The trend is for larger shops but there are still business owners running successful boutique premises happy to focus on quality instead of quantity.
Boutique Auto Body, VIC
Boutique Auto Body has a clear vision to become the premier destination for high-quality repair services.
One of its core strategies involves service diversification, with Boutique Auto Body forming partnerships with OEM car dealerships, fleet operators, and local businesses to ensure a consistent stream of work.
Owner Ross Spataro invested in this relatively new facility, has gained GM accreditation and offers a great working environment for the team, which includes apprentices. There are flexible working arrangements in place and learning opportunities for the staff, and there’s plenty of community involvement with sponsorship of local events. The business has a focus on sustainability and cybersecurity.
The business is exceptionally well-presented with a modern, luxurious customer area and a clean workshop. Parts seem to be scattered across the business and some better storage would be beneficial. As it often the case in Melbourne, third-party work is favoured. Judges Powell and Street thought the team might be able to manage more than six cars per week.
Parker Auto Refinishers, QLD
Parker Auto Refinishers was only established in September 2023. They decided to start small but have almost immediately outgrown the workshop and need to find larger premises. Husband and wife team Brad and Michaela Parker decided to take the plunge and set up on their own. Michaela gave up her business to jump in and is loving it, while Brad was a panelbeater contractor and has developed a reputation for his high standards. He had worked in larger MSOs and wanted to get back to a family businesses where you become a part of the local community.
Considering they are starting out the workshop is extremely well-equipped. While the Car-O-Liner bench is second hand there’s a brand new Lowbake booth and CTR 9 welder. They have had no problems finding talented staff and have actually had to turn good tradespeople away. Parker specialises in undertaking complex repairs as they already have a reputation for skilled workmanship. There is plenty of out of scope work from nearby large shops such as CARe and insurance assessors have confidence in assigning them trickier repairs.
Parker has quickly earned a reputation for honesty and exceptional service, supported by strong Google reviews. The judges loved the passion but the business is still embryonic and would like to visit again when it is more established.