After nearly 17 years at Bunker Auto and a stint in full-time tree trimming, Jay DeVries found himself fielding phone calls from loyal customers who still wanted his auto body expertise. “I have always enjoyed every job I have had over the years,” Jay says. “I had people calling me to do body work again. I didn’t have a shop, so I told them I couldn’t help them.” Eventually, the demand was too great to ignore, and in 2008—with the support of family, friends, and the bank—Jay built his own shop. By 2009, Jay’s Auto Body was officially open for business, and the work poured in fast. “Once I was overloaded with work,” Jay explains, “I quit Minnesota Valley Tree Service and went full time body shop with part-time J&J Tree Trimming.”

From starting “with just me” to adding on to the building twice and employing six full-time staff, Jay’s Auto Body has grown steadily over the years. Specializing in collision repair, windshield services, and full or minor bodywork—even ice recovery—Jay’s shop is shaped by a simple philosophy: “We try to treat every repair like it is our own vehicle or better, lol.” That focus on quality extends to every customer interaction. “Honest work and satisfaction,” Jay says, are what he hopes people experience when they bring their vehicles in. “Attention to details is the main way,” he adds, explaining how he ensures each job meets his high standards.

Of course, managing the workload has been the biggest challenge. But the reward, Jay insists, is “seeing the smiles on people’s faces after they get their vehicle back from repairs.” Those smiles aren’t limited to the shop. Jay also invests time in the local community, serving on multiple boards, giving year-end gifts to school kids, providing security for 20 years at the street dance, and volunteering as an EMT with the Arlington Ambulance for 14 years. When asked about future plans for the shop, Jay is playfully mysterious: “Maybe, you will just have to wait and see.”

His advice for new business owners? “If you like to work a lot, it’s worth it!” And if you’d like to see Jay’s handiwork up close, he welcomes you to “stop in, see our merch, check out our website or Facebook.” One thing is certain: with Jay’s dedication to craftsmanship, community, and honest service, Jay’s Auto Body has made itself a fixture in our local business scene—and they’re only getting started.