What Are They Up To?

AutoInc. Profiles Past Chairmen of ASA

Jim Keller, AAM
ASA Chairman:
April 2001 - April 2002

Q: What are you doing currently?
A: I am the president of CRASH1 Collision Repair Network, a regional group of 28 independently owned collision repair locations currently in Wisconsin and Illinois. I also own two of the network locations. I coach soccer, play golf and enjoy spending time with my partner, Corinne, with whom I enjoy boating, riding my Harley and traveling.

Q: What advice would you give to ASA members aspiring to serve on the board?
A: First, understand what qualities and characteristics constitute a good leader. Second, become involved in association leadership at the local or state level. Showing up to meetings is a good start, but you must get involved! Third, become a student of leadership. Read some good books on leadership, attend leadership seminars, and look for every opportunity to practice your leadership skills. Getting involved in church, school or athletic organizations is also a good way to glean leadership skills from others, as well as practice and develop your individual leadership style.

Q: What are your best memories and accomplishments as chairman?
A: The annual meeting in Washington, D.C., the year I was chairman. The event was well attended, and we visited numerous politicians during the Capitol Hill Legislative Rally. We certainly made a difference.

The accomplishment I felt was most beneficial to ASA during my year as chairman was the decision by the board of directors to develop the ASA Strategic Plan. The planning process included input from the board, members, affiliates, ASA staff, past chairmen, strategic partners and many other industry stakeholders. The result of the planning process was the development of a "blueprint" for the association to follow for years to come.

ASA-Texas Holds Annual Convention

ASA-Texas held its annual conference and business meeting, Southwest Regional Automotive Show, in Fort Worth, Texas, March 24-26.

Members from across the state attended the conference to have the opportunity to take part in the training conducted by Norm "Doc" Nall, Bernie Thompson and Betty Jo Young on a variety of topics such as marketing, vehicle communication problems, fuel trim diagnostics and Mode 6 data diagnostics.

The 20 exhibitors provided the latest tools and equipment that shops use. The companies awarded door prizes and gifts throughout the three-day event.

The highlight of the weekend was a short bus ride to the Texas Motor Speedway for a social event. Attendees were treated to a ride around the racetrack, compliments of the pace car. After dinner in the pit garage, the group had an opportunity to ride in an actual NASCAR car at speeds in excess of 160 mph!

Six staff members from ASA-National attended the event. Ron Pyle, president of ASA, inducted ASA-Texas's new officers for 2007 and gave a short update on national benefits and goals. John Scully, ASA executive vice president; B.J. Johnson, director of membership and affiliate relations; Robbie Talley, meetings and travel manager; and Bret Sullins and Todd Mehalko, membership recruiters and account managers; were also on hand to talk to members. ASA-Texas was appreciative of the national office's support of its show.

ASA-Texas has already started to plan the next conference for 2008. For more information, contact the ASA-Texas office at (512) 495-9769 or visit the ASA-Texas Web site, www.asatx.org.