Page 96 - Australasian Paint & Panel Magazine Sep-Oct 2018

BEST MEDIUM VIC
GEELONG SMASH REPAIRS
GSR has eye-catching kerb appeal, a roomy, well equipped workshop and excellent customer facilities.
Smart, contemporary branding and street presence. Top left: Paul McAuliffe
SHOP STATS
Size: 1600m2
Staff: 16
Type of repair: All types AVG repairs per week: 30
PAUL MCAULIFFE SET up Geelong Smash Repairs (GSR) back in 2011 and has developed it into an impressive set up. The long shop front with its striking white exterior and smart, modern livery and logo gives the business great visibility on the busy road it is located in.
There’s a large car park both at the front and rear of the building. Walking into the reception area you are also impressed with this stylish and spacious area. We liked the big windows behind reception where customers can clearly see the clean, neatly laid out workshop where their cars will be repaired.
The workshop itself is extremely well equipped and McAuliffe has invested in the latest equipment and proper staff training on how to use this equipment to ensure accurate repairs. GSR invests in regular training for all its technicians and holds Platinum I-Car status. McAuliffe takes his staff welfare and team building seriously. He offers flexible working hours and rewards staff with end of year bonuses which are based on their annual performance.
While the business markets itself vigorously with liveried loan cars, community sponsorships, and Linkedin advertising, McAuliffe says the most successful marketing derives from satisfied customer referalls.
Allthough GSR undertakes all repairs, it specialises in heavy hits. Insurance work is for Suncorp and others including Hollard.
28 PAINT&PANEL September / October 2018
There’s also fleet work for locals businesses such as Deakon University and the waterboard.
GSR is a Suzuki approved repairer and has recently secured a Volkeswagen badge. He’s added a carbon fibre aluminium booth, with fume and dust extraction, which he doesn’t need yet, but wants to be ready for the future and is able to utilise it for repairs in the meantime. It will come in handy with VW in the future which has an increasing line up of models with mixed material body construction.
We have found many successful repairers are bringing more and more in house which allows them to control cycle times and, as McAuliffe succinctly puts it: “I’d rather have the money in my pocket.” He has scan tools for simple resets, does his own glass replacement, air conditioning and mechanical and is looking into wheel alignment. A beautifully, presented business run on sound business principles.
POWELL’S COMMENTS
A sound business plan complements this well organised and spacious workshop. The workflow arrangement with refinishing to the left side and repairs to the right with flexible prep and reassemble in the centre works well.
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2018 REGIONAL WINNER VICTORIA