WIN’s inaugural Founding Mothers Award recipient has passion for ‘challenging industry norms’

Haylie Colby, a painter with Nuss Collision Center in East Bethel, Minnesota, has been named the recipient of the Women’s Industry Network (WIN)’s inaugural Founding Mothers Award.

The award honors women who are active as technicians or painters on the shop floor, and are shaping the future of the collision repair industry — women who demonstrate passion, perseverance, and purpose every day, a WIN press release states.

Now planned as an annual presentation, it was established to celebrate the six “founding mothers” of WIN — Frederica Carter, Geri Kottschade, Gigi Walker, Patricia Serratore, Kathy Mello, and Marcy Tieger — and WIN’s creation, as well as its true mission within the collision repair industry.

“Colby is an inspiring choice as the award’s first recipient,” the release states. “She is an emerging talent in the collision repair industry, quickly establishing herself as a top painter at Nuss Collision Center in just three years. What began as a part-time opportunity evolved into a full-time career, where she demonstrated exceptional skill, attention to detail, and a strong commitment to quality.”

“Haylie was mentored by a retiring painter, and has developed advanced technical expertise and continues to expand her knowledge of painting processes and shop operations,” said Christy Casler, service advisor and body shop administrator at Nuss Truck & Equipment, in the release. “She has taken on additional responsibilities, including managing paint inventory and assisting in training others, reflecting both her initiative and growing leadership.”

Known for her positive attitude and collaborative spirit, Casler added, “Haylie supports her teammates and helps foster an inclusive environment. As one of the few women in the shop, she plays an important role in encouraging and welcoming others into the trade.”

Colby aspires to become a lead painter and is reportedly well on her way to achieving that goal, while carrying a passion for challenging industry norms. WIN says she hopes to inspire more women to pursue careers in the trades, as her dedication, work ethic, and enthusiasm make her a valued member of her team and a promising future leader in the industry.

“Key considerations for this new, prestigious award were technicians and painters demonstrating excellence in their craft, as well as mentoring others to success in repair excellence,” said Laura Kottschade, WIN vice chair, in the release. “The new Founding Mothers Award will now annually recognize an individual that is ‘intently involved with the true craft of collision repair, as their skills need to be still active on the shop floor – either as a hands-on refinish technician and/or painter.’”

As the award recipient, Colby receives a comprehensive prize package designed for career advancement, craft elevation, and to celebrate achievements, including:

• • Up to $5,000 toward tools or equipment of her choice. Colby chose premium paint guns from SATA and DeVilbiss and an airbrush gun. The remaining balance will be applied toward additional tools with a gift card from Snap-on tools.
  • An all-expenses-covered trip (conference pass, lodging, and round-trip flights up to $600) to the upcoming WIN Annual Conference.
  • A $1,000 apparel stipend to purchase workwear or conference clothing.

This year’s class of 2026 MIWs and Colby, as the Founding Mothers award recipient, will all be celebrated at WIN’s Annual Conference, held May 4-6, in Tucson, Arizona.

WIN was founded 20 years ago by the six “founding mothers” who saw a need for connection, mentorship, and opportunity in the automotive collision industry, the release says.

“Their vision built the foundation for WIN’s mission to empower women across all levels of the trade,” WIN says. “For this award, Founding Mothers Kottschade, Carter, and Tieger actively provided input — continuing their legacy of leadership and inspiration.”

For more information on WIN, click here.

Images

Featured image: WIN’s inaugural Founding Mothers Award recipient Haylie Copley, a painter with Nuss Collision in East Bethel, Minnesota. (Provided by WIN)

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