Santa Fe Springs, Calif. -- While the staff at L&R Automotive Supply Co. focus on providing machine shop services for the professional repair industry, Manager Don Derting said, they stay busy by working in many niches, including standard engine and head rebuilding, performance work, restorations, and forklift engine rebuilding.

Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif. -- For Aaron Holmes, the demise of M2 Collision Care Centers meant that he lost his job but got a chance to own his own group of body shops.  Holmes said he grew up in the collision repair industry, with his parents founding Holmes Body Shop in 1974, which had grown to four locations by the time he went off to college and now has nine locations.  While he was in college, his parents separated, with his father retaining Holmes Body Shop and his mother joining Caliber Collision Centers for about a year before opening Glendora Auto Craft, he said. 

San Clemente, Calif. -- While the polyurethane suspension products manufactured by Energy Suspension have long had followings among racers, restorers, and street performance enthusiasts, in recent years the company has been drawn more and more into the traditional repair industry and into supplying heavy-duty parts, said Performance Division Sales Manager Mike Papazian.

Las Vegas -- With the Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) joining the International Autobody Congress and Exposition (NACE) at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center for the first time on Nov. 5-8, Automotive Service Association (ASA) President Ron Pyle said the collision and mechanical repair industries will both benefit.

Tustin, Calif. -- As Tustin Ranch Tire & Auto Center prepares for its 10th anniversary in November, Manager Jim Crowell said business remains strong at the shop despite the slowing economy.  "Our customer base continues to grow," Crowell said.  "I am seeing lower-end shops in the area going out of business, and people's friends and neighbors seem to be referring them to us."

Azusa, Calif. -- Banks Power has built a reputation in many circles over the past 50 years as it has continued to adjust to the ever-changing performance parts market, said New Business & Market Development Manager John Espino.