Editor’s Note: Each month, Frame by Frame spotlights an industry professional who’s making a real impact in the auto body world -- whether through innovation, mentorship, community involvement or simply being an all-around rockstar in collision repair. Get to know the faces behind the work, their journey and what fuels their passion for the trade.
Ementi Coary’s quarter-century in collision repair isn’t just a career -- it’s a mission driven by perseverance and purpose. After hanging up his law enforcement uniform, Coary stepped into the industry as a field adjuster for Farmers Insurance in Chicago, where his analytical mind and attention to detail quickly set him apart.
His curiosity about the repair process led him to Patrick BMW Collision Center, where he mastered the art of estimating before advancing into management. But it was his subsequent role at Mitchell International covering the Midwest that truly shaped his industry vision.
Under the mentorship of association veteran Janet Chaney, Coary discovered a powerful truth: well-organized associations could transform individual shops into industry powerhouses. This revelation sparked a passion for association building that continues to define his career.
Today, Coary wears multiple hats as executive director for both the Oklahoma Auto Body Association (OKABA) and the newly launched Florida Auto Body Association (FABA), while maintaining his role at Mitchell International serving the Southeast market.
Building Communities, Transforming Businesses
“The greatest reward in this industry comes from watching shops break through their self-imposed limitations,” Coary said. “So many shops don’t get outside their bubbles. Associations provide them with the knowledge and resources to improve and perform safe, proper repairs.”
For Coary, there’s nothing more fulfilling than witnessing the transformation of shop owners who embrace education and collaboration. These success stories fuel his commitment to building stronger industry communities.
To newcomers in collision repair, his advice is refreshingly direct: “Believe you can make a difference and forge a new path that’s better than the way we used to do it.” In an industry constantly reinventing itself, Coary emphasizes that those willing to challenge convention and embrace innovation will rise to the top.
The PSI Formula: Product, Service, Image
Behind Coary's success lies a straightforward philosophy he calls PSI: Product, Service and Image.
“You have to put out the best product, whether it’s software, equipment or consulting,” he said. “Then, you need to provide the best service for that product because that’s what makes the difference. Finally, you must maintain a professional image in everything you do.”
This three-pronged approach has guided his career decisions and helped him consistently deliver value to repair professionals nationwide.
Beyond the Body Shop
Coary’s career has provided him with unexpected benefits -- like crisscrossing America’s heartland. “Driving all over the Midwest and seeing God’s country was amazing,” he said, recalling landscapes ranging from sweeping plains to vibrant urban centers. These journeys deepened his connection to the industry and its diverse communities.
Ementi Coary stands alongside a senior player at the 2024 Senior All-Star Game in the Tampa area. Coary, along with his wife, founded the New Tampa Women’s Athletic Foundation (NTWAF), which provides shooter shirts featuring its logo and award prizes for the game's best offensive and defensive players. Its partnership with Tampa Lax Report, a nonprofit, helps make this annual event successful.
His commitment to making a difference extends beyond collision repair. Together with his wife, Coary founded the New Tampa Women’s Athletic Foundation, which secures corporate sponsorships for women’s sports. “Again, it’s about finding ways to give back to those in need,” he said.
Challenging Industry Misconceptions
One myth Coary actively dispels is that collision repair should resist change. “The industry has changed, and so should the shops,” he said. “Doing things the old way just because that’s how they’ve always been done is no longer an option.”
He urges repair professionals to embrace technological advances and innovative techniques, seeing adaptation not as a burden but as an opportunity for growth and competitive advantage.
The Road Ahead
What keeps Coary enthusiastic after 25 years? “There is always something new to learn,” he said. “We also have great people in this industry who keep giving back in their own ways.” This perpetual cycle of learning, growth and mentorship fuels his optimism about collision repair’s future.
When the conversation turned to car movies, Coary didn’t hesitate to name “Gone in 60 Seconds” as his favorite. “You have to love all the different cars in that movie, and the soundtrack is great,” he added.
Through his leadership in association-building and his dedication to industry advancement, Coary exemplifies what it means to create lasting impact in collision repair. His ongoing commitment to education, mentorship and community-building continues to shape an industry in constant evolution -- one frame at a time.
Leona Scott