On Aug. 28, the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Illinois (AASPI) hosted its annual golf outing this year, which for the first time carried the name of the late Nick DePaul, vice president of AASPI, longtime board member and owner of Parkville Auto Body.
Nick had long been the driving force behind the association’s golf outings, with his leadership ensuring their success year after year. His passion and dedication made the outing not only an enjoyable day for attendees, but also a vital fundraiser that has helped sustain the association’s operating funds for more than 15 years. Renaming the event in his honor was both fitting and deeply moving.
This year’s outing marked a milestone: a complete sell-out, the first in the event’s history. Nearly 150 golfers participated, alongside vendors, recyclers, paint manufacturers and many companies connected to the collision repair industry. The day was led by AASPI Executive Director Julie Lombardo, who, in her first year at the helm, delivered an exceptional and memorable event.
The atmosphere was filled with camaraderie, professionalism and genuine collaboration — an inspiring example of how the collision repair community can come together to strengthen one another. Attendees also contributed generously through donated gifts supporting both AASPI’s ongoing mission and Misericordia, a charitable foundation close to Nick’s heart.
The event’s success was made possible thanks to the generosity of sponsors and supporters. AASPI extends their gratitude to all who participated, donated and helped make this outing possible.
While the day was filled with celebration and fellowship, it also carried a note of sadness. Along with the loss of Nick DePaul, AASPI recently mourned the passing of Paul Casey, association treasurer and parts director for the Hawk Auto Group. Paul was a kind, soft-spoken gentleman whose respect for the association and its members was unwavering. His absence, alongside Nick’s, was deeply felt throughout the event.
Paul Casey, AASPI treasurer and parts director for the Hawk Auto Group.
The inaugural Nick DePaul Memorial Golf Outing was more than a fundraiser or a day of golf — it was a tribute to two remarkable men whose leadership and generosity shaped AASPI and touched countless lives. Their legacy will continue to inspire the industry and the association for years to come.
AASPI extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who made the inaugural Nick DePaul Memorial Golf Outing such a tremendous success.
To our sponsors, whose generosity provided the foundation for this event, we are deeply grateful.
A special note of gratitude goes to I-CAR for its significant support, and to Brandon Eckenrode and the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) for their ongoing partnership and presence at the event.
Your contributions not only ensure the future of AASPI but also honor the legacies of Nick DePaul and Paul Casey, two remarkable leaders whose dedication and spirit will continue to inspire us.
Together, we proved that when our industry unites, we can accomplish extraordinary things.
John Melendez is the owner and master GM Certified principal of JDM Collision in Thornton, IL, a Gold Class I-CAR shop serving Chicagoland with OEM-certified repair expertise, and a member of AASPI's Board of Directors.
