The ATA Hall of Fame recognizes those individuals that have made an impact and have had influence on the direction of the collision repair industry in Manitoba. The ATA does plan to make this an annual event and will continue to recognize our valuable members that are making a difference in the collision repair industry.

2024 Hall of Fame

  • Cecil grew up working on cars. His roots were more mechanical as His father was a mechanic who later opened an auto recycling business. His interests changed more to painting at the age fifteen when he painted his and a friend’s bicycle. This would be the beginning of his career. Cecil took a ten-month program at Red River College to learn more about auto body repair work and graduated in 1970. It was after this that his career in autobody work really progressed, starting with a shop on his own yard. From there, he began to manage a local autobody shop, and did so for three years. It was in June of 1983 that he started his own autobody shop, Moonlite Autobody.

    Cecil always felt that top quality tools, products, and training was a necessity for quality workmanship and customer satisfaction. This resulted in Moonlite Autobody being among the first of the rural shops to be I-Car accredited, as well as being one of the first Axalta shops in Manitoba to switch to using waterborne paint. Cecil not only wanted to have the best quality work and customer service in his own shop, but also wanted the Autobody trade to be a success overall. 

    Over his years in automotive industry, he has been the rural vice president of the ATA, as well as a rural representative for I-Car. Cecil was also a part of the apprenticeship advisory board and helped with the rewriting of the autobody curriculum. Cecil displayed his passion for not only his own shop, but also his community, providing a place that could be trusted and a guarantee of a quality job done. In 2008, the Winkler Chamber of Commerce presented Moonlite Autobody a Business Builder award for the community. His passion for the trade has passed down to his children, and in 2011 he sold Moonlite Autobody to his oldest son, Steve.

    Even after selling the business, Cecil still continues to come into the shop every day helping with parts, customer service, and likes to keep himself informed with the latest trends in the automotive industry.

  • Les Heshka, born in Norquay, Saskatchewan, in 1959, emerged from humble beginnings as the youngest among three older sisters in a family of farmers. His childhood took a transformative turn when his parents sold their farm, prompting a move to Foam Lake, Saskatchewan, where Les attended elementary school. Later, the family settled in Sturgis, Saskatchewan, after his parents retired.

    At the age of 12, a pivotal moment sparked Les’s interest in auto body, during a trip to Vancouver. Visiting his uncle’s auto body shop, Les found himself captivated, whether by the aromatic allure of lacquer primer and paint or the notion of restoring damaged vehicles.

    Upon relocating to Winnipeg, Les embarked on his professional journey in the automotive industry, starting at Auto Renu on Regent Ave, unmasking cars for a modest wage of $3.25 per hour. Over the ensuing five years, Les honed his skills in various body shops until an unexpected opportunity arose to manage a dry-cleaning facility, prompting him to venture into a different domain.

    However, fate had other plans for Les, as a chance encounter at Eastside Collision while repairing his own vehicle altered the trajectory of his career. Encouraged by the of owners George Brick and Bob Koroscil, Les transitioned from a part-time role to become the General Manager at the 369 Archibald location in 1986, overseeing a team of six employees.

    As Eastside Collision expanded its operations in the late ’90s, Les played a pivotal role in its growth, spearheading ventures into light vehicle repair and the commercial repair industry. Les played a pivotal role in the establishment of Eastside Industrial Coatings & Composites and Eastside Heavy Truck Collision.

    Throughout his tenure, Les remained steadfast in his commitment to three core values: prioritizing customer service, fostering open communication, and upholding unwavering standards of quality. This steadfast dedication has been the hallmark of his 37-year journey with Eastside, a testament to his gratitude for the Brick family’s unwavering support and camaraderie. Les feels profoundly fortunate to have found not just a job, but a second family in the Bricks, shaping his professional identity and legacy.

  • Family, business and community are all words synonymous with Mark Loewen. Mark’s Grandfather Isaac started Loewen Body Shop in 1937 in Carman, Manitoba and two years later the business relocated to Steinbach They started in an old barn, progressed to an old service station and in 1963 when that facility burned down they built a new facility where they remained through the years until March 10 of this year when they moved to their new state of the art facility.

    Mark started his career in the family business working part time when he was in junior high school. To him this career path was a natural progression – his Grandfather started the business, his father Albert followed so it was his turn to follow in their footsteps. Mark never had another job – he worked well with his Dad and enjoyed the business they built together. Following family tradition, Mark’s wife Pat and two of their sons, Josh and Jesse also worked in the business. Today Josh and Jesse have taken over the management of the business as they carry on as 4 th generation owners.

    Family is very important to Mark & Pat. In their younger years with four growing children they were always participating in community events. Countless band trips, hockey tournaments or just going on family excursions, traveling was always a fun part of family life. Mark is a people person. He always enjoys spending time talking with family, friends, his customers, employees and anyone he’d meet along the way.

    Mark being community minded, joined the Steinbach Fire Department when he was 21 and continued on for 40 years spending the last 10 as Fire Chief.

    Mark & Pat have always enjoyed travelling and now have the opportunity to spend their winters in California where he enjoys going on his beloved motorcycle rides. His leadership skills don’t go unnoticed as their southern community has him organizing their Motorcycle Ride Events.

    In the old days Mark’s Dad Albert was involved with the ATA and Mark used to go to the meetings with him. He’s continued on through life as a loyal supporter of the ATA. He’s served several terms as Rural Vice President, a Board Member, a Committee Member and as President in the 1990’s. Today he has served over 50 years in one capacity or another. He is still an active member who can be counted on to support all the ATA activities and events.

    Family, business, community – Mark embraces them all. It’s been said “Some people are important and some people just think they are.” Mark, we think in your lifetime you’ve been important to your family, your business, your friends, your community and your industry AND now we welcome you into the ATA Hall of Fame family.

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