Schaefer Autobody Centers first participated in a luncheon on Tuesday, October 3, at the Missouri Athletic Club in Downtown St. Louis. During this event, Operations Manager Aaron Burchett accepted the award on behalf of Schaefer Autobody Centers. Notably, Schaefer Autobody was one of just nine companies from the St. Louis area to receive this accolade.

“These organizations are role models for other businesses and nonprofits in the community. They have truly committed themselves to BBB’s mission to advance marketplace trust, and are making a positive impact on their customers and communities.”

Michelle Corey, BBB St. Louis President and CEO

Additionally, on October 10, the leadership team of Schaefer Autobody Centers convened in Columbia, MO, for an additional “2023 TORCH Award for Ethics,” marking a double honor in a single year. The company, who recently celebrated its 38^th year in business, routinely gives back to the community by supporting St. Louis Children’s Hospital and holding regular donation events.

Julie Hemann, Business Development Director of Schaefer Autobody Centers, expressed her enthusiasm, remarking, “To receive this honor twice in one year is quite remarkable. Winning the ‘2023 TORCH Award for Ethics’ speaks volumes to the positive impact Schaefer Autobody Centers’ team members consistently deliver to customers, suppliers and one another.”

According to the Better Business Bureau, the TORCH Awards recognize organizations that exemplify high ethics. Winners are selected based on a comprehensive evaluation, including customer reviews, company culture and community impact, among other criteria. The BBB succinctly describes this recognition as putting “integrity into action,” a principle that Schaefer Autobody Centers consistently embodies. The company maintains an exceptional “A+” rating from the respected organization.

Aaron Burchett, Operations Manager at Schaefer Autobody Centers, expressed his gratitude, saying in a video introduction at the luncheon in St. Louis, “(This award) shows we’re not only meeting our standards, but we’re also able to extend reliability, trust and credibility to the customer base and community in which we serve.”

The achievements are not the first of their kind for Schaefer Autobody Centers. The regional auto body leader previously won the TORCH Award for Ethics in St. Louis in 2010 and Columbia in 2017. It’s worth noting that while there was no fee for the award application process, Schaefer Autobody Centers has been an active member of the BBB since 2001, holding the esteemed “Accredited” status since 2009.

About Schaefer Autobody Centers

Located in the St. Louis Metro Area and mid-Missouri, Schaefer Autobody Centers was founded in 1985 and operates 12 full-service collision repair facilities, two satellite locations and SOS Auto Glass & Calibration. Part of the Quality Collision Group of OEM-centric collision repair facilities, the company holds certifications for 13 auto manufacturers and takes pride in using OEM parts backed by a lifetime guarantee. Learn more about Schaefer Autobody Centers at www.schaeferautobody.com.

In speaking to the auto body shop’s employees, AAA Missouri’s MPR Team Manager Nick Rohde stated, “Out of 240 shops, you were in the top two percent. So, we just want to say, ‘thank you to all you do for us and our customers every day.’” Rohde was joined by AAA Missouri’s Unit Manager Jeff McSpadden, MPR Reinspector/APD Field Appraiser Jon Cochran and Claims Operations Group Manager Sherry VanBooven, along with Schaefer Autobody Centers’ Vice President Jaime Matthews and Operations Manager Aaron Burchett.

The inaugural program from AAA Missouri identifies Schaefer Autobody Centers’ Maplewood facility as the 5th best performing collision repair facility of 240 qualified shops by MSI (Member Service Index) and overall CCC scorecard. The St. Louis-based auto body shop was one of nine facilities selected by the MPR Program for outstanding performance in the first half of 2023.

“I’m incredibly proud of our Maplewood shop,” says Schaefer Autobody Centers’ Aaron Burchett. “They clearly understand ensuring customer satisfaction—alongside the fit, finish and safety of each vehicle—is our ultimate goal, and AAA Missouri’s recognition speaks to the team’s commitment.”

Schaefer Autobody Centers in Maplewood opened in July 2015 and employs 18 full-time workers. The repair facility is located at 7920 Jaguar Trails in St. Louis County, and carries OEM certifications for five automakers: BMW, Acura, Honda, Subaru and VW. Certifications ensure vehicle manufacturers trust and certify a facility to perform auto body repairs to factory standards.

The shop’s General Manager, Larry Crews, added, “Being recognized for acts we consider part of our job says a lot about the dedication of this team. Thank you, AAA Missouri for recognizing us.” 

AAA Missouri policies are accepted at all 14 Schaefer Autobody Centers locations in Missouri and Illinois. AAA Missouri serves multiple regions, including Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Southern Illinois, Southern Indiana, and Northeast Kansas. Its headquarters are in St. Louis, Missouri.

The leadership team at Schaefer Autobody partnered with Simpara, a local HR consulting firm, to develop their nationally recognized health plan. After a nominal paycheck deduction, employees can visit any in-network provider with $0 co-pays and $0 deductible. Hundreds of providers can be found on the plan’s website, with more being added weekly.

“We’ve long recognized our company’s biggest asset is our team members,” says Jaime Matthews, Schaefer Autobody‘s Vice President. “Being able to offer such an amazing health plan is a testament to our values, culture and support from our dedicated employees.”

The recognition is the second time in two years Schaefer Autobody Centers’ health plan has been recognized amongst America’s best. In 2022, Schaefer Autobody Centers was named a “Health Plan Hero” by Patients Rising in Washington D.C.

“Simpara is extremely proud to represent Schaefer Autobody in developing their award-winning health plan,” says Ashley Smith, VP of Client Success. “Health plans like Schaefer Autobody’s are changing employee’s expectations for healthcare and we’re thrilled to be part of the movement.”

A phenomenal health plan is one of many outstanding benefits Schaefer Autobody Centers offers team members. Employees also receive day one health, dental and vision coverage; a 5% 401(k) match; PTO accrual starting on date of hire; generous referral bonuses and industry-leading compensation. To learn more about careers opportunities at Schaefer Autobody Centers, please visit www.schaeferautobody.com/careers.

About Schaefer Autobody Centers

Located in the St. Louis Metro Area and mid-Missouri, Schaefer Autobody Centers was founded in 1985 and operates 12 full-service collision repair facilities, two satellite locations and SOS Auto Glass & Calibration. Part of Quality Collision Group’s national network of repair centers, Schaefer Autobody Centers holds certifications for 13 auto manufacturers and takes pride in using OEM parts backed by a lifetime guarantee. Learn more about Schaefer Autobody at www.schaeferautobody.com.

I-CAR’s News Release Announcing the Award

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL, November 3, 2021 – I-CAR^®, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, announced the 2020 recipient of its annual Russ Verona Memorial I-CAR Award that recognizes one collision repair shop for advancing technical education and professionalism in the collision repair industry. 

The Russ Verona Memorial Award, honoring an I-CAR Gold Class^® shop that actively promotes technical training and a positive image for the collision repair industry, was awarded to Schaefer Autobody Center in Webster Groves, MO. Recognized as Gold Class since May 2006, the Webster Groves location is one of 12 owned by Scott Schaefer, President and Owner. The shop promotes the I-CAR Gold Class designation to customers, insurance agencies, area schools and employees. According to Scott, “Our collision repair accreditations and certifications (over 17) are the result of passion for collision repair, customer experience, and diligence towards every auto repair.”

The shop has been a long-standing South Central Region Committee Member for the St. Louis I-CAR Committee, and since 2006 has supported the St. Louis I-CAR CREF Job Fair by volunteering to organize and help run the event, paying out-of-pocket costs to ensure success, and promoting the industry and I-CAR by having over 750 active high school and college students, instructors and administrators wear I-CAR shirts throughout the day at the event. Schaefer Autobody also works  directly with high school and college collision programs, as well as volunteers to promote collision repair jobs in the industry for a non-profit organization, Women in Automotive and Collision.

They also are involved in fundraising and raising donations to the Children’s Hospital and National Auto Body Council (NABC) Recycled Rides. With the recycled rides, Schaefer Autobody work with the Joshua Chamberlin Society to find retired military servicemen and women that have been injured in combat and need reliable transportation to support their families.

“I-CAR is proud to recognize and honor Scott for his deep commitment to training that supports the development of the next generation of collision repair industry professionals,” said John Van Alstyne, I-CAR CEO & President. “This industry champion recognizes the importance and benefits of training, knowledge and education in helping to deliver complete, safe and quality repairs for the ultimate benefit of the consumer.”

About I-CAR:  Founded in 1979, I-CAR is a not-for-profit education, knowledge, and solutions organization designed to support the evolving needs of the Collision Repair Inter-Industry. I-CAR is focused on improving the quality and safety of auto collision repair for the ultimate benefit of both the industry and the consumer. 

Learn more about Schaefer Autobody Center’s certifications and accreditations, and how these recognitions make us a trusted certified collision repair center.