D&W Auto Body Supplies Ltd. is marking its 40th anniversary this month, celebrating its long-standing role serving collision repair shops since opening April 1, 1986, in Guelph, Ont.
Founded in Guelph by Jack Diamond and Jerry Waechter, the company began as a small operation on Speedvale Avenue with limited customers and resources, but a clear focus on supporting local repairers.
“It was a small operation, we didn’t have a customer base, nor a vendor trust,” said Rob Waechter, son of co-founder Jerry Waechter, who now helps lead the company alongside his brother, Jason Waechter.
Rob and Jason grew up around the business, spending time in the shop from a young age before eventually joining the company. After Diamond’s passing roughly four years in, their father continued operating the business, with Jason officially joining in 1993 and Rob following in 2000.
Like many independent jobbers, the company faced early challenges earning the trust of suppliers.
“There were supply chain issues starting out, and vendors can be hesitant when you’re new,” Rob explained. “The more trust we earned from them, the better distribution and pricing options were available to us.”
As the business found its footing, it also had to adapt to rapid changes in collision repair technology. From lacquer paints in its early days to enamel systems and now waterborne coatings, evolution has been constant.
“A lot has changed since the 1980s,” said Rob. “The technology moves quickly, so staying ahead of it is key.”
Through those changes, long-standing relationships have remained a cornerstone of the company’s success, with some customers working with the business for more than 30 years.
“It’s all about trust,” he said. “The loyalty our customers have given us has helped us reach this milestone.”
That emphasis on relationships over transactions reflects a philosophy carried forward from the previous generation.
“Service and pricing is important, but relationships are key,” he said. “You need all of those elements to succeed.”
Looking ahead, Rob sees opportunity in the next generation of technicians entering the trade, particularly as experienced workers retire.
“There are a lot of changes coming,” he said. “We’re excited to build relationships with new techs entering the industry.”
“It’s a proud moment,” said Rob. “I’m sure my father never knew where this would end up -- that his two sons would be part of it and carry it forward. To see the business still operating after all this time, means a lot. We'd like to thank our loyal customers for the trust they have put in us these past four decades and our staff for their hard work along the way.”
