FOR PHILIPPE-ANDRE BISSON, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND
COMMUNICATIONS AT FIX NETWORK WORLD, THE COLLISION REPAIR INDUSTRY IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR BOTH CREATIVITY AND CHALLENGES
Story by SARAH PERKINS
“Between the OE and the aftermarket side of things, we have similar challenges. Electric vehicles, for instance, are coming and both sides must reckon with the question of how we prepare for this. Collision repairers are serious about staying on top of tech trends and both collision repairers and OEs are ambitious and ready to perform on-the-ground work.”
In a world where career paths often follow a linear trajectory, Philippe-Andre Bisson’s journey into the automotive industry is anything but conventional. From aspiring lawyer to the Director of Marketing and Communications at Fix Network World, his story is a testament to the power of passion and the unexpected turns life can take. It all started at the Montreal Auto Show, where a chance encounter sparked a lifelong love for cars and a commitment to a communityfocused industry, reshaping his destiny in ways he never imagined.
Philippe-Andre—who most know as PA— may have never envisioned a career in collision repair, but whose love for cars, coupled with a desire to contribute to a community-centered industry, has led him to his current role as the Director of Marketing and Communications at Fix Network World.
In a conversation with Collision Repair magazine, PA shared how his journey into the automotive world began at an auto show, igniting a passion he had cherished since childhood thanks to his father.
“Until I was about 20 years old, I wanted to be a lawyer,” PA recalled. “Everything changed for me in 2007 when I attended the Montreal Auto Show.
PA encountered someone who introduced him to the possibilities at Georgian College. “They told me that I could have a fulfilling career working in the automotive industry,” he explained, which inspired him to shift his focus from law to a marketing and management degree in the automotive sector. “From here, I became very excited about this idea and two weeks after this pivotal conversation I changed my plans and decided to move to Ontario to attend Georgian College. After three years in Business Administration- Automotive Marketing, I graduated with honours completing a degree in marketing and management at Northwood University in Florida.
After graduating, PA began his career as a product planning specialist for Kia Canada in 2012. In this role, he helped design the “car of the future,” tailoring products for specific markets.
His talent was soon recognized by Kia’s Head of Communications, who suggested that he transition to a communications role. PA then managed car launch events in Quebec, building media relationships and honing his communication skills for two years.
In 2016, he was approached by a headhunter from General Motors Canada, which opened the door to his next challenge as a communications manager. This position allowed him to take on greater responsibilities, ultimately becoming the lead communications manager for GM, overseeing launch events nationwide for brands like Buick, GMC, and Chevrolet. In 2021, he advanced to the role of Senior Communication Manager, managing the Cadillac brand and supporting all GM brands’ launch events.
Reflecting on his career progression, Bisson expressed his appreciation for the challenges that shaped him. “I loved my role and the people I worked with at GM, but I was eager for a new challenge—one that would allow me to lead a team.”
That’s when Fix Network entered his professional landscape. PA was already familiar with the brand, jokingly noting that Fix Auto repaired his vehicle after a collision in his youth. However, the aftermarket sector had always been somewhat peripheral to his experience
In 2023, recognizing an opportunity for growth, he applied for the Director of Communications position at Fix Network. “I had never considered transitioning to the aftermarket side, as I envisioned spending my career in the OE space.”
In his current role, PA leads an amazing and skilled team of twelve, providing guidance and elevating the communication, marketing and event strategies of Fix Network. He views marketing and communications as crucial pillars that support the success of franchisees. “They are my primary clients, and I enjoy connecting with them to share their stories,” he said.
PA finds diversity and creativity in his position, not least in enhancing Fix Network’s social media presence.
“When I joined, there wasn’t a strong social media footprint, so I focused on building our online presence. With this company it feels like anything is possible and my new role offers a lot of room for creativity,” he stated. Working with Fix Network has also reshaped his perceptions of the collision repair industry.
“Before joining, I had preconceived notions about the aftermarket sector. I was pleasantly surprised by the professionalism and technological expertise I found. The industry is full of passionate individuals, much like those in the OE sector,” he reflected. He acknowledged that both sides of the industry face similar challenges, particularly with the rise of electric vehicles.
“Collision repairers are committed to embracing new technologies, and both sectors are determined to adapt and thrive,” he emphasized.
PA is excited to tackle future challenges in the aftermarket industry.
“Honestly,” he chuckled, “I never thought my role would be more demanding than my time at GM. But I embrace the challenge and am passionate about what I do.”
He looks forward to learning more about technology shaping the future of vehicles. Initially, gaining knowledge in collision repair was his biggest hurdle, but he feels equipped to navigate this new terrain with the support of mentors, including Sylvain Seguin, President of Fix Network Canada.
The post CHOOSING TO EMBRACE CHALLENGE appeared first on Collision Repair Magazine.
