A Collision of Kismet and Opportunity – Women Building Careers in Auto Care

As recently as 20 years ago, the collision industry had just begun taking steps towards embracing more diversity in its workforce. Shannon Tardiff, Director of Field Operations, Canada, at CSN Collision, recounts first-hand her auspicious journey to and growth within the industry.

First Contact

As it is for a significant number of people, my foray into the industry was by happenstance. Although my interest in trades was born in high school, at that time, I was told to pursue a career that would use my intellect. A disappointment at the time; however, that (mis)direction helped my path develop organically. While in post-secondary school, I was passionate about off-roading and had done up my 1987 Suzuki Samurai for that purpose. Unfortunately, it got stolen but was ditched because the reservoir had no coolant left, causing the engine to seize. Looking to replace the engine, I quickly realised that I needed a specific drill bit to complete that task. Visiting Canadian Tire to purchase that piece led to a job offer selling auto parts.

Career Acceleration

Selling tyres to a customer at Canadian Tire got me an offer to join Midas, where I began my role as an Office Manager. In addition to my administrative job, I helped out on the floor with oil changes. I ended up getting signed up for the automotive service technician apprenticeship and became a licensed technician. Shortly afterwards, I became interested in understanding and diagnosing the computerized aspects of automobiles, which led me to specialize in trim and electrical. Through a chain of events, I eventually transitioned off the shop floor and into a collision centre, where I became a junior estimator. Despite not knowing collision, I was excited to learn from industry mentors who taught me all about the body shop business in relation to its operational activities. Five years later, I accepted an offer for a manager position at a CSN Collision shop.

Increasing Momentum

Working as a manager at a CSN Collision centre was a melting pot for my past professional experience and a significant accelerator in my career. From there, I joined the CSN Collision corporate team as a Field Operations Manager (FOM) serving the Eastern Ontario region. The FOM position pushed me to assist our shops in overcoming their obstacles by combining industry best practices with the knowledge I’d acquired over time. Applying for a General Manager position in the company challenged me to create FOCUS – a program that allows the field operations team to have more focused conversations with CSN Licensees to support them in the growth and performance of their business. These meetings identify shops’ challenges and goals. Through the FOCUS meetings, the CSN Corporate Field Team is able to support the shops in achieving their goals and overcoming their challenges by connecting them with CSN tools and resources. 

Since its implementation, the entire corporate team has adopted FOCUS as a business tool. We are currently on the third iteration of improving its offering. FOCUS equally exposed a need for shop development, which led CSN to improve and create new training and support systems for our network. In 2023, I was promoted to Director of Field Operations thanks to the leadership and guidance of my mentors and the tremendous efforts of the Field Operations Team. When hiring, I never look for a specific gender but instead for fit. Nonetheless, three out of five Field Operations Managers at CSN Collision are women. Seeing more women working in this industry is heartening, and I’m humbled by the opportunity to mentor and elevate them.

Changing Gears

Over the last four years I have participated with the AIA in several capacities., I joined the Young Professionals in the Aftermarket (YPA) in 2021. Through that, I participated in multiple events, such as Student Aftermarket Day, which I found rewarding as it involved speaking to young people intrigued by the automotive field.

At CSN we are focusing on how to attract students who are yet to consider the automotive aftermarket as a career option. Consequently, my next step is to support CSN’s People and Culture team by locating and attracting talent to our industry.

I’m also a member of the CCIF Steering Committee – a forum for core collision that brings all key stakeholders from the industry together to discuss topics such as productivity, emerging technology, recruitment and retention, and OEs.

Through AIA Canada, I’ve also participated in Hill Day, a day set aside to lobby at Parliament Hill for key areas such as the right to repair.

Come Ride with Us!

There are several great avenues within the collision space. Whether an artist or analyst, you have a place in the industry. Your talent could match the skills required in vehicle repair or painting, assembling or disassembling, writing or processing repairs, or serving our great customers. There is something for everyone within this industry, especially with advancements in technology.

Ready to hop on board but need help figuring out where to start?

Coop apprenticeship programs are a great way to learn all facets of the business. From that point on, it depends on the path you choose to take. Find a shop willing to invest in your growth and personal development, and you will have the freedom to explore the options available. Another education channel is I-CAR training, a continuous learning platform that keeps your knowledge of vehicle repair up to date. 

Starting at the bottom provides an understanding of how each piece fits into the puzzle of the collision centre, thereby making you a well-rounded asset to the business. All you need is the right mindset, which will allow you to set your trajectory for your career progression.

Off The Clock

As a mother of two athletic children, I am always on the go from one sports activity to the next – paddling, canoeing, hockey, and soccer, among others. We are a family of outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy retreating to our happy place, a tiny home in Québec, every summer weekend to enjoy nature and all water sports. We find that nature is a restorative place for us therefore, whenever we can, we enjoy the tranquility that it provides. 

Want to join the CSN team? Check out our career page for job openings!