News & Events

Hoffman Estates, Ill. (June 6, 2023) –

Congratulations to Brandon Eckenrode, newly named Executive Director of the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF)!

While Eckenrode’s collision industry career began in 2002 in I-CAR’s marketing department, he joined the Foundation’s team as Associate Director of Development in 2009 while the organization was “transitioning from distributing curriculum to collision school programs to becoming the philanthropic focused organization it is today,” he recalls, identifying his early responsibilities as “educating the industry on the new focus and showcasing how CREF is uniquely positioned to facilitate industry support to collision programs in need.”

As Director of Development from 2012 through 2021, Eckenrode was heavily involved with CREF’s successful growth through his management of various projects and events that helped the organization gain visibility within the industry and beyond. For the past two years, he has served as the Foundation’s Managing Director, a role that has required him to “work closely with CREF’s Board of Trustees, staff and our partners to execute the organizational goals and strategic mission.” His skill and passion have earned him the well-deserved promotion to Executive Director of the Foundation.

“On behalf of the CREF Board of Trustees, we are thrilled to have Brandon promoted to the Executive Director position,” shares CREF Chair Steve Schmidt (State Farm). “Brandon’s performance over the past two years, his thoughtful leadership and his support of the CREF staff all contributed to this decision. With Brandon leading CREF’s efforts, we look forward to the future and to supporting the fantastic CREF team’s focus on continued growth and success within its mission to ‘support collision repair educational programs, schools and students to create qualified, entry-level employees and connect them with an array of career opportunities.’”

“It’s been a pleasure working with Brandon over the past few years,” agrees Vice Chair Brenda Hogen (Parts Trader). “His dedication and industry knowledge are second to none. Taking on the Executive Director role was an obvious next step given his leadership skills and industry knowledge. Brandon has represented the Collision Repair Education Foundation well by educating and advocating for students and schools for many years. His professionalism and expertise will serve to not only fulfill the mission, but also cultivate and utilize the team to their fullest potential. We’re fortunate to have Brandon’s dedicated leadership to continue to promote CREF’s mission and vision in ensuring we have sustaining programs to fulfill industry needs for technical expertise. We look forward to continued success.”

Eckenrode is honored by the opportunity to “lead the amazing CREF team. I have very big shoes to fill after CREF’s previous Executive Director Clark Plucinski. I feel very fortunate to be part of an industry and organization that I deeply admire. I plan to utilize my incredible network of industry contacts to get feedback and guidance while in this new leadership role, so we can continue to strengthen our longstanding reputation of supporting collision programs and ensure the industry is connected with these instructors and students nationwide.”

“I believe that CREF, in conjunction with its partners, will play a significant role in helping to educate the public on the technical trades being a viable career path option for students to consider and more specifically collision repair industry,” he adds, regarding his future aspirations for the Foundation. “This is possible by investing in local high school and post-secondary collision programs, ensuring they have the necessary tools/equipment needed to provide a quality technical education, removing financial barriers for students through scholarships/tool grants, and connecting students with the wide array of collision industry employers to address the aging workforce this industry faces like many other technical trades. Industry stakeholder engagement and collaboration will be essential for this to happen, and I envision CREF being a leader in facilitating this work.”

Eckenrode’s promotion comes shortly after the addition of two new members to CREF’s philanthropic family.

Meg Whalen recently joined the Foundation’s team as Administrative Assistant. A Chicago native, Meg boasts over 20 years’ experience as an Administrative Assistant who has worked for a wide range of industries, ranging from an oil company to a retirement community. “Each company came with new challenges and lifelong friendships,” she shares. “I’m looking forward to the same here at CREF as I learn more about the collision repair industry and how I can best support the Foundation’s goals.”

As the new Donor Development Coordinator, Kate Piazza will largely be focused on “putting the puzzle pieces together to really communicate impact to our donors and sponsors by providing missing data, connecting relationships and making informed decisions based on real giving history and capacity,” she explains. Having worked with non-profit organizations for the past decade, she hopes to “really enhance the capacity of the Foundation to grow more strategically by having a clear set of actionable steps to help reach those funding goals.”

“I am excited about CREF’s recent team growth which will help the organization execute its goals,” Eckenrode notes. “I look forward to focusing on how I can be supportive of the full CREF team and ensuring that they have the tools and resources for the organization to be successful moving forward.”

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.

Hoffman Estates, Ill. (May 15, 2023),

Today’s vehicles are basically supercomputers on wheels, so students considering a future career in collision repair need access to the latest technology to better understand what life will look like in the shops where they will be employed. Fortunately, each year, thousands of collision repair students across the country receive the opportunity to learn on the same software widely used by the collision repair facilities and insurance carriers – at no cost to the school or students – thanks to the generosity of Audatex, a Solera Company; CCC Intelligent Solutions Inc. (CCC); and Mitchell, an Enlyte company, who all partner with the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) to support secondary and post-secondary students by donating software subscriptions. In 2022, software subscriptions valued at over $9.2 million were donated to collision repair educational programs at 517 schools across the United States.

“The Foundation is incredibly grateful to Audatex, CCC and Mitchell for their ongoing generosity and support of the collision industry’s schools and students. Without them, we would not be able to provide the next generation of technicians, estimators and suppliers with this invaluable opportunity,” says CREF Director of Operations and Impact Melissa Marscin. “Because collision schools’ funding is often very constricted, it is not always within their budgets to purchase the latest programs and technologies for students to learn on. The free subscriptions received from Audatex, CCC and Mitchell allow these schools to teach their students on the same program that they’re likely to encounter after graduation, ultimately making them better entry-level employees. After all, students who have access to the most recent technology during their education are more likely to be successful when they begin their career in the industry.”

“It is vital to equip students with the tools they need to succeed in order to build up the future of the collision repair industry,” Bill Brower, Vice President of Industry Relations at Solera, indicates. “That’s why we are proud to continue our support of the next generation of estimators and technicians through this software donation.”

Audatex’s generous software donations are part of the company’s collaboration with the Foundation on the Audatex Educational Institutions Program, which also provides eligible schools with access to online courses and training, a custom curriculum that includes CEUs, I-CAR points and technical support. This partnership has provided Audatex estimating software to over 300 schools’ collision repair programs, a number that increases each year. In 2022 alone, 59 schools in 29 states received Audatex software. To qualify for the Audatex Educational Institutions Program, technical schools in the United States and Canada offering a collision repair program must complete the Educational Institutions Program contact form found at Audatex.us.

“The need for additional collision repair staff has never been greater and the skills required are different than just a few years ago,” said Andreas Hecht, senior vice president, OEM services group, CCC. “Familiarity with the latest technology is paramount, and CCC is proud to support CREF and its mission to create qualified employees for the industry.”

CCC is a founding member of CREF and has helped tens of thousands of students from more than 500 schools through its generous donation of software, onsite and virtual training, and world-class technical support services, delivered at no cost to the students or schools. In 2022, 263 schools in 40 states received free CCC ONE Estimating software. The company  also grants access to its leading solution to connect repairers to automaker repair procedures and  and its  mobile estimating solution, which  allows estimates to be written right at the car.

“Collision repair facilities are facing a significant technician shortage that requires the support of all industry stakeholders to solve,” said Debbie Day, executive vice president and general manager of Mitchell’s Auto Physical Damage division. “By making our advanced solutions available to the next generation of collision repairers, we can help CREF fulfill its vision to create qualified, trained and productive entry-level employees that meet market needs, both now and in the future.”     

Last year alone, Mitchell provided students at nearly 200 participating schools in 40 states with free access to its estimating software, Mitchell Cloud Estimating, and Integrated Repair Procedures. The software works seamlessly with the company’s cloud-based product suite and Diagnostics as a Service (DaaS) solutions—giving future collision repairers essential training on technologies designed to improve efficiency and support proper, safe repairs. Using Mitchell solutions, students also learn the importance of OEM procedures as they diagnose collision damage and develop repair plans for today’s complex vehicles.  

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.

Hoffman Estates, Ill. (April 17, 2023) –

The Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) excitedly announces that it will again be partnering with FinishMaster for the 3^rd Annual PiN Master Challenge, which offers a chance for high school and college collision tech students to compete for prizes, equipment and bragging rights! Held in conjunction with FinishMaster’s Hood Master Challenge, PiN Master is scheduled for September 22, 2023 at 6-9pm at the Biltwell in Indianapolis, IN.

“The 2023 PiN Master Challenge allows collision students to demonstrate their skills – and showcase their talents – by designing and creating the best restored and painted bowling pin, offering an optimal opportunity to demonstrate the artistry painters in this industry exhibit. We hope you’ll join us for a fun evening of exception art, networking and support for collision repair students,” explains Tiffany Bulak, CREF Program Manager. “A panel of industry professionals and influencers will judge each entry on design, repair and paint technique to select four winners to win prizes, such as paint guns and other useful tools, to help advance them in their careers.”

Eligibility for the 2023 PiN Master Challenge is open to any high school or college student enrolled in collision repair program, including students graduating in May or June 2023. Registration is now open, and CREF will be accepting entries through Friday, August 18. Additional information and registration information can be found at collisioneducationfoundation.org/pin-master-challenge.

Further championing CREF’s mission to support collision repair educational programs, schools and students, FinishMaster will also be hosting 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! FinishMaster raised $13,000 for the Foundation during last year’s auction. More information about Hood Master, including sponsorship opportunities, can be found at finishmaster.com/hood-master-challenge.

“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,” Bulak says. “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.”

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.

 

Hoffman Estates, Ill. (March 7,2023) –

The Caliber family of brands, including Caliber Collision alongside Caliber Auto Care and Caliber Auto Glass, lives its purpose of Restoring the Rhythm of Your Life^® by continuing support of collision repair schools and students. Caliber donated $15,000 in grant funds to the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) in 2022, divided between three schools to help enhance their students’ educational experience and elevate the caliber of their graduates.

Three $5,000 Caliber Collision grants were awarded to:

• Rosedale Technical College (Pittsburgh, PA)
• Tidewater Community College (Chesapeake, VA)
• Freedom High School (Freedom, WI)

Eligible schools applied  for the Collision Repair Education Foundation’s 2022 Collision School Career Readiness Benchmark Grant. These awards recognize schools that excel at educating students in collision repair yet require additional financial assistance. Recipient schools apply grants to tools, equipment and supplies that will enhance their students’ learning experiences and elevate the caliber of graduates.  

“Caliber has been a proud supporter of CREF’s efforts since 1998,” said Mark Sanders, President and CEO of Caliber. “Inspiring the next generation of auto body technicians through opportunities like the Collision School Career Readiness Benchmark Grants, further delivers on our purpose of Restoring the Rhythm of Your Life^®, elevating career opportunities while leaving a lasting imprint on the communities we serve.”

Applications for the 2023 Collision School Career Readiness Benchmark Grants are available online.

Industry members interested in supporting the Collision Repair Education Foundation’s efforts and enhancing secondary and post-secondary collision repair training programs can Contact Us to get involved. Also, monetary donations can be made online.

 

About the Collision Repair Education Foundation:

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.

About Caliber:

Founded in 1997, the Caliber portfolio of brands has grown to more than 1,600 centers nationwide and features a full range of complementary automotive services, including Caliber Collision, one of the nation’s largest auto collision repair providers across 41 states, Caliber Auto Care for mechanical repair and quick oil change services and Caliber Auto Glass for glass repair and replacement. 

Caliber was recognized as the only company of its kind to make the Forbes list of “America’s Best Large Employers,” an honor awarded to companies with high employee satisfaction. Caliber was also the only auto service provider to receive an Inc. 2021 Best in Business gold medal in the Extra-Large Company (500+ employees) category, recognizing Caliber for going above and beyond to make a positive impact. 

With the purpose of Restoring the Rhythm of Your Life®, Caliber’s more than 25,000 teammates are committed to getting customers back on the road safely—and back to the rhythm of their lives—every day. Dedicated to providing an outstanding customer experience, Caliber continues to rank among the highest customer satisfaction scores in the industry. Learn more about Caliber at caliber.com. 

Hoffman Estates, Ill. (March 7, 2023) –

“Working on cars is a lot of fun, but young people today rarely get the chance to experience how exciting an automotive career path can be because so many schools have closed their trade programs, so they never get that hands-on exposure that inspired many of us to fall in love with this trade,” shares Crystal Lawrance of KTL Restorations (Danville, VA), a founding partner of Operative Talent. “Few people from the next generation show enthusiasm for automotive careers because they have no idea what opportunities are available or what an amazing life it can provide. Operative Talent is the perfect way to educate the future generation about these opportunities and help the industry find quality talent.”

Announced at the end of 2021, Operative Talent began as a collaborative effort between KTL, the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) and BASF, but it has since grown to include over four dozen partners as automotive professionals join the initiative to provide students with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get up close and personal with a 1969 Camaro (named “Talent”) by participating in rebuilding the classic car…and hopefully, they’ll learn a little more about the different career paths available in this diverse industry during the process.

“We continually discuss the need for more technicians, estimators and other industry professionals, but instead of just thinking about it and talking about it, it’s time to DO something about it!” urges Brandon Eckenrode, managing director of CREF. “If we want to see change happen, we need the support of the entire industry…from donated parts to raffle ticket sales, there’s a way for everyone to get behind this effort – to support our industry’s future – and help make Operative Talent a success.”

A large problem that many collision businesses encounter when trying to recruit new talent relates to the public’s perception of auto body and automotive shops as a dirty, greasy place to work, but “those days are long gone,” Lawrance insists. “Various talents and skills are needed in today’s industry. We still have the hands-on skills needed in body techs and painters, but we also need estimators, accountants and a whole production team – and that’s just in the shop! Suppliers like BASF need chemists to create the paints that make these cars so beautiful, and there’s also a need for social media managers, industry journalists and a number of other roles.

“There are so many career options for someone who is passionate about cars, but we don’t do a very good job of educating students – or the general public – about those opportunities,” she continues. “Automotive professionals no longer fit in the same box, so we want to showcase the vast array of diverse opportunities that are now available by engaging these students and getting them experience in some of the different areas in this field, including sheet metal, fabrication, body work, body fitment, paint, electrical/wiring, mechanical assembly, detailing or marketing/videography.”

“Attracting new talent is important to our company and the entire collision repair industry,” agrees BASF’s Tina Nelles. “We’ve dedicated efforts to helping by offering internships, increasing scholarships and supporting schools, but the key piece that’s always neglected is outside perception of our industry…We need people talking about this industry in the right ways! By promoting the collision repair industry and the many different careers available through a public-facing media campaign, we can ensure that students, as well as their parents, teachers and school counselors, understand the variety of opportunities that exist within this industry.”

Students’ involvement with rebuilding “Talent” will help expose them to the industry, but that’s just the first step in Operative Talent. The raffle ticket sales for the Camaro will raise funds for a public service announcement campaign to help educate the general public about the multitude of opportunities available within the automotive industry. Anyone interested in helping to showcase the industry and its career opportunities – and also getting a chance to win the Camaro being custom-built by students at KTL Restorations – can purchase a raffle ticket at bit.ly/Talent-raffle.

Ultimately, the success of Operative Talent relies on the entire industry getting involved and championing the endeavor, according to Eckenrode. “This is a full industry effort, and each person in the industry can get involved to make Operative Talent the best it can be – by raising funds and donating your time and efforts, we can showcase this industry and ensure it has a bright future!”

Lawrance hopes that the Camaro is just the first of many and that Operative Talent will highlight the industry going forward on a broader scale. “We’re talking to different shops around the country, and so many people believe in this project…I hope to see it grow and expand to provide students with opportunities in different markets. How many kids can we attract if we welcome them into this industry in a fun way? How many share the same passion that we do but need help discovering it? This is just the beginning,” she promises.

Opportunities for students exist through the dozens of Operative Talent partners across the country. For a complete list of current partners, to purchase raffle tickets, apply as a student, donate parts or simply learn more about this unique endeavor, visit OperativeTalent.com.

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.