By Heather Clower
The Parsons Advocate
What began with auto body classes at Tucker County High School has lead to a lifelong career and dream for David Nelson. Prior to graduating in 1990, Nelson studied his passion under Bill Bilby while working for J.R. Helmick through the school work program. He was a member of VICA (Vocational Industry Careers of America) and competed in multiple auto body competitions from the local, state, and national level, placing in each. His success in these competitions earned him a scholarship to Denver Automotive and Diesel School allowing him to take his skills even further.
After graduating, Nelson spent 14 years as an insurance claims adjuster using his knowledge and experience in the auto body industry. 10 years ago, he was hired as the auto body teacher at Tucker County High School where he can pass on his skills to the future generations. During his time there, he has lead a couple students to compete in the collision repair CTE (Career Technical Education) and has plans to take two students this year to gain experience and hopefully compete next year. Nelson wanted to return to a more hands on approach, in addition to teaching, so eight years ago he decided to work out of his home doing body repair and minor paint jobs.
In 2016, Nelson, along with his wife Crystal, decided to purchase the garage at the foot of Quality Hill where he could perform larger jobs and be more accommodating to the public. “We’re growing from the ground up,” said Nelson. With his wife by his side doing the advertising and making necessary calls, Nelson can now offer touch ups, reconditioning work, decal applications, and spray in bed liners. The only thing he cannot offer is all over paint jobs.
Accurate Auto Estimators and Collision Repair accepta all insurance companies and credit cards. “I’ll even work directly with their insurance company if that’s what they need,” Nelson stated. “We’re pretty easy with business,” he added. During the school year, hours of operation include evenings, weekends, and summer months. “Business is good,” said C. Nelson, “We have a lot of returning customers and a lot of new ones.”
The Nelson’s are also looking to expand their business. In the near future, they hope to add a small inventory of used affordable cars for sale as well as considering adding a towing service. If you would like to get in touch with Dave and Crystal Nelson at Accurate Auto Estimators and Collision Repair, you can call 304- 642-8702 or look them up on Facebook.
