Meet Our Staff

Charlie Heinz

I’m Mr. Heinz, and I’ve been teaching at the Tech Center since 2008. In my classes, I cover non-structural repair, painting and refinishing, structural repair, and custom painting and airbrushing.

In the automotive industry, I’m ASE Master certified in collision repair, a Michigan State certified mechanic in Unitized Structural Repair, and a PPG certified technician. I also bring 20 years of experience from working in an independent auto collision repair shop.

As for my education, I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a special education emphasis from Grand Valley State University.

Outside of school, I enjoy fishing, bow hunting, camping, and baseball. I also ride horses in sorting and penning competitions.

Mr. Herman

My name is Mr. Herman, and I’ve been at the Tech Center since 1998. 

In the automotive industry, I’m a Master ASE certified automotive repair technician, an I-CAR certified welder, and a PPG certified technician. I also bring industry experience from three years at a GM dealership and five years at an independent body shop.

As for my education, I earned a Master’s degree in Education from Western Michigan University. From Ferris State University, I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Career Technical Education and an Associate degree in Collision Repair Technology.

Outside of school, I enjoy fishing, camping, and going to car shows.

Ken Rice

I’m Mr. Rice, and I joined the Collision team in 2017. 

I have over 25 years of working in the automotive industry and have worked with Fox/Duthler Ford Collision in Grand Rapids, Pfeiffer Collision in Grand Rapids and VanEck Collision in Grandville. I am an I-car Certified Auto Collision Technician.

I graduated from Northview High School and the Kent Career Tech Center Automotive Tech program. I have also coached Odyssey of the Mind for six years.