Along the way, the Fitzpatricks
made another decisive move. In
the late 1980s they shifted to PPG
as their paint supplier and have
remained loyal ever since. "That
was the right choice," recalls
Neale. "Our previous supplier
was not helpful so we looked at
PPG and liked what we saw. We've
had terrific support and great
products—we were one of the first
shops in the area to switch to PPG
waterborne, and we make sure
to take advantage of PPG training
and MVP courses. It's made a big
difference in our business."
The Fitzpatricks' commitment
to the community is as firm as
their commitment to exceptional
work. When the Epiphany School,
an independent, tuition-free
middle school for economically
disadvantaged children, needed
a new facility, school leaders
inquired about the lot next to
the shop. The family decided to
give the property to the school,
displaying a civic generosity that
represents the Fitzpatrick Brothers
regard for the neighborhood.
After 122 years, Fitzpatrick
Brothers is recognized as one of
the area's top shops. And with
Neale's two sons on the cusp of
joining, there's a fifth generation
ready to ensure the business stays
around for years to come.
15
AT A GLANCE
1894 YEAR EST.
1 LOCATION
6,800 SQ. FT.
6 EMPLOYEES
1 PAINT BOOTH
ENVIROBASE
®
HIGH
PERFORMANCE
PAINT SYSTEM
" In 1926, we were the first auto body
repair shop to start using spray guns
to paint cars and wagons."
