James and Kellie Michel with their team. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.comLos Alamos natives Kellie and James Michel opened KJM Auto Body and Glass, LLC in August at 195 Knecht St.
They employ four mechanics and average 10 repairs per week ranging from small fender benders to full collision repairs. In addition to body work, services include glass repair, window replacement and pit repair, paintless dent repair, headlight restoration, water spot removal from paint and glass and spray-in bed liners.
James and Kellie Michel
“I like cars … I was raised around a lot of cars between my uncles and my mom … I took auto mechanics in high school and worked at Napa for a while,” Kellie said. “I like vehicles and I like customer service and in owning this business I have the best of both worlds. A lot of people don’t know what to do when they‘ve had an accident so to be able to walk them through each step is rewarding. ”
Kellie managed Quality Auto Body for five years, which operated in the same location. She and James purchased equipment from the company when it closed down.
James described his favorite thing about owning this business.
“A car is an enormous investment and when someone gets into an accident – we like to see how happy they are when we return their car to them in its original condition,” he said.
The Michels explained that they use an ultra-modern estimating system that communicates with insurance companies to provide a seamless service for their customers.
“I did the research and discovered that 90 percent of insurance companies were using this system so I chose it for our company,” Kellie said. “We want everyone to know that we welcome insurance work and we warranty all of our work.”
The Michels met when they attended Aspen Elementary School and remained friends through high school.
“I used to eat lunch with James at his mom’s house,” Kellie said, adding that she actually began dating James in 2009 and married him in 2010. “Now our two daughters go to Aspen.”
KJM Auto Body and Glass is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For information, call 505.662.0787 or visit the company’s Facebook page here.
