Windham Body Shop Raises the Bar in Collision Repair Through Certification

As a member of the OEC Collision Performance Network, Windham Body shop holds certifications from Nissan, INFINITI, FCA (Fiat, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram), Hyundai, Genesis, Ford, GM, and Kia. Additional certifications from Tesla and Rivian are also under consideration to help the business stay ahead of emerging technologies. The shop is also a member of the OEC Collision Performance Network and maintains I-CAR Gold Class status. With Tesla and Rivian certifications under consideration, the business continues to stay ahead of emerging vehicle technologies.

The impact of certification was noticeable right away. For example, the shop previously saw very few Lincoln vehicles, but once certified, several customers brought Lincolns in for repair. In one standout case, a Genesis GV80 owner drove more than five hours from Montgomery, Alabama to Windham Body Shop after locating them through her vehicle’s app.

Robbie credits Certification with improving his shop’s quality and processes. With direct access to OEM repair procedures and tools like RepairLogic, his team ensures every repair is by the book every time. “Even if you fixed a car just like it the week before, you need to check again this week,” he emphasized. “There might be differences.”

Certified training has also raised the bar for his technicians. Between I-CAR Gold training and OEM-specific requirements, Windham Body Shop ensures consistent quality and accountability. Robbie’s team culture reflects that same standard, with organized workflows, streamlined inventory management, and strong adherence to OEM guidelines. “Things are where they belong, tools are maintained, and the process is clean. That alone increases efficiency,” Robbie explained.

Certification isn’t just about having the OEM logos. Robbie knows that customer education is necessary to get the most out of the shop’s certified status. Many consumers today don’t know about certifications until they need a repair. So, Windham Body Shop takes a consultative approach: walking customers through the process, giving shop tours, and explaining what sets certified repairs apart. Once customers understand the value, they often return and are willing to pay for the best parts for the repair even when insurance won’t cover the full cost. “It’s amazing the reactions we get when people understand what it’s all about,” he said. “It’s about peace of mind…knowing their vehicle is in good hands.”

With certification comes a different kind of clientele, too: those who prioritize quality over cost-cutting.

Robbie’s shop now works on newer vehicles and attracts customers who value long-term safety and proper repair methods.

That same idea also appeals to new hires. In an industry facing staffing shortages, Robbie found success by training the next generation himself. In hiring and mentoring a younger team, he’s helping develop the skills needed for certified repairs while fostering a strong team culture built on continuous learning.

For shops considering certification, Robbie’s advice is simple: start small, stay consistent. “The biggest barrier is the cost of tooling. OEMs all require something different,” he said. “But if you can start with one, get your feet wet, and grow from there, it’s worth it.” He used a market study from his paint partner, Axalta, to determine which certifications would have the most impact based on local vehicle data. That strategic approach helped Windham Body Shop make informed investments and avoid overextending the business.

Now the President of the Gulf States Collision Association (covering Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana), Robbie continues to advocate for certification and raise standards across the region. His shop’s journey reflects what’s possible when a business leads with values, invests in quality, and embraces change.

I didn’t expect certification to produce as much as it did, but it’s definitely better than I ever expected.” - Robbie