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Cars, Community and Confidence: Skillender’s Automotive Center
Published in New Jersey Automotive – Thomas Greco Publishing When it comes to running a successful automotive repair business, Jacki Skillender recognizes that it’s about more than just the cars; it’s also about instilling customers with the confidence to make the right decisions about their car care needs and creating a community that makes them feel welcome. Located on South Route 9 in Howell Township, Skillender’s Automotive Center utilizes the latest diagnostic tools and technology to offer everything from routine maintenance to more extensive repairs, but the most important service they provide to customers is education that empowers them. “Most people don’t really understand how their cars work, so we…
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Eyeing Changes on the Horizon: SEMA 2025 Preview
Published in Hammer & Dolly – Thomas Greco Publishing It’s just about time to pack those bags and head to Las Vegas for the 2025 SEMA Show on November 4-8, where there will be plenty to unpack besides that luggage as collision repairers can anticipate another great year learning about the industry’s latest products, innovations and trends – both on the trade show floor at the Las Vegas Convention Center and in the classroom. As usual, the educational slate being presented by the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) and the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) features forward-focused thought leaders who will provide guidance on how the evolution of technology and…
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Jack Lamborghini: Retired from Shop Life, but Still Fighting for Labor Rate Reimbursement Reform
Published in New England Automotive Report – Thomas Greco Publishing As New England Automotive Report catches up with retired body shop owners who’ve made their mark on the Commonwealth collision repair industry, most have reported their relief to relinquish the battle with insurers over adequate compensation…but that’s not the case with Jack Lamborghini, former owner of Total Care Accident Repair in Raynham, who may have turned over his keys to his partner but has yet to lay down his sword to fight on behalf of those still contending with the unjust labor rate reimbursements issued by insurance carriers. New England Automotive Report: When and how did you first get involved in the collision…
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Bringing New Skills to the Table: Women in Shops
Published in AASPMN News – Thomas Greco Publishing Not too long ago, it was extremely rare to see a woman working in a repair shop – mechanical or collision – but these days, more women are changing careers and lending their unique skill sets to the automotive industry. With backgrounds in a variety of fields, these ladies bring unique insights and perspectives to their businesses. Angela Wishard-Thomas co-owns Lancer Service (St. Paul) alongside her husband Carl, but before “stepping into the automotive world,” she enjoyed a sales career in the print and paper industry, helping corporations and marketing agencies with their marketing communications needs. “I absolutely loved working in that…
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A Collision Legacy: Farrish of Fairfax Goes WAY Back with WMABA
Published in Hammer & Dolly – Thomas Greco Publishing As one of the oldest collision repair associations in the country, it’s no surprise that WMABA boasts many longstanding members, but few shops have been around since the very beginning. Farrish of Fairfax Auto Body (Fairfax, VA) is a rare exception. In fact, shop founder Lee Farrish was a founding member and the first vice president of WMABA when it first got off the ground over 50 years ago! Current shop owner Kevin Farrish is incredibly proud of the legacy his parents established in the industry. “My parents believed in this industry, but they recognized its challenges and wanted to make…
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IAA Honors Former CREF Board Member Don Hermanek with Extra $10,000 Donation to the Collision Repair Education Foundation
Created for Collision Repair Education Foundation Insurance Auto Auctions (IAA) has been a longtime supporter of the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF), and their support extends beyond monetary contributions – two of the Foundation’s former Board members hail from the halls of IAA: Mark Helvenston just ended his tenure as Vice Chair. He joined the Board in 2018, and prior to his appointment, Don Hermanek volunteered his time from 2013-2018. Hermanek has always been passionate about investing in the future, and the strength of his convictions and dedication to doing the right thing for the collision repair industry inspired IAA to recognize his efforts earlier this year. “Don’s contributions within…
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Repair Planning Software Donations Help Students Develop the Skills for a Collision Career – and Showcase Their Talents at SkillsUSA!
Tomorrow’s Collision Professionals Learn on Today’s Repair Planning Software Thanks to Donations from Audatex, CCC and Mitchell Through CREF
CREF Welcomes Kayla Clark to Board of Trustees
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Putting Tools in Every Student’s Hands: State Farm Lends Support to Collision Schools via CREF
Created for Collision Repair Education Foundation Collision repair students prepare for their future careers in body shops and other industry organizations by learning all they can in the school environment, but that requires an investment in tools, equipment and supplies that often exceeds the collision programs’ budgets. With access to the right resources, the opportunities are unlimited for these future collision professionals. As more students recognize the possibilities this industry holds, some programs are reporting increased enrollment, but what happens when schools aren’t properly equipped to provide students with the hands-on experience necessary to successfully enter the workforce? “Over the last few years, my program enrollment has increased, and although…
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CREF’s Fall 2025 High School & College Transportation Student Career Fairs: A Key to Future Success
Created for Collision Repair Education Foundation A strong future workforce is vital to the success of collision industry businesses, and today’s students will become tomorrow’s industry leaders. But how can these motivated young people connect with the employer of their dreams? The Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) will unlock the door to showcasing students’ many career options by introducing them to the various opportunities available in collision as they engage with the industry’s many organizations during its Fall 2025 High School and College Transportation Student Career Fairs. “All segments of the collision industry – repair shops and dealerships as well as paint, tool and equipment companies – seek to hire…
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CREF Introduces 2025 Executive Committee and Thanks Departing Members for Service
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Collision Schools Receive Over Half a Million Dollars via CREF’s 2024 Benchmark Grants to Support More Than 4,000 Future Repairers
