Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes
As one of the United States' premier companies, Snap-on is known for its unique approach to business. This has been showcased throughout 2025, as they've embarked on a journey to speak with a variety of operations across the country.
On March 17, the Snap-on Equipment division stopped to meet with one of Utah's most noteworthy companies: The Young Automotive Group.
"Visiting the Young Automotive Group and Young Collision has been an incredible part of our ongoing customer connection initiative, where we observe our customers at work," said Allison Moody, global senior marketing manager at Snap-on Equipment. "Our core values are rooted in customer connection. These connections provide us with deep insight, allowing us to better understand the daily challenges shops face, the preferences of technicians and how we can plan for the future."
During their visit, the Snap-on Equipment marketing team interviewed technicians at Young Collision Center locations in Layton as well as company leaders like innovations director Oliver Young and collision director Chris Hudson. Moody asked interviewees on camera what they thought of certain products, specifically from the Snap-on Equipment brand, Car-O-Liner.
In addition to individuals from both the Young Automotive Group and Snap-on, members of the company Precision for Collision, the local Utah Car-O-Liner distributor, were in attendance. Known for providing quality tools and equipment throughout the collision industry, they've supplied Young Collision Centers with numerous, integral Car-O-Liner products.
"What makes Young Collision interesting is that they aren't a giant with rigid processes or a mom-and-pop shop. Rather, they occupy this middle ground, which puts them in the perfect spot to innovate," said Mike Hasko, general manager of Precision for Collision. "I think one of the things that makes them a great selection for this Car-O-Liner campaign is the fact that they're going to have a lot of people looking at what they're doing, because they're poised to set new industry standards."
A factory-certified auto repair operation, Young Collision has locations in north and south Layton as well as Ogden and Burley, Idaho. Each part of the division houses state of the art equipment as well as technicians who are OEM certified with a variety of makes — all dedicated to handling paint repair, dent removal and full vehicle restoration needs.
For years, Young Collision has differentiated themselves from others in their industry. Recently, for example, each shop placed laptop computers on their technician's toolboxes to provide staff with quick access to OEM data as well as their digital production system. This allows them to virtually move vehicles through the repair phases, giving real-time updates to customers and front office. Having digital access also equips technicians with an email, letting them take photos of the work processes as needed and documenting repair files.
The division has in-house training programs as well, along with special management courses offered by the Young Automotive Group's Center of Excellence team — which hosts classes for employees seeking opportunities to advance their careers in highly sought after categories like leadership principles, financial profit-and-loss management and industry best practices. The business also initiated a training program for technicians entering the field. This includes apprenticeships with technical programs, and working with local high schools to prepare students in auto classes for careers.
"The Young Automotive Group has always valued finding trends in the market," said Hudson. "Chasing this ambition includes in-depth analysis and research. The greater our steps are to staying ahead of the curve, the better suited we are to providing our customers with the best the industry has to offer."
In addition to improving efficiency, the operation is known for their charitable work. In January, Young Collision Center partnered with Precision for Collision and Car-O-Liner to donate a new Car-O-Liner CTR9 resistance spot welder to Ogden High School — a product valued at $42,000.
The effort took place after other donations were made to the school, including one of a waterborne paint mixing system that the Young Automotive Group division spearheaded.
Due to their significance, Young Collision Center's community endeavors were recently recognized by local education leaders. In addition to the Young Automotive Group's charitable nonprofit, the Young Caring for Our Young Foundation, the operation was honored with the title of Business Education Partner of the Year by Utah's Association for Career and Technological Education.
These efforts to implement new technology and invest in communities have positioned Young Collision Center in a unique spot. Despite a national shortage of technicians, the operation has a list of candidates applying for a position in the division.
Hudson says that a main reason for this is their work with Ogden High School. By working closely with the auto classes, they've been able to prepare students for a career in the field at a level that surpasses some technical programs. By donating current technology to the school, Young Collision Center hopes to decrease apprenticeship times in half.
"I think one of the reasons we've had so much success with our employees is because they know what we're about," Hudson said. "We don't treat people as a number, and we recognize the incredible potential of our technicians. There's a lot of opportunities here to earn a high income and grow in your career, and we want to make sure that people can take advantage of those as quickly as possible."
Young Collision Center is a part of a growing company in the Young Automotive Group. The dealership chain — which recently celebrated 100 years of business — has developed new facilities for their Young Subaru and Young Mazda Idaho Falls locations in 2025 and is currently creating a new building for their Young Ford Brigham City operation. They will also be opening a corporate retreat in Morgan, Utah, known as the Mountain Creek Lodge.
"It's incredibly exciting to be a part of something that's continuously growing," Hudson said. "It shows that we're a business that's never settling. Though we are expanding, we recognize that our success is rooted in the family values we uphold. We're dedicated to ensuring that individuals are treated right, and that they have a trusted partner for their automotive needs. We also work closely with our technicians to ensure that they are using the best technology, procedures and equipment available so that we can increase accuracy, safety and overall satisfaction."
Visit Young Collision's website to learn more about their operation, and to schedule an appointment.
