There is a worsening talent crisis in the automotive repair industry. Some experts say that passion is the answer.
With so much talk in the automotive industry about the rise of EVs, driverless technology, and labor strikes, one major problem is going generally overlooked: auto shops nationwide are suffering as a result of a growing talent shortage. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported nearly 70,000 vacancies in the industry, many of which are in high-skill positions. The ramifications of this are being felt throughout the industry, but no one is feeling it more acutely than the customer, who is paying nearly 20% more for even minor repairs than they were only 2 years ago.
Experts are torn on how to solve this issue, though the consensus is that the inflation rate will slow as lingering supply chain issues are corrected, though the labor market will likely remain in a stunted state even then. Others, like Denver-area automotive expert Shane Forbis, are more optimistic, suggesting that passionate work and devotion to the craft are the only answers in the face of this crisis.
Forbis is a car enthusiast and restoration specialist with over 30 years of experience - a passion that has carried him through a career that many others have been hesitant to adopt in recent years. His dedication to the industry led him to open a new shop - Complete Car Care Auto Body Shop Plus - which he explains is the culmination of a life-long love of cars and a dedication to the craft of auto body repair.
He and his team are offering a full catalog of bodywork services, either for cosmetic or collision repair purposes. Interior and exterior repairs are also available, including reupholstery, detailing, headlight restoration, waxing, and more. The team also offers color matching for classic car restorations to help owners maintain authentic, factory-quality exteriors.
The grand opening of Complete Car Care comes after a significant spike in interest in the classic car community swept the greater Denver in the past several years following an infusion of cash from new residents pouring in from out of state. The metro area is largely considered to be one of the most car-dependent places on the planet, and as such has attracted car lovers of all types as of late.
It is perhaps not surprising, then, that the car repair and auto body industries are expected to grow by a significant margin in the Denver area and beyond in the next 5 years, offering a substantive opportunity for passionate locals to follow in Forbis' footsteps. While this pattern is not likely to be replicated nationwide, it is a snapshot of the kind of ground-up support that may be required to save faltering industries in 2025 and beyond.
Shane Forbis has said that he is proud to serve the burgeoning community of Arvada, sharing his passion with those who have dedicated themselves to keeping a part of automotive history alive. He is also eager to assist the local people in restoring their cars, regardless of model year, to factory-new status.
Forbis' shop can be reached at (720) 803-3483 to make an appointment. A gallery of Shane’s work as well as a full breakdown of the custom pricing model used at the shop can be found on the company's website.
