Matthew Aguirre
Matthew AguirreKey Account Manager - Heavy Duty Truck and Commercial Vehicle, 3M
I have worked for 3M for 20 years in the collision market, with a strong focus on the Heavy-Duty Truck and Commercial Vehicle market. I am driven to provide solutions to increase efficiency and quality of repairs for my collision customers.
John Ascheman
John AschemanApplication Engineer, 3M
John has over two decades of experience in the automotive industry, He began his career in collision repair in the year 2000 and worked to hone his skills and expertise in the collision repair industry. In 2010 he transitioned to the insurance sector where he further expanded his knowledge by working in various roles in Physical damage claims, Direct Repair Programs, heavy duty truck, watercraft, leadership, and development and collaboration with digital platforms. Currently John is an Application Engineer at 3M where he utilizes his experience training and educating within 3M’s digital programs and Refinish operations.
Stephen Boyd
Stephen BoydDeputy Regional Administrator, OSHA Region VI
Stephen Boyd currently serves as a Deputy Regional Administrator for OSHA Region VI, a position that he has held since January 2017. As a Deputy Regional Administrator, Mr. Boyd is responsible for the oversight of six area offices (Baton Rouge, Corpus Christi, El Paso, Houston North, Oklahoma City, and San Antonio) and two regional programs (Enforcement Programs and Cooperative and State Programs). His career with OSHA began more than 29 years ago in the Cleveland Area Office where he was first hired as an industrial hygienist. In April 2000, Mr. Boyd was promoted to the Assistant Area Director of the Dallas Area Office where he led the construction team. As an Assistant Area Director, he received National recognition for his work with various construction industries including telecommunication tower construction, and highway, street, and bridge construction. In December 2007, Mr. Boyd was promoted to the Area Director of the Dallas Area Office.

As an Area Director, Mr. Boyd led both enforcement and cooperative programs for Federal OSHA in 30 counties in Northeast Texas. During his tenure, he was responsible for numerous significant enforcement actions in various industries within the Dallas Area Office jurisdiction including but not limited to food processing and manufacturing, petrochemical, steel fabrication, lumber, and construction. In 2016, just months prior to his promotion to Deputy Regional Administrator, Mr. Boyd served as the Assistant Regional Administrator for Administrative Programs where he was responsible for labor management relations, recruitment, office space, training, internal audits, budget, and information technology (IT).

Brandon Daemmrich
Brandon DaemmrichTechnical Service Representative, AkzoNobel Coatings Inc.
Brandon joined AkzoNobel as a Technical Service Representative in June 2023. His role involves training specific to the customer needs, cost savings projects, troubleshooting any paint-related or mixing equipment issues customers may have. During his time at AkzoNobel, he has completed various training courses to not only further his career, but to provide additional support to customers.
Prior to joining AkzoNobel, Brandon spent 15 years working for Pierce Manufacturing, making repairs on many commercial vehicles in all stages of the build process. In addition to running the paint shop for five years, he also held positions including welding, body work, paint work, and buffing/polishing. I started working for AkzoNobel in June of 2023.
Billy Eddy
Billy EddyTechnical Claims Investigation Director, SPARK Underwriters
Billy Eddy is the Technical Claims Investigation Director for SPARK Underwriters. Billy has 40 years of experience in the Automotive Industry at the OE Manufacturer, Commercial Insurance, Automotive Dealership and Automotive College Instructor levels. 28 years of insurance claims experience with claim investigations involving vehicles, medium and heavy-duty truck, farm equipment and machinery, industrial equipment, marine, recreational products, motorcycle, HVAC, plumbing, residential electrical and solar power, commercial and residential structure fires, automotive and equipment fires, commercial and light automotive tires, product liability claims, crash data retrieval and accident reconstruction. Billy actively volunteers and participates with advisory boards for local High Schools and Colleges, NATEF Accreditation Committee, and is a SKILLS USA Judge at local, state, and national level events.

Billy has the following designations: ASE Master Certified Technician, GM Certified Technician, American Honda Certified Master Technician, and 1st Place Winner of 2-National Trouble Shooting Contest with a reputable Automotive Manufacturer. Billy started his automotive career while enrolled as a fulltime student with his own business that rebuilt and repaired automatic transmissions. Billy earned an Associate Degree in Automotive Technology from Des Moines Area Community College.

Billy is determined to being part of the solution, today’s technician’s shortage. He is the adjunct Professor, active/currently teaching Automotive Technologies at Johnson County Community College in Overland Park Kansas. Finding the time and commitment, to instruct, mentor and share your experience for tomorrow’s technician.

Dean Hancock
Dean HancockOwner, Fleet Collision Solutions
Dean has spent the last 40 years in the collision industry; 10 years as an automotive and commercial paint technician, 9 years as a paint manufacturer representative. 15 years as an owner of Heavy duty collision shop. The last 3 years as a facilitator and consultant.He earned his Six Sigma black belt, is I-Car Platinum certified, and attended the University of Phoenix. His first-hand experience brings a unique approach to collision repair, and he has a natural understanding of value and ability to process the critical thinking required in creating a lean organization.
Mark Jennings
Mark JenningsMarket Development Manager, 3M
Mark Jennings has 32+ years of experience working in 3M’s Industrial Adhesives and Tapes Division. His roles include supporting industrial manufacturing customers, building construction, and box truck build and repair.
Bill Kahn
Bill KahnSenior Principal Engineer
Bill Kahn is a Senior Principal Engineer at Peterbilt Motors and is the Manager of Advanced Concepts. An engineering graduate (BSME) of Texas A&M University, he has over 40 years of experience in the trucking and aerospace industry. His last 25 years while at Peterbilt have been dedicated to evaluating emerging technologies and developing timelines for their viability within the Peterbilt product. His Group’s work includes innovation in the areas of autonomous vehicles, next generation combustion engines, electrified vehicles, hybrid powertrains, alternative fuels, and lightweight materials. Mr. Kahn’s Group at Peterbilt has been responsible in the past for fielding an industry leading 200 L4/L5 Autonomous Vehicle Platforms for ADAS Development, and over 20 all-electric vehicles in support launching Peterbilt BEV Development Program. Of late, work is focusing on Hydrogen as a transportation fuel.

Mr. Kahn is a member of the University of North Texas Faculty Advisory Board, and the Society of Automotive Engineers among other groups. He also has six patents for innovation in automotive technology.

Ron Kuehn
Ron KuehnPresident, Collision Business Solutions, Inc.
A Montana native, Ron is an internationally known speaker, author, instructor, and business consultant with a passion for process improvement. After initially learning collision repair skills from his Grandfather as a young boy, Ron has held high-level positions with I-CAR, Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes, and ABRA Auto Body & Glass.

After a career of over 40 years in the Collision Repair Industry, Ron started Collision Business Solutions in 2007 and began sharing his problem solving principles with other business segments. Similar success is now experienced with clients in other industries including a growing list of automotive and transportation service companies.

Ron is a facilitator for several Axalta Business Councils, including Heavy Duty Truck Collision, RV Collision, and Automotive. Besides working with independent and dealer collision shops, Collision Business Solutions also consults many shop owners and also assists in acquisitions and sales of collision businesses.

Mark Leadem
Mark LeademDirector of Commercial Lines Property Damage Process, Progressive
Mark started his career in the body repair industry with Kenworth and Peterbilt in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Mark has worked over 30 years in the Commercial Insurance industry. His carrier includes Commercial Lines Field Specialist, Manager of heavy equipment claims operations and currently, Director of Commercial Property Damage Process responsible for organizational development and alignment, business results, implementation of process and technology.
Steve Leal
Steve LealPresident & CEO, Fix Network
Steve Leal is the president & CEO of Fix Network, the global automotive aftermarket network with more than 2,000 points of service worldwide in more than 20 countries. He is recognized in the industry for his strategic business approach and extensive automotive experience.

Steve first joined Fix Network in 2004 as a franchisee and owner of Fix Auto Cambridge (Ontario, Canada). In 2013, he orchestrated a buyout to become the largest shareholder of Fix Auto Canada and one year later, led the effort to purchase the global rights of the Fix Auto brand. In 2015, he took majority control of both Fix Auto Canada Inc. and the global master franchisor, Mondofix Inc., bringing in the Caisse de Dépôt et Placement du Québec (CDPQ), one of North America’s largest institutional investors, as a minority stakeholder.

Under Steve’s direction, the companies have acquired the Canadian rights to Speedy Auto Service and Minute Muffler & Brake (2016); as well as NOVUS Glass Canada (2016); global rights to NOVUS Glass, NOVUS Plastic Polish, TAG Network and Speedy Glass USA (2017); and ProColor Collision (2019).

In 2023, Fix Network entered a partnership with Stake F1® Team KICK Sauber. This
exciting partnership offers Fix Network a substantial opportunity for worldwide visibility and brand establishment – unlocking new avenues for the company’s products, brands and services while facilitating innovative connections with consumers. With Steve’s leadership, Fix Network is transforming the aftermarket franchise business, aligning global operations with lean, customer-focused processes that deliver greater efficiencies for operators and insurance partners, while consistently surpassing customer expectations.

Stephane LordNetwork Collision Manager
Stephane Lord has worked with Prevost for over 30 years. His current position as the network collision manager of the Prevost division of Volvo Bus provides him the opportunity to support all of the collision service centers within the Prevost network, including providing training on new collision repair tools and processes. Prior to this position, Stephane worked as a service manager, supervisor of prototype department, and as a welding technician.

Stephane enjoys badminton, mountain biking, and skiing in his free time. He also likes to give back to his community through fundraising and public service.

Mike Long
Mike LongProduct Support Specialist- Steering Sheppard, Bendix CVS
– Over 40 years in the HD transportation industry
– HD Diesel Technican 12 years
– Director of Maintenance 10 years
– Customer Sales, Service and Warranty Manager 15 years
– Director of Business Development, Field Service and Warranty 2 years
– Product Support Specialist – Steering 3 years
Todd Mathes
Todd MathesApplication Engineer, 3M
I have worked for 3M for 34 years in a variety of R&D, Sales, and Application Engineering positions. I have spent the last 16 years in the collision market, focusing the last 6 years on Heavy-Duty Truck and Commercial Vehicle collision. My goal is to understand customer and market needs and bring 3M product and process solutions to the industry.
Matt Melbye
Matt MelbyeSenior Application Engineering Specialist, 3M
Matt Melbye has 17+ years of application engineering expertise at 3M in the fields of industrial manufacturing, building construction, and box truck build and repair. He has over 7 years of experience working in the 3M Industrial Adhesives and Tapes division.
Leonardas Nenortas
Leonardas NenortasField Operations Manager - Collision Centers, Penske Truck Leasing
Leonardas grew up in the HD repair and collision business. He’s seen many changes within the industry over the last 40+ years. He spent the first 10 years as a technician, starting as a Mechanics Apprentice, on to Painters Prepper and eventually a Combo Technician where he learned the trade from the bottom up.

The next 10+ years he spent as an Independent Shop owner, specializing in Automotive/Medium Duty repair. Being in Collision repair allowed for experience in the Automotive side of the industry. The last 22 years have been spent with Penske Truck Collision. The first 16 years as a Collision Center Manager in Phoenix and the remaining 6 years with the corporate team, growing and supporting the field locations.

Douglas Orr
Douglas OrrManager, AdjustRite, PPG Industries
After earning his bachelor’s degree in business management at Hodges University, Doug learned the family business of commercial estimating. Co-developing the system back in the early 2000’s, he grew from a database developer to now managing the AdjustRite website and resources.
Doug resides in northern Florida with his wife and two sons. Outside of work, he enjoys golfing, fishing, and billiards.
Tony Passwater
Tony PasswaterPresident, AEII
Tony Passwater, President of AEII, has been in the collision repair industry full time since 1972. AEII is a leading international consulting, training, and system development organization specializing primarily in for profit service businesses such as Collision Repair and Auto Services.

Tony has been a certified QuickBooks Advisor, Trainer, and Consultant since 1999. He is certified in all QuickBooks versions since 1999.

George Prokos
George ProkosManager, Special Projects, Heavy Duty, Snap-on Equipment
George Prokos has worked in the Heavy Duty/Commercial Truck Industry for the past 35 plus years in field service, product support, and sales & marketing. He also has worked for tire 1 component suppliers such as Eaton Truck Components (steer, drive and trailer axle, brake systems, drivelines, and clutches) Detroit Diesel (diesel engines) and TRW/ZF (complete commercial truck steering system from power steering pumps to the steering wheel down to the road wheels and everything in between). He has also worked for truck OEM’s, large and small. Companies such as Navistar, Azure Dynamics (EV and Hybrid trucks), IMPCO Automotive (commercial truck LPG and CNG systems) and Isuzu Motors (Diesel Engines).

George is a graduate of The Ohio State University and the Wisconsin School of Business. He is a Member of the National Association of Service Managers, SAE (society of automotive engineers) and TMC (truck maintenance council). He still maintains a CDL (commercial driver’s license) with all endorsements. In his free time George enjoys building traditional hot rods, motorcycles of all makes, and restoring wood boats.

Kelly Reich
Kelly ReichHome Office Claims Manager, Federated Insurance
Born and raised on the farm in Central Minnesota Lakes Area. Moved to Rochester Minnesota to work in a Truck Equipment and Body Shop. Over the years, he worked his way up through multiple departments in the shop, including parts, service and sales, eventually taking on the General Manager role. Kelly later decided to leave the shop and pursue a career in the Insurance industry.

Kelly started with Federated Insurance as a Material Damage Appraiser, handling all types of losses from individual passenger vehicles, heavy truck, trailer and equipment claims. Kelly has handled large Catastrophe Losses for auto dealers, farm equipment dealers, and construction equipment dealers. He was promoted into the Home Office as a Supervisor and Trainer, creating their Heavy Truck and Equipment Claims Group. Kelly is the Home Office Claims Manager for Material Damage and oversees all Truck and Equipment Claims nationwide. Kelly has currently been with Federated Insurance for 35 years. He has also served on the NTHECC (National Truck and Heavy Equipment Claims Council) Board of Directors, as the Treasurer, President Elect and President, as well as being on several other committees

John Walcher
John WalcherPresident, Veritas Advisors, Inc.
John Walcher is the President of Veritas Advisors, Inc., an M&A, capital raising and strategic advisory firm that works with automotive aftermarket companies to help them achieve their growth objectives through acquisitions and real estate developments, or representing them in their pursuit of the ultimate milestone: the sale of their businesses.
Mr. Walcher brings a wealth of knowledge to every engagement. During his more than 20 years in M&A, he has been involved in numerous collision repair transactions, including many MSO deals on both the buy side and the sell side. He also has led multiple deals in other segments of the aftermarket, including automotive service, paint distribution, equipment manufacturing, software and professional services. His background is supplemented by dozens of deals in health care, engineering & construction, manufacturing and various service industries, as well as transactions in China, Brazil, England and Canada. He provides expert witness testimony and valuation opinions, speaks on M&A trends and strategies, and has advised several large private equity groups on consolidation strategies.
Prior to starting Veritas Advisors in 2009, Mr. Walcher spent many years in corporate M&A, doing deals for two Fortune© 500 corporations, as well as spending seven years at Caliber Collision Centers, departing in 2007 as its Vice President of Corporate Development and Governmental Affairs (during which time the company was ranked #9 on the INC. 500© list of Fastest Growing Private Companies).
Before attending graduate school, Mr. Walcher was a senior staff economist performing econometric analysis as a U.S. Department of Defense contractor. Mr. Walcher holds a Master of Science in Finance from the London Business School and a Bachelor of Science in Economics cum laude from the University of California.
David Willett
David WillettCUO and co-founder, SPARK Underwriters
David B Willett is the CUO and co-founder of SPARK Underwriters – committed to the automotive repair industry. He was a founder of the Universal Underwriters ASM Program which insured close to 16,000 automotive businesses including about 6,000 Collision Repairers. An AMI Board Member and several industry committees including CIC and CIECA, David has shared his experience with shop owners at SEMA, CARS, World Tire Expo, NAPG, Vision, CollisionAdvice, CoyoteVision, GAAS and more including the newly formed HD Repair Forum. He holds several insurance designations – Commercial Property Casualty Underwriter CPCU, Cyber Risk Designation CYB, Associate Loss Control Management ALCM.

David earned an Economics Degree with a Concentration in Mathematics at the University of Texas in Austin where he also was a D1 basketball player. Recognized as one of the top leaders during his career, he has demonstrated the ability to develop leaders and teams.