Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/495532
40 | MACON MAGAZINE APRIL/MAY 2015 ADVERTISING | Women IN BUSINESS How did you get started in the auto-repair business? I started working at Harrison's when I was 14, after school, during summer break and on Saturdays, because of the continued growth of our business. When I graduated from high school in 1984, I started working full time, learning all aspects of the business. I fell in love with vehicles and the art of making a damaged vehicle look beautiful again and the happiness that it brought to the vehicle's owner. The business became my passion. Tell us about the background of Harrison's. My father, John Harrison, started it in 1979. He relocated to Georgia from San Francisco because he wanted to be closer to his family. He was raised in Johnson County. The business picked up quickly and continued to grow. It's still going strong. His beliefs in doing a quality repair and standing behind your repair keep your customers coming back, because we know that accidents can happen. What are you most proud of about your business? I am proud that since 1991 when my father retired I have been able to keep the reputation of Harrison's going. A good business is all about the services your business performs. Customers have let us repair their vehicles, their children's vehicle and their grandchildren's vehicles. I love the fact they trust our craftsmanship. When a new customer comes to our facility and tells me they asked six of their friends where they should have their car repaired and all six told them Harrison's, it really makes me feel good. How does Harrison's stay ahead of its competition? Our philosophy is that we work with the vehicle owner. We are insurance friendly, but we look out for the customer's best interests first. Some insurance companies will try to persuade their policyholders to go to certain facilities that they do business with. Everyone involved in an accident has the right to take their vehicle to a repair facility of their own choice! We do quality repairs, give a great warranty, and we're a family-owned local business. Where would you like your business to be in five years? Harrison's wants to stay a leader in the community for collision repair. We pride ourselves in having great employees. Once they come to Harrison's they usually stay. Our average employment is 15 years. They become a part of the family. I also want to spend more time educating the public about the vehicle collision- repair process. 900 Clinton Road | Macon, GA 31211 harrisonbodyshop.com | 478.743.1594 KIM HARRISON HARRISON'S BODY AND GLASS SHOP Kim Harrison