues to be one of the biggest hurdles for our industry. Managing rising costs while continuing to provide the level of service and quality our customers expect is a balancing act every day.
Jacki Skillender (Mechanical): Replacing techs who are not at retirement age.
Rick Symons (Collision): Trying to keep up with new technology and procedures. Every year, it seems like there are new changes. One year, they will tell you one way to put on a quarter panel, the next year it’s something else. Of course, dealing with insurance companies. One minute they will pay for something and the next they won’t. There is no consistency there.
NJA: What are some of the biggest technological changes that have affected your business over the years?
RA: All the bells and whistles being added to vehicles. The cost of keeping scan tools and information systems current.
DC: ADAS alone has changed how vehicles are repaired and increased the costs involved in doing so.
KK: The biggest technical changes that affected my business are in diagnosing/troubleshooting. There was a day when mechanics just replaced parts: shocks, exhaust, suspension and steering, etc. Now, they need scanners to identify the vehicle’s issues.
KM: The technological advancements of the modern vehicle are the driver of all of the technological requirements along with the manufacturer mandates for complete, safe and proper repairs following closely behind. ADAS is still greatly misunderstood and the technical knowledge requirements to return the vehicle to a safe condition are still developing in the industry.
LP: ADAS and calibrations. The technology changes year after year so you need to stay current to make sure you are doing a proper and safe repair and calibrations. On the estimating insurance side, AI is scrubbing estimates.
TP: The integration of advanced electronics and driver assistance systems has completely changed the repair process. Repairs today often involve software updates, calibrations, scanning and following OEM repair procedures rather than just replacing parts. Diagnostic technology has become just as important as traditional mechanical skills, and staying current requires continuous education and investment.
JS: Finding the tech data we need and being locked out of certain modules in scan tools.
RS: ADAS, pre- and post-scanning, recalibrating. You spend more time doing that than doing the actual body work the vehicle came in for. If you replace a bumper on a vehicle, the vehicle is no longer in and out the door. You have to recalibrate the sensors. If I can’t do it myself, I either have someone come in to do it, or I’ll send the vehicle to the dealer.
NJA: In what areas do you believe collision and mechanical repair intersect? Is there a common denominator?
RA: In everything short of paint and body work. The line is so blurry now on which is considered mechanical and body outside of those two areas.
DC: I believe that most if not all of the moderate to major mechanical repairs required on vehicles 10 years or newer intersect collision repair when it comes to ADAS or SRS components, and how to correctly handle those systems. I think education is the intersection. Just yesterday I was getting gas and the small mechanical shop attached to the gas station was welding under the bottom of the vehicle. Besides the open sparks dancing around the floor of the shop next to the gas station, and lack of fire extinguishers within arm’s reach, I do not think the technician doing the welding had any concern of welding within 12” of electrical components located in the rear of that vehicle.
KK: One of the common denominators for both shops is state government interference with human resources. Also, for both, it is difficult to hire a technician with training and experience. Government is in the way.
KM: Is there a common denominator? The common denominating factor is ADAS. Modern collision repair facilities are required to check and understand wheel alignment specifications prior to performing ADAS calibrations. This engages the collision repairer in the suspension/wheel alignment space and on the mechanical side, many of the independent mechanical shops are starting to encounter and understand the requirements of ADAS, however many do not have the space requirements necessary to perform the required calibrations. This dynamic has mechanical shops reaching out for independent collision or ADAS shops to assist with their calibration requirements.
LP: I strongly believe there is an intersection between the two. We have a small segmented mechanical business where we do our own wheel, tires and alignment services. I think there is a huge opportunity for both to work better on the mechanical side and vice versa. In my business, I find a lot less pushback on the insurance side when it comes to mechanical repairs compared to auto body. There is a common denominator in that both should work hand in hand. In my opinion, if you don’t have mechanical in-house, find a local shop to work with. It helps drive business to both. I have a couple of local mechanics I work with. If they have a car in for mechanical needs, they will drive it to my door if it needs auto body work. I’ll drive vehicles that need an inspection or mechanical service work right to my local mechanic. If it is something I’m not fully equipped to do, I push it to them.
TP: The line between collision and mechanical repair has become much smaller over the years. A collision repair often involves suspension, steering, cooling systems, sensors and electronic components that all require mechanical expertise. Likewise, many mechanical repairs involve calibration and diagnostics that overlap with collision work. The common denominator is proper diagnosis, following manufacturer procedures and ensuring the vehicle is returned to the customer working as it was designed.
JS: Yes, through mechanical repairs.
RS: The two definitely interchange. Collision itself can require mechanical work to come in. If a car is hit in the front, it’ll knock out the suspension, or bust the radiator, for example If a tire blows, you have to do the wheel alignment, mount and balance it.
NJA: What do you love most about this industry?
RA: Being able to make a difference in helping to repair and maintain someone’s vehicle. Cars today are more than just machines. They are a way and a means for people to get to work, travel and be a family together on the road. Our job is to keep them safe.
DC: I like to fix things, I take pride in making things work. I also enjoy when customers appreciate and understand the effort needed to properly repair something.
KK: What I love best about my line of work is the satisfaction of a finished product, repairing what is needed and creating a vehicle that is safe and runs well.
KM: I still love fixing cars and assisting clients through their difficult situations and sharing in the joy they feel when they see their completed vehicle. A sense of validation of all of the effort required to complete the repair.
LP: I like the aspect of growth; not just in myself, but in my business and my team. As a shop owner, I’ve watched my business and my team grow, develop and change with the times. Personally, that’s one of my biggest goals. Helping people grow and develop, create new opportunities for myself and my employees is one of my favorite things.
TP: The most rewarding part is solving problems and helping people. Every day brings a different challenge, and it’s satisfying to know we’ve restored a customer’s vehicle and earned their trust. I also enjoy watching our team grow professionally and seeing the pride they take in doing quality work. I am also a strong advocate for growing young techs from the ground up, mentoring them and watching them expand their skill sets and become a key part of the business. Sometimes this means they move on, but we always part ways on good terms.
JS: Being able to help people not get ripped off getting their vehicles repaired. We educate our customers.
RS: I still love what attracted me to this line of work from the beginning: being able to bring something that was smashed back to the way it was before the accident. Also, I enjoy dealing with people, putting their minds at ease about what will be done to put their car back together. Putting something mangled back together is what attracted me to the industry, and I still enjoy that today.
NJA: What do you dislike most about this industry?
RA: The negative attitude towards all technicians, when most of us get up every day trying to do our best dealing with a very technical area.
DC: The constant battle and fighting. The lack of human interaction and empathy when dealing with an insurance claim.
KK: What I hate most about my line of work is the shops that are unethical because they muddy the waters for those that are.
KM: I do not want to complain about insurers but anytime a third party payor is involved; things can get complicated.
LP: When I have to step in and deal with insurance companies just to get paid fairly and justify a repair. There are some insurers who are easy to work with and make it a good experience for the customers, but there are others that try to make us out to be the ‘bad guy’ in front of the customer. When the insurer is responsible for slowing down the repair making us look like the enemy – that’s my least favorite part.
TP: The most frustrating part is the constant pressure of rising costs, parts delays and the technician shortage. Many of those challenges are outside of our control, yet customers still expect quick turnaround times. Balancing those expectations while maintaining high-quality repairs can be difficult. I often reflect on how expensive repairing a vehicle has become for the everyday person and replacing a vehicle is no easy task. The squeeze on the working middle class has reached a very difficult point. Long loan terms are common these days and the monthly payment is so high that the owner often pushes off maintenance and ends up with a car that is worn out before they are even done paying it off.
JS: Internet part comparisons. People do not understand that we can not develop relationships with online sellers for warranty on parts. They also think that jobs take five minutes because of YouTube.
RS: Issues with insurance companies. Now, they try to tell you where to get parts. Sometimes technology, like ADAS, can slow down the process and keep cars around longer.
NJA: Do you think mechanical and collision repair shops can/should work together for the greater good of the automotive industry?
RA: 100 percent. Absolutely!
DC: Yes, I think there are numerous opportunities where both sides can work together. I think it’s through training the next generation of skilled tradespeople.
KK: We should work together as we have most of the same issues as small businesses, and our techs for the most part do not practice the same repairs.
KM: It’s a no brainer at this point. Collaboration would benefit all parties involved.
LP: Yes, absolutely. Everyone should work together. Collision shops should build out their mechanical sector or partner with local mechanics.
TP: Absolutely. Modern vehicles require collaboration. No single shop can be an expert in every aspect of today’s technology. When mechanical and collision professionals work together, share knowledge, and respect each other’s expertise, the customer ultimately receives a safer, higher-quality repair. Working together strengthens our industry as a whole. I think the weakest point here is how much control the insurance companies have on the collision shops.
JS: We work hand in hand with a local auto body shop. Because of equipment pricing and space restraints, we need to work together in order to not lose these jobs to dealerships.
RS: Definitely. Next door to my shop is S&S Auto. They opened up a few years before we did. I went to high school with the owner. I send my wheel alignments to him if I’m too busy. He does my suspension work too.
NJA: What is the biggest value shops get out of AASP/NJ membership?
RA: Strength in numbers when dealing with the political side of auto repair.
DC: The tips and tricks I learn from the different people I get to interact with both as a board member and through attending events.
KK: Many voices speaking with common purpose.
KM: That’s a tough question for me to comment on, however, we as board members work extremely hard to create and deliver programs that are beneficial to the membership, If you are not taking advantage of our insurance programs, buying, rebate and compliance programs, just to name a few, you are missing out on huge savings!
LP: The experience is essentially great. The association hosts events with various speakers and networking opportunities where you can talk to other business owners in the same situation. Every event I attend, I always leave with at least one thing I can use to change or impact my business.
TP: The biggest value is having an organization that advocates for independent repair shops while providing access to education, industry updates and networking opportunities. Being able to connect with other shop owners facing similar challenges helps all of us make better decisions and stay informed about changes affecting our businesses. I have always pushed for training and for cooperation within our community, but honestly it mostly falls on deaf ears.
JS: Advocacy and training.
RS: Keeping up with what’s happening at the government level. The association has our best interests at heart. They are pulling for us. If it wasn’t for the association, we’d have thousands of shops in the state not knowing what’s happening. As members, we’re all on the same page, striving for the same goals.
NJA: What programs or training can AASP/NJ provide that would benefit your shop?
RA: Shop management, technical info, business side of things like uniforms and credit card processing.
DC: Business and sales tactics.
KK: Technical training for new technologies with technical ‘library’ for those that require retro/basic training.
LP: They do a great job of bringing the group together. Perhaps a peer to peer mentoring group would be good for shops. Shops helping other shops grow.
TP: Continued technical training, business management courses, technician recruitment initiatives and leadership development would all be valuable. As vehicles continue to evolve, practical hands-on technical training combined with resources that help shops attract and retain talent will be essential for the future of our industry.
JS: As an association, we need to partner with tech schools in order to be able to get these young men and women into the smaller shops. We need to go back to internships and sponsorships.
RS: It’s always good to be exposed to opportunities where you can pick up new skills. Learning about and seeing live demos of new products is also a good thing. It’s helpful to learn about products you may not know about. There’s value in courses that keep one up-to-date with technology and the new equipment coming out.
No one business is the same but no matter what side of the coin one is on, one thing is clear: the work one does in their shop extends beyond the vehicles they touch. It’s also about the people – the customers they work to serve and the employees who get it done. Team work is key inside and outside a shop’s four walls.
Do you have thoughts to share from either side? Reach out to Editorial Director Alana Quartuccio at alana@grecopublishing.com and let her know your thoughts.
Want more? Check out the August 2026 issue of New Jersey Automotive!