Collision Repair / Auto Glass | For over 75 years, vehicle owners have trusted their automotive collision and auto glass repairs to Gerber Collision & Glass. Quality workmanship backed by our National Lifetime Guarantee and outstanding customer service are just a few reasons why our customers choose to bring their vehicles to Gerber. Auto Body Repair / Windshield Auto Glass Service Whether you need our collision repair / auto body repair or auto glass / windshield replacement and repair service, we will ensure that the repair is done right. We are a team that is dedicated and committed to our mission, continuous improvement, and delivering superior value to our customers. Valuable savings and special offers on our repair services. Take advantage of these offers exclusively available at Gerber Collision & Glass. We proudly stand behind our repair work for as long as you own your vehicle. Learn more about our Lifetime Guarantee.When you walk into Apple Auto Glass at 11 Cliff Street, you may be wondering if you are in the right place.
Belly up to the old fashioned Coca-Cola counter and grab a stool while you wait to be served by the friendly staff, or you can peruse the interesting signs and collectibles that adorn the walls and fill memorabilia cases. This week owner John Dudley shared with us his humor and his secrets to success. DNBIA: What motivated you to start this business? John: I opened the franchise in 2000. It was a good way to get brand recognition, buying power and access to commercial and fleet accounts, but when it comes to product lines, I get the final say. I had worked for Speedy for 23 years running everything and working long hours and one day I realized that I could continue running everything and working long hours, but it would make more sense doing it for myself. DNBIA: Can you give us a short description of your business? John: Mainly we do auto glass repairs, but we also do tinting, 3m paint protection, residential and commercial work; small jobs like household mirrors and small windows and other glass needs that people may have or want.
DNBIA: How many employees do you have? John: There are six employees here. We have had a couple of changes this spring, but we have very little turnover. DNBIA: What geographic region do you serve? John: Nanaimo obviously, but we have people who come here from the west coast and the upper and lower part of the Island. DNBIA: Why did you open a business downtown? John: It’s an odd spot, but it’s a good secure location. I am from Pouce Coupe near Dawson Creek. I came to Nanaimo in 1981. Nanaimo is a great place and the people here are awesome and you just can’t beat downtown. I’ve been working downtown since the early 80s and I believe that it is a jewel hidden in plain sight that other people don’t appreciate. We have a beautiful waterfront, fantastic people; the City, organizations and business owners have cleaned everything up. At least downtown everyone talks to each other like everyone is on the same level playing field and that’s the part that I really like.
DNBIA: How do you feel about the changes downtown over the past 13 years? John: They have all been for the better. I think that putting in the Vancouver Island Conference Centre was a great thing. Look what they are doing now at Port Place Mall. Maffeo Sutton Park is beautiful. I think the downtown core is great, and with the coming changes, it’s only going to get better. I think all these changes will impact our business in a good way. DNBIA: What are you best known for? John: I guess I would say our industry knowledge. I’d like to think it’s my sense of humor…we like to have fun here. That’s the kind of place we are. DNBIA: What sets your business aside from others in the field? John: As far as a challenge goes we will take on just about anything. We’ve done fish tanks, designed trophies, built display cases and weird road signs and mirrors. We do whatever we can to help our customers. The quality of work we do plus customer comfort is very important to me.
I don’t judge people. Regardless of a person’s financial status, we will bend over backwards to help someone out. We treat all our customers fairly, with honesty and respect. The way we want to be treated when we go out to other places. People don’t want to be upsold. They are not just a number coming through the door. They are here because they have had an accident or other unfortunate event. DNBIA: What keeps your customers coming back? John: We’re fun and we do good work. And, you’ve probably noticed this is not your typical sterile showroom. Here you can sit back and relax and have something to look at and be entertained. We can’t stop a customer from coming into the shop area and all this memorabilia allows me to do my job uninterrupted because they are too busy looking around to stand over my shoulder. Sometimes I’ll say I’m done, and they’ll say “You can’t be done, because I’m not finished looking around yet.” DNBIA: Are you a Coca-Cola memorabilia collector?
John: Honestly, all this stuff was given to me by customers. Originally, I found this Coca-Cola counter with the stools and I thought it was pretty cool and installed it as a front desk. Then people just started bringing me stuff. I don’t always know who or why, but I always say thank you. I only bought one collectible sign because the seller offered me such a great deal I couldn’t say no. I even have Nanaimo’s first gas pump. It was given to me by a friend. The pump is dated 1913 to 1918 and it is from Imperial Oil that used to be where Pirate Chips is now at the corner of Albert & Wallace. DNBIA: What advice would you give to a new business starting out downtown? John: Hang on and enjoy the ride. I would encourage them to do a market study. You need to know the product you are selling is conducive to the downtown area. As well, know your competition, and know your product – it’s amazing how many new businesses don’t know that. DNBIA: Do you have an anecdote about the business that summarizes what you are all about?