Michael O'Leary of Balcatta Panel and Paint was featured in our March/April Paint and Panel, warning shop owners to look carefully at their business insurance after he suffered a stroke. He and his wife Robbie have reluctantly sold the business to focus on O'Leary building his health back. He vows to return to the industry when he is at full strength. Paint and Panel wishes him all the best.
First time bodyshop owner Andrew Jaques has bought Balcatta Panel and Paint. When asked why he would take on bodyshop ownership when business is slow in the state he joked: “I'm crazy!”
Jaques has plenty of industry experience, including managing a shop. “I have the passion for it and thought it was time to go and do it properly. It's definitely a challenging future but I believe there will be a turnaround,” he said.
Rod Moon and Carey Thompson decided to sell Max Green and Co after 40 years in the business. Thompson has retired and Moon is helping at another panel shop. Prestige repairer Lombardi Bros has bought the company which will reopen its doors this month. It will be used for the 'mum and dad' car repairs while Lomardi Bros concentrates on European and perfromance car repairs.