Bob Keith, multi-store director for CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts, has been named chair of the international board of directors for I-CAR, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair.
I-CAR announced its 2014 International Board of Directors and Executive Committee following its strategic planning session and annual membership meeting in San Diego, California in early March. The Board of Directors is comprised of representatives from each of the following six industry segments -‐ collision repair; insurance; OEM vehicle manufacturers; equipment, tools, and supplies; education, training, and research; and related industry services.
“I am truly honored to have been elected Chairman of the Board of I‐CAR. The time that I have spent on the Executive Committee has shown me that I-CAR leadership and staff are all committed to providing the highest quality training, certifications and resources to all segments of the collision Inter‐Industry,” said Keith. “The 2014 Board of Directors is a tremendous group of professionals that will supply strategic guidance to staff and keep them connected to the ‘heartbeat’ of all industry segments.”
Keith has served as a member of the International Board of Directors for I-CAR and a member of the Executive Committee as treasurer since 2009. His other industry leadership positions include:
Current Collision Industry Conference EducationCommittee co-chair
A past member of the Environmental Task Force for CIC
A past Director at Large, Board of Directors for the National Auto Body Council
NABC NACE booth chair for 2006-2007
Subject matter expert for ASE and participates in NATEF standards review sessions
Past Skills USA Judge and a 10-year member of the Skills USA National Technical Committee
Member of the AMI board of trustees of treasurer
Member of the National Safety Council Omaha Chapter and volunteer
Past President of the Nebraska Auto Body Association
Past I-CAR Committee Chair for Eastern Nebraska
Co-Founder with his wife Margaret of the Nebraska Auto Body Association Technical School Scholarship Program
“Bob Keith has been a tremendous leader and champion of technical excellence in the collision industry throughout his career,” said David Byers, CEO of CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts. “This has been a tremendous benefit for the more than 440 CARSTAR store owners around North America, but for the industry as a whole. I-CAR is the gold standard for training and performance in our industry, and we’re proud of his new position as the chair of the I-CAR board. We look forward to him guiding our industry to new levels of achievement and recognition in the years ahead.”
Keith began his automotive career by attending Southeast Community College in Milford, Nebraska. After receiving an Associate Degree in Diesel Technology he spent seven years with Caterpillar as a truck engine performance specialist. In the late 1970s he had an opportunity to become partners with Greg Petersen in the collision industry and they formed Silver Hammer Body Co. They are still partners today after 35 years and own two CARSTAR franchises in Nebraska and two in Kansas. Keith has been with CARSTAR for 18 years and a franchisee since 1990.
Keith previously led CARSTAR’s training and education program, guiding store owners and their employees to the highest levels of technical training. His training and qualifications include Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM), ASE Master Collision Repair Tech, Master Structural Damage Analysis Professional certification from Chief Automotive, I-CAR Platinum Individual, Advanced Safety Certificate from the National Safety Council, OSHA 30-hour certified, Six-Sigma Green Belt and Black Belt certifications and the 2005 Spirit of CARSTAR Award.
About CARSTAR
CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts is North America’s largest Multi-Shop Operator Network of independently owned collision repair facilities with more than 440 locations in 31 states and 10 Canadian provinces. CARSTAR delivers national scale, consistently high-quality vehicle repairs, repeatable outcomes and the industry’s highest customer satisfaction ratings; all repairs are backed by a national warranty and service guarantee. For more information visit www.carstar.com.
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