The shop’s high-end Sikkens paint line enables Bonnell’s technicians to get the perfect color match. Bonnell’s Rod Shop in Fairview specializes in hot rods, classic cars and modified vehicles.
Ohio. Bonnell currently plans to show at the Detroit Autorama next year and one of his cars is going to be displayed at a vendor’s booth at the SEMA show in Las Vegas this fall. According to Bonnell, his team’s goal is to gain industry recognition for their workmanship and possibly attain some national awards, such as Detroit’s prestigious Great Eight Award, within the next few years. “That is what is neat about doing that sort of stuff,” explains Bonnell. “With Collision, people expect to have a vehicle brought back to pre-accident condition where when you do an old car, I think there is so much more pride. It is just neat because you can make something unique.”
Continuous Improvement
Noel Kriess, a certified purchasing manager and manager of Bonnell’s Auto Glass, says that Bonnell’s is a perfect example of how an operation with so many divisions — and deadline-driven jobs — can run well with the right people and management systems in place. “You have the Collision shops and the Rod Shop that depend on the Auto Glass division to take care of any kind of glass repair or replacement. You have got the Auto Sales division that depends on the collision shop when they bring in a vehicle that needs some mechanical work to it before it goes out front to be sold. It is kind of neat the way the four different divisions intertwine with each other and work so well with one another.” And that is why communication plays such a role in the business’s day-to-day operations internally as well as with vendors and customers. “Keeping the lines of communication open is key and critical to making the jobs flow smoothly,” says Kriess. “When parts are going to be late, it is imperative that those vendors let us know so that we can communicate that to the technicians to see if that is going to change the date that the vehicle is going to be delivered. If so, that enables us to contact the customer and make them aware of the recent changes.” Bonnell’s also has taken that line of communication to the next level with its email updates, revamped websites, and by embracing the use of QR codes and social media interactions, including Facebook and Twitter. “Like any other aspect of the business, Scott definitely likes to stay ahead of the curve,” notes Kriess. “He likes to stay ahead of any other competition in the area and, in the business world, that is the way that communication is heading.”
Giving Back
As a successful businessman, Bonnell has stayed ahead of the curve while not losing sight of his customers or the community in which his business operates. He makes numerous donations and sponsorships to many local organizations and charities, such as Africa 6000, the Erie City Mission, the Shriners Hospitals for Children – Erie, and Women’s Care Center, as well as local sports teams and annual church festivals. One of his most cherished causes is the Auto Racers For Kids Charities, of which he is vice president. The program has distributed nearly $100,000 to 16 children’s charities in the local area since 2007.
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“His caring nature for the local community is really quite amazing,” says Kriess. “It is a privilege to work for somebody like Scott who gives back to the community in such a big way. His compassion for the people who surround him is nothing less than astounding.” Bonnell, himself a man of faith, says he is thankful for his customers and for the opportunities that he has been given. “I thank God every day for my blessings and without God I would not be where I am at. I think he has a plan for me, I am not sure what it is, but I have been blessed enough financially to be able to help some people out in the community and I give all the credit to God.” It’s humble statements like these that make you better understand Bonnell’s drive and determination — and why he places so much emphasis on service in every aspect of his business. “My employees and values are why someone should choose Bonnell’s for their auto needs,” he says. “Quality, convenience and superior customer service can not only be expected of Bonnell’s, it’s what we deliver.” For more information about Bonnell’s, visit www.bonnellsauto.com.
Bonnell’s Auto Group — founded by Scott Bonnell in 1985 that today includes Bonnell’s Collision Center, Bonnell’s Auto Sales, Bonnell’s Auto Glass and Bonnell’s Rod Shop.
Bonnell’s Collision Center 2570 West 26th Street Erie, PA 16506 Phone: 814/835-4351
4230 Franklin Road Fairview, PA 16415 Phone: 814/474-5508 Website: www.bonnellsauto.com/collision
Bonnell’s Auto Sales 2650 West 26th Street Erie, PA 16506 Phone: 814/833-7300
7695 West Ridge Road Fairview, PA 16415 Phone: 814/474-3260 Website: www.bonnellsauto.com/auto_sales
Bonnell’s Auto Glass
4230 Franklin Road Fairview, PA 16415 Phone: 814/474-5508 Website: www.bonnellsauto.com/glass
Bonnell’s Rod Shop
8000A Middle Road Fairview, PA 16415 814/474-2400 Website: www.bonnellsrodshop.com