Ron is an aviation enthusiast and enjoys radio controlled aircraft, including jet and turbo-prop powered models. Ballard belongs to several model clubs in the area and is an instructor for the Fort Wayne Flying Circuits, teaching more than 125 hobbyists to fly radio control. He has served as an Associate Vice President for the Academy of Model Aeronautics for 26 years and is also a certified Experimental Aircraft inspector for the AMA as well as a certified Turbine operator.
He holds a private pilot license which includes an instrument rating as well as high performance endorsements. He has been a 4-H judge for models and rocketry for the past 20 years, judging Adams County and 5 surrounding counties.
Ron married Susie Krueckeberg in 1977. They have two daughters, Grace and Tiffany. Susie is an avid Fenton Art Glass collector, which she displays here at the shop in the reception area, and assists Ron in the office management.
For the past 20 years, Ron has served as an advisor for the Bellmont High School
Industrial Cooperative Training Program, as well as sitting on the Area 18 Vocational
Education board for 9 years.
Ron also attends classes at Ivy Tech on a regular basis in order to stay current on
the repair industry.
He holds a masters degree in refinishing from PPG Industries, and is certified in frame,
welding, air conditioning, frame analysis and has completed training in damage estimating
from Mitchell International.