LAKE PARK — It was a love for old cars that led P.J. Fender to begin doing body work from his home. His younger brother, Dustin, joined in to help him, and the two worked together on projects as their skills improved. He studied restoration and repair extensively at Valdosta Technical College, not realizing that his dream of owning a body shop would become a reality so soon.

A family friend introduced the Fenders to Steve Englehart, a man with 35 years experience in the industry. He had previously owned a body shop in Lake Park, and the mutual friend helped them reach an agreement that landed the Fender brothers with their very own body shop, Fenderz to Fenderz, which Englehart would oversee.

Located on Old U.S. Hwy. 41 N., Lake Park’s newest shop provides collision repair, restoration services, custom painting and more. It also offers aftermarket body parts and mobile soda-blasting, a non-abrasive stripping and cleaning process that can be used on any type of surface.

The Fenders guarantee their work for as long as the customer owns the car.

“We want our customers to be satisfied,” P.J. said. “If they have any problems, they can bring the vehicles back and we will make necessary repairs.”

He also said that his shop operates on Christian values, so customers can expect honesty, integrity, fair prices, upfront explanations of problems and suggestions for repairs based on what he and his brother would do if a vehicle was their own.

Dustin agreed and said he looks at every vehicle as if it were his and will treat all customers with respect, aiming to provide complete satisfaction.

For now, Fenderz to Fenderz is only open four days a week, but P.J. and Dustin hope their business will grow and become a full-time job with enough clients to hire additional help. They hope to one day expand into a larger facility as well.

What started as a desire to restore old cars has led these two brothers into a productive career. They look forward to working hard, pleasing customers and providing quality body and restoration work to the people of Lowndes County for many years to come.

Q: How is business?

A: Steadily increasing.