The Database Enhancement Gateway (DEG) Joint Operating Committee (JOC) has named Bud Center Jr. as the new DEG administrator. Bringing more than 24 years of automotive industry experience to the organization, Center has been hired as an independent contractor to administer the DEG project and the operations of its Web site, which will include the review and correspondence to all inquiries submitted to the DEG.
The JOC, which Center will report to, is comprised of members of the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers (AASP), the Automotive Service Association (ASA) and the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS).
“It will be an exciting challenge to continue building on the exceptional history of the DEG built on the hard work and dedication of individuals like March Taylor, Aaron Schulenburg and the Joint Operating Committee,” Center said. “While I plan to continue to be actively involved in other industry projects and organizations, my dedication and commitment to the DEG will be a full-time endeavor.”
Center started his career more than 24 years ago as a technician, then spent several years on the insurance side of the collision repair industry before joining CCC, where he played a key role in implementing and managing their Collision Center Connection program. Bud has spent the last 10 years working for a large collision repair consolidator with the last eight years being in a district manager position responsible for multiple service centers.
“I believe that continuing to improve estimate quality and accuracy is one of the largest opportunities we have in the collision repair industry today,” Center said. “The DEG is a tremendous asset for end users to help them improve the quality and accuracy of their estimates.”
“I believe Bud will do a great job,” said Darrell Amberson of the CIC Database Task Force. “I think Bud’s experience will allow him to connect with the shops and make them comfortable with the DEG process. He’s walked in their shoes and understands the challenges they face.”
For more information about the DEG or to make an inquiry regarding estimating data, visit www.degweb.org.
