MODERN TRADITION

From left to right: Gurdeep Dhaliwal, General Manager; Jason Sabatier, Controller; Dean Wetzlaugk, President; Michelle Borduzak, Vice President; and Jason Findley, Assistant Manager and Technical Director at Modern Auto Body.

EDMONTON’S MODERN AUTO BODY BLENDS FAMILY LEGACY WITH OEM-CERTIFIED PRECISION

When Dean Wetzlaugk stepped into a leadership role at Modern Auto Body in Edmonton, Alberta, he wasn’t handed a business—he earned his place in the family legacy through hard work and determination.

Founded in 1968 by his parents, Karl Heinz and Herta Wetzlaugk, Modern Auto Body was built on old-world craftsmanship and an unwavering commitment to quality. That foundation hasn’t changed in more than 50 years. What has evolved is the scale, sophistication and precision of the operation.

Today, Modern Auto Body operates in the same west Edmonton location that customers have come to know through generations of growth. Spanning more than 21,000 square feet, the shop is equipped with cutting-edge tools and technology, and holds Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) certifications from 10 major automotive brands— including some of the most exclusive and advanced vehicles on the road.

“We’re working on rolling computers, aluminum bodies, multi-layer paint finishes, carbon fibre panels and complex ADAS systems. Every car that comes through the door is a new challenge, and we’re ready for it.”

— Gurdeep Dhaliwal, General manager

“We’ve learned to be very efficient in our space,” says Dean. “Our customers appreciate our proximity to the dealerships and the convenience of a central location.”

“I grew up in the business—sweeping floors, washing cars, sanding parts. My dad had extremely high standards, and he expected the same from everyone around him,” says Dean. “That mindset shaped everything we’ve done since.”

Dean acquired his Alberta auto body technician licence at 19, just as the business was transitioning from handwritten estimates to digital platforms. Over time, he took on every aspect of shop operations—from parts ordering and appraisals to technician training and hiring. He had the vision to pursue OEM certification in multiple brands, ensuring Modern wouldn’t just be another body shop—but a premier collision repair centre known for excellence.

The shop steadily expanded in both capacity and capability, earning a reputation as the go-to shop for high-end, technologically complex vehicles.

Modern Auto Body now holds OEM certifications from Tesla, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Jaguar, Land Rover, Bentley, Lexus, Subaru and MINI. This elite list not only signifies repair excellence—it reflects the trust placed in Modern by OEMs and luxury dealers across Western Canada.

But Dean is quick to emphasize that these certifications are more than just badges of honour.

“We’ve always reinvested in doing things properly—OEM procedures, training, equipment and certifications. Not because it looks good on paper, but because it’s the only way to ensure safe, accurate repairs,” he says. “Repairing vehicles properly is both a technical job and a moral one. We owe it to our customers to fix their cars the right way—and to keep raising the bar while we’re at it.”

That moral foundation is most visible in Modern’s customer-first approach. When insurance companies push back on repair plans, Modern refuses to compromise.

“I grew up in the business—sweeping floors, washing cars, sanding parts. My dad had extremely high standards, and he expected the same from everyone around him. That mindset shaped everything we’ve done since.”
— Dean Wetzlaugk

“We stand behind our process and our workmanship—and that’s reflected in the trust our customers and dealership partners place in us,” Dean says.

This unwavering commitment has meant making difficult decisions. Unlike some competitors, Modern refuses to participate in Direct Repair Programs (DRPs), choosing instead to align fully with the vehicle owner and the OEM.

“You can’t be OEM certified and in a DRP at the same time. You either work for the insurer, or you work for the vehicle owner and the brand. We’ve made our choice,” says Dean. “OEM repair procedures are the only legitimate standard, and yet we’re constantly in situations where insurance appraisers refer to an ‘industry standard’ that isn’t documented anywhere. In my 42 years in the industry, I’ve never seen it. For Modern it’s all about consumer protection.”

Modern doesn’t just meet standards—it sets them. The shop is widely recognized for writing comprehensive, detailed appraisals that not only outline what will be done but also educate customers on why each procedure is required—providing critical consumer protection in the process.

That same thoroughness drives Modern’s sustainability efforts. By focusing on repair over replacement, using only OEM parts and materials, and leveraging techniques like paintless dent repair (PDR), the shop reduces waste and minimizes its environmental impact. General manager Gurdeep Dhaliwal, who came to Modern after years working for a luxury dealership service management, says that integrity is what drew him to the shop. “I saw the difference long before I joined,” says Dhaliwal. “No paint match issues, no complaints—just consistent, high-quality repairs, every time. Modern was clearly operating at a higher standard.” Building that standard has taken decades— and a relentless focus on culture.

“We’ve spent years building the right team,” Dean explains. “Early on, we realized it was more important to hire based on culture and attitude than just technical skills. That’s why we partner with local trade schools and apprenticeship programs—to find skilled individuals who align with our values and help them grow into highly-skilled professionals.”

This values-based hiring strategy has paid off. Modern’s staff retention ranks in the top 10 percent of small businesses of its size across Canada. With an average team age of 35, the shop has cultivated a young, skilled workforce that grows and succeeds together.

One-third of the team has been with the shop for 10 years or more. The longest-serving employee has clocked 27 years. Even those who’ve briefly left have returned—recognizing the rare culture they left behind.

Modern’s culture extends beyond the shop floor. The company is active in the local community, regularly supporting events like the Kids with Cancer Society’s Horsepower for Hope and sponsoring local charities and automotive clubs. Inside the shop, teambuilding activities include everything from pickleball and ski trips to Elks football games, laser tag and go-karting. Regular staff lunches and seasonal celebrations round out the employee experience.

The result? An average annual staff turnover rate of just 2.6 percent.

“Our culture isn’t an accident—it’s something we’ve cultivated intentionally. And it’s one of our greatest assets,” Dean says. As vehicles continue to evolve—especially in the luxury and EV segments—Modern is positioning itself for the future. The shop’s goal remains simple: to lead in safe, quality repairs by staying on the cutting edge of repair knowledge and technology.

“We’re not just fixing dents anymore,” says Dhaliwal. “We’re working on rolling computers, aluminum bodies, multi-layer paint finishes, carbon fibre panels and complex ADAS systems. Every car that comes through the door is a new challenge, and we’re ready for it.”

Looking ahead, the team is focused on expanding Modern’s footprint across Alberta. “There’s a real opportunity to bring Modern’s standards to more customers across the province,” says Dean. “But no matter how much we grow, the commitment stays the same—do it right the first time, every time.” In an industry often shaped by compromise, Modern Auto Body continues to raise the bar—one precise, principled repair at a time.

Dean also extends his gratitude to his business partner Michelle Borduzak, Modern’s exceptional management team and the talented employees who’ve helped build the shop’s success.