Collision Repair Education Foundation

Melissa Marscin

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Collision Repair Education Foundation Announces Spring Career Fair Schedule; 10,000+ High School & College Transportation Students Anticipated to Attend

Hoffman Estates, Ill. (October 12, 2021) – The Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) is excited to announce the return of their high school and college transportation (collision, auto service) career fair events for the upcoming spring 2022 semester. As CREF is collaborating with other events (auto shows, industry conferences, World of Wheels events) the career fairs are anticipated to bring together over 10,000 students, which will prove to be a great opportunity for industry employers who continue to face an aging workforce and dire need for entry-level staff.

Ferman Auto Group Collision Director Chris Shrewsbury noted, “We have hired over 20 students at CREF’s Florida career fairs and found these to be great events to interact with local students. I encourage industry members to participate in these events so students can see and meet those who are waiting to employ them upon graduation.”

Spring 2022 Career Fair Schedule

  • January 21st – Pittsburgh (PA) – Held in conjunction with Pittsburgh World of Wheels/AutoRama Student Day – 600 Students Anticipated
  • February 4th – North & South Carolina – Held in conjunction with the Carolinas Collision Conference – 400 Students Anticipated
  • March 4th – Oklahoma City (OK) – Held in conjunction with the Oklahoma City Auto Show – 600 Students Anticipated
  • March 4th – Detroit (MI) – Held in conjunction with the Detroit World of Wheels/AutoRama Student Day – 4,500 Students Anticipated
  • March 11th – Chicago (IL) – Held in conjunction with the Chicago World of Wheels/AutoRama Student Day – 1,500 Students Anticipated
  • March 25th – Indianapolis (IN) – Held in conjunction with Indianapolis World of Wheels/AutoRama Student Day – 600 Students Anticipated
  • April 8th – Tulsa (OK) – Held in conjunction with the Tulsa Auto Show – 500 Students Anticipated
  • April 19th – Atlanta (GA) – Maxwell High School of Technology – 200 Students Anticipated
  • April 22nd – Austin/ San Antonio (TX) – Held in conjunction with the Austin Auto Show – 600 Students Anticipated
  • Events TBD: Tampa/Orlando (FL), Miami (FL), Columbus (OH), Dallas (TX)

To compliment the physical career fair events and ensure CREF helps connect students with employers across the country, CREF has started an electronic student resume database this fall and already has over 600 collision students contact information. Industry members interested in information about the career fairs and/or the student resume database should contact CREF Development and Marketing Coordinator Tiffany Bulak.  

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.

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Lon Baudoux Scholarship Winner Pursues Collision Repair Career in Memory of Older Brother

Hoffman Estates, Ill. (July 10, 2021) –

When Isaiah McKie was 16 years old, he and his 17-year-old brother, Ezekiel, were struck by a car while crossing the street. Although McKie suffered only a sprained ankle and bruising, his brother took a more direct hit and was killed. McKie has been interested in auto body work since he “was really young, but my brother’s dream was to become a body technician, so his death really solidified my intent.”

Growing up, McKie enjoyed listening to his uncle’s stories about repairing expensive vehicles as a BMW body technician, and he was fascinated watching the restorations on “Gas Monkey Garage.” But he especially loved spending time with his brother, and after Ezekiel’s death, “I felt compelled to pursue my brother’s dream in his place,” McKie said.

A 2021 graduate of Lakewood High School, McKie recently received a $7,000 Lon Baudoux Memorial Scholarship, which will help finance his continued education in Collision Repair Technology. Created to honor I-CAR Development Manager Lon Baudoux, the scholarship is largely funded by I-CAR staff, and it is awarded through the Collision Repair Education Foundation.

“Receiving the Lon Baudoux Memorial Scholarship will make a difference in my life because I will be able to pay for my schooling without getting into debt,” McKie shared. “Winning the scholarship will help me complete my training in a career I love, as well as finish what my brother Ezekiel couldn’t since he passed away three years ago.”

When Warren Tech accepted McKie into their collision program for his senior year, it provided “an opportunity for me to spend half a day at my home high school and half in Warren Tech’s Auto Collision Technology program. I have learned to weld, pull dents, use a DA sander, repair fenders, R&I, and even work on polishing and detailing. We learned estimating, both on paper and on the computer, and had the opportunity to take I-CAR courses, allowing me to obtain my Pro-Level 1 certification,” he said.

Dent pulling and welding quickly became McKie’s favorite skills: “It takes a lot of patience. It’s been pretty cool to learn a skill that I didn’t know I could do just a year ago. My collision instructor said that I have a ‘feel for the metal’ and that my metal work was flawless.”

“Education is valued by my family,” McKie continued. “I greatly appreciate all the skills I’ve learned from Warren Tech, and I plan to continue improving my skills to make my brother proud – I know this is what he’d want for me. My experiences have taught me that life presents many challenges, but no one can take away your education.”

The Lon Baudoux Scholarship funds will financially assist McKie as he continues his education by pursuing an associate degree in Auto Collision Repair at Red Rocks Community College. “After I complete my second year of the program, I plan to work in an auto body shop where I can learn everything possible and work my way up. I realize that I’ll have to work hard to establish a name for myself, and I dream of becoming a respected A technician and being good enough to open my own shop someday.”

“Because of my brother’s death, I want to do what I can to keep people safe on the road. When someone brings in a car that needs to be fixed, I know how important it is to get the car back to its original condition to keep not only the driver and passengers safe, but also pedestrians,” McKie continued. “When I have my own shop, I’ll be able to help people who cannot afford body work. I want to have a well-respected business that gives back to the community.”

McKie’s charitable thoughts stem from a lifetime of community service. With his family, he has volunteered at church and the library, in addition to feeding the homeless and veterans through local food banks. He shared, “I have grown up in a Christian family that believes in volunteering and making the world a better place, and I plan on continuing this family tradition for the rest of my life.”

Serving as Warren Tech’s SkillsUSA secretary, McKie demonstrated his commitment to community service and leadership. “I like to consider myself a quiet leader, who leads by example,” he said.

McKie has a bright future in the collision repair industry and is positioned for great things. “I like the auto body repair industry because it’s fun and hands-on, and I know that I will be a body tech for a long time,” he said. “I look forward to what the future has for me in this industry.”

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 should contact Brandon Eckenrode, Director of Development, at 312-231-0258 or Brandon.Eckenrode@ed-foundation.org. 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.

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If you would like more information about this topic, please email info@ed-foundation.org.

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Four Passionate Students Receive Tim Clark Memorial Scholarships from Driven Brands and the Collision Repair Education Foundation

Hoffman Estates, Ill. (June 30, 2021) –

Driven Brands and the Collision Repair Education Foundation partnered yet again to award Tim Clark Memorial Scholarships to four fortunate collision repair students. Recipients were chosen from a pool of high school seniors and post-secondary students who have demonstrated their passion for and desire to enter the collision repair industry. Each student received a $1,000 scholarship to be used toward tuition, books, and tools.

“As industry leaders, we need to raise awareness about opportunities within our field and support future technicians by providing these vocational schools with much-needed resources,” said Matt Bell, Vice President of Franchise Services, Driven Brands. “In partnership with the Collision Repair Education Foundation, we are excited about the potential we are seeing in these talented students, and we hope these funds fuel the growth of collision repair programs.”

The recipients of the 2021 Tim Clark Memorial Scholarships include:

  • Kevin Perez (Warren Tech – Lakewood, CO)
  • Mark Simmons (Kennedy-King College – Chicago, IL)
  • Alfredo Valladares (Kennedy-King College – Chicago, IL)
  • Jimena Villalobos Centeno (Hennepin Technical College – Brooklyn Park, MN)

The Tim Clark Memorial Scholarship was established in 2015 after Tim Clark, a 37-year industry veteran and executive at Fix Auto USA, passed away. As a strong advocate for education and seeking one’s higher purpose in life, Clark left directions and funding to initiate the scholarship, which was embraced by Driven Brands and CREF in an effort to continue his legacy.

Donations can be made to the Foundation in direct support of the Fix Auto USA—Tim Clark Memorial Scholarship to ensure more students have continued access to an education in the collision repair industry.

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 should contact Brandon Eckenrode, Director of Development, at 312-231-0258 or Brandon.Eckenrode@ed-foundation.org. 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.

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If you would like more information about this topic, please email info@ed-foundation.org.

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CCC and Collision Repair Education Foundation Award Scholarships to Deserving Students

Hoffman Estates, Ill. (June 30 , 2021) – The Collision Repair Education Foundation and CCC Intelligent Solutions Inc. (CCC) are proud to announce three exceptional students as winners of the CCC Michael Salvatore Repair Technician Scholarship program. The CCC scholarship program has been in place since 2006 and awards scholarships to students currently enrolled in post-secondary collision repair programs and who have demonstrated superior academic achievement.

The recipients of CCC’s 2021 student scholarship program will receive a $3,000 scholarship. Recipients include:

  • Carter Brandes (South Central College – North Mankato, MN)
  • David Thomas (Warren Tech – Lakewood, CO)
  • Martell Wilson (Kennedy-King College– Chicago, IL)

“Congratulations to this year’s recipients for their hard work and commitment to excellence in collision repair,” said Andreas Hecht, senior vice president, OEM and new ventures for CCC. “Education and training are essential as our industry works to keep pace with increasingly complex vehicles and advanced technology required for better repair outcomes. CCC is proud to support the next generation of collision repairers as they work to prepare for a rewarding career in the automotive industry.”

Post-secondary collision repair education students were eligible for this award, which provides financial support to ensure students are able to continue their education, preparing them for a successful career in body shops around the country.

CCC is a founding member of the Collision Repair Education Foundation. For additional information, visit cccis.com.

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 should contact Brandon Eckenrode, Director of Development, at 312-231-0258 or Brandon.Eckenrode@ed-foundation.org.

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.

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If you would like more information about this topic, please email info@ed-foundation.org.

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Collision Repair Education Foundation Announces 2021 Board of Trustees, Lon Baudoux and Sulkala Family Scholarship Winners

Hoffman Estates, Ill. (June 30, 2021) –

The Collision Repair Education Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of its 2021 Board of Trustees Scholarships, Lon Baudoux Memorial Scholarships, and Sulkala Family Scholarship. Including these awards, the Foundation has facilitated the industry’s generosity to fund over $100,000 in 2021 scholarships as part of its ongoing efforts to support future collision repair industry professionals as they obtain their educations.

“We are honored to be able to help these students with the education costs,” said Melissa Marscin, Director of Operations and Administration for CREF. “Each one of these students has a strong drive and passion for collision repair, and we look forward to welcoming them in the industry.”

Two students will receive $2,000 Collision Repair Education Foundation Board of Trustees Scholarships:

  • Chloe Harvey (Mid-Coast School of Technology – Rockland, ME)
  • Samuel Roble (Southeast Technical College – Winona, MN)

Funded by current members of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, this scholarship provides students with financial assistance to be used towards tuition and other costs associated with their education in collision repair.

The Sulkala Family Scholarship, valued at $1,500 each, was awarded to:

  • Joshua Campos (Warren Tech – Lakewood, CO)
  • Cody Thomas (Kirkwood Community College – Cedar Rapids, IA)

Administered by the Foundation, the Sulkala Family Scholarship was created to honor the 50-year career and legacy of Chuck Sulkala, founder and executive director of the National Auto Body Council (NABC), who retired in 2018.

The recipient of a $7,000 Lon Baudoux Memorial Scholarship was:

  • Isaiah Mckie (Warren Tech – Lakewood, CO)

Created to honor Lon Baudoux, I-CAR Development Manager who passed away in 2008, the Lon Baudoux Memorial Scholarship is funded primarily by I-CAR staff and instructors who worked with Baudoux, in recognition of the importance he placed on secondary and post-secondary collision repair students receiving a proper education. Scholarship funds are designed to help students finance their education. Recipients are selected based on academic excellence, as well as participation in outside activities, such as sports, clubs, and volunteer work.

Secondary and post-secondary collision repair education students were eligible for these awards, which provide students with financial support to enable them to continue their education and prepare them for a successful career in body shops around the country.

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 should contact Brandon Eckenrode, Director of Development, at 312-231-0258 or Brandon.Eckenrode@ed-foundation.org. 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.

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If you would like more information about this topic, please email info@ed-foundation.org.

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Gerber Collision & Glass Awards $10,000 in Scholarships Through the Collision Repair Education Foundation

Hoffman Estates, Ill. (June 11, 2021) –

Gerber Collision & Glass, a division of the Boyd Group, Inc., has continued its support of the collision industry’s future generation by funding $2,500 scholarships for four individual students, in partnership with the Collision Repair Education Foundation.

“We remain a strong supporter of CREF and are committed to developing technicians of the future,” said Kevin Burnett, Gerber Collision & Glass COO. “These scholarships will make a difference in our team members’ lives and show our commitment to the future of our industry. Congratulations to all and we look forward to them growing their careers with our company.”

Recipients of the 2021 student scholarships from Gerber Collision & Glass include:

  • Justin Arace (Central Carolina Community College – Sanford, NC)
  • Olivia Peterson (College of Lake County – Grayslake, IL)
  • Mark Simmons (Kennedy-King College – Chicago, IL)
  • Sarah Skertich (Lincoln College of Technology – Melrose Park, IL)

Post-secondary collision repair education students were eligible for this award, which provides financial support to ensure students are able to continue their education, preparing them for a successful career in body shops around the country.

Gerber Collision & Glass has been a longtime supporter of the Foundation. For additional information, visit gerbercollision.com.

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 should contact Brandon Eckenrode, Director of Development, at 312-231-0258 or Brandon.Eckenrode@ed-foundation.org.

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.

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If you would like more information about this topic, please email info@ed-foundation.org.