Feb. 21, 2011 — The Arvada, Colo. Chamber of Commerce recently recognized Fix Auto Arvada, also known as Mahnke Auto Body, with the 2010 Business of the Year award.
The award honors shop owner Gary Mahnke and his family for their ongoing commitment to the community. Mahnke’s shop, which has served Arvada for 35 years, became a Fix Auto franchise in January.
Mahnke is known for his proactive approach to health and safety and the relationships he developed with local dealerships that allow his employees to receive factory training as soon as it’s available, according to a Fix Auto news release_notes. The company provides ongoing employee training at all four of its Denver-area locations, which are also Fix Auto franchises.
“We realized early on that continual training and education is a key factor to providing a consistent, quality repair,” Mahnke said. “The benefits far outweigh the cost. With every new class we’re raising skill levels and repair quality expectations.”
Mahnke has served as president of the Automotive Service Association’s (ASA) Colorado chapter and as a board member for the Society of Collision Repair Specialists. He also participated on a panel of shop owners for the Colorado Health Department Board to establish rules for best practices in body shops.
Beyond the industry, Mahnke’s shop has donated to local schools, sponsored athletic teams and youth organizations and participated in community events.
“The Mahnkes serve as a role model for the auto repair industry,” said Fix Auto President and Chief Operating Officer Paul Gange. “They have managed to achieve a good balance between making a profit and making a difference. We’re proud to have them as members of Fix Auto.”
Fix Auto is an international network of performance-based collision repair facilities based in Anaheim Hills, Calif. For more information, go to fixauto.com.