DSI Panels
Dave and Clarissa lacobucci have taken on the family business with enthusiasm and passion growing it from one location to three.
DSI Panels’ vision statement is “always to grow – this is not just in the number of shops, but in our processes, culture and the way we operate in the business. We also never want to grow beyond the point where it would be detrimental to our customers, whether due to customer service or quality of repairs.”
They are constantly ‘fettling’ their shops and processes, striving always to do better. Their current focus is on redevelopment of the original Blackburn location which they had significantly extended a few years ago. The couple have purchased a new unit next to their existing paint shop with plans on redeveloping with the latest advice and technologies from their partners, with an aim to gaining some more OEM accreditations. Their motto is: “If we stay the same, we fall behind.”
One of the first to join the Australian Collision Industry Alliance they understand the need for an injection of young talent and are in the process of devising an apprenticeship program. Their weekly management meetings have a portion allocated to discuss work experience, school visits and career expos initiatives.
Events also play a large part in bringing the three sites together, whether it is group dinners for everyone to catch up, their end of year Christmas Party, or smaller events such as their recent Sip N’ Paint where all the women in the business had a great night out.
The couple has shifted workshop hours so that the floor is working 7am to 3:30pm each day which has enabled staff to have a better work-life balance and flexible working arrangement are in place.
All three locations are also I-Car Gold Class certified and Clarissa is a demon for ensuring WHS compliance, using MONIT to help.
There’s a quarterly group brainstorming session on processes and training with the iBodyshop. The production and office manager at each site has a bonus carrot based on a number of KPIs, each relating to key areas of profitability in the business. To help assist the team reach this goal they have created a dashboard that is fed with information from iBodyshop constantly throughout the day.
Currently DSI Panels sponsors the local Croydon City Arrows Soccer Club where Dave also coaches the Under 10’s Team.