Jon Crissman Brings Real-World Expertise to Collin College Collision Repair Program

In North Texas, the Collin College Collision Repair program continues to gain momentum, with its largest class yet, with 75 new students enrolled this fall. The demand for qualified instructors has never been greater, and the program has risen to the challenge by welcoming Jon Crissmana seasoned industry professional, as an assistant professor. Crissman’s long career and passion for mentoring make him an invaluable asset to the faculty.

For Crissman, entering the classroom is like coming full circle.

“I’ve been working in this industry since I was 12 until now, at 50,” he said.

Jon Crissman.

Starting out in central Kansas, Crissman worked his way up from automotive management to estimator roles, gaining experience across the country in esteemed positions at Sewell Cadillac And Atkinson Toyota. Today, he is an integration specialist for Collision advicea leading consulting firm, where he works with collision centers nationwide to improve their operations.

His role at Collision Advice introduced him to the Collin College Collision Repair program, where he served on the advisory board before transitioning to teaching. Today, as an assistant professor, Crissman shares his knowledge in a night class focused on estimating, a crucial but often underappreciated skill in collision repair.

Unlocking student potential

For Crissman, the joy of teaching lies in seeing students develop their understanding and skills.

“My favorite part about being an instructor is seeing students’ minds open as they start to get started,” he said. “A lot of what we do is hands-on in the lab. Seeing their estimates progress is fantastic, and getting to know them is equally rewarding. In a class of 12, each student has a different background and way of learning, which makes things fun.

Crissman admits it’s not always easy to estimate.

“When I asked who wanted to become an estimator on the first evening, I didn’t find any takers. I asked again on the last evening and got the same answer,” he said. “But it’s a fun journey for all of us.” Even if they don’t go into estimating, I hope I’ve given them a foundation to help them in their career.

Teaching also deepened Crissman’s understanding of the craft.

“A friend once said that the best way to learn something is to teach it to someone else. It’s so true,” he said. “Students bring their own experiences and thoughts to the topic, which changes the way I view estimation.”

Building on the Basics in a Changing Industry

Even though estimates of fundamentals remain consistent, Crissman emphasizes the importance of staying abreast of technological advances.

“The technology has changed a lot in the last 20 years, but the basics are still the same,” he explained. “I hope I’ve helped lay a good foundation for them to build on.”

Crissman’s passion for estimation is rooted in his love of solving puzzles.

“Figuring out how to reconstruct a wrecked car always intrigues me,” he said. “It’s not just about doing the math; it’s about troubleshooting, understanding the process, and making sure repairs are done correctly.

An enriching journey

Initially unsure of what teaching would entail, Crissman found the experience surprisingly rewarding.

“I didn’t realize how rewarding it would be or how much I would enjoy it,” he shared. “The biggest surprise was how well I connected with the students and how proud I felt to represent the Collision Technology program at Collin College. »

Looking ahead, Crissman is excited to continue teaching. “I will be teaching estimating again as a summer course, which is ideal for students working in stores who need flexible hours. It’s a win-win,” he said.

He also plans to develop additional courses to further enhance the program.

Shaping the Future of Collision Repair

With 120 students currently enrolled, including those in the Toyota-specific collision program, Crissman’s contributions come at a pivotal time for Collin College. His blend of real-world experience and passion for the industry provides students with a unique learning opportunity.

“This industry has treated me very well and I can’t imagine doing anything else,” he said. “If I can inspire just one student to love this industry as much as I do, it will be worth it.” »