Flagstaff Collision Center

MICHAEL WHITTEMORE

WHAT BROUGHT YOU INTO YOUR BUSINESS OR PROFESSION?

I started in the collision repair business back in 1985 in New York. My love of automobiles originally got me interested in pursuing the automotive tech field.

HOW LONG HAS YOUR COMPANY BEEN IN BUSINESS OR HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THIS PROFESSION?

We have been in business since 2004, and owned multiple auto collision facilities in Las Vegas and Scottsdale as well. We sold those locations to a large national chain in May of 2019, but had plans of building our Flagstaff location in the auto mall here.

IF YOU COULD GO BACK AND CHANGE YOUR PROFESSIONAL PATH IN SOME WAY, WOULD YOU? IF NO, WHY NOT?

No, I would not change my path. I believe my experience and difficult times through my career have molded me to be a better business owner and community leader. I have always found the hard lumps on the head are always the best life lessons.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR INDUSTRY?

I love helping people, and fixing cars is my passion. When a customer picks up their vehicle and its freshly painted, the look on their face makes it all worth it. After being in a collision, you never think the vehicle will look or act the same again. That’s where we make the difference, returning the vehicle to pre-accident condition so it looks and drives like new again.

PRESIDENT FLAGSTAFF COLLISION CENTER

5100 N Test Drive, Flagstaff, AZ 86004 (928) 543-9300

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE JUST STARTING OUT IN YOUR PROFESSION?

Go after your dreams and do not give up when the going gets tough. There were so many times I was ready to throw in the towel but so glad I did not. I would not be where I am today had I given up. We live in the greatest country in the world and in America we all have opportunities. Work hard and go after your dreams, it will happen if you give it time and don't give up.

TO WHAT DO YOU ATTRIBUTE YOUR PERSONAL SUCCESS?

I believe my personal success can from being a God loving man with integrity and wanting to do the right thing. I have made many mistakes in my life but try to be the best person I can be each day for my family, customers and community.

DOES YOUR WORK DIFFER FROM THE EXTERNAL PERCEPTION OF WHAT YOU DO? IF YES, HOW SO?

Many people know what the collision industry is, but most customers don’t understand the advanced training a technician has to have to return modern vehicles back to pre-accident condition. Our technicians spend countless hours in training as vehicles change at such a rapid pace. If you get today’s vehicles fixed in a shop that is not advanced in today’s technology, they can do more damage than good. Always do your homework when choosing a collision facility to repair your vehicle.

WHAT DO YOU DO FOR FUN OR TO BALANCE OUT YOUR WORKLIFE?

We love the outdoors so we fish and hunt a lot. We have some ATV’s and enjoy riding out on the trails and seeing wildlife. When it snows, we have some old snowmobiles we enjoy riding as well.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU OR REMOTIVATES YOU?

My inspiration and motivation come from my customers. As I said, when my customers are happy with their repairs to their vehicles, I feel like I did my job. It brings me great satisfaction to know the customer is happy and safe in their freshly painted vehicle.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF BEING IN THE FLAGSTAFF COMMUNITY?

The temperature, we lived in Las Vegas and Scottsdale for years and getting away from that heat is wonderful. I do not know how we lived in the desert heat for 25 years. On the history and community of this great town, we are happy to call Flagstaff our home and give back. Our company has a community program called recycled rides where we donate a vehicle to a family that is in need of a car. It feels good to help people and we are grateful to be in a position to do so.

WHAT PART OF YOUR LIFE TODAY COULD YOU NEVER HAVE ANTICIPATED 10 YEARS AGO?

Surround yourself with good people and good things will happen. Live with the utmost integrity and treat people with kindness, the way you want to be treated. I feel like everyone wants to be treated well, liked and loved. It's our job as business leaders to help our community do these things to help each other.