City auto repairer takes out top award
THE auto body repair industry has recognised a seven-yearold North Geelong business as one of the best in the country.
Geelong Smash Repairs was the winner of this year’s “Best Medium Shop Australia” at the Paint and Panel Bodyshop awards.
The state winner of the category, Geelong Smash Repairs was also a finalist in the opera- tional excellence award.
Business founder and director Paul McAuliffe said he was caught by surprise at the end of the night when it was announced that state winners were up for national recognition.
The award ceremony was at the Melbourne Arts Centre.
“I didn’t know it was happening,” Mr McAuliffe said.
The surprise honour delighted Mr McAuliffe, who started his business in 2011 with five staff.
He has since doubled his footprint and invested in stateof-the art technology at the Thompson Rd workshop, with staff now at 20.
Mr McAuliffe said the judges assessed a wide range of criteria, including customer service, quality of work, the presentation of the business and staff training.
“They really like to see people moving forward and reinvesting in the business,” he said.
The annual industry awards, for which a business has to be nominated, are presented by Australian Paint and Panel magazine.