The Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) honored four industry leaders for their remarkable achievements and contributions to I-CAR's vision during the organization's 45th-anniversary celebration at the I-CAR National Meeting, according to a news release.
The event served to recognize and bring together I-CAR volunteers, instructors, and assessors. Additionally, 20 of their 57 sustaining partners participated in the weekend's activities.
The I-CAR Chairman's Award pays tribute to an individual or organization whose contributions to I-CAR's mission have been significant or extraordinary. The Chairman's Award recipient is selected by the Executive Committee of the I-CAR board of directors. The award was presented to the following industry leaders:
Lou DiLisio, President at Automotive Industry Consulting, Inc.
Lou DiLisio has a long history of leadership, including owning a collision repair center, a deep involvement in industry organizations and associations, and chairing industry conferences.
He transitioned into consulting in the 1980s and continues to provide valuable services, including working with I-CAR. DiLisio's contributions to the collision repair industry have been recognized through numerous awards, including the Collision Industry Hall of Eagles and the SCRS Lifetime Achievement Award.
"His enduring dedication and expertise make him a beacon of leadership and innovation at I-CAR, and in the collision repair industry," said Jim Guthrie, I-CAR board chair. "His extensive involvement in industry committees and organizations underscores his commitment to advancing the field."
Nick Notte, former I-CAR Vice President of Sales & Marketing
Nick Notte has over 30 years of experience across the collision repair industry and served on multiple boards, including NABC, and earlier I-CAR's board, where he served as board chair.
Before retiring in 2023, Notte was also the vice president of sales and marketing at I-CAR for nine years, where he oversaw crucial business development and industry relations efforts.
"Many of you here today had the privilege of working alongside him, witnessing his sincerity for the work we're doing. His professionalism, candor, and down-to-earth character enabled him to connect with all corners of the organization and the industry as a whole," said Guthrie. "His illustrious career is marked by unwavering dedication to advancing the industry and fostering growth across various sectors."
Tim O'Day, President & CEO, Boyd Group Services, Inc.
Tim O'Day began his journey in the collision repair industry in 1998.
He joined Gerber Collision & Glass from Midas, where he was vice president of their western division. O'Day then assumed the role as COO for Boyd's U.S. Operations before he was elevated to his current position in January 2020.
O'Day also served the industry through his participation on industry boards, serving on the I-CAR board where he was chair for three years and earlier on the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) Board.
"He is a true champion of I-CAR, across the industry, in his business and as a past highly engaged Board member," said Guthrie. "Tonight, we celebrate his outstanding achievements and unwavering commitment to ensure the safety of drivers and their passengers on the road."
Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company is the first organization to receive the Chairman's award in recognition of their commitment to excellence and progressive collaboration with I-CAR.
As the first OEM to join I-CAR's Sustaining Partner program when the program launched in 2018, Ford holds a distinct position in I-CAR's 45-year history of serving the industry. Ford's dedication to professional development exhibits the effectiveness of an I-CAR and OEM partnership designed to advance education within a repair network via customized solutions.
Through this integrated partnership, I-CAR now offers multiple Ford vehicle-specific courses covering advanced materials, technologies, and repair methods, all available at I-CAR.com/Ford.
"Ford Motor Company has demonstrated its unwavering support for ongoing training, ensuring that automotive professionals are equipped with the knowledge, skills and information needed to meet the evolving challenges of repairing their vehicles to the highest standards," said Guthrie. "Together, we are driving industry-wide initiatives aimed at enhancing safety, quality, and sustainability in auto repair, while also addressing talent attraction." Jim Guthrie presented the award to Chris Wallace, Collision & Global Brand Protection Manager at Ford Motor Company, who received the Chairman's Award on Ford's behalf.
