Description

An owner is the chief investor in the business and responsible for all aspects, including sales, production, expense control, and profits. The owner sets the company standard through his/her leadership and integrity. The owner provides a comfortable and safe working environment, maintains all necessary licenses and certifications, may hire managers to oversee various operations, and monitors business performance.

 

Personal Characteristics and Skills

Must be a leader. Must enjoy working with people, working around cars and trucks, and be comfortable with leadership responsibilities. Must be able to build relationships with customers, employees, and insurance representatives. Good communication skills are essential. Must have self-confidence, enjoy learning, and pay close attention to detail.

 

Job Outlook

As vehicle population and miles driven increase every year, the need for quality collision repair will always be here. Like other businesses, collision repair is subject to market conditions and technology advancements. As long as a good rate of return can be expected on this investment, a collision repair business can be rewarding in many ways.

 

Pre-Employment Education and Experience

Math, reading, science, and business management skills are necessary to understand and manage all the operations necessary in a collision repair business. A high school education is required with post-secondary education essential for success. Industry experience is preferred. A good understanding of the vehicle repair and insurance processes are necessary to communicate effectively with the customer, insurer, and repair personnel.

 

Earnings

Dependent on sales, expenses, and debt, owners choose how to divide profits between personal income, debt retirement, and reinvestment. With a sizable investment at risk, there are possibilities of both losing money as well as realizing large profits.

 

Career Path

An experienced technician is an ideal candidate from the technical side, but the business can be learned by the right person with good customer service and business management skills. Management experience could lead to positions in the insurance, manufacturer, or distributor industries.

 

Continuing Education

Standard post-secondary business education is available through local or on-line colleges. Specific automotive management education is available through the Automotive Management Institute (AMI) and can result in the Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) designation.

 

see where this career fits within the repair process