Mercedes Benz Club of America, The Desert Stars Sponsor Spotlight

In this edition of “Sponsor Spotlight,” we’re highlighting 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). Airpark Collision Center is a family-run business owned and operated by Gerald and Tina Small. They opened the shop in 2006, and their guiding philosophy has always been to restore vehicles to their pre-collision condition with honesty and integrity.

Over the years, Airpark Collision Center has become a trusted name in the community, known for its exceptional craftsmanship and dedication to customer satisfaction. Their commitment to excellence is evident in their work, as they’ve hosted several MBCA Desert Stars “Tech Sessions” to educate and engage with the local car enthusiast community.

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

A: (Gerald) When I opened Airpark Collision Center in 2006, my goal was to create a place where customers could trust the work being done on their cars. I spent over 25 years as a technician, and I wanted to bring that experience into a business where I could take pride in the quality of work. In 2011, Tina joined me full-time after leaving her teaching career in Cave Creek. Her fresh perspective has been invaluable, especially in helping us think from the customer's point of view. We believe in transparency—explaining the process, the time involved, and why the costs are fair and justified.

Q: What kind of 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. Whether it's a small part replacement or complex structural damage, we handle all makes and models with a particular focus on luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz. Our priority is ensuring top-notch results and providing excellent customer service, regardless of the project size or vehicle age.

Q: Do you have any special qualifications or certifications?

A: (Tina) We take pride in staying ahead of the curve with specialized training and cutting-edge equipment. Our technicians attend annual recertification classes to keep up with the latest vehicle technologies and repair methods. Together, the team has over 160 years of combined experience, and we use that expertise to handle more than 1,000 vehicles annually. We’re certified by numerous manufacturers, and we’re proud to be one of only 10% of body shops nationwide to achieve I-CAR Gold Class Certification. Additionally, we were among the first in the region to gain aluminum repair certification.

Q: How has Airpark Collision evolved over the years?

A: (Tina) The biggest shift in the collision repair industry has been adapting to advancements in vehicle technology. Today, repairs go beyond simply “hammering out dents.” Modern vehicles require comprehensive diagnostics and repairs that address not only the body but also onboard sensors and computers. After a collision, we conduct pre- and post-repair scans to ensure everything functions correctly. These additional steps increase the complexity and cost of repairs but are essential for long-term safety and reliability.

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

A: (Tina) Quality is our top priority. Each vehicle moves through multiple departments—body, refinish, and detail—and every team member inspects the repair before starting their phase of work. Once the repair is complete, Gerald or one of our estimators performs a final quality check. While we occasionally encounter errors, the most effective measure is hiring skilled technicians who take pride in their work. This ensures that every vehicle leaves our shop in top condition.

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

A: (Gerald) We also offer window tinting, clear bra protection, and curb rash repair for wheels. If you lease a vehicle, we can assist with pre-inspection repairs to ensure a smooth return. These extra services help our customers maintain their vehicles’ appearance and performance.

Q: You've been incredibly supportive of Desert Stars members by hosting Tech Sessions. What do you enjoy most about these events, and do you incorporate any insights from the sessions into your daily operations?

A: (Gerald) We love hosting these events and getting to meet the members! Sharing our knowledge about repairs and insurance claims is very rewarding, as it’s something we work with daily. The Q&A sessions also give us valuable feedback from consumers, which helps us tailor our approach when working with future clients. Sometimes, these discussions inspire topics for our monthly blog posts.

Q: Tell us more about yourselves and what you enjoy doing outside of 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. Most weekends involve exploring new restaurants or catching up with our 31-year-old son and his wife, who recently relocated to Arizona.

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

A: (Gerald) Each year, we work on a variety of high-end vehicles, including Maseratis, Porsches, and even a few Bentleys, Ferraris, and Lamborghinis. Recently, we completed reconditioning work on a limited-edition black Mercedes-AMG C63 and collision repair on a 2022 BMW M4 Competition xDrive refinished in flat black. Being located in the Scottsdale Airpark, we sometimes get requests to paint small helicopter or airplane parts!

Q: What are your business hours?

A: We’re open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. If you have a special need, we can arrange off-hours appointments with enough advance notice. We can also provide simple estimates via email if you send good photos and the VIN number.

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

A: (Gerald) We want Mercedes-Benz owners to know that we genuinely enjoy working with them and aim to provide the best repair experience in the valley. Unlike large national chains or dealership-owned centers, we operate on a personal level, earning our customers' trust. For us, repairing a vehicle isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about treating people with respect and answering their questions thoroughly. Our focus remains on customer service and repair quality, not speed. We hope our commitment shines through in every interaction.

Airpark Collision Center can be reached at 480-922-3006 or via email at [insert email]. Be sure to check them out online at collisioncenternorthscottsdale.com, and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Yelp, and Nextdoor. Thank you, Gerald and Tina, for your ongoing support of MBCA and Desert Stars!