Western Chapter Reunites to Honor Industry Legend Mike Beal

Western Chapter auto body shops reunited for a memorable evening on November 18 at the Westwood Restaurant & Pub in Westfield in honor of Massachusetts industry legend, Mike Beal, aka “Mr. MABA.”

Beal served the industry in multiple capacities for 32 years. He and his wife Mary owned and operated Michael’s Frame and Collision until they retired in 2013.

“Mike was totally surprised at the outpouring of love from all the shop owners in attendance and by the testimonials from other shop owners,” commented Joann Nalewanski (Ed’s Auto Body; Easthampton) who coordinated the event.

Event highlights included an update from AASP/MA Executive Director Lucky Papageorg on the association’s work to improve the industry and a “Memories Contest,” which involved favorite memory submissions from several shop owners. While all suggestions were deemed memorable, the winning memory came from Mary Beal:

“The 2013 Casino Night when we recognized ‘Mr. MABA, Mike Beal’ as an industry legend. With more than 200 colleagues in attendance, life-long friendships were cemented that evening. Kudos to you Mike, and thank you for all you have done for our industry!” Vendors generously donated a multitude of prizes ranging from gift cards to car care buckets, golf balls, backpacks, a Bluetooth speaker, ceramic mugs, assorted teeshirts and folding chairs to be given out as door prizes. One of the many highlights of the evening was the infamous “Goodie Bag” which mirrored those given at many Western Chapter clambakes in the past. And of course, the infamous “APPLAUSE” sign was held up numerous times to the roar of the crowd. Mary Beal Mike Beal and Ed Nalewanski was heavily involved with planning this surprise event for her husband, and she noted, “Mike was so surprised and so thrilled to see all his former colleagues reunited together again. It warms my heart that people took time out of their busy schedules to honor Mike. It meant the world to him and to me.” PROTECTING CONSUMERS AND THE COLLISION INDUSTRY

MASSACHUSETTS