Michael Bradshaw, vice president of K&M Collision in North Carolina and the Society of Collision Repair Specialists’ (SCRS) newest chairman, said it is the memory of the sacrifices his father made running a small, family-owned shop that inspires him to give back to the collision industry.

“He really was a hard worker, and he made a lot of sacrifices that he’s paying for now with his body breaking down because the way he worked and supported our family,” Bradshaw said during the SCRS open meeting Thursday. “I want to make it easier for everybody that comes after me, everybody that came after my dad, everybody that comes after these guys around the table.”

Bradshaw succeeds Amber Alley, manager at Barsotti’s Body & Fender, as chairman. He previously served as vice chairman.

Kris Burton, of Rosslyn Auto Body Shop, was reelected to the board Wednesday and moved from secretary to vice chairman. Andrew Batenhorst, Pacific BMW Collision Center body shop manager, is now secretary, moving from director-at-large.

Todd Hesford, Community Collision Centers owner, assumed the role of treasurer, and Tony Adams the role of director-at-large. 

“I’ve been just thinking how fortunate I have been to be surrounded by such great mentors,” Bradshaw said. “When I got on the board, I didn’t know what to do and how to contribute.” 

Everyone on the board has led by example, Bradshaw said. He said each member gives up their time and uses their own financial resources to contribute to the industry. 

“It’s so humbling for me to be able to lead this organization into the next chapter, and I’m super humbled that I have the opportunity to do that,” Bradshaw said. “I’m looking forward to continuing to do the work and push the envelope for the things that repairers are out there fighting for each and every day, because that’s ultimately who we’re here for. That’s who we’re here to support.” 

Alley used the word “humbling” to describe her experience as SCRS chair. 

“I think I said when I became chair that it was important for me to do so because of all the mentorship I had received,” Alley said. 

She said it was her way to mentor others, something she continues to plan to do in her role as past chair.

“I’m looking forward to the future of the organization,” Alley said. “We are working on some really amazing things. I’m looking forward to seeing what Michael Bradshaw does in the next two years.” 

Incumbent Burton and three new board members, Ben Bowman, of Cliff’s Body Repair in New York; Kena Dacus, of Dacus Auto Body & Collision Repair in Kansas; and Justin Lewis, of Accurate Auto Body in Washington, were elected to four open seats on the board. 

“You learn a lot of stuff that actually happens behind the scenes,” Burton said Wednesday about his time on the board. “A lot of things you don’t think are possible are possible. It’s pretty cool to be a part of that, and it’s something I want to continue to do.”

Burton is the second-generation owner of Rosslyn Auto Body and has been in the collision repair industry for more than 20 years.

He has worked to transform the business into an OEM-certified, customer-focused repair facility, which currently holds over 10 OEM certifications.

Burton is also president of the Washington Metropolitan Auto Body Association (WMABA) and serves on advisory councils for collision repair programs at the local high school and community college.

Bowman said he was drawn to SCRS because it is an organization that is actively “getting things done.”  

“SCRS was benefiting me before I knew what SCRS was,” Bowman said. “That’s really what motivated me to look to you guys, see what you guys are doing. I’m excited to be a part of something that can move the needle way more than I ever could by myself. And I’m hoping that there’s someplace in California, which is the farthest way from New York, that will benefit from the work that we’re doing without ever knowing that we are here. That’s the ultimate goal, is to bring the industry up.” 

Bowman told SCRS his interest in cars began at a young age, and he was born and raised in the collision industry.

He spent most of his career at Keeler Motor Car, which specialized in Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Honda repairs, where he learned what OEMs look for in collision repair.

Bowman recently purchased Cliff’s Body Repair and is “back in the thick of things,” training and helping modernize repair techniques and equipment.

Dacus earned her bachelor’s in business administration from Wichita State University and spent several years working with numbers before joining her husband full-time at Dacus Auto Body in 2015.

Since then, she has helped manage operations across their automotive companies.

Dacus previously served as president of the Kansas Auto Body Association and remains actively involved in her industry and community.

Outside of work, she enjoys reading and spending time with her husband, Chris, and their three kids.

“I learned really quickly that I was really passionate about the industry, mostly from a consumer perspective,” Dacus said. “Then I saw what was happening with the insurance side of things. I got passionate about finding some resolutions.” 

Dacus said she’s benefited from SCRS. 

“I’m really grateful that the organization is here,” Dacus said. “Now I feel like it’s my turn to maybe give back a little bit to that and to move it forward in whatever way I can.” 

Lewis said he is excited about holding a position on the board.

“I know a lot of you guys from just years of going to training events,” Lewis said. “We’ve got a lot out of SCRS. It has guided us in the way that we’re doing things. It is a way to pay it forward. Now I really hope to bring something to the table.” 

Lewis has been involved in collision repair since 1994, when his family first established Accurate Auto Body, and he took over operations eight years ago.

He said he is working to improve industry standards and protect consumers in Washington State, including as the president of the Washington Independent Collision Repairers Association (WICRA).

Lewis helped establish WICRA “to advocate for independent repair shops and ensure that consumers receive safe, high-quality repairs.”

Doing so is following in his father’s footsteps, who was an active member of the former Washington Collision Association, and his dedication inspired Lewis to fight for fair practices, consumer protection, and proper repair standards.

Over the last three years, Lewis has worked with WICRA to push for multiple industry-related bills in the Washington State Congress to protect consumers, particularly through right-to-appraisal legislation.

Read the complete nominee biographies here.

Aaron Schulenburg, SCRS executive director, said the SCRS bylaws are designed to spur movement through the board. Board members are eligible to serve two three-year terms. Those who serve on the executive committee have the option to serve longer. 

“We want to have active rotation through our board so that we can then bring in new ideas, bring in new perspectives, make sure that we have a continued finger on the pulse of the industry,” Schulenburg said. 

IMAGE

SCRS board members during the SCRS open meeting held May 1/Teresa Moss 

All headshots provided by SCRS

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