GRAND OPENING! COME SEE US AT OUR BRAND NEW LOCATION
2951 KING AVE. W.
406-656-3947 | 800-391-1668 | www.AutoTrimBillings.com CASEY PAGE/Gazette Staff Cover Photo
Auto Trim Design, CarNu Detailing Center and Auto Graphics & Signs Join Forces Under One Roof Car and truck enthusiasts have much to celebrate with the new, one-stop store featuring automotive accessories, auto graphics and a state-of-the-art detailing center conveniently located on King Avenue West. By Allyn Hulteng
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f the sleek red and silver building with shiny black trim recently completed on King Avenue West doesn’t turn your head, it’s because you weren’t paying attention. “We pulled out all the stops to create a full-service, state-of-the-art auto accessory and detail center unlike anything people have ever experienced before,” said Steve Zabawa who, along with John Soares, owns the business. In business for more than 20 years, Auto Trim Design and CarNu had been operating in two separate locations. While both had a loyal following, the opportunity to attract even more customers by merging the businesses under one roof in a new store along a major arterial simply made good business sense. “We also had a third business, our Auto Graphics & Sign store. Merging all three into the new location allowed us to capitalCASEY PAGE/Gazette Staff Auto Trim has a large amount of inventory in stock in their warehouse at all times. ize on a new synergy,” Zabawa said. Stop-and-go service Located in the heart of Billings’ bustling West End, the new store evokes a hip, energetic vibe. Modern in design, the exterior of the building fuses expansive glass walls with platinum-colored panels all attractively tied together with bold bands of black and red. Contemporary signage, including an LED message board, directs customers inside where three separate yet related busi-
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nesses are housed. The interior of the store continues the modern vibe, with polished concrete floors and finishes in black, gray and white complemented by pops of red and chrome. “I credit my wife, Susan Sullivan, with the interior design details. She did a fantastic job,” noted Zabawa As customers pass through the main entry, they enter the Auto Trim Design
showroom, which is filled with every kind of car accessory imaginable. Trailer hitches, truck toppers, seat covers, floor liners, grille guards and much more are attractively displayed along with manufacturer information on options. And most of the products are immediately available. “We have a huge number of auto accessories in stock at all times,” said Zabawa, please see page 4
Auto Trim Design / CarNu Auto Detailing Center
Congratulations!
Autotrim Design & CArnu Auto DetAiling Center On the Opening of Your New Facility Partnering with Billings businesses is what we are all about!
Š 2014 Stockman Bank
| Member FDIC
Auto Trim Design / CarNu Auto Detailing Center
www.stockmanbank.com
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ONE ROOF
More than bells and whistles Here in Montana, car and truck owners expect their vehicles to hold up through all kinds of rugged conditions. Pock-marked From page 2 streets and gravel roads can often lead to rock chips while mild summer days can quickly turn into wicked storms packing pointing at the open-style warehouse ferocious winds. racking system which allows customers to “We offer products that can help protect actually see the abundant merchandise. “Our secret sauce is having a large inven- your car and truck,” noted Zabawa. One of the most popular is 3M Clear tory, having the best prices and having the Protection, a thin clear film that is placed expertise to install the accessory – usually over the hood and front sides of a vehicle. that same day,” Zabawa said. Professionally installed, the clear barrier The showroom, Zabawa noted, is like a works to preserve the paint by deflecting candy store for car owners. rocks and bugs, which can chip and stain “You might come in for a custom set of floor mats for your new SUV, but when you the front end. Also popular are spray-in truck bed liners see all the accessories available, it’s likely and Access Truck Tonneau Covers, both you’ll outfit your vehicle with something of which help protect a truck bed from more.” scrapes and weather damage. Customization, Zabawa noted, is what Every accessory and product can be today’s car owners want. installed by Auto Trim Design’s trained pro“Making your vehicle unique is what we fessionals. And most can be installed the do,” he said. same day they are purchased.
ENTER-TO-WIN
“We have two installation bays specifi cally designed for applying the 3M Clear Protection coating and for tinting windows. Both feature a dust-free environment and a heating element used for applications,” Zabawa said. There is also a separate, fully-enclosed bay set up for installing spray-on bed liners. Plus, additional bays create ample space for installing accessories like running boards, trailer hitches, custom graphics and even full vehicle wraps. Zabawa noted that accessories are not limited to cars, trucks and SUVs. “Our oversized garage doors and large bays can accommodate large vans, motorhomes, even semi-trucks,” he said, adding that when it comes to customizing a vehicle, the options are endless. “We invite everyone to stop by and take a look around. We think you’ll be surprised at what we can offer at a very competitive price.”
The all-new Auto Trim Design, CarNu Detailing Center and Auto Graphics & Signs is located at 2951 King Ave. W.
a Grille & Bumper Replacement for a Full Size Chevy Truck or a complete vehicle detail from CARNU!
CASEY PAGE/ Gazette Staff
*Odds depend on number of entries. Only one prize, no substitutes. Taking entries thru June 30.
Auto Trim Design has a separate, fully-enclosed bay set up for installing spray-on bed liners. CASEY PAGE/ Gazette Staff
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Auto Trim Design / CarNu Auto Detailing Center
STOP BY AND SEE WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOUR VEHICLE TODAY! 2951 KING AVENUE WEST BILLINGS, MT 59102 406-656-6200 / 406-655-8580 STORE HOURS: MON-SAT: 8 A.M. – 6 P.M. SUN: CLOSED
The Auto Trim Design showroom is filled with every kind of car accessory imaginable—trailer hitches, truck cabs, seat covers, floor liners, grille guards and much more. CASEY PAGE/ Gazette Staff
Auto Trim Design / CarNu Auto Detailing Center
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CarNu Auto Detailing Center Improve the appearance and value of your vehicle by having it detailed inside and out by the professionals at CarNu By Allyn Hulteng
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inter grime can be hard on a vehicle. So can mud puddles in the spring, bug stains in summer and dirt and debris in the fall. Fortunately for you, when your vehicle is in need of something more than a quick trip through the car wash, the professionals at CarNu are standing by.
More than a quick clean Having a vehicle detailed involves much more than a thorough wash. “Your vehicle is subjected to all kinds of damaging elements on both the inside and the outside,” said Steve Zabawa, who along with his business partner John Soares owns CarNu. “Our detailers follow a multi-step process to remove damaging contaminates on the exterior as well as
ground-in dirt, oily residue and even germs from the interior,” he noted. Bumper-to-bumper Every detailing starts with an inspection. Does your car paint have surface scratches? Tree sap or bug stains? What about the interior? Are your leather seats dry and cracked? please see page 8
The new CarNu Auto Detailing Center has seven bays and processes between 600 and 700 vehicles a month.
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CASEY PAGE/Gazette Staff
Auto Trim Design / CarNu Auto Detailing Center
CARNU AUTO DETAILING CENTER CAN MAKE YOUR CAR FEEL SHINY AND NEW! MAKE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY! CALL 406-655-8580 OR SCHEDULE ONLINE AT: CASEY PAGE/Gazette Staff
At the CarNu Auto Detailing Center your car receives the full package—the carpet is vacuumed and shampooed, upholstery is steam cleaned, vinyl surfaces are polished, tires are scrubbed, windows are washed and a protective finish is applied to help keep dirt and grime from building.
www.autotrimbillings.com/ set-appointment-carnu-detailing
Wells Built is proud to be partnered as your General Contractor for Auto Trim Design & CarNu Auto Detailing Center. Rick Stordahl • Dan Wells • Dereme Budge
PO BOx 80445 • Billings, MT 59108 • 406-656-1301 Auto Trim Design / CarNu Auto Detailing Center
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CARNU
Build it and they will come When Zabawa moved CarNu to the store on King Avenue West, he believed the business From page 6 would grow due to increased visibility and the proximity to the auto accessory and auto CarNu’s technicians are graphic businesses. trained to spot areas that will “We planned the facility so need special attention. They can even alert an owner to fad- that it could handle a substantial increase in volume,” Zabaing or other areas of concern wa noted, saying the new store before the damage becomes has seven bays and processes permanent. In cases where between 600 and 700 vehicles damage is severe, they can a month. even refer a customer to the “That equates to about a 35% in-house auto body shop for increase in auto detail sales,” repair. Zabawa said. Once a car has been asRenee Falls Down, manager sessed, the exterior is thoroughof CarNu for the past several ly washed and waxed using years, said that the street cleaning agents especially exposure alone has made an made for auto care. impact. “Even the water we use is “We get about 10 people a specially treated ensuring it’s day stopping by to ask quesspotless,” Zabawa said. tions just because they saw the Inside, the carpet is vacustore,” Falls Down said. umed and shampooed, upThat growth in business has holstery is steam cleaned, vinyl also translated into growth in surfaces are polished, tires personnel. are scrubbed, windows are “Between Auto Trim Design, washed and a protective finish Auto Graphics & Signs and is applied to help keep dirt and CarNu we have created begrime from building. “And we don’t just detail cars tween 20 and 30 new jobs,” and trucks,” Zabawa said. “We Zabawa said. “And that’s great for customer service and for our can detail semis, RVs even boats.” community.”
s n o i t a l u t gr a
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Auto Trim Design and CarNu Auto Detailing Center
CAR CARE TIPS FROM THE EXPERTS AT CARNU: 1. Avoid scratches. Scratches and paint chips are the most common and most harmful enemy to your car’s finish. 2. Avoid harsh elements. Store your vehicle in the garage or in a covered area. If none is available, use a car cover. 3. Wax, wax, wax. In addition to providing gloss and depth, wax or paint sealant will also protect your car from the elements, including sunlight, messy bug splats and bird droppings. 4. Regular inspections. Get in the habit of having your car inspected regularly on the exterior and interior. It’s better to head off a potential problem than wait until you need a repair.
CONGRATULATIONS!!
We are proud to be involved with this project! Specializing in commercial projects Licensed. Bonded. Insured. 2915 Hannon Rd. • 406-245-6100
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Auto Trim Design / CarNu Auto Detailing Center
Auto Graphics & Signs Customizing your ride has never been easier By Allyn Hulteng Back in the days when muscle cars ruled the road, many owners proudly personalized their classic cars with custom-painted pin stripes or specialty decals. Today, any car owner can add his or her personal touch to his or her vehicle with custom graphics – and the creative options are endless. “Through our Auto Graphics & Signs shop, we have the ability to design any-
thing from pin-stripes to a whole vehicle wrap – and everything in between,” said Steve Zabawa, who along with John Soares, owns the business. Serious fun The team at Auto Graphics & Signs includes talented designers who help you customize your graphics plus professional installers who apply the artwork using
Any car owner can add a personal touch to his or her vehicle with custom graphics.
Auto Trim Design / CarNu Auto Detailing Center
state-of-the-art techniques. Want to add a swoosh of color to your car, boat or Seadoo? No problem. Designers can help you put together colors and designs, and even show you how the graphics will look using a computergenerated model before you make a final decision. please see page 10
CASEY PAGE/Gazette Staff
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GRAPHICS
Make a statement Auto graphics are also a great way to advertise your business. More and more business owners are adding logos or artFrom page 9 work to their commercial fleets; even small business owners find vehicle advertising to “We do the work right here on site,” noted be an effective way to build name recogniZabawa, who pointed to a Roland SOLJET tion. Whether it’s a logo or an entire vehicle PRO III printer and cutter made for crafting wrap, Auto Graphics & Signs can accomcustom graphics. Once you have decided on your design, modate. And they offer an added bonus. “Besides vehicle art, our graphics division the graphics team prints it and passes it to trained installers who apply the graphic can create all types of signage a person might need,” Zabawa said. in a clean, dust-free environment. Every Banners, outdoor signs, office and enstep of the process is precisely calibrated vironmental signage are just a sampling to make sure your custom artwork enjoys a of the types of signs that Auto Graphics & long, hassle-free life. Signs can create.
“We produce them quickly and oftentimes for less than people might think,” Zabawa added. Customized creativity While auto graphics may not be the first thing that comes to mind when a person thinks about his or her vehicle, the ability to customize their car (or boat or trailer or motorcycle) is quickly gaining popularity. “It’s all about making your vehicle uniquely yours,” noted Zabawa. “More owners are adding a statement piece to their vehicle. It’s fun and very affordable.”
CASEY PAGE/Gazette Staff
The sky’s the limit at the Auto Graphics & Signs shop. They have the ability to design anything from pin-stripes to a vehicle wrap—and everything in between.
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Auto Trim Design / CarNu Auto Detailing Center
CHECK OUT OUR NEW AUTO GRAPHICS DESIGN CENTER!
CASEY PAGE/Gazette Staff
It’s never been easier to customize your vehicle. Visit the design experts at Auto Graphics & Signs to see how you can add style and pizazz to your car, truck, RV or boat!
Auto Graphics & Signs can also create banners, outdoor signs, office and environmental signage and much more.
We are proud to have provided the custom cabinetry for Auto Trim Design and CarNu! 29 years Serving Billings and Surrounding Areas
Custom Cabinets & Quality Craftsmanship Architectural Woodworking Residential Moulding Packages 5046 Danford Drive • Billings 406-652-4671 • www.wilsoncabinetry.com Mark Wilson • Steve Hergett
PO Box 20364 BILLINGS, MT 59104 Construction
DESIGN PRODUCTS CO. Quality
est. 1954
406-652-2555 FAX: 406-652-4441
CONGRATULATIONS AND BEST WISHES T AUTO TO TO TRIM T DESIGN CAR NU AUTO DETAILING CENTER! We are honored to have been selected to install the HVAC system for this progressive project!
888-245-4116
Congratulations Auto Trim Design CARNU on your new facility! Supplier & Installer of the Metal Composite Panels Auto Trim Design / CarNu Auto Detailing Center
406.656.5157
www.comfortheatingbillings.com 9934 S. Frontage Rd. Billings, MT 59101 11
NOW OPEN
Brand neW loCaTion! 2951 KinG ave. WesT
auTo TriM is THE plaCe for
Car & TruCK aCCessories • CusToM GrapHiCs & deCals • veHiCle Wraps • vinyl Banners
larGesT auTo aCCessory loCaTion in
a 4-State Region!
• Tonneau Covers • Grille Guards
• runninG Boards • sTep Bars
• spray-in Bed liners • 3M Clear Bra • B&W HiTCHes • and so MuCH More!
sTand ouT froM OPEN sT MON-FRI 8-6 SAT 9-5
THe CroWd
CusToMize your
406-656-3947 C Car,TruCk Or SuV aT 800-391-1668
2951 King ave. West | www.autoTrimBillings.com 12
King Ave W
• King Ave W
St. W
Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que
all TeCHniCians are CerTified
2951 King ave W
S 29th
(406) 656-0848 OPEN M-F 8aM-5PM
Cars • TruCks • suVs rVs • and BoaTs Too!
S 30th St. W
Your one-Stop Shop for qualitY detail Service!
King Ave W
Auto Trim Design / CarNu Auto Detailing Center