Progressive Auto Group, led by brothers Dan and John Whitton, acquired J&J Collision Repair in December 2024, a Sarnia-based shop operating since 1966. The owners completely renovated the facility with modern equipment for aluminum repairs, prep stations, and tracking software while maintaining high-quality, manufacturer-certified repair standards and adding apprenticeship opportunities.
- Progressive Auto Group purchased J&J Collision Repair in December 2024, a shop that had operated independently since 1966
- The facility underwent complete renovation including new prep stations, aluminum repair equipment, and Bodyshop Connect software for tracking repairs and customer communication
- J&J Body Shop emphasizes OEM repair procedures, quality control inspections by two staff members, and final cut and polish on all vehicles
- The shop has added two new positions and currently employs one apprentice, with plans to develop more as the business grows
- Customers receive real-time updates via email or text at every repair stage, and the shop maintains transparent communication with insurance partners
J&J Collision Repair Centre has operated as an independent collision repair shop since 1966. Media Matters recently had the privilege of speaking with Dan Whitton, president of Progressive Auto Group who purchased J &J Collision, along with his brother John Whitton last year in December 2024, and Mandii Oliver, the Collision Centre Manager of J&J Collision.
Collision Repair: Who is behind the new shop, and who was involved in bringing this location to life?
Dan Whitton: Myself and my brother, John Whitton. We own five car dealerships locally in the Sarnia area. A body shop wasn’t really on our radar at the time we purchased it. When we heard this one was available, in the location it was, with the reputation it had, we just felt that if there was a body shop that would be the right fit, this was the one.
CR: When did the shop officially open, and how long has the project been in development?
DW: The shop originally opened in 1966. We purchased it in December 2024. Not much had changed since it was originally opened, so we have almost completely renovated it inside and out.
CR: What prompted the decision to open a new collision repair facility, and what opportunities did you identify in the local market?
DW: The local collision repair market was fairly fragmented. We plan to bring the approach of customer service, fairness, and going above and beyond that has worked for us at our other businesses.
CR: How was the facility designed and equipped to meet today’s collision repair demands? Are there any notable investments in equipment, technology or repair capabilities?
Dan Whitton: The original building never had a prep station, so we installed one, got all the equipment for aluminum repairs, as well as installed a software system to track repair progress, productivity, and touch time.
CR: How will the opening benefit Sarnia-area drivers, and will it create new jobs or apprenticeship opportunities?
DW: We take a “treat people as we’d like to be treated approach”, so Sarnia area drivers can expect repair procedures to be followed, factory-trained body techs and painters performing the repairs efficiently and to high-quality standards. We’ve added two new positions since we opened, and now that we are out of the renovation phase, we can just focus on growth and maximization. We love to see young people develop. We currently have one apprentice working alongside our licensed techs and hope to develop more as we grow in the future.
CR: How will the shop approach repair quality, cycle time and communication with customers and insurance partners? What will distinguish its operations from other facilities in the region?
Mandii Oliver: At J&J Body Shop, our approach is built around quality workmanship, accountability, transparency, and keeping our customers informed throughout the entire repair process.
All repairs are completed in accordance with applicable OEM repair procedures and manufacturer specifications. Every vehicle receives a final cut and polish, and each completed repair undergoes a quality control inspection by two staff members to ensure our workmanship meets the high standards our customers expect.
We utilize Bodyshop Connect to monitor repair progress, track cycle times, and maintain consistent communication with our customers. At every stage of the repair process, customers receive updates by email or text message, based on their preferred method of communication. This ensures they remain informed about the status of their vehicle, upcoming milestones, and any changes that may affect the repair timeline.
We also prioritize clear and consistent communication with our insurance partners, ensuring that repair progress, supplemental damage, and any potential delays are addressed promptly.
What distinguishes J&J Body Shop is our combination of manufacturer-certified repair capabilities, attention to detail, experienced staff, and a personalized approach to customer service. We believe that delivering a quality repair is only part of the experience, keeping customers informed, building trust, and ensuring every vehicle leaves our facility meeting our quality standards are equally important.
CR: What are your goals for the shop over the next few years, and how does this location fit into the future of your business?
DW: The goal is to grow to become the major collision repair facility in Sarnia, while maintaining the highest levels of quality and customer service.
