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 Click Here to Read "Cover Story" 
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APRIL 2012 Online Edition
Growing up the daughter of a Judge I, Andrea Carpenter, never thought I would be at the helm of my own body shop, Gordy's Auto Body in Bullhead City, Arizona. My dad really wanted me to be a bilingual court reporter, he thought that would provide me with a steady source of income. But things didn't work out that way. Since that time, I have made a career out of exceeding people's expectations. |
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In September 2000, my husband Jim and I purchased
Gordy's Auto Body which cemented my place in the industry. Since
taking ownership we have instituted our own way of doing business.
In an industry dominated by men, it definitely hasn't always been
an easy journey. Long hours, late nights and a constant barrage
of perseverance have led to a viable level of success for the entrepreneurs.
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My
husband and I have watched the industry change dramatically. Rarely,
would you find women working in the collision industry. I have always
thought it was inevitable that women would grow and flourish in
collision. Women have a certain level of compassion and sensitivity,
making them a much needed commodity in the industry. That's not
the only change in the collision industry, not only do you have
highly trained technicians, but you have to be on top of the administration,
paperwork, and relationships with insurance companies. However,
change is not something I am scared of. In an industry where technology
is constantly changing, businesses must be willing to adapt. I like
technological changes, I like to learn about new things and I think
it keeps it interesting for everyone; sometimes frustrating, but
interesting nonetheless. 
I
have been in the auto collision industry for over 25 years, first
in the collision repair, then in the insurance end of it, and now
back to the auto collision shop. This is much like a health care
industry worker, in that it takes a personally bad situation and
makes it better. And believe me, anytime someone is in a collision
it is very personal. People need someone who will take a personal
interest in their situation. You have to remember that the most
expensive possessions that people purchase are their homes and their
vehicles. My customers are very important to me and I take personal
pride in delivering a good product. I can honestly say that working
at Gordy's Auto Body makes that goal very easy. The quality of work
and the technology that goes into every repair is just amazing.
This career definitely falls under the “people pleasing”category.
Vicky Collier 
I
am 21 years old and I work in the auto collision repair industry.
I have had an interest in cars since I was little, even though nobody
in my family is in the industry. In high school I took mechanics
classes, then in my Jr. year I was accepted to a specialty mechanics
class. I became interested in collision repair in my Sr. year. I
did an internship at Serious Auto Body, where I learned how to do
body, paint and I even took an air brushing class in Seattle while
I worked there. After high school I went to MCC and took the auto
collision course. I did a little of everything from body work to
frame work and paint. I am also working toward my business degree
because my goal is to someday own my own body shop. I am now a Service
Writer for Gordy's Auto Body, which gives me experience on the other
side of the business, estimating. I have been working at Gordy's
for almost two years and I am happy to be part of the team and eager
to learn more about the industry. 