Zamir and Chess have been friends for many years. “He travels across the country to support shops that are willing to train their staff,” said Zamir. “He is a true friend of the industry, and like many true friends, he doesn't seek nor get the appreciation he deserves.”
European Motor Car Works
In the 1970s, Kye Yeung enrolled in an auto body and paint course at the local community college to repair his car and didn’t realize it would become a lifelong passion. He opened European Motor Car Works in Costa Mesa, CA, in 1975 when he was 20, just out of college.
He currently has 25 employees, many of whom are family members who have been with the company for more than 20 years; the longest is 39 years. These include his daughters Nichole and Jennifer, his son-in-law Mike Hubbard and grandson Connor. Many of other employees have relatives who also work at the shop.
Yeung has put many processes in place to help hire and retain technicians. These include maintaining a healthy work environment, giving employee bonuses for referrals, offering top pay and the necessary tooling to perform tasks, and providing OEM training to allow constant growth.
“We keep them interested by diversifying what they do day-to-day,” said Yeung. “Having them work in different departments allows us to gauge where they are most proficient.”
He stresses the importance of the industry working together to address the technician shortage and getting involved in organizations such as the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) and the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS). He has been part of both organizations for more 15 years.
Yeung met Chess and well-respected shop owner March Taylor when they visited his facility in 2005.
When Taylor passed away, Chess asked if Yeung would like to take his place on the CIC Technical Committee.
“We went on to spearhead the SCRS Educational Committee and founded the Kool Tools of SEMA videos and presentations,” said Yeung. “We are lifelong friends and I have the greatest respect for him.”
Jim & Jack's Collision Center
Jim & Jack’s Collision Center in El Segundo, CA, was established in 1967. Many of the employees at the family-owned and operated facility have been with the company for more than 15 years.
Richie Kizirian’s uncles, Jim and Jack, gave him opportunity to run the business in 2003 and implement innovative ideas.
“Customer service is our No. 1 priority,” said Kizirian. “We have serviced the South Bay communities for over 56 years and have become a household name to our clientele.”
The company has 18 OEM certifications and prides itself on having friendly management who ensure everyone feels like family.
Kizirian has taken many steps to hire and retain technicians. These include providing a clean work environment, investing in tools and OEM certifications, paying above market rate to ensure staff has financial stability and providing benefits such as paid vacations, health insurance and a 401K.
Kizirian said it is critical the industry supports local trade schools.
“Quality technicians are depleting and providing support to new talent is the only way to combat the shortage,” he said.
Kizirian has known Chess for 25 years.
“There isn’t anyone I have met who is so passionate about the industry and to help in any way possible,” said Kizirian. “Toby will always go the extra mile to help a friend or technician in need and I’m extremely fortunate to know him as a colleague and a friend!”
Marina Auto Body
Tom Williamson, owner of Marina Auto Body, operates three locations, Marina Del Rey, Inglewood and Huntington Beach, CA. The company has 49 employees and is a Lexus Authorized Collision Center as well as the collision center for Toyota of Huntington Beach and Lexus of Westminster.
Williamson acknowledges the challenge and expense of hiring, training and retaining technicians.
“We all know the industry is aging out,” he said. “The shortage of skilled labor has had a negative impact on all trades.”
To help meet the challenge, Williamson said he offers a good wage, benefits, clean, well-equipped shops and training.
Stacey Phillips Ronak