Today we’d like to introduce you to Cathy Abrahamson.
Cathy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Michael Abrahamson started Highway 18 collision Center, Inc in in June of 2004. Michaels passion for working on vehicles began at a young age His Grandmother Sylvia Treveranus boasted that his first word as a child was Vroom, mimicking a car noise. Mike started his career in the automotive field in 1975 working as a gas attendant then moving on in 1996 to work for a local GM dealership . Michael studied industrial education at UMD and had hopes of becoming a teacher. Michael then graduated from Brained Vocation college auto body technician course. Those plans changed when in 1982 Mike started his business out of all 2-stall garage. The business has grown to over 20 thousand square feet with an addition of Highway 18 Industrial Painting business onsite. Hwy 18 Collision Center has fantastic team members, Mike and Cathy consider each 1 a part of their family. From the detailers to lead technicians all team members are valuable to keeping the Collision Center operating at 100%. Mikes work ethic is evident when you look at his swimming record from Brainerd high school, Mike held the record in the 500 free style for 27 years! His commitment to achieving excellence in every endeavor he undertakes remains unwavering.
Michael Married Catherine and they have 3 children Erik, William & Molly Abrahamson. Mikes sons have worked in the business since they were young enough to push a broom. The boys would come from school and drop their backpacks off in the office and head to work.
Oldest son Erik started in detailing cars as a young man then evolved into a lead painter position at the collision center. Erik had his hands in all areas of the shop. Today Erik is working in the front as 1 of the estimators, Erik’s ability to connect with customers is something his parents are extremely proud of. Erik also works with all insurance companies on behalf of customers to ensure their vehicles are fixed according to OEM factory standards.
Son, William started in the detail area of the business his eye for detail and perfection is uncanny. He then moved to the industrial side of painting and excelled in his ability to refinish. William currently leads the boat side of the collision center. William has a love of fabricating and will not settle for anything less than excellence when he takes on a task. Mike and Cathy Abrahamson could not be prouder of the work William does with such care, precision and excellence.
Both sons have at 1 time left the business to grow their careers and have returned, often stating that family business is what drives them.
Molly helps her father with the business accounting end in the industrial paint shop that Mike added to his business. Molly has a degree in Animal Science and when not working with her father she takes care of her “little farm” chickens, ducks, hedgehogs and her puppies.
Adam Abrahamson is the eldest grandson, and he too has been involved with the business since he was a child. Pushing brooms, emptying garbage and learning skills of the trade from his grandfather, father & uncle. Adam Graduated High school in 2024 and began training in the Industrial paint side of the business as well as the boat side. Adam has grown in a short time in his ability to lay industrial paint with skill and precision.
Cathy Abrahamson has been part of the accounting & H/R Dept since the start of the business. Cathy jokes that she wanted to be a ballerina and here she is working with numbers and helping to keep operations running smoothly. When Cathy is not working in the office you can find her in her gardens pruning flowers and taking pride in caring for her yard. If you ask Cathy what part of the business, she enjoys most she will tell you it is 100% the team that works in the shop, the ability to hand the jobs that need doing to professionals and just know they know what to do. No micromanaging allowed… Taking care of her team members, letting them help make decisions that keep operations running smoothly are key in having a team that works together. Cathy will tell you that not only are her team members important to her as a family but their children, spouses and families as well. If things at home don’t go well, be it the health or financial concerns of her team they won’t go well at that shop it all carries over, and Cathy’s goal is to always keep that in the forefront of her ability to lead. Cathy Abrahamson knows that if operations in front of the business are not running smoothly it affects all operations of the business.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Through the years the biggest challenge for Highway 18 Collision Center is having the space needed to complete the volume of production that takes place at Highway 18 Collision Center. Mike started the company in a 2-stall garage, then added an addition to the building with a proper paint booth and still found that to be insufficient space to complete the volume of work that increased over the years of doing work in the Brainerd lakes area. Mike increased the size of the building x2 and found that to be helpful recently adding the latest addition to the shop has helped to keep production moving smoother when Mike added room for the industrial paint booth in recent years. Mike & Cathy are thankful for the business that comes from the north, south, east and west and would not be a successful business without their customers trusting our team with their repairs & the team here at Highway 18 Collision Center, Inc.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Highway18 Collision Center, Inc?
Highway 18 Collision offers a comprehensive range of services, including a full collision repair facility utilizing modern techniques. We specialize in all automotive repairs to have your repairs back to factory OEM standards. Specializing & including paintless dent repair and hail damage services, auto glass replacement, detailing, and even unique marine services such as boat repairs, winterization, and storage. We work with all insurance companies and are committed to a streamlined process and exceptional customer convenience, including offering loaner vehicles.
What are your plans for the future?
The future of Highway 18 Collision Center is what Michael Abrahamson has made the company moto when he started his business that is to “serve 1 satisfied customer at a time.” continuing to excel in operating a successful business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hwy18collision.com/
- Facebook: Highway 18 Collision Center Brainerd MN
- Other: [email protected]
