Barry Dorn is a second-generation collision professional and one of two owners of Dorn’s Body & Paint in Mechanicsville, VA.
His thorough knowledge and expertise come from having held a variety of positions within the shop over the years---from technician to repair planner, overseeing parts management and operations.
In addition to his experience, Dorn relies on his vendor partners to help him carry out quality repairs the first time to minimize comebacks. One of his foremost partners is KECO Body Repair Products.
Dorn’s Body & Paint
Location: Mechanicsville, VA
(804) 746-3928
www.dornsbodyandpaint.com
Facebook: @DornsBodyandPaint
Twitter: @DornsBodyPaint
Company At A Glance...
Type: Collision Repair
Facility Employees: 68
In Business Since: 1964
Number of Locations: One
Production Space: 52,000 square feet
KECO’s products allow him to use glue pull repair (GPR) systems for a less invasive repair, which results in a more efficient repair process while maintaining profitability. The products also support the challenges that come with working on newer cars---such as EVs and aluminum.
The refinish team at Dorn’s Body & Paint is made up of a dozen body shop technicians who are able to implement a more fluid repair process, thanks to KECO’s GPR kits. To make it convenient and easy for the team, KECO provided on-site and in-depth training that grew their confidence and knowledge.
“Their training is unbelievable,” said Dorn of his KECO experience. “Chris White and Gene Fetty helped us every step of the way. It was intense two-day training and it was well worth it.”
KECO provides ongoing technical support online or over the phone. KECO also taught their apprentices about metallurgy, since there are many questions surrounding the use of their systems on aluminum and steel. As a result of the quality training, Dorn’s team was able to immediately perform successful glue pull paint repair with the KECO system.
Automobiles are using more aluminum than ever before. KECO’s GPR system doesn’t require a different set of tools to work with aluminum and can replace both spot welders required for steel and aluminum. This creates less investment for a shop. Additionally, the GPR tools and techniques can actually make more aluminum panels repairable, getting cars completed faster.
Since the three years Dorn made the switch to KECO, he has found his technicians’ speed, efficiency and panel flatness have increased over time. Overall, he found the KECO system and 6C process easy to learn and implement, and highly reliable.
Abby Andrews