NORTHEAST 2026 Event Recap

Recap by Alana Quartuccio, Katie Agnello, and Sofia EsHaq

AASP/NJ Tool Scholarships Honor Young Mechanical and Collision Technicians

In order to keep up with an ever-changing business, the next generation of technicians will need to be well trained and prepared to keep the automotive industry thriving. AASP/NJ’s Annual Young Technician Awards are the epitome of this mission.

For the sixth year, AASP/NJ upheld its commitment to awarding a total of $5,000 in tools and equipment to two up-and-coming industry technicians, thanks to the generous support of World Insurance Associates and SPARK Underwriters. This year, AASP/NJ granted tool kits and supplies (valued at $2,500 each) to one collision and one mechanical technician to help them in their blossoming careers.

“This is such an important thing to keep these young men and women coming into our industry and advancing our momentum here,” said AASP/NJ President Ken Miller.

Shamar Lewis (Livingston Collision, Livingston) and Christopher Edmonson (Westview Service, Ridgefield) were touched and inspired by the recognition they received.

“I’m so appreciative,” said Lewis. “The toolkit is going to help me get better and improve my trade. Now, I’ll have easy access to do things the right way and with the right equipment.”

Edmonson felt similarly, saying, “It’s awesome. I’m lost for words. It’s so nice because it’s not every day you get to receive something.

To all the young guys out there, keep doing it. Let’s keep it rolling.”

“We looked into what things shop owners have a hard time with outside of insurance and one of the most common responses was finding qualified employees,” expressed Joe Amato Jr. (World Insurance) “If we can help younger people get into the industry, that helps the industry overall.”

David Willett (SPARK Underwriters) expressed a very similar sentiment.“We’re all about making [the industry] better. And being able to inject new talent by giving them tools to allow them to have a big step forward is an exciting opportunity to be involved with.” 

Fun and Friendly Competition at the Fourth Annual NORTHEAST BodyWork Bowl

ESTIMATING WINNERS

1st Place: Tyler McNee

2nd Place: Jeremy Davis

3rd Place: Owen Rodriguez

PAINTING WINNERS

1st Place: John Lemos

2nd Place: Kelly Bauer

3rd Place: John Herrmann

BODY/WELDING WINNERS

1st Place: David Chicaiza

2nd Place: Chris McFarland

3rd Place: Michael Keehan

NORTHEAST’s BodyWork Bowl Collision Repair Skills Competition is not only an annual tradition – now in its fourth consecutive year, it’s also a main feature for many NORTHEAST attendees!

Painters, welders and estimators alike compete in this friendly competition for a variety of prizes worth thousands of dollars that can be essential to building up a technician’s skill set and toolkit.

A variety of sponsors assisted with this show favorite. The painting competition was supported by INDASA USA, BASF and Pelatec, and Matthew’s Auto Supplies provided 3D printed color samples for the contest. The estimating portion was sponsored by CCC Intelligent Solutions, Collision Advice and Enterprise.

The body work portion of the event was sponsored by Telwin, Reliable Automotive Equipment (RAE), Spanesi, Chief and Collision Equipment Consulting Inc. Competitors came from all over the country to show off their skills. Sparks flew at the body portion of the event as technicians showed off their soldering and welding skills through a variety of challenges overseen by judges. The third place winner took home a RAE welding jacket, while the second place winner received a new Telwin puller. Ultimately, David Chicaiza (CARSTAR Auto; Brooklyn, NY) took home the grand prize welder donated by Chief and Collision Equipment Consulting Inc.

The painting competition also featured a great deal of talent. The second and third place winners took home cash prizes and Pelatec paint suits. The first place winner received a new INDASA polisher to add to their kit. First place winner, John Lemos (Ray’s Automotive, Waterbury, CT), wasn’t even expecting to compete – let alone win! – making his victory even sweeter. “It was almost like a last-minute decision yesterday. We just said, ‘This looks cool, let’s go for it,’” explained Lemos. “I loved it. And I actually needed a buffing kit!”

The estimating competition was the quietest place in the competition area as contestants focused and circled the vehicle, taking in every detail. The third place winner received a sponsored swag bag, and the second place winner won a one-on-one class with DEG Administrator Danny Gredinberg. This year’s estimating winner is no stranger to the first-place cash prize, as Tyler McNee (Ultimate Collision and Repair, Edison) returned to reclaim his crown for the second year in a row. “It felt good to win,” he said. “It’s not always something you see in the day to day. So it’s good to see it paying off.”

NABC’s Recycled Rides Returns TO NORTHEAST

The National Auto Body Council’s Recycled Rides is a nationwide program that grants a refurbished car to a community member in need. This heartwarming giveaway returned to the NORTHEAST floor this year.

“The Recycled Rides program is always a great cause. We’re excited to be a part of it,” said AASP/NJ President Ken Miller. “We’re happy to have [NABC] here at NORTHEAST, giving away this vehicle to someone deserving.”

This year, US Marine Corps veteran Luis Gutierrez was chosen as the recipient of a refurbished 2019 KIA Sportage LX.

Gutierrez served from 1987 to 1990, ascending to the rank of sergeant. He was nominated for Recycled Rides by the Department of Veterans Affairs of New Jersey. A car means a lot to Gutierrez. For almost a year, it served as a home and as a form of employment through the DoorDash app before it finally became a form of transportation to and from his new job in 2024.

Fellow Recycled Rides recipient veteran Dominick Carpentieri joined in on the presentation. He had helped Gutierrez when his car eventually broke down by stepping in to give him his old vehicle when he received his Recycled Ride. Now, Gutierrez plans to pay it forward by giving his old vehicle to another veteran now that he has received a Recycled Ride.

Dale Ross (NABC) thanked the many sponsors of the Recycled Rides program and the refurbishment of Gutierrez’s new car, including GEICO and AASP/NJ member shop Branning Collision Centers (Freehold).

Gutierrez was overwhelmed with gratitude at the life-changing gift. “Honestly, I can’t say it enough. Thank you all so much for this. It’s more than I could ask for. This is really going to help me. I don’t even have words to say.”

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