What does it really take to attract great technicians, train them the right way, and build a shop culture that actually keeps them?

In this power-packed episode of Body Bangin’, I sat down with Jason Bartanen, industry educator, trainer, and founder of Collision ProAssist, to break down the real reasons shops struggle with talent… and what the best operators are doing differently.

Jason has trained thousands of technicians across the country. He’s seen what works, what fails, and why some shops keep losing people no matter how much they pay.

This episode is a roadmap for every shop owner who wants to build a team that’s skilled, confident, and loyal.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

🔧 Why the tech shortage isn’t about “no talent”. It’s about no development
Jason explains the mindset shift shops must make if they want to build a pipeline of skilled technicians.

📚 The training model top shops use to grow techs internally
And why relying only on “experienced hires” is a losing strategy long-term.

⚙️ The new competencies techs actually need with today’s vehicles
ADAS, calibrations, documentation, and why shops fail when training doesn’t match real workflow.

🧠 How leadership impacts technician retention more than pay
From communication gaps to unclear expectations, Jason outlines the hidden problems that push techs away.

📈 What shops must do now to stay competitive in 2025 and beyond
Practical steps to build structure, improve onboarding, and run stronger production.

Meet Jason Bartanen

Founder of Collision ProAssist, a platform helping shops train technicians, improve documentation, and streamline processes.

🌐 Website: https://www.collisionproassist.com/
🎟 30-Day Free Trial: https://whop.com/backbaytrial
💼 Full Service Access ($40/mo): https://whop.com/backbaypro
💸 Use code “GCIA” or “Micki” for 20% off your first 6 months

🔗 Connect with Jason:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-b-bartanen-03519935/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bart22972
Collision ProAssist FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574989843394

👇 Watch the Body Bangin’ Podcast

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BodyBangin
...
This episode will challenge how you think about hiring, developing, and keeping great techs, and give you the playbook to start fixing it today.

🔔 Subscribe for more episodes that help shops grow for real.

Support the show

For more info on Micki's Marketing Services to help you grow your shop's revenue click here: https://collisioncentermarketing.com
Email Micki directly at micki@mickiwoodsmarketing.com

Join the Body Bangin' Facebook Group!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/989546031854134

This Best Of roundup pulls the most practical moments from four powerhouse conversations, so you can lead better, hire smarter, and finally charge what you’re worth.

What you’ll learn:

Succession & Family Alignment: How to set a clear vision, involve spouses, and plan for ownership transitions that actually work.

Sustaining Success: Five levers top shops use to stay profitable when volume and rates are volatile.

Magnetic Hiring & Retention: The culture signal (Meaning, Acknowledgement, Measurement, Teamwork, Vision) that attracts and keeps A-players.

Pricing & Mindset: Why “busy ≠ profitable,” how to know your real costs, and the mindset shift to get paid for the value you deliver.

Episode sources...

Ep #35 — Goal & Succession Planning for Your Shop (Matt Di Francesco)
Ep #46 — 5 Ways to Sustain Success in Your Shop (David Willett)
Ep #43 — How Shops Are Finding & Retaining Talent (Dave Luehr)
Ep #55 — Get Paid for What You Do & Change Your Mindset (Clay Hoberecht)

The shops that win aren’t just efficient—they’re intentional. They lead with clarity, build cultures people want to join, and price with confidence.

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👇 RESOURCES & LINKS:

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/body-bangin/id1558234037

🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/491aIUWJ72fFpVARROeRcA

🔔 Subscribe for weekly, no-fluff collision business growth.

📧 Work with me: collisioncentermarketing.com

Support the show

For more info on Micki's Marketing Services to help you grow your shop's revenue click here: https://collisioncentermarketing.com
Email Micki directly at micki@mickiwoodsmarketing.com

Join the Body Bangin' Facebook Group!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/989546031854134

This week, we're doing something different. We’ve pulled together 4 of the most powerful, no-BS moments from past Body Bangin’ episodes, the kind of insights that shift how you think, lead, and grow.

Here’s what’s inside:

#45 — Changing the Way We Communicate is Key (with Kristen Felder)
→ Why relationship-based communication matters more than transactions. Kristen breaks down how knowing your customers as people, not just “the Camry,” transforms trust and service.

#58 — Use the Appraisal Clause to Get Paid (with Billy Walkowiak)
→ Shops often fight the wrong battles. Billy lays out the legal mechanics of first- vs third-party claims and why understanding what insurers actually owe is a game-changer.

#104 — The Keys to Success (with Louie Sharp)
→ Louie brings the 🔥. “Shop owners are too damn lazy.” No sugarcoating — just hard truths on excuses, leadership, and marketing mindset.

#47 — What are the Gaps in Your Leadership (with Bruce Schronce)
→ “Even Tom Brady has a coach.” Bruce introduces his Five Bridges model and explains why growth demands investing in yourself first.

Whether you’re a shop owner, estimator, or marketer, these moments cut through the noise.

🔔 Don’t miss an episode—subscribe now for more real talk on marketing and leadership that helps your shop grow.

👇 RESOURCES & LINKS:

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/491aIUW...

📧 Work with me: collisioncentermarketing.com

Support the show

For more info on Micki's Marketing Services to help you grow your shop's revenue click here: https://collisioncentermarketing.com
Email Micki directly at micki@mickiwoodsmarketing.com

Join the Body Bangin' Facebook Group!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/989546031854134