In May of 1998, a young and ambitious Brian Owens embarked on his career at Darrell Allen Body Shop in Burlington, NC. At just 16 years old, Brian juggled school with work, dedicating his afternoons, weekends, and summers to learning the ropes of the automotive repair industry. Over the next two years, Brian progressed through the detail department and the helpers’ position, gaining invaluable hands-on experience.

By the time he turned 18, Brian had advanced to working on the line as a combination technician, repairing vehicles with growing expertise. His dedication and skill quickly propelled him to one of the head painters at the shop, solidifying his reputation as a talented technician.

As fate would have it, an administrative position opened up in the front office, marking a turning point for both Brian and at that time girlfriend, Nikki. The couple seized this opportunity, and Nikki began working at the front desk. Her aptitude and diligence soon made her an irreplaceable asset to the company. Nikki mastered all the details of the front office and the administrative side of the body shop industry, complementing Brian’s hands on technical skills making them an unbeatable team.

Over the next several years, Brian and Nikki worked tirelessly, rising to the highest positions in the body shop, second only to the owners. Their partnership, both personal and professional, was a testament to their shared vision and relentless work ethic.

In March of 2017, Darrell Allen’s Body Shop was acquired by Stallings Collision Centers. The new ownership saw the potential in Brian and Nikki and allowed them to manage the shop as if it were their own. Under their leadership, the shop flourished, breaking records in sales, cycle time, number of employees, and repairs per month.

Brian and Nikki cultivated a remarkable team, steering them to the forefront of the collision repair industry. Their innovative strategies and commitment to excellence drove the shop’s success.

Unfortunately, but thankfully all of the Stallings Collision Centers were acquired by a large corporation in 2019. Brian and Nikki were not cut out for the large corporation world. The two of them pride themselves on being more than just a business. Unlike large corporations that often focus on numbers and profits, their priority is building a meaningful relationship with every customer through outstanding customer service and remarkable repairs! It was instilled in them to make sure every interaction was an opportunity to make someone feel valued and appreciated.

After dedicating 23 years to the body shop business in Burlington, and Nikki contributing 19 years, the couple’s ambition to own their own shop remained undiminished. Through years of hard work, late nights, marriage, and two baby boys, their dream came to reality.

On December 18, 2020, with the help of Jesus Christ, Brian and Nikki Owens achieved their long-held aspiration by finalizing the purchase of Larry Walker & Sons Body Shop. This milestone marked the beginning of a new chapter in their lives and a testament to their perseverance and dedication.

The Owens’ story is one of determination, partnership, and the pursuit of a shared dream, inspiring those who dare to envision a future built on hard work and passion.