Kristy and Jamie Reid sell Mid City Collison and Repair Centre after almost 25 years

After close to 25 years as one of the town’s most prominent repair shops, these business owners have sold up and are ready to push forward with new ventures.

Jamie and Kristy Reid former owners of Mid City Collision. Photo: Contributed

After nearly 25 successful years building their panel shop into an iconic Warwick business, the couple behind Mid City Collision Repair Centre are moving into the next phase of their life.

Owners Kristy and Jamie Reid began their panel business in 1997, when it was known as Lister’s Mid City and Mid City Paint n Detail.

Mr Reid said it was hard work for the couple when they first started their business, as he was working two jobs at the time to get by.

“When we first started off I was working at Wickham Freight Lines painting fuel tankers, beams and polishing lots of their trucks for Mid City,” he said.

The couple said one of the most rewarding aspects of their work was offering apprenticeships to teenagers looking to kickstart their career in either panel beating or spray painting.

Mrs Reid said about 20 apprentices got their start at Mid City Collisions over the years, an opportunity she was grateful to be able to provide.

“It’s always enjoyable and kind of rewarding to see someone who has done an apprenticeship at your shop to start their own business,” she said.

“You always want to see someone better themselves.

“There was one kid whose dad thanked us for giving them the opportunity as he didn’t know which path his son would go down.”

Mr and Mrs Reid said they would always look back fondly on the customers they’d met, friendships formed, and of course the cars they’d remodelled.

“We have loved building a reputation and relationships with customers. We always tried to go above and beyond to make it an easy process,” Mrs Reid said.

Mr Reid said one of the most memorable cars he restored was a 365 Porsche from the Gold Coast.

“There was not much left of the car when it arrived, but it came out like a showroom car,” he said.

The business owners now look set to focus on their other ventures, including the relocation of their business Warwick Towing Recovery to 29 Canning Street, and hoped they left behind a legacy to be proud of.

They will hand over the well-loved business to Ailish Graham and Anthony Spiteri.

“We hope the new owner succeeds and makes a go of it and that he moves forward and has the same success and enjoyment that we’ve had over the years, we wish them all the best,” Mr Reid said.

Originally published as Kristy and Jamie Reid sell Mid City Collison and Repair Centre after almost 25 years