Mike Smith’s appointment as state business development manager for Fix Auto Australia has further strengthened the network’s management team.
Smith has a broad range of international experience in the industry which he is eager to apply in his new role.
Starting out as a panel beater he then worked with Car-O-Liner in the UK and as a service operations and bodyshop manager for Volvo and General Motors importers and dealers in both Jeddah KSA and Dubai UAE.
Since moving to Australia in 1999 he has had a successful and rewarding career in motor assessing claims, and operations, where he held various management roles working with major insurance companies.
“Having worked with the Fix Auto team during my previous insurance role, I was impressed by the team’s vision and their business model. Fix Auto has a proven track record globally, and their commitment to expanding into the challenging Australia n market was a significant factor in my decision. I certainly believe we should be getting better at working together, and I see a strong alignment with Fix Auto’s mission and values. It’s all about forming meaningful, robust and sustainable partnerships with both work providers and suppliers for the benefit of the franchisees,” he said.
“My wide-ranging background in motor claims, operations and collision repairs has equipped me with a solid understanding of the needs and requirements of both the work providers and suppliers within in the industry.
“Even with the current challenges in our industry, I know that being part of the Fix Auto network means that independent bodyshop owners can benefit from support in so many aspects of their business, helping them to navigate critical industry challenges such as skills, staffing, technology and compliance.
“I firmly believe in the value of the Fix Auto proposition for the right repairer, recognizing that it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Working together, we can navigate the evolving landscape of the auto repair industry and achieve mutual success,” Smith said.
Scott Croaker, Head of Business at Fix Auto said: "Mike's broad industry experience and skill set make him a valuable addition to complement our team. His balanced perspective, extensive experience, and connections will enhance Fix Auto's value proposition in supporting independent repairers and our franchise partners."