Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains is the state-of-the-art collision repair facility, B&T Collision Center Inc. The facility provides quality work and is dedicated to the environ- ment, its customers and employees.

Tommy Carlton and his father, Benny, opened the facility 15 years ago, under the name B&T Body and Frame in Morganton, N.C. Through their determination and dedication, the business grew in size and production. In 1994, the two-man shop expanded and changed its name to B&T Collision Center Inc.

After two more years of continued growth, Tommy Carlton moved his shop two miles from its original location. "The new building enabled us to update our equipment and better serve our customers," said Carlton. The current site for B&T Collision Center Inc. is on a highly traveled street and is a short distance from the local Wal-Mart store.

B&T Collision Center Inc. is an Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) Gold Class shop, has 11 employees and occupies 7,500 square feet. To perform high quality work, the shop uses the latest technology including high volume, low pressure (HVLP) spray guns, computerized paint mixing systems and three-dimensional measuring systems. All collision repair work done by B&T Collision Center Inc. is done in-house with the exception of glass replacement. Besides using the latest equipment, the shop also provides its customers with additional services including rental cars, pick-up and delivery services, and a written lifetime warranty. The customer waiting area is warm and inviting, and customers are also given the opportunity to watch the shop's production process through a large window in the waiting area.

Customers are not the only concern of the shop; it is very committed to preserving the environment through recycling. Everything that can be recycled, is recycled, including solvents, metals and cardboard.

Carlton began his career in the collision repair industry by attending and graduating from the McDowell Technical College in Marion, N.C., where he earned an Autobody Repair Technician certification. He has continued to use the resources available to him to further his education. One such source is the Automotive Management Institute (AMI), from which he earned his Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) designation in 1997. Carlton is also a National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) master-certified body technician and estimator.

In his pursuit to learn all he could about the industry, Carlton began joining associations. Carlton currently is an active member of several associations including, the Automotive Service Association (ASA), the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) and the Independent Garage Owners of North Carolina (IGONC). He joined ASA in 1990 and has held numerous offices at the local and affiliate levels. He is the immediate past president of ASA-North Carolina. "Association memberships have been the number one key to success for us," said Carlton.

Through the years of growth and development of B&T Collision Center Inc., Carlton has not lost sight of the importance of his dedicated staff. "Everything that is done in the shop, is done as a team effort," said Carlton. The 11 employees are involved in the day-to-day operations of the shop. Staff meetings are held every Thursday in the conference room for approximately 30 minutes. Employees and management discuss weekly activities and if problems arise, the group determines the best possible solution. Carlton strives to give his employees a great career and a positive future in the collision repair industry.

Carlton provides his employees with a complete benefit package and unique payment program. The shop recently changed from compensating its employees from a flat rate schedule to an hourly rate with a bonus plan. Employees are paired in teams by department and bonuses are based on completed hours performed by each team. The bonuses are distributed each quarter. Carlton also provides his staff with paid health insurance after one year of employment, as well as a one-week paid vacation. Employees are also rewarded for long-term employment through increased paid vacation days; 10-year employees earn three weeks of paid vacation. In addition, employees also receive uniforms, paid holidays and paid sick days. The shop also gathers twice a year for a cook-out in the summer and a Christmas party. Carlton feels all of these benefits make for a more open, relaxed and productive atmosphere. Customers get to know employees by the plaques that hang in the waiting area. Each plaque has the employee's photo, name and certifications inscribed on it. The plaques provide confidence and a sense of unity among the staff.

B&T Collision Center Inc. continually interviews applicants for employment. Carlton says this ensures that the shop has the best possible technicians. He has found that individuals looking for an industry change are interested in collision repair. When such an applicant is willing to enter the shop at an entry-level position, one is created and training is based on future needs for production.

Carlton also works closely with the local high school's apprenticeship program. Through this program, Carlton found his newest apprentice, who is shaping up to be a good body technician.

Another way the shop supports the efforts of the high school is by helping senior students with their annual project. Each senior student must complete an 18-hour, hands-on project in a given industry, under a mentor who oversees the project and logs the time spent at work.

The student must then present an oral report and a 10-page, typed research paper, complete with photographs, on the experience. This year, B&T Collision Center Inc. anticipates that two or three students will enter the shop to learn and complete these projects. Carlton feels that this promotes the professionalism of the industry to students, parents and the community, as well as attracts young people to the industry. It also provides the shop with recognition within the community.

Along with working in the community with local schools, the shop also works closely with several new car dealerships. Based on years of experience with B&T Collision Center Inc., two area dealers refer customers to the shop knowing they will receive excellent service. Carlton says these customers are treated as any other, with the highest regard for customer satisfaction.

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