New Instructors Bring Diverse Specialties to Chief University

Chief Automotive Technologies Bolsters Chief University Staff with New Instructors

Ruben Castorena, Len Gray and Jeff Mathews, all with diverse collision repair backgrounds, have been added to the in-house Chief University team and will share their expertise at courses held across the country.

Ruben Castorena, Jeff Mathews and Len Gray (left to right) have joined Chief University’s instructional team, bringing with them a wealth of knowledge about collision repair estimating, practices and equipment.
Ruben Castorena, Jeff Mathews and Len Gray (left to right) have joined Chief University’s instructional team, bringing with them a wealth of knowledge about collision repair estimating, practices and equipment.

Chief Automotive Technologies announced that it has bolstered its Chief University instructional staff by adding three instructors with diverse collision repair backgrounds to the in-house Chief University team. The new instructors, Ruben Castorena, Len Gray and Jeff Mathews, will share their expertise at courses held across the country.

“We are continuously enhancing the Chief University curriculum to include advanced techniques for today’s technicians, but even the best content needs the right instructors to make an impact,” says Ken Boylan, global training manager for Chief. “That’s why we brought three instructors on board who have practical knowledge ranging from collision dynamics and estimating to advanced equipment and vehicle specifications. These instructors will lead Chief University courses throughout the year, and course participants will benefit greatly from their insights.”

Ruben Castorena, who has attained I-CAR Platinum status, served in the insurance industry as an automotive damage appraiser before joining Chief’s research and specification team in 2010. At Chief’s Irvine, Calif., measuring and specification center, he developed the vehicle repair data needed to return damaged vehicles to OEM specs. He remains based in Irvine.

Len Gray got his start in the collision repair industry in 1975 as a body technician and painter. Since then, he has held a wide variety of roles, including vehicle insurance appraiser, dealership manager and heavy-duty truck body shop manager. He served as an instructor at Chief’s Dallas training center from 1995 to 2003, and is currently based in Beaumont, Texas.

Jeff Mathews is based at Chief’s headquarters in Madison, Ind., where he previously provided technical support for Chief customers and trained distributors. He has been with Chief parent company Vehicle Service Group (VSG) for more than 10 years, and also formerly served as a product consultant, customer service supervisor and trainer for Chief sister company Rotary Lift. He has extensive knowledge about the Chief product line and how to repair or troubleshoot equipment.

Castorena, Gray, Mathews and the rest of the Chief University training staff will conduct more than 20 courses during the third quarter this year. For a complete, up-to-date schedule and to register, visit www.chiefautomotive.com/Chief-University.

You May Also Like

NABC Donates Recycled Ride to Deserving Las Vegas Family

The NABC, GEICO and Caliber Collision recently donated a refurbished 2019 Toyota Camry to a Las Vegas resident and his adopted family.

The National Auto Body Council NABC), along with GEICO and Caliber Collision, recently donated a refurbished 2019 Toyota Camry to a Las Vegas resident and his adopted family during the pre-race festivities of the Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The donation was made via the NABC's Recycled Rides program.

Dent Wizard Hires New Senior VP of Strategic Growth & Development

Adrian Gonzalez will be charged with driving growth through mergers and acquisitions.

CCC Report Analyzes Labor Pressures, Vehicle Complexity

Report shows advanced technology is contributing to costlier repairs, higher claims costs and longer cycle times.

Crash Champions Continues Steady Expansion Across Idaho

Crash Champions has announced the acquisition of Hoffman Auto Body in Boise, Idaho.

NABC Donates Recycled Ride to Tucson, Ariz. Family

The NABC, Allstate, Maaco and  Meineke Car Care recently donated a refurbished vehicle to a deserving Tucson, Ariz.-area mom.

Other Posts

ASE Practice Tests Available Online

ASE is encouraging those pursuing certification to take the official practice tests as part of their test preparation process.

Corby’s Collision Center: Since 1942

Bentley (Bud) and Evelyn Corby started Corby’s in a little gas station in Honeoye Falls, N.Y.

CIF Announces Enterprise as Repeat Annual Donor

Enterprise has donated for the fourth consecutive time at the Urgent Care (second highest) tier.

NABC Donates Recycled Ride to Central Georgia Mom

The NAB), GEICO and Five Star Collision Center-Wimbish recently donated a refurbished vehicle to a deserving mother of four.