Your next opportunity is waiting for you
The Saskatchewan Association of Automotive Repairers (SAAR) are as passionate about their province as they are about the bodywork business. In this second installment of Collision Repair’s Saskatchewan Shop Spotlight, we’re looking at Tisdale’s Twisted Metal Custom Collision and Cruisers CARSTAR in Moose Jaw—right where your next opportunity may lie.
The quaint communities of Saskatchewan have plenty to offer, from extensive local recreation programs to outdoor adventures, fishing—and low housing costs. Anyone technicians or refinishers seeking a change of pace—and to save some serious cash—should consider a future in Saskatchewan.
DON’T GET IT TWISTED
Twisted Metal Custom Collision in Tisdale
If you’re an autobody repairer or refinisher with a knack for fishing and an active lifestyle, Kurt Johnson may have just the opportunity for you.
Johnson, the owner of Twisted Metal Custom Collision in Tisdale, Saskatchewan, manages a small family-oriented team out of its SGI-accredited repair facility, where the team is “like family,” he says. The shop fixes all cars, from old to brand-new; the team never has to handle the larger jobs, like RVs and semis. Johnson also offers his long-time autobody expertise on the shop floor, overseeing estimating and serving as a full-time painter.
As for the local lifestyle, there’s not much the outdoors enthusiast can complain about. Tisdale is a mere stone’s throw away from some of the best fishing spots in North America and offers plenty of things to do.
“Just a little north of us, you’ll find trophy walleye and northern pike fishing in the Saskatchewan River and Tobin Lake, known across North America as one of the top fishing spots.”
Tisdale has anything a family needs: a full-service hospital and two schools; a dentist, chiro and an optometrist; not to mention a newly-built skatepark, a sprawling golf course and a thriving recreation centre for the kids—or all ages—to enjoy. “Houses cost anywhere from $150,000 and up with a median price of $250,000. Lots are also available for purchase,” says Johnson.
JOIN THE CRUISERS CREW
Cruisers CARSTAR in Moose Jaw
There is a good reason Cruisers CARSTAR manager Brock Paul has stuck with the facility for the last 16 years. The Moose Jaw-based facility offers a tight-knit team environment, excellent workplace culture and plenty of recreational activities all around town. With a Sask Polytech campus in the community, young automotive repairers and refinishers in training have access to top-notch classes, tools and accreditation opportunities from renowned instructors. The cost of homes is another attractive selling point.
“You can find beautiful homes for a fraction of the cost you’ll see in the city centre,” says Jarred Henrikson, owner of Cruisers CARSTAR. “The city itself has a population of about 36,000 people, but if you like smaller communities, there are lots of little groups and new neighbourhoods popping up all Perhaps Moose Jaw’s greatest selling point, though, is the weather. Contrary to what some Canadians may believe, the city averages about 2,338 sunshine hours each year. For comparison, Toronto averages about 2,066 hours of sun per year—meaning, when calculated, the GTA sees nearly 30 fewer sunny days than Moose Jaw annually. That gives you lots of time to peruse the city’s many walking trails.
Cruisers CARSTAR currently employs six staff on the production floor. “It’s a fantastic grew to work for. A good mix of experienced journeypersons in the back and a couple of young techs. We all get along and treat each other with respect—it’s just a great family feel.”
