Benson Collision Center in San Antonio, Texas, is nestled right in the middle of the Tom Benson Texas family of dealerships - Tom Benson Chevrolet, Benson Honda and Mercedes-Benz of San Antonio. This high-producing, well- equipped collision center is actually two shops in one. 

Benson Collision Center, San Antonio, Texas, performs the collision repairs for Tom Benson Chevrolet, Benson Honda and Mercedes-Benz of San Antonio - all nestled together in one large complex.

Joe Costanza (l), general manager of Mercedes-Benz of San Antonio, and Rusty Howell, manager of Benson Collision Center take a break from the company's Texas barbeque thrown to show appreciation for all the hard work of employees, agents, adjusters and families.

There are two complete shops on this 2-acre facility. One 10,000 sq. ft. facility is exclusively Mercedes-Benz and the other 10,000 sq. ft. facility is for all other makes and models. Benson Collision Center Manager, Rusty Howell, manages both complete collision repair shops under the Benson Collision Center sign.

"We have our Mercedes-Benz Certification plaque on the wall proudly displayed," states Howell. That is a well- earned designation bestowed by Mercedes-Benz to this shop that is the only Mercedes-Benz Certified Collision Repair Center in San Antonio. Benson Collision has invested in technology and training to do factory-approved repairs on the sophisticated new Mercedes-Benz models.

All aluminum repairs must be isolated and completed in a no-contamination environment. Benson recently installed a stand-alone booth for aluminum repair. Close to the aluminum repair booth is a tool box, under lock and key, with Mercedes-specific repair tools. They are mostly hand tools designed to finesse repairs. Wooden malettes are used in new Mercedes repair processes.

State-of-the-art facility

Although the Mercedes side might be more high profile, the rest of Benson Collision Center is running at the same level of commitment to a high-tech, state-of-the-art business. Benson Collision Center's nearly 25,000 sq. ft. of production space sits on a fenced 5-acre lot behind the dealerships. Ten collision technicians are trained on and using the Celette Bench, the new Car-O-Liner Vision System and Chief. Most production stalls are equipped with lifts, All technicians use the Mig welder and the Inverta-Spot welders. The shop uses a Hunter A111 four-wheel alignment system. For mechanical procedures, Ben-son's has a full-time certified mechanic in the collision repair shop.

The paint departments at this dual facility spray PPG and ICI, using two separate paint and mixing rooms. Mercedes sprays PPG Global, using the new ceramic clear. The other department uses ICI, also a PPG product. Two journeymen painters with five assistants move the cars through four booths. They use Spraybake, Garmat and Kayco heated downdraft booths. Two Kayco prep stations complete this area. Each department has its own mixing rooms.

Two separate offices support the management of this large facility. An office for Mercedes-Benz customers and an office for all the others. All estimators use CCC and the entire operation is managed with Mitchell's ABS. The Mercedes office has one full time estimator. Three estimators manage the work out of the main office. The reception area at Benson Collision Center has been recently remodeled to create a better experience for all their customers, designed and built by Howell and his wife, Jackie.

Moving up the ladder

This large operation is a great challenge and opportunity for manager, Rusty Howell, who started his collision repair career in high school. "My counselor in high school directed my path," reflects Howell. His counselor encouraged him to work in the industrial training co-op program. After high school, the training program placed him in the body shop at the Dallas Fire Department. "I fixed a lot of ambulances back then."

Howell speaks highly of his experiences moving up the ladder of success in the collision repair industry. His twenty years at Herb's Paint and Body in Dallas, mentored him into a general management position based on honesty, integrity and strong values. Howell is well known and respected by the collision repair industry in the state of Texas. His long-term industry involvement and industry savvy have kept him in good stead with both collision repairers and insurers.

Following in dad's footsteps

Jackie, Howell's wife of seven years, also hails from the collision industry. "She is one of the best service writers (estimators) in San Antonio," Rusty proudly states. "Jackie is in popular demand right now, but has chosen not to work full time in the industry." She is supporting her husband's new venture at Benson Collision. The collision business continues to run in the Howell blood. The Howell's youngest daughter, Katy, is also a service writer at Alamo Body and Paint in San Antonio. Older daughter, Stacy is the office manager at MedCareNow, in Plano, Texas. Before moving to Benson Collision, Howell was general manager at another large facility in San Antonio.