Robert Bender named PPG/ASE Master Refinish Technician of the Year

Robert Bender was honored as the 2011 PPG/ASE Master Refinish Technician of the Year Award at the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) annual Board of Directors Industry Awards Dinner held on November 16, 2011 at the Marriott City Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. Paul Evans, PPG zone manager, refinish training, presented the award, which is given annually to the PPG collision center technician receiving the highest score on the ASE Painting and Refinish test.

“It’s an honor to give this award to Mr. Bender,” said Evans. “Thousands of people across the country take the ASE examination every year. It’s extremely competitive and very few technicians are recognized with an award as prestigious as this one. PPG is extremely pleased to congratulate Mr. Bender for being the best in our industry.”

Bender has been an automotive refinish technician for 18 years. He works at Bender Auto Repair, a family-owned business, in Saltsburg, Pennsylvania. He earned an associate’s degree in automotive techniques and management from Vale Technical Institute in Blairsville, Pennsylvania. Bender has also accumulated several other impressive credentials: he is a certified PPG Master Technician, an ASE Master Collision Repair Refinish Technician, an ASE Automobile Technician, and is I-CAR Certified.

A longtime auto enthusiast, Bender particularly values his ASE association. “I believe ASE certification allows the customer, and the public, to know that you are well educated and know your craft and that the repair on their vehicles will be performed properly,” he said.

When not working at Bender Auto Repair with his father and mother, Bender may be found fishing with his children. He is also active in his community as a firefighter and secretary for the Saltsburg Volunteer Fire Department.