Armando Nogueiras has been a dedicated professional in the automotive collision repair industry for nearly five decades, shaping his career with adaptability, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to quality and integrity. His journey began in 1975 at the age of 15, working in his father’s shop. By 18, he was running the business, gaining hands-on experience that would set the foundation for his future successes.

At 20, he transitioned to the insurance side of the industry, working as a field adjuster for Farmers Insurance. However, his passion for collision repair soon brought him back to the family business at 23. By 26, he took the entrepreneurial leap, opening South Oaks Auto Body in South Pasadena, CA. With an early focus on dealership referrals, he quickly gained traction, servicing multiple dealerships in the region.

In 1990, due to lease restrictions, Armando sold South Oaks and founded an independent appraisal company. But his true passion remained in collision repair, leading him to acquire the body shop division of Greenwood Auto Center in Downey. He rebranded it as Firestone Auto Body, which became a landmark business in the industry.

Recognizing the shift in the industry with the emergence of Direct Repair Programs (DRP),Armando adapted quickly. By 1994, he relocated Firestone Auto Body to a larger, state-of-the- art facility on Firestone Blvd. He secured partnerships with major insurance carriers, earning a reputation for high-quality repairs and efficiency. His proactive approach extended beyond business, as he engaged in legislative advocacy to support DRP programs. His efforts even led to an appreciation letter from the Governor’s office, acknowledging his contributions to the industry’s development.

By 2008, Armando expanded Firestone Auto Body further, doubling its size. However, by 2011, he began noticing declining margins, prompting him to sell the business in early 2012. After a brief hiatus, he returned in 2013 to establish Red Hill Collision in Costa Mesa, a cutting-edge facility equipped with the latest technology and best-in-class infrastructure. Once again, he secured partnerships with major insurance providers, operating with 12 DRPs at peak performance.

As corporate consolidators like Caliber Collision, Crash Champions, and Service King gained dominance, the industry’s balance shifted. Insurance carriers exerted greater control over pricing and repair processes, often at the expense of quality and safety. Armando, a firm believer in factory-approved repair methods and ethical business practices, found himself at odds with the evolving DRP model. In 2017, he sold Red Hill Collision to Caliber Collision, taking another step back from the industry.

In 2019, he returned once again, purchasing a small collision center in Riverside, aiming to establish a strategic presence along the 91 Freeway corridor. While initially operating under DRP, he remained open to adapting his approach. Later that year, another operator approached him with an opportunity to open a high-end certified collision center for McKenna Automotive in the South Bay. Drawing from his prior experience servicing McKenna dealerships, Armando took the lead in setting up the facility, securing certifications for BMW, MINI, and VOLVO. However, the timing proved challenging as COVID-19 hit just weeks after launch. By the end of 2020, he exited the South Bay operation and fully acquired his Santa Ana facility, officially launching TECH Center Collision.

With TECH Center Collision, Armando came full circle, returning to a business model that prioritizes dealer referrals over insurance carrier partnerships. Moving away from DRPs, he refocused on high-quality, factory-certified repairs, ensuring customers receive proper repairs without the constraints imposed by insurers. By 2024, he sold his Riverside location, marking the completion of his transition away from DRP programs.

Today, Armando continues to lead TECH Center Collision with the same principles he has upheld throughout his career—integrity, quality, and a commitment to proper repair procedures. By adhering to California’s Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations, particularly sections 2695.8 and 2695.9, he ensures that insurance companies either approve proper repairs or justify their adjustments under legal guidelines. His legacy is one of resilience, adaptation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in the collision repair industry