Making sure the workplace is an environment where your staff can thrive is essential for high staff retention. Willmot Smash Repairs has managed to balance a healthy workplace with business efficiency and grow into a major independent business.
Running a collision repair business in Cairns, Helena Willmot and Wes Jenkins have found their own ‘slice of paradise’.
Both Helena and Wes are true locals of Cairns, ‘born and bred’ in the city, they both love the tropical climate and what it has to offer.
After a stint in Mount Isa and multiple jobs branching out into the world of accounting and property development, Helena Willmot and her husband, Wes Jenkins took the reins of Willmot Smash Repairs in 2016.
Helena Willmot is now the managing director of Willmot Smash Repairs and is in charge of “all the back end fun stuff”.
The workshop is equipped to repair 100 vehicles per week, from small crashes to major jobs, Willmot Smash Repairs has a team of 37 employees that help run a high turnover of vehicles.
With a high retention rate of staff, Willmot Smash Repairs aims to set up each individual for success. This notion is something they learned from Allan Willmot, Helena’s father, who was the original owner of Willmot Smash Repairs.
Passing the torch
Willmot Smash Repairs was founded in 1977 by Allan Willmot. Growing the business each decade, by 1997, the workshop had expanded with an additional shed for panel beating and the implementation of two drive through spray booths.
In 2016, Allan Willmot handed the baton over to his daughter, Helena Willmot and she hasn’t looked back since.
“Allan taught me many lessons, but there are a few that stick out the most,” Helena says.
“Looking after your staff, and always re-investing back into the business are notions he instilled in me.”
“Also, being at the forefront of the industry to combat the ever-changing technology and requirements is a must.”
When Helena and Wes took over the business, there were 8 staff in the workshop including themselves.
Helena and Wes took the business to the next level in 2017 with a new state of the art facility in a 1800m2 renovated shed.
“2017 was the boldest year for our business to date,” Helena says.
“When we built the new workshop at 136 Newell Street, we knew on the first day that it was something special.”
“This move allowed us to have both paint and panel under the one roof. It’s been great for efficiency.”
“Everything fell into place and worked like a Swiss watch. The space filled with life before our eyes.”
In 2023, Willmot Smash Repairs expanded further with another purpose built shed directly opposite the existing workshop.
“This enabled us to split work types into different buildings. We have found it has increased throughput,” Helena says.
High staff retention
With a passion for automotive starting from the get-go, the Willmot’s are always looking for ways to improve the business. Embracing change and addressing it face on is what gives Willmot Smash Repairs an advantage in the industry.
“I was born and bred into the industry, so I knew what I was getting into from the onset,” Helena says.
“I love how many curve balls it can throw at you and how exciting and forever evolving it is.”
Defining a successful workshop is different for every business owner. Success can be determined in terms of profit, size, customer feedback, or award wins. For Helena, the success revolves around the team in the workshop.
“Having staff that are simply proud of the work they do, is when I feel most successful when operating the workshop,” Helena says.
“Having a team around you that genuinely wants to see the business succeed is a major win and how we define success at Willmot Smash Repairs.”
Helena also cites their staff as the main strength of the business.
“Our staff, the culture we promote and the passion we all have for the industry all mixes together to create our unified strength as a business and as a team,” Helena says.
Maintaining a cohesive workplace where people want to continue to work at everyday is a priority at Willmot Smash Repairs.
“We aim to give our staff the space and time to grow as individuals in their roles,” Helena says.
“We also include our staff in the goals of the business. We want everyone to feel as though we are all achieving success and milestones together.”
Helena Willmot believes part of staying up to date with the industry, also means training and investing in the next generation of panel beaters and spray painters.
“We have seven current apprentices, one is doing a dual trade, two are in paint and four are in panel,” she says.
“One of our apprentices is due to be signed off next month which is very exciting.”
“We have found that our staff retention is high. We really try to set up each individual to succeed and feel part of the community here.”
Room for improvement
Although the team at Willmot Smash Repairs has celebrated expansion, growth, and high staff retention rates, they still look for areas of improvement across their workshop system.
“Implementing efficient systems in every department is something we are focussing on this year,” Helena says.
“We are also always making sure our staff have a career progression and room to grow within the business.”
Creating efficient systems also means preparing for the evolution of the automotive landscape. Willmot Smash Repairs has been a Tesla accredited repairer for a number of years.
“Working on EVs is a continual re-investment into training, tooling and equipment,” Helena says.
“We are committed to staying ahead of the curve.”
Outside of the workshop
But it’s not all business at Willmot Smash Repairs. Living in Cairns, the Willmot’s like to take full advantage of the year-round warmth and sun.
“The business takes up a lot of our time, but we wouldn’t have it any other way,” Helena says.
“Outside of work, we love game fishing and hanging out with our three beautiful dogs.”
With lifelong interests in automotive, Helena and Wes have their passion of cars running alongside their business.
“We give up some of our spare time to the Cairns Speedway in hopes to grow the local club,” Helena says.
“It would be fantastic to see it grow and become a successful club for the community.”
Champions for the industry,
Helena Willmot fully embraces the complex nature of owning a repair shop.
“It can be the most exciting, challenging thing you can do to own and run a bodyshop,” Helena says.
“But it is so rewarding.”
Helena and Wes are continuing to look forward in 2025 and growing the business further.
“This year we will continue to grow our staff and ensure we have the happiest and healthiest crew we possibly can.”
