How Chris Ray Built One of Georgia’s Fastest-Growing MSOs

What makes a great collision repair leader? For Chris Ray, owner of One Twenty-Two Collision and one of Georgia’s fastest growing MSOs, the answer comes down to one simple idea: people fix cars, not numbers.

In this inspiring conversation, Chris shares the moment he realized he was helping build someone else’s dream and why that pushed him to create a shop where pride, craftsmanship, and culture truly matter. After two decades in the consolidator world, he learned firsthand that KPIs and cycle times can easily overshadow the humans doing the work. That lesson shaped the foundation for one of the most intentional growth stories in the collision repair industry.

We talk about how he built mission, vision, and values that guide real decisions instead of sitting on a wall. We dig into how he scaled from one location to eight in only three years while protecting the culture that made the first shop successful. Chris explains how to stay centered when the whirlwind of growth is trying to pull you in every direction.

You will also hear:

• Why perfection slows growth and how Chris opened his first shops before everything was “ready”
• How to hire for character instead of relying on resumes
• How to choose certifications that actually serve your market
• The biggest leadership shift required to move from one shop to many
• Why the collision industry is still full of opportunity for owners who want to grow the right way
• The advice Chris wishes he had known ten years ago
• The one decision that completely changed the direction of his business

This episode is full of powerful lessons for shop owners who want to scale with purpose, lead with confidence, and build a brand that stands the test of time.

If Chris’s story motivates you, make sure to hit Subscribe so you never miss an episode of The BodyShop Leaders Podcast.

The BodyShop Leaders Podcast is powered by BodyShop Marketing, the agency helping collision industry leaders grow smarter and lead stronger.