Karle Coachwork Inc. I am the Manager.
What do you do there and/or what are you responsible for?
I am responsible for everyday operations of the body shop and front office.
How long have you been doing this kind of work (total)? How long on the Westside?
I have been in/around this business my whole life, so 37 years. This is a family business that my father started in 1970. Originally he started Karle Coachwork Inc. in a one-bay garage in Woodland Park. In 1971 he built a five-bay shop in Green Mountain Falls. Then in 1987 he moved his business to where it stands now on Pecan Street.
What do you like best about it (other than quitting time)?
We have a great customer base and try to make every customer's repair process a positive experience. We have many repeat customers; some go back 37 years to when we first started. They are what keeps me coming in every day.
If you could change one thing (other than pay), what would it be?
If I could change one thing, I guess I wish the days were longer – so I could spend more time with my family. It would also be nice to buy a winning Lotto ticket instead of getting those losing numbers.
What part of your work did your training/education never prepare you for?
While going through education or training, you always seem to be able to get your work done and in on time. In real life it is more of a revolving door that never stops and never takes a pause. There is always work to be done.
What makes working on the Westside special?
My biggest plus is being so close to my home and the mountains. The mountains are magnificent and the people are awesome. Having a small town on the edge of a big city gives everything a person would need
“What do you do?” is a regular feature in the Westside Pioneer. If you know someone who has an interesting job on the Westside (but doesn’t live here), he/she might be a candidate for this column! If you know someone who might qualify, give us a call at 471-6776.
