Nationwide Insurance Arkansas Claims Manager Kristen Felder also learned about the business in her father’s shop, learning to do small repairs, painting and estimating. In her current position, she brings an open mind to the problems shops face in balancing the needs of their businesses, customers and the insurance agency. Felder is an active board member at Pulaski Technical College, working to attract young talent to the industry and making sure they have the education and encouragement needed to succeed.

As president and owner of Square One Systems, Elainna Sachire facilitates 20 Groups made up of collision repair shops owners and managers. These groups meet regularly to compare financial data, discuss current issues, and encourage one another to raise their business benchmarks. As a former partner in an accounting firm, Sachire helps shops improve their operational and managerial practices.

Sachire believes the opportunities for women in the industry are unlimited. “Many women have a gift for building relationships and relating to customers, many excel at handling the details of estimating and running a business, while others are skilled technically. We can be proud of what we can accomplish and encourage others to succeed.”

Donna West is co-owner of Southtowne Auto Rebuild with her husband for the past 30 years. West is a visible force in Washington state’s collision repair industry. She served as president of the Autobody Craftsman Association, served on a committee to develop questions for the Automotive Service Excellence B-6 estimator test, and worked with the Independent Technician’s Education Council to develop the collision repair curriculum.

At the awards program, Akzo Nobel also recognized the Women’s Industry Network, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to encouraging, developing and cultivating opportunities to attract and retain women in all aspects of the collision repair industry.

“This organization will play an important role in the future of our industry as its leaders provide mentorship and reach out to recognize, promote and support one another,” said Frederica Carter, communications manager, Akzo Nobel Car Refinishes America.