Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - November 29, 2025 - Hour 2 - From Recycled Rides to the Dallas Autobahn: Collision Life in Texas
About this episode
Shiloh McCalus, Chief Strategy Officer of Texas Collision Centers, discusses the NABC Recycled Rides program, which donates refurbished vehicles to veterans. The episode highlights the collaborative efforts behind the program, including partnerships with insurance companies and local charities. Shiloh shares insights into the collision repair industry, the challenges of modern vehicle technology, and the importance of skilled labor. The conversation also touches on the growth of the program and the impact it has on veterans' lives, showcasing the dedication of Texas Collision Centers to their community.
On this episode of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron takes a deeper dive into the story behind NABC Recycled Rides with guest Shyllo Michaelis, Chief Strategy Officer for Texas Collision Centers. Shyllo explains how their 16-shop operation teamed up with insurers and local charities to refurbish and donate 16 vehicles to veterans for Veterans Day—how the cars are selected, what qualifies, how recipients are vetted, and why it takes a small army of techs, vendors, and partners to pull it off. Then the conversation widens out: Ron and Shyllo talk about what it really takes to run a modern collision business—ADAS calibrations, EVs, commercial trucks, training, tooling costs, labor shortages, and repairing tech-heavy cars at Texas speeds. It’s a rare inside look at the collision side of the industry and the people using it to give something real back to veterans.
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Toyota Highlander
"Let's say we're looking for a Toyota Highlander. We wanna give somebody a small SUV or a mid-size SUV."
The Toyota Highlander is a type of SUV that is larger than a small SUV but smaller than a full-size SUV. It's designed to carry families and their gear comfortably.
The Toyota Highlander is a mid-size SUV known for its spacious interior and family-friendly features. It offers a balance of comfort, utility, and reliability, making it a popular choice among SUV buyers.
mid-size SUV
"We wanna give somebody a small SUV or a mid-size SUV. How do you know that that stolen recovery is capable of being resuscitated, so to speak?"
A mid-size SUV is a type of vehicle that is bigger than a small SUV but smaller than a large SUV. It usually has enough room for a family and their belongings.
A mid-size SUV is a vehicle that offers more space and comfort than a compact SUV but is smaller than a full-size SUV. It typically seats five to seven passengers and provides a good balance of performance and utility.
Chevrolet Monte Carlo
"...I found a 72 Monte Carlo in Menard, Texas, right? And Menard is like in the middle of nowhere..."
The Chevrolet Monte Carlo is a type of car that was made for comfort and style. The 1972 version is one of the earlier models, known for its unique look and good performance.
The Chevrolet Monte Carlo is a personal luxury car that was produced by Chevrolet from 1970 to 1988. The 1972 model is part of the first generation, known for its distinctive styling and performance options.
exhaust system
"...that I went to take the exhaust off..."
The exhaust system is a part of the car that helps get rid of gases produced by the engine. It also helps make the car quieter and cleaner by reducing pollution.
The exhaust system is responsible for directing exhaust gases away from the engine and reducing harmful emissions. It typically includes components like the exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, and muffler.
Porsche Panamera
"but I drive a Porsche Panamera GTS. I like this feature."
The Porsche Panamera GTS is a luxury car that is known for being fast and comfortable. It's designed for people who want a sporty driving experience with lots of features.
The Porsche Panamera GTS is a high-performance luxury sedan that combines sports car dynamics with the comfort of a grand tourer. It features a powerful engine, advanced technology, and a spacious interior.
Porsche Cayenne
"And prior to the Panamera, I had a Cayenne, just a small SUV."
The Porsche Cayenne is a fancy SUV that is designed for comfort and performance. It has a lot of power and is good for both city driving and off-road adventures.
The Porsche Cayenne is a luxury SUV that offers a blend of performance and practicality. It features a range of powerful engines and a high-quality interior, making it suitable for both on-road and off-road driving.
Chevrolet Corvette
"...ny electric vehicles, hybrids, no luxuries like a Corvette. Right, we're just looking,"
The Chevrolet Corvette is a fast and stylish sports car that many people love for its speed and looks. It's been around for a long time and is often seen as a symbol of American car culture. People talk about it when discussing cars because it's a classic example of a high-performance vehicle.
The Chevrolet Corvette is an iconic American sports car known for its high performance and distinctive design. It has a long history dating back to 1953 and has evolved through multiple generations, often representing the pinnacle of American automotive engineering. The Corvette is frequently discussed in the context of performance vehicles and the shift towards electric and hybrid technology in the automotive industry.
ADAS
"You know, now ADAS is everywhere. Calibration requirements as that vehicle technology expands."
ADAS means Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. These are technologies in cars that help drivers by making driving safer and easier, like helping to keep the car in its lane or stopping it if there's an obstacle ahead.
ADAS stands for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, which are technologies designed to enhance vehicle safety and facilitate driving. These systems include features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.
Service King
"...because I know a little bit about your history. You worked for or with Service King"
Service King is a company that fixes cars that have been in accidents. They help repair the damage and make the cars look like they did before the accident.
Service King is a chain of auto body repair shops in the United States, known for providing collision repair services. They focus on restoring vehicles to their pre-accident condition and often work with insurance companies.
ADOS calibration
"a ADOS calibration company called Complete Collision Solutions"
ADOS is a set of technologies in cars that help drivers with things like parking and avoiding accidents. Calibration means making sure these systems work properly after they've been fixed or adjusted.
ADOS stands for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, which includes technologies that help drivers with various tasks like parking, lane-keeping, and collision avoidance. Calibration is the process of adjusting these systems to ensure they function correctly after repairs or replacements.
Complete Collision Solutions
"company called Complete Collision Solutions and we have 42 teammates there."
Complete Collision Solutions is a business that helps fix cars after accidents, especially those with advanced technology.
Complete Collision Solutions is a company that specializes in collision repair services, likely focusing on advanced technologies and systems in modern vehicles, including ADOS calibration.
totaled
"...they said it was totaled. It was an O2 Honda Odyssey..."
When a car is 'totaled', it means it's too damaged to fix because the repairs would cost more than the car is worth. The insurance company usually pays the owner for the car's value instead.
A car is considered 'totaled' when the cost of repairs exceeds its market value. This often means the insurance company will pay the owner the car's value instead of covering the repair costs.
Honda Odyssey
"...it was an O2 Honda Odyssey, higher mileage, and the insurance company said it needed $4,600 worth of repair..."
The Honda Odyssey is a type of family car called a minivan. It's designed to be roomy and comfortable for carrying kids and their stuff.
The Honda Odyssey is a minivan known for its spacious interior and family-friendly features. It is popular among families for its comfort and reliability.
insurance company
"...the insurance company said it needed $4,600 worth of repair..."
An insurance company helps people pay for damages to their cars. If a car is damaged, they decide if it can be fixed or if it's better to pay the owner for its value instead.
An insurance company provides financial protection against losses, such as damage to a vehicle. They assess claims and determine whether to repair or total a car based on its value and repair costs.
body shop
"...she took it to a body shop, and they..."
A body shop is a place where cars are fixed after accidents. They repair things like dents and scratches on the outside of the car.
A body shop is a repair facility that specializes in fixing the exterior of vehicles, including body damage from accidents. They can repair dents, scratches, and other cosmetic issues.
Honda Civic
"...you are in a, you know, 2010 Honda Civic and you get rear-ended by an F-250 truck..."
The Honda Civic is a small car that is popular for being dependable and good on gas. The 2010 version has a modern look and comes with different engine choices.
The Honda Civic is a compact car known for its reliability and fuel efficiency. The 2010 model is part of the eighth generation, which features a sporty design and a range of engine options.
Ford F-250
"...you get rear-ended by an F-250 truck. It's going to cost significantly more damage..."
The Ford F-250 is a big truck that can carry heavy loads and is built for tough jobs. It's very popular in the U.S. for work and towing.
The Ford F-250 is a heavy-duty pickup truck known for its towing capacity and ruggedness. It is part of the F-Series, which is one of the best-selling vehicle lines in the United States.
Hyundai Elantra
"...if you were hit by a Hyundai Elantra. Right? So, that's some of the differences..."
The Hyundai Elantra is a small car that is affordable and gets good gas mileage. It has a nice design and is safe to drive.
The Hyundai Elantra is a compact car that offers good value, fuel efficiency, and a comfortable ride. It is known for its modern design and advanced safety features.
Porsche
"What do you do in that Porsche? I'm not going to tell anybody."
Porsche is a famous car brand from Germany that makes fast and stylish sports cars. They are known for their quality and performance.
Porsche is a renowned German automotive manufacturer known for its high-performance sports cars, including the iconic 911. The brand is synonymous with luxury and engineering excellence.
Mercedes
"So like for example, Mercedes requires their own scan tool..."
Mercedes is a well-known car brand that makes luxury vehicles. They are famous for their high-quality engineering and advanced technology.
Mercedes-Benz is a German automotive brand known for luxury vehicles, buses, and trucks. They are recognized for their engineering excellence and innovation in technology.
scan tool
"So like for example, Mercedes requires their own scan tool..."
A scan tool is a device that mechanics use to check what's wrong with a car. It connects to the car's computer to find problems and read error messages.
A scan tool is a diagnostic device used to communicate with a vehicle's onboard computer. It helps technicians identify issues by reading error codes and monitoring various systems.
OE specific
"we definitely have several OE specific scan tools..."
OE specific means that something is made just for a certain car brand or model. It's like having a special tool that only works with that brand.
OE specific refers to parts or tools that are designed specifically for Original Equipment manufacturers. These are tailored to work with a particular brand or model of vehicle.
electric vehicles
"Now, you know, what are you doing for electric vehicles?"
Electric vehicles are cars that run on electricity instead of gas. They are better for the environment and can save money on fuel.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are cars that are powered entirely or partially by electricity instead of traditional gasoline or diesel engines. They are known for being environmentally friendly and often have lower operating costs.
EV
"...we do a little bit of everything. So everything from, you know, gas vehicles we call them to EV, we have a Tesla certification,..."
EV means electric vehicle. These cars run on electricity instead of gasoline, making them better for the environment because they produce fewer emissions.
EV stands for electric vehicle, which is a type of vehicle that is powered entirely or partially by electricity. Unlike traditional gas vehicles, EVs use electric motors and batteries for propulsion, contributing to lower emissions and reduced reliance on fossil fuels.
Tesla
"...to EV, we have a Tesla certification,..."
Tesla is a company that makes electric cars. They are known for their high-tech features and long battery life, making them popular among people who want to drive environmentally friendly vehicles.
Tesla is an American electric vehicle and clean energy company known for producing electric cars, battery energy storage, and solar products. Their vehicles are recognized for their advanced technology, performance, and long-range capabilities.
calibration system
"I mean, you know, you go out and you buy an ADOS calibration system and it's $35,000."
A calibration system is a tool used to make sure that the sensors in a car are working correctly. It helps keep the car's safety features running smoothly.
A calibration system in the context of vehicles is used to ensure that all sensors and systems are accurately aligned and functioning as intended. This is vital for the proper operation of various advanced safety features in modern cars.
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