FOR SYLVAIN SEGUIN, PRESIDENT OF FIX NETWORK CANADA, WORKING IN THE COLLISION REPAIR INDUSTRY IS ALWAYS AN OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN SOMETHING NEW
BY SARAH PERKINS
The world of automotive repair holds an abundance of knowledge waiting to be shared. Every vehicle in need of repair comes with its own story, and collision repair experts are always eager to divulge insights about the industry. Just ask Sylvain Seguin, the president of Fix Network Canada, and he will explain that his journey to success has been powered by hard work, industry connections and a commitment to forging his own path.
Sylvain refl ects on his beginning in the automotive world, he maintains that the “the story is pretty simple.”
“I was raised in the industry working at the bodyshop where my father, once a painter, was acting as manager. I would do odd jobs on weekends and help after school,” he recalls. Although he was immersed in the automotive industry during high school, Sylvain harbored dreams of becoming a carpenter and building homes.
A pivotal conversation with his father changed everything.
“He encouraged me to consider learning a trade at the shop while being paid. It made sense,” Sylvain admits.
Following his father’s advice, Sylvain started performing more hands-on responsibilities, such as small painting jobs.
“While I was doing these early painting jobs, I began to think, I kind of like this.”
Consequently, he decided to forgo trade school and dive deeper into his newfound passion for collision repair.
Sylvain earned his first apprenticeship card while working alongside his father. After four-and-a-half years, he proudly became a certifi ed painter, fully committed to the collision repair industry.
“In my 15 years as a painter, I immersed myself in training. I sought out any opportunity to build my knowledge and skills,” he explains. This dedication paid off when Sylvain was eventually approached by AkzoNobel to become a technical representative for the company. “I had steady career at the time, but I saw this as a chance to learn something new.” While working there, he discovered that companies like AkzoNobel offer extensive training programs.
“As long as you’re eager to learn and push yourself, companies will support your growth,” he says.
This commitment to self-improvement propelled Sylvain through various roles within the company. Starting as an account manager, he progressed to sales manager for Quebec, district sales manager for the Eastern market, national strategic manager and ultimately, country manager for Canada by 2017. This ascension was made possible by the multiple training projects Sylvain actively participated in. From basic sales training to advanced leadership skills, conflict resolution, financial training and numerous multiple multinational projects offered by the paint manufacturer to high-potential employees, Sylvain’s commitment to personal and professional development has been evident throughout his career journey. “Being surrounded by the industry in this role forced me to quickly apply everything I had learned. Even my family noticed my growth,” he notes.
While Sylvain may have viewed his lack of higher education as a potential obstacle at the time, he believes that his hands-on experience has played a crucial role in developing his confidence.
“In the beginning, I had to work two to three times harder than those with university degrees,” he asserts.
Sylvain also found pride in his ability to overcome language and culture differences in his national leadership role.
“Pushing those barriers further encourages other to do the same. If you strive to break barriers, they will no longer exist,” he said. Sylvain’s industry journey took a significant turn when he met Steve Leal, president and CEO of Fix Network, during his tenure at AkzoNobel.
“I would regularly interact with Steve, and one day, he mentioned needing someone to lead the Canadian operations at Fix. At first, I didn’t realize he was referring to me,” Sylvain chuckles. “But as he introduced me to new initiatives, I became excited about the opportunity.”
Upon joining Fix Network, Sylvain and Leal devised a two-year plan.
“In the first year, Steve advised me to observe and learn; the second was to implement and execute the strategies. This methodical approach was incredibly valuable and a lesson we can all take to heart,” he emphasizes. When asked about what advice he would give to newcomers looking for a career in the collision repair industry, Sylvain told Bodyworx “If you’re new to the industry, open your horizons and try to stay ahead of the learning curve.” Professional about the importance of getting involved.
“If you’re entering the industry, broaden your horizons and stay ahead of trends. The nature of this industry means no two days are the same, which fuels my passion. Every day brings a new challenge, and there’s always something interesting on the horizon.” As technological advancements in vehicle repair accelerate, Sylvain insists that continuous education is paramount.
“The methods that worked yesterday are outdated today, and they certainly won’t work tomorrow. With the rapid emergence of advanced driver assistance systems and electric vehicles, staying informed is essential as vehicle technologies evolve. Electric vehicles might represent just a small fraction of the work, but they dominate industry conversations.” Ultimately, Sylvain Seguin’s journey—from a young painter to a national leader in collision repair—embodies a deep-seated passion for the automotive industry and a commitment to lifelong learning.
By emphasizing adaptation and education, he continues to inspire those within the collision repair community to embrace change and progress.
