Weststar Prestige Paint and Panel is an oasis of calm. Everyone going quietly and efficiently about their business, and it is very, very easy on the eye.
Weststar Prestige was pristine, as it has been when we have visited in the past. No mess, no dirt, no stress. A happy workforce gets on with high quality repairs for the Mercedes-Benz, Tesla, Peugeot and Suzuki badges the shop holds.
A new unit houses electric car repair bays and delivery bays. There's also a double decker car rack to keep cars awaiting parts neatly stored. Attention to detail is evident everywhere, from some file finishing on an older model to ensure a perfect repair to the presentation of a snacking plate for Neil Powell and I. They say successful people never worry about what other people are doing and second generation owner Brad Kolich continues to grow the business in a calm, measured manner focussing on delivering exceptional customer service and expert repairs at Weststar Prestige. While he takes an interest in the industry and is a VACC member, he has a strong vision for where he wants to take the business and continues confidently forward without looking sideways or backwards.
The latest badge in the stable is Tesla, which Kolich was excited by because: “Tesla wanted to align itself with well established organisations with a preference for privately owned, which reflected our organisation perfectly.
“A testament to Tesla’s approach to the industry is its standards for training and the challenge set for our employees where 100% result is considered a pass.
Our dealings with Tesla clients have been exceptional with a genuine interest shown in all aspects of the repair processes including the electrics, apps and body repairs. Tesla’s partnering with QBE has been excellent and enabled the claim and repair process to be very streamlined as the insurer only sends clients to approved repairers.”
Weststar Prestige has been a factory approved Mercedes-Benz repairer for 33 years and the other manufacturers have been added more recently. “We’re going to continue down the path of working with OEMs – that’s always been our goal. If it’s a good fit for both of us we would love to partner with more OEMs.”
Working with OEMs and insurers is not mutually exclusive and Weststar is approved by IAG, Suncorp, Allianz, Youi, Budget QBE and CommInsure.
Going forward Kolich plans to consolidate Weststar’s position ‘as an industry leader/innovator, privately owned family business’. We’re sure that is just what he will do.
Powell’s Points
Kolich continues to maintain the high standard of repair and customer service expected by prestige vehicle owners. He is constantly up-skilling his staff in the latest cutting-edge technology required. His concern and passion for the industry is reflected in all aspects of this business. This repair centre gives its clients the confidence that their precious vehicles are in very good hands.
Shop Stats
Size: Not provided
Staff: 19
Type of repairs: All types
Avg cars repaired PW: 20-25
Avg key to key: 3-5 prestige drive Non drive prestige 8-10