To serve more of the East Bay, Mike’s Auto Body recently opened its 16th location in Alameda, CA. A strategic move, this 13,000 sq. ft. facility will employ 13 people and will be managed by Lester Branson, with Kristen Story as the shop’s new office manager.
Formerly known as Alameda Classic Collision Center, a restoration/collision shop that was opened in 2007 by CJ Miller, Mike’s Operations Manager Steve Kelly is delighted with the acquisition and how it can help the company. “The new location is ideally situated between several of our other locations, specifically Lafayette and Fremont,” he said. “When we saw this opportunity, we knew that the company culture at Alameda Classic Collision Center was very similar to ours and that’s why we made the move. Before we decide to expand, we look at the market and in this case, we found a great location with an existing business that had an excellent reputation. The owner could have sold his business to another company, but CJ decided to go with us, because he wanted his employees to be treated well and retained for the long haul.”
Location Manager Lester Branson is bringing his managerial skills and experience to Alameda, after being promoted to take on his current role. “I’m excited for the challenge and I’ve got great support from the Mike’s Auto Body team, so I’m anticipating a seamless transition,” he said. “We have all the tools, training and equipment here to repair our customers’ vehicles back to their pre-accident condition and with some great employees, I am confident that we will quickly be an integral part of the Mike’s Auto Body organization. One team, one mission–that’s always our approach and a formula that works!”
Office Manager Kristen Story is going to run the front office in Alameda, by installing Mike’s Auto Body’s systems and working with the staff to keep the shop plugging along. “The CSR training I received from Mike’s is going to help me to emulate the systems we use every day at all of our other locations,” she said. “I have been working with some of the best people in the industry for several years now, so I’m ready to manage this office and help this staff to perform at a high level.”
Former Owner CJ Miller, 36, is ready to take on another challenge, although he isn’t sure about what his next move will be. “I’m so happy that Mike’s is taking over Alameda Classic Collision and my employees feel the same,” he said. “I’ve been in this business since I was 16, washing cars for my father, so it’s been a great journey and now I am looking for my next opportunity. Selling a shop isn’t easy, but by selling it to Mike’s Auto Body, it’s definitely a win-win for me and my crew.”
