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.
2026 Hall of Fame
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Leonard was born September 9,1952 at Steinbach General Hospital. His childhood home was in New Bothwell where he attended school until age 9. The family relocated to Mitchell where he then attended school until grade nine. Deciding then he’d had enough formal education he quit and went to work at Penner Chrysler in Steinbach. This was the beginning of a long career in the automotive industry.
He moved to Winnipeg at age 17 and started to work for Ike Vickar at Pembina Dodge Chrysler. He started as assistant parts manager but Ike soon had enough confidence in him to move him into the parts manager position. He was initially very intimidated with the responsibility of this position, but soon thrived and spent the next 55 years of his life there. The dealership changed hands a couple of times during his time there, eventually becoming part of the Murray group.
Leonard had complete respect of all the management and staff during his time there. He was well like by his staff and treated everyone with respect and fairness. The number of long-term employees, some of whom are still there, can attest to that. He valued his employees and compared his department as a big ship with him just steering the boat. He loved to have a beer with the boys to see how they could improve their customer service. Leonard valued customer service and was well known in the business for his service excellence. If a customer needed a part that wasn’t readily available, he would move heaven and earth to find it. Leonard received multiple awards over his many years there,though the one he was most proud of was being the top tire salesman in Canada. The was literally no one he couldn’t sell a new set of tires too. Even to his surgeon before leaving the hospital after open heart surgery.
Leonard married his wife of forty years Carolyn and they had two wonderful boys together. Kristopher and his now wife Lea are both teachers. They have two great little guys Weston and Ty who were the apple of grandpa’s eye. Mitchell his second son is a red seal plumber living in Langley BC with his partner Kayla who is a paralegal with the government.
Leonard loved his sports but was probably a better armchair athlete than participant. He gave curling and skiing a good shot but his true passion was golf. He spent as much time as he could get away with golfing with his sons, brothers and his many golf buddies. He especially enjoyed his winters golfing in Palm Springs
Leonard lasting legacy will be that he was probably the most decent and likeable person you’d ever find. He was always willing to give anyone a hand. He was completely devoted to his job and had exemplary work ethics. Not the neatest desk, but the ethics were under there somewhere. He will always be remembered for his decency, generosity and his bigger than life personality.
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Murray grew up in Northern Manitoba, where his passion for the collision repair industry began at a young age. At just 6 or 7 years old, a visit to his uncle’s body shop sparked his interest, and by 12, he was already working in the dealership washing cars — an early start that laid the foundation for his passion and career.
In 1996, Murray purchased The Pas Collision & Glass with a clear goal: to provide reliable, high-quality collision repair to Northern Manitoba. What began as a small operation has grown into a trusted and highly respected business serving the region for nearly 30 years.
From the beginning, Murray’s approach has been straightforward — repair vehicles properly, invest in the right tools and technology, and stand behind the work. Under his leadership, the shop has become known as one of the top-performing collision centres in Manitoba, challenging the perception that rural facilities cannot meet the highest industry standards. Recognition from partners such as MPI has reinforced the strength of his operation and commitment to doing things the right way.
In 2013, Murray expanded by purchasing Twin Motors Thompson which had a Collision Center. Thompson Collision and Glass began in 2024 with the opening of a new state-of-the-art standalone facility. As vehicle technology has advanced, Murray has ensured both locations continue to evolve — investing in equipment, training, and proper repair procedures.
A strong advocate for developing people, Murray has prioritized apprenticeship and training, helping to build the next generation of technicians while creating meaningful career opportunities in Northern Manitoba.
Beyond his business, Murray has contributed to the broader industry through involvement with organizations such as Northern Collision Shop Advocacy Group, ATA, and MMDA. He has worked to ensure Northern operators are represented, particularly in discussions with MPI around the realities of operating in the North.
A few of the key milestones in Murray’s Collision include achieving multiple manufacturer certifications through Certified Collision Care, one of the few rural shops to achieve this designation. It reflects a strong focus on proper training, modern repair methods, and doing the job right. Placing his operations among the top tier of collision centres in the province. Most recently, he is finishing a four-year term as Head of Stellantis Dealer Council with the responsibility of, representing 426 dealerships across Canada.
With the support of his family, the business’s have grown to now include 7 dealerships, 2 collision centres, and a large automotive rental and leasing division that covers Northern Manitoba
Murray’s career reflects a lifelong dedication to the trade, built on continuous learning, strong standards, and a commitment to his community. Today, The Pas Collision & Glass and Thompson Collision & Glass stand as a testament to that work — providing Northern Manitobans with access to trusted, professional vehicle repair close to home.
“At the end of the day, I’ve always believed you have to keep learning. I consider myself a student of the trade — as the industry evolves, you evolve with it.” - Murray Haukaas
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Through the Automotive Trades Association (ATA) and Manitoba ROWC, Theresa Jachnycky reframed how collision repair is understood by broader audiences—centering the people, responsibilities, and decision-making behind the work, and reflecting the professionalism that defines Manitoba’s collision repair community. Her clear, human storytelling strengthened understanding, built pride within the industry, and presented Manitoba’s leadership with credibility across Canada.
Theresa is a systems-minded leader whose career bridges health care, community service, and collision repair—always with people, safety, and ethics at the center. A proud Ukrainian Canadian, her public voice was formed early. At age eight, she was chosen by her teacher—not prompted by herself or her parents—to memorize and recite poetry by a beloved national poet before church audiences, an experience that quietly shaped her confidence, presence, and sense of responsibility to community.
Her academic foundation blends humanity with rigor: a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with double majors in Canadian History and Canadian Literature, followed by a Master’s in Health Services Administration & Community Medicine from the University of Alberta. During her undergraduate studies at the University of Manitoba, Theresa served as a research assistant and professorial aide in behavioural research, contributing to study design, statistical validity, and analytical rigor—training that sharpened her ability to evaluate evidence, question assumptions, and distinguish sound methodology from opinion.
Theresa’s executive formation was shaped significantly at Riverview Health Centre. As part of the senior leadership team that led the transformation and revitalization of a time-expired institution into a leader in facility design, programming, and care delivery. She credits her mentor, Norman Kaisian, with honing her strategic insight through an unwavering focus on quality care and excellence first, supported by teaching and research. Riverview became the place where she learned to oversee and help plan new interdisciplinary teams and programs—beginning with pharmacy, laboratory, and radiology, and later human resources—cementing her belief that values, systems, and learning must work together.
She later served as Chief Executive Officer at Fred Douglas Society and Age & Opportunity, leading major capital and operational transformations, including affordable seniors’ housing development, accredited quality frameworks, community safety initiatives, and advanced medication-distribution technology.
In 2010, Theresa brought a values-led, human-centered approach to Gateway Autobody. She fostered a learning culture grounded in certifications, staff development, and continuous improvement, while shaping customer-service-focused messaging centered on people—not damage. Organizational values guide her leadership.
Theresa’s legacy is stewardship: elevating voices, strengthening systems, and ensuring Manitoba’s collision repair community is accurately understood and deeply respected.
Theresa and her husband Kelly Kostynyk have been married for 41 years. They have two adult sons (Phillip & Christopher), daughter-in-law (Natalie) and two grandsons (8 year-old Theodore and 5 year-old Daxton). They enjoy family, friends, and sports.