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The CRASH1 Story

In 1997, Bill Wynkoop and Dave Replogle joined to create CRASH1 Collision Centers, in Rockford IL. In only a few short years, the union proved to be successful in growing their businesses together by dedication to quality and service. A few years later, Troy Gates from Madison, WI and Jim Keller from Milwaukee, WI joined forces with Bill, Dave and the Illinois locations, and formed the CRASH1 Collision Repair Network. The CRASH1 Network’s primary objectives are:

• To improve the customer satisfaction and performance of our businesses through standard operating procedures.
• To develop quality relationships with insurers.
• To be the market leader in effectively and efficiently processing auto collision repair claims.

Jim Keller AAM – President

An auto body shop owner since 1981, Jim has been a successful multiple shop operator, franchisee and consolidator in the collision industry. Jim is a past chairman of the board of the national ASA (Automotive Service Association). Jim was named Body Shop Business Magazine 2003 Collision Repair Executive of the Year, and an inductee in the Collision Industry Hall of Eagles. Jim holds a degree in business from Cardinal Stritch University, and an AAM (Accredited Automotive Manager) degree from the AMI (Automotive Management Institute).


Bill Wynkoop – Vice President

A successful and nationally recognized collision business owner since 1984, Bill was awarded the Body Shop Development Group “Best Curb Appeal” Award for his design, construction, and operation of his Rockford IL CRASH1 Auto Rehab facility. Bill was a software consultant for 3M Auto Repair Management Systems, and served in the US Navy.


Troy Gates – Director

Successful, multi-location collision repair business owner, who achieved significant growth through superior business practices. Troy is President of Gates Business Solutions and Gates Auto Body. Troy attended the University of Wisconsin.


The CRASH1 Commitment

CRASH1 Network members operate professional, independently owned collision centers that are committed to:

• Providing a responsive and ethical service, that will delight our customers.
• Doing “whatever it takes” to build the trust of our clients to earn referrals.
• Maintaining positive relationships with our insurance partners, resulting in a seamless auto body repair service.
• Being the preferred auto body shops in Chicago, Madison, Milwaukee and the rest our market areas by striving to constantly improve our collision repair process through best practices, high levels of management, technical training, and meeting the high standards of the CRASH1 Network.

Regulatory and Governmental Compliance

CRASH1 auto body locations retain all of the appropriate state, federal and municipal licenses and permits required to operate, to include the following:

• Business license
• EPA identification permit
• Air resources board permit
• Hazardous material permit
• Sales tax permit
• Police alarm permit
• Fire department permit
• Elevator permit
• Recycler permit
• Air pressure vessel permit
• Spray booth permit

Safety

CRASH1 Collision Repair Networks maintain strict comprehensive safety programs. Our auto body repair staff attends safety meetings in our centers to comply with our standards. Topics at these meetings may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Respiratory training and fit testing
• Emergency evacuation & fire safety
• Blood borne pathogens
• Housekeeping & spill clean-up
• Emergency first-aid
• Documentation training for the office
• Electrical safety/Lock-out tag-out
• Hazardous communication “Right to Know,” MSDS
• Drug & alcohol awareness
• Personal protection equipment and safety
• Lifting techniques & avoiding back injury
• Hazardous material handling
• Individual workstation training

CRASH1 believes it is important to give back to Chicago, Madison, Milwaukee and the other communities where we operate our collision centers.


CRASH1′s Auto Body Shops proudly support:

• The American Red Cross
• The Children of ATSC
• Child Seat Safety Program
• March Of Dimes
• Muscular Dystrophy
• YMCA
• Young Life Sponsor
• Youth Soccer Programs
• Rockford Rescue Mission
• Toys for Tots
• Vo-Tech Scholarships
• Walter’s Children’s Charity
• American Cancer Society
• Boys & Girls Club Donation
• Arthritis Foundation
• Make A Wish Foundation