Precision ADAS Services is unique. Founded in 2023 by veteran technician Ken Sumerlin, the Bend, OR-based company is both a go-to place for calibration and alignment services as well as a hub for technician training.
The 9,000-square-foot facility houses shop space and an adjacent classroom. The company chiefly works with local auto body and repair shops, with a smattering of retail clients. For Sumerlin, Precision ADAS represents the culmination of a decades-long career in automotive repair.
Precision ADAS Services Inc.
Bend, OR
541-241-7865
precisionadascenter.com
Facebook: @precisionadasservices
LinkedIn: @ken-sumerlin
Company At A Glance...
Type: ADAS Calibration, Alignment Services, Technician Training
Facility Employees: Two
In Business Since: 2023
Number of Locations: One
Production Space: 9,000 square feet
A lifelong car guy, he studied mechanical repair at Mount Hood Community College. He landed his first job at an independent auto repair and machine shop. In 1991, he was hired by a large Northwest tire retailer. During his 32-year stint, he initially specialized in undercar repair before transitioning as a brake and alignment trainer.
“The company intially had a training facility for hands-on and classroom training,” recalled Sumerlin, who holds ASE certifications in suspension/steering, brakes, electrical/electronic systems and ADAS. “My job consisted of tech support. When it migrated into online training, my department helped create the training content on the mechanical side.”
He was later charged with addressing challenges associated with ADAS diagnostics and calibration. “I was tasked with researching ADAS and how it affects the undercar wheel alignment business.” That role profoundly influenced his career trajectory.
The company has invested heavily in Hunter’s ADAS and alignment equipment. Here, the shop is conducting an alignment on a Chevy Equinox EV using the Hawkeye Elite.
“Through my research I saw an opportunity. Because of how ADAS affects the collision world, to do the work, you need sufficient space, expensive equipment and training. In my mind, many independent body or repair shops wouldn’t be able to make this kind of investment.”
Sumerlin’s business model aims to fill that void. “I opened Precision ADAS Services primarily to support local body shops that don’t have the space or equipment, and now we’re working with more mechanical shops because many have the same issues.”
To outfit his shop, Sumerlin has made a substantial investment in Hunter Engineering’s top-tier equipment. “The majority of my equipment is Hunter. I made that choice up front. I had a strong relationship with Hunter for many years in my previous role, so it was an easy decision.”
He started with a DAS 3000 and ADASLink® for calibrations and the Hawkeye Elite® alignment machine and rack for alignments. He then added a Maverick® Tire Changer, Road Force Elite® Balancer and Ultimate ADAS®.
The equipment has proven its value. For instance, Sumerlin said the Maverick Tire Changer “makes tire service much easier. I don’t worry about a high-end wheel and tire when I’m using that equipment. It’s top notch, very ergonomic and user friendly.”
He also praised Ultimate ADAS for its ability to combine wheel alignment and ADAS calibration. “Whether it’s forward radar, forward camera, blind spots or 360 cameras, I trust the accuracy, because there’s less opportunity for human error. The documentation is very thorough and shows what calibrations were performed, targets used and related measurements. It’s a great time saver and helps the technician know what to do next.”
Technician Greg Doesher is shown performing a blind spot calibration on a Subaru Forester.
Given Sumerlin’s background as a trainer, helping technicians has become a core element of his business model. Thanks to his affiliation with Hunter, the company plays an integral role.
“I have a great relationship with Hunter’s Northwest rep Michael McKee,” he said. “Hunter does training nationwide, so after I opened the business, we talked about having a training center in this area. That’s how our training center evolved.”
While Hunter refers technicians employed by other regional customers, Sumerlin draws employees from local auto body and repair shops and relies on local manufacturers’ reps to share his training flyers. The in depth program includes classroom sessions as well as real-world in shop experience.
Sumerlin offers alignment training, levels one, two and three, plus all facets of ADAS. “In the training world, it’s more research and less hands-on. It’s not necessarily representative of real-world scenarios. So there’s real value in the knowledge people get from being in a training environment that’s not just in a classroom, but also from doing everything hands-on, especially with ADAS calibrations.
“This is a unique hybrid situation where we have a functioning calibration and alignment shop and a regional training center. It has worked well so far and will continue to be a valid and valuable resource. I really enjoy both aspects.”
In acknowledging the current technician shortage, Sumerlin believes his multi-faceted approach can help encourage “the younger generation to see this as a career path. When the technicians first come for training, it’s very overwhelming. But by the time they leave and know they can do this work, it’s very fun and rewarding to see their eyes light up.”
Hunter Engineering Co.
314-731-0000
www.hunter.com
contact.hunter@hunter.com
Facebook: @hunterengineeringcompany
Instagram: @hunterengineering
LinkedIn: @hunter-engineering
YouTube: @HunterEngCo
To read more auto body shop profiles from the October 2025 Shop and Product Showcase, click here.
