AASP/NJ Celebrates Wins, Honors Members and Hosts Veteran Comedians at Annual Meeting
by Alana Quartuccio
The AASP/NJ community has loads to celebrate this year!
With many achievements under their belt, including another record-breaking NORTHEAST® Automotive Services Show and the growth of its mechanical division, members packed the Gran Centurions (Clark) to enjoy a night of recognition, celebration and cheer via the association’s Annual Meeting last month.
Before diving into the awards and recognitions, the annual Board of Directors elections were conducted. AASP/NJ President Ken Miller (821 Collision; North Haledon), Collision Chairman/Past President Attending Jerry McNee (Ultimate Collision and Repair; Edison) and Mechanical Chairman Keith Krehel (Krehel Automotive Repair; Clifton) were all re-elected to two-year terms. Board members Tom Elder (Compact Kars; Clarksburg), Mike Kaufmann (Mike Kaufmann Dealer Group; Wayne), Thomas Greco (Greco Publishing; Nutley) and Danielle Molina (821 Collision; North Haledon) were re-elected to three-year terms.
Mattheus Rompava, a student at Thomas Edison Career and Technical Academy (Elizabeth), was recognized as the 2025 Russ Robson Scholarship Award winner. Named in honor of the past president and vocational school teacher who was passionate about encouraging young people to pursue a career in collision repair, the award is given annually to a young up-and-coming student or member shop employee.
“He has consistently demonstrated a passion for automotive restoration, a commitment to technical excellence and a drive to elevate industry standards through innovation and integrity,” Elder read the words submitted by Rompava’s instructor, Donald Stewart.
AASP/NJ Mechanical Division Executive Director Joe Ocello presented Jacki Skillender (Skillender Service Center; Howell) with the 2025 Mechanical Shop of the Year Award. Ocello cited Skilender as a “stand-up lady” known to vocalize ideas, which is “something that is really needed in this industry.”
The 2025 Stan Wilson/New Jersey Automotive Body Shop of the Year Award was presented to Peotter’s Auto Body (Summit) by Jeff McDowell, longtime AASP/NJ Board member and friend of the late past-president whom the award is named in honor of. Joining McDowell in presenting, Miller commended Larry Peotter and his team for their unique and successful operation.
AASP/NJ Board member Ted Rainer (Ocean Bay Auto Body; Point Pleasant) was honored as the 2025 AASP/NJ Hall of Fame inductee by AASP/NJ Collision Division Executive Director Charles Bryant. Miller commented that Rainer is one of many who “shaped this association and shaped the industry.”
Special recognition was given to Jeff McDowell (Leslie’s Auto Body; Fords) in honor of his upcoming retirement. “Jeff spent five decades in the industry,” stated Greco. “He served on the AASP/NJ Board for more than 40 years and was president for eight years. He’s been an advisor, a supporter and most of all a friend to everyone.”
“It may sound like a big thing to some to be involved with this group for 40 years, but it’s been my honor and my pleasure,” shared McDowell. “I wouldn’t have done it if it didn’t make my life much better and the industry much better. As a lot of these guys can tell you, there were a lot of late nights; our families were looking for us, but that’s what it takes to make it work if we all put in the time. I didn’t do anything special other than show up. Thank you to everyone who has been on the Board.”
Following the presentations, Emmy Award-winning comedians Jim Florentine and Don Jamieson, both of VH1’s “That Metal Show” fame and other television, radio and podcasts had audience members roaring with laughter for the remainder of the event.
Want more? Check out the November 2025 issue of New Jersey Automotive!