“It’s an incredible feeling to see your son take over your business, not only as a parent but as a business owner,” says Dean Fisher, who joined the CARSTAR family in 1990, and is widely recognized as a top operator in the CARSTAR network. “He brings an entirely new perspective to a pretty traditional business model, and I’m excited to see how he applies his experience in information technology, analytics and operations to the company. I know he’s not going to do everything the same way I did – and that’s great. We have built a successful family business on providing that personal touch with our customers and delivering the highest quality repairs, and I know that will continue. Justin is a diamond in the rough, and I look forward to seeing him become a great owner in the CARSTAR network.”
For Justin Fisher, following in his father’s footsteps is an honor – one with big shoes to fill. A graduate of Northern Illinois University in 2005 with a B.S. in Business Administration, he has honed his skills in business operations, sales, project management and team leadership through previous positions with Axis Designs, Press One/Circulation Services and Results Companies.
But the younger Fisher would not characterize himself as the “car guy” his father is.
“He started in the back end of the shop and is a guy who can restore or repair anything. Over the years he has combined those skills with the business management skills needed to run a successful shop,” Justin Fisher notes.
“I’m more focused on the front end of the shop where I can use my experience in IT, data analysis and financial operations to help us continue to grow our company.
“Today’s collision repair shop has evolved to the point where it is tough for one person to be the repair expert and the business expert both,” he added. “We have an incredible team of body repair professionals who deliver the highest quality repairs. I want to let them continue to do great work. I just want to bring the resources and guidance to helping us continue to achieve strong operating standards and customer satisfaction levels as we expand our business.”
Dean Fisher noted that the keys to a successful transition are respect, communication and openness to doing things differently.
“The number one factor is respect for each other and the strengths – and weaknesses – we both have,” says Dean Fisher. “You have a business relationship and the father-son relationship, so you have to respect both. You also need to be open to accepting new ways of doing things. I know it’s not going to always be done the way I’ve always done things. That can be tough for an entrepreneur to handle!
“It’s also important to listen and learn when you’re transitioning your business to your son or daughter,” he adds. “They’re going to have fresh thinking and look at things from a different vantage point, and that’s what any business needs to stay alive and thrive.”
Dean Fisher has owned multiple automotive-related companies for 37 years. He has served as chairman of the Chicagoland Business Group twice and has been a board member for 16 years. He has served on CARSTAR’s operation, insurance and marketing committees, and has been a member of the CARSTAR Advisory Board twice, including serving as vice-chair in 2011. Fisher and CARSTAR Yorkville have received numerous awards for their service excellence and professional image in the industry including the 2012 CARSTAR Franchisee of the Year. Their commitment to improving the business through ongoing staff education and I-CAR Gold class certification has helped them deliver excellent customer service for nearly four decades.
About CARSTAR
CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts is North America’s largest Multi-Shop Operator Network of independently owned collision repair facilities with more than 400 locations in 32 states and 10 Canadian provinces. CARSTAR delivers national scale, consistently high-quality vehicle repairs, repeatable outcomes and the industry’s highest customer satisfaction ratings; all repairs are backed by a national warranty and service guarantee. For more information visit www.carstar.com.
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