In this season-two installment of the Changemakers from Within podcast, host Rachel Klausner sits down with Eddie Hightower from Caliber Collision—the largest auto body service company in the U.S.—to discuss how a unique blend of sustainability, workforce development, and community impact is transforming an entire industry.
Listen to the episode here, or wherever you get your podcasts:
A Journey Fueled by Serendipity
Eddie Hightower’s career trajectory is a story of serendipity and seizing unexpected opportunities. Initially trained as an attorney and later transitioning into HR and risk management, Eddie never imagined he’d lead sustainability efforts at a major company. Yet, after a chance meeting with a thought leader at a conference, he realized that openness to new opportunities could pave the way for meaningful change. His diverse background uniquely positioned him to merge legal acumen with human resource expertise, and ultimately, to drive sustainable practices that make business sense.
Building a Workforce for Tomorrow
When faced with a severe shortage of skilled technicians, Eddie and his team at Caliber developed an innovative solution, the Technician Apprentice Program (TAP). Launched at the end of 2022, this paid apprenticeship spans 12 to 15 months, offering participants comprehensive training that culminates in three industry-recognized certifications. The program provides health benefits from day one, a toolkit for success, and, most importantly, a pathway to long-term, fulfilling careers. Eddie describes TAP as “building pathways to prosperity” for young people. A commitment that has resulted in over 2,000 graduates and a significant boost in retention among experienced mentor technicians.
Sustainability as a Core Business Strategy
For Caliber, sustainability is more than an environmental checkbox; it’s deeply embedded in the company’s DNA. Eddie explains how strategic investments, like a massive LED retrofit across over 1,800 locations, have transformed the company’s work environments, reduced energy consumption, and saved costs. Furthermore, the adoption of waterborne and lower-bake coatings, coupled with advanced automated mixing technologies, minimizes waste and enhances efficiency. These initiatives illustrate that sustainability can drive both environmental benefits and financial returns.
Transformative CSR Initiatives
Caliber’s impact extends well beyond internal operations. One standout program is Recycled Rides, where totaled vehicles are restored by volunteer technicians and donated to local charities and veterans organizations. This initiative not only redefines corporate social responsibility in the automotive industry but also leverages employees’ core skills in a way that makes a real difference in people’s lives. Additional focus areas, such as combating childhood hunger through local food bank partnerships and supporting military veterans via the Changing Lanes program, demonstrate Caliber’s holistic approach to social impact.
Advocating for Change at the National Level
Eddie’s commitment to workforce development isn’t limited to his company. Recognizing the critical gap in skilled trades, he has become a vocal advocate in Washington, D.C., championing policy reforms that incentivize apprenticeship programs. By engaging with White House policy advisors and pushing for regulatory changes, Eddie aims to create an ecosystem where employers are encouraged and rewarded for investing in skill development. His advocacy highlights a crucial point: sustainable workforce development requires both grassroots efforts and top-down policy support.
Looking Ahead
As Caliber continues to refine its sustainability journey, Eddie emphasizes the importance of incremental improvements over time. With a clear focus on environmental responsibility, workforce development, and innovative CSR, Caliber is setting a new standard for what it means to be a socially responsible business in the modern age. The collaborative efforts between OEM partners, policy makers, and community organizations signal a shift toward a circular economy where every stakeholder plays a part in driving systemic change.
Eddie’s insights serve as a call to action for businesses across industries: by aligning core values with actionable initiatives, companies can create lasting, meaningful impact. Whether through groundbreaking apprenticeship programs or comprehensive sustainability practices, the future of workforce development and social impact looks brighter than ever.
For those inspired by Eddie’s journey and Caliber’s transformative programs, connecting with leaders like Eddie on platforms such as LinkedIn is a great way to explore potential collaborations and drive change from within.
This episode includes music by audionautix.com, released for use under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
