A Collision Repair Facility that Runs with Military Precision

By: CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts | 0 Shares 694 Reads

November 10, 2023 // Franchising.com // CHARLOTTE, NC - Ron Vallario, owner of CARSTAR Superior Auto Body in Pinellas Park, FL grew up in both a military family, and in the collision repair family business. It’s that military discipline that has helped drive his success as a longtime CARSTAR owner.

Ron’s father, Rudolph Vallario, had the distinction of being one of the few military members to have served in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. After retiring from the U.S. Army Lt. Colonel, the senior Vallario opened his shop in 1967. At the age of 13, Ron began working in his father’s shop. Ron’s older brother - who would also go on to have a 26-year career in the U.S. Army -- taught him all the different aspects of the repair process, and at 16 years old he was painting complete paint jobs.

At age 17, Ron decided to once again follow in his father’s footsteps and join the U.S. Army. Two years later he graduated from Jump School and Special Forces Qualification Course and became a member of the 11th Special Forces Group, serving with some of the legends of special ops on A Detachment 312. After 23 years of service in both active duty and Special Forces Reserves, SFC Vallario retired from the military and returned to the shop full time.

Many of the skills that Vallario learned in the military - discipline, dedication, integrity and a “can-do” attitude - have helped make him a successful business owner.

“My team says that I run this shop like the military, and that’s true,” said Vallario. “And that has worked just fine for us. One of those attributes is a strict attention to detail. I am in the shop all day every day making sure that all our work is perfect. Much of our business is really high-end - Rolls Royce, Mercedes, Bentley and Porsche. I make sure that three sets of eyes have inspected each vehicle before delivering it to the customer. That is how we are able to maintain our customer base and our reputation for the highest quality work.”

Like many other independent owners, Vallario’s business is a family business, with wife Lorraine, son Garrett, and daughter Angelica all working in the repair facility as well.

“My father has since passed on, but he was in the shop everyday until he was 91,” said Vallario. “I’m proud of the work we do and glad that my family and I can carry on his legacy.”

SOURCE CARSTAR

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