I decided to find solace in a chat with Tim McKinney at Premier Collision Services. He was extremely busy, but nice enough to take a break in order to pacify my hunger for conversation.

STEPH DEROSA: How long has this business been here? How long have you personally been in the business? 

TIM MCKINNEY: We’ve been open two years. I’ve been in the business for 15 years, mainly as a manufacturer’s rep for auto body products. This is my first time running a body shop. 

DEROSA: You know this might be a good job for me. All these greased-up men lying around on wheel-bearing boards definitely stirs my interest. How did you get started in this business 15 years ago?

MCKINNEY: I did anything and everything they asked. I didn’t touch a car until after a year of mowing my boss’ yard and cleaning up after all the other mechanics.

DEROSA: Let’s say you were real dumb and hired me, knowing that I have no experience. What would I be doing to start off?

MCKINNEY: I’m not dumb, but thanks for that. You’d start off cleaning up around here, just like I did 15 years ago.

DEROSA: Yeah, never mind then. I clean up after a man enough at home. Although, I would get to hang around with a bunch of sweaty, dirty men as they do manual labor all day. Hmmm, I’ll have to think about that one. Could I bring my own coffee? I’m not into that stale Folgers shit you guys normally drink.

MCKINNEY: We don’t have stale coffee and I wasn’t really offering you a job.

DEROSA: Could I bring my own coffee in while I sit and watch the greasy men work anyway?

MCKINNEY: Fine. Just don’t make eye contact with any of my customers.

DEROSA: Excellent. 

[Premier Collision Services, 702 N. First St., Tacoma, 253.722.5225