Page 84 - Australasian Paint & Panel Magazine Sep-Oct 2019

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GOLD COAST CDOLLISION CENTRE
AN AND MEGAN LEISHMAN
started out in a tiny shop on the Gold Coast. In December of 2017 they moved into what was a shoe factory, which they de- scribe as a big step up for them. When the gym next door closed down eight months later they had the difficult deci- sion of whether to take the next unit when they weren't ready or risk outgrow- ing their first unit and having to move elsewhere. They went out into the com- munity to drum up more work and then took the plunge and rented the unit. With immense hard work and determination the couple have created a beautiful, clean, uber tidy workshop with a great workflow and a separate area for restora- tions with dedicated staff, which they are
acquiring a great reputation for.
They did all the work themselves, knocking out walls and painting the workshop, working every weekend with their three kids riding their bikes around inside. The kids are a staple feature of the shop with their own area upstairs with toys and a desk for homework. It’s a proper family business. The first mural
SHOP STATS
POWELL’S POINTS
IF YOU GET BACK WHAT YOU PUT IN THEN DAN AND MEGHAN LEISHMAN WILL CONTINUE TO GO FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH.
QLD – BOUTIQUE
PAINT&PANEL
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2019
WWW.PAINTANDPANEL.COM.AU
ABOVE: Very cheery panel shop, plus uber organised and clean.
RIGHT: Dan and Meghan Leishman.
on the back wall was to cover
the gym's original bright green
hulk painting, but they loved it
so much they commissioned
their friend to do more including outside next to reception. The couple are open to help and advice from their suppliers as well as from within the Car Craft group. When I commented on the uber cleanli- ness and organisation Megan said: “We've been working with PPG to ensure we have the best processes. We have signs for absolutely everything. We've been working on eliminating waste and maki ng everyone more productive. PPG have run workshops for the staff – it seems so logical when someone else says it and you think why didn't I think of that in the first place? It has made a really positive impact on the business.”
None of the spraybooth companies they approached seemed interested in creating the customer prep area they en-
visioned i.e. that could accommodate the motor homes they are painting and the tow trucks that they have begun to repair. So they rolled up their sleeves and did it themselves – they employed a concreter for the pit and then welded all of the grates ensuring they could take the necessary weight and got the fan de- signed. Now they have fully flexible prep area. They have also started offer- ing paint protection.
Apart from being charming, hard work- ing people, Dan and Megan have been clever. They have created niches in multi- ple revenue streams that have given them a range of unique selling propositions al- lowing them to determine the direction of the business without being dependent on any insurance companies.
SIZE: 1500m2 total site 900m2 workshop STAFF: 11
TYPE OF REPAIRS: All types
AVG CARS REPAIRED PW: 10
AVG KEY TO KEY: Drive 4-5 days Non drive 10-14
This is a well-maintained and
immaculately clean workshop, which has kept pace with new
technology to maintain an efficient and high standard of operation. Dan and Megan take great pride in their business and demonstrate passion for the industry.