'It's A Lot Of Work But Is So Worth It,' Says Auto Body Technician

Posted on December 17th, 2020
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Brandon McCoy, auto body technician, works on improving the roof of a car
Brandon McCoy, auto body technician, works on improving the roof of a car

Brandon McCoy loves to see the expressions on customers' faces when they see the results of his work. 

The auto body technician and upholstery specialist who co-owns J&M's Upholstery and Restoration in Abilene, Texas, says it's not easy juggling car projects with good customer service, but when a customer loves the finished product, it's worth it.

Did you always want to be in this line of work?

I have loved cars all my life and have worked on them since I was big enough to hold a tool.

What does a typical day as an auto body technician look like?

Busy! From the moment I walk into the door of my shop to the moment I leave, I am working on something. I start out by getting together with my team and making the plan for the day. Then I work on a car project while talking with customers, providing estimates, and making business decisions. It's a lot of work but is so worth it when a customer comes in and is beside themselves because their car is turning out better than they imagined.

What do you like most about your job? And least?

What I like most is the customer's reactions to their build. What I like the least is never seeming to have enough hours in the day to get everything done that I want to!

What’s the most common misconception about your job?

That a full restoration only takes a couple of weeks because that's what people have seen on TV.

What do you wish you knew about the job before you got into it?

All the aspects of running a business.

How did you train to become an auto body technician?

I attended WyoTech, a focused training program for technicians in the automotive and diesel industry. After 18 months, I earned my certification in collision refinishing, chassis fabrication, street rod custom fabrication and automotive upholstery. 

What qualities would make someone a good fit for this job?

You need to have a passion for building cars and for making people’s dreams come true because that's what this industry is all about.

What’s the nicest thing anyone has ever said to you at the completion of a job?

You are the best body man around!

 

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