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While the pandemic may continue to create uncertainty in our country, there is no doubt in the mind of smash repair shop owner Rick Norris about the future of the industry, that’s why he has made the decision to join Fix Auto, the world's largest collision repair network. 

Norris, owner of Classic Bodyworks in Rockhampton, QLD signed up as the latest shop to join the expanding network in Australia and couldn’t be happier with his decision. 

Having been in the industry for 30 years, 12 of which as owner operator of the Rockhampton based Classic Bodyworks, Norris has seen a lot of change in the industry, no more so than in the last five years. He became aware of the Fix Auto model over two years ago as an option to push back against consolidation by the big corporates, but he, like many wanted to wait and see how those corporates would go and more importantly whether this new arrival in Australia would stay the course and stay committed. This proved to be a sensible strategy for Norris as he was able to see first hand the impact of a contracting repairer base as shops closed around him to make way for consolidation but more importantly he saw that Fix Auto has prevailed and is delivering on the promises to their network. 

When asked what finally tipped him over the edge Norris  said “It was a number of things coming together at once that ultimately convinced us it was the right time and the right move. I was reluctant to entrust my family owned business to a new start company in Australia when they first arrived, I didn’t know if they would be here tomorrow if things got hard and I didn’t know just how tough things would get for me as an independent. Two years after my first discussions with Fix Auto, the network has grown, their team has grown and they are not giving up on their vision, despite the fact it could not have been a harder two years than it has been. The final piece of the puzzle for me was the endorsement of the work providers about how the model can really support our business. The team at Fix make a real difference to the operations of the business, improving efficiency, driving up margins and providing much needed commercial support," he said. 

Scott Holden, State General Manager for Fix Auto, NSW & QLD said “ Rick is so passionate about everything he does, he puts his heart and soul into making sure he runs the best business he can. I am excited to start working with him in supporting his aspirations for growth and affirming his position as the repairer of choice in Rockhampton”. 

Stuart Faid, head of the Australian business and vice president for Fix Auto across Asia said: “Rick is no different to a number of repairers who have been waiting to see if Fix Auto has the staying power to deliver on its promises to the independent repair industry and more importantly that we are committed to this market for the long term. I totally understand that position, especially when we are dealing with family businesses that are multigenerational and institutional in their local communities. Nobody makes the decision to join our network lightly and nor should they, but once they do, they have that peace of mind that their future is secure. We have been around since 1992 and are now present in 13 countries worldwide. We are here to stay.” 

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