AAMI/AP&P Autobody Repairer of the Year Regional Winner (Small Shop) SA/NT

Awards 2004 AAMI

Cafasso Motor Body Repairs

While it certainly helps to be the sole authorised Mercedes repairer in South Australia, Cafasso Motor Body Repairs maintains a standard of excellence that has just as much to do with the management style of Jimmy Feleppa and the skill of his small team of technicians.

There are only eight people employed in the shop: three panel beaters, two painters (plus one apprentice), and a receptionist/book keeper. They turn out a standard of work and service equal to the best.

The business was established by Tony Cafasso 40 years ago and ten years ago moved to its current location under a new owner when the purpose built motor body repair shop was completed.

Jimmy Feleppa became manger at the beginning of this year and has seen the business While the shop handles around 85 per cent Mercedes, it will carry out repairs on other models as long as they are current ? and preferably upmarket. Feleppa makes no secret of the fact that he is out to please Mercedes owners and insurers. In any case, the equipment has been installed with Mercedes in mind.

There are four Celette benches, (meaning that a measuring system is not required), Standox paint, dual ovens, and facilities for aluminium repairs. There is no plastic filler in the shop; only lead is used, and file finished so that repairs can return a vehicle to pre-accident condition.

Although a relatively young man, Feleppa adheres to some old fashioned values. For instance, he insists on quotes being discussed with an assessor in the shop. He is not an advocate of on-line quotations, believing that his company's method of repair has to be demonstrated to an assessor so that he sees value in the process.

He also believes in keeping customers informed. Before a repair is commenced he goes over the coming procedure in detail with the car's owner and updates them regularly once the work starts. Cafasso turns between 10 and 15 cars a week.

The shop building and layout is a strong selling tool. It is spacious, with separate areas for panel beating, painting and detailing. New and used parts are stored in roomy racks. Clearly, the shop has the capacity to grow as its reputation grows.

HOLMES COMMENT
Jimmy Feleppa is a young manager with the right attitude. Rather than complain about the system has found ways to work with it ? even at the high Mercedes level of repair. He conducts himself with the kind of courtesy which appeals to staff, insurers, and customers.