Alpine Crash Repairs
The black Porsche had just had its engine cover resprayed at Alpine Crash Repairs together with other repairs and the tradesman fixing the car had a deep discussion with co-owner Tony Russo.
He was concentrating particularly on the Porsche’s engine cover. The fit wasn’t quite right so a bit more work was needed.
Russo’s emphasis, it seems, is above perfect. In his suburban Klemzig workshop he is everywhere. You cannot help but be impressed by his deep involvement and communication with his technicians. In AP&P’s visit it was obvious he wanted to spend time with us explaining the workings of his shop but accepted with alacrity the chance to let us walk through taking photos and understanding the way the shop does it’s day-to-day repairs, talking to us later about the bodyshop’s work.
Russo started his career as a crash repairer in Glynde in l986 and relocated to Klemzig in l989.
He started Alpine as its original owner but has since taken on panel beater Frank Dodic as a part owner. They started their business in a 1000 square metre shop that was carrying out restoration work.
This is a good location, he says, off the main road with a site next door for parking and a building for parts.
As a member and past chairman of the Master Collision Repair Specialists, Russo has, like other members, the chance to benefit from bulk purchase of parts and other supplies.
Like others in South Australia he is well aware of the shortage of good tradesmen but recruiting is not easy and he says that advertising is basically useless in this market.
Most of the shop’s business comes from insurance work and recommendations. With his former and new relationships and quality of work, he is not short of repairs and repeat customers.
Alpine processes approximately 15-20 cars a week and employs three panel beaters and one second year apprentice with three spray painters, one detailer together with Russo and a secretary/office assistant. Russo does the estimating. Parts ordering is carried out in the office.
Unfortunately, partner Frank Dodic was not in the repair shop when we called, having suffered an accident. He is recovering and was on light duties at the time of AP&P’s inspection. Alpine comes across as a clean and well organised shop with up-to-date equipment.
Paint of choice is Glasurit, benches are Globaljig and spray guns are SATA and DeVilbiss. Estimating uses Easyquote linking to insurance companies which include GIO, Lumley, Vero, QBE, Suncorp and AMP.
Standards are obviously high at Alpine, showing that intense but not intrusive owner/manager involvement can be a key element in the running of a repair centre. It is a rare quality that has an equal chance of failure. At Alpine it is a success.