Leadership

Darren Huggins, National Collision Center Director with Berkshire Hathaway Automotive, oversees 32 collision centers from California to Florida with sales exceeding $200 million. In his seven years leading the Berkshire Hathaway Automotive Group his team has delivered ten consecutive years of same store record sales growth, more than doubling the networks business from $ 90 Million in 2007. Based on Lean Manufacturing principles he developed and implemented the Van Tuyl Advanced Production System (VTAPS). He transformed the network to focus on Operational Excellence and accelerated profitable growth. Each year Darren facilitates two performance group meetings with his team, including managers and key stakeholders, to drive change, consistency, sustainability and challenge his team to reach world-class performance.

Darren joined the Berkshire Hathaway Automotive Group 12 years ago from Huffines Auto Group in Lewisville, Texas where he was the Body Shop Manager for 20 years. During his time with Huffines he grew the business from $40,000 per month to a record of $1,250,000 in total sales to become one of the first domestic collision centers in the nation to eclipse the $1 million dollar barrier for total sales in one month. Furthermore, Huffines was number one in the “Wards Dealer Business” top 500 collision center list multiple times; and in the top 10 for ten years in a row. During this time he was featured in several industry publications including Auto Body Repair News (ABRN), Collision Week and PPG Repaint Reporter.

Darren is based in Dallas, Texas where he lives with his wife Paula and their son Zachary. Darren graduated from University of North Texas with a bachelor’s degree in Real Estate and Finance. Darren is a servant leader with a passion to achieve excellence every day.

Keith has been on the distribution side of the collision repair industry for 35 years, in the time he has grown to love the industry and being a Board Member of the National Auto Body Council. National Auto Body Council has shown Keith how to help others who need a hand up in life, while fulfilling a desire to help others. When he is not working he takes great pride supporting the dreams of his children, twins Rachel and Ryan. Seeing them grow into adults has been the achievement of his life. “I never really wanted much for myself, it is my family that has driven me to the level off success I currently enjoy” His wife Debbie has taught him how to love and be loved and for that he will always cherish her and their relationship. The people he stands besides on the National Auto Body Council have become his family, they continue to show him there are no limitations when it comes to helping others.

Director, Manufacturer & Collision Repair Business Development, North America

Kerry began his career with Enterprise in the DFW market in 1990. Kerry held the positions of Branch, Area and Regional Rental Manager during his time in the DFW market. Kerry moved to St. Louis in 2006 to join the Insurance Replacement Team as a National Marketing Manager. Kerry was named Director, Insurance Replacement Division in 2012. In this role Kerry managed relationships with the top ten insurance carries in the U. S. In November of this year, Kerry was promoted to his current position of Director, Manufacturer & Collision Repair Business Development, North America.

Over the last 22 years, Elizabeth’s professional energies have centered on auto claims, vendor management, and leadership. For six years, she led the auto salvage program for State Farm. Through that role, she centralized State Farm’s vehicle donation process and formalized a channel to provide vehicles for the National Auto Body Council’s FREE™ and Recycled Rides® initiatives. Elizabeth now leads a team that focuses on automotive technical research and provides excellent service to State Farm’s internal customers while she also deepens her understanding of the collision repair industry.

Elizabeth holds a degree in Finance from Illinois State University and resides in Bloomington, Illinois.

Doug has over 25 years of industry experience with sales and management leadership positions with Enterprise, Hertz, Insurance Auto Auctions, Copart and I-CAR. Doug is currently the National MSO Manager with I-CAR and currently resides in Overland Park, KS with his wife, Kristin, and their three daughters. Doug’s hobbies include golf and presidential history.

Barry is a proven consulting and sales leader with a diverse 30-year career in design and implementing technology, adjusting, appraisal and salvage solutions to the auto and property insurance industry. He brings a unique insight and expertise to salvage operations after founding an independent auto auction network.orn and raised in Sycamore, Georgia, Barry spent his youth as an apprentice in his father’s collision shop and still enjoys restoring both cars and antique furniture to this day. After joining the US ARMY and serving (an Operation Desert Shield Veteran), was honorably discharged; he began his professional career at Mitchell International. He became a Board Member of the National Auto Body Council, chairing the Trade Show Committee, is a multi-year Gold Pin Member of the Collision Industry Foundation and is a member of the Automotive Recyclers Association.

Barry is a father of two sons, a Jeep off-road enthusiast, is happiest near the ocean and is actively involved with the Scottish Rite, having received the Pillar of Charity award twice. Barry is the co-founder of the C.H.A.N.G.E. Foundation – a non-profit think tank that collectively has raised over $3 million for nonprofits that were stalled and needed an extra push and energy. His push in life is to do as much good as possible, filling the conduit of life with good. His personal mantra is Do Well. Do Good. Feel Good.

For the past 35 years, Domenic has worked in the automotive and industrial coatings industry and the last 30 years for PPG. He joined PPG as a refinish territory manager in Boston, Massachusetts and has held several sales and management positions of increasing responsibility; including OEM and dealer business development manager, regional sales manager, insurance and services market manager, CEI insurance services director, and his current role of Sr. Manager of Industry Relations and MVP Business Solutions.

Domenic’s talents have been utilized through his knowledge of the collision industry, high profile client relationships and strategic business solutions. His drive, performance, expertise and reputation as a consistent industry achiever have led him to continual growth at PPG and within the collision industry associations. In his current role, Domenic works with various industry leaders to identify and seek solutions to business challenges that the automotive aftermarket industry faces. Domenic has served on the Board of Directors of the National Auto Body Council (NABC) for the past 8 years, currently in his second term as Chairman, a former Trustee and Treasurer of the Collision Repair Education Foundation and is a multi-year Gold Pin member of CIC.

Domenic studied business management and computer science at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and resides in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Keith Bell is the North American Distribution and Industry Relations Director for Axalta Coating Systems. Bell has worked in the automotive aftermarket around the globe for over 30-years serving in various senior leadership roles in sales, marketing, training, strategic accounts, and distribution for (3) three leading global chemical and coatings companies.

Bell’s career has focused on distribution, business strategy and channel management and today he is regarded as one of the automotive paint industry’s leading authorities in the field of aftermarket distribution. He is a current board member and past Chairman (2014-2016) of Paint, Body and Equipment Specialists (PBES), and current member of the Auto Care Association / AAPEX . He is also an active member of the Canadian Collision Industry Forum (CCIF) and Collision Industry Conference (CIC) where he has served on various subcommittees.

Kristle Bollans has been with The Hertz Corporation for 16 years, holding positions in both the Airport and Off Airport Divisions. In her current role as Director of Replacement Accounts, Kristle oversees a large team of Account Representatives across the US that support both Insurance and Fleet Replacement companies onsite at their facilities. Her team has daily interaction with insurance adjusters and collision repair shops. Prior to that, Kristle worked in several different rental locations and as an on-site at claim centers interacting directly with adjusters and shops on a daily basis.

Kristle has an incredible passion for people and service; is a bold, progressive, forward thinker. With these attributes, Kristle has been able to drive results not only in her division, but in other segments of the business as well. She is a trusted advisor for Hertz and her customers.

Kristle is passionate about the collision industry and giving back in general. She is a member of the WIN committee and the CREF scholarship review committee. In addition, Kristle is a leader in Hertz’s Woman’s Employee Resource Group committee volunteering her time to the community.

Kristle studied Human Resources and Business Management; currently residing in Madison, WI with her husband and two children.

Brian Driehorst is the Vice President of Business Development at Original One Parts, which uses its proprietary VINtegrity technology to provide high-quality, original parts that are guaranteed to meet the form, fit and function of the original OEM part, but at an alternative part price. His role encompasses the cultivation and support of all strategic relationships with insurance carriers, body shops and other industry partners. Prior to joining the Original One Parts team in October of 2017, he managed auto and property salvage remarketing on a global scale for the American International Group (AIG), traveling to and working in Europe, Asia and South America. He also previously spent 9 years in a variety of sales and operations roles with QCSA Holdings, Inc, a salvage auction company that was acquired by Copart in 2013. He earned a B.S. in Spanish and an Honors Certificate in Business Management from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, including spending significant time living in Mexico and Spain, and he speaks fluent Spanish.

Brian lives in Indianapolis, IN with his wife Lauren and two young daughters, Beverly and Myra, and spends his free time watching Indiana University basketball and traveling with his family.

Kevin Creegan is a Sales and Sales Management professional to the Collision Repair Industry with over twenty-five years’ experience in sales, application, and technical training for adhesives, fasteners, body hardware, and automotive appearance products. Throughout his career Kevin has held Leadership positions at Kent Industries, Malco Products, LORD Corporation, and has recently joined Saint Gobain Automotive Aftermarket as National Accounts Manager.

Kevin has been a member of CIC for years and has also attended many SCRS meetings and training on behalf of LORD Corporation. In addition, Kevin is active with I-CAR both as a contributor and instructor through the I-CAR Industry Training Alliance.

Kevin is currently a member of NABC, and was instrumental in having LORD Corporation join the organization five or six years ago.

For the past few years Kevin has worked with NABC Chairperson Marie Peevy on the Awards Committee and played an active role in recognizing exceptional collision repair professionals in the communities in which they live.

Kevin attended John Carroll University in Cleveland Ohio, where he lives with his wife Susan. Kevin and Susan have five grown children and one grandchild, with another on the way in December.

Luke joined USAA in 2017 as AVP, Innovation. Luke and team leverage the latest industry and member insights to deliver world-class experiences for USAA’s members and employees while driving significant market differentiation in support of USAA’s Standard of Innovation.

Luke started his insurance career as a Claim Representative with Progressive in 2004. He held a variety of leadership positions during his 10+ years at Progressive prior to joining innovative startup pay-per-mile insurer, Metromile in 2014. At Metromile, Luke led the strategy, development, implementation, and oversight of Metromile’s claims program from initial concept to full-scale production with a focus on maximizing process efficiency and developing industry-leading technology.

Luke’s interest in the NABC was sparked when organizing and serving as Master of Ceremonies for a Recycled Rides / Keys to Progress Veterans Day event. His interest is heightened by the strong mission alignment of preventing losses and saving lives by reducing distracted driving and serving those who serve us.

Luke received a B.S. in Marketing from Baker University where he played basketball for the Wildcats and met his beautiful wife, Brittany. Brittany and Luke are blessed with 4 amazing children: Maverick (2008), twins Hawk and Noelle (2010), and Boomer (2017).

Arlo Johnson is a franchising executive with diverse experience in the automotive and QSR industry. His specialties include financing and growth strategies for franchises, as well as developing plans to assist them with operational improvement. Johnson joined Driven Brands as Vice president of Development in July of 2014 where he lead the development of over 100 new automotive franchise locations. Currently, Johnson is the Vice President of Insurance at CARSTAR a Driven Brands portfolio company, a position he has held since January 2016. Prior to Driven, Johnson spent ten years with Burger King in a number of leadership positions, most recently serving as the Director of Franchise Performance. In this role, he was the Field operations team leader for the Burger King Brand in the Southeast region. His responsibilities included propelling annual restaurant sales of over $400M, leading Operations Excellence initiatives in over 400 restaurants, developing franchise businesses in terms of unit growth and profitability, and negotiating and consulting franchise business acquisitions and divestitures. Johnson was raised in Miami, Florida where he attended the University of Miami earning a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance as well as an MBA.

Michael Jordan, Vice President/General Manager of Manchester Collision Center, has been in the collision industry for 30 years. He has been actively involved with the National Auto Body Council since 2010, after seeing a Recycled Rides event and knew he wanted to be a part of this community service program. He currently serves as chair of tab’s First Responder Extrication Program.

Gene Lopez is the Director of Development and Training at Seidner’s Collision Centers, where Gene develops procedures, processes, environmental compliance programs, and training programs. Gene has worked in the Collision Repair Industry for 25 years. He began his career with A. D’Angelo & Sons in 1992, in 1998 he began working for Seidner’s Collision Centers. In 2009 Gene was asked to join the I-CAR Field Operations team where he was Regional and National Field Operations Manager for seven years. In May 2016 Gene returned to work for Seidner’s Collision Centers.

Gene is currently the Co-Chairman of the NABC Distracted Driver Initiative, he also Co-Chairs the Education & Training Committee for the CIC and he Chairs the Education Committee for the CAA. He is the recipient of the 1999 Tom Babcox Memorial Scholarship, the 2010 California Autobody Association Member of the Year, He holds the Automotive Management Institute’s Accredited Master Automotive Manager designation and is a life-long learner. Gene lives in Glendora, CA with his wife Kristin, daughters Catalina and Carly. He has two sons, Anthony & Allyn, and three beautiful grandchildren; Anthony, Abel & Ariana. He enjoys cigars, a good glass of whiskey, a game of golf and is a Triathlete looking forward to his first Ironman event.

For more than 30 years, Clint Marlow has worked within the auto industry. This career path began in 1984 with an automobile dealer in Madison, CT, where he learned the ins and outs of the auto repair business. His next position was as an auto adjuster with the Allstate Insurance Company in the New England market. He continued in this role through 1996 when he relocated to a local office in Memphis, Tenn. After a succession of roles that included field leadership, process expert, quality assurance, and Senior Manager, a promotion to the company’s headquarters brought Clint and his family to the Chicago Illinois area. Clint’s current focus at Allstate centers on forwarding looking research, key strategic projects, and Strategic Partnerships. Clint currently is serving as the Immediate Past Chair of CIECA (Collision Industry Electronic Commerce Association)

Bill Mayer started his 33 year career at GEICO on the Liability side and was asked to transition to the Auto Physical Damage side. He was promoted to the Assistant Vice President of Auto Physical Damage. He was responsible for the policies and procedures followed by the adjusters, the Training Center, Rental, Glass and the Review Team. Mayer helped develop the current Auto Repair Express program. While at GEICO Mayer was a member of the Mitchell Insurance Advisory Board, the Mitchell Industry (Insurers and shops) Advisory Board, the CCC Insurance Advisory Council, The Motors Industry Advisory Board, the Copart Advisory Board, the I-CAR Board of Directors and the PCIAA Physical Damage Subcommittee which I chaired. He sat on the I-CAR BOD for 7 years and was the Chairman in 1995/1996. During his time at GEICO he started attending the National Auto Body Council meetings.

In 2005 Mayer retired from GEICO and took a position with Insurance Auto Auctions. He was the Director of Industry Relations. While with them he was elected to his first term on the National Auto Body Council Board. Mayer helped launch the Recycled Rides program and became the Director of Procurement for many years. He was able to convince many insurer contacts to donate vehicles to the program. Mayer was with IAA for 11 years having just retired with them last year. He is now a consultant for them.

Mayer attended St. John’s University where he received a BS in Management. He is a US Army veteran having served 2 years on active duty (inductee) and 12 years in the Reserves (voluntarily). He obtained the rank of SFC (E-7).

Mayer resides in Odenton Maryland with his wife.

Anthony Natale is President at Natalco Enterprises, a holding company that supports various well-established companies in the Claims and Automotive Aftermarket Industry. Anthony has devoted the last 20 years to pioneering and acquiring new businesses, both in the Auto and Property Claims industries.

His recent activities include; President of Dent Concepts, Board of Directors at the National Auto Body Council, and a contributor to the curriculum development for PDR at I-CAR.

As President of Natalco, Anthony continues to be innovative; along with creating industry awareness about repair methods, best practices, and market trends.

Currently, Anthony co-chairs the Distracted Driving Initiative (DDI) for the National Auto Body Council. During his tenure at NABC, he has assisted with the refacing of the Initiative from infancy to a well-recognized program. DDI targets the nation’s communities to provide a community based program.

Anthony is a frequent speaker at several industry events and summits within the auto, property, and aftermarket industries. Currently, he lives in Nashville, Tennessee where his interests are in Jazz music and enjoying time at home.

Gerry is a National Strategy Manager and Technical Advisor for Farmers Insurance responsible for Industry Relations and ensuring technical proficiency within the Auto Property Damage Ranks. He works closely with their direct repair program repair facilities and the award winning University of Farmers. Gerry is an active member with the Collision Repair Education Foundation and is a current Board member of both NABC and I-CAR. He started his career in the body shop industry and is I-CAR Platinum, I-CAR Steel and Aluminum Welding certified and holds various ASE certifications. He has held Regional and National positions with AIG and Hanover Insurance companies.

Elizabeth Stein is the Vice-President of Industry Relations at Assured Performance Network. She helped facilitate the launch of the Assured Performance Manufacturer Certification programs on behalf of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Nissan, INFINITI, Kia and the Hyundai Recognized Collision Repair Program. She has worked for Assured Performance for over seven and half years initially serving as the Executive Director of Certification and moved into Vice-President of Industry Relations in 2012.

Prior to her working experience at Assured Performance, Elizabeth worked for Fix Auto for eight years holding a variety of positions the last of which was Director of Membership and Marketing.

Elizabeth served on the National Auto Body Council Board for over eight years and helped to launch the Recycled Rides program. She also sat on the Allstate Advisory Council, volunteered on the CIC Insurance/Body Shop Relations Committee and the WIN Conference Committee. In 2017 she was honored by WIN as the Most Influential Woman of the Year.

Preceding her collision repair industry experience, Elizabeth enjoyed a career in entertainment as a Senior Publicist where she helped to launch such notable shows as Cirque Du Soleil and Mama Mia. Under her leadership, several of her clients were on the cover of the LA Times, Orange County Register, KTLA morning show and Fox morning show, as well as hundreds of other publications and media outlets throughout the USA.

On a personal note she is married to Rich Stein and they have two young daughters, ages nine and twelve years old.

Debbie Teter is the Marketing Director and National Account Manager for Garmat USA. Having started in 2010, she considers herself a relative newbie in the industry. She knew she was “home” the day she interviewed for the job, and her love of the industry grew as she met more customers, interacting with not only shop owners, but industry partners. Every facet of the industry is focused on the customer, and the idea of family seems to permeate throughout.

Debbie has been a member of the NABC for two years. Recycled Rides was the major draw, she has witnessed first hand how the gift of transportation can change a life, As an experienced Marketing Professional she will bring to the board her skills in many methodologies including communications, branding, research and event planning.

At home, Debbie is highly involved in community programs, and was Board Chair for the South Westminster Arts Group from 2009-2015 This group brought art experiences and education to the low income communities in Westminster, Co. Under her tenure she helped secure funding and brought to life programs that included sculpture in the park, community festivals and free art education for children. Debbie is also part of the Heart of Westminster, a citizen’s group protecting the rights of homeowners in her neighborhood. The groups acts as a catalyst to city government to ensure the under-served in the neighborhoods of South Westminster have a voice in local government decisions. In addition, Debbie was also instrumental in the creation of the newly formed Inclusivity Board in Westminster, having served on the Inclusivity Task Force.

Debbie and her husband spend their free time working on their house, which they affectionately call the money pit. It is an 1885 Victorian Shingle Home located in Westminster Colorado.

Randy and his wife moved to Redding California in 1981 and purchased Redding Auto Center, an Auto Recycling Center with 7 Employees. January 1st 1999 we sold to LKQ being the 9th business to sell to LKQ. I ran the plant until it had 250 employees. I then ran the district and ran the West Coast as the V.P. of Operations.

It is now time to give back and help the automotive industry as a whole. I have stepped back from being a Vice President and now work on special projects. One project is working with I-Car to develop training. I have the experience and it is time to share it. I started working with ARA to help that great organization become even more successful. I plan to be involved in many other great organizations but it is too soon in my new life goal. It will be big shoes to fill for some of Herb Liebermann’s great causes and some of my own.

It is an interesting time in the automotive world with all the change occurring. I want to be in front of it and help in anyway I can.

For the past 34 years, Domenic has worked in the automotive and industrial coatings industry and the last 29 years for PPG. He joined PPG as a refinish territory manager in Boston, Massachusetts and has held several sales and management positions of increasing responsibility; including OEM and dealer business development manager, regional sales manager, insurance and services market manager, CEI insurance services director, and his current role of Sr. Manager of Industry Relations and MVP Business Solutions.Domenic’s talents have been utilized through his knowledge of the collision industry, high profile client relationships and strategic business solutions. His drive, performance, expertise and reputation as a consistent industry achiever have led him to continual growth at PPG and within the collision industry associations. In his current role, Domenic works with various industry leaders to identify and seek solutions to business challenges that the automotive aftermarket industry faces.Domenic has served on the Board of Directors of the National Auto Body Council (NABC) for the past 6 years and currently as Chairman, is a Trustee and Treasurer of the Collision Repair Education Foundation and is a multi-year Gold Pin member of CIC.Domenic studied business management and computer science at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and resides with his family in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Nick Notte began his insurance career with the Allstate Insurance Company on the east coast in 1981, amassing an extensive background in auto, casualty and property claims to include SIU. His career since includes leadership positions at Allstate, including management roles at Tech-Cor, a wholly owned subsidiary of Allstate, Mitchell International, and Nobilas Claim and Fleet Solutions. Notte served as President of Sterling Auto Body Centers, once the fourth largest collision multi-shop operator in the industry, until its sale in June of 2014. His responsibilities included all areas of operation for the 62 store, 16 state network of collision repair centers. Notte is currently partner, executive vice president and chief operating officer of International Paintless Dent Repair.

Stacy Bartnik currently holds the position of Industry Relations Manager at Intertek. In her current role she is responsible for educating the industry on CAPA Certified Parts. Prior to joining Intertek she was an Business Development Manager for ITW Evercoat where she was responsible for providing value added services to Evercoat customers. Stacy was the Executive Director for Team PRP which represents 135 recyclers prior to joining ITW Evercoat. She was also previously CARSTAR’s Vice President of Operations.

George began his career in the auto body repair industry working as an auto body technician and painter in Southern California.

George retired from State Farm Insurance after 37 years of service. During his career George was responsible for developing and delivering auto estimating curriculum for auto estimating personnel and management companywide. George also provided guidance and direction to claims management in multiple states and served as the State Farm spokesperson to the auto repair industry.

George is a Past President of the National Auto Body Council. George has chaired both the Tradeshow Committee and First Responders Emergency Extrication (FREE) committees.

George has served on the Collision Industry Foundation (CIF) Board of Trustees, is a Past Chairman of the Collision Industry Conference (CIC), and a recipient of the Hall of Eagles award for his efforts in the auto body repair industry.

George speaks at local, national, and international industry events providing insight on auto body repair issues and providing quality Customer Service.

Charles S. “Chuck” Sulkala, founder and current Executive Director of the National Auto Body Council, is a widely recognized speaker and spokesperson for the collision repair industry. Having been involved with a 65-year-old family-owned business in Boston, MA. for the last 45 years, he is certainly no stranger to the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. His industry leadership positions including:

– President, Massachusetts Auto Body Association (MABA)
– Chairman, Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS)
– Chairman, Collision Industry Conference (CIC) and also chairing numerous committees
– Chairman, Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR)
– Chairman, I-CAR Canada
– Vice-Chairman, I-CAR Educational Foundation renamed the Collision Repair Education Foundation and current Trustee Emeritus
– Collision Division Steering Committee, Automotive Service Association (ASA)
– Board of Directors, Collision Industry Foundation

Sulkala has been honored as “Man of the Year” by the Massachusetts Auto Body Association and “Collision Executive of the Year” by Body Shop Business magazine, as well as received the “Industry Achievement Award” from the Society of Collision Repair Specialists. He was also named Trustee Emeritus by the I-CAR Educational Foundation; Honorary Life Member of NABC; a Hall of Eagles recipient; recognized with the ASA 2001 Humanitarian Award, and Auto Body Repair News recognized him as one of the Collision Industry’s 25 Movers and Shakers of the 20th Century. His highest honor was as the first recipient of the Collision Industry Conference, Chairman’s Award recognizing a lifetime of service to the collision industry. In addition, he has also been recognized by ABRN for a Lifetime Achievement Award as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award from SCRS.