Katie Beck graduated May 2013 from Ranken’s Automotive Collision Repair program. While there she competed in many SkillsUSA events. In 2012, she placed 2nd in Ranken’s District Auto Refinishing contest. She advanced to the State Championship, placing 1st in Auto Collision. Next stop, the SkillsUSA National Conference. In 2013, Katie finished 1st in Ranken’s District Auto Refinishing contest. She took 3rd in Auto Collision at the State Championship. Katie says, “SkillsUSA competitions and the skills I learned while there” are my favorite memories of Ranken. [Ranken] taught me to be punctual, self-disciplined, and to never give up.”
Katie’s resume includes Schaefer Auto Body, Plaza Collision, and Car Max. She now works as the Lead Refinish Technician for Car Craft Auto Body. Phil Meier, General Manager at Car Craft, explains, “Katie joined our team in December 2018. She has a great work ethic, pride in her work, positive attitude, and determination. In December of 2019, Car Craft acquired a 5th location in Hazelwood, MO. Car Craft granted Katie the opportunity to transfer to the Hazelwood location and take on the role of lead refinish technician. Without hesitation, she accepted the offer. Katie has now been the lead refinish technician at our Hazelwood location since January 2019. She is the poster girl for future technicians interested in auto refinishing. To say we enjoy having Katie on the team is an understatement. Katie is a great person and an awesome employee. Loyalty, care, and compassion are just a few words that come to mind when reflecting on Katie. We look forward to her future and growing with Katie as she continues her journey in collision repair and refinishing.”
John Helterbrand, former department chair of Automotive Collision Repair, recalls meeting Katie for the first time. “My family went with me to Chicago for Sherwin Williams training for SkillsUSA students. Her high school instructor told me Katie had been chasing ducks in front of the hotel for several hours and planned to take one home if she caught one. I was troubled as I had volunteered to take Katie home after training. She never caught a duck, but she did manage to keep me on my toes for two years.” John adds, “Katie is fearless. She was a self-promoter, respected by her classmates, and mentor to other ladies in our automotive programs. Katie has grown into a true success in a career to be proud of.” Katie’s brother, Kyle, also graduated from Ranken’s ACR program in 2014.
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