Like New Automotive Gains Competitive Advantage with OEM Certification

Overview

Like New Automotive, a family-owned collision repair shop in Orange, Texas, has served its community since 1977. Manager Jake Talmadge — who has worked at the shop full time since 2005 — oversees repairs on 75–100 vehicles per month and has made adherence to OEM repair guidelines a defining priority.

Seeking to validate that commitment and set the shop apart in a competitive market, Like New Automotive joined the OEC Collision Performance Network (CPN) and earned certifications from Hyundai, Nissan, FCA, and KIA.

The Results

Certification through CPN produced three distinct business improvements for Like New Automotive.

Training and repair efficiency — CPN membership keeps the team current on manufacturer-required training and equipment. "Certification forces us to stay on top of proper training and equipment," Jake noted. "Quality has always been there, but now we're faster."

Credibility and negotiating power — Holding four OEM certifications gives the shop documented standing when working with insurance companies. "The certifications give me the credibility to explain and act as the expert," Jake explained, allowing him to advocate confidently for proper repair procedures.

Customer confidence and loyalty — Jake uses the shop's certified-shop signage and OEM procedure explanations to educate customers. "Customers feel more confident that they're getting what they're paying for," he said. Certification has become a driver of long-term customer trust.

Additional Benefits

CPN also provides Like New Automotive with practical operational support: parts programs and rebates that deliver cost savings, and marketing assets — certification logos for the shop's website and physical signage — that communicate certified status to prospective customers.