Ultimate Auto Body

The years that Matt Beobide spent with his uncle, Greg, at the Bedford Hills-based Ultimate Auto Body added up to a life-changing experience.

“My uncle really took me under his wing, teaching me everything he knew,” said Beobide, who, before joining the company, was a restless teenager needing some direction in life.

Beobide’s uncle had been running the Ultimate Auto Body inMount Vernonwhen he brought his nephew to the Bedford Hills location. The Tuckahoe native, 17 years old at the time, said it was in many ways a natural career for him since he always had a fascination with cars.

When he first went to work at theAdams Streetlocation, Beobide was encouraged to learn everything he could about rebuilding and refinishing cars, including automotive upholstering, interior welding, spray painting and installing new frames, dashboards and convertible tops.

After six months learning the tools of the trade, Beobide moved to the front office, where he honed his management skills.

“It really was a natural progression for me, moving from the back to where I am now. Despite it being challenging at times, it’s something I really enjoy,” he said.

The hands-on training he received made Beobide, who has been Ultimate Auto Body’s owner since 2000, a perceptive manager. Not one to remain confined to his office, Beobide will often go into the repair facility to see what work is being done.

“I have a very keen sense of what’s going on in the back of the shop, which allows me to see the repair in stages and that in turn helps me keep track of the quality,” he said.

While Ultimate Auto Body caters to clients mainly in and around Bedford Hills, it also draws customers from Brewster,MountKisco,North Salem, Pound Ridge and Somers. The business inMount Vernonattracts customers throughout southernWestchester.

Ultimate Auto Body performs some light mechanical jobs, but the bulk of the business is to repair the bodies of cars and other vehicles that have been in accidents. Beobide said most jobs can be completed in about 10 days. The company orders only original replacement parts. His certified, trained technicians use the latest hi-tech unibody pulling and aligning bench systems, as well as specialized metal inert-gas welding tools.

The shop’s climate-controlled downdraft spray booth, coupled with its computerized paint-matching system, allows Ultimate Auto Body to deliver a finish that is equal to the manufacturer, Beobide added. All work is fully guaranteed and is under warranty for as long as the customer owns the vehicle, he said.

What sets the business apart from others, however, is that Beobide personally conducts insurance claim handling, saving customers time and aggravation. Referring to it as a “pain-free” process, Beobide said his years of experience have taught him how to deal with insurance claims to benefit the customer.

“I work for the customer, not the insurance company,” said Beobide, adding that the company philosophy is dedicated to performing proper repair in a timely manner and for a reasonable price.

Attributing his strong work ethic to his uncle, Beobide is eager to grow the business. He is currently looking at properties inWhite PlainsandPeekskillthat might be good locations to expand.

“My goal is to open between five and 10 body shops in theWestchesterarea over the next few years,” he said.

Ultimate Auto Body also provides a service called NitroFill, which offers customers the chance to keep their tires inflated through the use of nitrogen instead of air. Nitrogen-filled tires can lead to improved vehicle performance and fuel economy, as well as a reduction in tire oxidation, and is a more cost-effective way to maintain tires. The company also provides glass and windshield replacement and detailing services.

Ultimate Auto Body is located at341 Adams St.in Bedford Hills. For more information, call 914-242-4600 or visit www.ultimateautobody.com.