BETHESDA, Md. – Sam Malatesta, president of Malatesta Capital Corp. in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, will moderate the Body Shop Panel at the 2008 Paint, Body and Equipment Specialists (PBES) Spring Conference, May 12-14, at the Embassy Suites Hotel Phoenix-Scottsdale in Phoenix, Ariz. Malatesta will be sponsored by BASF Automotive Refinish Solutions.
Malatesta is a leading authority on the North American auto claims economy. His 15 years of experience in revitalizing the image and performance of the collision repair industry enables him to bring a new perspective to develop ideas and solve complex business problems. A co-founder of CARSTAR Automotive Canada, Malatesta was responsible for all revenue generating operations including the management of 12 company-owned shops.
"BASF is very pleased to sponsor Sam to moderate this important panel discussion," said Darlene Eilenberger, director of marketing, BASF Automotive Refinish Solutions North America. "Sam is a long-time industry partner to BASF and we’re thrilled about his participation."
In 2004, Malatesta founded Malatesta Capital Corp., a North American company focused on improving collision repair transactions and outcomes for the shop owner, concerned members of the supply chain and ultimately the consumer.
"We are excited about this well-known group of panelists and what Sam and his diverse industry background will bring to this panel discussion," said PBES Chair Jay Sharp, CARQUEST Automotive Finishes.
The Body Shop Panel will be held on Tuesday, May 13 from 3:45 to 5 p.m. The panelists for the session are: Darrell Amberson, Lehman’s Garage, Bloomington, Minn.; Michael Anderson, Wagonwork Collision Centers, Alexandria, Va.; Dan Engeln, Bay Cities Auto Body, Harbor City, Calif.; and Michael Giarrizzo, DCR Systems Accident Repair Centers, Mentor, Ohio.
