Page 51 - Australian Paint & Panel Nov-Dec 2020

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WORKSHOP: 1500m2
STAFF: 10
TYPE OF REPAIR: All types
NUMBER OF CARS PER WEEK: 20—25 OEM APPROVALS: Subaru, Lexus, Toyota
SAM STREET
Rodney gives the impression of
someone who just gets on with things and does them well. It’s great to see
someone who enjoys what they do so much – it always shows.
JUDGE POWELL
TA well presented bodyshop with good
signage, excellent equipment, suitably located work areas, I-Car Gold status.
The best part of Fix Auto is a good plan for sustainability.
U
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Very tidy looking factory complete with solar installation; Rodney Tannous; Nice new Pan booth; beautifully branded reception.
SHOP STATS
“I’ve been a member of Fix Auto for four years now. It was especially use- ful during the first part of COVID, be- cause they helped give us guidance about government support and OH&S issues,” explains Tannous. “We came out of COVID and things have really turned around.”
Knowing your strengths in a business is important. With the backing of Fix Auto systems and support from his team Tannous is able to do what he loves – be- ing on the tools and repairing cars.
“I’m in the workshop, because that’s where I enjoy it most,” explains Tan- nous. I’ve got an assessor and a really great customer service officer in front of house, so they’re a lot of help. While I still manage the business I try to spend as much time as I can with the boys out there.”
With the help of three qualified tradespeople and one third-year appren-
tice, Tannous manages to keep both the workshop and back-of -house organisa- tion under control.
Fix Auto Wollongong runs solely on iBodyshop, which manages workflow from when the vehicle rolls onto the hoist through to when it’s parked in the brand-new Pan oven.
Apart from the booth, Tannous ad- mits he hasn’t felt the need to make many changes to the layout of the shop – which had won a best shop award under its previous moniker, Blaas Autocraft.
“I haven’t done anything but buy equipment and add a coat of paint,” say Tannous. “I recently bought a new spot-welder...”
Tannous’s rationale for continu-
ing on the tools is: “It keeps the boys motivated and gets the work flowing. And, to be honest, I really think it’s about encouraging teamwork,”
he says. “I’m a panel beater and a spray painter, so I feel I’m most productive when I’m out there.”
He is being modest – this is an ex- ceptionally clean, tidy well organised shop, with a tight team and a great kerb appeal.
JUDGES’ COMMENTS