As a young man of twenty-four Mike Martens didn’t think much about auto body repair. Not about dings and scratches and bumpers falling off. Mike was working in the sawmill and attending school. He took a job at PJ Collision and worked his way into the business. Soon he was interested enough to take a pre-apprenticeship and enroll in an auto body and estimating course. The seeds were sown.
It soon became apparent that the current owners wanted to sell the business and Mike spoke to them about it in late 2005. He began speaking with Community Futures Stuart Nechako in 2006 and was the new owner of PJ Collision in 2007. “Working with the banks and with Community Futures was a perfect combo.” says Mike. “Not only with the financing but help with business planning and cash flow, Community Futures stepped up.”
Mike was able to purchase the land and buildings and has diligently increased the capacity of the operation. He now has doubled the local staff to nine, added certified glass repair and air conditioning to the services offered, as well as increasing the floor area from 10,000 square feet, more than double the original of 4500.
“Our shop is well equipped to handle collision repair work but at times we also do restoration.” PJ Collision offers full collision repair, scratch repair and painting, auto glass repair and install, vehicle inspection and air conditioning work to name a few of their services.
And Mike was so impressed with Community Futures Stuart Nechako that he now sits on the Board of Directors.
Watch PJ Collision's Success Story video below
