Samantha Lofton

 

As a young child, Samantha B. Lofton spent hours sorting the bolts from metal bins to find just the right one her father needed. Watching him work trained her eye to appreciate detail and fine craftsmanship, while instilling a strong work ethic.

Today, the compliments that Samantha enjoys hearing the most are when someone calls her "Little Freddie" or says, "You're just like your Daddy." Samantha's mother, Mary, also plays a very influential role in her life. "Mother is such an inspiration," she says. "I'm so proud of them, and I work hard to make them proud of me."

"Success in the collision repair business depends on knowing what people want and being able to deliver a sense of comfort," said Samantha. "I believe women are especially gifted in that area."

Samantha graduated from The University of Mississippi in 1986, and immediately went to work for her parents in their repair facility. She immediately became proficient with the computer management system, learning about the financial end of the business. She quickly progressed to writing appraisals and attended I-CAR classes to get up-to-speed on the technical aspects.

In 1989, the family opened its second location, where Samantha would write estimates, sell and deliver jobs. She worked closely with her brother Jeff to maintain quality control and build their reputation in the new market. Together, they shuttled the vehicles to the main facility for repairs, then back to the satellite office for delivery. The hard work paid off -- by 1994, the Barnetts added 12,000 square feet to repair vehicles on site, as well as to provide mechanical repairs.

Samantha's husband Joel came into the business in 1994. His insurance background brings added strength to Barnett's Body Shop, and Joel quickly became very involved in industry affairs. "Joel's commitment to the SCRS means that he's on the road quite a bit, and it's my job to keep things on track from the front door to the back door," says Samantha.

"My brothers Jeff, Greg and I work together to manage our current locations. Working together as a team is the foundation of our success. "We take pride in the family business and work together to make it grow and meet our goals," said Samantha.

Samantha is currently a board member for the Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce. "Staying active in the community is very important to me and to our business," she says. "We support our local youth groups and organizations." Samantha is an active member of the Junior League of Jackson, working to develop the potential of women and improve the community through effective action and leadership. She recently completed a six-year commitment with the Madison Ridgeland Junior Auxiliary. The Loftons are also active members of the First Presbyterian Church of Jackson where their sons Corey, age 11, and Luke, age 5, attend school.

Carol Mock

 

Carol Mock followed her love into the collision repair industry. Love for her husband Johnny, that is. Carol and her husband Johnny own and operate Johnny Mock's Auto Body Shop in Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania. She brings a great deal of experience in the healing art of nursing to the collision repair business, and she finds the fields are quite similar. "There's a patient with the need for healing, and there's a very concerned family," Carol says. "In collision repair, it's our job to help our customers deal with the anxiety and uncertainties while we provide a top notch repair to the automobile."

A registered nurse, Carol started working at night and weekends to manage the books for her husband when he purchased a new facility to expand the business his father founded in 1942.

 

When John started talking about hiring an office manager, Carol jumped at the opportunity to work alongside her husband in a business that, like nursing, allows her to make a difference in people's lives.

"Women bring tremendous amount of intuition and strength to the business," says Carol, citing the qualities that led to her nomination as a Most Influential Woman. "Cars become like part of the family to many people. It's important to make the customer feel at ease enough to place complete confidence in us."

When John and Carol purchased an 8,000 square feet building in 1981, they started out by renting half of it to another tenant. By the end of the year, they had purchased framing equipment and expanded into the entire building. Ten years later they purchased the 14,000 square foot building next door, for a total of 22,000 square feet that generated a volume of $1.6 million in 2001.

When asked how they've managed all that growth, Carol compares the growing business to a growing family. "You're given a little at a time, and as you work through the complexities at every stage, you're better prepared to handle the next phase of growth."

Speaking of families, Carol says her two sons, now in their twenties, enjoyed growing up in the business. While Shawn, the oldest, helped run things in the office, younger son Jason would help sweep the floor and watch Dad work. Jason is currently very involved in the operation of the family business.

For the last twenty years, Carol has been extremely active in industry organizations. She was NACE First Lady in 1997 when John chaired the NACE Convention. She was deemed the First Lady of ASA National Convention in 1999, when her husband again acted as Chairman of the Board. Carol received her AAM in 1996. She served as the ASA National Ascettes Secretary in 1999 and 2000.

When she's not working, Carol enjoys being outdoors, whether she's playing golf or gardening. It's obvious how much she loves working and being with people. "For John and I, the collision repair business is an avenue for us to touch people in a positive way. We're always aware of the little miracles that remind us how wonderful our world really is," Carol says with a smile.