In nearly 30 years West Perth Panel & Paint owner Carl Francesca has never had to carry out a rectification – that's a record to be proud of.
Carl Francesca is not an industry trailblazer. He will admit that he was slow to get a website and realise the need to market the business vigorously as insurance companies began to favour larger operators with faster cycle times, “it's almost like starting the business again,” he said.
Having said that, you just can't get past what an excellent repair facility this is. Even though its a less than ideal shape, everything is perfectly stored, organised and easy to hand. Maybe cycle times are a bit longer than high volume repair shops but each car is brush touched and its tyres checked before it is released to the customer, which gives you an indication of work quality and the approach to customer satisfaction.
The shop is pristine – clean, uncluttered floors and a paint room where you could eat your lunch off any surface, all testament to a team culture of perfectionism.
The shop now has a great website, markets itself to local fleets and businesses and the same team of 13 repairs five more cars per week than it did last time we visited back in 2013, while still maintaining exacting standards.
The next generation is in place with Carl's sons David and Mark, both qualified tradesmen, now firmly entrenched in the business.
West Perth Panel & Paint applies perfectionism to every aspect of the business - OH&S, equipment maintenance, training, local community involvement. It has produced award-winning apprentices. The shop is factory approved for Citroen and Peugeot and is looking to win more badges. Like many businesses in older premises Carl and his sons are considering expanding the shop or even moving to another location as unless you are in more rural areas, a larger capacity is more attractive to work providors.
West Perth Panel & Paint is a Car Craft member and so benefits from the groups buying power and member information sharing. With its sky-high standards and 'go the extra mile' attitude to ensure customer satisfaction, this shop is a great boutique establishment invigorated by having the next generation working towards a shared future.