Autobody News: Spanesi "360-Degree Concept" Enables Texas Shop to Provide Quality Service With Top-of-the-Line Products
CARLSBAD, Calif., May 8, 2018 (Newswire.com) - NOTE: This October SPS profile was originally published in print and online in September 2017.
In northeast Texas, Brandon Dodd and his wife, Mandy, pride themselves on operating their Gilmer collision repair shop with trained technicians and state-of-the-art equipment to repair vehicles back to pre-accident condition.
Just in my five and a half years of owning a shop, I've bought quite a bit of equipment that just collected dust. There was no support and it ended up being a significant waste of money. With Spanesi, they've been here to help us learn how to use the equipment and support us in a variety of ways to help us grow our business.
Brandon Dodd , Owner, Lloyd's Body Shop
They often tell customers that when “quality counts, they can put their trust in the family business—Lloyd’s Body Shop.”
When Dodd purchased his father’s shop in 2011, he had little knowledge of the collision repair business. He was in the military and then worked in the oilfield, so his only experience was detailing a few cars growing up and helping at his dad’s shop, established in 1975.
While working as a petroleum landman prior to purchasing the business, Brandon said he was used to doing research, asking uncomfortable questions and having uncomfortable conversations. He said the research habits and communication skills he learned were helpful as a shop owner.
“I didn’t have any bad habits where the industry was concerned, because I didn’t have any good habits,” said Brandon.
He began seeking out others in the industry who were successful, attending classes and tradeshows, and asking questions.
“I knew there wasn’t a question that I might have that somebody else hadn’t already had, and there was an answer for it,” said Brandon, a member of SCRS and a founder of ABAT. “The more I learned, the more I realized that we were so far behind.”
He began implementing repair processes to grow the shop.
“More than I love to win, I hate to fail,” he said. “I invested a lot of money. My wife and I went from making a really good living doing something I loved to jumping off with both feet and doing something I knew nothing about, at a great investment. I didn’t really have any choice but to succeed.”
In fall 2014, his paint vendor, Paint Works in Tyler, TX, suggested watching a demonstration of the Spanesi Touch electronic measuring system.
“I brought one of my techs over who had been in the industry for a long time, and after watching the demo I immediately knew that we needed this equipment,” said Brandon. “It’s used in our shop all day, every day. We continue to find better and new ways to use it.”
Brandon then purchased a Spanesi downdraft Michelangelo paint booth and mixing room. In addition to being fully customizable, the spray booth has automatic pressure control using inverter technology, an electronic control panel with display, and enough flow capacity for even waterbornes without extra blowers or fans. Techs can paint vehicles and bake them, and 30 minutes later they are ready to be unmasked and go into reassembly. In addition, the equipment recycles 90 percent of the heat and energy.
“My energy bills have been cut drastically while I’ve been able to paint cars a lot faster and shorten cycle times,” said Brandon. “We can cut a day off of a job while conserving energy. That’s huge.”
Since then, Brandon has added a resistance spot welder, two multi benches, fixturing equipment and a three-torch inverter MIG/MAG welder that includes silicon bronze and aluminum programs.
Nearly every vehicle goes on a Spanesi Multi Bench, which allows techs to measure the underbody of the vehicle and damaged areas in 20-30 minutes, as opposed to an hour or two using the previous equipment. It also enables them to work at waist and chest level. Not only does this save time, but Brandon said it also allows the shop to repair more vehicles quickly, making techs happier.
When Brandon began using Spanesi equipment, the company sat down with the team to help determine the shop’s current and long-term expectations. They discussed how many cars were currently brought into the shop each day and then figured out the cost to operate the spray booth. They also strategized how the body shop could grow and be successful in the future.
Now, Spanesi regularly acts as a mentor to Lloyd’s, which Brandon said has helped him tremendously. This ongoing support is what Spanesi refers to as the “360-Degree Concept.” In addition to providing high-quality, dependable equipment, Spanesi assists with overall training, connecting with new vendors, setting up processes and being aware of upcoming legislation and certifications.
During a weekly conference call, Spanesi checks in to ensure the shop is working toward achieving its long-term goals. Since implementing the Spanesi “360-Degree Concept,” Brandon said the shop has grown 200+ percent.
“Just in my five and a half years of owning a shop, I’ve bought quite a bit of equipment that just collected dust. There was no support and it ended up being a significant waste of money,” said Brandon. “With Spanesi, they’ve been here to help us learn how to use the equipment and support us in a variety of ways to help us grow our business.”
He said that the day he bought the shop, he told the crew who worked there that he didn’t care to be the best shop in Gilmer, TX—he wanted to be the best shop anywhere.
“They thought I was nuts, but I meant it,” he said.
An important part of this is utilizing Spanesi’s top-of-the-line, reliable equipment to repair vehicles properly so customers are safely put back on the road.
Lloyd’s Body Shop
Location: Gilmer, TX
(903) 734-5175
lloydsbodyshop.com/autobody-shop
Company At A Glance...
Type: Collision Repair
Facility Employees: Eight
In Business Since: 1975
Number of Locations: One
DRP Programs: Two
Combined Production Space: 11,000 square feet
Spanesi Americas
Company Contact: Tim Morgan, Chief Operating Officer
tmorgan@spanesi-americas.com
(224) 772-6374
spanesi.com
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Source: Autobody News
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