Lefler Collision & Glass is ABRN's 2010 Top Shop

The second time proved to be the charm for ABRN’s 2010 Top Shop Lefler Collision & Glass Centers, headquartered in Evansville, Ind.

A finalist in the 2009 contest, Lefler reached the peak of the collision repair industry in large part due to its institution of a Claims Processing Unit. The unit leverages the talents of a four-member team with 86 years of combined experience that performs all the administrative duties for the estimating staffs at the company’s four locations.

Their work allows estimator and customer service representatives to sell, up-sell and follow up with customers – providing the business with more work and its customers with a better service experience.

Owner and CEO Jimmy Lefler said matching personality traits of employees with their role in the business enhances employee success and happiness, which shows in their performance.

Along with other unique initiatives, including Lefler’s “island of excellence” bay concept, Lefler has reduced cycle time from 10.2 days to 7.3 days and decreased redo vehicles from eight in 90 days to just two.

The business, begun in 1952 by Lefler’s grandfather, consists of four shops and 65 employees. It did about $9 million in sales.

The following 2010 Top Shops, listed alphabetically, are runners-up:

• 911 Collision Centers in Tucson, Ariz.
• Iacona Collision Specialists in Chester, Pa.
• Invision Auto Body in Mesa, Ariz.
• Keenan Auto Body in Middletown, Del.
• Larry H. Miller Collision Center in Peoria, Ariz.
• Network Autobody in Hollywood, Calif.
• O'Rielly Collision Center in Tucson, Ariz.
• South Broadway Collision Center in Lexington, Ky.
• Sterling Autobody Centers Rolling Meadows in Rolling Meadows, Ill.