From Remote to Real: How BSR Is Strengthening Teams and Shaping the Future of Estimating
What happens when a fully remote team meets face-to-face for the first time? The Bodyshop Recruit (BSR) team found out, and what followed was equal parts bonding, planning, and breakthrough moments.
From virtual to real, this was more than just a meet-up.
From Two Estimators to 50+ workshops nationally
What started as a small group of two virtual estimators supporting a pair of workshops in Perth back in 2022 has grown into a national operation, now servicing over 50 workshops across Australia, from independent, small family-run repairers to some of the country’s largest shops and MSOs.
To celebrate that growth and invest in the future, BSR hosted a team-building retreat at Caliraya Resort Club, nestled in the hills south of Manila. For many of the estimators, who usually work remotely across the Philippines, it was their first time meeting each other in person.
Also joining the event were members of BSR’s growing Sri Lankan estimating team, who made the journey to take part in the activities and connect with their colleagues face-to-face. While some of the Sri Lankan team members were unfortunately unable to obtain visas in time to attend, they were very much part of the spirit of the event and were acknowledged and celebrated throughout the week.
From team challenges and bonding sessions to competitive games of volleyball, the event wasn’t just fun — it laid the foundation for even stronger cross-border teamwork. The energy and trust built at Caliraya resort are already showing in even better collaboration and service delivery for BSR’s repairer clients across Australia.
“Our virtual model works, but nothing beats the magic that happens when a team bonds face-to-face,” said Jim Damatopoulos, operations director. “We walked away not just more aligned, but more connected.”
Boracay Strategy Sessions: Smart Estimating, Smarter Growth
After the retreat, BSR’s management team travelled to Boracay — one of the Philippines’ most iconic islands — for a three-day strategic planning session. There, leadership reviewed operational performance, discussed industry challenges, AI, and explored new ideas to continue evolving the estimating support BSR provides.
One major theme? Helping bodyshops improve profitability through smarter estimating and more consistent, efficient processes. It’s a commitment that has earned BSR strong reviews from clients — and one that’s fuelling the company’s rapid growth.
More Than Just Work: Changing Lives, One Estimate at a Time
But what stood out most during the week was the personal side of this impact. The opportunity BSR clients provide by working with the team isn’t just supporting their own business performance — it’s changing lives for estimators and their families.
“We heard incredible stories from our team,” said Ash Jardine, Managing Director. “People buying homes, putting their kids through school, building stable, long-term careers — all thanks to the work they’re doing with repairers across Australia.”
As BSR continues to scale, this mix of people-first values and performance-focused delivery is what sets it apart, Jardine says. It’s also what’s helping redefine what virtual estimating can deliver — for clients, for staff, and for the future of the collision repair industry.
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