The auto body industry is a price-driven market, creating a need for education and consumer safety. As the Kansas Auto Body Association, we want the auto body industry and our customers to better understand the business and their rights as consumers. Kansas ABA feels there is strength in numbers and any individual auto body shop, who is in the state of Kansas, has standards to uphold. The more uniform we as auto body repair shops are the better our businesses will be.
In 1995, Joe started in the automotive industry and was encouraged by the owner of that business to expand and explore other areas of transportation in Kansas City. This led to the aviation field where Joe attained his pilot’s license, while still acquiring more knowledge and skills in the automotive industry. He was able to gain more experience in the automotive industry while managing two collision centers. His desire and vision, with much prayer, led to the launching of JW Consulting in 2012, a paintless dent repair company. Beginning in 2019, they rebranded and moved into their new storefront location on the West side of Shawnee, Kansas with their corporate base in Olathe, Kansas. His licensed and insured technicians bring over twenty-seven years of expertise and experience in this industry. It is Joe's privilege to serve on the KABA Board to continue to see this industry achieve and accelerate for years to come.
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Jason was born into the business. His father, John, started Findley Automotive in 1972 and his Uncle Robert, started Findley Body Repair in 1975. The two shops were located right next to each other in Fort Scott, KS. While growing up he helped alongside both of them to learn their tricks & trades and later attended PDR school. In 2019, the shops were merged into a new building located directly between the originals. It is now known as Findley Auto & Body, owned by Jason and his wife, Adina. Together they want to create a better new aged business for the small town they enjoy raising their family in.
Kena and her husband own Dacus Auto Repair in McPherson, KS. Kena graduated with an accounting degree in 2012 from Wichita State University. She joined her husband, Chris, shortly after they married in 2014. Both share a passion for collision repair and work hard to build on and improve the repairs they produce. They are I-Car Gold Class certified, use Sikkens products, and are involved in several performance and peer groups. They are very focused on PCE, following OE procedures, and providing the best customer experience from start to finish. Kena enjoys being a part of a group that shares ideas and works to find solutions to the challenges facing our industry.
Brody started working in a body shop at 14 after school and on weekends. He went on to open his own shop at age 19 that operated for 5 years before moving his family to KC. Brody worked in a handful of different independent and dealership shops over the next 10 years as a body and occasional paint tech. He started managing about 8 years ago. Before managing Randy Curnow Buick GMC, Brody ran an independent shop for 4 years. Brody is now the Collision Center Director of both locations, Chillicothe, MO and KC, both of which are I-CAR gold class shops. The KC store is on the GM Collision Repair Network.
I graduated from Salina Area Technical School (Auto Body) in 1983 and worked as a combo tech for several years before I began my career as a body shop manager in 1990. In 1999, I went to work at what is now Hays Chevrolet Collision Center as the body shop manager and am still there today. Since graduation from Vo-Tech, I have been and currently am I-CAR and ASE certified. I live in Hays with my wife of 35 years, Brenda, and we have 3 adult children. My wife and I love to travel, and I enjoy restoring classic cars in my free time. Regarding the collision industry, I have done my best to remain involved and be a forward thinking type of person. I have seen many people come and go in this industry, many of them left because, as we all know, life in the body shop business has become more and more complicated and many have just said “I’m done.” I just turned 59 years old and feel that I still have many years left to work in this industry.
Shanda and her husband, Skeeter, own Skeeter’s Body Shop, Inc. in Garden City, Kansas. Skeeter’s just celebrated their 20thanniversary in business. Shanda graduated with a Master’s of Business Administration from West Texas A&M University. Skeeter’s Body Shop is an I-Car Gold Class shop with numerous OEM Certifications and involved in multiple performance groups. They have worked hard to grow and expand their business and their service offerings including mechanical, alignments, and also large vehicle repair. In her free time, Shanda volunteers for the G.C.C.C. Endowment Association and is an elected member of the Garden City Community College Board of Trustees.
Brad has been in this industry since he was a little boy as it has been a family business. But started working in the business in 1985. While he never made a living as a technician, he has done a part in every aspect of this business. He is very passionate about this industry since it’s the only career he's ever had. He also has a bachelor's degree in business from Wichita State and chose to stay in this industry. He has managed Shelton Collision Repair since 1992 and has owned it since 1999. Apart from his work, he has sat on numerous boards or committees both in and out of the auto body industry. He believes our industry has been and will continue to get run over unless we all bind together and strive to work as one voice towards a very bright future. He considers himself a progressive thinker and therefore a progressive shop owner, and that means constantly changing and moving forward.
Don has been in the industry since he was a kid. His father and uncle started Quality Body Shop in 1974, so being around wrecked vehicles has been the norm for a lot of years. He painted his first semi at the age of 16, and things have not slowed down since then. In 2018, Don and his cousin Terry bought the family business from their fathers. Don's passion is the heavy truck and RV side. We have been blessed to have techs that enjoy working on the BIG stuff. Quality Body Shop is ICAR gold class certified. They use Sikkens products on the auto side and PPG products on heavy trucks. Don enjoys spending time with other groups in the industry by sharing ideas and strategies and finding solutions that make life easier for the collision industry.
Sales rep for wholesale distribution for over 27 years. Married with 3 children and 5 grandchildren! Born in Nuremberg Germany to a Military Family and have called Wichita home for 29 years. Volunteer with Sedgwick county elections and Human kind and Toastmaster President of local chapter from 1998 to 2000.
Moved to Kansas at an early age where I went to school and graduated High School. Started my auto body career as a painter’s helper in 1979 in Topeka at a shop that is still in operation today, with new ownership. In 1980, I graduated from the collision program what is known now as Washburn Institute of Technology. To date, I have been a prepper, a painter, an estimator, a manager, and a co-owner of a collision center. I love this industry and work hard at helping other shops and technicians whenever I can. I want to help all shops in the State of Kansas and I believe I can help more of them on the Kansas Association as a Board Member.
Josh grew up in the family business of auto collision, mechanic/machine shop, auto salvage yard and 24hr tow service. At the age of 8 he painted his first customer project and by the age of 14 he was painting complete vehicles. Josh graduated Wyo-Tech in 2002 with degrees in Auto Collision, Refinishing & Street Rod Fabrication. After completing his degree, Josh founded Kansas Kustoms in the small town of Burr Oak, KS, servicing customers both locally and throughout the Midwest. Josh owned and operated in that location for 23 years. He taught Auto Collision & Refinishing at NCK Tech for 4 years before joining the Crossroads Collision team as General Manager in 2022. Josh holds many Master Certifications including ASE, PPG Refinishing, and I-Car. Josh volunteers for many organizations including Boy Scouts. He has held the roll of Assistant Scout Master for Troop 46 for the past 7 years. With the rest of his spare time, he enjoys restoring cars and building street rods in his shop, along with riding motorcycles with family and friends.
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Kyle Sadewhite, a dedicated and innovative leader in association management, brings a wealth of experience and passion to his role as the Executive Director of KABA. With a Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management and a minor in Business Administration from Kansas State University, Kyle has honed his expertise in supporting associations and boards. His work focuses on driving member growth, enhancing organizational management, and implementing effective marketing and communications strategies.
Born and raised in Overland Park, Kansas, Kyle's roots run deep in the heart of the Midwest. He currently resides in Lenexa, Kansas, with his fiancée and their two beloved dogs. When not spearheading initiatives at KABA, Kyle can be found on the golf course, refining his game, or enjoying quality time at his family's lake house—activities that underscore his appreciation for the outdoors and relaxation.
Kyle's commitment to service extends beyond his professional achievements. He served eight years in the United States Army, including a tour in Iraq, embodying dedication, resilience, and leadership. These qualities have undoubtedly influenced his approach to business and life.
