Phil and Janice Carkner took over operation of D’s Collision Centre when Phil’s dad, Dennis retired. They have ensured that the business continues to grow. Tinkess Photo

WINCHESTER – Building a successful business is a lot of work, and when you can do so in your hometown and employ local talent in the process and do so for more than 35 years, it is even more special. Not every business is capable of this level of success, but D’s Collision Centre in Winchester is one that made it work.

Dennis Carkner, Phil Carkner’s father founded D’s Collision Centre and when he retired, Phil and his wife Janice took over the business, which has always been in Winchester. Their customer appreciation day/anniversary celebration has become a regular event.

“We try to do it every five years,” says Phil Carkner. It is a celebration, but we also want to show appreciation to our customers and let them know we’re here still and we’re looking to grow.”

Changes in technology happen at lightning speed, and this has had a definite effect on the autobody repair industry. If you are going to stay relevant, you must constantly upgrade as well. “Yeah, all the equipment we have to keep up to date,” said Carkner. “All the insurance companies, all the cars, all the electronics, it’s very complex, so we have to invest heavily in equipment, updated equipment, updated calibrations, all that stuff that we have to do to get the cars repaired safely.”

D’s Collision have done that and more. The company currently employs 15 and there are times, according to Carkner when they could use even more. “We’re always looking for the co-op and summer students, stuff like that, just to try to drive a little more attention to the trade.

“I think it’s kind of one of those trades that are behind the scenes, and nobody thinks about,” he adds.  “In fact, on Monday, we’re doing a little bit of an open house for some of the shop students at North Dundas (District High School). They’re coming in with 20 students, and we’re going to show them what we do here. Hopefully we drive some interest that way.”

It is a two-way street that benefits everyone. D’s provide an opportunity for someone to learn a trade that will provide a good income, and the community provides a steady stream of labour who see the value of living and working in the place they grew up in.

“We’re fortunate because we’re a small-town shop,” said Carkner. “Most of the bigger shops are in the city, so you’re driving, you’re battling traffic and the extra cost. So, if we have some people that are interested locally, it’s fantastic, and it’s a good, good career for them.”

And make no mistake, there is nothing small town about the capabilities of D’s Collison Centre. They have invested in a direct fire spray booth which can heat up to 170 degrees in about five minutes. They have all the necessary aluminum equipment and are certified with Ford and a lot of other manufacturers and a frame machine with a rotating laser that allows them to ensure the frame on a vehicle they repair meets factory specifications.

The company made a large investment ten years ago, which gave them room to grow.

“This has made the difference because we got a detail bay and parts area there now and six more bays for bodies,” added Carkner, So, that’s really our paint shop over there, and this is our body shop.”

With a high level of expertise as well as client care, it is also no surprise that people come from far and wide when they need their vehicle made safe and secure after an unfortunate event.

“We actually serve a pretty large area,” said Carkner. “We go right to Kemptville, to Merrickville, to Oxford station, we go right up to Morrisburg, we go to Ingleside, we go to Russell and Embrun.”

They’re kind of that person:  pretty central, and very good at what they do. Well worth the drive. You get a pretty good indication of that from the number of people who stopped by to offer a word of thanks, and congratulations. There were also more than 75 classic cars belonging to the Highway 43 Car Club and other local groups who took the time to spend a beautiful Sunday afternoon in Winchester. They were there on the 30th anniversary, and probably will be there for the 40th as well.

No one plans on being involved in a collision when they leave the house, but it happens, which is why it’s good to know that the people at D’s Collision Centre are there to help you get through it. That’s what neighbours are for.

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