4 | Family firm celebrates Awards success Road Runner Panel & Paint was a big winner at this year’s Southland Business Excellence Awards. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Road Runner Panel & Paint T T Bernadette Cooney “The day we took over, Vince said he wanted to be in that big building next door within 10 years. And now, here we are.” Invercargill family-owned business, Road Runner Panel & Paint had plenty to celebrate at this year’s Southland Business Excellence Awards, winning the Trade Industries Award. The company was also a finalist in the Small Business of the Year category. The recognition was a significant milestone for company owners Ari Shaw and Vince Howell, who bought the business nearly a decade ago, and have since expanded its premises and its offerings within Southland’s collision repair and auto refinishing sector. The couple, originally from Northland, bought Road Runner in 2016 from former owner Greg Dawson. Vince, a qualified and talented panel beater, who once placed second in the Collision Repair Association Apprentice of the Year competition, was already working at the business when the opportunity arose to buy it. Ari, who has a background in public health, balances Vince’s technical expertise with her entrepreneurial drive, administrative system-building expertise and strategies for the long term. The experience of submitting their first entry into the business awards was both challenging and rewarding, says Ari. “We don’t stop to celebrate our wins as you’re always on the go, so applying to the awards gave an opportunity to reflect and analyse the business, which is an amazing way to see how far we’ve come.” Vince and Ari have made major advances since they took the helm, including shifting into new, purpose-built premises this year at 54 Bay Road – a former packhouse Vince had his eye on since day one. “The day we took over, Vince said he wanted to be in that big building next door within 10 years. And now, here we are,” says Ari. The new site is three times the size of the original 1500sqm premises, with the empty packhouse transformed into a fully functional workshop and office space across almost 4500sqm. The new premises feature modern reception and customer lounge, spacious offices and dedicated workshop and parts room. The move expands Road Runner’s capability to deliver high-quality passenger-vehicle collision repairs, both insurance and private, plastic welding, rust removal, refinishing, and custom paint projects, including fibreglass works on caravans and campervans. An approved and authorised structural repair centre with the Collision Repair Association, Road Runner Panel & Paint is a team of 11 across the board, from skilled panel beaters and spray painters to estimator and administrator. “We’re on the lookout for another experienced panel beater currently,” says Vince. Three years ago, the couple purchased Coyote Automotive, just five minutes away at 10 Bond Street, Invercargill. Initially bought to complement its services by handling vehicle suspension and mechanical work, Coyote Automotive now houses a tuning and performance department, specialising in Japanese performance cars, ECU tuning and custom upgrades, a first of its kind for Invercargill. “That’s where our passion lies,” says Ari. “We love performance cars, so adding that capability was a natural fit.” Road Runner Panel & Paint sponsors Waikiwi RFC junior rugby team, the Roadrunners, which Vince helped coach to Team of the Year status this year. “Southlanders are loyal to their locals and that’s something we’ll continue to support going forward.” Order now at TradeSaver.co.nz | 0800 900 908 Coating Supplies is proud to partner with Road Runner Panel & Paint, celebrating their success and supporting their journey of growth. Coating Supplies – your trusted partner in coatings, innovation, and performance. Congratulations Finalists in the 2025 Southland Business Awards Specialists in All Auto Electrical Repairs & Servicing Proudly associated with Road Runner Panel & Paint 4 V I C T O R I A A V E N U E , I NV E R C A R G I L L Phone 03 218 3200 | admin@ajautoelectrical.net.nz Delkor battery specialist Caravan electrical and solar Air conditioning Auto electrical repairs and servicing
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