Michael Lastuka CPCU® AINS AIC-M

Collision Industry & Insurance Professional with a career spanning more than four decades across both the collision repair industry and the insurance sector, Michael Lastuka brings a rare depth of hands-on technical expertise and relationship-driven leadership to every role.

Collision Industry

Grounded in a formal Automotive Science degree; Michael built an accomplished foundation in the collision repair field. Beginning as a Collision Technician and Painter at both dealership and independent facilities, his career progressed through increasingly responsible roles — from Production Manager at an independent facility to ultimately owning and operating a Collision Repair Facility. This firsthand experience at every level of the trade instilled a deep understanding of the technical, operational, and customer-facing demands of the industry.

State Farm Insurance

Michael joined State Farm as an Auto Estimatics Inspector in the Ohio Region and has held a series of progressively impactful positions across the company over more than 30 years. After becoming a Property Claim Trainer, his role expanded to special projects training and supporting implementation of the Claim Processor position throughout the state. A move to the Corporate Office in Bloomington, IL brought responsibility for co-authoring and delivering Estimatics and Management schools, as well as technical workshops in Bloomington and across the company. In June 2004, Michael became Estimatics Team Manager in the Northeast Zone, overseeing a Claim Operation and Select Service program in South-Central Pennsylvania. Michael later returned to the home office as the Auto Industry Liaison. In this role, he maintained direct relationships with all auto manufacturers operating in North America, with a primary focus on Service Engineering to benefit mutual customers. He also provided technical support for the Vehicle Research Facility, Claims Research Auto Support Hotline (CRASH), Auto Innovation, Auto Safety groups, and Property & Casualty Claims. Throughout a career that has remained closely connected to the collision industry, Michael's strong passion for problem solving and customer service has been a consistent driving force — bridging the worlds of hands-on repair and insurance with expertise, credibility, and purpose.