Past Winners

Ken Hughes, president of Wiregrass Body and Frame in Enterprise, Alabama. Ken’s dedication to his community manifests in many ways, including involvement in his local Red Cross, sponsoring a trip to Washington D.C. for the Enterprise police explorers and painting a police vehicle promoting the DARE program in his community. In addition, he has served as an Enterprise city councilman and works for a local high school work program mentoring, counseling and teaching students.

Ken stresses training, education, and service to others less fortunate. During Collision Repair Industry PRIDE Month—an annual occurrence in the state of Alabama—Governor Bob Riley issued a proclamation citing NABC and Wiregrass Body and Frame for the positive effects of their efforts.

Brandon Eckenrode of Schaumburg, Illinois is the second 2006 PRIDE Award winner. A senior marketing communications specialist for I-CAR, Brandon is an accomplished long-distance runner and triathlete, combining his passion for life and dedication to physical fitness in ways that help serve his community.

Brandon participated in last year’s Chicago Marathon, receiving sponsorship funds to give to Deborah’s Place, a Chicago area shelter for homeless women. During other marathons Brandon has raised money for Chicagoland firefighters as well as the Schaumburg police department, the latter contribution going towards the purchase of “alcohol impairment goggles” to educate the community about the dangers of drinking and driving. Brandon also works as a Schaumburg Snow Angel, shoveling driveways and sidewalks for the elderly and disabled.

Ron Reichen, president and CEO of Precision Body and Paint in Beaverton, Oregon. “The PRIDE committee recognizes Ron for his extensive and varied involvement in the greater Portland area,” says Chaney. “He is involved with Doernbecher Children’s Hospital in a variety of ways—including helping raise $800,000.00 through a silent auction—and serves on the curriculum board of the Hillsboro school district. His participation extends to the Washington County Fair board and the Portland Community College technical trades advisory board.”

Ron works with Habitat for Humanity and serves as president on his church’s board council. He personally produced a DVD about the collision repair industry to use when he speaks to young people, helping them choose a career path. “I’ve begun speaking to ninth graders,” Ron explains. “I think we have a better opportunity to reach them at that grade level than in high school.”

2005 PRIDE Award Winners:

Charlie Robertson and his students at Cerritos College in Los Angeles. When Aaron Musgrave was called to duty in Iraq, he was restoring a 1966 El Camino. As a thank you for his service, Charlie, and more than 25 of his students donated over 1500 hours of their time to restore Aaron’s car. Bartnik, reading a statement from Janet Chaney, Pride Award Chairperson “We thank these students for going above and beyond to make a dream come true for someone who gave up that dream in order to serve out country.” 

Keystone Automotive Industries, represented by President and CEO, Rick Keister. “Keystone’s charitable works are truly outstanding,” said Bartnik. “They were instrumental in raising the money needed to build a health center at Camp Mak-A-Dream. And Keystone has diligently worked to insure sufficient funds were raised to purchase a new bus for the Camp. When the tsunami hit Southeast Asia, Keystone, through a matching donation program, raised over $140,000 for the Save the Children Foundation. Keystone’s generosity makes our world a better place.” 

Toby Chess, “The collision industry knows Toby Chess,” continued Bartnik. “His technical and training skills are well known. Perhaps not so well known is the boundless energy he donates to local and national charities. By raising $4000, he provided the down payment seed money for the Camp Mak-A-Dream bus. When the California Highway Patrol ran short of funds, Toby collected funds from area businesses and then matched those funds out of his own pocket, which allowed the Patrol to buy Christmas toys for underprivileged children. When the devastating fires ravaged Southern California, Toby again spearheaded the drive to donate over 2000 toys to children who had lost their Christmas. And, as that season comes again, Toby is working hard to make sure children affected by Hurricanes Katrina , Rita and Wilma have a toy for Christmas. I second Janet’s opinion when she said ‘Toby is our industry’s Santa Claus.’”  

The Piña family owns Brea Auto Body in Brea, California. David, Virginia Doreen, Denise and Denise’s new husband, Fred Gruner have for the last eleven years  helped the Mount Tabor Orphanage in Tecate, Mexico grow from a single RV to a ten-building community with over forty nuns and a priest in residence. The orphanage is a sanctuary for children who are victims of abuse, child prostitution and poverty. In 2004 the facility’s well ran dry. The Piña family has been working to raise the $80,000 necessary to run a dedicated water line from Tecate to the orphanage. Over $10,000 has been raised to date, not including Denise and Fred’s wedding donations which they requested in lieu of gifts. “The National Auto Body Council is extraordinarily proud to give you a 2005 Pride Award,” said Bartnik.

Joe Canby, of Smoot’s CARSTAR Collision Center in Reistertown, MD. Joe is much more than a shop owner. He is also a funeral director who, after the events of 9/11, underwent two years of training to prepare him to deal with human loss on a large scale. Within days after Katrina hit, Joe was on his way to the gulf coast to assist fellow colleagues and the military deal with the death and destruction dealt the area by Katrina. “I doubt any of us can imagine the horrific scenes that greeted Joe,” said Bartnik. “The only thing we can do is thank him for caring enough to do what he did, and for treating his fellow Americans with grace and dignity following one of our country’s worst natural disasters.”

2004 PRIDE Award Winners:

Scott Tabak, a collision repair shop owner from Taunton Massachusetts. Tabak did not expect to be running into a burning home and saving a life when he headed to work one day. But that is just what he did along with two Easton Police Officers. Not only did he enter the house, he went into the basement as he knew the owner sometimes worked down there during the day. The flames in the basement reach six feet high before Tabak got out.

Spence Price, a collision repair consultant for Southeast Toyota. Price didn’t expect to see a horrific accident as he was driving to an appointment with a Naples, FL. area dealership. Neither did he expect to be saving a life. But both happened. When he witnessed a tanker truck carrying a load of diesel fuel jackknife and slam into a concrete guardrail, Price drove his car across the median. He found the driver, who had been thrown from the truck, laying face down on the side of the road. The driver’s clothes were soaked in fuel now leaking from the truck. He was able to pull the driver to safety. Price called the actions that put his own life on the line a “calculated risk”.

Todd Hoffman, an I-CAR Instructor. Because of the increased number of hybrid vehicles on the road, as well as the number of vehicles equipped with airbags, there are increased safety concerns for first responders, such as police, fire department personnel, and Paramedics, than there were in the past. Hoffman, a Houston-based safety instructor, created, developed and is teaching the FIRST RESPONSE training program to these people. His program places special emphasis on airbags and hybrid vehicles as they have the potential to pose the most serious safety issues to both rescuers and passengers. The program became Hoffman’s passion. He gives his class to anybody, as well as teaches others how to present it. The only stipulation is that there is never a fee charged for the class. It is always presented free of charge. Hoffman even refuses compensation to cover his personal expenses incurred while instructing these courses.

Pride Winners 2003

NABC ANNOUNCES 2003 PRIDE AWARD WINNERS

The National Auto Body Council announced the winners of the 2003 PRIDE Awards on December 3 in Orlando during the Collision Repair Industry Night of Achievement The awards recognize individuals and business from the collision repair industry that have distinguished themselves and the industry through their humanitarian efforts.

Winners:

Donald Christinason        Wisconsin Shop Owner
Rodger Cada                   State Farm Insurance
Marco Grossi                  Michigan Shop Owner
Mike Quinn, Pat O'Neill    Arizona Shop Owners

911 Collision Centers owners, Michael Quinn and Patrick O’Neill, along with their employees. 911 Collision Centers in Tucson, AZ is unusual because of the way the owners, Michael Quinn and Patrick O’Neill, involve their entire business in community service. Not only are Quinn and O’Neill active in local charities, but they encourage every employee to take on a cause as well. The result is that virtually every employee, from the operations manager to the bookkeeper, is actively involved in some activity that benefits the community in which they live. And they are involved in everything from the American Red Cross and Ronald McDonald Children’s Charities to Adopt-A-Highway programs.

Roger Cada, Senior Claim Education and Training Instructor for State Farm Insurance. Roger repairs cars in his spare time. He and his wife Sue partnered with local social service agencies, other business partners and individuals to found Community Care – Car Care. Roger and others repair vehicles owned by single parents who cannot afford to maintain them, and they repair them for free. The names are supplied by local social service agencies, and those vehicles that can’t be repaired are replaced; again at no cost to the owner. Approximately fifteen vehicles have been given away in the past year.

Donald Christianson, owner of Liberty Auto Body in Valders, Wisconsin. During the worst highway accident in Wisconsin history, a fiery crash involving 50 cars that resulted in ten deaths and many injuries, Donald Christianson became a hero. Involved in the accident himself, Don repeatedly risked his life by returning to the accident scene to pull people from their flaming cars. It is unknown exactly how many people Don saved before he, himself collapsed with 2nd and 3rd degree burns over 40 percent of his body. He spent the next 78 days in a medically-induced coma at a Milwaukee, WI burn center. Released from the hospital on February 21, 2003, Christianson returned to the industry. Don has been in business for 28 years. His shop, Liberty Auto Body, does metal repair, painting, sand blasting, and media blasting. He currently is a member of the Wisconsin Auto Collision Technicians Association. Don also served two years as Vice President and one year as President of the Manitowoc County Auto Body Association.

Marco Grossi, owner of Collision Craftsmen a multi-store collision repair business in the Detroit area. Grossi, who got started in the collision business by working part time in his father’s shop, was recently named one of Detroit’s Future Fifty up and coming companies by the Greater Detroit Chamber of Commerce. In 1998 Marco Grossi saw a flyer about Camp Mak-A-Dream and decided to get involved. The camp, located in Montana, offers a free camping experience to children undergoing active treatment for cancer. That year Grossi, held a dinner dance and collected enough money to send three children to the camp. The following year saw five children go to the camp. At that time Grossi also became aware of the camp’s need to dramatically update its healthcare capability. His involvement grew, and in 2002 he started a project to raise $500,000 to help fund a new health center for the camp. The funds, raised through the auspices of the National Auto Body Council and the Collision Industry Foundation, got the center built. It was dedicated on October 18, 2003.

Pride Winners 2002

Ron Klock has been in the Collision Industry for 39 years, but if asked he will tell you the most important date of his career was April 22, 1985 when he became the auto body and painting instructor for the Maricopa Skill Center in Phoenix, Arizona.  Many of Ron’s graduates are now employed in the collision repair industry in the metropolitan Phoenix area.  Ron and his students donate their skills for many community projects; including repairing and refinishing DARE vehicles for the Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Yuma Police Departments.  Ron is highly respected and liked by both his community and students.  Ron is the PRIDE Award winner this year in the category of instructors.

Mike and Patsy Molter, owners of Twin City Collision Repair in Lafayette, Indiana are involved in many activities in their community.  They have promoted Camp-Mak-a-Dream and raised over 5k, contribute money to St. Judes, and repair vans for both the Lafayette Urban Ministry and the Trinity Mission.  Mike and Patsy, along with their staff help to buy food and clothes for the Family Community Resource for battered wives and the homeless.  They are recipients of the PRIDE Award in the Collision Facility Category.

Paul Mabie-Cascade Auto Body-The second winner in the Collision Facility category for the 2002 PRIDE Award is Paul Mabie of Cascade Auto Body in Vancouver, Washington.  Last year near Christmas, as Paul and his wife were leaving the shop, they came across a single mother in need of repairs to her vehicle.  Paul looked at the situation and decided to have the labor from his shop and parts donated to repair this woman’s vehicle.  Soon everyone in the shop wanted to be part of this goodwill.  Now this is a yearly project that Paul has taken on.

Dan Risley grew up in the Collision Industry, coming from a family owner shop.  Dan, now the Executive Director of SCRS, not only contributes to the industry but also his community.  Dan has spearheaded the vacation give-away drawing for Camp-Mak-a-Dream to assist the NABC reach it’s goal for the camp.  He is also involved in many activities in his community working with the local school board to improve traffic and safety, as well as the level of education children receive.  Dan volunteers at his church and helps raise money for the Lions Club.

Akzo Nobel, the first 2002 winner in the business category, supports it Acoat Selected members with the Acoat Selected National Benevolence Program.  The mission of the program is to present repaired vehicles to deserving individuals or organizations.  Akzo Nobel helps with press releases, media lists, media relation’s guides, event planning, and customized point of purchase signage.

CCC Information Services has a “Character of Caring” program that shares its corporate resources, time, and talent by actively participating in the communities in which they have offices.  CCC has granted the wishes of 7 seriously ill children with donations to the Make A Wish Foundation, they contribute to Camp-Mak-a-Dream, sponsored and participated in the 2002 Proud Buddy Walk to benefit Downs Syndrome.  CCC also helps organizations such as the Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, and Hartland House.  CCC Information Services was the second winner in the Business category for 2002.

2001

Awards were given in April and December

April 2001
A. Michael Anderson- Wagonwork Collision Center, Alexandria, VA Michael has been a regional chairman of Skills USA/VICA contests for the past 10 years and was state contest chairman for four years. He serves on the ASE Test Review Board and is Secretary of the Washington Metropolitan Auto Body Association. Each year, Michael gathers money, items and Easter Bunnies for Children's Hospital and delivers the goods dressed as the Easter Bunny himself. He is the youth pastor of his church, has worked at several homeless shelters, delivered turkeys and hams at Christmas and Thanksgiving and also has worked with delinquent children through a mentorship program.

Alex Szabo- Dundas Valley Collision Centre, Dundas, Ontario, Canada Alex has been active in his local Auto Body Repair Association, and was a founding member and first President of the Collision Standards Council of Ontario. Alex served for two years as the Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, is an award winning member of the Dundas Rotary Club, is a member of the Salvation Army Citizen's Advisory Board, for four years served as founding chairman of the Dundas Food Drive for the Needy, is a past Board member of the Industry Education Council Advisory Board, was a winner of the Premier's Pollution Prevention Award in Ontario and more.

Clint Arndt- Wentworth Buick Body Shop, Eugene, OR Clint is the "unsung hero" in bringing charges and a conviction against a hit-and-run driver who killed a 12-year old girl. Clint was nominated by Florida Highway Patrolman David Long, who has never met Clint but has read about him. Officer Long stated, "Clint is a great representative for all the unsung heroes in the auto body profession that discreetly work with law enforcement each year in the apprehension of hit and run road predators." According to Officer Long, many victims of this crime would have never found the peace of knowing the killer of their loved one was caught and prosecuted without the concern and compassion of the auto body industry. Clint's experience identified the situation, his conscience led him to bravely come forward with what he had found out. As a result, Clint was an example of today's technicians… educated, highly trained, honest and professional.

2000- Held until April of 2001

1999

Donald Peers- AA Collision Repair Dedicated and volunteered his personal time and business facility to help children with "The Soap Box Derby". Received "Volunteer of the Year" award.

Kelly Roe- Carty's Collision Donated her time to an organization called "HELP" (Hollywood Education and Literacy Program). She tutors adults and children two evenings a week and does administrative work for them one night a week, every week. She runs her own business and is a mother to a six year old.

Phil Cunningham- Motor Information Systems, Troy, MI Phil's church is in an association with the Metro-Detroit area that participates in a homeless assistance program. One to two weeks of the year he spends day and night at his church, with the homeless to give them food, shelter, clothing, activities and more, while still taking care of business at Motor.

Timothy Trimbach- Trimbach's Body Shop, Tipp City, OH Participates in a car seat safety program, and "Jail 'n Bail" for MDA. Sponsors local teams. Supports school programs with ads. Teaches Bible study. Gives of his time and money at holidays for local families (clothes, food, and gifts).

1998

Douglas Conner Jr.- Conner Bros. Body Shop, Inc. in Richmond, VA Rotary leader, went to Guyana and the club now has donated $5,000,000 in medical and dental supplies. Mentored a student and active in church leadership.

Jerry Dalton- Craftsman Auto Body in Sterling, VA Repairs vehicles for the Washington, DC police department. Absorbs a lot of expense and burden of transporting and tracking the vehicles. Others started contributing after he did.

David Fait- Auto Body World, Phoenix, AZ Donated a kidney to his sister who had been receiving dialysis treatment. To paraphrase a famous saying: No greater love has anyone than to give a part of themselves so another may live. A very humble person.

David Larson- Collision Services, Inc. in Apopka, FL He and fellow employees took part in the construction of a home for Habitat for Humanity. He worked for four months every weekend and contributed $2,500 of his own money to finance the project.

Robert "Butch" Lysolm- ABRA Auto Body & Glass in Brooklyn Center, MN Bruce witnessed an accident and tried to call for help but his phone did not work. He stayed with the driver of the car who was bleeding profusely until help arrived. He stopped the bleeding as best he could. He has kept the incident to himself but others recognized his efforts with a Pride Award nomination.

Rick Recor- Rick's Autobody in Springfield, MA Heard of a tragedy and donated an ice sled to the fire department. Also makes generous donations to many causes, and to customer's churches or schools. Member of community and charity boards.

Michael & Donna West- Southtowne Auto Rebuild in Tukwila, WA Environmental award winning shop since 1972. Leaders of successful Highway 99 Action Committee (clean up and 62% crime drop). Received major recognition for this success. Civic volunteers, sewer commission, Chamber of Commerce. Both are ASE certified.

1997

Laurie Carlson-Lukas Auto Painting and Repair, Portland, Oregon President of Rotary. Hosted 4 exchange students. Active in Meals on Wheels, Xmas in April, Guide Dogs, auctions, golf tournaments, etc. Rotary charitable trip to Mexico. Other community & fundraising boards. Very generous to employees; cooks at Christmas.

Sam Mercanti- CARSTAR, Canada St. Joseph Health Center Board, YMCA, Children's Wish Foundation, Child Abuse Council. United Way Event of the Year, several other charitable causes.

Jerry Lovelady- Lovelady's Body and Paint Shop, Modesto, CA Leader in Lion's Club, and Rotary. Public service for park equipment. and money for flood victims. Collected 2000 books for homeless. $110,000 for Cancer Society. Personal large donations, pancake breakfast for charity event. Masons, Shriners, industry.

AnnMarie Duffy- Altieri's Auto Inc., Amsterdam, NY Chair of Special Olympics Committee. Annual Thanksgiving food drive, and Christmas toy drive. Fixed up old bus for these events. Festival of trees for library, March of Dimes, Walk for Cancer, student car washes, plants flowers in public areas.

Michael Jones- Charles County Auto Body, Indian Head, MD Many plaques & awards. Supports students learning about the industry, Cancer Society donations in names of customers, paints fire equipment, penny a page reading program, sponsors many sports teams, many other donations & efforts.

Stan Hathcock- Webster Garage & Autobody, Atlanta, GA Led revitalization of neighborhood in Atlanta, pushing out drug dealers and demolishing abandoned crack houses. Very active in ASA.

Jack Rozint- CCC Information Services, Chicago, IL For 5 years has cooked breakfast for 50 homeless every Friday before going to work. Buys the food at his own expense. He has also helped to turn some of the homeless lives around finding them work and permanent shelter.

Dan & Rhonda Hall- Church Brothers Collision Repair, Indianapolis, IN Donated restored car to Red Cross (made $30,000), and $6,000 to MADD. Also donate to 11 other causes. Sponsor golf tournaments for charity. Also give their time.

Blaine & Penny Saarie- Saarie Auto Body, Inc., Freeport, SD Both very active in community. He is volunteer Fire Chief, teaches fire safety and disaster drills. Penny is on the Council, and various boards. Very active in special projects, real hands-on people. 2 letters of recommendation.

Jerry Martin- Martin's CARSTAR, Lakewood, CO Travels twice a year to orphanage in Mexico for 10 days. Tends to the children and maintains the building. Provides supplies along with his church.

Gary Pahule- Gomez Brothers Auto Body, Pittsburg, CA Boys & Girls Clubs, food drives & fundraisers for homeless, various fundraisers and contributions generating thousands. Works with students. 22 programs supported and 2 awards.

1996

Dan and Karen Greenwald of Greenwald’s Autobody and Frameworks work extensively with Thousand Smile Foundation. Foundation clinics go to Mexico and South America - provide dental services and corrective surgeries.

Pat Sardella, of Country Club Auto Body in Mission Hills, Ca. recipient of the California Assembly Small Businessman of the Year for dedication to foster children.

Nadine Stefaniak of Ashland Massachusetts, an independent insurance agent from Anderson Agency. Volunteers time - shelter for domestic violence, American Diabetes Assoc. Oversaw contribution of over $10,000 to SADD, Students Against Driving Drunk.

Tom Welsh of Crockett Auto Body in Northern California got businesses to donate money to local children’s hospital instead of sending Christmas cards. Donated over $10,000.

Steve Ledbetter of Hermitage, Tennessee Senior Claims Representative of State Auto Insurance Companies travels to Jamaica, paying his own expenses, to build homes and update facilities for the impoverished people.

1995

Parnet Auto Repair Network of Torrance, California adopted a class at a Southern California inner –city school creating Adopt-A-School Spies Hecker starts $2500 nature centerr.

Vince and Joyce Pitetti of O.R. Lumpkin Collision Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania are involved in numerous charitable activities, especially extensive work with the Ronald McDonald House Pitetti’s match 100% of employee’s charitable donations.