When John Melendez was just 8 years old, his “job” at his dad’s body shop was simple: pick up tools, clean them, and put them back in their place. It wasn’t a role he particularly enjoyed — until “The Karate Kid” hit theaters. Suddenly, the monotony of “wax on, wax off” didn’t seem so pointless.
“That order and discipline gave me a foundation,” Melendez said. “I began to understand tools, sizes, systems — and it stuck with me.”
What started as reluctant chores became the groundwork for a career rooted in craftsmanship, learning and leadership. Today, Melendez is not only a second-generation shop owner but also a passionate advocate for education and innovation in the collision repair industry.
Growing Up in the Shop
Melendez’s journey into the collision repair industry began when his father purchased a body shop in 1973. Living next door, Melendez practically grew up surrounded by paint fumes, frame machines and the rhythm of the shop floor. By his teenage years, he was already part of the day-to-day operations.
One night when he was 16, he pulled a prank that still makes him laugh. Coming home late, he spotted his dad and a friend working to fill a semi tire — a delicate job that requires focus and care. Seizing the opportunity, Melendez kicked the garage door hard, sending both men diving to the ground in fright.
“I laughed so hard it was worth the punishment,” he admitted. That mischievous streak aside, the shop instilled in him a lifelong dedication to hard work and hands-on learning.
The Power of Certifications and Communication
Looking back on his career, Melendez said the most rewarding achievement has been earning OEM certifications. “Coupled with my commitment to continued education, they’ve given me a competitive edge,” he said. Certifications, in his view, are more than credentials — they represent a shop’s promise to customers that their vehicles are being repaired with precision and care.
He’s equally committed to communication, which he considers one of his most important “tools.” Whether with team members, customers or business partners, he believes trust and clarity come from dialogue.
“People joke that I have the ‘gift of gab,’” he said. “But really, it’s about making the effort to understand before being understood. That’s been huge for my success.”
It’s advice he carries into every corner of his work, and something he wishes more newcomers to the field would embrace. “Be a sponge,” he advised. “Take advantage of every educational opportunity — workshops, seminars, estimating platforms, associations and I-CAR training. If you keep learning, the opportunities will come.”
Dream Projects: From Muscle Cars to the Classroom
Like many car people, Melendez has a dream restoration project in the works: a 1967 Camaro RS with a big block and updated tubular C6 suspension. “It’ll drive as good as it looks,” he said.
But his vision extends beyond his own garage. He’s also dedicated to sparking interest in collision repair among young people. To that end, he developed CCPAC (Collision Career Pathways Awareness Curriculum), a program designed for high schools with limited space and budgets.
Instead of requiring full-size shop facilities, CCPAC uses modular props that bolt to the ground, giving students hands-on exposure to real-world collision concepts. Paired with I-CAR Academy’s disassembly and reassembly badges, the program introduces students to technical skills and the science behind repair work.
“It’s a home run for schools that want to open doors to this trade,” Melendez said. “It’s about awareness — showing kids there are viable, exciting career paths here.”
Passion for the Future
What keeps Melendez motivated isn’t just the cars — it’s the industry itself, and especially the people who keep it alive. He thrives on helping independent shop owners stay competitive in a landscape dominated by consolidation and rapid change.
“Being that niche business with the ability to repair cars of today and tomorrow keeps me passionate,” he said. “But what really drives me is helping single shop operators succeed.”
He’s quick to point out that not all shops are created equal, a misconception he’d like to set straight. “People think all body shops are the same. They’re not. Training, certifications, equipment, philosophy — it all varies. Collision repair is not ‘one size fits all.’”
That perspective reflects his broader philosophy: collision repair is about discipline, education and passion. More than just repairing sheet metal, it’s about restoring trust, safety and confidence for the families who rely on their vehicles every day.
And when he’s not in the shop or mentoring the next generation? He’s still a car guy at heart. His favorite automotive movie remains “Days of Thunder,” and he jokes that it’s still on his bucket list to rent a car with full-blown insurance coverage and return it just barely in one piece.
“Maybe one day,” he said.
Conclusion
From sweeping tools as a boy to creating pathways for future technicians, Melendez has lived every chapter of collision repair. His story is one of legacy and leadership, but also of innovation — bridging the old-school grit of his father’s shop with the new technologies and training that define today’s industry.
For Melendez, it’s simple: collision repair isn’t just a business. It’s a lifelong commitment to craftsmanship, communication and community. And if he has his way, the next generation will carry that same torch forward, one repaired car, one restored Camaro, and one inspired student at a time.
Leona Scott