Gateway Autobody’s journey toward I-CAR Canada Gold Class recognition began nearly a decade ago, driven by a deep commitment to safe, high-quality repairs and continuous learning. Back in December 2014, when I-CAR Canada rolled out its updated Professional Development Program (PDP), Gateway set a bold goal: to be the first shop in Manitoba to achieve Gold Class under the new standards.
The team worked tirelessly, with some members even traveling to Brandon to complete specialized welding courses. In the end, they earned the distinction of becoming the first Gold Class shop in Winnipeg—and second in the province—just one week behind St. Claude Autobody.
Gateway’s connection to I-CAR runs even deeper. In the early 1980s, long before I-CAR Canada existed, Gateway’s president, Kelly Kostynk, was encouraged by a childhood friend who was an I-CAR instructor in Chicago to get involved. Over the years, Gateway has embraced every new phase of the program, from its transition to Canada in 2010 to today’s subscription model, always staying ahead of the curve.
For Gateway, Gold Class recognition was never about chasing a badge. It was about creating a culture of accountability, proper repair practices, and ongoing education, aligning closely with Manitoba Public Insurance’s (MPI) vision of safe and consistent repairs. This shared commitment has helped elevate standards across the province—ensuring every customer can drive away with peace of mind.
What motivated you to pursue Gold Class recognition for your business?
We went after Gold Class recognition because it just made sense. At Gateway, we have always believed that learning is the foundation for safe, high-quality repairs. I-CAR Gold Class recognition fits right in with our values—continuous improvement, accountability, and investing in our people.
It also gave us a framework to formalize our training efforts and make sure our technicians stay current as vehicle technology evolves. For us, it was not about chasing a badge—it was about doing things right and staying ahead.
Currently, what are the biggest challenges in today’s industry?
There is no shortage of challenges right now. Vehicle technology is advancing at lightning speed—especially with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and electrical vehicle (EV) systems. Finding skilled technicians is tough, and customer expectations around turnaround time and quality are higher than ever. Parts delays and insurance constraints are putting pressure on margins. On top of all that, we are constantly trying to balance productivity with employee well-being and retention. It is a lot to juggle, but we are committed to tackling it with integrity and a solid team.
How has prioritizing and undergoing standardized training helped with those challenges?
Standardized training has made a significant difference. It improved safety and compliance with OEM procedures. On the people side, it has helped us retain staff by offering career development and advanced training opportunities. Additionally, it has strengthened our reputation with customers by showing we are serious about doing things right.
For customers, they care. What else, other than word of mouth, gives them peace of mind? Without a badge so to speak, how are customers to know who’s excellent and who is just okay? Every accredited shop can fix cars. So, we have to ask ourselves, what sets the best apart? Training, qualifications, and a commitment to doing things right.
What would you say is the most important aspect of continuous collision training?
Adaptability is huge—but it is more than just keeping up with emerging technologies. At Gateway, we see training as part of a bigger learning culture. And that culture is all about critical thinking.
We have built an environment where people ask questions, challenge assumptions, and share ideas. That mindset helps our techs solve problems, make smart decisions, and handle complex repairs with confidence.
We also encourage cross-training—refinishers shadowing structural techs, estimators sitting in on calibrations. I-CAR Canada’s new subscription makes this easier than ever. Now we have got parts people and customer service representatives taking courses under production management, body technicians and detailers learning ADAS, and parts staff diving into estimating. It is incredible to see.
How has being Gold Class recognized benefitted your business and employees?
It has helped us tell our story—to customers, to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and to our own team. We have used it in radio ads, and it has helped us meet OEM certification faster, and it shows our techs that we are serious about investing in them. We even export the Platinum role course lists and costs so our team can see exactly what we are covering—and how much it would cost if they had to pay out of pocket. It is a clear roadmap, and it shows we are not just talking—we are backing it up.
About I-CAR Canada
I-CAR is an international organization dedicated to providing the information required to perform complete, safe, and quality auto repairs.
I-CAR Canada is a training and recognition program run by the Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA Canada), a not-for-profit organization representing, supporting and leading innovation in Canada’s $43.9 billion auto care sector.
Aimed at up-skilling tradespeople in the collision industry, I-CAR training has been available in Canada since 1979 and has been operated by AIA Canada since 2010.