Michael Quinn, co-founder of 911 Collision Centers – with locations in Las Vegas, Nev., Tucson, Ariz., and Phoenix, Ariz. – has received the NABC President’s Award. The award has only been presented once before – in 1999 to Marco Grossi by then-NABC President Ed Dollar.
Quinn has been a driving force behind several prominent NABC initiatives. These include the Recycled Rides and First Responder Emergency Extraction (FREE) initiatives.
The award was presented to Quinn at the NABC board meeting, which took place on Jan. 13, 2010, in Palm Springs. The words engraved on the faceplate of the award, which NABC plans to present yearly, speak directly to its purpose:
In Recognition of Outstanding Dedication to Enhancing the Image of the Collision Industry
“I thought it might be a nice gesture if we honored someone who made a contribution or series of contributions under the NABC banner that really stood out,” says NABC President George Avery, who originated the idea for the award bearing the name of his office. “Many outstanding people give their all for the mission of NABC and ask nothing in return, but a few strive for the cause beyond all reasonable expectations. Anybody familiar with Michael’s activities over the past few years would surely agree that description applies to him.”
Among his work for NABC, Quinn is most well-known for helping develop and implement Recycled Rides, a community awareness project whereby members of the NABC repair and donate vehicles to families in need, and FREE, a course that delivers the latest in vehicle extrication technology to first responders. Quinn also chaired Collision Industry Relief, which coordinated efforts to help collision repair professionals and their families in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina, Wilma and Rita.
Avery believes the scope of Quinn’s impact extends beyond those projects.
“Michael’s a dynamic force,” Avery said. “When he’s involved in a project, synergies between committees form and the best is brought out in everyone. For example, our marketing committee developed and grew largely as a result of being shaped to the needs of Recycled Rides. I speak for all of NABC when I say it is a pleasure to work with Michael.”
Quinn was surprised to receive the award, but humbly defered to his colleagues in NABC who – from his perspective – made his achievements possible.
“It means a lot to be recognized for the projects I have been involved in,” he said. “But none of them would have happened without the people in the trenches doing the hard work. This award is really a recognition of all committee members and NABC board members – far too numerous to mention here. It is an honor to know them, to work with them, and most important of all, to grow with them as we go forward.”
“I’d also like to recognize and thank my business partner, Patrick O’Neill, and our team members at 911 Collision who gave me the opportunity to serve our industry,” Quinn added. “Finally, I would like to acknowledge the leadership of Executive Director Chuck Sulkala and President George Avery. They set the tone that allowed us to shine a bright light on this industry of ours and, hopefully, make the world a little bit better as a result.”
More information:
• NABC
