Dr. Christopher Thornberg
Founding Partner | Beacon Economics, LLC

Dr. Christopher Thornberg has been called many things throughout his career, but his favorite thing to be called is correct. Notably, he predicted the collapse of the sub-prime real estate bubble in 2006 and the Great Recession that followed. During the Covid-19 pandemic he was one of the few economists on record to correctly push back against the forecasting community’s panicked predictions of a depression. In the past two years, he has again stood against the grain, and stood out, for accurately forecasting that there would be no recession. Dr. Thornberg left a teaching position at UCLA’s Business School in 2006 to found Beacon Economics, and under his leadership, the firm has become one of the nation’s most respected economic research organizations. He consults globally for private industry, cities, counties, and public agencies. A dynamic public speaker, he challenges audiences to question popular narratives – and to ask the right economic questions.

Connor Alexy
Application Engineer | 3M

Connor Alexy is an Application Engineer at 3M within the Automotive Aftermarket Division, bringing nine years of experience working in and around the collision industry. Throughout his career he has supported a wide range of product portfolios, including paint application systems, paint finishing systems, masking solutions, as well as the adjacent market space. 

Connor’s background spans both hands-on technical work and customer-facing support, giving him a practical understanding of real-world application challenges as well as emerging market trends. In addition to his application engineering responsibilities, Connor has conducted extensive technical training and product testing, supporting both internal and external industry professionals. He has also contributed to educational content to the Auto Body Repair Network – Fender Bender, authoring articles focused on technical paint processes and best practices. With a blend of hands-on experience and industry knowledge, Connor is dedicated to helping shops improve efficiency, overcome technical challenges and improve quality.

Scott Bixler
Product Development Manager | Polyvance

Scott Bixler is the Product Development Manager at Polyvance, where he is responsible for creating products that solve complex and costly plastic repair problems.  With 23 years of experience in product engineering for plastic repair, Scott is currently focused on bringing effective repair solutions to the heavy truck industry.

Jim Barber 
Vice-President, Commercial | R.H. Sheppard

Jim Barber is the Vice President, Commercial at RH Sheppard Company, Inc., headquartered in Hanover, PA.

In this role, Jim leads the company’s sales, service, aftermarket parts, customer service, and warranty operations. He is focused on building and maintaining strong customer relationships, ensuring that clients have seamless access to Sheppard’s full suite of advanced steering technologies, industry-leading service support, and genuine replacement parts. Known for his customer-first mindset, Jim delivers tailored product solutions backed by exceptional support.

With over 35 years of experience in the commercial vehicle industry, Jim brings a wealth of practical knowledge across service, dealer, and fleet sales, and OEM account management. He joined RH Sheppard prior to its acquisition by Balmoral Funds from Bendix and has held progressive leadership roles throughout his career at Eaton and Bendix, including OEM account management, aftermarket sales, and national fleet account leadership.

Jim began his career as a diesel mechanic and holds a degree from Mercer County Vocational Technical School, as well as a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from American Intercontinental University.

He and his wife, Tracy, reside in the Cleveland, Ohio area. They are proud parents of two sons, Steve and Tom, and enjoy spending time with their seven grandchildren.

Bill Brower
Senior Vice President | Global Industry Relations and North America Claims Solutions

Bill Brower, a distinguished professional in the insurance industry, has an extensive career spanning over three decades, during which he has consistently demonstrated his commitment to driving excellence in the claims, repair, vehicle and fleet business sectors. Awarded Insurance Luminary by P&C360 for consecutive years, Bill focuses on enhancing the touchless claims process and advancing Sustainable Estimatics to drive carbon neutrality across the automotive ecosystem, serving insurers, repairers, manufacturers, auto dealers, and fleet operators.

His career includes leadership roles at prominent organizations such as Nationwide Insurance, Liberty Mutual Insurance, LexisNexis Risk Solutions, and his current position at Solera. Bill’s profound expertise has established him as a highly respected figure in the Property and Casualty Insurance Industry. 

Before joining Solera, Bill played a pivotal role as the Vice President and Head of U.S. Auto Claims Strategy at LexisNexis Risk Solutions, contributing significantly to the development of cutting-edge data solutions for claim automation.  His tenure at Liberty Mutual showcased his versatility, with key positions including Head of Auto Physical Damage Claims and Vice President of Strategic Partnerships. Notably, in 2011, Bill collaborated with Solera to pioneer the industry’s first photo estimating app, a groundbreaking initiative that laid the foundation for today’s innovative Qapter® AI solution. During his 18-year tenure at Nationwide Insurance Company, Bill held progressively advancing leadership roles, contributing to the company’s success and growth.  

Tipu Chauhdary
Senior Vice-President, Business Development Manager Sr. | Byline Bank

Tipu Chauhdary is a senior commercial banking professional with 20 plus years of experience specializing in Small Business Administration (SBA) lending. Over the course of his career, he has successfully originated and funded more than half a billion in SBA financing, supporting entrepreneurs and business owners across a wide range of industries.
He is widely recognized for his expertise in structuring complex debt transactions, including business acquisitions, partner buyouts, recapitalizations, owner-occupied commercial real estate, and growth capital. With deep knowledge of SBA programs, Tipu works closely with business owners, business brokers, CPAs, and financial advisors to deliver thoughtful financing strategies and reliable execution.
Known for his consultative approach and ability to navigate complex credit structures, Tipu has built a reputation as a trusted advisor to entrepreneurs seeking capital to start, acquire, or expand their businesses. His experience, market insight, and disciplined approach to lending allow him to consistently deliver solutions that align with his clients’ long-term business goals.

Wayne Curtis
VP, Field Services | KPA

Wayne Curtis is an experienced compliance and risk management executive with more than two decades of expertise in the transportation industry. In his prior role with KPA, Wayne led the field and client success operation consisting of a nation-wide team of over 200 experts focused on helping organizations achieve regulatory compliance, optimize processes, and implement effective training programs. Wayne’s team delivers exceptional scale and impact, completing more than 30,000 site visits annually, providing training for over one million participants, and supporting clients through hundreds of complex regulatory events each year. Wayne earned his Master of Science in Environmental Economics from the University of Georgia. Wayne is also six sigma certified and has been an active Vistage member for over 10 years.

Mike Davis
 Area Sales Manager | Pro Spot International

Make Davis is a seasoned industry veteran with over 36 years in the collision industry. Mike has experience in collision parts, spray booths, frame repair and measuring, and most notably joining technologies.  Mike has been associated with Pro Spot International for over 25 years helping to develop and provide training for cutting edge joining technologies.  Mike is a frequent contributor at major industry forums and groups. Mike is recognized for his expertise in the evolution of structural repair—specifically the shift toward high-strength steels and aluminum-intensive vehicles. 

Mitch Davisson
Director of Collision Centers | Rush Enterprises

Mitch Davisson has been with Rush Enterprises for nearly four years after transitioning from the automotive industry, where he spent nearly a decade with Toyota. After serving as Director of Service, he moved into his current body shop leadership role a year ago. The transition has been a fantastic learning experience, and he is extremely happy he made the move. While he is not in the shop setting day-to-day, Mitch supports Rush’s locations with policies and procedures, reporting, customer relations, insurance agreements, and everything in between.

John Hart
General Manager | Camp Truck & Trailer

John Hart has been part of the medium- and heavy-duty repair industry since 1994 and joined Crump Truck and Trailer in 1999. Over the years, he has worked across every department, including serving as Body and Refinish Department Manager before moving into his current role as General Manager. He grew up on a dairy and hay farm, where he developed a lifelong interest in repairing and understanding vehicles and equipment. While studying collision repair and management at Lewis and Clark Technical College, he also gained experience working for a family-owned parts business that was later acquired by O’Reilly Auto Parts. Outside of work, he enjoys raising his twin children, who are active in all things outdoors and whose competitive spirit has helped them achieve success at the national level in the National Archery in Schools Program (NASP).

Jerry Gastineau
Senior Director, Collision Database Development | Mitchell

With over three decades of experience, Jerry Gastineau has become a leading authority on auto body repair and damage appraisal. In his current role, he oversees a team of more than 60 subject matter experts responsible for authoring the comprehensive collision database relied upon daily by North America’s top insurers, repairers and independent appraisers. The database powers Mitchell’s flagship solutions and includes over 135,000 unique vehicle configurations, 5.4 million labor times, 13 million parts and 4.5 million part and assembly relationships for the most popular passenger, commercial and specialty vehicles on the road today.

Phil Langley 
Account Executive | Solera

Currently representing Solera, Inc. as a Senior Sales Executive, Insurance Claims Services, Phil has spent 35 years developing, selling and implementing technology and process solutions for P&C carriers in the automobile, heavy/specialty, property and workers compensation claims categories. Most notably, Phil served as Product Manager, Collision Estimating and Senior Vice President of Sales & Services at CCC Information Services; Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of MyKey Global Housing and Partner and Senior VP Maisara Worldwide. Most recently prior to Solera, Phil provided consulting services for numerous P&C services providers including: Crawford and Company, Contractor Connection, Premiere Services and Oakwood Worldwide.

Phil is a graduate of the University of Miami (BA) and University of Virginia (MA). He is a proud father of four, and he and his wife operate a multinational charitable foundation for the benefit of disadvantaged children and abandoned animals.

Mike Long
Aftermarket/Fleet Sales, Service & Warranty Manager | RH Sheppard Co.

Mike has over 44 years of experience in the transportation industry. He began his career as a diesel technician, transitioned into the shop foreman position which led to the Director of Maintenance at a fleet in Central Pennsylvania. In his current role with RH Sheppard Co., Mike leads the AM Sales, Technical Service / Training, and Warranty Teams.
Mike resides in Hanover, Pennsylvania with his wife Pam and enjoys spending time with his son, daughter-in-law, and two amazing grandsons.

Brandon Lowder
Director of Commerce | Pro Spot International

Brandon Lowder has been in the collision industry for over 25 years and has focused on helping premier equipment manufacturers develop and deliver products that meet the changing landscape of the industry. As a member of the executive team at Pro Spot International he works to deliver advanced joining technologies across multiple industries. Brandon is passionate about empowering the next generation of technicians through innovative technology and high-performance equipment and tools.

Amy Lytle
Aftermarket Reliability Engineer | Volvo Trucks

Amy Lytle serves as an Aftermarket Reliability Engineer at Volvo Trucks, where she focuses on enhancing product performance, durability, and customer experience throughout the vehicle lifecycle. With a strong engineering foundation and a passion for problem-solving, she works at the intersection of data analysis, field performance, and cross-functional collaboration to identify root causes and drive corrective actions for Volvo and Mack trucks across North America.

Originally from Maine, Amy has traveled extensively and earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Business Administration from the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago. Her professional background includes roles as a Cab Design Engineer for an OEM in the forestry industry, Manufacturing Engineer in the automotive sector, and hands-on experience in multiple Collision Repair facilities with a focus on best practices and production management. Amy is deeply committed to continuous improvement, high-quality OEM repair documentation for technicians, and ensuring heavy-duty equipment is safe and reliable for the people who depend on it every day.

Ryan Marrinan
Application Engineer, Training and Education | 3M

With more than 25 years of body shop experience, Ryan Marrinan is a recognized industry leader in collision repair processes, training, and product application. As 3M’s Lead Trainer for Body, Welding, Sealers, Fillers, and Corrosion Protection, Ryan brings a deep blend of hands-on expertise and advanced technical knowledge to technicians, educators, and OEM partners across the industry.
Ryan has been I-CAR certified for over 25 years and has served as an ASE Subject Matter Expert for more than five years, contributing to the development of national testing and certification standards. In addition to eight years with 3M focused on portfolio development, product innovation, OEM specification, and technical education Ryan has created several of 3M’s most impactful training programs, including the 3M Body Repair Collision Repair Academy, the 3M Front Office Training Class, and the 3M Alliance Steel MAG Welding Certification Course.
A respected technical instructor, Ryan has appeared in more than 25 YouTube training videos and has delivered online training and podcast content with I-CAR, OEC RepairLogic, and Beyond the Wrench. His expertise has been featured in published articles across eleven major industry publications, further solidifying his role as a trusted voice in modern collision repair and shop performance.
Known for translating complex repair processes into practical, real-world solutions Ryan continues to help repair centers elevate quality, efficiency, and safety through education and innovation.

Ron Olsson
 President | Pro Spot

Ron Olsson is the Founder and President of Pro Spot International Inc. Born in Sweden, he moved to the U.S. in 1984. In 1986, he founded the company that is now Pro Spot International, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.

Pro Spot provides advanced collision repair solutions for the automotive industry. As a proud “MADE IN THE USA” manufacturer, Pro Spot is headquartered in Carlsbad, CA, and also maintains manufacturing operations in Mexico, Germany, and Italy, supported by a global network of sales, training, and distribution centers.

The Pro Spot equipment line is extensive, including resistance spot welders, aluminum and steel dent repair systems, pulse MIG welders, rivet guns and tools, dust-free sanding systems, fume extraction, plastic repair, and more. Pro Spot holds ISO 9001:2015 certification for its quality management system.

Ron’s innovative work in collision repair has resulted in six U.S. patents for industry-first inventions. He introduced Resistance Spot Welding to the U.S. market as the company’s first product. At that time, spot welding was not an approved process for collision repair. Through numerous advanced technological innovations and diligent persistence, spot welding was eventually approved and is now the required repair standard by all automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers.

Doug Orr
Manager, 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 son. Outside of work, he enjoys golfing, fishing, and billiards.

Gerry Poirier
Board of Directors Chair | CAPA

Gerry Poirier has over 50 years in the collision – APD claims industry and is an active member with the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF), CAPA, multiple school collision advisory boards in Georgia, a current Board member of NABC, and the Changing and Saving Lives Foundation. In July 2025, he was elected as interim Chair of CAPA and appointed the Chair in February 2026.

He started his career in the body shop industry and is I-CAR Platinum. He has held Regional and National positions with AIG, Hanover, and most recently Farmers Insurance companies. In those roles he was tasked with multiple process improvement projects to improve the claim experience for consumers as well as providing guidance and technical expertise to the staff. He was an industry contact for all three companies.

The charity golf event his I-CAR Committee holds for CREF the last 15 years has resulted in approximately $800,000 in funds to support local collision school programs and students. He has been a key contributor for NABC the last 7 years and has supported that organization as their Fundraising Chairman for multiple years and continues to be active in all the programs NABC provides.

Mark Polzin
Owner and CEO | Budget Truck and Auto

Mark Polzin was born in 1963 in Fort Atkinson, WI and started working in the family business at Budget Truck and Auto in 1981. He started his career in detail and worked in every department to learn the business and now holds the position of President and owner. He has served on several advisory boards over the years including: Wisconsin Auto Technicians Association LTD, a local township board and youth baseball league, and the South Side Business Association in Janesville, WI. He currently sits on the Wisconsin Motor Coach Association, Minnesota Motorcoach Association, and the HD Repair Forum. When Mark is not working, he enjoys spending time with his wife of 41 years, his two children, and four grandchildren. Mark loves the outdoors and spends his free time camping, grilling out, fishing, snowmobiling, and gardening.

Zach Pucillo CSP, CHMM
Regulatory Director | KPA

Zach Pucillo is the Regulatory Director at KPA with more than 20 years of experience in Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS). Since joining KPA in 2006, he has helped organizations build strong cultures of safety while translating complex regulatory requirements into practical, business-focused solutions.

Zach holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Health and Safety from Indiana University and maintains both the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) credentials. In 2022, he was named Hazardous Materials Professional of the Year by the Alliance of Hazardous Materials Professionals and recognized by the National Safety Council as a Rising Star of Safety.

He now leads regulatory strategy at KPA, guiding research and interpretation of evolving environmental and safety regulations affecting general industry.

Chris Schutt
Technical Training Specialist | Bee Line Company

Chris Schutt is a seasoned Technical Training Specialist at Bee Line Company, boasting over 30 years of industry-related experience. With his wealth of expertise, Chris delivers comprehensive training in heavy-duty wheel alignment and frame correction, ensuring optimal performance and safety standards in the field.

Brian C Screeton 
Manager, Technical Training & Service | Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC

Brain Screeton serves as Manager – Technical Training and Service at Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC, a member of the Munich, Germany-based Knorr-Bremse.

He offers over three decades of comprehensive technical and service engineering expertise. In his current role he is responsible for helping to support the continued expansion of the company’s internal sales force technical training, field service support, tech support, as well as management of the renowned in-person Bendix Brake School. During his tenure he has helped implement training to support new Bendix product launches, a robust customer in-person and virtual training agenda and has been the driving force for Bendix’s involvement in key industry events such as the annual TMC SuperTech competition.

Screeton, who holds a Class A CDL, joined Bendix in 2015 as a regional service engineer supporting the service and on-site training needs of the Bendix customer before moving to his supervisory role for the venerable Bendix field service training team in 2018 and then to a management role adding Bendix field and tech help line support in 2023. He came to Bendix after a 16-year career in progressive test technician roles and as a member of the product integrity engineer team at International Truck and Engine Company and its parent organization, Navistar, Inc. Screeton began his career as a diesel truck technician with Cummins Mid-States Power and Waste Management. 

Brian is an ASE Certified Master Truck Technician. He holds an associate’s degree in business – Automotive Diesel Technology from University of Northwestern Ohio, Lima Ohio, along with a Bachelor of Business Administration and an MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Christina Sepulveda
Director of Customer Experience | SPARK Underwriters

Christina Sepulveda is the Director of Customer Experience for SPARK Underwriters. Christina has been directly involved in automotive repair for over a decade. Prior to college she was a member of SkillsUSA and a recipient of the Collision Repair Education Foundation. She earned her Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology Degree at Nashville Auto Diesel College. During her time at NADC, she became their treasurer for the National Technical Honor Society and was an active mentor for future technicians in the NADC Mentor Program. Upon commencement, she was granted the Presidential Award. 

She utilized her technical knowledge for over a decade with ABRA Auto Body and Glass and Caliber Collision. During her involvement she was awarded Top Customer Service Manager Achievements. During her tenure she managed collision repair claims, increased production, and oversaw safety and quality control for vehicles undergoing repairs. In 2019, she was involved as an integration operations specialist and integrated over one hundred shops across the nation prior to joining SPARK Underwriters. Presently she is Platinum I-CAR trained for Estimator and Auto Physical Damage Appraiser, volunteers her time in the Women’s Industry Network (WIN) as Vice Chair in the Student Relations Committee, a Gold Pin Member for Collision Industry Conference (CIC) and a member of the Estimate and Repair Planning Committee for CIC.

Brian Wasson
 Director, Training & Delivery | I-CAR

Brian Wasson is an automotive collision repair industry professional with extensive experience in welding, structural repair processes, and technician development. He currently serves in a leadership role with I-CAR where he focuses on advancing technical training, instructor development, and industry standards that support safe and proper vehicle repairs.

Throughout his career, Brian has worked closely with repair facilities, instructors, and OEM partners to ensure technicians not only understand repair procedures but can also validate their work through objective testing methods. His work emphasizes bridging the gap between classroom instruction and real-world repair verification.

John Walcher
Executive Vice President, Managing Director | Focus Advisors

The former President and Chief M&A Advisor at Veritas Advisors, John Walcher brings almost 30 years of industry experience to Focus Advisors. Considered one of the most experienced M&A and strategy advisors in the Automotive Services Aftermarket, John has extensive domestic and international transaction, corporate development, capital raising, real estate, strategy and valuation experience in varied environments. He has worked with everything from start-ups to private equity-sponsored consolidators to the Fortune 500 and led M&A teams for Caliber Collision, DaVita, and Tyco International. John holds a BS in Economics from UC Riverside, and an MS in Finance from the London Business School.

Gigi Walker
Owner | Walker’s Auto Body & Fleet Repair

For nearly four decades, Gigi Walker has owned and operated a successful collision repair business specializing in fleet and commercial vehicles. Her shop is trusted by three major Bay Area Transit Districts, multiple County Fleet divisions—including police support vehicles and specialized equipment—and a wide range of corporate fleet accounts such as Comcast, Peet’s Coffee, and Pro Transport 1 Ambulance Service.
Gigi’s team is also the go-to referral for oversized and specialty vehicles, including high-top vans, utility trucks, and unique commercial equipment that many shops are not equipped to handle. This niche expertise has kept the business consistently busy and positioned as a regional leader in complex fleet repair. Outside of work, Gigi finds joy in her kitchen cooking for family and friends, attending music festivals, and spending time riding her horse. She is married to Brian Walker and is the proud mother of Melody, who lives in Nashville pursuing her musical career and earned a Grammy Award in 2025.

Chris White
President | KECO Body Repair Products

Chris White has dedicated his career to advancing repair methods in the collision industry. With over 25 years of experience in engineering and entrepreneurship, Chris is passionate about making Glue Pull Repair (GPR) a mainstream solution for collision repair—including heavy-duty vehicles. Under his leadership, KECO Body Repair Products focuses on equipping technicians with innovative systems and tools, backed by comprehensive training programs that empower shops to adopt non-invasive repair methods and improve efficiency.

David Willett
 CUO | 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 Heavy Duty 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.

Tom Zoebelein
Co-Founder | Hero Group

Tom Zoebelein builds AI systems for collision and heavy duty repair operations. He spent 15 years running a marketing agency dedicated to collision repair shops before exiting and moving full-time into software.

Tom is the founder of Vaultoniq, an AI-enabled management platform designed to help shops gain control over scheduling, documentation, and front-office workload. His product work spans collision estimate defense with Reclaimr and heavy duty estimate intelligence with Truck Hero, which helps shops eliminate profit leaks caused by underwritten estimates. Truck Hero scrubs estimates against estimating platform non included operations, OEM procedures where available, and repair best practices to identify missing labor, steps, and documentation. It also generates clearer estimate explainers and stronger job presentations to help shops win more work and improve customer understanding. He has worked with AI researchers and engineering teams for more than five years to bring shop-ready AI into daily operations.