WOMEN OF THE INDUSTRY
The Front Line
Brigitte Strachan is Collex Collision Experts first line for family friendliness.
By J.C. Wen with files from Megan Ng
A
long the wall of one of the Collex Collision Expert’s offices hangs a sunny reminder that of a life that’s seldom without the presence of cars for Brigitte Strachan. It’s a picture from the late 80s of Brigitte posing with a blazing red Corvette. The picture has begun to fade, but amidst the faded photo is a smile that endured. Brigitte Strachan is Collex Collision Expert’s office manager and has been on top of office and production work since her promotion in 2005. The 12,000 sq. ft. facility is located in Brampton, Ontario and is co-owned by her father-in law, Bill, husband, Karl, and sister-in-law, Kathy Strachan. Although Brigitte’s career began in administration and sales for a telephone company, her passion for cars was always ingrained in her. Growing up, Brigitte’s father took her to snowmobile and Formula One races, and even a few dirt bike rallies. When she could walk, her dad taught her how to do tune-ups on cars, replace engines and change oil. He even taught her electrical work, which came in handy when she built a barn alongside dear ol’ dad. After having her daughter, Mercedes—a name that exemplifies Brigitte’s love of cars and symbolizes her German heritage—she continued to balance motherhood with her full-time job, helping out at Collex and taking care of her family’s four horses. When she came into Collex to assist with the facility’s transition to a new computer system, she fitted right in. She ended up staying on permanently.
Brigitte Strachan of Collex Collision Experts.
Her desk is occasionally swamped by paperwork, but Brigitte appreciates the company of her colleagues at Collex and the industry as a whole, which she considers “fantastic” to be in. “I love dealing with the people. I love going to the meetings, the conferences and the knowledge that everybody seems to be able to give you is great,” she said. She’s made a lot of connections, particularly through attending PPG’s Greenbelt training and MVP Round Table meetings. “I have tonnes of friends and colleagues out there that can give me all kinds of feedback if I have any questions or concerns.” When dealing with her customers, Brigitte takes the same helpful approach, doing her best to alleviate any of the anxieties that come in the aftermath of an accident. “They’ve gone through a traumatic experience,” she said. “A lot of people that come in here have never been in an accident before and they are very scared and unsure...but we try to make things as smooth as possible [and] do as much as we can for them.” Even if her customers are unfamiliar with the inner workings of a collision shop, she still takes the time to help them wipe away any misconceptions. “I think they should realize we are a professional business,” Brigitte said. “We have trained technicians. They know what they are doing. We need to repair things back to their pre-accident condition.” Collex’s family-operated friendliness remains an important piece of the facility’s strategy. They guarantee their work and strive for 100 per cent customer satisfaction. “That’s our biggest concern— making sure customers are satisfied,” Brigitte said. This year Brigitte is pleased to be completing her AMI accredited automotive manager degree. As for the future of Collex Collision Experts, Brigitte sees the company growing with renovations and with the support of industry organizations such as CertifiedFirst. She is confident her knowledge and passion for the industry will also continue to grow. “I’m in this for the long haul,” Brigitte said. “Customers always tell me it’s nice talking with me on the phone because I sound cheerful, and that’s just the way it is—I enjoy what I do.” CRM
Women’s Industry Network (WIN) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to encouraging, developing and cultivating opportunities to attract women to collision repair while recognizing excellence, promoting leadership, fostering a network among the women who are shaping the industry. Collision Repair magazine is pleased to announce that Brigitte Strachan, and every woman profiled in our Women of the Industry section, will receive a membership to WIN. For more information on WIN, please visit womensindustrynetwork.com.
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