Ladies in Collision: Emma White, KECO Body Repair Products
by Alana Quartuccio
Anyone who believes the collision repair industry to be a “man’s world” would be largely mistaken given how many amazing ladies call this field their home. To date, Texas Automotive has featured ladies in just about every facet of the industry.
This month, we spotlight Emma White of KECO Body Repair Products, a company that is revolutionizing glue pull repair. She may be somewhat of a new face to the industry, but she is most certainly not a newcomer as she’s put in a lot of time behind the scenes prior to coming on full time with KECO. Since then, she’s already presented at the 2025 Texas Auto Body Trade Show and attended various industry events around the country. Read on to learn more about Emma.
Texas Automotive: Tell us about what brought you to the industry and what role you play.
Emma White: I made my official start in January of this year, but I’ve been around the industry for awhile. Back in 2010, my father, Chris White, started KECO Tabs or KECO Body Repair Products, which is what it is now. The summers between 2012 and 2015, I came to work for him packaging tabs at the plastic injection molding plant, where KECO products are manufactured. My role now is MSO/OEM Relationship Manager. I also head up our sales department. Before coming on board with KECO, I worked for the insurance industry.
TXA: What made you decide to make the switch over to the collision repair side?
EW: The funny thing is that, when I first graduated college, my dad encouraged me to find work outside of his business as he didn’t intend to hire me at the time. That’s what led me to my former job with the insurance industry. But then this past January, he asked me to come on board. I had been interested in working for the company based on my prior experience over the summers, and it appeared to be a really cool industry to work in. Glue pull repair (GPR) is different, and it’s cool to be on the cutting edge of a revolution of the industry. Safe and proper repairs via glue pull repair, being the least invasive way to repair, is exciting to me. I was interested in hopping on board and to learn more about what I could do at KECO and in the industry. Working for family and with family has its challenges, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. My dad’s passion for his business is infectious. I’m so grateful for the way he pours into me, pushes me and encourages me.
TXA: Did any of your prior experience being on the other side assist in your current role in all?
EW: Somewhat! It was my first time in a sales role. I worked for an insurance aggregator so I didn’t sell insurance, but I did have an insurance license. I think that the experience helped me understand some of the topics and concerns that come up at the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) and the Society of Collision Repair Specialists meetings. I think I may have had a much harder time following along during those meetings had I not had experience in the insurance industry.
TXA: What do you think are some of the biggest challenges women face, and have you faced any yourself?
EW: Being new to the industry, I haven’t experienced anything too difficult. I became involved with the Women’s Industry Network (WIN) this year. They say there aren’t a great deal of women in the industry, but I was surprised to be welcomed by so many women in this industry. I’ve found that everyone really rallies together and is more than willing to help others and make introductions that will be beneficial. Everyone has been so welcoming and willing to help in whatever way they can.
TXA: What do you love about the industry the most?
EW: It’s definitely the people. I’ve gone to quite a few events this year, including eight trade shows and all the CIC meetings, and I love seeing all the familiar faces. Everyone has been so welcoming and eager to help me learn. I look forward to getting more involved in industry organizations, growing current friendships and meeting new people!
TXA: Let’s talk about life outside the body shop. Are there any interesting hobbies you’d like to share?
EW: I have a theater background, which started in freshman year of college. My interest moved from theater to film as I eventually majored in creative media productions, a marketing type of degree. I still have a love for it, and I make short films with a couple of friends of mine. I try to do it as much as I can.
TXA: Do you have any encouraging words to give other women interested in pursuing a career in collision repair?
EW: Be bold. I know it can be scary, especially when you are new to an industry and feeling like a minority, but if you put yourself out there, meet new people, learn as much as you can and just be a sponge, it is definitely possible to excel quickly and move forward.
Want more? Check out the December 2025 issue of Texas Automotive!