EMMIE BOESE
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Ken Hunnell saw a need for another auto body shop in Hutchinson. On Monday, Nov. 6, Hunnell officially opened Hutch Auto Body at 16 Ave. A.
"We've heard that a lot of the shops are booked out for several months, first and foremost and then respectfully just felt like maybe some of the shops didn't have the most current technology and equipment," Hunnell said. "We really want this to be a customer service experience."
Hunnell has been in the body shop business since 2001 and ran several shops in Wichita. He started off working at Auto Craft where he worked as a parts person. Auto Craft has since sold. He moved up through the chain of command by writing estimates and then eventually managing the shop.
Soon after, Hunnell took over an existing body shop in Oklahoma and has now owned Enid Auto Body for four years. He said he found the building for Hutch Auto Body almost a year ago.
"It just fit," Hunnell said. "Like I just kind of understood the business. I personally am not a body technician or a paint technician. I've never done that. I just administratively understood the business and now it worked and I've really tried to implement new strategies and processes to be able to repair the cars efficiently as possible."
Hunnell said Hutch Auto Body prides themselves on using original equipment parts at no additional expense to the customer or the insurance company. He also said his business prides themselves on good communication. Customers can expect an update on the process of their car every two days.
"We don't sacrifice quality but we want our customers to get back into their cars as quickly as possible," Hunnell said. "Something bad happened for them to come see us. We want to try to make that a positive experience if at all possible."
Hutch Auto Body has six employees and are hoping to grow to 18. Hunnell said the Hutchinson Career and Technical Academy in town is a great asset to have in order to gain access to skilled technicians.
He said the shop has the capabilities to work with entry level technicians. When looking for a job, he said the goal is for Hutch Auto Body to be the employer of choice in the Hutch Market.
"Personally we are just always looking for good quality people," Hunnell said. "We have lots of different roles and most technical industries are starved for good people."
More information about Hutch Auto Body is available at hutchautobody.com. The body shop can also be reached at (620) 500-7467. Business hours are Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
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