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About Us
From a young age, I have always had a mechanical mindset. After leaving school in 1988 with limited qualifications, I decided to pursue a career in the army. While my application for the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers was being processed, I began working at a small backstreet body shop.
However, I was eventually disqualified from the army due to knee issues, which led me to fully dedicate myself to my newfound passion for the automotive industry. Within a few months, I transitioned to a larger body shop with 10 car spaces and an oven for painting. I was determined, hardworking, and eager to learn. By 5th February 1991, at the age of 19, I had become the shop's manager, responsible for overseeing operations. My skills as a spray painter were quickly recognised within the restoration world, and demand for my services grew.
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My long-term goal had always been to own my own shop. Although I initially hoped to take over my current workplace, that opportunity didn’t materialise. On 5th February 2005, I made the decision to leave and venture out as a freelance painter, offering cover and training to body shops within an hour’s drive. Despite still freelancing by the end of that year, I remained committed to my goal of owning my own business.
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In 2006, after much customer pressure to establish a permanent base, I rented a single car space at a body shop in Brockenhurst. Customers were eager to send me their work, and by 1st January 2006, I had expanded and taken over the entire shop.
Ross Packard
Later that year, in September 2006, Balmer Lawn Garage closed their body shop in New Milton — a location I had worked with for many years. My mother had worked for the family that originally built the shop, and I had a strong rapport with the company. When their sales manager approached me to look after their sales cars, I seized the opportunity. I also enquired about the fate of the body shop in New Milton and expressed my interest in taking it on.
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This was a significant commitment, as I had a young family, but I was determined to make it work. Thus, Ross Packard Paint Shop was born, and by late September 2006, I moved into our current premises on Gore Road. While excited to have a well-equipped and spacious shop, I also recognised that I had much to learn in this new chapter.
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My long-term vision for the business remains intact, and I am on track to achieve the goals I have set. I am fortunate to have earned recognition from various manufacturers, including Honda, Mitsubishi, and Mazda, who have accredited our work. Additionally, we are proud to be recognised with the British Kite Mark Standards.
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I am honoured to collaborate with high-end dealers on both day-to-day work and restoration projects, an area I am particularly passionate about. My core values are rooted in the belief that success stems from good people, proper training, and high-quality products and equipment. While I always strive to produce excellent work, I am committed to fulfilling our customers’ needs, within reason.
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Integrity is paramount to me — whether it’s during an interview or an estimate, I emphasise honesty and transparency. If a customer is dissatisfied, it deeply affects me, but I have always believed that being open and forthright fosters respect and trust.
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In 2018, I had the privilege of attending the 30th Techno-Classica Essen Car Show, where some of our work was on display. It was an incredibly proud moment for me, knowing that I started with a simple passion for Meccano and have since built a thriving business.
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As of 2023, Ross Packard Ltd has now moved to a smaller workshop, offering more boutique and custom services for the more discerning customer looking for a high-end finish with a more personal approach. Our work is ever-evolving, and we aim to keep our gallery updated within the realms of our customers’ privacy.
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"I've always struggled as a manager and prefer the position of a technician. Now, in a smaller workshop, I can focus on what is important: a team that is more focused and completing work to the highest standard." – Ross Packard.
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Reese
Kieran
