So I spent a whole three days in Melbourne and it didn't rain – I don't think that's ever happened when I've been over at this time of year for judging. Not saying it wasn't a bit parky mind you. It was hard not to talk horses with Simone at WARC, our first stop. Sponsoring boxers, footie teams and the like is commonplace but I've never come across a shop who sponsors an elite equestrian eventer. Here's a round up of the first couple of days.
We began at Wyndam Accident Repair Centre in Hoppers Crossing. Owners Paul and Simone run a very nice workshop. I'm very surprised it hasn't been nominated before. They ticked so many boxes in terms of staff development and welfare and show a refreshing passion for the industry and caring for their customers. Nice to see their son learning the ropes so that they can one day hand over the reins (had to get one horse reference in there).
Flagstaff Autobody never fails to impress. This huge workshop runs like clockwork with so many SOPS and systems in place, they make it look easy. Owner John was just finishing off a new shop to widen their postcode catchment, which will specialise in smaller hits – that was impressive too!
Now while we're talking impressive, it was so good to set foot in Zagame Autobody as it's been a while. It looks exactly the same as the day it was opened. No messy processes take place outside of the many, many booths and the skill level of the technicians is truly impressive. It was hard not to be distracted by the incredible cars being worked on including Brabus (not my cup of tea) and Aston Martin (yes please).
Fred from 5 Star is one of those Melbourne repairers quietly carving himself out a little collision repair empire. Like some others he's branched out into more regional towns. At the Tullamarine site he runs a virtually one stop shop (although he'd like a windscreen tech) with mechanical and ADAS. With so many team members to run his management team have been working on standardising branches with policies on WHS etc.
Graham Autobody in Eltham is no stranger to these awards although it's been a few years since they took part. It's everything you could wish for in a small shop, organised, systemised with every cm maximised. But, wait, after all these years the huge building next door has finally become vacant and with enough parking spaces to make most city repairers cry with envy. What is now the whole shop will become the paint shop and next door is all for panel. I can't wait to see it when its finished.
Another new to the awards was the really impressive Box Hill Accident Repair Centre. A second generation in charge here, Nicholas Malotsis runs a tight ship. The workshop is deceptively huge and very equipped. It definitely wins the award for most impressive smoko room in terms of kitchen gizmos for the staff – I'd like to rock up there for lunch one day. The care obviously works as the team keep the place spic and span (the workshop I mean, but the smoko was tidy too).
Then it was off to DSI Autobody in Croydon. Kind of weird when a judge has a shop in the mix, but as we said they can't vote in that category which in this case is MSO. These guys never stop with the improvements. They've rebranded and are constantly upgrading their sites. Clearly this impressed BMW who they have recently added to their OEM approvals list.
We also dropped in on Top Tech Panels who had been nominated but were midway through a massive expansion. We look forward to seeing the results next year.
We will give you round up of day three. Next week.
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