The Car Craft Group has continued to grow its national network, adding five repair businesses across the Northern Territory, Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia.
In Darwin, Al’s Panel Shop has joined the network following a visit from Car Craft Group’s Ben Chesterfield, strengthening the group’s existing presence in the Territory alongside long-time member Guido Merlo and Autocrash Express Repairs.
Al’s is a family-owned business run by Greg and Alison Turnbull, with the next generation, Rehanna and Scott, also playing active roles in the operation. Chesterfield said he was impressed with both the business and the family behind it, describing them as fitting the three Ps he looks for in a Car Craft Group member: professional, progressive and positive.
The Group has also grown with the addition of Milners Smash Repairs in Redcliffe, around 30km north of Brisbane. The second-generation repair business is run by Nick and Michelle, who said joining the Car Craft Group was something they had considered previously, but the timing had not been right for the business.
“We should have done it years ago,” they said, adding that they were now looking forward to the business development ideas, networking and support that come from being part of a like-minded group of repairers.
On the NSW Mid North Coast, Forster Smash Repairs joined Car Craft Group in NSW in August. NSW Manager Corinne Purcell said Paul and Marnie Willmington have more than 12 years of business ownership and management experience spanning hospitality, accommodation, automotive and transport.
Originally from Western Australia, Paul is a former Northern Territory police officer, while Marnie previously worked as a payroll manager, giving the couple a broad background in leadership, compliance, financial management and customer service. They plan to build the shop’s fleet repair relationships with local government and emergency services across the Forster, Tuncurry and Taree region.
Further south, Car Craft Group NSW in southern region has welcomed Ken Morley Smash Repairs in Wagga Wagga, a family-owned and operated business that has been serving the local community since 1978. Pat, Jacinta and the team provide smash repairs, panel beating, painting and towing and bring almost five decades of local history to the network.
In Western Australia, West Coast Bumper & Paint in Osborne Park is the latest addition to the group and another family operation, run by Troy and Rachelle with daughter Leteisha looking after the office and son Caleb working as a panel beater.
Troy said the decision to join the Car Craft Group fitted with the family’s desire to continue developing the business. WA Manager Damian Cameron said Troy and Rachelle are the perfect fit for the group, engaging with a positive attitude.
“We are always looking to improve all areas of our business and feel that Car Craft support would be very beneficial,” he said.
The five additions continue Car Craft Group’s growth around the country, with the group expecting to welcome further repair businesses into the network in the coming months.