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President
Vice President
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
Vice President
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
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
Executive Director
Executive Director
Tarin Ocasio
Sales Representative LKQ Refinish Central Florida area.
She experienced Sales Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the automotive, industrial, marine, and aviation coatings industry for over 30 years.
Skilled in Negotiation, Sales, Pricing Strategy, Team Building, and Inventory Management.
Strong sales professional. Always looking to help support our industry.
Very involved in our local technical schools.
Genuine Florida native born and raised.
I have always been drawn to the water & the sunny weather.
Proud mother of 2, my son (Derek) and his dogster (Harley) are the stapples of my life.
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
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.
Sheryl Driggers, a keynote speaker and leadership coach, has embarked on a successful 20-plusyear entrepreneurial journey. Co-founding a Tallahassee-based collision repair center in 2001, she
demonstrated her business acumen by growing the business into three locations before successfully selling it in 2021. This transitioned Sheryl into coaching and speaking with Collision Advice, where she focused on enhancing customer and employee experiences for collision repair shops. With a bachelor's degree in business & marketing, Sheryl is not only a certified coach and trainer for the John Maxwell organization but also a Maxwell Certified Behavior Analysis Trainer, a testament to her continuous professional growth and achievements.
Sheryl has addressed audiences at leadership conferences, including those hosted by Nissan, Stellantis, CollisionRight, The Women's Industry Network, and more. She has had the incredible opportunity to share the stage with best-selling author Chris Voss at the Disney Institute, and she speaks passionately about topics such as "Beyond Transactional to Relational" and "Finding
Purpose Beyond Business," making her a sought-after speaker and thought leader in customer and employee experiences and entrepreneurship.
She's thrilled about her collaboration as a contributing author alongside best-selling author Chris Voss in the best-selling book, "Influence and Impact."
Her profound impact on corporate culture has earned her features in prominent business magazines as well as the title of “Culture Master” on the cover of FenderBender magazine. She has been honored with the “Most Influential Women” Award from The Women's Industry Network and the “Big M Courage Award” for her upbeat and hopeful inspiration to others. Sheryl's insights into creating healthy team dynamics and impactful businesses are further shared through her contributions to the Leadership & Customer Experience columns of ABRN magazine, as well as
several leadership podcasts.
Sheryl's dedication to community service is evident through her founding of The James 215 Project, a nonprofit organization aiding those in need. She works to live out her life philosophy of caring for people and delivering excellence in every area of her life.
Sheryl cherishes time with her family, including her husband of 24 years, Jason, and their children, 19-year-old Barrett and 18-year-old Madison. They're often outdoors at racetracks, softball fields,
or hunting expeditions.
You can connect with Sheryl on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/sheryldriggers/
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.