Mercedes Benz Club of America, The Desert Stars Sponsor Spotlight

This edition of the "Sponsor Spotlight" shines on Airpark Collision Center of Scottsdale, located at 7333 E. Butherus Dr. Suite A-200, Scottsdale, Arizona 85260 (just west of Scottsdale Municipal Airport, between Scottsdale Road and Greenway-Hayden Road).

Airpark Collision Center is a family-run business owned by Gerald and Tina Small. They opened their shop in 2006 with the goal of providing exceptional craftsmanship, honest service, and reliable repairs. Over the years, they've become a trusted host for several MBCA Desert Stars "Tech Sessions."

Q: Gerald and Tina, could you share a bit about Airpark Collision's history?

A:(Gerald) I founded Airpark Collision Center in 2006 after working as a technician for over 25 years. My vision was to create a repair facility that prioritized three key aspects: pride in craftsmanship, honest service, and results we could stand behind. In 2011, Tina transitioned from her teaching career in Cave Creek to take a more active role in the business. She brought a fresh perspective, emphasizing customer-centric approaches, like explaining procedures, timelines, and costs in a transparent way.

Q: What services does Airpark Collision offer?

A:(Tina) We’re a full-service auto body and paint shop offering everything from minor dents and scratches to major collision repairs. We cater to all makes and models, with a particular expertise in high-end vehicles such as Mercedes-Benz. No matter the project size or vehicle age, our commitment is to deliver top-notch quality and unparalleled customer service.

Q: Does Airpark Collision have any special qualifications?

A:(Tina) Our team is committed to continuous learning. Each year, our technicians undergo recertification courses to stay updated on the latest vehicle technologies and repair methods. Together, they bring over 160 years of combined experience, handling over 1,000 vehicles annually. We're proud to be a certified repair facility for many brands and hold the prestigious I-CAR Gold Class Certification, a distinction only 10% of body shops nationwide achieve. Additionally, we were among the first in the valley to gain aluminum repair certification.

Q: How has Airpark Collision evolved over the years?

A:(Tina) The collision repair industry has undergone significant changes due to advancements in vehicle technology. It's no longer just about fixing dents; repairs now involve complex diagnostics and addressing multiple vehicle systems. Modern vehicles come with onboard sensors and computers that need recalibration after collisions. Post-repair scans are essential to ensure proper functionality, extending repair times and costs. It's a whole new world compared to traditional bodywork.

Q: How does Airpark Collision ensure quality?

A:(Tina) Every vehicle goes through rigorous checks across departments—body, refinishing, and detailing. Each team member inspects the repair before starting their part of the job. Once complete, Gerald or one of the estimators performs a final quality check. While mistakes happen, hiring skilled technicians who take pride in their work is the best safeguard against errors.

Q: Besides collision repairs, do you offer any additional services?

A:(Gerald) Yes, we also offer window tinting, clear bra protection, and curb rash repair for wheels. If you lease a vehicle, we can assist with pre-inspection repairs to avoid unnecessary fees.

Q: You’ve been incredibly supportive of Desert Stars members by hosting Tech Sessions. What do you enjoy most about these events, and how do they influence your daily operations?

A:(Gerald) We love hosting these events because they allow us to connect with members and share our knowledge. Explaining the repair process and answering questions is fulfilling. These sessions also help us understand what customers want to know, which guides our communication strategies and even inspires topics for our monthly blogs.

Q: Tell us more about yourselves and what you do outside the shop.

A:(Tina) We’ve lived in North Scottsdale since 1999, though we’ve moved around a bit within the area. Gerald enjoys golfing, while we both love spending time outdoors. Weekends often involve exploring new restaurants and enjoying time with our 31-year-old son and his wife, who recently relocated to Arizona.

Q: What are some of the most interesting Mercedes and non-Mercedes projects you’ve worked on?

A:(Gerald) Every year brings a mix of luxury vehicles, including Maseratis, Porsches, and even a few Bentleys, Ferraris, and Lamborghinis. Recently, we completed some reconditioning work on a special edition black Mercedes-AMG C63 and collision repair on a 2022 BMW M4 Competition xDrive refinished in flat black. Occasionally, we’re asked to paint parts for small helicopters or airplanes due to our location near the Scottsdale Airpark.

Q: What are your business hours?

A:We’re open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Special appointments can be arranged for off-hours if needed. Please call ahead with as much notice as possible. We can also provide simple estimates via email if you submit good photos and the vehicle’s VIN.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like MBCA members to know about Airpark Collision Center?

A:(Gerald) We genuinely enjoy working with Mercedes owners and aim to provide the best repair experience in the valley. Unlike national chains or dealership-owned centers, we focus on earning our customers’ trust. Great looks are important, but so is treating people kindly and taking time to answer their questions. Our priority has always been customer service and repair quality—not rushing the process.

Airpark Collision Center can be reached at 480-922-3006 or via email at [insert email]. Check them out online at http://www.collisioncenternorthscottsdale.com, and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Yelp, and Nextdoor.

Thank You Gerald and Tina for your unwavering support of MBCA and Desert Stars!