Pete McGoldrick
My Experience in the Auto Bodywork Business
1st Collision Center - Simi Valley
31 years ago I had a car for sale and a gentleman, Bill Walker, came to look at it. After chatting for a while he asked me if I’d ever considered working in this industry. I was a mechanic by trade then, so I told him I wasn’t that familiar with bodywork. He said he could train me. We worked out a salary, he bought my car and I went to work for him on April 1st, 1984. I never looked back.
From 1984 to 1991 I worked for Bill Walker, who was known in the industry for leasing body shops from dealerships. In 1991 I branched out on my own, with his blessing. Since then I have owned and operated dozens of award-winning body shops in Southern California, including Casa de Cadillac, Foreman Honda, Mission Hills Oldsmobile, South Bay Ford and Courtesy Chevrolet, to name a few. Then in 2006, I acquired 1st Collision Center in Simi Valley.
This is a very gratifying job. People come in and they’re very emotional because their car is damaged and they know it’s going to cost them a lot of money or possibly their insurance premiums, and they’re concerned about their deductible. The best part for me is getting the cars fixed in a timely manner, to pre-accident condition, and getting them down the road. Having worked as a mechanic before, I have a true “bumper to bumper” understanding of every car that comes into my shop. Our customers are generally very happy.
After 31 years, I’m proud to say I have built a following of lifelong patrons who trust my expertise, quality results and timely turnaround. That’s the most satisfying part of this job.
When I’m not working, I like to spend my time with family and I’m also active in my Catholic Church. I have 5 children and 2 grandchildren, and they’re all involved in anything from soccer to Irish dance, baseball, and film. I’m also into drag racing, I have a car that I drag race. My wife and I own a Harley and we like to go out on long weekend rides together.
Eddie Banos
Collision Center Manager
1st Collision Center - Simi Valley
I have 15 years of experience in the auto body industry, including hands-on expertise in performing bodywork, framework and refinishing.
Prior to managing 1st Collision Center, I served as assistant manager at Kirby Body Shop for three years. During that time, Kirby Body Shop was awarded Automobile of Southern California Top Shops. While at 1st Collision Center, I also earned awards by The Automobile Club for Outstanding Performance, ICAR Certified Platinum Individual recognition, and continued A+ rated service with The Better Business Bureau. Most importantly, I earned long term business from repeat customers.
When a car is left with us, it becomes a member of the 1st Collision family. Many customers expect the repair experience to be a headache! When we hand them back their keys on time, with their car looking better than they ever expected, they are just overwhelmed with pride. That’s what this business is all about.
In my spare time, I enjoy riding my motorcycle, wrenching on motorcycles, and spending time with my wife and dog.
Frank McGoldrick
With nearly a decade in this industry as an auto collision estimator, and both painter and technician apprentice , I have acquired an in-depth knowledge of all stages of collision repair. Damaging your car and all that entails is a very high stress situation; I strive to ensure that stress ends with me. Through my professional journey I have always strived for all repairs to be an easier process to navigate for everyone.
I am I-Car certified and regularly attend industry seminars to ensure I am aware of any advancements made in this field. Aiming to bring the best processes and products for all families.
Being able to help and bring relief to all parties has been and continues to be a core value for me.
In my free time I enjoy spending time with family and riding my motorcycle with my friends. I am also a big sports fan (go Kings!).