If you’ve ever met someone by accident, as in a fender bender, hit a deer, or your car has endured peeling paint or hail damage, chances are you’ve visited Kendrick Paint and Body Shop. They have eight locations throughout the CSRA including the latest expansion at their South Aiken location.
Your parents or grandparents may have rolled into the original building on Jones Street in Augusta started by James Kendrick in 1952. When the Savannah River Site was built and traffic increased, so did the footprint of the collision repair shop and they moved to a bigger place on Ellis Street.
“My dad and uncle worked there. When I was a boy, I remember running around his shop and generally getting in the way but eventually, I too started working there,” Steve Kendrick, Jr. explained.
Kendrick became the sole owner of the place in 2008, smack in the middle of a financial crisis. But he made it work and eventually opened several additional locations in Augusta and Aiken.
Like most other businesses, Kendrick Paint and Body Shop was impacted by Covid and, supply chain challenges, still exist to some extent.
“Thankfully our business was deemed a necessity, so we didn’t shut down and we also didn’t cut staff. I saw it as an opportunity for growth and we brought on some good people during that time.”
If success is built on a good business model, Kendrick seems to have found the key.
“Taking good care of our employees and their families and a strong training program has absolutely made a difference.”
Training for collision repair in today’s world is imperative. Changes in technology including computer systems and new materials used in auto manufacturing are lightyears away from the 1950s models repaired by his grandfather.
Another key to Kendrick’s success is giving back to the community. He actively supports United Way and the American Red Cross among other organizations.
“I think it’s important to give back to the people who give to us and support our business.”
Kendrick Paint and Body has made it into some rare company. Although family-owned businesses comprise 90% of all business enterprises, only 13% are third-generation family businesses according to the US Census Bureau.
Kendrick’s daughter, Ansley, is working for her dad part-time and recently graduated with a business degree from Augusta University. If she joins the company full-time, there would be a fourth-generation Kendrick behind the wheel.
There would certainly be a place for her in the family business. Kendrick doesn’t rule out future expansions in the CSRA but, for now, he’s concentrating on growing his present locations.
“It will all be in due time because I never want our employees or customers to feel like they are only a number.”
For more information on Kendrick Paint and Body Shop locations and services visit their website.
Editor’s Note:
Mitzi Oxford is a veteran broadcaster and features writer who also worked at the same television station in Columbus, Georgia as Augusta’s Brad Means!
If you have a South Carolina story idea for Mitzi, please email her at mitzioxfordcreative@gmail.com.
