Description

An owner is the chief investor in the paint, body, and equipment (PBE) supplier business and responsible for all aspects, including sales, purchasing, expense control, and profits. The owner sets company standards 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 manufacturer representatives. Good communication and sales skills are essential. Must have self-confidence, enjoy learning, and pay close attention to detail.

Job Outlook

As the collision repair industry becomes more complicated and sophisticated, new processes, materials, and equipment will be needed for proper repairs. Demand for the newest and most efficient products will always be there. Like other businesses, PBE suppliers are subject to market conditions and technology advancements. As long as a good rate of return can be expected on this investment, a PBE supplier (or jobber) business can be rewarding in many ways.

Pre-Employment Education and Experience

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

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 profits.

Career Path

An experienced technician or body shop manager would be a great background from the technical side, but the business can be learned by the right person with good customer service and business management skills. This can lead to owning multiple locations and/or multiple market areas.

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