In January, the Missouri Auto Body Association (MABA) announced a transition in leadership. After holding the association’s first election, Tanner Kemna, co-owner and operator of Kemna Collision Repair, Inc., was named president. Jared Nicholson, regional manager at Collision Leaders, became vice president.
Founding President Casey Lund stepped down to focus on expanding his MSO, Collision Leaders, with 10 locations in Missouri and Kansas.
“On behalf of the association, we want to express our gratitude to Casey,” said Gina Cotton, executive director of MABA. “Casey's vision and dedication were instrumental in the formation and growth of the association.”
During Lund’s tenure, MABA achieved significant milestones. In 2024, he coordinated 28 educational events with 30 presenters from 15 states, collaborated with Nebraska Auto Body Chair Dave Yard to host the third annual Midwest Trade Show, and partnered with 36 vendors, supporting the association's mission of education and advocacy.
Founded in 2021, MABA is an active industry association that recognizes the changes taking place in the industry with new technology, training and repair materials, autonomous driving modules, insurer regulations and OEM certifications.
MABA’s mission is to service members and the Missouri public through leadership, education and initiatives that further uplift the professionalism and business conditions of those engaged in the state’s collision industry for the safety and knowledge of the consumer.
As the association grows, Cotton said MABA is committed to advancing the collision repair industry in Missouri and beyond.
“Tanner Kemna and Jared Nicholson are dedicated to fostering education, advocacy and innovation within MABA,” said Cotton. “Together, they aim to empower members, modernize industry practices, and build a sustainable future for collision repair.”
Autobody News spoke to Kemna and Nicholson about their industry views and vision for MABA.
Tanner Kemna
Kemna grew up in the family business founded in 2006 by his parents, Greg and Kristi. With an understanding of the technical and business sides of the industry, he worked in nearly every aspect of the body shop.
After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Central Missouri, he returned to Jefferson City to help lead the family business.
Kemna didn’t plan on working in collision repair; however, his career path evolved and he realized how rewarding and dynamic the industry could be. He is passionate about the industry and strives to improve the quality of repairs and the customer experience.
Tanner Kemna.
From working on cars to engaging with customers, he enjoys the variety of tasks and challenges collision repair offers.
“Having hands-on experience across all areas of the business has allowed me to understand the challenges faced by team members and ensure the business runs smoothly,” he noted.
One of the most rewarding aspects of Kemna’s job is helping people through difficult situations.
“While you can’t always control what happens to a vehicle, you can control how you treat customers and how you respond to challenges -- providing exceptional service and care every step of the way,” said Kemna. “The collision repair business is more than just fixing cars -- it’s about helping people through tough situations and ensuring they feel supported every step of the way.”
He stressed the importance of continuously adapting in the technical and business aspects of collision repair.
“Shops need to prioritize proper education and training -- both for technicians and shop owners and managers,” he said.
He advocates for shops to be confident in charging appropriately for the repairs required to restore a vehicle to its pre-collision condition.
As the industry continues to evolve, Kemna is committed to staying current with the increasing complexity of vehicles, new technologies and repair methods and the shift toward digital communications.
“As vehicles become more complex, it’s essential that repair shops have the knowledge and tools to handle the evolving technologies in modern cars,” he noted.
Committed to progress, Kemna serves on advisory boards for the State Technical College of Missouri and Nichols Career Center, ensuring the industry stays aligned with emerging technologies and practices.
As president, he plans to focus on key challenges in the collision repair sector, including the shortage of skilled technicians, the need for continuous training and communicating with insurance companies. He plans to collaborate with other industry associations to foster vocational training and technological adaptation.
An advocate for industry associations, Kemna encourages repairers to get involved to help foster change.
“Local associations offer valuable resources for training, networking and advocating for necessary legislative changes,” he shared. “By attending workshops, webinars and industry events, shop owners and technicians can share knowledge and implement best practices.”
Additionally, he said that associations help build connections between repair shops and vocational schools, ensuring that the next generation of technicians is properly trained and ready to take on the challenges of an ever-evolving industry.
He is dedicated to helping make the collision repair industry a more attractive and sustainable career path for future generations.
Looking ahead, he said change needs to happen now.
“Whether it’s through education, legislation, or increased support for vocational training, the collision repair industry must embrace modernization,” said Kemna. “This starts with shop ownership and management. Being willing to accept and implement new practices will ensure the industry continues to grow and thrive.”
Jared Nicholson
Nicholson brings more than 20 years of experience in the collision repair industry to his new role as vice president of MABA. After earning an associate’s degree from State Technical College of Missouri in 2001, Nicholson began his career as a porter at a Ford dealership in Sedalia, MO.
Jared Nicholson.
His passion for the collision repair industry grew after his older brother’s car accident, sparking his interest in restoring damaged vehicles. His love for cars, hot rods and motorcycles further fueled his commitment.
This propelled him into more advanced roles, and he became a combination body and refinishing technician. In 2009, Nicholson was hired as a body technician at a Ford dealership in Lee’s Summit, MO. By 2016, he was promoted to collision center manager, overseeing operations and ensuring quality repairs.
Nicholson joined Collision Leaders in 2021. Under his leadership, the company has expanded into a regional brand with collision centers in Missouri and Kansas.
Nicholson’s expertise spans all aspects of collision repair, including production management, mechanical and electrical diagnostics, auto physical damage appraisal and estimating. Inspired by visionaries like Henry Ford and Elon Musk, Nicholson said he believes in mastering all facets of the business to positively influence every department and employee, ensuring long-term success for the organization.
An advocate for industry advancement and professional development, Nicholson has earned numerous certifications and accolades, including the prestigious 2024 Jeff Silver Award, presented by I-CAR in November 2024 during the Collision Industry Red Carpet Awards at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, NV.
Nicholson is an ASE Master Certified Technician in estimating, ADAS and welding techniques, and has PPG Master Level certifications in multiple refinishing systems. He has also been an I-CAR Platinum Individual since 2015, with nine certifications across structural and mechanical repair, diagnostics and production management.
He also strives to stay at the forefront of evolving technologies.
“Nicholson is committed to the future, advocates for best practices and fair industry standards, and promotes education and partnerships between shops and vocational schools,” said Cotton. “His passion for the automotive repair industry makes him a respected leader and advocate for the future of collision repair.”
Through hands-on training sessions, job shadowing programs and educational events, Nicholson actively mentors young professionals entering the industry, collaborates with local schools and participates in advisory boards to support future generations of technicians. He also encourages association involvement.
“I believe associations play a vital role in ensuring technicians stay ahead of technological advancements, promoting fair industry practices, and facilitating knowledge-sharing among peers,” said Nicholson. “As MABA vice president, I hope to help shape the future of the collision repair industry through education, advocacy and mentorship.”
Stacey Phillips Ronak