Business Name: A & A Auto Body & Paint

Tell me a little bit about your business:

Our shop does auto body collision, paint and frame straightening. Mike is a third generation auto body repairman. We have been open since 2001 and are going on 13 years of business.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

We enjoy working with our customers. We have met some amazing people and some have become our friends.

What’s a common misconception about your work?

People think we do a lot of engine work. We do brakes, but no engine work.

If money wasn’t an option, which charity would you most enjoy giving to and why?

Make-A-Wish. It’s for children who are very sick and their granted wishes put a smile on their faces, which is a reward in itself. In 2008, we helped make a wish come true for Justin Myers and that was a great feeling.

What are some of your current projects?

1965 Corvette, doing a complete paint job on a Honda Accord. Collision repair on a 2008 Chevy pick-up and restoring a 1975 Chevy truck.

What are some of the biggest challenges in your field today?

The most challenging aspect of our work is the difficulty of body work on some of today’s car materials.

What do you find most rewarding about your job?

It is very pleasing when the customer comes in to pick up their car and they have a smile on their face when they see the vehicle.

What are some of your pet peeves?

It can be frustrating when the wrong parts are shipped to us.

How has your business changed over the years?

We are expanding our business and are thrilled with the addition of our sons, Andrew and Austyn. We distribute and install roll pans, lift, lowering and airbag suspension kits, and smooth tailgate and door handles. We want to encourage people to shop in Oakdale and want to carry the products that our neighbors need for their vehicles.

A & A Auto Body & Paint

1040 Zell Lane, Oakdale

(209) 847-8881

Business hours: 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Friday. Later and Saturday by appointment.