On Oct. 8th at the Back 40 Texas BBQ restaurant in Pleasant Hill, CA, 50 people were on hand to celebrate Mike’s Auto Body’s very first Metal Technician Training Program Graduation.

Francisco Cruz, Ronnie Algood, Patrick Wolfe and Jared Marvin have completed the training and the mentoring program and are now on their way to becoming full-fledged journeymen technicians.

By working closely with their mentors for the past two years, these four graduates are poised and prepared for the future. Special thanks to the mentors who helped these graduates to get to the next level, include Rick Moe, Oscar Hernandez, Jason Tebbit, Gene Duncan and Cameron Lewis.

Owner Mike Rose was delighted to see the company’s first class as it progresses and grows as they pursue careers as Metal Technicians. “We began discussing this idea 10 years ago, so this is very satisfying,” he said. “We really had no choice, because finding good technicians had become problematic. These four guys have worked hard and made a commitment to this program and we will have many more doing the same as we enter our fourth year of our in-house training program.”

Marketing Director Dane Dearlove spoke to the attendees. “We are making history tonight, so we want to sincerely thank all of our new technicians and their mentors. Their journey is not over and the learning will never stop, but now they have great jobs and hopefully long careers in this industry. They are now ready to learn even more and refine their skills, in order to eventually become journeyman metal technicians.”

CEO Brennan Rose also spoke to the assemblage and explained the program’s genesis. “Three years ago, we started this program, because no one was coming into the industry,” he said. “Our goal was to create journeymen and train them our way of doing things and this is exactly what we’ve done. There were some trials and tribulations along the way, but developing by the program, it’s become an integral part of what we’re doing at Mike’s Auto Body.”

The training program’s Head Instructor Lupe Algood has been the driving force behind the company’s Metal Technician Training Program. “These guys are still standing and all have attained the skills they need to reach their goals,” he said. “There is no stopping now! Thanks for the Rose family and everyone at Mike’s Auto Body who gave me a chance to be involved in this program. I am proud of what we’ve achieved and see a great future for this program.”

IT Director Rick Rehm has played a role in the training program since day one, so he is happy to see that the four graduates have completed their mentoring and are ready to continue their employment at Mike’s Auto Body. “They completed six months of classes and worked with mentors for two years, so they are well on their way to becoming journeymen technicians. They now have lucrative jobs and hopefully long careers here and I’d like to congratulate them all.” 

Some Benevolence cars are used by their recipients for many years as a reliable form of daily transportation while others eventually sell them or give them to family members. Either way, the vehicle helps these families and individuals to enhance their lives while setting them up for success.

In this scenario, Cassidy Nolan and his wife Jillian and their two children (now three) drove their completely refurbished 2015 Chrysler 200 from Mike’s Auto Body until their family increased in size, requiring a larger vehicle. “We now have a third child, Colt Maximus Nolan, so we had to get a bigger car, so now we have a 2016 Ford Explorer,” Cassidy explained. “But without the money we received for the sale of the Chrysler, we never would have been able to acquire our new vehicle.”

“When we got the car from Mike’s Auto Body, it offered us mobility and enabled us to achieve so many things that wouldn’t have been able to do,” he said. “We were able to go on a couple family vacations because of that car, so it definitely improved our overall quality of life. We were able to visit family in Chico, CA and also visited the Monterey Aquarium. It also gave us financial support, so that we could get to the next level when the time came.”

At the time of the presentation,  Cassidy was a student at Napa Valley Community College (NVC) student, but now he is enrolled at the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley, where he is currently taking 14.5 credits. His goal is to graduate in June, 2019, to continue his career in real estate. He is also the Social Media Director of Cal’s Veteran’s Club, a position he also held at NVC while he was attending there.

The day when the Nolan family received their Benevolence car will always be remembered as a special experience for many reasons. “We found out that Jillian was pregnant two days before, so we were obviously thrilled. In addition, I received the 2016 Veteran of the Year for the 4th Assembly District during that same time, so it was a phenomenal moment for many reasons.”

It marked the 60th vehicle that Mike’s Auto Body has given away as part of its 16-year-old Benevolence Program and a great start to kick off that year’s program.  Nolan was sponsored by the Pathway Home in Napa that provides veterans with educational, professional and clinical support designed to enhance their lives following military service. Eight technicians at Mike’s Auto Body also donated all of their time to refurbish the vehicle.  

In addition to the refurbished vehicle, the Nolan family also received one year of insurance paid for by Mike’s Auto Body and provided by Napa State Farm Agent Melinda Adams. In addition, Mike’s Auto Body also donated a trunk load of gifts for the Nolan family.

Now looking back on the entire experience, Cassidy and Jillian Nolan are both humble and grateful. “This car helped us so much, and one of the best things about it is that I got to see my husband more frequently,” Jillian said. “The Benevolence vehicle gave us something you can’t buy and that’s time.”

Cassidy agrees and we like to thank everyone at Mike’s Auto Body for this unusual act of kindness, he said. “The folks at Mike’s are all about helping people and the Benevolence Program is a prime example of that. A car represents a lot of things–freedom, independence and the ability to have a better and more productive life and that’s what our Benevolence vehicle did. It set us up for success and it still giving, through the use of our new car.”

Originally published in Autobody News 

From August 31 to September 3, approximately 200 Mike’s Auto Body employees went on a cruise that was completely paid for by the company. With their significant others and friends, a total of 378 people attending the 2018 Mike’s Auto Body Family Vacation. The ship departed from Long Beach, CA and visited Ensenada Mexico before returning to Southern California, for three days of fun, sun, great food and good times!

CEO Brennan Rose is proud of the fact that his family business cares about its people and that the Mike’s Auto Body Family Vacation is a piece of that approach. “We enjoyed spending time with our Team members outside of work and we really appreciate all their hard work and effort through the years. It is because of our loyal, dedicated, hardworking Team Members that we are able to go on trips like this.”

CFO Ragen Ortland said “This is the third company cruise we have done and as always it was great time. Being able to spend time with our employees outside work and getting to know their spouses better is always the upside to this event.”

Director of Marketing Dane Dearlove shared his views about Mike’s Auto Body Family Vacation and how it positively impacts the company culture at Mike’s Auto Body. “What a wonderful and thoughtful gesture it is to work for a family that is willing to take all of us on a three-day cruise to Mexico. On top of that, we allow employees to bring spouses or significant others to make it even more special. It shows how important the concepts of “team” and “family” are to all of us.  You spend a huge amount of your life at work, away from your family. What starts at the top in our organization, is the belief that we are one big family at work, and when we can, make sure we let the spouses or significant others know how grateful we are to have their loved ones work for us.  It shows that we all care about each other, we care about the quality of our work, and we care about our customers.”

Property/Compliance Manager Jennifer Harriman sees that the vacation is a team-building event. “The cruise is a great way to get the MAB Team all together enjoying some fun in the sun. The Rose family appreciates us for our work and dedication and is shows. It is nice that everywhere you go on the ship you run into someone you know (at least in my case since I have been here 20 years).”

Tanya Marvin in Accounting loved the cruise for several reasons. “I am honored to work for a company that shows such appreciation for their employees, so much so that they book an all-inclusive paid vacation on a Cruise to Ensenada! I believe the MAB team was 1/3rd of the boat! During the “Meet and Greet” event the owners (The Rose Family) personally thanked the staff for all their efforts and acknowledged how challenging their jobs are and the industry no less as it ever changes with insurance compliances. Everyone works very hard here at Mikes Auto Body and to have a few days to let your hair down, sit at the pool and get to know people on a more personal level was amazing! We enjoyed the cruise very much, the food, the drinks, the pool and music; it was just what we needed!”

Manager in Fairfield Cory Flies had a memorable time at the 2018 Mike’s Auto Body Family Vacation. “It builds camaraderie and provides us with a chance to build relationships with our fellow team members outside of work. The owners are awesome people and I’d like to thank them for an amazing experience.”

Manager in North Broadway, Walnut Creek Sam Arvizu used the vacation as an opportunity to unwind and relax. “It was all about the food, the pool and the hot tub and visiting with our peers and co-workers that we don’t always get to interact with. This is my second cruise and it is always a really good time. I have been working at Mike’s for almost 25 years now and very proud of it!”

At Mike’s Auto Body, we realize that the lazy days of summer are finally over, and it’s back to school time. That means waking up the kids rather early, packing up backpacks and lunches and rushing to get to school.

Fall can be a fairly dangerous time of year for pedestrians with too many cars on the road, driving and picking up at the same time. Everyone seems to be in a hurry and tensions can be high potentially leading to more accidents. The National Center for Safe Routes to School said that more kids are hit near schools than any other location.

Five safety tips:

1.) Consider carpooling

Know another family heading in your same direction? Approach them about ride sharing. It will reduce the number of vehicles on the road, meaning less potential accidents. When you are in charge of the carpool, ensure passengers buckle up. Seat belts save thousands of lives every year, not to mention it’s the law.

2.) Obey the rules
Always abide by the speed limit, especially in school zones, which are usually between 15 and 25 mph. Yield to merging buses and follow a safe distance behind as they often stop unexpectedly. Avoid double parking, which blocks visibility and never load or unload children from across the street.

3.) Talk to your children
Take the time to go over drop off and pick up procedures with your children. Remind them to stay inside crosswalks, watch their surroundings and always walk in front of buses and cars, never behind. According to the Safe Routes to Schools, a nonprofit safety organization, 33 percent of youth pedestrian crashes are from kids darting out into the road.

4.) Take extra precautions
Always be aware of your surroundings in case a car stop suddenly or slows down to drop off children. Whether or not you have the right-of-way, always be cautious so you don’t accidentally hit a pedestrian. If you need extra time during drop-off, turn on your hazard lights.

5.) Be courteous
Slow down and pay attention when entering a school zone and kids are present. Turn off your phone and focus your full attention on the road; a call or text can wait. Whenever you are at a red light or ready to turn, don’t block the crosswalk and refrain from passing other vehicles stopping for pedestrians. Always be patient and tolerant of drivers.

A little defensive driving can go a long way to ensure everyone is safe, so follow these simple suggestions and have a safe back to school season. This community blog is brought to you by all of us at Mike’s Auto Body.

Sources: NHTSA and AAA

At Mike’s Auto Body, we truly believe it is an honor to serve the communities in which we do business. All of our employees are proud of our charitable efforts. One such charitable effort at Mike’s Auto Body is the Community Give Back program that runs year round.

The Community Give Back program is truly driven by Mike’s Auto Body and their customers. The donation amount comes directly from a percentage of the cost to repair the customer’s own vehicle and sent directly to the charity they have selected. Whether it’s a school, non-profit organization or other charitable cause close to the customer’s heart, it’s just another way for Mike’s Auto Body to give back to the community and allow their customers to decide on the charity who will benefit

One huge fan of Mike’s Auto Body’s Community Give Back Program is Jerry Stone, owner of Jack Stone Insurance Agency in Brentwood, CA. . His agency represents Safeco and Mercury Insurance companies and with more than 40 years of experience in the insurance industry, Jerry has always been proactive when it comes to helping his community. The Give Back Program aligns perfectly with his agency’s ongoing mission.

Jerry Stone and his staff

“When a client calls after getting into an accident, we discuss the company that will be repairing the vehicle, and my agency always mentions Mike’s Auto Body and the Community Give Back program,” Stone said. “It immediately gets their attention and that’s why so many of my clients have gotten involved over the years. Mike’s Auto Body is one of our preferred shops and their work and overall customer experience is excellent. The existence of the Give Back Program makes our clients’ decision even easier.”

Jerry has four charities he often recommends to clients if they do not have a specific one in mind. They include Shepherd’s Gate – a shelter for women and children; East County Veteran’s Support Services – which supports veterans and active duty military families, , Kitty 911/K-911 – a pet rescue organization, and the Delta Wrestling Club – a youth wrestling organization. “These are charities we are personally close to but there are so many great non-profit organizations out there, you really can’t go wrong. Mike’s also has an extensive list on their website to choose from, or if you don’t see the charity you would like to benefit, just let them know and they will add the organization to their list” he said.

Upon completion of the repair, a check is sent to the charity and everyone is recognized for doing a good thing by participating in the Give Back Program. “The client feels good about the donation, Mike’s employees feel good knowing they are a part of it, and I get our name out there as well. “It’s a win, win, win!” Stone said. “I really get a kick out of it every time. It creates a sense of goodwill, which is exactly what we want to achieve. People end up calling their friends and telling them to get their vehicles repaired at Mike’s Auto Body and the Give Back Program often plays a pivotal role in that process.”

We can all agree no one chooses to be in an accident situation, but if you find yourself needing Mike’s Auto Body’s services, remember to mention the Give Back Program. You can check out our list of organizations on our website at www.mikesautobody.com under the Community tab. Click on the link for your charity, print and fill out the certificate, and bring it with you when you come in for an estimate. If you don’t see your charity of choice, just let us know and we will add it to the list. Once the repair is complete, Mike’s will send a check for 3% of the total parts and labor directly to your charity along with a letter informing the organization that the gift is from you!!

By donating the money on your behalf, we are working together to make our communities a better place to work, live and raise our families.