Like many in the automotive industry, Joshua Day was born into it. In 1979 – three years before Josh was even born – his father, Paul Day, became the very first mechanic at the then newly-opened Big O Tire^{® franchise in Woodland, Calif.}

Typically, when we feature an auto repair shop, it almost always includes a structure with ample workspace, air-tools, lifts and a waiting room. Black Top Auto Repair has set this standard on its ear with an exceptional mobile approach. The concept of ‘mobile mechanic’ has a long history with varied connotations, and owner/operator Dylan Loebel-Begelman understands this perception. This is why his mobile business incorporates a custom-built trailer, outfitted with a lift, air compressor, tool storage, waste tanks, leveling jacks and internet hotspot.

Auto Beauty Center in Independence, MO, started out offering quick services like alloy wheel restorations and paintless dent repair. It later bought a mobile business offering detailing and minor collision repair, and brought those services into its retail location, along with mechanical repair.

Northside Collision Paint & Body Inc. in San Antonio, TX, was established in 2001, when Mark Gutierrez - a longtime Allstate agent with no collision repair experience - purchased a small body shop, determined to set a higher standard for collision repair in the area.

A&J Automotive Repair and Fleet Services, a family fleet success story

I recently had to the pleasure to interview Adam Inocelda, co-owner of A&J Automotive Repair and Fleet Service. When I visited the shop, I noted that it was very organized and well-lit. They had plenty of lifts, tools and equipment. Most of the bays were full. Early into the interview, I realized that their success hinged on some unique business practices.

2022 FenderBender Award winner Mike Schoonover

Mike Schoonover, owner/operator of Schoonover Bodyworks & Glass in Shoreview, Minn., is the winner of the 2022 FenderBender Award for the “Finest in Collision Repair,” an honor he describes as “Very humbling, and also very cool.” In addition to being a loyal ALLDATA customer for more than 15 years, Schoonover attributes his shop’s success to always focusing on what’s right for the customer, always doing high-quality work, and always providing great customer service.

A PROFILE OF SKYLINE COLLEGE'S AUTOMOTIVE PROGRAM

This summer, ALLDATA met with Thomas Broxholm, the program coordinator of the automotive program at Skyline College in San Bruno, CA. We were able to talk a little about himself, the program, and the future of automotive education. Read our interview with him below:

When Mark Ventrillo joined Quality Color & Collision in Greenwood, SC, as its fixed operations director in early 2021, his assignment was to improve its management of the collision repair industry's most valuable resource---time.

When it was announced that the collision industry’s foremost trade show was going virtual for 2020, ALLDATA embraced the opportunity to offer attendees an online experience unique to these challenging times.

The day we spoke with Matthew McDonnell, owner of Big Sky Collision Center in Billings, Mont., he was just hours away from signing the final documents for his company’s fourth location, this one in Manhattan, Mont. Coincidentally it was also his father’s 72^nd birthday.

Like many independent repair shops, Dietrich’s Collision in Imlay City, Michigan is family owned. Has been for three generations, in fact, founded in 1968 by the late patriarch Larry E. Dietrich.

We first heard about Dietrich’s Collision when Tony Benke – who now co-owns the business with his dad Kevin Dietrich – answered a survey following his experience with ALLDATA’s Library Request. Here’s what he wrote:  

ALLDATA’s Diagnostics tools pay for themselves every month after just three days, according to Bayside Body Shop owner Brian Holland.

Maaco of Regina, Canada has undergone an extreme makeover, taking a shine to improving its customer service and business operations. Since the ’80s, the Maaco Collision chain of franchised service centers has been focused on lower-cost refinishing of cars as a business model. This changed for General Manager Joe Cardiff when he attended a car convention in Moose Jaw and sat in on a presentation by Leanne Jefferies, Vice President, Canadian Operations Assured Performance Network. Since then, Joe hasn’t been content with being a minor player in the major collision repair market.

Richard Kniesel opened his first collision shop in Citrus Heights, Calif., in 1968. It was an expansion of his mechanical repair business and the beginning of an enterprise that would touch customers and the surrounding community for the next 50 years and counting. In that time, Richard Sr. would pass on his commitment to excellence to his son Gary and grandson Brent, and expand the business, opening five more collision locations.

Professionalism isn’t just a catch phrase at Foreign Affair; it’s a well-defined standard. Owner Robert McKenney defines professionalism as not only an expertise in your craft, but a thirst for advancing your skills.

Recently ALLDATA had a chance to speak with Barry Burkholder to find out what makes his business thrive in a competitive market. The owner of Barry’s Paint Shop is a man with vision. His forward thinking involves utilizing the latest technology and educating his employees.

Drive Rite Automotive owner Hari Dhiwali is a man with a plan. And that plan involves utilizing technology and prioritizing the customer to deliver outstanding repair experiences. Drive Rite is located in Northern California and offers service on all vehicles, from small automobiles to trucks and motor homes. Two Quick Lube bays deliver fast oil changes, along with ten drive-through bays for smog checks, brakes, transmissions, engine rebuilds, air conditioner service, diesels and more.