Huard: The tech who turned pro

April 29, 2025

Collision repair isn't just a job. It's discipline. These 20 rules help separate the pro from the average tech.

680e431fe7a09ea04a85709d Inverter Technology Resistance Spot Welding

Editor's note: James Tyler "Jim" Huard is a collision industry veteran whose career spans over four decades of leadership, innovation, and operational excellence. The list of his accomplishments is long, so check out his bio in this article below. ABRN and FenderBender are pleased to introduce him as our latest columnist, and we look forward to sharing his future contributions!

Most techs fix cars.
A few Fix the industry.
The difference? Mindset.

Here’s the code that separates high-level operators from average techs.
Twenty rules. Zero fluff. All purpose.

🔩 The 20 Rules of a Pro-Level Tech

Understand the crash, not just the damage.
Reverse-engineer the event. Think in force, angles, and energy. You’re not just fixing metal; you’re fixing physics.
OEM procedures only.
Follow the manual. No guessing. No shortcuts. Factory specs are nonnegotiable.
Your tools reflect your work.
Cheap tools, cheap work. Invest in precision. Keep them clean. Know them cold.
Weld like it’s life or death.
Because sometimes, it is. Test. Certify. Perfect. Treat every weld like it matters — because it does.
Learn aluminum or get left behind.
No contamination. No assumptions. Different metal, different methods.
Know when to repair and when to replace.
Let go of ego. Save time, protect integrity.
Panel fitment is your signature.
Flush. Even. Factory-perfect. That’s how your name gets around.
Disassemble like a pro.
Label. Bag. Track. Tear-down is as critical as rebuilding.
Use 3D measuring. Every time.
No more “Looks good to me.” Measure. Document. Verify.
Understand ADAS.
Know what systems need calibration. Learn what failure looks like. Liability starts where your ignorance begins.
Don’t just finish fast — finish tight.
Speed means nothing if the quality isn’t there. Tight is forever.
Keep a clean stall.
Your workspace speaks before you do. Let it say “pro.”
Communicate like a shop lead.
Be clear. Be direct. Be the one who speaks with solutions.
Torque everything.
Don’t let bolts walk. Don’t assume “tight enough” is. Sign off with certainty.
Understand the business.
Know labor hours. Know part costs. Know your impact on the bottom line.
Train like you’re behind.
Always be learning. Stay ahead by assuming you’re not.
Check your own work.
QC shouldn’t need to check your bay. You should.
Mentor without being a jackass.
Build others up. Pass it down. Teach without ego.
Know your materials.
Steel, aluminum, plastic, carbon fiber — respect the difference. Know the science.
Every job has your name on it.
Everything you touch is a reputation-piece. Own every weld, every bolt, every line.

🧠 Think Like an Operator

This isn’t about being busy. It’s about being smart.

Diagnose the damage like an engineer.

Follow procedures like a surgeon.

Make judgment calls like a leader.

Track time and cost like a business owner.

You’re not just here to fix cars.
You’re here to run your bay like a high-performance system.

⚡ Carry the Presence of a Pro

You don’t have to talk big when your work is clean.

A tidy stall says discipline.

Flawless fitment builds trust.

Strong welds don’t need to be explained.

Leading without attitude earns real respect.

Quiet confidence is louder than noise.

Pros don’t act like pros.
They just work like it.

💰 Build Value. Earn More.

Shops invest in what works—and what protects them.

Correct repairs reduce liability.

Strong ADAS knowledge boosts your rate.

Fewer comebacks = more trust.

Certified techs = more job offers.

Business-smart techs = future shop leads.

Your value rises when your work reduces risk, increases efficiency, and elevates quality.

💥 Bottom Line

These 20 rules aren’t just shop habits.
They’re a mindset. A system. A standard.

They elevate your thinking.
They upgrade your presence.
They build your leverage.

They don’t just make you a better tech.
They make you the tech everyone watches, trusts, and wants to hire.

About the Author

James Tyler Huard | Collision Industry Veteran | Entrepreneur | Operational Strategist

James Tyler "Jim" Huard is a collision industry veteran whose career spans over four decades of leadership, innovation, and operational excellence. Starting at just 15 years old sweeping floors in his father’s shop in Whittier, California, Jim’s early exposure to the industry shaped a relentless work ethic and a passion for transforming businesses from the ground up.

His father’s shop was part of the nation’s first-ever DRP with Allstate in 1978, and Jim played a key role in modernizing the operation with one of the earliest computerized systems—a formative experience that set the tone for a career centered around growth, change management, and high performance.

After relocating to Portland at age 26, Jim quickly rose through the ranks, helping two independent shops grow dramatically earning partnership and scaling one location from $270K to over $800K in monthly revenue before a successful sale to Kadel’s Auto Body. He stayed on post-sale and helped expand Kadel’s operations, citing its founder Toby Wiltse as a pivotal mentor.

Jim later brought his turnaround expertise to Caliber Collision, where he spent nine years as a regional GM and “turnaround specialist,” reorganizing underperforming shops across San Diego, Orange County, and Los Angeles. During his time at Caliber, he played a key role in its expansion from 75 to over 500 locations—one of the most dynamic periods of his career.

In 2012, Jim joined Erick Bickett at Fix Auto ACAB as VP of operations, where he led operations and growth efforts for the Bickett-owned MSO. His performance earned him an equity stake and ownership role. He also played a broader role in supporting the national growth of Fix Auto USA, helping develop tools like the Fix Auto Dashboard and shaping the operational infrastructure used by dozens of locations.

After the successful sale of ACAB and Fix Auto, Jim and his wife Kelly—a seasoned finance professional—set out to build a new kind of MSO in the Phoenix metro area. In 2021, they founded Painters Collision Centers, beginning with a shop in Queen Creek and expanding to Chandler, Apache Junction, and a dedicated ADAS facility.

With Kelly overseeing finance and administration and Jim leading operations and culture, the Huard’s scaled Painters to over 100 employees and $15M+ in revenue within three years. Each acquisition became cash-flow positive within 30 days, and their customer-first, performance-driven model made Painters one of the highest-performing MSOs in the region. In January 2024, they completed a successful sale to Classic Collision, with advisory support from Focus Advisors.

Throughout his career, Jim has led with intention—whether building out strategic marketing plans, mentoring rising leaders, or guiding major operational turnarounds. His belief in people, process, and accountability has helped hundreds of collision centers improve performance, increase profitability, and build lasting cultures.

“I can proudly say that I’ve played a key role in positively shaping hundreds of collision centers over my career. Though it’s extremely gratifying to build successful businesses like Painters, I’m just as passionate about developing people and making this industry better.” – Jim Huard

Jim remains active in the industry and is exploring future entrepreneurial opportunities alongside Kelly, with a continued focus on innovation, team development, and raising the bar for customer experience in automotive repair.