Through growing a business from a one man show to a team of eight a decade later, Matt Bruce from MJB Bodyworks has learnt many lessons. One of the most important is learning how to build a trusted team.
Growing a business through quality craftmanship and a genuine passion for automotive are healthy indicators of a successful collision repair workshop, but fostering a great team can be the key to cementing its reputation in the community.
MJB Bodyworks, run by Matt Bruce in Maroochydore, Queensland has been nominated for a string of awards for being a well-run and respected workshop.
From being a one man show, repairing only four vehicles a week in 2011, to expanding the workshop and team size in 2024, MJB Bodyworks now employs eight people and repairs 25 vehicles a week. However, it is not the numbers that Matt focuses on. Instead, he has turned his attention to fostering a healthy environment in the workshop where ‘no job is beneath anyone’.
“I ran the business on my own for five years before I took on staff,” Matt says. “My main focus now is on the growth and function of the business.”
“I also enjoy working in the workshop with my team and helping out on the paint and panel side of things when needed.”
The workshop began in 2011 as a collision repair shop and a 4WD fabrication business in a 150suare metre workshop.
“I have always had a foot in smash repair work ever since I started my apprenticeship, but I wanted to mix it up a bit with doing my welding for 4WD fabrication,” Matt says.
“But with an expanding family and rapidly growing business it was time to focus on what my business needed to continue to grow and function, which was to focus on smash repairs.”
By 2024, the workshop expanded to 330 square metres and the team at MJB Bodyworks have never looked back.
After growing up around cars, boats and trucks, Matt has always had a keen interest in automotive.
However, it wasn’t until he bought his first car at age 16, that the interest in repair and remodelling began.
“My interest really started to kick off when I got to start tinkering away at bits and pieces of my own car,” Matt says.
After initially planning on going into the RAAF after high school, Matt leant into his interest in automotive and decided on a spray-painting apprenticeship instead.
“Luckily enough my boss at the time convinced me to also become a panel beater and I learnt spray painting later,” Matt says.
Rewarding moments
For Matt, defining a successful workshop is all about the people who you surround yourself with.
“Working with a group of people that genuinely enjoy working together enables us to function as a team, produce great results for the customer, and be satisfied with our job at the end of the day,” Matt says.
Having a team that enjoys their work, and is happy to be in the workplace greatly benefits the customer and their wellbeing.
Matt highlights customer care as the main strength at MJB Bodyworks.
“Our consistent customer care is something we are really proud of,” Matt says.
“We aim to treat all our customers as people and not as numbers. Our growth and success has been a result of our word-of-mouth referrals.”
“Knowing that a previous customer has referred someone to our business is a rewarding feeling as we know we are on the right track.”
The momentum from positive feedback and a growing business has resulted in a few memorable moments.
“My proudest moments are knowing that all the hard work I was putting in was paying off,” Matt says.
“Watching the installation of my first Full Down Draft Booth in August 2015, and then my second Draft Booth in 2021, were moments of great reflection.”
Learning and growing with the team
Since 2011, MJB Bodyworks has grown at a steady pace. One of the main lessons Matt has learnt along the way, is to lead by example.
“We have a team of people that enjoy working together,” Matt says.
“We can have a laugh together, yet knuckle down and get the job done. No job is beneath anyone including myself; leading by example is key.”
Every Monday morning the team at MJB Bodyworks has a ‘toolbox’ meeting where they discuss what everyone got up to on the weekend. Every morning they also have a meeting to discuss the days work requirements to ensure everyone is on the same page and aware of what is going on.
“I make sure there is always banter and good humour to start the day on a positive and enjoyable note. It isn’t all business and work talk,” Matt says.
Ensuring that there are facilities in the workplace to provide an opportunity for people to sit and chat has also been a key reason for a harmonious workplace.
“All staff get together at the same time for a lunch break in our kitchen/meeting area. We find it to be an organic way for people to communicate about work and their personal lives too,” Matt says.
“We also have a few social functions throughout the year where staff bring their partners.”
As the team has more than quadrupled since 2011, so has Matt’s leadership and people management skills.
“I have now learnt to acknowledge that my team members all have the ability to do their jobs at a great level,” Matt says.
“However hard it seemed in the early years, I had to ‘let go’ and let them do their job and not micro-manage.”
“I have an open door policy and I aim to be approachable. I want my staff to know they can raise any issue or suggestion they have.”
Carefully building his team together has resulted in having trusted employees that Matt looks upon with competence and satisfaction.
“I know that I can step back and the business can function without me being on the workshop floor every day,” Matt says.
“I can focus on the business’ growth, and I can even go away on holiday. I know that the business is in great hands and the day-to-day function will continue.”
Advice for repair shops
Collision repair workshops are often run by panel technicians who have been in the industry for decades. With decades of experience working on cars, Matt offers some advice for people looking to open a repair workshop of their own.
“Ensure you have a thorough understanding and knowledge of estimating,” Matt says.
Matt outlines how identifying your strengths and weaknesses is an asset to your business.
“You can be the best tradesperson and do a fantastic job but that doesn’t matter unless you’re getting paid correctly for the job.”
