What started out as a love for cars, turned into a lifetime of profit and dedication for George Hempton.
Around the area, George is known to most people as ‘Sonny.? He and wife, Pat, opened Hempton’s Goodrich Body Shop in 1956 when he was 25 years old and has been ‘truckin? ever since.
‘I never dreamed it could be this popular in the community. We have such loyal customers and generations of families that have been coming here for years.?
Following in his father’s footsteps since he was old enough to work is his son and general manager, Kevin. The Hemptons? daughter, Julie Kilbourne, has also worked there for 16 years, since her mother retired. Kevin is highly qualified to take on most jobs, considering his father trained him. He does all the estimating and works with many insurance companies.
Kilbourne, in a way, is the grease behind the wheels. She handles all aspects of accounting, bookkeeping, customer relations and various office tasks that keep Hempton’s Body Shop together at the seams.
Still keeping it in the family, Tamera Kilbourne, Julie Kilbourne’s sister-in-law, brought her knowledge of business from the University of Michigan to the table as yet another asset.
Hempton is aware that technological demands play a big role today. He works hard to keep the shop up to date, just as some of the bigger shops do. One addition to Hempton’s they’re proud of is the paint booth, with paint curing.
‘With the paint-curing option, it gives us the opportunity to get our clientele through the door faster. Paint curing is a process that lets the paint dry quicker. It’s a real time saver, ? said Julie Kilbourne.
This experienced and state-of-the-art body shop also offers AAA road service, 24-hour wrecker availability and all types of bodywork, framework, painting, front end alignment work and tire sales.
Another unique aspect of Hempton’s is the custom reconditioning and restoration of classic cars.
Hempton is proud of his employees? quality work.
‘We just do great work and that’s why we have so many repeat customers.?
Semiretired Hempton is hopeful that his business will only increase with the addition of another fine employee, Sam Snyder. Snyder is considered the expert collision and paint technician, and he serves as assistant manager. He worked in Ortonville/Goodrich area for more than 20 years before joining forces with Hempton’s.
‘He expedites the work, which benefits our business,? said Hempton, who believes production has picked up because of Snyder. ‘When people hear that Sam’s here, they come even quicker.?
The business also takes pride in Hempton’s wrecker driver, Marty Short. Short has 10 years of experience under his belt and has been with the shop for years. He handles clientele and his professional ability has allowed him to remain valuable to the community. He is also a volunteer fireman for the Atlas Fire Department.
‘We want to thank everyone who has kept us going.?
Hempton’s Goodrich Body Shop is located at 10195 Hegel Road. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday and by appointment only Saturdays. For service call (810) 636-7992.