News & Events

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.

Hoffman Estates, Ill. (February 28, 2023) –

Chief Automotive believes that students need access to the right tools to learn how to become the best technicians they can be – and that’s exactly why they connected with the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) to donate $75,000 worth of rivet guns and subscriptions, which will benefit collision repair educational programs around the country.

“Chief has been a supporter of schools all over the world for over 50 years. It has always been a core part of our business to support our future technicians,” says Mike Croker, Director, Product Management for Chief Collision Technology. “With technician shortages being one of the big problem areas shops are dealing with, anything we can do to support them is critical. We have seen time and time again how supporting the schools pays off for shops and technicians. I personally went to a technical high school and college for collision repair, and I remember how vendors supporting the programs made a difference in the future careers of our students. It doesn’t matter if support is on a local level from local distributors, shop owners or other industry companies…or if it’s received at a national level. We need to challenge every stakeholder in the collision repair community to support the schools educating our future workforce.”

The rivet guns donated by Chief will allow students to put their hands on some of the latest technology being used to repair late model vehicles. “We have seen a huge change in attachment methods on new vehicles,” Croker points out. “Getting students this type of hands-on experience with the tools being used in modern repair methods allows them to be better prepared to handle the same equipment they will use in a collision center. Likewise, the software subscriptions, which are used in our structural 3D measuring systems, provides students with access to the latest vehicle specifications on the market while removing the burden from the schools’ annual budgets.”

Collision education programs are frequently underfunded, limiting instructors’ ability to purchase the tools and equipment needed to effectively train their students. By partnering with the Foundation, Chief Automotive is helping ensure that the next generation of collision repair professionals receive the hands-on experience necessary to graduate with the skills they need to successfully join the industry as entry-level technicians.

“In-kind donations are often mentioned as one of the most relevant ways to help collision programs across the US,” says CREF Director of Marketing and Project Management Amber Ritter. “This donation will truly allow students to learn, practice and hone the important skills that lead to rewarding careers. Equipping them with these rivet guns and also providing subscriptions to help educate them on using these tools will benefit many students, and the Foundation is grateful to Chief Automotive for making that possible.”

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. (February 28, 2023) –

The Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) is excited to announce and introduce its newly appointed Executive Committee, which consists of seven industry professionals who are dedicated to supporting the future of the industry through engagement with collision schools and students.

CREF’s 2023 Executive Committee includes:

• Chair Steve Schmidt (State Farm)
• Vice Chair Brenda Hogen (Parts Trader)
• Treasurer Stacy Bartnik (Intertek)
• Secretary Doug Irish (Fayetteville Technical Community College)
• Trustee-at-Large Ryan West (GEICO)
• Trustee-at-Large Mark Helvenston (IAA, Inc.)
• Immediate Past Chair Tom Wolf (PPG Industries)

“For 2023, I am excited to be part of the Board of Trustees as CREF intensely focuses on 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,’” Schmidt says. “This is an important mission, and working together, it will allow a fantastic CREF staff and a very engaged Board to be successful in the year ahead in our efforts to support these individuals, their development and ultimately their retention in the industry.”

“I am honored to take on the role of Vice Chair at CREF, and I am eager to work closely with the staff, Board of Trustees and strategic partners to execute our mission and vision for 2023,” Hogen shares. “Our goal this year is to create a comprehensive strategy that will address the shortage of technicians in the workforce and provide qualified, trained individuals with the opportunity to succeed and make a meaningful impact in their careers. Together, as a team, we will work towards our common goal of adding value to the technical workforce and showcasing the importance and potential of technicians in today’s society.”

 

Bartnik agrees: “My goal is to continue to work with our Board and staff to drive awareness and support from all industry stakeholders to ensure we have well-trained employees coming into our industry. We must make sure that those entering the workforce know about all the opportunities in the industry and that the schools are able to provide the right education and training. We need our industry to fully support our efforts as they will all benefit.”

“I look forward to participating in the Executive Committee’s discussions for CREF’s future and hope that we can continue having a great impact on collision school programs and students in 2023 and beyond,” Irish offers a similar viewpoint. “I truly enjoy the collaboration with other trustees as we map out the goals and objectives for the Foundation. Serving on the Executive Committee allows me to provide a voice directly from the education field on how CREF can best serve the needs of the education community.”

West believes, “By the end of 2023, we need to turn the tide on the number of students pursuing an education in collision repair. With the greatest need ever for trained collision repair staff, we can’t allow the continued reduction in students pursuing training in collision repair. It is why we exist. We will ensure all of our funds and all of our efforts are focused on that objective and have a measurable impact.”

For Helvenston, CREF’s mission is personal. “This industry has been wonderful to me throughout the years, and giving back has been a mission for me for a number of years,” he offers. “I look forward to furthering that mission in this role.”

In addition to the Executive Committee, the Foundation Board of Trustees consists of:

• Keith Bell (Axalta)
• Tom Brown (3M)
• Kevin Burnett (CollisionRight)
• Mike Croker (Chief Automotive)
• Paul Folino (LKQ Corporation)
• Ty Gammill (Caliber Collision Centers)
• Andreas Hecht (CCC Intelligent Solutions)
• Ken Hudson (Farmers Insurance)
• Sean Huurman (Service King Collision Repair)
• Josh Krentz (Forbes Road Career and Technology Center)
• Sandee Lindorfer (Allstate Insurance Company)
• Don Mikrut (Wejo)
• Mark Verbois (Enterprise Holdings)

Trustee Emeriti include J. Laurence “Larry” Costin (CCC Information Services, Inc.), Lirel G. Holt (U, Inc.) and Chuck Sulkala.

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.

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

Despite the ongoing demand for new talent in the collision repair industry, collision schools often struggle to attract and retain interested students due to a lack of updated tools, equipment and supplies, often caused by underfunded programs. The Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) seeks to alleviate some of those financial burdens on behalf of the instructors educating the industry’s future workforce by filling those gaps through its 2023 Collision School Career Readiness Benchmark Grants. Completing CREF’s online application will qualify collision schools to receive up to $25,000 in funding.

“It’s often difficult for instructors – and the schools themselves – to maintain a program at its currently capability level, let alone advance the program, due to tremendous budgetary pressure. Yet constantly advancing technology necessitates that programs keep up with the ongoing changes in the industry to ensure the industry’s future workforce is prepared to enter shops with the skills necessary to make them a valuable part of the team,” stresses Melissa Marscin, director of operations/administration for the Foundation. “Thanks to the continued generosity of many in the collision repair community, CREF’s Benchmark Grant program offers vital funding for those schools to equip their programs with the materials and support necessary for elevating students’ educational experience in accordance with industry standards.”

In 2022, the industry’s generous support enabled CREF to award $436,000 in Benchmark Grants to nearly 70 collision schools, impacting over 35,000 students. Additionally, the Foundation distributed over $10 million worth of in-kind donations, including parts, products, quarter panels, subscriptions, safety equipment and more.

Applications will open February 7 with a deadline of June 28, 2023. Apply for a Student Scholarship online.

Since 2009, CREF has facilitated the industry’s generosity to provide collision repair educational programs with cash and in-kind donations. Learn how to direct a monetary or in-kind donation to a specific school in your market area by clicking here. Visit us on Facebook, Instagram or YouTube to explore testimonials about how your support impacts the educational programs as well as the students.

CREF’s 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. The Benchmark Grant application allows instructors to request specific items that are needed to help them advance their curriculum, and applying schools that are not selected for grant funds are still eligible to receive a variety of tools, equipment and supplies donated by industry sponsors and supporters.

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. (February 13, 2023) –

The sustainability of the collision repair industry is vital to LKQ Corporation, and their commitment to ensuring the industry’s future growth and success is evident in the company’s ongoing support of the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF). In recent months alone, LKQ has donated over $175,000 to succor the next generation of collision professionals and ensure they have an opportunity to pursue their future career path in a meaningful way.

“CREF is fueling the future of the collision repair industry, advocating for and helping promote excellence in education so that students who enter this industry find a rewarding career,” says President, Justin Jude, LKQ North America Wholesale. “CREF is a vital asset in developing talent for skilled trades, and we are proud to be among their supporters.”

As a supporter of CREF and its work on behalf of collision schools and students since 2010, LKQ’s involvement in a number of CREF’s projects and initiatives last year demonstrated exactly how committed they are to the industry’s future. In addition to sponsoring the Foundation’s 2022 Summer Golf Fundraiser and a variety of I-CAR Committee events that serve as fundraisers for local schools through CREF, LKQ hosted a High School & College Transportation Student Career Fair in Phoenix, AZ last April. Additionally, donations from LKQ have funded student uniforms, and multiple in-kind product donations have been supplied to better equip the schools teaching the future generation.

LKQ Corporation also continued its support of CREF’s Support and Connect Initiative by donating $30,000 to fund five Benchmark Grants, which will be used to enhance those schools’ collision repair education programs and provide the resources necessary to ensure students are receiving the education they – and the industry – deserve.

Rolla Technical Institute (Rolla, MO) benefitted from a $10,000 Benchmark Grant. Additionally, four schools received $5,000 each, funded by LKQ:

• Baton Rouge Community College (Baton Rouge, LA)
• Southeast Community College (Milford, NE)
• South Plains College (Levelland, TX)
• Dowell J Howard Center (Winchester, VA)

But those funds were merely a portion of the larger donation which will help support the Foundation’s work in 2023 as well. LKQ’s support will further the Foundation’s Career Readiness Initiative by helping to fund an instructor training event scheduled for this upcoming summer. Some of those efforts will also focus on CREF’s Career Awareness Initiative, such as the Foundation’s attendance at the 2023 American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Conference, which allows CREF to directly educate over 4,000 school counselors on the multitude of career opportunities available within the collision industry…and also to indirectly promote that message to approximately 100,000 additional students those education professionals will encounter in the 2023-2024 school year alone!

“LKQ’s generous support of collision schools and students has allowed the Foundation to break down barriers and ensure that products are connected with each school’s individual needs,” says CREF Director of Marketing and Project Management Amber Ritter. “Through the LKQ Community Foundation and LKQ Corporation, the company has graciously gifted us with significant donations that allow us to expand our outreach in a multitude of exciting ways – and we can’t wait to announce some of those initiatives later this year!”

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.

About LKQ Corporation: LKQ Corporation (www.lkqcorp.com) is a leading provider of alternative and specialty parts to repair and accessorize automobiles and other vehicles. LKQ has operations in North America, Europe and Taiwan. LKQ offers its customers a broad range of OEM recycled and aftermarket parts, replacement systems, components, equipment, and services to repair and accessorize automobiles, trucks, and recreational and performance vehicles. For more information about LKQ, visit lkqcorp.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.