Joe Baker  is a graduate of the Metropolitan Community College collision repair program and has been immersed in the automotive industry for over 20 years. His passion for cars began at a young age, working alongside his father, a mechanic, and his uncle, a painter, to build his first car. From dirt track racing and restoration to collision repair, cars have always been a central part of his life. Mr. Baker began his career in the shop as a paint prepper, progressing through refinishing, body repair, estimating, and insurance work before transitioning into education. He taught night classes as an adjunct instructor before becoming a full-time educator. For the past 10 years, Joe has served as a collision repair instructor and currently coordinates the Collision Engineering program at Metropolitan Community College in Omaha, NE. Through years of dedicated instruction and community involvement, the program has grown significantly, offering a well-rounded, career-driven training center with a strong team of instructors. Throughout his career, Mr. Baker has remained active in the industry. He is an ASE Master Collision Repair Technician and continues training through I-CAR. He has served as a SkillsUSA advisor for over a decade and remains a strong advocate for career and technical education. Joe has been recognized with a Teaching in Excellence award and has contributed to many industry conversations through articles, interviews, and event participation. He has spoken at national forums such as IBIS (International Bodyshop Industry Symposium) and has been featured in publications including the 2024 FenderBender Painter’s Playbook. Mr. Baker is proud to give back to the trade that shaped his career. He recognizes that there are many curriculum options available and believes instructors should use a variety of resources to meet the needs of their students. This latest revision is intended to serve as a strong foundation and a reliable source of instruction that supports educators and prepares the next generation of collision repair technicians. He credits his family, friends, and mentors for their support throughout his journey.