Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Stricklin
Hi Justin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m originally from Arkansas, where I became an Eagle Scout and gained early leadership experience working as a supervisor and manager in several jobs after high school. I’ve always been around the automotive industry, but it wasn’t until 2015 that I entered the auto hail repair field. I traveled to 36 states, learning the trade and refining my skills. In 2019, I took a leap and established After The Storm Hail Repair in Grand Prairie, Texas.
Like many businesses, we faced hard times during the COVID-19 pandemic, and unfortunately, we had to shut down in 2022. During that winter, I detailed cars and worked hard to collect enough money to restart the company. That effort paid off when I relaunched the business as After The Storm AutoworX and moved to Plano. We expanded our services beyond just hail repair, offering full-service auto body work, including PDR, collision repairs, auto glass replacement, and ADAS calibrations.
In 2024, we grew even further, opening two additional locations in Burleson and Oak Point/Little Elm. These locations are part of our hub-and-spoke model, allowing customers to conveniently drop off and pick up their vehicles at satellite locations, while repairs are completed at our main hub in Plano.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like any business owner, I’ve faced my share of challenges along the way. One of the biggest struggles was in 2022 when COVID hit hard, and we had to temporarily shut down the business. That was a tough time—I was forced to close After The Storm Hail Repair and had to find ways to make ends meet. I spent that winter detailing cars, saving up just enough money to start the business back up again. It was a humbling experience, but it also motivated me to keep pushing forward.
Rebuilding as After The Storm AutoworX came with its own set of challenges. We were expanding our services to include full auto body repair, glass replacement, and ADAS calibration, which meant investing in new equipment, training, and systems to ensure we could handle everything in-house. On top of that, opening new locations required careful planning and managing logistics to make sure we maintained the quality of service our customers expect.
It’s been far from easy, but every struggle has shaped where we are today, and I’m grateful for the lessons learned along the way.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about After The Storm AutoworX?
At After The Storm AutoworX, we specialize in full-service auto body repair, and we’re known for offering a comprehensive range of services all under one roof. From paintless dent repair (PDR) and hail damage repair to collision work, auto glass replacement, and ADAS calibration, we handle everything in-house. This not only ensures quality control but also speeds up the repair process for our customers.
What sets us apart is our commitment to doing things the right way. We follow OEM procedures and work closely with insurance companies to make the process as seamless as possible for our customers. We also offer deductible assistance, free pickup and delivery, and a lifetime warranty on our work. That dedication to customer service, along with the expertise of our certified technicians, is something we take great pride in.
I’m particularly proud of our hub-and-spoke business model. We’ve expanded into new locations in Burleson and Oak Point/Little Elm, where customers can drop off and pick up their vehicles, and we transport them to our main hub in Plano for repairs. This approach allows us to serve more communities without sacrificing the quality that defines After The Storm AutoworX.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of our reputation for integrity and transparency. We’re not just fixing cars—we’re building trust and long-lasting relationships with our customers. We’re also deeply involved in the communities we serve, hosting charity events like paw events and supporting the Recovery Community. We want our readers to know that when they come to After The Storm AutoworX, they’re not just getting top-tier auto body repair, they’re also supporting a family-owned business that truly cares about its customers and the community.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5-10 years, I see the auto repair industry evolving significantly, especially with the rise of advanced vehicle technologies. As cars become more complex, with electric vehicles, autonomous driving systems, and increasingly sophisticated ADAS features, the need for specialized knowledge and cutting-edge equipment will be more important than ever. Repair shops that stay ahead of these technological changes will thrive, while those that don’t adapt could struggle to keep up.
At After The Storm AutoworX, we’re committed to staying at the forefront of these shifts by continually investing in the latest equipment and training for our technicians. We’re already equipped to handle ADAS calibrations, and we plan to expand our capabilities as technology progresses.
Looking ahead, my goal is to expand our hub-and-spoke model so that we have a location every 20 minutes apart within the DFW metroplex, making it even more convenient for customers to drop off and pick up their vehicles. Beyond that, I hope to branch out beyond DFW, bringing our unique business model and high standard of service to more communities.
I think another trend we’ll see is an increasing emphasis on customer convenience and transparency in the repair process, something we’ve always prioritized at After The Storm AutoworX. As the industry continues to evolve, shops that focus on both technical expertise and customer experience will be the ones leading the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://afterthestormautoworx.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/atsautoworx.dfw
Image Credits
Allegra Florimbi-Miss Texas 2024, Steve George, Kyndahlyn Pirie, Stormy the Mascot, Delilah the shop dog, Dawn White with CBS News Texas
