From Feb. 26 to March 1, I had the privilege of attending a truly remarkable I-CAR conference -- one that celebrated the achievements of industry leaders while laying the foundation for the future. This year’s event was particularly special as we honored John Van Alstyne, our CEO, during his final conference before his tenure comes to an end. His leadership has been instrumental in shaping I-CAR into the industry leader it is today, and his dedication was recognized with a True North Visionary Award.
The conference was also an opportunity to acknowledge the incredible individuals whose hard work keeps I-CAR’s mission alive. Among the many awards presented this weekend, two stood out: the Chairman’s Award, given to Mike Anderson, a true advocate for the industry, and the Founder’s Ring, presented to Adan Ibarra, owner of Leading Edge Collision in Houston, TX, for his commitment to excellence in repair education.
Larry McReynolds.
Beyond the awards, the event was filled with inspiration. Attendees had the privilege of hearing from former NASCAR crew chief and FOX Sports analyst Larry McReynolds, who brought his unique perspective on teamwork, precision and leadership. Adding to the excitement, astronaut Jose Hernandez shared his incredible journey from migrant farmworker to space explorer, proving that with perseverance, education and dedication, anything is possible.
While we celebrated the past and present, the conference also focused on building a team for the future. I-CAR’s mission and vision is steadfast, but the organization is evolving in response to technological advancements, and at the heart of that future is a push to get more repairers to achieve I-CAR Gold Class certification. This designation holds shops to a higher standard, ensuring they have the knowledge, training and commitment necessary to perform safe and proper repairs. The Gold certification isn’t just a title -- it’s a mark of excellence that benefits the entire industry, from repair professionals to vehicle owners who trust their cars are in the hands of the best-trained technicians.
Images outside the host hotel featured I-CAR students from Texas.
Another key initiative highlighted during the conference was Collision Careers, a program dedicated to attracting and developing the next generation of collision repair professionals. With the industry facing a technician shortage, Collision Careers plays a critical role in connecting young talent with rewarding opportunities in the field. This initiative, along with I-CAR’s growing presence in high schools and technical colleges, is helping to build a stronger pipeline of skilled professionals for the future.
Additionally, I-CAR Academy was highlighted as a major advancement in entry-level training and education. I-CAR Academy provides a structured learning pathway for repair professionals, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to advance in their careers. With an emphasis on hands-on training and cutting-edge technology, the academy is a game changer for those seeking continuous improvement in collision repair. Our efforts in education and workforce development were further validated by I-CAR’s official recognition as a National Apprenticeship Hub by the U.S. Department of Labor, reinforcing our role as a leader in the industry.
The conference was impeccably executed from start to finish, showcasing I-CAR’s unwavering commitment to the industry, its volunteers and instructors. Every detail, no matter how small, reflected that same commitment, fostering advocates who embody its mission and vision.
As I reflect on this past week, I am more inspired than ever to be part of I-CAR. The passion, innovation and commitment of everyone involved reaffirm why this organization is shaping the future of collision repair. The road ahead is bright, and I am honored to walk it alongside such an incredible team.
John Melendez is the owner of JDM Collision in Thornton, IL, and chair of the Northwest Indiana I-CAR Committee.
