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President
Executive Director
Vice President
Drew Bryant
Since August 2011, Drew Bryant has been at the helm of DB Orlando Collision, a business that has seen substantial growth under his dynamic leadership. Formerly an upper management figure in a prominent, family-owned Panera Bread franchise chain, Drew’s expertise in process-driven environments significantly contributed to his professional success.
Transitioning from automotive audio to collision repair, Drew's strategic pivot transformed a 400-square-foot original space in Orlando, FL, into a thriving 44,000-square-foot multi-location venture. Drew’s leadership prowess extends nationally as he guides several 20 groups and is sought-after for his insights at industry conferences. There, he shares his innovative methodologies for operational efficiency and implementing lean processes.
Drew's accolades are a testament to his and his team's commitment to excellence. They have been recognized as the most improved collision shop in 2018 and were awarded the collision repair national “Top Shop Award” in 2022. Drew has been nominated for Humanitarian of the Year for consecutive years and was nationally celebrated for cultivating the "Best Shop Culture."
At the core of Drew's ethos is a dedication to his staff's personal and professional growth, fostering a culture that embraces continuous development and team consistency. It's this investment in people that fortifies the company's forward trajectory.
A personal incident laid the foundation for Drew’s invigorated mission – a safety-compromising repair encounter following substandard collision repair on his vehicle spurred him to create a facility that not only exemplified superior standards but also championed consumer advocacy. Drew’s steadfast commitment reflects his dedication to making a positive, indelible impact in the world of collision repair and ensuring consumer safety and satisfaction in all areas of the industry.
Vice President
Executive Director
Vice President
Leo Serrano
Leo Serrano is the third-generation owner-operator of Serrano Paint & Body, a Jacksonville institution dedicated to exceptional customer service since 1966. The shop was opened by Leo's grandfather upon immigrating from Colombia, and the family tradition of excellence has continued for over five decades.
Following in the footsteps of his forebears, Leo assumed leadership of the shop in 2021, marking the third generation of Serrano proprietors. His tenure signifies a continuation of the family's unwavering commitment to excellence, underscored by a profound dedication to customer satisfaction.
Prior to assuming leadership of the shop, Leo carved out a successful career in the photography world. With a focus on team leadership and customer experience, he played a pivotal role in driving growth and innovation across numerous regional photography companies in Florida.
As Serrano Paint & Body transitions towards a more process-driven approach, Leo spearheads initiatives to align the shop's operations with its longstanding commitment to customer service excellence. His vision ensures that Serrano Paint & Body remains at the forefront of the collision repair industry, seamlessly blending tradition with innovation in service of its clientele.
Executive Director
Executive Director
Ementi Coary
Ementi Coary has over 18 years of experience in the auto body industry, starting as an Adjuster for Farmers in Chicago. He then became an Estimator for Patrick BMW Collision and went on to manage the Patrick Hyundai location. His journey led him to Mitchell International, where he supported the Midwest market for several years before exploring the Equipment and Parts sectors. Currently, Ementi covers the Southeast market for Mitchell International. As the Executive Director for OKABA and FABA, he brings shops together with a strong focus on education, founding associations and building networks to add lasting value to the industry.
Secretary
Past President
Jenna Werner
Jenna Werner’s journey in the automotive industry began long before she officially entered it. As the daughter of David and Donna Stewart—founders of Stewart Auto Repair—Jenna grew up watching her parents build the business from the ground up. Their passion for honest, high-quality service inspired her from a young age and instilled in her a deep-rooted commitment to both the industry and the community they serve.
After earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Florida, Jenna launched her professional career at Enterprise. There, she gained invaluable experience in leadership, customer service, and operational efficiency—skills that would prove essential in her future endeavors.
When the time was right, Jenna joined her parents and the outstanding team at Stewart Auto Repair. It was also there that she met her husband, Jason Werner—an accomplished ASE Master Technician who was instrumental in growing the service side of the business.
Today, Jenna and Jason proudly continue the legacy her parents began, leading one of the largest independent, full-service collision and mechanical repair facilities in Polk County. Together, they remain focused on community, education, trust, and excellence.
One of Jenna’s proudest accomplishments has been guiding Stewart Auto Repair through the process of becoming certified by over 10 OEM manufacturers. This milestone not only showcases the team's hard work and dedication but also reflects the shop's shift away from insurance direct repair contracts. By focusing instead on OEM certifications, continuous education, and exceptional customer service, Jenna and her team are committed to advocating for what truly matters: ensuring every customer receives a safe and proper repair.
Past President
Past President
Past President
Barrett Reed Smith, AAM
Barrett was born into the collision repair industry and grew up in his family’s owned auto body shops in the states of Washington and Alaska. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, Barrett managed independent and dealer body shops and became owner/operator of several highly successful collision centers in Central Florida. Barrett spent 5 years as a Senior Claims Adjuster for a well-known auto insurer. He has served on the ASE test development committee and education curriculum advisory board for United Technical Institute (UTI).
Over the past 25 years he has held numerous positions as officer for several state and national associations including Automotive Service Assoc. (ASA) of Florida as chapter President and FL State VP Collision and the Florida Autobody Collision Assoc (FACA). Barrett holds the designation of Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM). Barrett has written numerous industry related articles and cover stories as a contributing editor for several national trade publications and has served as a guest speaker at state industry meetings around the country .
Barrett founded Auto Damage Experts, Inc. (ADE) in 2001 and offers consulting services to auto body repairers and consumers across the country and is recognized as a court recognized Expert Witness in related matters. Additional services include but are not limited to acting as appraiser or Umpire in Right To Appraisal (RTA) dispute resolutions, Diminished Value Assessments, Total loss valuations, post repair inspections, pre-purchase inspections and other related services.
He can be reached at Barrett@AutoDamageExperts.com
Tom Gillespie
Tom is currently manager of Sunset Collision of Bradenton. His career started at JMK BMW back in 1997 where he became the first BMW Certified Collision Repair Center in the country. After 12 years with JMK he married his wife Amie and moved to Wisconsin where he took Bodyworks by Concours on to BMW, Mercedes, and VW OEM Certifications. The opportunity to move back to New Jersey in 2012 which then led him to Bradenton Florida in 2015. In his current role with The Sunset Auto Group he has acquired 15 OEM Certifications, but the strangest twist is Sunset Collision is across the street from where his grandparents used to take him to eat pancakes and feed the ducks when he was vacationing on the Gulf of Mexico as a little child NEVER dreaming or thinking he would move to Florida let alone work across the street from where he spent many a morning pouring syrup over a small stack.
Tom and his wife Amie are huge foodies and dined at some of the best restaurants in the country but hope to get back to Europe for their 20thAnniversary in 2027.
Todd Cornell
AXALTA Coating Systems
37 years working in the collision repair community supporting training and development of collision repair centers, employees and ownership driving change management strategies. I have been fortunate in my time in the industry to work with the best Paint Manufactures, distributors and shops in most of the US.
Todd A Cornell
Strategic Account Manager
North America
AXALTA Coating Systems
50 Applied Card Way
Glen Mills, PA. 19342
M: +1 (904) 860-6877
Axalta.com
Ryan DeMarco – Board Member, Florida Autobody Association
Owner, All County Collision & Repair – Eustis, FL
Ryan DeMarco grew up in the collision repair industry, having watched and learned from his father who opened the family business in 1992. He took over management of All County Collision & Repair in 2016 and gained ownership in 2021. Since then, Ryan has led the shop through steady, incremental growth—earning I-CAR Gold Class recognition and multiple OEM certifications including FCA, Kia, Hyundai, Genesis, Nissan, and Infiniti. A second location is currently in development as part of his long-term expansion plan.
A 2022 FenderBender Award finalist, Ryan is known for his people-first approach and commitment to craftsmanship, integrity, and continuous improvement. He’s passionate about creating a shop culture rooted in humility, compassion, and purpose—values that reflect his mission to restore vehicles with care while supporting both his team and the community. As a board member, Ryan brings a strong desire to elevate the industry and be a force for good in every aspect of collision repair.
Pat Hernandez, Regional Business Development Manager at PPG
Started over 12 years in the Automotive Refinishing side of the industry. Experienced in operational excellence, sales leadership, financial management and marketing. "I joined the association because I am passionate about the collision industry and want nothing more than for all of us to succeed. The training and education part of the association is key for our industry to stay alive and relevant". Currently living in Tampa, Florida, after spending some time in different states of the northeast of the US. Loves to spend time with family and his two Shar-Pei dogs.
Nader Akbari
Managing Partner, Central Florida Paint & Body
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nader-akbari-780278142/
Nader Akbari serves as Managing Partner of Central Florida Paint & Body, a 45,000 sq. ft. OEM-certified collision repair facility based in Orlando. With a business background rooted in large-scale fleet operations, Nader entered the collision industry to meet the evolving demands of the post-pandemic vehicle market, bringing a fresh operational approach to the sector.
Under his leadership, CFPAB has positioned itself as a leader in EV and advanced vehicle repairs, holding certifications from over 20 manufacturers, including Tesla, Rivian, Ford, Lexus, Subaru, Hyundai, GM, and others. His management philosophy emphasizes operational discipline, OEM compliance, and a technician-centered culture, including a 4-day work week, structured compensation models, and a comprehensive apprenticeship program that develops future technicians from within.
As a board member of the Florida Auto Body Association, Nader advocates for safe and proper repair standards, operational excellence, and sustainable business practices that support both shop owners and technicians across Florida’s collision repair industry.
George Mantzaris
Sun Toyota Collision Center Leader
Morgan Auto Group
Collision repair industry for 42 years, worked every position. Management since 2002. Toyota Master Certified Collision Manager, Lexus Certified Collision Manager I-CAR Platinum. My career has been in the Tampa Bay area. My goal is to make a difference in our industry, to pave the way for future generations to be better than we are, to repair vehicles to the top tier standard. Teach, train and lead by example. To “make it happen.”