Two incumbents and four challengers will compete Wednesday to fill four open Society of Collision Repair Specialists board seats as the organization holds its annual election.

The election will occur after the close of the SCRS open board meeting from 8:30-11 a.m. Wednesday at the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort in Phoenix, Ariz. Voting is open to current designated members of SCRS member businesses. Per SCRS bylaws, voters must be present to cast a ballot.

To become an SCRS member, visit www.scrs.com/join-scrs.

Voters will decide who should fill the seats currently held by Chairman Brett Bailey (A&B), Michael Bradshaw (K&M Collision), Dominic Brusco (retired, formerly PPG), and Paul Sgro (Lee’s Garage). Bailey’s two-year term as chairman is ending, and he’s term-limited. Brusco has opted not to run for a third term.

Bradshaw (N.C.), Todd Hesford of Community Collision Centers (Calif.), Domenic Martino of Gold Coast Auto Body (Ill.), Josh McFarlin of AirPro Diagnostics (Fla.), Sgro (N.J.) and Andy Tylka of Tom and Ed’s Autobody (Ind.) are all candidates for the four seats. (See bios.)

The top four vote recipients out of these six will be elected or re-elected to the SCRS board.

For more information about SCRS, call 877-841-0660, email info@scrs.com, or visit www.scrs.com. If you plan on going to the open board meeting before the election, SCRS asks that you RSVP to info@scrs.com “so that we can set the room appropriately to accommodate for social distancing during the meeting,” the organization explained.

Learn about the six 2021 SCRS candidates ahead of the meeting with bios provided by SCRS. We present them here with minimal edits:

Michael Bradshaw, K&M Collision (N.C.)

Michael grew up in the collision repair industry, learning the business from his mother, Meredith Bradshaw, and father, Kevin Bradshaw, who, together, founded K&M Collision in 1991.

Their collision repair facility was founded on the principle of always placing their customer’s best interests first. From the beginning, they have dedicated themselves to collision repair at the highest level of quality.

As vice president of operations, Michael Bradshaw realized that K&M Collision’s repair philosophy was an ideal fit for manufacturer certification programs, and revolutionized the company’s business model. With certifications from over 20 manufacturers, K&M Collision has leveraged its core principles of factory-correct repairs into sustainable year-over-year growth. K&M Collision is recognized as an I-CAR Gold Class facility and Michael himself is an I-CAR Platinum individual for multiple knowledge areas, as well as a certified technician by multiple manufacturers.

Michael believes that training and education empowers shops by helping them stay on the cutting edge of modern automotive technology. As a board member with SCRS, Michael has had the opportunity to be a small part of several initiatives including the BOT (Blueprint Optimization Tool) and SCRS benefits marketplace, which includes the 401(k) program, human resources services and group health insurance benefits. Michael has also worked as a member of the SCRS executive board, SCRS education committee, SCRS marketing committee and the Database Enhancement Gateway (DEG) joint operating committee.

Locally, Michael has enjoyed working with the Carolina’s Collision Association providing educational content to its member shops, as well as working individually with local collision repair businesses to develop, improve and implement processes within those businesses.

He looks forward to the opportunity to continue to work with other repairers as a board member at SCRS and continue the development of resources and strategies that benefit all its members.

Todd Hesford, Community Collision Centers (Calif.)

Todd Hesford is the director of Community Collision Centers, located in Southern California. This is a family-owned operation that has flourished over 40 years. Being established in 1978 by Todd’s mother Lyn Hesford. Todd came aboard in 1992 and like so many of his predecessors in the industry was given the tools for greatness on the first day. A broom, a trash can, and a hose……….. The future as a lot porter and a wash attendant was bright. All joking aside, it is absolutely in that role where Todd learned his greatest traits: to serve, listen, follow direction, be accountable, and work really, really hard.

Over the next 20 years, Todd confirmed what he had always believed as a young child. He absolutely did not like cars, but loved serving people and overwhelmingly grew in love with the industry. So he put the dislike aside and learned, every day, and continues to do so. With the simple philosophy of be a life learner, not just about his position but about all positions and trends within our industry. More importantly to do so with a servant heart and an open mind.

Approximately 15 years ago, Todd started attending the various industry conferences with the intent to listen, and learn. He has made some great relationships in the process, worked hand and hand with I-CAR on developing a local committee, sponsored multiple student ROP events in highlighting the collision industry, and worked with multiple local education providers on offering insight into our industry.

Being able to learn from and serve our industry through SCRS has been a goal for Todd over the past few years. All things seem to be aligned currently for this to be a reality and would be an honor for Todd. He is grateful to be considered and ready to answer the bell.

Dominic Martino, Gold Coast Auto Body (Ill.)

Dominic Martino is President/Co-Owner of Gold Coast Auto Body, located on Goose Island in the heart of downtown Chicago.

He is a dedicated and passionate automotive collision repair professional with a demonstrated history of challenging the status quo and delivering customer safety and satisfaction.

Opened in January 1992, Gold Coast Auto Body is a family-owned, OEM-certified professional collision repair facility that has been servicing the Chicago area for 29 years.

Dominic’s father, Lorenzo Martino, worked for Loeber Motors as the body shop manager from 1963 to 1991 — the Mercedes-Benz/Rolls Royce dealer was expanding and needed the body shop space for expansion purposes.

As a child, Dominic loved going to work with his father, hanging out in the shop, assisting technicians, looking at all the beautiful cars in various stages of repair.

In his teen years, he worked part time at the body shop — washing, cleaning, moving vehicles around the shop, picking up parts for the technicians, minor disassembly of damaged vehicles, cleaning the shop.

When Dominic’s father opened his own shop in 1992, he decided to make a career change and join his father and brother Mario in the new family business.

Over the next 29 years, GCAB would grow to become a premier collision repair facility in the downtown Chicago market.

Throughout, he continued to grow as a businessman and collision repair facility operator, absorbing as much as he could from his father, then turning to the collision industry.

Immersing himself in industry educational seminars, BASF performance groups, OEM certification/education, he realized that although he wasn’t a technical person, he was personable and truly enjoyed helping customers through the complexity of getting their vehicles repaired.

He has worked with I-CAR to address entry-level technician training requirements and also with local technical schools to educate young students aspiring to a role in the collision repair industry.

Dominic is excited to continue his education and commitment to the industry with participation on the SCRS board — an organization comprised of some of the best minds and operators in the collision repair industry.

He is humbled and honored by the invitation and eager to learn more.

Josh McFarlin, AirPro Diagnostics (Fla.)

Josh is the executive vice president of operations at AirPro Diagnostics. In his role, he is responsible for all service delivery operations out of multiple locations, internal and external training, accounting, finance, and legal activities, as well as over 130 staff. Previously, he has worked for I-CAR as the director of curriculum and product development for six years and Raytheon Professional Services as a curriculum manager working on several different projects and programs in his nearly nine years with them. Josh has been in the automotive industry for over twenty-five years, starting as a service technician and later as a service engineer for both Ford and Audi. Josh has a bachelor of applied science focused on automotive service management technology, and an executive MBA from the University of Wisconsin.

Josh is interested in serving on the SCRS board of directors because he sees that as the best way to directly support the part of the industry that he values most and identifies with the strongest: the shops and technicians working every day to fix these complex cars correctly and get them back on the road and operating as designed. He has worn a lot of different hats in his career, but he still identifies most closely as technician and “car guy” at his core. He feels that the repairers need all the support and representation they can get and that there is no organization doing more on this front than SCRS. Josh plans to bring his extensive experience with technical training and his relationships with the OEMs to this opportunity and for the good of the industry.

Experience:

• AirPro Diagnostics, Executive Vice President of Operations, 2019-Present: Member of the executive leadership team playing a key role in setting the strategic direction of the organization in both existing and new verticals throughout the industry. Accountable for maintaining our 10-minute response pledge to our customers by maintaining the necessary staffing levels to meet the ever increasing demand. Leading the implementation of a learning management system that will house both internal and external training offerings that are under development and continuous improvement.
• I-CAR, Director, Curriculum & Product Development, 2013-2019: Strategic leader responsible for directing the curriculum and product development team and process, including creating a product development strategy and associated product plans, establishing a quality control testing process, building the product launch process, and establishing measurements of success, all with a mind toward continuous improvement.
• Raytheon Professional Services, Training & Development Manager — Curriculum Manager, 2005-2013: Managed the remote and onsite delivery of training programs for a global corporate training organization with a focus on highly customized solutions. Managed an extensive multi-client portfolio with an eye on continuous improvement, validation and technical excellence. Further achievements: realized as a Six Sigma Specialist.
• Audi of America, Service Engineer, 2004-2005: Provided technical subject matter expertise across technical and dealers groups. Facilitated cross-functional communication between manufacturer and dealer body for the North America division of Audi.
• Ford Motor Company, Service Engineer, 2002-2004: Fostered delivery of highly technical information through multiple brand channels to support the immediate resolution of dealership technical concerns. Recognized as an outstanding key contributor, and selected as a “Greatest Needs” service engineer.
• Greenway Ford, Service Technician/Team Leader, 1995-2002: Developed functional and technical expertise of gasoline engines, manual transmissions, rear-axle service and frame replacement through hands-on repairs for the dealership’s progressive collision repair facility.

Paul Sgro, Lee’s Garage (N.J.)

My name is Paul Sgro, my career in the automobile collision repair industry spans over 40 years. I was exposed to the world of automotive repair as a child, and my love for automobiles and the passion has never wavered. Since taking the business over from my Dad in 1981, I have led the organization from its humble beginnings to recognition as a national leader of advanced collision repair and paint processes with two locations. Our company is acknowledged by numerous elite vehicle manufacturers for meeting their standards of safe repairs, equipment, and training. Emphasis is placed on lean processing of repairs and shop efficiently. Continuing efforts with these goals in mind is a work in progress. I served on numerous manufacturer collision advisor boards to better understand the direction that our industry is going. I also serve as chair of a 20 Group; served in our community as chair on the local school board, church council, honorary member of the local fire department; proudly help our local police departments in costs of operating; and continually work with my local communities.

I am proud to serve with members of our board present and past, their passion for this industry is unmatched. I would like your support to continue to serve on the board of directors because I feel the industry is now at a shifting point. SCRS being the voice of the industry is spearheading issues that affect profitability in the collision industry. By validating to our members that our core belief is that you, the repairer comes first, we are your voice. I believe with my expertise in the collision field I will be an asset to this organization and will continue to work with our board of eagles bringing it to another level. As an association, we have come a long way over the years. I will continue to lead on issues that affect our members and industry integrity. With your support, I will continue to have your back. As we …

Train to fight, and we fight to win to be your voice!!!

Andy Tylka, Tom and Ed’s Autobody (Ind.)

Working hard to maintain his family legacy, Andy Tylka became the second-generation owner and operator of Tom Tylka’s Tom and Ed’s Autobody in 2009. Andy’s parents started the family business back in 1983, which was also managed by their daughter and son-in-law up until 2009. However, after they quit abruptly, the fate of Tom and Ed’s Autobody remained uncertain. At this point, Andy Tylka decided to sell his own Indianapolis-based business, as well as his home, in order to prevent the sale of Tom and Ed’s to a national chain.

A Legacy Preserved

By purchasing the family business Andy Tylka was able to keep Tom and Ed’s Autobody in the family. With some hard work, he took a declining business and fostered its growth from 3 to 5 locations — including a 24 hour towing division. Even during the challenging COVID pandemic, Andy succeeded in acquiring a second brand: Riley and Sons Collision. This new procurement brought Tom and Ed’s Autobody to a total of nine auto body shops situated throughout Northwest and Central Indiana with Andy as the sole owner.

Setting Sights on the Future

Andy’s goal for the collision repair business has remained focused on the education, transparency, and empowerment of others. With a big demand for unity in Indiana, Andy was encouraged to take on the role of president of the Indiana Autobody Association (or IABA). During his tenure as president, a role he still maintains, Andy developed a duplicatable structure to quarterly meetings for all five of the IABA chapters. Andy continues to develop standard agendas for each quarter, heavily influenced by the blueprint of SCRS. This process enables a more unified state, with unique presentations developed for each chapter designed around the same topics and talking points.

The flexibility of the IABA being fully “volunteer only” based allowed for the funded implementation of a government liaison — through the utilization of membership dues and sponsorships. With a liaison working with the association on a monthly basis on government relations, the concept has grown toward protecting consumer rights through relationships with the Department of Insurance, as well as shop education.

Additional Opportunities

Through other various opportunities within the auto repair industry, Andy has been enabled to develop the “Auto Apprentice Program” standard for the Department of Labor. He is also in the midst of redesigning the auto repair program at the Hammond Career Center, which remains the only collision trade school in Northwest Indiana. Andy also continues to operate as the education chair for the I-CAR Committee.

Other passions include working regularly with the Department of Labor, in an effort to direct grants and funding toward apprenticeship programs, in addition to Indiana’s collision education. Andy aspires to further enable the training of apprentices for Indiana’s workforce, under the intention of a lessened financial burden, through the receipt of grants and funding.

Mindful of his opportunities to travel between CIC meetings, SEMA, and SCRS events, Andy was enabled to observe the industry influence from a national level, throughout his jump-in experience. “I am grateful for both the knowledge and relationships I have been fortunate enough to gain. My personal goal is to make the process easier for others to enjoy and for people interested in the collision field to develop within the industry as much as I have.”

More information:

Details on SCRS April 21 open board meeting

Biographies of candidates for 2021 SCRS election

Images:

Clockwise from top left, 2021 Society of Collision Repair Specialists board candidates Michael Bradshaw of K&M Collision (N.C), Todd Hesford of Community Collision Centers (Calif.), Domenic Martino of Gold Coast Auto Body (Ill.), Josh McFarlin of AirPro Diagnostics (Fla.), Paul Sgro of Lee’s Garage (N.J.) and Andy Tylka of Tom and Ed’s Autobody (Ind.) are running for four open seats. (Provided by SCRS)

2021 Society of Collision Repair Specialists board candidate Michael Bradshaw of K&M Collision (N.C). (Provided by SCRS)

2021 Society of Collision Repair Specialists board candidate Todd Hesford of Community Collision Centers (Calif.). (Provided by SCRS)

2021 Society of Collision Repair Specialists board candidate Domenic Martino of Gold Coast Auto Body (Ill.). (Provided by SCRS)

2021 Society of Collision Repair Specialists board candidate Josh McFarlin of AirPro Diagnostics (Fla.). (Provided by SCRS)

2021 Society of Collision Repair Specialists board candidate Paul Sgro of Lee’s Garage (N.J.). (Provided by SCRS)

2021 Society of Collision Repair Specialists board candidates Andy Tylka of Tom and Ed’s Autobody (Ind.). (Provided by SCRS)