Insurer-friendly

Benson Collision and Howell are insurance-company friendly. "We must have a good partnership with the insurance companies," he emphatically states. "If not, you may as well close up the doors." Howell enjoys his relationships and works well with his insurance partners. "We have successful working direct repair relationships with USAA, State Farm, Farmers and Nationwide." In addition to dealership referrals, insurer direct repair relationships, Benson Collision also advertises on TV. Howell sees an industry shift: "We started with independents then moved to consolidators, now I see the collision repair business going to dealerships."

Company philosophy

According to the company website, "Tom Benson ...is proud to have had the pleasure of serving the southwest Texas for over 50 years. We believe that our customers are what make us who we are. We value your service." Tom Benson has several dealerships throughout Texas and Louisiana. And, by the way, he also owns the New Orleans Saints NFL football organization.

In appreciation for everyone's hard work at Benson Collision, Howell recently had a Texas barbeque for his employees. Included in this celebration were agents and adjusters. Everyone is part of the family at Benson Collision.

Howell's business philosophy is a match with this dealership. The commitment to the customer at Benson Collision is clear. For example, a customer who winters in San Antonio needed to be back in Massachusetts for Easter. Howell takes care of his customers. "I had them home in plenty of time."

Benson Collision Center is in a growth mode. Howell respects and enjoys his relationship with Dealership General Manager Joe Costanza. Howell sees this working relationship as a great strategy for long-term success.

All of this, coupled with a lot of very hard work, will achieve that success. Howell has come a long way from riding bulls in Mesquite, Texas. He now rolls up his sleeves and gets to work early, stays late and works on Saturday. "I am very encouraged to be part of Benson Collision. I am covered up with work," smiles Howell. "I am absolutely loving life right now!"

Janet Chaney has served in many facets of the collision repair industry. She is now looking after the best interests of her clients from Cave Creek, Arizona. E-mail her at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it