BASF and the TechForce Foundation teamed up to grant five $2,500 scholarships and a trip to the 2024 SEMA Show to aspiring collision repair students, as part of the Techs for Tomorrow initiative.
The students selected for the BASF Techs for Tomorrow scholarship and SEMA experience included Nolan Sousek of WyoTech in Laramie, WY; Dustin Detwiler Jr. of Aims Community College in Greely, CO; Mindi Cogdill of UTI Houston in Texas; Jocelyn Pandolfo of the Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport, PA; and Farren Moody of Fayetteville Technical Community College in North Carolina.
The students’ SEMA experience included three days and two nights of immersive activities at the convention that enhanced their knowledge and industry connections. The students attended industry events, visited exhibitors showcasing their latest innovations, and engaged directly with team members. Additionally, students had the unique opportunity to meet industry experts and participate in mentoring sessions with leading custom builders, who serve as BASF ambassadors.
The five BASF Techs for Tomorrow recipients, along with three young industry members sent by Operative Talent, at the 2024 SEMA Show.
During the SEMA experience, students received mentorship from BASF's Marketing Communications Manager Tina Nelles and Business Development Manager John Shoemaker, who helped the students make industry connections to jump-start their careers.
“We believe that investing in the education and development of young talent is crucial for the future of our industry,” said Nelles. “This partnership with TechForce Foundation and the opportunity to engage with students at SEMA exemplifies our commitment to nurturing the next generation of skilled technicians.”
Cogdill, 22, originally from Marysville, OH, is a student in the collision repair and refinishing technology program at UTI Houston. After she graduates in June 2025, Cogdill will intern at a hot rod shop, thanks to the scholarship and connections she made at SEMA.
Cogdill is pursuing a career in customs and restoration, and plans to intern and learn as much as possible for the next few years to gain the knowledge and experience to one day own a shop.
“My trip to SEMA had a huge impact on the vision I have for my future,” Cogdill said in an email to Autobody News. “I learned about different techniques and new technology for body repair and refinishing that left me speechless. Sometimes I forget how advanced technology is, but I was quickly reminded!”
After meeting with representatives of BETAG to learn about their new paintless dent repair (PDR) technology, Cogdill was offered a free seat in a training program. “I’ve never had an experience like that, and I was overwhelmed with gratitude,” she said.
Cogdill also admired a 1966 Ford Bronco, built by RMD Garage and nicknamed “Pure,” and talked with Ralph Holguin about his role in the build.
“Every step of the build was incredibly thought out,” Cogdill said. “[Holguin] had an in-depth reason for each part that he assembled, and those reasons are things that most people never think about.”
Cogdill said she has a 1974 Toyota Land Cruiser that she plans to build after she graduates. Her conversation with Holguin gave her “a lot of insight on how I want to proceed with my Land Cruiser and every car I build in the future,” she said.
Cogdill encouraged all eligible students to apply for the BASF Techs for Tomorrow scholarship.
“The amount of people in the industry that attend SEMA is mind-blowing. The conversations that come from simply introducing yourself to someone could completely alter your future for the better; you just have to take hold of the opportunity,” she said. “I took hold and my future looks bigger and better each and every day. The people I met, the experiences I had, and the builds I saw were so impactful. I am so grateful for this scholarship, TechForce and BASF.”
Students visited several exhibitors on the show floor.
Moody is pursuing an associate degree in collision repair at Fayetteville Technical Community College. After college, she is aiming to work in a collision center, first as a technician and then an estimator. She plans to also pursue her diesel engine repair certificate to start her own business.
Moody said her experience at SEMA was outstanding, both as a car enthusiast and an aspiring member of the collision repair industry. She said she learned a lot about new equipment and techniques.
“One thing that struck me the most is learning from everyone we met, [they] all began in the shop,” Moody said. “By building their network, gaining experience and applying for positions they know they will excel at, it shows that there are more opportunities than remaining in an auto body shop.”
Moody also advised all eligible students to apply for a Techs for Tomorrow scholarship. She credited her own instructor, Doug Irish, for pushing her to apply.
“I had the thought there were so many students out there, no way I would have been chosen,” Moody said. “I was beyond the stars excited that I was picked, not only for the SEMA experience but also the scholarship. Don’t hesitate, apply, and have a positive mindset. When you think it won’t happen to you, it will. BASF is an amazing organization and outstanding folks who represent them.”
Also joining the Techs for Tomorrow recipients were three young collision repair industry members who attended SEMA courtesy of Operative Talent: Jesse Simpkins, Austin Shepherd and Aliya Lentowicz.
Operative Talent is a collaboration between The Petty Family Foundation, Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) and several companies, including BASF, to inspire and direct young people into the automotive industry.
Shepherd is a recent graduate of Appalachian State University in Boone, NC, where he earned a bachelor's degree in industrial design with a concentration in product design. He is now working as a designer at KTL Restorations in Danville, VA, with a goal to “continue designing in the automotive industry and see where it takes me,” he told Autobody News.
“SEMA was an absolutely incredible experience,” Shepherd said.
Shepherd said a lunch with several custom car builders was among his favorite moments at the show.
“I had the privilege of meeting some truly talented people within the custom automotive industry, such as the Ring Brothers, Jonathan Goolsby, Tyler Nelson from Revision Rods & Rides, and many others. I also got the opportunity to meet Chip Foose, which was something I never thought would happen. It was truly amazing,” Shepherd said.
“My advice is to just reach out and build those connections. You never know where they will lead you,” Shepherd said. “I would not have been able to go to SEMA or do anything I've talked about if I did not reach out to people.”
Abby Andrews