Rob Kember grew up in the collision repair industry. Inspired by his father, the original owner-operator of Centennial Auto Body Ltd, Rob continues his family’s legacy as a managing partner. He leads the CARSTAR Centennial Group, which has been in business for more than two decades and has 11 locations across Atlantic Canada. Rob was nominated for 30 Under 40 by his colleague, Melissa Kwiatkowski, a member of the CARSTAR Canada Corporate network.
Family is at the heart of Rob’s pursuit of a collision repair career. “My father inspired me—not just with his hard work, but with his passion for helping people by repairing their vehicles after a tough day and making them like new again,” Rob said. “As a father of four, I’ve noticed something familiar in my own kids: they want to be like Dad. To them, I’m a hero—someone who can fix anything.”
According to Melissa, this is just one example of Rob’s unwavering commitment to people. “He doesn’t speak from a place of ego but from a genuine desire to continue the legacy of care and excellence that has been built over generations,” she said. When reflecting on his career, Rob didn’t name a moment he’s most proud of, choosing not to dwell on achievements. Instead, he credits the humbling moments in his life for shaping him the most.
One of the most pressing challenges Rob is working to solve is the increasing complexity of vehicle calibrations. “Performing proper repairs that meet OEM standards often requires advanced calibrations, which can lead to significant delays,” said Rob. “The question is: who can perform them accurately and quickly?”
To address this, the CARSTAR Centennial Group has invested in bringing calibrations in-house. “That means purchasing the right equipment, training our technicians and extending that training to insurance partners and shop owners,” explained Rob. “This approach strengthens our partnerships and ensures a higher standard of service across the board.”
When it comes to staying ahead of the curve in the industry, Rob’s approach is a practical one. “What’s more realistic—and essential—is staying at the crest of the wave, effectively managing the vehicles and technologies currently in our market,” he said. As such, Rob stays connected to every part of the industry “by being hands-on in the shop, staying current with OEM repair procedures and continuously challenging our suppliers to introduce new tools, equipment, materials and processes.”
While Rob notes that growth can take many forms, he sees significant potential in diversification to improve the overall performance and efficiency of the collision centre while positively contributing to gross profit and the bottom line. Rob’s innovation isn’t just a means to an end; it’s a way to turn ideas into action and something Melissa hopes other professionals can learn from him. “He shows that success in this field isn’t just about fixing vehicles; it’s about running a business with integrity, investing in your people and embracing the tools and resources that elevate the standard of care and service.”
“He doesn’t speak from a place of ego but from a genuine desire to continue the legacy of care and excellence that has been built over generations.” - NOMINATED BY COLLEAGUE / PART OF NETWORK
