ABRA Auto Body & Glass Expands Operations in Minnesota
29 May 2015 - 7:33AM
Business Wire
ABRA Auto Body & Glass, a leading national damaged vehicle
repair company, announced the opening of its newest franchise
repair center in Mankato, Minnesota.
ABRA is one of the largest and fastest growing multi shop repair
operators in the country. The company now operates 54
independently-owned franchises and 231 company-owned locations for
a total of 285 in 22 states.
The new ABRA repair center is located at 1671 Madison Avenue in
Mankato, Minnesota about 90 minutes south of downtown Minneapolis.
The franchise is owned and operated by Jerry and Geralynn
Kottschade who are well recognized in the community as operators of
Jerry’s Body Shop. Jerry purchased Ben’s Bee-Line Auto Collision
Shop in 1971 and built a successful collision repair business from
there. Over the past 44 years the couple have helped shape the
collision repair industry, continue to serve on high profile
industry boards, with Geralynn co-founding the Women Industry
Network (WIN).
“With the ABRA partnership in place, we look forward to
continuing our reputation as a leading collision repair provider in
the community,” said Jerry Kottschade, co-owner of ABRA-Mankato.
“Our ICAR Gold Class certification, aluminum repair capabilities,
and Readers Choice Award recognition, combined with ABRA’s
innovative service model and operational excellence philosophy set
us apart as a preferred option for vehicle owners and insurance
partners.”
Mark Wahlin, ABRA’s Vice President of Franchise
Development/Relations said, “We are extremely proud to welcome
Jerry’s Body Shop to our group of ABRA franchisees. Their presence
and reputation in the Mankato market fit perfectly with our mission
to be the best auto body and glass company in America. We are
thrilled with the exemplary leadership and values the pair hold.”
Geralynn earned the Azko Nobel Most Influential Woman of the year
award in 2000 and the couple has donated six vehicles to Recycled
Rides in recent years. “These values are well respected and well
aligned with ABRA’s mission to serve the communities in which we
operate,” said Wahlin.
Building on its increasing success, ABRA plans to continue
expanding in the months and years ahead as part of its aggressive
national growth strategy. It is actively seeking new opportunities
to acquire repair centers and integrate them into its
industry-leading operating system. Interested parties in major
markets should contact Scott Gerling, Vice President of Corporate
Development (sgerling@abraauto.com or 763.585.6210).
For franchise opportunities in small and midsize markets contact
Mark Wahlin, Vice President of Franchise Development/Relations
(mwahlin@abraauto.com or 763.585.6315).
ABRA is committed to conducting business based on responsible
business practices including implementation of environmentally
sustainable initiatives, health and safety, and a commitment to the
communities in which they serve.
About ABRA Auto Body & Glass
Founded in 1984 and headquartered in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota,
ABRA is a leading provider of vehicle repair services specializing
in collision repair, paintless dent removal, and auto glass repair
and replacement. ABRA’s mission is to be the best auto body and
glass company in America by providing quality repairs, in a timely
manner, with friendly, helpful service. For more information about
ABRA visit www.abraauto.com
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ABRA Auto Body & GlassLaurie Janu, 763-585-6240Director of
National Marketing