For the past year Kent and Kim Brown have been working tirelessly to get their new business off the ground which has officially opened its doors on Monday, March 14.
Red Light Autobody is located on the west side of Wawota, to the south of Hwy 48 near the C-store. Just look for the always glowing red traffic light illuminating your way.
The decision to build their business and family in Wawota was an easy one.
“My wife and her family are from Wawota, I’m originally from Carlyle, and we now live in Kenosee,” Kent said.
“The land was actually once owned by my family and the road we’re on [WH Lincoln Industrial Drive] was named after my grandfather so it has meaning,” Kim explained of the family ties to the community and area their business is located.
Kent has worked in the automotive industry for the past 13 years. Getting his start in Regina, he moved home to work in Carlyle for 10 years before the opportunity in Wawota presented itself.
“I had always been interested in cars and motorcycles and decided to make a career out of it,” Kent explained of how he first entered this line of work.
“We thought this was a good opportunity in Wawota to get set up. Wawota didn’t have an autobody shop and it’s a busy business.”
They purchased the lot and the building was already there although the couple got to work renovating the shop and adding an addition – the paint booth – to make a 4,600 square foot shop which can fit up to eight vehicles at a time.
This means Red Light Autobody can work on anything from “motorcycles to cars and trucks, and we can even accommodate large trucks like semis and motor homes,” Kent explained.
“There’s been a lot of local interest. We’ve been doing private work and restoration, but we’re now SGI accredited, and will be opening fully on Monday.”
Red Light Autobody offers repairs, frame repairs, paint/custom paint, restoration, welding and fabrication, glass, cleaning and detailing, decals and stripes, while they are also a Grand West accessories supplier.
“It’s a state of the art facility,” Kim said.
Kent added, “It is, everything in the shop is new. We take pride in our high quality work.”
Kent has welcomed a second journeyman, Claude Leduc, to the business, while Ashley Restau helps in the front with Kim.
The new business owners are also new parents and have had great support from family and friends in ensuring both new experiences are enjoyed and successful.
“Thank you so much to our family and friends who have helped us over the past year,” Kim and Kent said appreciatively of everyone who has lent them a hand. “It’s been a long haul, but it’s all been well worth it.”
Red Light Autobody is planning to host a Grand Opening event on Friday, April 15, with a BBQ lunch at noon and an open house from 11 a.m. until close (5 p.m.).
“We’ll be doing free estimates that day and we want to welcome people in to see the facility and to come and meet us,” Kent said.
“We’re looking forward to working with the community and surrounding communities, and helping people with their needs,” Kim stated.
