Vicki Wingard in her office at Bill's Collision Service.

Vicki Wingard began her career in the collision repair industry in 1989 as a part-time office worker for Bill's Collision Service in Middlebury, Ind. In 1990, she was promoted to office manager and began working full time. Over the years, as her experience increased, she found the collision industry both challenging and rewarding.

In 1996, the former owner, Rick Gonser, was looking to close the business and jokingly, Wingard offered to purchase it. She didn't truly believe that he would take her up on her offer, but Gonser later approached her with a dollar amount. With that, Wingard was soon the owner of a collision repair facility.

“With the help of the original eight dedicated employees, we have experienced a tremendous sales increase,” said Wingard. The business is currently on target for a 6 percent increase per year. This increase can partially be attributed to the business paying close attention to the smallest details.

Pictured with Wingard is Mary Louise Fox, front office staff.

Bill's Collision Service began offering collision repair services to area residents in 1965. The business was well established in the community for quality repairs and top-notch service. Wingard's strategy as new owner was to continue this reputation.

“We want people to know they will get a quality job by coming to Bill's Collision Service,” said Wingard. The business performs approximately 15-18 repairs per week in its 7,007-square-foot facility.

Wingard takes advantage of several advertising methods including monthly visits to insurance agents, an ad in the local newspaper and referrals.

Wingard's role in the business includes managing insurance relations, supplements and some bookkeeping. To further the business, Wingard has taken several Automotive Management Institute (AMI) seminars.

Pictured is the staff of Bill's: Ken Weirick (kneeling), and (l to r) Floyd Boling, Mike Burroughs, Darcy Heynis, Jay Yoder, Stan Yoder and Derek Jackson.

As a result of her determination to succeed, Wingard was awarded the BodyShop Business Magazine Scholarship Award in 2001. She received $1,000 to be applied toward expenses to attend the International Autobody Congress and Exposition (NACE) held Nov. 29-Dec. 2 in Las Vegas.

“Without the dedication of all my employees, it would not have been possible for me to win this award,” said Wingard. The annual scholarship is presented by AMI and Babcox Publications to recognize management-oriented members of the Automotive Service Association (ASA) Collision Division. Wingard has been an ASA member since 1994.

“As a woman business owner, I feel the education I receive and share with my employees will benefit my business and ultimately reward my customers with superior collision repair services,” said Wingard.

As with most collision repair facilities, the local community plays a large role in the success of Bill's Collision Service. It has always been a priority to Wingard to support her community through participation. “We try to give back to our community in any way we can,” she said. Wingard is a member of the First Mennonite Church, where she serves as a youth sponsor and Sunday school teacher. She is also the president of the elementary school's Parent Teacher Organization and is a member of the Crystal Valley Kiwanis Club.

Future plans for Bill's Collision Service include adding a new paint building and continuing to provide the highest quality collision repair services. “We want our customers to feel like family,” said Wingard.

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