AASP/NJ Annual Meeting Features Celebrations, Cheers and Comedy

by Alana Quartuccio

Smiles, applause and lots of laughter! That was the theme of AASP/NJ’s Annual Meeting last month held at the Gran Centurions (Clark).

Every October, the AASP/NJ community comes together to celebrate achievements, highlight goals, honor members and enjoy some well-deserved social interaction and entertainment.

The Annual Meeting started off with the Board of Director elections. The following AASP/NJ Board members were reelected to three-year terms: Joe Amato, Sr. (World Insurance Associates; Wall), Dennis Cataldo, Jr. (D&M Auto Body; Old Bridge), Brad Crawford (Livingston Collision; Livingston), Gary Gardella, Jr. (County Line Auto Body; Howell), Jeff McDowell (Honorary/Retired) and Ted Rainer (Ocean Bay Auto Body; Point Pleasant).

Taina Rivera of Koplin Auto Body (Elizabeth) was recognized as the 2026 Russ Robson Memorial Scholarship recipient. Named in honor of the former AASP/NJ president known for his commitment to training young professionals in the trade, the award is given annually to a deserving young professional who shows promise in the field.

“I am so proud of you,” Adele Rivas, owner of Koplin Auto Body told Rivera during the presentation. “You are the essence of Koplin and I am truly honored to have you, not just as an employee, but as part of our family.”

AASP/NJ Mechanical Executive Director Joe Ocello presented Petty Motorworks (Waretown) with the Mechanical Shop of the Year award.

Ocello commended the shop’s owner, Tom Petty, for his dedication to automotive repair and involvement in his community. “Tom, his son Tommy, and their staff are a true asset to AASP/NJ, their consumers and to our industry.”

Veteran AASP/NJ Board member Jeff McDowell presented the Stan Wilson/New Jersey Automotive Body Shop of the Year Award to Mike MacMullen of Fantastic Plastic (Clifton).

“The Wilson family had generations of body shops in Middletown,” McDowell relayed. “I moved to Middletown and met Stan. We joined the association around the same time and we became best friends. It’s an honor to have an award named for him.”

“These special awards are about keeping Russ and Stan’s names active,” AASP/NJ Treasurer Tom Elder said of the special awards.

Dennis Cataldo, Jr. (D&M Auto Body; Old Bridge) was inducted into the AASP/NJ Hall of Fame.

“He’s got it in his blood,” AASP/NJ Administrator Alicia Figurelli said of Cataldo. “He’s seen how body shops and trade associations work from the inside out from a young age. Between his valuable feedback and input, legislative efforts and ability to always show  up, he truly knows to get things done.”

Following the award ceremony, attendees enjoyed a hilarious comedy show featuring Danny Braff and TV/radio personality Robert Kelly of Sirius/XM’s The Bonfire and various TV and film appearances.

Want more? Check out the November 2026 issue of New Jersey Automotive!