While auto collision repair may not be a sport, it requires just as much precision, practice, and skill—turning dented fenders and scratched paint into a competitive showcase of craftsmanship. For Milford senior Joseph (Joe) K., that dedication recently earned him second place at regionals, proving that in the world of auto care, talent and technique can be just as rewarding as any championship victory.
Hard work and hands-on experience are paying off for Joe, who has now secured a spot in the State Auto Collision Repair Competition in Columbus this March. A student at Live Oaks Career Campus, part of the Great Oaks Auto Collision Program, Joe took first place in his school’s competition before advancing to second at regionals, earning him the chance to compete at the highest level.
For those unfamiliar with auto collision repair, Joe simplifies it: “We fix cars that people wreck. We take out dents, repair damage, and paint cars to make them look new again.” The field requires both technical skill and an eye for detail, something he has developed through hands-on learning both in the classroom and on the job.
Joe credits much of his success to the mentorship he’s received from experienced professionals, both in his career-tech program and at his workplace.
“I work at a body shop every day, and I’ve learned so much from the guy I work with. He’s been there for 15 years, so he knows what he’s doing,” Joe said. “And my lab teacher, Mr. Alan Simpson, has done this his whole life. He’s owned shops, he knows the industry inside and out, and he’s the reason I have this job.”
Unlike a typical high school class, auto collision students don’t just learn theory—they practice real industry techniques, including welding, dent repair, Bondo application, and painting. This hands-on experience makes the annual Auto Collision Repair Competition an intense and competitive event.
The competition is all about precision and technique, with participants judged on a variety of real-world skills, including:
Welding – Creating strong, clean welds to repair structural damage.
Bodywork – Fixing dents with Bondo or hammering them out with precision tools.
Plastic Repair – Restoring cracked or damaged bumpers and preparing them for paint.
Written Test – An 80-question exam evaluating technical knowledge.
At last year’s competition, Joe competed in the Paint category, where he placed seventh at state. This year, shifting his focus to Body Repair, he has already improved his ranking, finishing second at regionals and earning his ticket to state competition in Columbus from March 18-20.
While Joe admits the written test is a challenge, he remains determined to refine his skills and give his best performance at the competition.
“I’d love to win,” he said. “I just have to keep practicing because they’ve added some new techniques this year. It’s a learning experience, and it’s great for getting your name out there in the industry.”
The Milford community will be cheering him on as he represents Milford Schools and Live Oaks Career Campus at the Ohio State Auto Collision Repair Competition in March.
Learn more about the competition here: https://www.ohioskillsusa.org/wp-content/uploads/FINAL-Collision-Repair-Technology.pdf