Automobile Body And Painting Shop Found
Help To Move Business To Next Level,
Make Operations More Efficient

INDUSTRY OVERVIEW

Overall, the business for auto body shops and painting operations has been steady to growing. New cars are more expensive, so people are keeping their old cars and improving their appearance or buying used cars and re-painting them. Since an automobile is a growing slice of a person's disposable income, there's a greater desire to keep it looking good. In addition, the new automotive finishes are brighter and hold their shine longer than ever before. They provide a relatively inexpensive way to make an older, but well-running car, look like a newer vehicle.

COMPANY PERSPECTIVE

Business is very good for the Guymon Paint and Body Shop. The company is the biggest operation of its type for more than a 100-mile radius. This, combined with higher purchase prices of cars and trucks, spurs the general desire of owners to keep their vehicles looking good. When choosing a body shop, people consider factors such as quality of the workmanship, turn-around time and convenience. The relative importance of these factors changes with different customers, but all expect these to some extent.

COMPANY ISSUES/CONCERNS

Management wanted the business to grow, but did not have the necessary knowledge and expertise to take the operation to the next level. Enhanced management skills were needed for the company to perform the way that the owners envisioned.

SOLUTIONS

Several procedures and a variety of policies were instituted to help the owners obtain a true picture of the performance of their business. Cash flow forecasting, budgeting, keeping detailed financial information, gross profit by job and labor and overhead burden are among the specific actions that the George S. May International Company consultants put into place. Being more organized, Guymon Paint and Body Shop is now saving time, which equals money. A shop manager was hired to allow the president more time for marketing and overseeing all aspects of the business. Owner Tiffany Ralstin wrote in her summary closing letter to the George S. May International Company: "We are very satisfied with the work that was provided . . . . The knowledge that we were provided was tremendous. This has been very enjoyable."

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