In structural repair, hydraulic force is useless without stability. Anchors secure the vehicle, so the towers can pull effectively. At Glossed & Gritty, Anchors are our male allies. They don’t dictate direction or steer the repair; they lock in to provide the support that allows women to drive the force and reshape the future of collision repair.
Allyship moves the needle. This movement isn’t about pushing men out. It’s about building something stronger — together.
Mike Anderson: Stability for the Pull, Space for the Future
If the collision repair industry had a heartbeat, it would likely sound a lot like Mike Anderson.
A household name from the shop floor to the corporate boardroom, Mike’s journey began in 1985 as the owner of Wagonwork Collision Center in Alexandria, VA. After twenty-five years of “boots-on-the-ground” excellence, he sold the business in 2010 to launch Collision Advice, a consulting powerhouse dedicated to the success of the independent repairer.
But Mike’s resume — as impressive as it may be — isn’t what makes him such a captivating and inspiring human being; it’s like watching a modern movie in black and white instead of full color. His status as an industry icon has less to do with his business acumen and everything to do with his soul.
Painting a full picture of “Mike Anderson” begins with understanding his attitude toward everyone he encounters. Mike is a mentor to many and an inspiration to nearly all who cross his path. When we first reached out to tell him about the vision for Glossed & Gritty, he didn’t ask about ROI or logistics; his first question was simply: “What can I do to help?” (But that wasn’t exactly surprising since it seems to be Mike’s response to anyone who approaches him!)
Mike is the ultimate evangelist for collision repair. He doesn’t just want the industry to survive; he actively advocates for its salvation. He envisions a world where repairers are so informed, educated and empowered that they make every business decision from a place of absolute knowledge. He is a man who lives by the creed of doing the right thing, for the right reasons, at the right time — believing firmly that such integrity pays off exponentially. Whether he’s commanding a stage with his arresting, high-octane delivery or leaning in for a quiet one-on-one, Mike’s mission remains the same: to deliver the kind of hard-won wisdom that puts others’ growth above his own.
Persistent. Loyal. Selfless. Humble. Few people earn such a heavy list of affirmations, yet Mike carries them with ease. He has touched nearly every corner of this trade, livening up shops and bringing light to the dark corners of technical complexity.
Few people interact with Mike Anderson without learning a lesson — or several. Today, he shares his most vital lesson yet: the power of being an Anchor.
