Who is Deb Van Batenburg?   Deb grew up in Columbus, Ohio and graduated from Kent State. After 20 acclaimed years in the Greeting Card and Design Industry, Deb joined the automotive world to work alongside husband Craig at Van Batenburg's Garage Inc.  A graduate of the AMI (Automotive Management Institute) educational program, Deb received her AAM (Accredited Automotive Manager) in 1996.  In 2000 Deb was awarded the Woman of the Year Award from the New England Service Station and Automotive Repair Association (NESSARA). Serving as Vice President of the Massachusetts ASA (Automotive Service Association) chapter, Deb represented the chapter at many national events.  She now contributes to Auto Inc., and other Industry publications as a journalist reporting on management issues and Industry events.  Her business "The Better Half", coordinates spouse events and seminars for women at Trade Shows and National Meetings. She is a member of IMPA  (International Motor Press Association) and ASA.

An avid volunteer on many levels, Deb was awarded the "Every Day Hero" status by the American Red Cross for her work in the Dominican Republic.  She has also been a nominee for the Points of Light volunteer award twice.  She leads empowering workshops in the Adoption Community as well.  Deb creates and delivers staff training for the Job Corp, and other corporate organizations.

Teaching with husband Craig or by herself at many national and international events keeps her busy  She proudly teaches for AMI.  She is the administrator for ACDC and the event Coordinator for the popular 4 day hybrid intensive, "Up Your Voltage!".  She is a mother to two boys, drives a Honda Insight, and rides a red motor scooter!

Her most popular class is called "Fixing the Wobbly Wheel" for women who are married to shop owners.