History
In 1986, Paul Rasmussen opened Northwest Collision at 824 Rose Street. With hard work, a great staff, and wonderful community support, the business soon outgrew the space. Northwest Collision moved to its current location at 1390 Poplar Street in 1999. To ensure excellent working conditions and the best quality for customers, Paul ensured that the new shop would have:
- Significant increase in space for smoother flow and increased productivity
- High safety standards
- Regularly maintained and updated equipment
- Secured areas and strong security system for customer vehicles
In 2008, Paul sold the shop to focus on a project where he could support the community of Walla Walla. Five years later, the opportunity arose to buy back the business, and he and his son, Jeff Rasmussen, returned to Northwest Collision with a reinvigorated mission to make the family business successful and provide their customers the best service and highest quality work possible.
Team
The leaders at Northwest Collision are highly trained, competent, and experienced, ensuring excellent customer service and superb work.
Paul Rasmussen
, Owner
Paul earned a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education and taught industrial arts at the high school level for four years. He then owned and operated an auto collision shop near Spokane for five years and taught auto body at the college level for five years. Paul opened Northwest Collision in 1986, with a five-year sabbatical to focus on a nonprofit community project.
Chad Smith, Estimator
Chad started working in the insurance field in 1998 as an independent auto damage appraiser. Chad spent over twenty years traveling through many states to inspect and write estimates on damaged vehicles. Wishing to be closer to home, Chad joined Northwest Collision in 2019.
Alan Draney, Estimator
Alan worked in the auto body field as a repair technician for 14 years and an estimator for five years. He then transitioned to the role of an insurance auto damage appraiser, and worked in this role for 29 years. Alan recently brought his extensive expertise to Northwest Collision as one of the estimators.
Kailey Cassell, Administrative Professional
Kailey is pursuing her business management degree at Walla Walla Community College and she has over ten years of customer service experience. Kailey will help make the repair process smooth by assisting with the insurance process, arranging a rental car, and addressing any other needs that may arise.
Jeff Rasmussen, Shop Foreman
Jeff has worked with his father in the family business since 1993, and he has been the shop foreman for over 10 years. Jeff has two decades of experience in frame and mechanical repair and alignments, and he has attended Chief Frame, Hunter Alignment School, and I-Car training in welding, body, frame, and suspension.
Carlos Garcia, Paint Foreman
Carlos has been working as a paint technician for almost 40 years, with over a decade of that time at Northwest Collision. He has welding experience, I-Car Certification, PPG Color Training, and PPG Management Training.
Arthur Fowler, Parts Manager
Art has almost 30 years of experience as a parts manager, and he has been at Northwest Collision for five years. Art is an ASE General Motor Parts Consultant, ASE Certified Parts Specialist, and a General Motors Certified Parts Manager.
