Business: Admiration Auto Body
Address: 11893 E. 14th Ave., Aurora
Hours: 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday
Founded: 2007
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Employees: 7
Interview with Nadia Lopez, owner
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: I started when I was 16. My soccer coach at the time was a body shop foreman and I started working for him in that shop, learning as I went. I opened up my own business in Aurora because I found a small shop that I knew wouldn’t be overwhelming and I didn’t want to be married to the insurance companies.
A: I think the quality is controlled a little bit more in a smaller shop. I pretty much get my hands on every car that’s in here and so there’s a lot of control and nothing gets lost in the shuffle. I get to personally meet every customer and I don’t treat them as if they’re a number. I treat them as a client for life and establish a personal relationship with them. I think that connection is important in this business.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: I love working with people. I’m really not that into cars. I obviously enjoy fixing them, but every person has a story and I love being able to take the time to listen to that story. It’s always informing and helps you grow as a person.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
:Honestly, I wouldn’t say we have any challenges. We operate at max capacity and we stay busy year-round. I have a great staff and I feel really blessed. I don’t feel like there are a lot of challenges in this business for me. It’s a pretty perfect situation.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: I do think that this business being owned and operated by a woman changes the dynamics of what the industry has always looked like in the past. I find it most interesting when people come in and tell me to go get the boss and I tell them ‘Well, you’re looking at her.’ I would say 80 percent of people who come in are shocked that I’m the owner. We do things a little differently, and I make it a point to personally thank every customer who comes in for the opportunity to do business together. It’s important because they do have a lot of options, and the insurance companies do a wonderful job of steering work to their preferred vendors, so when they’re able to go online and see that we have five-star reviews. it does make a significant difference.