Cory Cochran and his wife Laurie are the proud owners of Cochran Collision, formerly known as Lauridsen Auto Body. Cory's journey began in New London, where he unknowingly embarked on his career as a high school sophomore, working alongside his father. The business was originally established by his father's friend, Pete Lauridsen, over four decades ago. Starting with simple tasks like cleaning up sheet metal and sweeping floors, Cory took advantage of his high school's work study program to further his knowledge and skills. Over the course of 34 years, he continued to work and learn, becoming an expert in his field. Finally, in January 2023, Cory and Laurie purchased the Lauridsen family business, cementing their dedication to its success.
Cory takes great joy in his work, and one day, Pete approached him with the news of his retirement. Pete asked if Cory, as a long-time employee, would be interested in taking over the business. Intrigued by the idea and with a long-standing dream to own an auto body repair shop, Cory and Laurie carefully considered the opportunity and eagerly began preparing for the transition. Pete and his wife, Heidi, recommended that Cory seek guidance from SCORE, an organization that connects entrepreneurs with experienced mentors. With the help of Heather Turner as his mentor and Dick Ver Eecke as the co-mentor, Cory and Laurie created a comprehensive business plan, which was crucial for securing the necessary funding to acquire the business on their first attempt!
Prior to assuming ownership, Cory's primary responsibility revolved around managing and actively participating in the day-to-day operations of the shop. However, his responsibilities have now expanded. Despite his genuine passion for working on the shop floor and even stepping in for his employees during their vacations, Cory has been diligently working in recent months to ensure the presence of a well-balanced and skilled staff. This allows him to shift his focus towards other crucial aspects of running an auto repair business. Cory actively seeks out individuals with a natural aptitude for mechanics and provides them with on-the-job training to deliver the desired outcomes for their valued customers.
Laurie has primarily worked as a private caregiver in her career so far. Currently, she is expanding her knowledge in office systems and processes, specifically in a process known as re-keying and submitting supplements. Re-keying involves inputting the insurance company's estimate into their system using identical figures for hours, parts, and other relevant details. Supplements refer to additional funds needed for car repairs beyond what the insurance company originally approved. This process is essential for receiving the correct payment from insurance companies. At Cochran Collision, they utilize commercial software for automotive repair estimates, order management, and invoicing. Laurie is now using auto repair software solutions and QuickBooks to assist in the office. The physical office, which has undergone multiple renovations, was recently updated with the help of the staff, family, and friends in Sutton. This demonstrates the importance of the small-town environment to Cory and Laurie. In fact, Cory is the Fire Chief in Sutton, showcasing their commitment to supporting their community. They prioritize local businesses for their payroll service, accountant, and SCORE mentor.
Cory and Laurie are extremely grateful to the previous owners, Pete and Heidi Lauridsen, for ensuring a smooth transition and being “just a phone call away”.
Cochran Collision attracts customers from towns within a 30-mile radius, with most of their business coming from insurance claims for collision repairs. Around 90% of their customers have their repairs covered by insurance, while the remaining 10% pay for the repairs themselves. To stay up to date with the changing automobile market, Cochran Collision is a member of the New Hampshire Auto Dealers Association. This affiliation allows them to access valuable resources like educational and training programs, marketing support, and other benefits. They also have strong partnerships with local auto mechanics and towing companies.
Their primary goals revolve around a few key objectives. These involve the development and release of a website, managing credit and debit card transactions, and utilizing social media as a marketing tool. Within the shop, Cory's main focus is to improve efficiency and streamline the car servicing process. He values interpersonal skills highly, understanding the importance of customer satisfaction, and strives to go above and beyond by providing exceptional service.
In the near future, the auto collision repair industry will witness several promising advancements that are bound to make a significant impact. These advancements include the growing popularity of electric vehicles and the introduction of cutting-edge technologies and software programs. These innovations could change how the repair techs will diagnose and repair vehicles.
Cochran Collision sets itself apart from larger corporate-owned auto body shops by prioritizing exceptional customer service and offering convenient one-stop shopping. For instance, they can help you arrange for Enterprise Rentals and even coordinate windshield replacement while your vehicle is undergoing other body work. With a strong focus on personalized attention and a longstanding commitment to delivering top-notch service, Cochran Collision always puts the needs of their customers first.
Cochran Collision is conveniently located at Exit 11 right off of I-89 and can be reached at (603) 526-6267 or by email at cochrancollisionllc@gmail.com
