He hired a recent tech, Brandon Candelaria, after meeting him at a local car show. The two discussed their mutual interest in Pontiacs and Williamson learned Candelaria was taking auto body classes at a community college. He asked him to come and work at Marina Auto Body and offered to compensate Candelaria for learning and supply him with tools as he continued to show growth.
“He is a future super star of the industry,” said Williamson.
Williamson is appreciative of the tools Chess supplied Candelaria. Throughout their long friendship, Williamson said Chess has always been available to share training and repair techniques.
“He has been supportive with trainees by supplying basic hand tools, training and encouragement for the trainee,” he said.
Scandinavian Coachcraft
Scandinavian Coachcraft was established in 2001 by Ole Vandborg, who learned the trade in Europe as an apprentice and has lived in Los Angeles for 37 years. The collision repair facility focuses on quality repairs and has five structural certifications, Aston Martin, Lamborghini, McLaren, Mazda and Volvo.
To retain technicians and new talent, Vandborg recommends having up-to-date equipment, and offering continual training and good pay.
“We take part in all of the I-CAR training available and our technicians are aluminum- and steel-certified welders,” said Vandborg. “The paint crew is certified as well and we send a couple of our employees to Europe every year for training.”
Over the years, Chess has done a lot of training at the facility, which has 30 employees. “They all know him and what he expects from them,” said Vandborg. “He has done a fabulous job moving an average tech to a super tech… he is a saint for all his dedication to the collision industry.”
Stacey Phillips Ronak