The Partnership Grows Ronald Regan was the 40th president, America's first reusable spacecraft, Columbia, was launched, and Joe Tornetta got the invitation that would change his life. Welcome to the 80s. Well aware of Joe’s expertise in the auto repair industry, Rich and Claudia invited their cousin to partner with them in a second collision repair shop that would service fleet accounts. Joe brought to the business 35-years experience in the industry, owning and operating Blue Bell Auto Body, as well as many years as a racecar driver. Adding to the talent mix a degree from LaSalle University and experience as a financial manager and accountant, Wayne Smolda was also asked to join the business, a union only slightly out done by his marriage to Claudia. Now with Joe and Rich on the operations end, Wayne in charge of marketing and sales, and Claudia involved in finance and human resources, East Coast Fleet Service opened in August of 1981 as the second location to a growing business.
By 1985 James Tornetta, Joe’s brother, was brought in from outside the industry to take over the company’s marketing and sales. Although Wayne was still involved with the collision repair business, with Jim on board Wayne focused his attention in new directions. His fellow partners credit Jim with “taking the business to another level.
Also in 1985 Pat Beavers began working for the company right out of high school. He started as an assembler and was eventually promoted to assistant manager. In 1987, at the same time the third location, Village Auto Body in Blackwood NJ, was acquired, Pat had earned the title of manager for the East Coast Fleet Service location at only 21 years old.
