Committed to Progress: Scott Benavidez Concludes His Tenure as ASA Chairman

As Scott Benavidez, AMAM, prepares to wrap up his two-year term as chairman of the Automotive Service Association’s (ASA) Board of Directors this July, ASA recognizes and celebrates his unwavering dedication to advancing automotive service and collision repair professionals nationwide.

Scott Benavidez

A third-generation automotive industry professional, Benavidez has spent nearly four decades in collision repair. As the owner of Mr. B’s Paint and Body Shop Inc. in Albuquerque, New Mexico, he has upheld the highest standards of workmanship while championing leadership, advocacy, and mentorship in the industry. His involvement with ASA spans over two decades, beginning in 1999, during which he has served in multiple leadership roles at both the national and local levels.

A Passion for Industry Advocacy

Throughout his tenure, Benavidez has been a steadfast advocate for the power of industry associations, both personally and professionally. When he first joined ASA, networking was unfamiliar territory, but his involvement helped him develop confidence and essential relationship-building skills.

In his candidate profile while running for the Board, he wrote, “ASA has always been a part of our business. I believe strongly in the power of an association and what it can do for a business.” This belief became the foundation of his service, driving his efforts to elevate industry standards, provide valuable education, and create opportunities for collision repair professionals to thrive.

Since 2015, Benavidez has taken on numerous leadership roles within ASA, including serving on the Collision Operations Committee and later as Collision Division Director. His commitment to advocacy extended to ASA’s Government Affairs Committee, where he became a leading voice on legislative matters. He has worked closely with Bob Redding Jr., ASA’s legislative representative, and considers him family. He has testified before congressional committees on multiple occasions, including most recently in 2023 before the House Energy & Commerce Committee on Right to Repair legislation. His advocacy efforts have earned him ASA’s prestigious Legislative Award twice – first in 2017 and again in 2024.

Leading ASA with Purpose

Benavidez became chairman of the ASA in 2023 after serving as Chairman-Elect the year before. His leadership has been defined by his commitment to policy advocacy, workforce development, and industry-wide collaboration.

One of his most rewarding experiences came in 2016 when he worked alongside ASA Board Member [and former chairman] Bob Wills to expand his knowledge of vehicle scanning.

“I was initially intimidated by scanning and had no idea how it worked,” Benavidez recalls. “Bob, coming from the mechanical side, had been using scans for years as part of vehicle diagnostics. We worked together, and I leaned on his mechanical expertise to better understand scanning.”

With 38 years of I-CAR training and ASE Master Technician certification, Benavidez has remained a respected voice in collision repair. His business, Mr. B’s Paint and Body Shop, proudly holds ASE Blue Seal certification, further showcasing his commitment to excellence.

Mentorship and Lasting Relationships

Beyond his technical expertise, Benavidez has been a mentor and educator, helping shape the next generation of automotive professionals. His work as an instructor for the TEAM Program at Highland High School reflects his passion for passing down knowledge and fostering young talent. His dedication to education and leadership extends beyond the industry as well – he spent 15 years as a high school football coach, instilling discipline, teamwork, and perseverance in his players.

Yet, when reflecting on his time with ASA, Benavidez is most grateful for the friendships and relationships he has built. He credits the mentorship of former ASA Chairman Jerry Burns and values the friendships of industry peers such as Dustin Hernandez, April Hernandez, and former ASA Chairman Ron Nagy. He also shares a special bond with one of his dearest friends, Dan Stander, AMAM, who will be stepping into the chairman role as Benavidez concludes his tenure.

Looking back, Benavidez set out with a simple goal: to leave the industry better than when he entered it. Through his leadership, advocacy, and mentorship, he has undoubtedly succeeded.

ASA extends its deepest gratitude to Scott Benavidez for his dedication, vision and leadership..