Plowman's Collision is family-owned and operated since 1969.
John Plowman's Collision was opened by John Plowman in 1970 on the corner of Campbell Street and Washington Avenue in Alpena, Michigan. John took cared of things in he shop while his wife Bonnie took care of the books. The couple had 4 children and it was Steve, their firstborn, who chose to follow in his father's footsteps officially joining the shop through Alpena High School's co-op class in his junior year.
Steve married his high-school sweetheart, Ruth, in 1981. While raising their own family, they bought the business from John and moved it to its current location at 3146 US 23 South in Alpena slightly changing the name to Plowman's Collision. It was at this location where Steve and Ruth's firstborn, Brian began his career in auto body repair. Brian not only learned from his dad and grandfather; he also successfully completed the Automotive Body Program at Alpena Community College. After years in the shop, Brian began working in the office end of the business knowing that one day he would buy the business from his father just as Steve bought it from John.
John will turn 81 in 2020 and is honored to still work part-time at the shop with Steve and Brian,. As the icon of the business, John says he will "continue to work until they kick him out." Both Steve and Brian continue to learn from John, with Steve saying, "I'm proud of him, that he's my dad, and I've learned a lot from him."
"We Meet by Accident" has been the slogan for Plowman's Collision from the beginning, but it is the workmanship, customer service, and continuing education by those at Plowman's Collision that has kept them at the forefront of the collision industry in Alpena.
With dependable work, quality service, and a guarantee on all of our repairs we strive to make our customers happy and leave your vehicle looking as good as new! We are proud to have been voted a Sunrise Best for the past 5 years.
Plowman's Collision has thirteen bays, one Bake Spray Booth, one Air Dry Spray Booth, certified technicians (including ASE and ATEG), free computerized estimating, free loaner cars, and much more!
Plowman's Collision is a member of the Northern Michigan Body Shop Association and an active sponsor of many community events.
January 26, 2019, The Alpena News
Even after turning 80, John Plowman contnues to dabble in the automotive repair business.
““If you do a good job your reputation will speak for itself,” he said. “That’s the kind of reputation we carry.” - Read More
February 7, 2020 - The Alpena News
(Steve) Plowman is Citizen of the Year
“I grew up in the Alpena and I love the Alpena area,” he said. “I remember when there wasn’t a lot going on here and have seen it grow after being stagnant for years. It’s super to see the improvements in the south corridor, and that is a fantastic group of guys who are visionaries. They have amazing ideas and it’s super to be able to work with them.”
