Built on family. Driven by excellence. For Mother’s Day, we’re sharing the story of Geri and Laura Kottschade of Jerry’s Abra Auto Body & Glass, a previous Gold Class Shop of the Year recipient.Geri helped build a legacy with her husband, Jerry.
Their daughter, Laura, learned from their example and later stepped into a leadership position herself. At the 20th-anniversary WIN Conference, Laura became a conference chair, two decades after her mother helped found the organization. Together, they presented the very first Founding Mother Award.
Happy Mother’s Day to the women helping move the industry forward every day.
Read the full story at the link in our bio.
#HappyMothersDay #MotherDaughterDuo #WomeninCollisionRepair #MothersDay2026 #JerrysAbraAutoandGlass
As millions of students graduate and make decisions about the next phase of their lives, we’re celebrating those who are making the commitment to collision repair. It's a path built on ongoing learning, growth and continuous improvement.
We’re proud that I-CAR Gold Class shops across the country are creating clear, connected pathways into collision repair.
These shops invest in training that keeps up with today’s vehicles, so techs learn on the job and work with the latest technology. 🔧
And it’s more than one path. Gold Class shops, Platinum professionals, apprenticeships and Collision Careers are all connected to help you get started and keep growing. Take a closer look at the link in our bio. 👀
#CollegeDecisionDay #CommittedtoCollisionRepair #ICAR #ICAREducation
I-CAR Sustaining Partners are the manufacturers, suppliers, providers and insurers that are committed to advancing our industry standards and dedicated to collaboration that supports the technician facing new repair complexities every day in the bay. Stronger together.
Learn more at the link in our bio.
#ICAR #SustainingPartner #IndustrySupport #StrongerTogether
All the skilled people who are dedicated to performing complete, safe and quality repairs are in the spotlight today. At I-CAR, we’re committed to training and supporting collision pros on Skilled Trades Day and every day. Thank you to all the tradespeople who keep vehicles and roads safe. Your expertise matters.
#SkilledTradesDay #ICAR #CollisionRepair #SafetyFirst
This National Apprenticeship Week, we’re highlighting the mentors and mentees helping to shape what’s next.
Lance Kruse, a mentor at B&D Collision, works side by side with the next generation of technicians, helping them build real skills and real careers.
“We need a clear path forward to grow new talent within the collision industry—and the I-CAR Registered Apprenticeship Program makes it possible.”
Through mentorship and hands-on learning, I-CAR is helping build the future of collision repair.
Learn more at the link in bio.
#NAW2026 #ApprenticeshipUSA #ICAR @usdol@bdcollisioncenter
For National Apprenticeship Week, we’re spotlighting those who know what it's all about. Check out what Aidan Richardson from All County Collision has to say about learning his craft and working with his mentor, David Baskette.
“I was looking for something I could continuously grow in. What stood out to me with the I-CAR Registered Apprenticeship Program is the instructor’s dedication to teaching you. You get to put in the real, hands-on work early on. You’re part of the process and not just copying what someone else does. You learn each step and feel more confident with every repair.”
Explore how to become a Registered Apprentice Body Shop at the link in our bio.
#NAW2026 #AllCountyCollision #ApprenticeshipUSA #ICAR @allcountycollisionfl@usdol
Skilled hands have always been at the center of building America. As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week with official proclamations from the State of Illinois and the Village of Hoffman Estates, we’re proud to stand behind this year’s theme of “Building America Through Registered Apprenticeships,” especially as we approach the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding.
At I-CAR, supporting technicians, shops and communities means investing in the skills and career pathways that keep our industry strong.
Here’s to the people shaping the future of collision repair and preparing the next generation of skilled professionals.
#NAW2026 #ApprenticeshipUSA #ICAR @usdol
I‑CAR has made its 2026 annual donation to the @collisioneducationfoundation (CREF), bringing our lifetime contribution to more than $2.3 million.
Supporting collision repair education, and the schools and students behind it, reflects who we are. After 18 years of partnership, our commitment to the future of the industry continues to grow.
As CREF celebrates its 35th anniversary, we’re proud to be a founding partner and to support the skilled professionals shaping what’s next.
#ICAR #CREF #CollisionRepair #IndustryEducation #FutureReady
💥National Welding Month is almost over, but the best welders continue to level up💥
Because in collision repair, strong skills fuel strong, quality repairs. Wherever you are on your welding journey, step up your game with I-CAR training.
👨🏭Tap the link in our bio to explore courses and certifications.
#ICAR #CollisionCareers #WorkinCollision #Welding #WeldingMonth #WeldingMonth2026
For Baierl Collision, the journey to Gold was more than a goal. It was the shop’s lifeline.
“When I joined Baierl Collision, the shop was facing possible closure. I quickly set a goal for our shop to transform into a true production facility and achieve I-CAR Gold Class status. That goal drove everything we did. Within 4 months, we gained Gold Class status. This achievement helped save and rebuild Baierl Collision into the reputable and standout shop it is today.”
- Casey Montgomery, Collision Director, Baierl Collision
Gold Class isn’t the finish line. It’s an ongoing commitment to improvement, raising industry standards and taking pride in every repair. No matter what your motivation for Gold is, it’s a goal worth chasing. Drop your reason for Gold in the comments below.
#WhatDrivesYouToGold #DrivetoGold #ICAR #GoldClass #PlatinumTech #CollisionCareers #WorkInCollision
