By Cyrus Guccione
Mail

Marking 45 years in Fountain Hills, The Finishing Touch Body Shop recently experienced a change in leadership as longtime General Manager Matt Tilden stepped down after 28 years of service.

His son, Laurin Tilden, has been named the new general manager, continuing the family’s role in the company’s legacy.

Matt, who joined The Finishing Touch at age 34, says he has spent the majority of his professional life with the shop. He and his wife are moving to eastern Tennessee to spend more time with family.

“ The business landscape has changed dramatically from when I started 28 years ago. Some to the good, some to the bad. But our commitment to the customer has not wavered,” Matt said.

Matt Tilden (right) is retired and his son, Laurin Tilden will assume the role as general manager. (Independent Newsmedia/Cyrus Guccione)

During his tenure, Matt oversaw facility upgrades and established a partnership with the East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) to bring in young apprentices. Through EVIT’s Collision Repair Program, students visit the shop to see firsthand how a successful auto business operates.

Matt is among a select few employees who have dedicated decades to the shop, including longtime office manager Elizabeth Young and painter Kenny Kuzelka.

“It’s very hard to find somebody that you can trust and run it like you own it,” said founder and owner Glenn Roberts. “It goes to show that you’re only as good as your technicians and your employees. It’s very important to retain good people.”

After graduating from Northern Arizona University, Laurin spent more than a decade in the auto industry, working at dealerships and independent body shops in Flagstaff. In 2022, he returned home to join his father.

“I’m excited to be carrying on the shop’s legacy in the community, and we intend to fully support its reputation,” Laurin said.

Decades of quality

Roberts opened The Finishing Touch in 1980 at the age of 25, originally serving Ferrari dealers in Scottsdale. As word spread about his quality work, customers began asking for repairs on other makes and models, and the shop quickly transitioned into general collision repair.

Today, The Finishing Touch is an I-CAR Gold Class body shop, the industry’s top recognition for collision repair centers and insurers that invest in continuous training.

As Matt passes the torch to his son, he does so with pride, knowing the impact the shop has had over generations of families.

“We’ve been around so long now that  I’ve worked with the same families who now have kids that we take care of,” Matt said. “ It’s a generational thing.”

The Finishing Touch Body Shop is located at 16940 Colony Drive and is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit finishingtouchaz.com or call 480-837-3355.

Laurin Tilden is the new general manager at The Finishing Touch Body Shop. (Independent Newsmedia/Cyrus Guccione)

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