Howard's Auto Body Celebrating More Than 30 Years of Auto Repair and Restoration! By Rajayne Cordery Accidents happen. Time, weather and natural wear-and-tear take their toll as well. Accident requiring cosmetic fix? Aging vehicle in need? Howards Auto Body is a long-standing, experienced and dedicated body shop that provides services in Cherokee County to answer and solve your restoring and refurbishing needs with testified proof in the proverbial pudding. Since 1986 when Howard Vallimont relocated to Canton, Howards Auto Body has given new life to many damaged vehicles through careful, detailed resurrections and rejuvenations during their thirty-plus years of business. Howard has been repairing vehicles since the age of fourteen, learning from a mentor in Pennsylvania before opening his own auto body repair shop at 21. After a tragic fire in his hometown shop, he moved to Canton, which is where he met his wife and business partner, Melissa. Together, they ran the small operation out of a shop at their home before expanding and moving to 2650 Marietta Highway, Canton in 1996. This is their 21st anniversary in the 6,000-square-foot shop, which includes eleven garage bays, a paint booth and offices. Their service includes collision repair, full service paint and body work on all makes and models. Additionally, head liners, mouldings, pin-striping and more are all within their particular and proven expertise. PPG paint is used exclusively to match the manufacturers original factory paint. Their technicians are ASI- (Automotoclub Storico Italiano) and ICAR- (Inter-industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair) certified industry craftsmen. Howards Auto Bodys commitment to service is reflected in their dedication to their employees and their employees allegiance to the company. Almost all their employees have been with them for most of the years that the business has been in existence. In fact, one of their original employees now has a son who works for Howards, so they are now second generation! We dont have a high turnover, Melissa quips. While doing late-night bookkeeping for the company until she became full-time at the family shop, Melissa Vallimont worked in the Cherokee County School system until 2000. When asked what sets them apart from other auto-body shops, she answers, We care for our customers, and we warranty our work. Customers neednt worry about insurance company referrals or insurance guarantees. Many dont realize that they can choose their own repair service. We go the extra mile for our customers. Howards Auto Bodys warranty covers paint for as long as you own the vehicle, and it warranties the labor for one year. Additionally, Howards Auto Body takes care of the insurance relationship. Melissa explains, Once the claim comes in here, we dont expect you to have to deal with the insurance company. You shouldnt have to be a middleman. Once its here, its our responsibility. Servicing 8-10 cars in an average week, the turnaround time, in most cases, is within that time. Vehicle repair updates are communicated consistently to ease the process for their customers. After the repairs are complete, If you do have a problem, we dont ever turn you away. We ask you to come back and let us know. We will do whatever it takes to make you happy, Melissa adds. As a courtesy, Howards will help to arrange a rental car, if necessary. In addition to conventional auto-body repair, Howard is currently planning to do restoration of classic cars at a separate location. Renovation and preservation are Howards passion. The collision business has been so busy that there are not many body shops that offer full-restoration services. As Howard likes to say, It was an old rusty car. Look at it now. Its a labor of love. When asked why Howards is different and why she is proud of her role, daughter, Megan, who grew up in the business, answers, We are a family business. I am proud of our ability to communicate with our customers. They will come in to talk to the owners, not just employees. We really want to help our customers. She adds, When you walk through the door, its a personal experience. We want to know your name, and we want you to know ours. Does your car need reconstructive surgery? A facelift? Spit and polish? With their decades of testimonial service and dedication to excellence, Howards Auto Body offers the solution. In a friendly, family atmosphere, you can count on an exceptional job. Howard's Auto Body2650 Marietta Hwy. Ste 180Canton, GA 30114770-720-1107This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Facebook.com/HowardsAutoBody
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