Top Gun Auto Body Repair Has First Customer
 | Author:
Nancy Marks
Nancy Marks: MT43 News Secretary and News Editor |
Top Gun Auto Body Repair Has First Customer Nancy Marks Reporter Jeanne Welch is Top Gun Auto Body’s First Townsend Customer
The lively 81-year-old lady knocked on the back door of Top Gun Auto Repair in the former Broadwater Ford Building recently. Soon a worker answered the door. “The shop isn’t open yet,” he informed her.
“But I need to talk to the manager,” was the reply. Soon she was talking to the manager. “I have two vehicles that need repair. I would like to be your first customer in Townsend,” she declared.
Jeanne Welch was not disappointed. A short eight- days later co-managers Sean McLaughlin and Rick Ridley had her SUV and ranch pickup truck repaired and ready to go.
“The people were so accommodating. They treated me right and did a great job, especially on my pickup,” she said.
Top Gun owner Ted Culbertson who runs the business in Helena began remodeling the former Broadwater Ford building over a year ago. Even though it had been a car dealership before, the building needed major upgrades for the auto body work, according to Shawn, who is one of five people running the shop.
Asked why they opened the shop in Townsend, Shawn explained they were getting more customers from White Sulphur, Three Forks and Bozeman so the increased business justified opening a second facility.
Shawn lives in Townsend with his family. He said he feels the important part of treating customers well is communication. “I want my customers to say how great it is to get their cars fixed in a timely fashion. I want them to feel like they are my only customers.”
Top Gun also rents part of the large parking lot to Montana Custom Sheds. Ted said he wants the community to know he will work with organizations that would like to use the space.
According to Shawn, Top Gun Auto will be hosting Townsend Boy Scout troops’ plywood derby. “We are glad to host 4-H activities or car wash fundraisers. Just ask,” he said.
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PhotoCredit: Nancy Marks
Image 1 Caption: Co-Managers Shawn McLaughlin and Rick Ridley along with first customer Jeanne Welch at Top Gun Auto Body.
