Hindmarsh business Pro Paint ’n Panel named best panel beater in SA
After drawing hundreds of nominations and votes, the winner of South Australia’s best panel beater can now be revealed. See the Top 10 list.
Local
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Growing from a two-man operation in the late 1980s to a business that employs more than 30 staff and attracts customers from across the state, a Hindmarsh business has been named the best panel beater in SA.
Pro Paint ’n Panel crossed the line in first position from a tight field of 25 nominees and received more than 10 per cent of the hundreds of votes in our latest “Best of” poll.
Co-owners Kon and Tom Skothos started out operating the Rightway Automotive Services business in Beverley.
“We started there in 1989 but it got to the point where we couldn’t grow the business any further at Beverley. We needed exposure and a larger client base,” Kon said.
So when the opportunity came up to take over the already established Pro Paint ’n Panel business on South Road at Hindmarsh, the brothers jumped at the chance.
“The only way to grow was to buy another business that had the attributes we were looking for,” Kon said.
“We purchased Pro Paint ’n Panel for its brand name, location and client base.”
Today, customers come from as far afield at Whyalla to use their services.
But it has not always been an easy ride. Tom said, like many businesses along South Road, roadworks conducted as part of the busy stretch’s upgrade posed a massive challenge, along with COVID.
“We were experiencing good growth before the South Road upgrade. Now, we’re starting to get back to the point we were before,” he said.
In taking out the best of win, Tom believes great customer service and attention to detail played a large part in their victory.
“To do what we do, you have to be passionate and we and our staff are passionate about what we do,” he said.
Tom said keeping on top of new technology was also key to the success of the business.
“Keeping on top of research and development, as well as changes within the industry, is crucial,” he said.
Kon said being named the best panel beater in SA showed customers held their work in high regard.
“We’ve been working really hard for a long time so to know we have that respect, it’s overwhelming,” he said.
TOP 10 SA PANEL BEATERS
1. Pro Panel N Panel, Hindmarsh
2. CK Paint & Panel, Lonsdale
3. The Glynde Garage, Glynde
4. Artis Crash Repairs, St Marys
5. Eblen Collision Repairs, Somerton Park
6. Mt Pleasant Crash Repairs, Mt Pleasant
7. Clarke Body Repairs, Somerton Park
8. Tonsley Crash Repairs, Tonsley Park
9. Holden Hill Crash Repairs, Gilles Plains
10. Varricchio’s Crash Repairs, Norwood
‘Sip something spectacular’: New bubble tea store opens
Hollywood Plaza has welcomed a new store – but drinks aren’t the only thing you’ll find with this bubble tea offering.
Mum’s emotional outpour when Port stars surprise son in hospital
Fraser Suggate was watching his favourite team as they beat Hawthorn in last week, now players from Port have given him a surprise as he fights to beat cancer.