Among the highlights of the second day of the 2025 SEMA Show, running Nov. 4-7 in Las Vegas, were a new award remembering a beloved collision repair instructor, efforts connecting the industry to the community, and more new products to discover on the show floor.
New Award Honors Instructor Lost to Texas Floods
At the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) Awards Breakfast, the first Jeff Wilson Award for Selfless Education was presented to Jim Cook of Ogden High School in Ogden, UT.
James Cook, center, accepting the Jeff Wilson Award.
The new award was established in memory of Jeff Wilson, an instructor, mentor and leader who died, along with his wife, Amber, and their son, Shiloh, in a flash flood in Texas over the July 4th weekend. Jeff’s tragic passing left an unfillable void in both the Houston educational community and within the I-CAR family.
Cook was selected for the recognition for embodying the same selflessness, drive and dedication that Jeff lived by every day.
“Jeff wasn’t just a colleague—he was family,” said Adan Ibarra, owner of Leading Edge Collision and current I-CAR chairman, about his close friend. “His belief in students, his willingness to give without expecting anything in return, and his drive to make education meaningful will forever be part of who we are as an industry. This award ensures that his legacy continues to guide us all.”
Giving Back
The National Auto Body Council (NABC) and Avery Dennison were among the organizations and companies using their presence at the SEMA Show to give back.
NABC Recycled Rides presentation.
The NABC gave away seven refurbished vehicles through its Recycled Rides program. The recipients and their families, along with representatives of the insurance and repair partners that donated and restored the cars, gathered on the roof of the Renaissance Hotel parking garage for the unveilings.
“The past few years were some of the hardest of my life,” said recipient Zuleaka Ellis, who received a 2019 Honda Accord. “I kept believing better days were coming. This car represents hope.”
Avery Dennison hosted two Make-A-Wish recipients — one from Austria and one from Canada — who wanted to attend the SEMA Show. Part of their experience included helping two Avery Dennison trainers apply a wrap on a Lamborghini.
PPG Introduces Digital Mixer, Sets New World Record
The crowd helping PPG set a world record.
At a customer appreciation event held the evening of Nov. 4 at Drai’s Afterhours, PPG set a new world record for most people stirring paint simultaneously — 279, to be exact.
The record attempt was held to illustrate how much time is wasted manually mixing paint in a body shop, which segued into the introduction of the SEM Mix’n’Shake automated mixing technology.
The technology fits in with PPG’s MoonWalk digital paint system and LINQ paint ecosystem.
James Wren, who pilot tested the Mix’n’Shake at one location of his Southeast-based MSO, Wren’s Collision Group, said he was skeptical about the how necessary the product was, but was so impressed, he will soon implement it in all 19 of his shops.
More Refinish Technology
Refinisher Josh Sorel (@josh_refinish) found more show floor highlights for painters and shop owners.
Meiji spray gun.
The Japanese craftsmanship of the Meiji (Finer-Core) is obvious, Sorel said. A limited-edition spray gun (only 100 made) on display featured a beautiful finish and ergonomic feel. “If you like precision guns, this one’s worth a look,” Sorel said.
Sorel spent time at PPG’s booth learning about plastic repair technology. Its new texture system gives the option to repair textured plastic parts instead of replacing them, which could save parts and install time. PPG also showed a redesigned tab brace made from aluminum instead of steel. “Aluminum dissipates heat better during repair and reduces distortion,” Sorel noted. “Practical engineering that matters on real repairs.”
Sorel also highlighted the MicroClimate respirator, which he called “a fresh respirator concept with solid comfort features.” Though the respirator currently doesn’t have charcoal/activated-carbon filters for painting applications, the company is working on it in R&D. “If they add paint-grade carbon filters, it could be a useful respirator option for shops,” Sorel said.
Finally, Goliath Carts featured a phone-activated lock system for spray gun lockers. “Great for shops that need controlled access and easier accountability without extra keys,” Sorel said.
