New member of the Autobody Repairer of the Year awards judging team Morgon Ison and editor Sam Street enjoyed two days touring Queensland shops this week.
Ison, a spray painting lecturer from Barrier Reef Tafe in Townsville and Street saw some impressive shops but more importantly met owners with a true passion for the industry.
Business conditions have undergone radical changes in the state with many bodyshop proprietors having to adapt quickly to stay in business. Despite this every shop owner visited exhibited positivity about the future and a keen competitive streak to be the best - another example of the unbreakable Queensland spirit.
Other aspects that impressed the judges were the keen pride owners had in their staff, the number of younger owner/managers and a fine crop of female owners/managers who have confidently emerged from the ‘back office’.
A firm commitment to staff training and investment in high quality equipment was also evident.
The following businesses were judged for the awards, a further shop in Townsville will also receive a visit. State winners of the Suncorp/Paint and Panel Autobody Repairer of the Year awards will be announced in the September issue of the magazine.
Brisbane BMW Bodyshop
The Plains Panel and Paint Accident Repair Centre
HHarvey Prestige
Trend Smash Repairs
Hondat Smash Repairs
MSR Collision Centre
Mark McHugh Bodyworks
Kilcoy Smash Repairs
Wells Smash Repair
Cory and Amy Wells of Wells Smash Repair
