Flagstaff Autobody Repair Specialists won Best New shop back in 2012. John Barry put his nuts on the line with this venture, moving from his former premises to develop this large repair facility dedicated to fleet work.
We were impressed with the equipment levels, organisation and cleanliness of this shop as well as his plans to develop the business.
Three years later the shop still looks brand new and is impressively clean (the full time cleaner pays off). Often when the judges visit new shops and hear about the owners’ plans to develop, when we revisit they ‘haven’t had time’ to implement those plans. Barry has carried out the improvements and modifications he talked about and then some. He has also developed his own workshop production program, Touch Flow Process Control System, which he is now marketing to other businesses.
Barry has also brought his two sons into the business. Daniel had been working there for two years and Chris just six months when we visited. Both have to do their time on the workshop floor in the different departments before taking on more administrative roles. Both are learning about marketing and customer service and the other skills essential to running a successful business.
To complement the production process that Barry developed, the entire workshop is laid out to assist the team to carry out their work efficiently. The panel shop has bright white walls to maximise light and illuminate the fresh, clean working environment. Big bays allow the panel beaters to work in comfort with everything they need nearby. The parts room and parts receiving are separate to avoid mix ups and the parts room is immaculate with just what is being worked on all stored in individual bins relating to the job number.
Barry has a clear vision for Flagstaff, its business plan and its DNA. He absolutely refuses to compromise on quality, it is fundamental to his business proposition to fleets.
His management has created a quality- focused culture in his staff evident in the way they keep work areas clean and tidy - including the paint room.
An example of his high standards is the custom inspection bay with a light tunnel that he built himself in the paintshop. Each car is scrutinised for imperfections from every angle under ultra-bright lights before it is signed off for return to the customer.
Barry has worked hard and invested heavily to build his own repair kingdom tucked away in a corner of central Melbourne. He is proof that having a clear direction, sound business plan and carving out his own market niche is the path to a successful business.