Tim’s Body Worx, located in Guthrie, OK, part of the Oklahoma City Metroplex, has become more than just a collision repair shop. It’s a community cornerstone.
Co-owners Tim and Jessica Stegner have created a brand that focuses on high-quality automotive repair and emphasizes giving back to the community that supports it. Their philosophy is simple: community involvement is crucial for any business looking to grow, build its brand, and create meaningful relationships.
For Jessica Stegner, relationships are key.
“I was a military brat, so we moved around a lot. It was difficult to develop long-term relationships," Jessica said. "I moved here in eighth grade and graduated from Guthrie High School. I have always loved the close-knit community and how people help each other. I love being a part of that through our shop and various events."
Tim Stegner, a lifelong Guthrie resident, also understands the importance of community involvement. His mom owned a daycare for many years, and his dad was a firefighter in Oklahoma City. He said his dad was instrumental in starting four of the volunteer fire departments in his county.
“My family has always been involved in the community, and I would like to continue that tradition,” he said. “We have a great town and people and want to give back as much as possible.”
Tim’s deep roots in the area and his passion for cars led him to open Tim’s Body Worx in 1996. Over the years, the shop has expanded significantly, growing from a small 1,800-square-foot facility to a spacious 11,000-square-foot building.
A Signature Event: The Guthrie Road Celebration
One of the standout examples of Tim’s Body Worx’s commitment to the community is its role in coordinating the 41st Annual Guthrie Road Celebration, which will take place this year on Sept. 14.
Staff pose with the car show trophies they created.
This event is one of Oklahoma’s largest car shows, attracting between 4,000 and 5,000 attendees and showcasing more than 400 classic cars. Since taking over this event in 2019, Tim’s Body Worx has brought business to Guthrie and strengthened its community ties.
Tim’s Body Worx goes above and beyond by crafting unique trophies for the car show from recycled parts, an effort that involves the entire staff. The event is a showcase of classic cars, as well as a celebration of community spirit and automotive passion, which has led to lasting relationships and new business opportunities for Tim’s Body Worx.
Beyond Business: Supporting Local Initiatives
Tim and Jessica’s involvement in the community extends far beyond the car show. They host an annual Car Care 101 class for new drivers and anyone wanting to understand vehicle maintenance better, a hands-on clinic that provides valuable knowledge and builds trust within the community.
Tim’s Body Worx has taken a proactive approach to training the next generation, collaborating with Meridian Technology’s collision repair program to develop a curriculum that ensures students have immediate job placement opportunities after graduation.
By sending their apprentices to Meridian Tech for short courses, the shop supports continuous learning while maintaining full-time employment for these apprentices. You can read more about their participation here.
Tim’s Body Worx was recognized for its restoration of the 1984 Jeep J-10 from the movie Twister.
Tim’s Body Worx also participates in the Oklahoma On-The-Job Training program and the apprentice program through Workforce Oklahoma. These initiatives benefit the apprentices and contribute to the local economy by providing skilled labor.
Fostering Industry Growth and Advocacy
Jessica Stegner, the Oklahoma Auto Body Association (OKABA) vice president, plays a significant role in advocating for the industry. She has been instrumental in efforts to revamp auto body training programs across the state, emphasizing the need for skilled technicians and apprenticeships.
Tim’s Body Worx has received numerous accolades for its community and industry involvement. The shop preserves and restores iconic vehicles, such as the 1984 Jeep J-10 from the movie Twister.
Looking ahead, Tim’s Body Worx plans to host an annual event with local junior high and high school counselors to promote blue-collar trades like collision repair, providing resources and scholarship information.
Through events, education and advocacy, Tim’s Body Worx has built a brand that stands for quality, integrity and community spirit. As they continue to grow and expand their efforts, Tim and Jessica Stegner are setting a powerful example of what it means to be a business that genuinely supports the community it serves.
Leona Scott