SUPPORT THE NEXT 35 YEARS OF CREF

Honor the Past & Fuel the Future

CREF is excited to be celebrating its 35^th year. We are grateful for the groundbreaking individuals who formed and shaped CREF and honored to be a part of the story for those we’ve supported. Since refocusing the mission in the 2000s, CREF has awarded more than 1,600 scholarships totaling more than $3M and provided over $5M in Benchmark Awards impacting more than 40,000 students. Imagine what we can accomplish together over the next 35 years! Your support today helps ensure that the next generation of collision repair professionals is well-trained, properly equipped, and ready to lead.

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The Lives We Touch

Supporting collision repair education is a win-win-win! When we make it easier for students to access education and for instructors to teach on modern tools, instructors are more satisfied, students are better educated, and the industry has better incoming talent.

Instructors

Kenneth McMillian Collision Repair Instructor Kennedy King College

Chicago, IL

Benchmark Award Winner:

2023 ($5,000) & 2024 ($15,000)

"For 35 years, the Collision Repair Education Foundation has stood as a driving force behind the growth, resilience, and future of collision repair education and nowhere is that impact more evident than at Kennedy King College.

Through unwavering support, generous resources, and a deep belief in student potential, the Foundation has helped transform our collision program into a launchpad for success. Their commitment has empowered our students with access to industry-relevant tools, training, and opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach. More than that, they have instilled confidence, showing our students that they are not only capable, but essential to the future of the industry.

Because of this partnership, our classrooms reflect real-world environments, our curriculum stays aligned with evolving technologies, and our students graduate not just job-ready, but career-ready. Many of them are the first in their families to pursue skilled trades, and thanks to the Foundation’s support, they do so with pride, purpose, and a clear pathway forward.

As we celebrate the Collision Repair Education Foundation’s 35th Anniversary, we honor not just the years, but the lives changed, the doors opened, and the futures built. Their impact is lasting, their support is transformative, and their legacy lives on in every Kennedy King College student who steps into the workforce prepared to succeed and lead.

We are proud to be part of that legacy."

Students

Annabelle Hernandez

Body Technician

Dingman's Collision Center

Omaha, NE

2025 Scholarship Recipient &

Metropolitan Community College Graduate

"(My CREF Scholarship) helped give me a huge head start by providing me with very useful tools and helping me with paying off my college debt so I will be debt free after college. I'm very blessed to have been given these amazing opportunities and couldn’t be happier with my job as a body technician at Dingman’s Collision Center."

Allen Harris

Technician

Wimauma, FL

2025 Scholarship Recipient &

Hillsborough Community College Graduate

"The CREF Scholarship played a major role in my success by removing financial barriers and allowing me to focus fully on my education and professional development. Instead of worrying about how I would cover tuition and related expenses, I was able to dedicate that energy toward academic performance, skill development, and long-term career planning."

The Industry

April Lausch

Collision Center Manager Faulkner Collision Center Lancaster, PA

Vice President of the Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology Foundation Board

"As a collision repair manager, I can point to a specific moment when the Collision Repair Education Foundation truly impacted my operation. A few years ago, we were struggling to find entry-level technicians who had both the technical foundation and the right mindset to succeed in a fast-paced shop environment. That changed when we hired a graduate from a program supported by the Collision Repair Education Foundation. From the start, it was clear there was a difference. They arrived with hands-on experience using modern equipment, a solid understanding of repair procedures, and, just as importantly, a professional attitude toward the trade. Because of that foundation, we were able to integrate them into the team much more quickly than we typically would. Within a short period, they became a reliable contributor, and today they are one of our most consistent technicians. That experience shifted how I view entry-level hiring and reinforced the value of investing in programs connected to the Foundation. I’ve made it a priority to build relationships with schools and support students coming through similar pathways. The Collision Repair Education Foundation didn’t just help one employee succeed; it changed how I approach building and sustaining a strong, capable team for the future.”

Join Us in Shaping the Next 35 Years

Hear from an Instructor

Your support not only helps draw young talent to the industry, it gives instructors the resources they need to change the lives of their students for the better.

Have questions about donating? Get in touch with us!

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Leaving a Legacy

Since CREF was formed, countless industry professionals have offered their time to improve collision education. We owe special gratitude to the innovators who formed what would eventually become CREF — Charles Sulkala, Lirel Holt, Russell Verona, and Frank McGiboney. In addition, we honor the following three individuals, who have all played large roles in shaping CREF into what it is today. You can honor the work each of these individuals have done by supporting CREF today.

Stacy Bartnik

Stacy has served the CREF board for many years. During this time, she has been a board trustee, at-large director on the executive committee, treasurer, vice chair and chair, helped select Benchmark Award and scholarship winners, and served on governance, fundraising, and strategic planning committees. CREF has provided her with an opportunity to give back to the industry while connecting with many talented individuals.

“By supporting education, mentorship, and career opportunities, CREF is helping build a strong pipeline of future talent while bringing professionals together around a shared purpose.”

Clark Plucinski

Prior to his tragic passing last year, Clark was a long-term supporter, board chair, and Executive Director of CREF. He was instrumental in the founding and growth of the Foundation. He was also a shop owner and executive, where he devoted his time and energy to opening doors for the next generation. Current Executive Director Brandon Eckenrode offered the following:

“Clark was a mentor, supporter, and steadfast advocate. We owe him a debt of gratitude for the guidance he offered and for the values he embodied in service, integrity, and generosity. His legacy will live on in the lives and careers he shaped and in the Foundation he helped build.”

Brenda Hogen

Brenda is the current board chair for CREF, whose work has focused on governance, strategy, and strengthening partnerships across the industry to ensure the continued support of collision repair programs, instructors, and students. Her time at CREF has emphasized that collaboration across all segments of the industry is vital to a strong talent pipeline.

“What has impacted me most is seeing, firsthand, how education changes lives. It has reminded me that our industry’s future depends on people—and on our collective willingness to invest in them.”

A Voice of the Industry

John Webb, son of CREF Chairman Emeriti Doug Webb, shares what CREF has meant to his family:

Thank You to our Longstanding Supporters

CREF could never have reached where it is today without the ongoing support of both forward-thinking organizations and pioneering individuals.

Many have supported CREF through their time, treasure, and talent over the years. Those listed below, both organizations and individuals, have followed through on their commitment to collision education by financially supporting CREF for 5+ consecutive years. Their consistent support has empowered CREF to scale our impact long-term while remaining stable year-to-year.

Organizations

Individuals

30+ Years

State Farm

20+ Years

3M Sherwin Williams

BASF

CCC Intelligent Solutions

LKQ Corporation

15+ Years

Gerber Collision & Glass

Audatex, A Solera Company

I-CAR

Enterprise Mobility Foundation

PPG

Insurance Auto Auctions

Axalta

Columbus Collision Education Group

10+ Years

Caliber

Copart Auto Auctions

Kent Automotive

National Coatings & Supplies

Nationwide Insurance Company

Farmers Insurance

Day's Chevrolet

5+ Years

Allstate Insurance Company

Driven Brands

Painters Supply & Equipment Co.

General Motors

Wesco Group

DCR Systems

AkzoNobel

Hertz Corporation

Certified Automotive Parts Association

Classic Collision

J.W. Bagley Foundation

Saint Gobain Corporation

PartsTrader

PaintMasters

Albert Kemperle of Florida

GSB Industries

Troncalli Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge

CARSTAR Ace Sullins

Sawgrass Ford Collision Center

Patrick Dealer Group

Wren's Collision Group

Pull-A-Part

Keeler Collision

15+ Years

Clark Plucinski

Steven Schmidt

Stacy Bartnik

Steven Marks

10+ Years

Michael Loy

Ronal Rheubert

David Solmes

Phil Carey

Kirk Cook

Danielle Babino

Mickey Tyson

Robert Zelano

Shirley Pincus

Alberto Calvo

David Weaver

James Meyers

Margaret Knell

5+ Years

Roy Taylor

Keith Going

John Dickerson

Ryan West

Dale Wilson

Jolina Ottum

Bill Stage

Doug Smith

Kylie Burnette

Janet Marczyk

Brenda Hogen

Dale Mason

MaryJo Prigge

Andreas Hecht

Gracie Smith

Paul Folino

Sandee Lindorfer

Ernest Shaw

Lori Barrington

Don Mikrut

Bob Jansen

Kyle Holt

Join These Supporters and Make an Impact

The Impact of a Great Instructor

Timmy Calver, Collision Repair Instructor at Cullman Area Technology Academy in Cullman, AL, shared the following story about how his instructor impacted his life and career:

“My journey with CREF begins with my late collision repair instructor… Mr. Speegel... who was instrumental in training me and his guidance was helpful and inspiring in my career… He was a man of integrity and knowledge in and outside the industry…

My career choice started at the age of 15 as a freshman in high school. I am now nearing 60 with a combined 44 years in the C.R. Industry in some capacity... Over the years I've worked in the industry in many different capacities building my knowledge and skills. In 2004... I was asked if I would consider working in education as an instructor... It was my dream job. I was the sub for the auto shop teacher and the collision repair teacher that same year. When the C.R. teacher retired, I was interviewed and offered the position. I knew I wanted to teach. I wanted to offer the same contribution to students that was given to me at such an early age.

Now the industry has evolved in many ways, but the integrity remains the same. Establish quality work, a good rapport with your customer and employer, and be that person of integrity. These were qualities that were instilled in me at an early age in my life by my parents and teachers… Teachers like Mr. Speegle stand out as genuine and I want to be that genuine teacher.

My class wins awards, but awards on our shelf can't compare to the rewards in the heart!”