Brandon Sadler, left, laughs at a comment from Doug Randall while working on a vehicle part.
One year later, Brandon Sadler on his way to a Body Shop career
Doug Randall and Brandon Sadler both stood in front of vehicles, working to repair front ends on a busy, noisy Thursday morning at Krapohl Body Shop and Custom Accessories.
Doug Randall has been with Krapohl Body Shop and Custom Accessories for 23 years. “I didn’t have a mentor when I started, but I was like a prairie dog, watching how the others handled the tough jobs.”
The two men have worked side by side for much of the past year as Doug, in his 23rd year working in the Body Shop at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln, has mentored Brandon on the fine art of taking a crumpled car and making it look new again.
The pairing is one of the latest examples of Krapohl leaders recognizing young employees who have room for growth and assigning them a mentor to set them up for long-term success.
Brandon, a 28-year-old Mount Pleasant High School graduate, arrived at Krapohl about six years ago and worked as part of the team in the Quick Lane Tire & Center attached to Krapohl. From there, he moved to the Body Shop, first as an estimator before asking Kevin Telfor, the manager, if there was hands-on work he could learn.
“I really enjoy cars,” Brandon said. “I have a Ford Focus RS and two BMW project cars at home.”
Being paired with Doug, Brandon said, has allowed him to reach the point where he handles most projects on his own and can call on Doug or another technician if it’s more complicated.
“The basic mechanics, I pretty much have that down,” he said. “Krapohl has been good. I think they knew I was somebody who would put forth the effort in any job. Doug is a good teacher; he goes at your pace and never makes it overwhelming.”
Doug, who learned body repair in his family’s business, said he has mentored several apprentices at Krapohl. Newcomers such as Brandon who are a bit older tend to do well, in his opinion. A natural aptitude toward mechanics and automobiles helps, too.
“This isn’t for everybody,” Doug said. “It takes years and years to get all of it down, and just when you think you know it all, you’ll see something new. It can be a little scary for a new person to see a car all gnarled up, and you have to decide where and how to begin.”
Doug said helping employees find their best fit and encouraging them to get the necessary education, certifications and mentoring is one reason the dealership is successful.
“There is no other place like this,” Doug said. “I know people who have left and then they end up coming back when they find that out. (Co-owners) Tom Krapohl and Mark Smith — they are just good folks to work for. I know I’m in the right spot.”
Brandon, when asked if he’s found his career, was quick to respond. “I think so, yeah.”
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