Today we’d like to introduce you to Donny Velazquez.
Donny, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My dad started the business in 1971, and it was a small Mom and Pop Bodyshop. I came into the business in 2001 and took it over. We slowly grew from 2 employees to now 25 employees. We went from 5,000 sq ft of workspace to 20,000 sq ft of workspace. In 2003 we became partnered with Clear Lake Infiniti as their Bodyshop, and that’s when things took off. I didn’t want to put all of my eggs in 1 basket with only insurance companies, so I ventured out to visiting dealerships that didn’t have a Collision Center on premises. Over my 24 years of running the business we are now the Bodyshop for 8 dealerships and we have contracts with 4 different insurance companies.
Clear Lake Infiniti, Southwest Infiniti, Big Star Honda, Clear Lake Honda, Grubbs Volvo, VW Clear Lake, Southfork Dodge, Subaru Clear Lake. Our insurance companies we partner with are AAA, Allstate, Progressive, and USAA. The success of our business has been focusing on customer service, and repair quality. My dad still comes in a few times a week, just to pay a few bills and have some lunch. My son has been working with us for 5 years now, and I have plans for him to take over when the time is right. I have always treated people like I want to be treated, and have been transparent, that culture in a family-owned business is key, and has been the key to our success.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There have been several bumps along the way. It was hard getting our name out there at first; however, once people started seeing what we were doing, it got easier. Finding the right people to add to our team has been a constant struggle, they have to be the right fit for us, and we need to be the right fit for them. I demand a lot of my employees, however I take really good care of them. When Covid hit, it changed the whole way we do business, from working with insurance companies, and getting parts in a timely manner. This industry as a whole has dipped 15%-20% over the last 5 years, due to many different reasons. The one thing that has kept us afloat is our dealership relationships, and insurance relationships we have. Our OEM Certifications have played a huge role in us maintaining our dealership relationships.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I oversee the entire operation of our facility, from the quality of repairs and managing our staff. I feel like I am a people person, who can give special attention to our customer’s needs. I also am a fair person when it comes to managing my staff. I am proud of the fact that I have been able to keep the family name going and providing jobs for some really awesome people. My attention to detail sets me apart from others, not settling for something that isn’t done right. We aren’t perfect by any means, and when we make a mistake let our customers know we will take care of their concerns. Every vehicle that leaves V&V Body Shop has my name on it.
How do you think about luck?
I am a Christian, and this business is based upon Christian values. I give all the glory to God for our success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://vvbodyshop.com
- Other: https://carwise.com
