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Exterior of White Auto Body

Opening a collision repair facility was a natural progression for Steve White, owner of White Auto Body in Florissant and O'Fallon, Mo. Steve attended North County Technical School and graduated from its auto collision repair program in 1980. During his senior year, he won the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America (VICA) award.

Steve gained experience in the industry by working as a metal technician and painter at two local collision repair facilities. In addition to developing his collision repair skills, he earned his National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) master technician certification. “Then in 1986, at the age of 24, I got married and opened my first shop all within the same week,” said Steve. At that time, the business had a staff of four, including Steve.

As the business grew, Steve decided it was time for a new, larger facility. In 1990, he moved White Auto Body to its current location in Florissant, Mo. The shop now has 15,000 square feet, is an Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair Gold shop, and has been an ASA member since 1988.

Steve and Valerie White, owners of White Auto Body.

Steve's wife, Valerie, joined the staff as its director of marketing in 1997. Her background is that of a registered nurse. The two worked diligently to provide quality service, reasonable pricing and professionalism to the industry. Because of this diligence, they had the opportunity to open a second location in O'Fallon, Mo., in 1998.

The second location has 22,000 square feet. Between the two shops, the Whites have a staff of 44. The Florissant location performs approximately 40 repairs per week, and the O'Fallon location repairs 38. “Our pledge to our customers is that our services will be provided in a professional and timely fashion. We, the entire staff, will accomplish this by working together as a team,” said Valerie.

The philosophy of working as a team and providing equality to all employees has been very successful for the Whites. This is evident by the three technicians who have been with the company for more than 10 years. In addition to the teamwork method, the Whites also provide their employees with comprehensive health insurance, 401(k) and profit sharing. However, it's not all business at White Auto Body.

“We have organized activities with our employees and their families including an annual picnic, a night at the ballpark for minor league baseball, as well as a night at the arena for minor league hockey,” said Valerie. In addition, the Whites provide their employees with quarterly barbecue lunches.

“Our business is unique because we do things that are not typical of a body shop. For instance, we host continuing education courses for licensed insurance representatives, participate in career fairs, and donate vehicles to St. Louis and St. Charles county residents with transportation needs,” said Valerie. In addition to the continuing education courses, the Whites further their business partnership with the insurance companies by hosting two golf tournaments a year for the insurance agents and representatives.

Employees are reminded of the Whites' commitment to top-notch service and repairs. This motivational saying is displayed in the shop area.

These industry activities coupled with their commitment to the local community ensure a balance in the Whites' business strategy. The two give back to the community through their various memberships and volunteer efforts. White's Auto Body is a member of the Florissant Valley and O'Fallon Chambers of Commerce, the Florissant and O'Fallon Rotary Clubs, the O'Fallon Business Association, the St. Louis Claims Association and Acoat Selected.

In addition, Steve is a member of the Special School District's Technical School Advisory Board. Valerie is the past president of the O'Fallon Rotary Club, secretary and executive board member of the O'Fallon Chamber of Commerce, a board member of the O'Fallon YMCA, and a member of the St. Charles Regional School/ Business Partnership. The two are both board members of the Metropolitan Vocational-Technical Assistance Program. The Whites also sponsor a local baseball team.

Their desire to be proactive in the industry and good community neighbors has resulted in several recognitions. White Auto Body was the recipient of the 2000 Small Business of the Year award from the O'Fallon Chamber of Commerce and the 2000 Best of North County award, presented by the Florissant Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Suburban Journals. Valerie was also recognized as one of the Most Influential Women in the Collision Repair Industry in 2000.

In June, the Whites celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary and their 15th year in business. Through their dedication to each other and the collision repair industry, this husband and wife team are destined for continued success.

“Our future plans are to further improve our business practices. We will strive to increase customer satisfaction levels, improve levels of efficiency in the collision repair process, provide ongoing training and development for all employees, and continue to partner with area vo-tech schools with the ultimate goal of producing and attracting qualified technicians in our industry,” said Steve.

Shop Stats

Name: White Auto Body
Location: Florissant, Mo. and O'Fallon, Mo.
No. of Employees: 44
On ASA membership: “We joined ASA because it is an invaluable resource for our business. Being a member adds credibility to our profession.”- Steve and Valerie White

Collision Repair Industry A Natural Fit For Missouri Member

Shop Stats