Spotlight on the Desert Stars: Mercedes Benz Club of America

In this month's edition of the "Sponsor Spotlight," we're highlighting Airpark Collision Center of Scottsdale, a trusted partner for the Desert Stars community. 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), they've been a cornerstone of quality car care for local drivers since 2006.

Airpark Collision Center is a family-run business owned by Gerald and Tina Small. With over 15 years in the industry, they’ve built a reputation for excellence and integrity. Their motto says it all: “Restoring Your Vehicle to its Pre-Collision State!” Over the years, Airpark Collision has hosted several MBCA Desert Stars “Tech Sessions,” offering invaluable insights into modern vehicle repair techniques.

Q: Gerald and Tina, could you tell us a bit about the history of Airpark Collision Center?

A: (Gerald) I founded Airpark Collision Center in 2006 after spending over 25 years honing my skills as a technician. My vision was simple: to build a repair shop where craftsmanship mattered, honesty guided every decision, and customers knew they could trust the work. When Tina joined me full-time in 2011, she brought a fresh perspective, encouraging us to explain our processes clearly and justify costs transparently. For instance, we ensure clients understand exactly what goes into their repair—why certain steps are necessary and how long they’ll take.

Q: What kinds of services do you offer at Airpark Collision Center?

A: (Tina) We’re a full-service auto body shop, handling everything from minor dings and scratches to major collision repairs. No matter the size of the job or the make of the vehicle, we treat every project with care and attention to detail. Whether it’s a luxury car like a Mercedes-Benz or a more common model, our goal remains consistent: delivering exceptional results while providing top-notch customer service.

Q: Do you have any unique qualifications or certifications?

A: (Tina) We’re proud to boast specialized training and state-of-the-art equipment. Every year, our technicians attend recertification courses to stay updated on the latest vehicle technologies and repair methods. Combined, our team has over 160 years of experience, allowing us to handle over 1,000 vehicles annually with precision. We’re certified repair facilities for numerous brands, including many luxury marques, and we’re proud to be I-CAR Gold Class Certified—an achievement only attained by 10% of body shops nationwide. Additionally, we were among the first in the region to receive aluminum repair certification.

Q: How has Airpark Collision evolved over the years?

A: (Tina) One of the most significant changes in our industry has been adapting to advancements in vehicle technology. It’s no longer enough to simply ‘hammer out dents’—modern repairs require addressing complex electronic systems, onboard sensors, and computer diagnostics. After a collision, we now conduct pre- and post-repair scans to ensure everything functions correctly. These additional steps can increase both the duration and cost of repairs but are essential for maintaining vehicle safety and functionality.

Q: How do you maintain quality control at Airpark Collision?

A: (Tina) Quality checks happen throughout the repair process. As each vehicle moves through our body, refinish, and detail departments, staff inspect the progress before starting their portion of the work. Once complete, either Gerald or one of our estimators performs a final quality review. While occasional errors arise, hiring skilled technicians who take pride in their work proves to be the most effective measure. Our team consistently strives for perfection.

Q: Beyond standard 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 before returning it. Many customers appreciate these added conveniences.

Q: You’ve been incredibly supportive of Desert Stars members by hosting tech sessions. What do you enjoy most about these events, and has anything from them influenced your daily operations?

A: (Gerald) Hosting these events brings us immense satisfaction. Sharing our expertise and answering attendees' questions strengthens our connection with the community. These interactions often inspire topics for our monthly blogs and help refine our approach to customer communication. It’s rewarding to see firsthand what resonates with our audience.

Q: Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing?

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

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

A: (Gerald) Every year, we encounter high-end vehicles like Maseratis, Porsches, and even rare models such as Bentleys, Ferraris, and Lamborghinis. Recently, we completed some reconditioning work on a special-edition black Mercedes-AMG C63 and collision repairs on a 2022 BMW M4 Competition xDrive refinished in flat black. Occasionally, we’re tasked with painting small helicopter or airplane parts due to our proximity to the Scottsdale Airpark.

Q: What are your business hours?

A: We’re open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. For special cases, we can accommodate off-hour appointments if arranged in advance. Additionally, we can provide simple estimates via email if you send good photos along with the VIN.

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

A: (Gerald) We genuinely value our relationships with Mercedes-Benz owners and aim to deliver the best repair experience in the valley. Unlike larger chains or dealership-affiliated centers, we rely on word-of-mouth referrals to grow. This keeps us accountable and motivates us to excel. Remember, restoring a vehicle goes beyond aesthetics—it’s about treating people fairly and taking the time to address their concerns. Our priority has always been customer service and quality—not rushing through repairs.

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

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