MISSION STATEMENT
Quality, state-of-the-art repairs. Intelligent, professional service.
We respect out internal customers, our employees, in the same manner as
we respect our external customers. There are virtually no limits which
we will go to satisfy and exceed our customers expectations. We will
deliver excellence in our product and cam a fair and reasonable profit
in return. We shall reinvest these profits in necessary training and
equipment in order to provide our customers the very finest repairs in
the most timely manner. All the aforementioned shall insure the
continued growth and perpetuity of our business and continued service to
our community.
CORPORATE PROFILE
Erie-LaSalle Body Shop and Car Care - "Quality, state-of-the-art
repairs since 1934." Established and located at the same unique
downtown location for 68 years. Erie-LaSalle is the longest continuously
owned repair service of its kind in the city of Chicago and the state of
Illinois. Family owned and operated, Erie-LaSalIe offers unparalleled
quality, service and convenience to both city dwellers and suburbanites,
offering complimentary shuttle service to all downtown destinations.
Free vehicle pickup and delivery, super fast repair cycle time and
lifetime guarantees on all repairs. We have over 25 certified
technicians on staff 6 days a week for our customers’ convenience.
Insurance and fleet claim handling is our specialty with a highly
trained office staff with many years experience to guide you through the
claims process. Erie-LaSalle enjoys many direct repair relationships
with better insurance and accident management companies. With our highly
computerized network we arc able to directly link digitally with our
insurance and fleet repair partners transferring information, repair
estimates and digital photos to claims offices worldwide in a matter of
minutes. Intelligent, professional service is our pledge to our valued
customers - now and for the next 68 years.
STAFFING
- A bilingual front desk customer service assistant
- Five Estimators to ensure quick/accurate damage analysis
- Ten Metal Reconstruction Craftsmen
- Three European Trained Refinish Technicians
- Six Paint Preparation Specialists
- Three Automotive Detailing Technicians
- One Certified Mechanical Technician
SERVICES & EQUIPMENT
Erie-LaSalle Body Shop and Car Care’s primary services include full
collision reconstruction, steel and aluminum bodywork and painting.
Additionally, Erie-LaSalle handles full collision-related mechanical,
certified air conditioning, deployed air bag diagnosis/replacement and
realignment of suspensions.
SHOP FLOOR: 4,000 Square feet with 12 bays. Equipment includes:
- Caroliner Bench Racks -2
- Caroliner Speed Rack -1
- Caroliner Measuring Systems -2
- 311W MIG Welders
- 1 ARC Resistance Welder
- R12 and 134 A/C Recycle Machines
- Forward and Above Ground Lift
PAINT FACILITY: 4,000 Square feet with 8 bays Equipment includes:
I Spraybake Downdraft Paint Booth
5 Garmat Charcoal Prep Stations
1 JRT Infrared Heat Lamps
Computerized Spies Hecker Paint System
Uniram Solvent Recycler - EPA Approved
COMPUTER SYSTEMS:
Auto Quote Total Management System
Windows based network with Novell Local Area Network (LAN)
A.D.P. Estimating software (electronic "P-Page" logic)
CCC Pathways Estimating System (electronic "P-Page" logic)
Photo imaging and digital imaging hardware and software
Enscra Internet Management System
Computcnzed material inventory control
Soon: Auto Watch Internet System
Robert Gottfred - Owner
Thirty years experience in collision repair business
Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) - I of only 2 AAM’s in Chicago
Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance 1972
Accredited High School Teaching Credentials
Second Generation Owner
Three Children - 1 currently in business. 2 in university
Memberships:
River North Association -Board of Directors (RNA)
Greater North Michigan Avenue Association (GNMAA)
Automotive Service Association (ASA)
Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS)
Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Illinois (AASPI)
City Club of Chicago
Hobbies:
Golf, Tennis, Fitness, Youth Sports
Jim Gottfred - Assistant Manager
Bachelor of Science Degree - Business Management 2001
8 Years in business - third generation
Accredited Shoplink Estimator
ICAR Certified
Quality Control Specialist
Hobbies:
Golf. Weightlifting, Music
Greg Valos - Manager
Thirty-one years experience with Erie-LaSalle
Experienced Auto Body Technician
JCAR Certified
Accredited ADP Shoplink / Photolink Estimator
Accredited CCC Pathways Estimator
Married -3 Children
Hobbies: Music, Magic, Entertaining
Manny Cantu – Customer Service Advisor
Six Years with Erie-LaSalle
ICAR Certified
Accredited ADP Shoplink Estimator
Accredited CCC Pathways Estimator
Married -3 Children
Hobbies: Computers, Sports, Biology, Youth Sports Activities
Ulysses (Chris) Gissendanner – Customer Service
Ten years experience in collision repair business
ICAR Certified
Accredited ADP Shoplink Estimator
Accredited CCC Pathways Estimator
3 Children
Hobbies: Basketball. Music
Steven Arito - Customer Service Advisor
Thirty Two years experience in collision repair business
Sixteen years experience as estimator with large insurance company
Experience Body Shop manager
Experience auto body technician mid painter
ICAR Certified
Accredited Mitchell Estimator
Married -2 Children
Hobbies: Home Improvements. Sports, Cooking, Fine Dining
Edward Drab, Jr. - Customer Service Administrator
Thirteen years experience in administration with large insurance
company
Lead Office Administrator
Past management experience
Hobbies: Pets, Gardening, Home Improvement
Brandon Heintz - Production Manager
Ten years in collision repair industry - 4 with Erie-LaSalle
ICAR Certified
ASE Certified
Hobbies: Motorcycles, Fitness. Volleyball
Rob Baker - Assistant Production Manager
Five years in collision repair business
Sikkens Certified
Hobbies: Basketball, All Sports
David Moss- Customer Service Advisor
Twenty Five years in automotive industry
Certified ADP Estimator
Hobbies: Golf, Weightlifting, Fitness
MEMBERSHIPS AND ASSOCIATIONS (partial listing)
Automotive Service Association of Illinois (ASA)
Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Illinois (AASPI)
Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS)
River North Association (RNA)
Greater North Michigan Avenue Association (GNMAA)
Automotive Customer Relations Bureau (ACRE)
City Club of Chicago
Certifications (partial listing)
Illinois Licensed Auto Body Repair Facility #9610
I-CAR trained staff
Shoplink trained facility
CCC Trained
Ensera Trained
Direct Repair Facility for Major Insurers
Direct Repair Facility for Major Fleet Companies
Natonal Auto Dealers Ascociation Member (NADA)
ACRB Certified