Collision Repair Education Foundation

Collision Repair Education Foundation

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Fueling the Future: CREF Honors Industry Professionals at SEMA 2023

Hoffman Estates, Ill. (November 14, 2023) –

The 2023 SEMA Show was a time for celebrations, and the Collision Repair Education Foundation certainly took advantage of the opportunity! In addition to hosting its Benchmark Grants Awards Breakfast where $678,500 in funds were bestowed upon 109 schools, the Foundation celebrated collision repair students’ creativity with an Art Meets Automotive showcase and also honored several industry professionals who are “Fueling the Future” during the Collision Industry Red Carpet Awards.

“We truly appreciate the generous impact that’s been made to support the next generation of the collision repair industry,” says CREF Executive Director Brandon Eckenrode. “CREF’s efforts to support collision repair educational programs, schools and students to create qualified, entry-level employees and connect them with an array of career opportunities would be impossible without the support of the industry volunteers and sponsors who help us turn dreams into reality.”

Pam Watson (Albert Kemperle, LLC) was recognized for her volunteer efforts with a 2023 Fueling the Future Award. She was instrumental in delivering 150 quarter panels to 17 schools in the Florida area earlier this year. As a member of her local I-CAR Committee, Watson’s involvement ranges from fundraising efforts and industry events with collision repair peers and students to sitting on school advisory committees, assisting local instructors with CREF’s grant application, hosting shop tours and facilitating panel donations. Through those efforts, she’s happy to report several improvements in her local collision schools: “Students have access to the tools needed to enhance their programs while they’re in school, and they also know they have the industry’s support once they graduate.”

The Foundation also honored Volkswagen Group of America and Audi of America with a 2023 Fueling the Future Award, specifically naming Tony Russo (Volkswagen) and Mark Allen (Audi) for their industry impact, support and contribution. Earlier this year, Audi of America and Volkswagen of America partnered with CREF to donate 78 Audi and Volkswagen vehicles to collision repair programs throughout the United States as a means of enhancing the education of thousands of collision repair students and supporting the next generation of the automotive workforce.

Lastly, CREF presented an award to Ford Motor Company in recognition of its 2023 Vehicle Donation Program.

Industry members interested in getting involved and supporting the Collision Repair Education Foundation’s efforts to assist secondary and post-secondary collision repair training programs can Contact Us to learn about the many ways to get involved. Monetary donations can be made online.

The Collision Repair Education Foundation, founded in 1991, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting collision repair educational programs, schools, and students to create qualified, entry-level employees and connect them with an array of career opportunities. For information on how to donate to programs supported by the Education Foundation, visit us online at: www.CollisionEducationFoundation.org.

Follow us on social media on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

If you would like more information about this topic or any of CREF’s initiatives, please email info@ed-foundation.org.

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Over 100 Collision Schools Receive $668,500 in 2023 Benchmark Grants, Funded by Generous Industry Supporters and Facilitated by CREF

Hoffman Estates, Ill. (November 13, 2023) –

There’s strength in numbers, and that’s certainly the message that’s been sent by the many supporters of Collision Repair Education Foundation’s (CREF) Benchmark Grant program.

Thanks to the generosity of a multitude of industry partners – both small and large – the Foundation is proud to announce that 109 collision schools will receive $678,500 in Benchmark Grant funding to financially support their efforts to educate the collision industry’s future workforce and making a difference in the lives of the students training in those programs.

“Congratulations to the CREF Benchmark grant recipient schools, and thank you to our industry partners for their continued support,” says CREF Executive Director Brandon Eckenrode. “I would also like to specifically recognize the instructors who applied for the grants as it shows their commitment to bettering their collision programs, which in turn allows them to provide a quality technical education for their students and prepare them for industry entry-level employment. These grants will help instructors with their limited program budgets and CREF is in a unique role of directing industry support to collision programs in need.” 

“We are very proud to be able to fund so many 2023 Benchmark Grants, and we cannot thank the sponsors enough for their dedication to supporting the next generation of collision repairers through their educational institutions,” said Melissa Marscin, Director of Operations and Impact for CREF. “With that support, these schools will have the funds to better train the industry’s future workforce and ensure their students will have a great advantage when starting the next part of their collision journey.”

Four grants, totaling $61,000, were funded by CREF. A $25,000 Benchmark Grant was bestowed upon Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical High School (Fitchburg, MA), and North Arkansas College (Harrison, AR) was awarded a $20,000 grant. A grant of $10,000 was given to North Dakota State College of Science (Wahpeton, ND), and SUNY Morrisville (Morrisville, NY) received a $6,000 Benchmark Grant from CREF.

Thanks to a generous $40,000 donation from General Motors (GM), eight collision schools will each receive a $5,000 Benchmark Grant to be used toward enhancing their educational offerings and helping to ensure that the students graduating from their programs are prepared to enter a career in the collision repair industry. Those schools are as follows:

  • Central Montco Technical High School (Plymouth Meeting, PA)
  • Duncanville High School (Duncanville, TX)
  • Ivy Tech Community College (Fort Wayne, IN)
  • Miami Valley Career & Technical Center (Englewood, OH)
  • RCTC Ypsilanti Community Schools (Ypsilanti, MI)
  • Saginaw Career Complex (Saginaw, MI)
  • D. Ormsby Educational Center (East Aurora, NY)
  • Warren Tech (Lakewood, CO)

Hertz continues to prove its dedication to high school and college collision schools and students through its generous support and sponsorship of CREF. This year, eight collision schools will receive Benchmark Grants, thanks to Hertz’s $40,000 donation. Cattaraugus Allegany BOCES Center at Belmont (Belmont, NY) will receive a $10,000 grant. Seven additional schools were awarded $5,000 each, as follows:

  • Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute (Hudson, NC)
  • Dennis Technical Education Center (Boise, ID)
  • Northeast Arkansas Career & Technical Center (Jonesboro, AR)
  • Oxford Hills Technical School/Maine Vocational Region 11 (Norway, ME)
  • Rolla Technical Institute (Rolla, MO)
  • Scott County Career & Technical Center (Gate City, VA)

Caliber Collision continued its support of the collision repair industry by donating $25,000 in Benchmark Grant funding, with the following five schools receiving $5,000 each:

  • Center of Applied Technology North (Severn, MD)
  • Eastern Center for Arts & Technology (Willow Grove, PA)
  • Kingwood Park High School (Kingwood Park, TX)
  • Lorenzo Walker Technical College (Naples, FL)
  • Thomas A. Edison Career & Technical Academy (Elizabeth, NJ)

In collaboration with CREF, Fix Auto USA sponsored five $5,000 Benchmark Grants to benefit the following programs:

  • Aims Community College (Windsor, CO)
  • Dos Palos High School (Dos Palos, CA)
  • EHOVE Career Center (Milan, OH)
  • Marengo Community High School District 154 (Marengo, IL)
  • New Market Skills Center (Tumwater, WA)

Nationwide Insurance again partnered with CREF to support collision schools and students by donating $25,000 to fund Benchmark Grants for four schools’ collision education programs. Ft. Hayes Career Center (Columbus, OH) received a $10,000 Benchmark Grant. Additionally, Nationwide awarded $5,000 Benchmark Grants to:

  • Fayetteville Technical Community College (Fayetteville, NC)
  • Judson High School (Converse, TX)
  • Wake Technical Community College (Raleigh, NC)

Crash Champions partnered with CREF to provide $5,000 Benchmark Grants to four collision repair education programs:

  • Iredell-Statesville Career Academy & Technical School (Troutman, NC)
  • Metropolitan Community College (Omaha, NE)
  • North Idaho College (Coeur d’Alene, ID)
  • Ogden High School (Ogden, UT)

LKQ Corporation continued its support of CREF – and the industry’s future generation of repair professionals – by donating $20,000 to fund four 2023 Benchmark Grants. Each of the following schools will receive a $5,000 Benchmark Grant:

  • Lewis-Clark State College (Lewiston, ID)
  • Mercer County Technical Education Center (Princeton, WV)
  • SUN Area Technical Institute (New Berlin, PA)
  • Tulsa Technology Center (Broken Arrow, OK)

Thanks to a $20,000 donation from National Coatings & Supplies (NCS)/Single Source, four collision education programs will receive $5,000 Benchmark Grants:

  • Bay Path (Charlton, MA)
  • Chantilly Academy (Chantilly, VA)
  • Salem County Vocational Technical Schools (Woodstown, NJ)
  • William M. Davies Career & Technical High School (Lincoln, RI)

Axalta supported CREF and the industry at-large by awarding $15,000 worth of funding, which was distributed to three schools in need of assistance to better address the educational needs of students. The following schools each received $5,000:

  • Career Center of Southern Illinois (Red Bud, IL)
  • Holmes County Career Tech Center (Lexington, MS)
  • Perryville Area Career & Technology Center (Perryville, MD)

CCC Intelligent Solutions Inc. (CCC) is proud to announce that three CCC Classroom Enhancement Grants, totaling $15,000, have been awarded through CREF. The 2023 CCC Classroom Grant Award recipients (awarded $5,000 each) include:

  • Greater Lowell Technical High School (Tyngsboro, MA): $3,000
  • Region Two School of Applied Technology (Houlton, ME): $5,000
  • Tarrant County College District (Fort Worth, TX): $7,000

CREF announces Classic Collision has made a $15,000 donation to fund three Benchmark Grants. The three following schools were awarded $5,000 each:

  • Norwalk High School (Norwalk, CA)
  • Stanly Community College (Albemarle, NC)
  • Wenatchee Valley Tech (Wenatchee, WA)

Copart has demonstrated its commitment to the future of the collision repair industry by contributing $15,000 in 2023 Benchmark Grants to three schools in need through CREF. Each of the following schools will receive a $5,000 Benchmark Grant:

  • GST BOCES Coopers Education Center (Painted Post, NY)
  • Montana State University Billings City College (Billings, MT)
  • Prosser Career Education Center (New Albany, IN)

Three collision repair educational programs will each receive a $5,000 Benchmark Grant, funded by the Enterprise Holdings Foundation, through CREF:

  • Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School (Marlboro, MA)
  • New York Automotive & Diesel Institute (Jamaica, NY)
  • Thornton Fractional High School Center for Academics & Technology (Calumet City, IL)

Gerber Collision & Glass, a division of the Boyd Group, Inc., continued to support the collision industry’s future generation by funding three Benchmark Grants via a $15,000 donation to CREF. Three $5,000 Benchmark Grants from Gerber Collision & Glass were awarded to:

  • Forbes Road Career & Technical Center (Monroeville, PA)
  • Fox Valley Technical College (Appleton, WI)
  • Hudson Valley Community College (Troy, NY)

CREF is excited to announce that two worthy schools will each receive $5,000 Benchmark Grants, thanks to the generosity of the Adelmann Family Foundation expanding its support of students through scholarships to include aiding the schools that educate the future generation through these grants. The Adelmann Family Foundation awarded $5,000 Benchmark Grants to:

  • Minnesota State College Southeast (Winona, MN)
  • South Central College (North Mankato, MN)

Yet again, Driven Brands Collision displayed its support for the future of the collision repair industry by donating $10,000 to fund two Driven Collision Benchmark Grants through CREF. These grants elevate the caliber of graduates entering the field and benefit educational facilities located in Driven Brands Collision markets.

Each of the following schools received a $5,000 Driven Collision Grant:

  • Delgado Community College (New Orleans, LA)
  • Kennedy-King College (Chicago, IL)

Continuing its collaboration with CREF, Farmers Insurance® donated $10,000 to fund two Benchmark Grants in support of collision repair education programs at secondary and post-secondary schools. Farmers Insurance awarded $5,000 grants to:

  • Livermore High School (Livermore, CA)
  • South Plains College (Levelland, TX)

The Development Solutions Group supported CREF and the collision industry’s future by awarding two $6,000 Bill Bailey Honorary School Grants to the following:

  • Nichols Career Center (Jefferson City, MO)
  • Lex La-Ray Technical Center (Lexington, MO)

Hayes Chrysler Dodge sponsored a $5,000 Benchmark Grant in support of collision repair education at Lanier Technical College (Gainesville, GA) to enhance their educational offerings and help ensure that the students graduating from their programs are prepared to enter a career in the collision repair industry.

Thanks to the generosity of non-industry entity, J.W. Bagley Foundation, the following two schools will each receive a $5,000 Benchmark Grant to assist with maintaining their programs:

  • Pulaski High School (Milwaukee, WI)
  • Rio Grande City High School (Rio Grande City, TX)

A donation from OEM1Stop created two grants, awarded to:

  • Hawkeye Community College (Waterloo, IA): $6,000
  • Waite High School (Toledo, OH): $5,000

PartsTrader funded a $5,000 Benchmark Grant which was bestowed upon Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School (Palmer, MA).

Stellantis also continued its support of the Foundation and collision schools by sponsoring a $5,000 Benchmark Grant to benefit Baton Rouge Community College (Baton Rouge, LA).

CREF is also excited to announce that 32 secondary and post-secondary schools in the United States will benefit from Benchmark Grants funded through the efforts of 14 devoted I-CAR Committees. Through the employment of various fundraising methods, funds totaling $234,500 were generated, which will aid the industry’s future generation in becoming prepared for a career in collision repair. The 14 I-CAR Committees and the grants they bestowed include:

Atlanta I-CAR Committee

  • Athens Technical College (Athens, GA): $5,000
  • Etowah High School (Woodstock, GA): $15,000
  • Lanier Technical College (Gainesville, GA): $10,000
  • Maxwell High School of Technology (Lawrenceville, GA): $15,000
  • North Georgia Technical College (Clarkesville, GA): $10,000
  • Paulding County High School (Dallas, GA): $10,000

Broward County I-CAR Committee

  • Atlantic Technical College (Coconut Creek, FL): $5,000
  • Mcfatter College (Davie, FL): $5,000
  • Sheridan Technical College (Hollywood, FL): $5,000

Central Pennsylvania I-CAR Committee

  • Dauphin County Technical School (Harrisburg, PA): $10,000
  • Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology (Lancaster, PA): $10,000

Greater Philadelphia I-CAR Committee

  • Berks Career & Technology Center (Oley, PA): $5,000
  • Career Institute of Technology (Easton, PA): $10,000
  • Lebanon County Career & Technology Center (Lebanon, PA): $5,000
  • Northern Westmoreland Career & Technology Center (New Kensington, PA): $5,000
  • Rosedale Technical College (Pittsburgh, PA): $5,000

Indianapolis I-CAR Committee

  • Walker Career Center (Indianapolis, IN): $5,000

Knoxville I-CAR Committee

  • TCAT (Knoxville, TN): $5,000
  • TCAT (Morristown, TN): $5,000

Maryland I-CAR Committee

  • Gaithersburg High School (Gaithersburg, MD): $17,000

Nashville I-CAR Committee

  • Northwest High School (Clarksville, TN): $5,000
  • TCAT (Smyrna, TN): $5,000

Palm Beach I-CAR Committee

  • South Tech Academy (Boynton Beach, FL): $5,000

Phoenix I-CAR Committee

  • Andrada High School (Tucson, AZ): $5,000
  • Sunny Side High School (Tucson, AZ): $5,000
  • West-MEC (Phoenix, AZ): $10,000

Rhode Island I-CAR Committee

  • New England Institute of Technology (East Greenwich, RI): $20,000

St. Louis I-CAR Committee

  • Lewis and Clark Career Center (St. Charles, MO): $2,500
  • North Technical High School (Florissant, MO): $2,500
  • South Technical High School (Sunset Hills, MO): $2,500

Western North Carolina I-CAR Committee

  • Sandhills Community College (Pinehurst, NC): $5,000

Wisconsin I-CAR Committee

  • Freedom High School (Freedom, WI): $5,000

Eligibility for these awards was achieved by applying for the Collision Repair Education Foundation’s 2023 Collision School Career Readiness Benchmark Grant. The Collision School Career Readiness Benchmark Grants recognize schools that excel at educating students in collision repair, but due to strained school budgets, the programs require additional financial assistance. Recipient schools use these funds to provide the tools, equipment and supplies necessary to enhance their students’ learning experience and elevate the caliber of their graduates, ensuring that graduates are prepared to successfully enter the workforce upon graduation. Applications for the 2024 Collision School Career Readiness Benchmark Grants will be available online in Spring 2024.

Industry members interested in getting involved and supporting the Collision Repair Education Foundation’s efforts to assist secondary and post-secondary collision repair training programs can Contact Us to learn about the many ways to get involved. Monetary donations can be made online.

The Collision Repair Education Foundation, founded in 1991, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting collision repair educational programs, schools, and students to create qualified, entry-level employees and connect them with an array of career opportunities. For information on how to donate to programs supported by the Education Foundation, visit us online at: www.CollisionEducationFoundation.org.

Follow us on social media on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

If you would like more information about this topic or any of CREF’s initiatives, please email info@ed-foundation.org.

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CREF Celebrates 2023 PiN Master Winners

Hoffman Estates, Ill. (October 16, 2023) –

The Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) is excited to celebrate the winners of the 2023 PiN Master Challenge, held in conjunction with FinishMaster’s Hood Master Challenge on September 22, 2023 at the Biltwell in Indianapolis, IN. Over 350 guests turned out to participate in this year’s event.

Congratulations to this year’s victors who won tools and equipment to help advance their careers:

  • 1st Place: Ahryus Griffin, ‘Murica (GST BOCES Coopers Education Center; Painted Post, NY)
  • 2nd Place: Julian Perez, Project Neon Razor (Duncanville High School; Duncanville, TX)
  • 3rd Place: Kenny Rolle, Hot Fudge Sundae (Sheridan Technical College; Hollywood, FL)
  • Wild Card: Kenny Rolle, Hot Fudge Sundae (Sheridan Technical College; Hollywood, FL)

“The 2023 PiN Master Challenge allowed collision students to demonstrate their skills – and showcase their talents – by designing and creating the best restored and painted bowling pin,” explained Tiffany Bulak, CREF Program Manager. “It’s vital that we take advantage of all possible opportunities to generate excitement around this industry and its viability as a career option for students to consider by spotlighting both the industry and the students studying collision repair in high school or college.”

The third annual iteration of this collaboration provided students with an opportunity to compete against each other for prizes, equipment and bragging rights by repairing, designing and painting retired bowling pins in an effort to showcase these students’ skills and to support the future of this industry. Further championing CREF’s mission to support collision repair educational programs, schools and students, FinishMaster also hosted the third annual Hood Master fundraiser, where industry supporters can bid on the beautifully artistic hoods and pins created by last year’s Hood Master and PiN Master competitors!

“This year, over 50 pins were entered into the competition, and FinishMaster raised a record-breaking $30,000 for CREF through the Hood Master fundraiser, where industry supporters bid on the beautifully artistic hoods and pins created by last year’s Hood Master and PiN Master competitors!” Bulak added. “We’re excited to see PiN Master grow each year, and we urge industry professionals to encourage students they might know to showcase their talents.

“We need to generate excitement around this industry and its viability as a career option for students to consider,” CREF Executive Director, Brandon Eckenrode encouraged. “Opportunities like this bring a spotlight to both the industry and the students studying collision repair in high school or college – that’s a win for everyone.”

Stay tuned for updates on the 2024 PiN Master Challenge as they become available at collisioneducationfoundation.org/pin-master-challenge.

Industry members interested in getting involved and supporting the Collision Repair Education Foundation’s efforts to assist secondary and post-secondary collision repair training programs can Contact Us to learn about the many ways to get involved. Monetary donations can be made online.

The Collision Repair Education Foundation, founded in 1991, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting collision repair educational programs, schools, and students to create qualified, entry-level employees and connect them with an array of career opportunities. For information on how to donate to programs supported by the Education Foundation, visit us online at: www.CollisionEducationFoundation.org.

Follow us on social media on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

If you would like more information about this topic or any of CREF’s initiatives, please email info@ed-foundation.org.

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CREF Welcomes Kristle Bollans to Board of Directors

Hoffman Estates, Ill. (October 4, 2023) 

The Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) is excited to welcome Kristle Bollans, Senior Director of Replacement Accounts for The Hertz Corporation, to its Board of Directors.

“The Foundation is thrilled to have Kristle join our Board of Directors,” shares CREF Executive Director Brandon Eckenrode. “Her industry experience will certainly be a major asset, and I look forward to her joining in our efforts to support collision school programs and students.”

Bollans’ industry experience began 20 years ago with The Hertz Corporation where she held positions in both the Airport and Off-Airport Divisions. In her current role as Senior Director of Replacement Accounts, she oversees the carrier and body shop Rental Management program for North America.

“I am very engaged and connected within the collision industry,” Bollans says. “I actively volunteer my time to help support and grow this industry. I am extremely passionate about giving back and leaving the industry better than when I got here.”

Prior to joining CREF’s Board, Bollans has spent many years working with CREF, coordinating volunteers for local career fairs and volunteering herself. For over five years, she has participated on the scholarship selection team. In addition to sitting on CREF’s Board, Bollans serves on the Board of Directors for the National Auto Body Council (NABC) where she serves as Vice Chair of the Community Involvement Committee and Co-Chair of the Membership Committee. She also sits on the Board of Directors for the Women’s Industry Network (WIN) and serves as Chair of WIN’s Industry Relations Committee. Additionally, she participates on the Advisory Committee for Madison College’s collision repair program.

Kristle studied Human Resources and Business Management at Madison College, originally intending to become a Director of Christian Education and then an Elementary School teacher. She shares, “I firmly believe that learning and education is not a linear experience and that there are many paths for people to achieve success in their lives.”

Bollans currently resides in Madison, WI with her husband and two children. She looks forward to her closer involvement with the Foundation. “I believe in the mission and the vision for CREF; it aligns with me personally.”

Industry members interested in getting involved and supporting the Collision Repair Education Foundation’s efforts to assist secondary and post-secondary collision repair training programs can Contact Us to learn about the many ways to get involved. Monetary donations can be made online.

The Collision Repair Education Foundation, founded in 1991, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting collision repair educational programs, schools, and students to create qualified, entry-level employees and connect them with an array of career opportunities. For information on how to donate to programs supported by the Education Foundation, visit us online at: www.CollisionEducationFoundation.org.

Follow us on social media on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

If you would like more information about this topic or any of CREF’s initiatives, please email info@ed-foundation.org.

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CREF Fall 2023 High School & College Transportation Student Career Fairs Connect Industry with Future Collision Professionals

Hoffman Estates, Ill. (September 11, 2023) –

Looking for fresh talent to fill your bays and keep your workflow flowing productively? Shops, suppliers and other collision industry businesses seeking qualified help need look no further than the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) Fall 2023 High School and College Transportation Student Career Fairs, where they’ll have the opportunity to engage with future collision repair professionals. With events scheduled all across the country, employers won’t want to miss the chance to get to know hundreds – or even thousands! – of incoming industry professionals in their market.

“Engaging with future transportation industry professionals is vital for all segments of the industry – collision centers, dealerships and even paint, tool and equipment companies – in order to generate brand awareness for the business and also to showcase the diverse career paths available to the students in attendance,” says CREF Program Manager Tiffany Bulak. “CREF’s Career Fairs provide a unique opportunity for collision industry employers to connect with students who have trained for entry-level positions and are ready to start their careers.”

Fall 2023 High School & College Transportation Student Career Fair Schedule

  • October 12: 3M Headquarters (St. Paul, MN)
  • October 18: Oakland Community College (Auburn Hills, MI)
  • November 8: Sheridan Technical College (Hollywood, FL)
  • November 9: South Tech Education Center (Boynton Beach, FL)
  • November 29: Axalta Training Center (Concord, NC)
  • December 5: Collins College (McKinney, TX)
  • December 7: Fort Hayes Career Center (Columbus, OH)

To complement the physical career fair events and ensure CREF helps connect students with employers across the country, CREF also has an electronic student resume database with contact information for over 600 collision students.           

Interested in participating in an event listed above – or in collaborating with CREF to schedule one in your market? Contact CREF Program Manager Tiffany Bulak at Tiffany.Bulak@ed-foundation.org.

Can’t attend a career fair but still anxious to get your company name in front of incoming technicians? Support local high school and college collision students by sponsoring work uniforms to ensure the future workforce recognizes the value of looking professional. For a donation of just $80 per student, companies can provide students with a brand-new Cintas technician shirt (branded with your logo) and a pair of work pants. Alternately, a donation of $40 per student will provide students with a branded technician shirt. Sponsoring companies also have the opportunity to meet with students to distribute the uniforms. Email Tiffany.Bulak@ed-foundation.org to learn more.

Industry members interested in getting involved and supporting the Collision Repair Education Foundation’s efforts to assist secondary and post-secondary collision repair training programs can Contact Us to learn about the many ways to get involved. Monetary donations can be made online.

The Collision Repair Education Foundation, founded in 1991, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting collision repair educational programs, schools, and students to create qualified, entry-level employees and connect them with an array of career opportunities. For information on how to donate to programs supported by the Education Foundation, visit us online at: www.CollisionEducationFoundation.org.

Follow us on social media on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

If you would like more information about this topic or any of CREF’s initiatives, please email info@ed-foundation.org.

By

CREF Welcomes John Eck to Board of Directors

Hoffman Estates, Ill. (September 11, 2023) –

The Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) is excited to welcome John Eck, head of Product, Accident Assistance, General Motors Global Strategy & Innovation Future Digital Products, to its Board of Directors.

“The Foundation is thrilled to have John join our Board of Directors,” shares CREF Executive Director Brandon Eckenrode. “His vast array of industry experience is certain to be a major asset, and I look forward to him joining in our efforts to support collision school programs and students.”

Eck boasts more than 30 years of experience in the automotive aftermarket industry, having held numerous field sales, marketing and management positions in several business segments in the United States, Canada and South Africa for GM. For eight years, he served as the Collision manager for GM Customer Care and Aftersales, a role in which he was responsible for managing parts strategies, developing and executing innovative programs, and deepening industry relationships. In April 2022, Eck joined the Global Innovation team as head of Product, Accident Assistance, to improve the customer journey/ownership experience and develop new solutions that drive revenue and retention. Within GM, he developed the GM Collision Repair Network with much input from collision repairers.

Additionally, Eck was the GM product owner who, “led a team to create and develop MyPriceLink (MPL), a dynamic pricing engine which runs on multiple algorithms that consider multiple variables of an estimate,” he explains. “The project took several years to build, configure and integrate into the three estimating platforms and over a dozen dealer DMS systems, but upon launch, it has provided new opportunities to connect and communicate to all stakeholders. MPL is more than just a pricing tool, it has unlocked numerous other opportunities!” He also considers himself a, “life-long car enthusiast and DIYer when it comes to vehicle repair and maintenance.”

Over the past decade, Eck has been deeply engaged in the collision industry with many stakeholders and is customer-focused, excelling at engaging with collision repair professionals, making contacts at their place of business, talking and meeting with techs and understanding their perspective as well as engaging with owners to understand their challenges.

In addition to serving two terms on the I-CAR Board of Director’s Strategic Planning and Finance Committees, Eck held the position of president and chairman of the board for the OEM Roundtable from 2017-2020 and is an active participant on the CIC Governance Committee, two CIECA committees, SCRS, IBIS and OEC Advanced Repair Logic. “I enjoy working on the bigger issues and finding solutions,” he shares.

Eck is excited about joining CREF’s Board because “I look forward to working alongside this group of industry colleagues to do what I can to support and help this industry solve this technician shortage crisis. I want to see a vibrant industry grow and for others to recognize the important work the collision repair industry provides to support safety.”

Industry members interested in getting involved and supporting the Collision Repair Education Foundation’s efforts to assist secondary and post-secondary collision repair training programs can Contact Us to learn about the many ways to get involved. Monetary donations can be made online.

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The Collision Repair Education Foundation, founded in 1991, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting collision repair educational programs, schools, and students to create qualified, entry-level employees and connect them with an array of career opportunities. For information on how to donate to programs supported by the Education Foundation, visit us online at: www.CollisionEducationFoundation.org.

Follow us on social media on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

If you would like more information about this topic or any of CREF’s initiatives, please email info@ed-foundation.org.