Mercedes Benz Club of America, The Desert Stars Sponsor Spotlight

In this edition of “Sponsor Spotlight,” we’re shining a light on Airpark Collision Center of Scottsdale. Located at 7333 E. Butherus Dr. Suite A-200, Scottsdale, Arizona 85260 (just west of Scottsdale Municipal Airport, between Scottsdale Road and Greenway-Hayden Road), this family-run business has been serving the community since 2006.

Airpark Collision Center is owned and operated by Gerald and Tina Small. Their mission is to restore vehicles to their pre-collision state with pride and integrity. Over the years, they’ve hosted several MBCA Desert Stars “Tech Sessions,” offering invaluable insights into collision repair processes.

Q: Gerald and Tina, could you tell us a bit about Airpark Collision’s history?

A: (Gerald) I founded Airpark Collision Center in 2006 after working as a technician for over two decades. My goal was to create a repair facility that prioritizes craftsmanship, honesty, and reliability. In 2011, Tina transitioned from her teaching career to become more actively involved in the business. She brought a fresh perspective, focusing on improving customer interactions and explaining procedures thoroughly. For instance, we always ensure clients understand the timeline and reasoning behind costs.

Q: What products and services do you offer at Airpark Collision?

A: (Tina) We’re a full-service auto body and paint shop, handling everything from minor dents and scratches to major collision repairs. We cater to all makes and models, with a particular expertise in luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz. Whether it’s a small job or a complex restoration, our commitment remains consistent—delivering exceptional results and top-notch customer service.

Q: Do you have any unique qualifications or certifications?

A: (Tina) We take pride in staying ahead with specialized training and advanced equipment. Every year, our technicians undergo recertification to keep up with evolving vehicle technologies and repair methods. Together, our team boasts over 160 years of combined experience, allowing us to handle over 1,000 vehicles annually. We’re certified by numerous manufacturers and hold the prestigious I-CAR Gold Class Certification, an honor achieved by only 10% of collision repair facilities nationwide. Additionally, we were among the first shops in the region to achieve aluminum repair certification.

Q: How has Airpark Collision evolved over the years?

A: (Tina) The automotive repair landscape has transformed significantly due to advancements in vehicle technology. Repairing modern cars goes beyond traditional dent removal; it involves addressing sophisticated electronics and safety systems. Vehicles now come equipped with onboard sensors and computers that need to be recalibrated after a collision. At Airpark Collision, we use pre- and post-diagnostic scans to ensure everything functions correctly. These updates increase repair complexity and cost but guarantee the vehicle's overall safety and performance.

Q: How do you maintain quality control at Airpark Collision?

A: (Tina) Quality is our priority throughout every stage of the repair process. Each department—body, refinishing, detailing—conducts inspections before proceeding with their tasks. Once the repair is complete, Gerald or one of our estimators performs a final quality check. While occasional errors arise, employing skilled technicians who take pride in their work is our most effective safeguard against mistakes.

Q: Beyond collision repairs and standard bodywork, do you offer any additional services?

A: (Gerald) Yes, we also provide window tinting, clear bra protection, and curb rash repair for wheels. If you’re leasing a vehicle, we can assist with pre-inspection touch-ups before returning the car.

Q: You’ve been incredibly supportive of Desert Stars members by hosting tech sessions. What do you enjoy most about these events, and how do they influence your daily operations?

A: (Gerald) We love meeting members and sharing our knowledge about repairs and insurance claims. It’s rewarding to educate others on our processes. During Q&A sessions, we gain valuable insights into what consumers want to know, which helps shape future customer interactions and content for our monthly blog.

Q: Tell us more about yourselves and what you enjoy doing outside the shop.

A: (Tina) We’ve lived in North Scottsdale since 1999, though we’ve moved around the area a few times. Gerald enjoys golfing, and we both love spending time outdoors. Weekends often involve trying new restaurants and catching up with our 31-year-old son and his wife, who recently relocated back to Arizona.

Q: What are some of the most interesting Mercedes and non-Mercedes projects you’ve worked on?

A: (Gerald) Annually, we handle several high-end vehicles such as Maseratis, Porsches, and even a few Bentleys, Ferraris, and Lamborghinis. Recently, we completed reconditioning work on a special-edition black Mercedes-AMG C63 and collision repair on a 2022 BMW M4 Competition xDrive refinished in flat black. Occasionally, we’re asked to paint small helicopter or airplane parts due to our location in the Scottsdale Airpark.

Q: What are your business hours?

A: We’re open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Special appointments can be arranged for off-hours if needed. Please call the office with as much advance notice as possible. We can also provide initial estimates via email if good photos and the VIN are submitted.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like our MBCA members to know about Airpark Collision Center?

A: (Gerald) We truly value our relationship with Mercedes-Benz owners and aim to deliver the best repair experience in the valley. Unlike large chains or dealership-owned centers, we rely on earning our customers’ trust. For us, it’s not just about making a vehicle look great—it’s about treating people with kindness and patience. Our focus remains on delivering exceptional service and quality repairs, even if it takes a bit longer. We believe this approach sets us apart.

Airpark Collision Center can be reached at 480-922-3006 or by email at [insert email]. Visit us online at www.collisioncenternorthscottsdale.com, and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Yelp, and Nextdoor.

Thank You Gerald and Tina for your ongoing support of MBCA and Desert Stars!