Johnson Auto Body was founded in 1996 by Mike and Rosie with a simple goal: build a collision repair shop the community could trust. From the beginning, their focus was not just on fixing cars. It was on doing honest work, building relationships, and creating a stable business that would serve Knightdale for decades.
Today, that foundation still defines who we are.
Johnson Auto Body remains a locally owned collision repair facility in Knightdale, North Carolina. While ownership transitioned in 2017, the values that shaped the business from the start continue to guide it every day.
When Mike and Rosie opened Johnson Auto Body in 1996, they built it with hands-on effort and long-term commitment. It was never about rapid growth or chasing trends. It was about steady work, skilled craftsmanship, and earning trust one repair at a time.
Mike developed a reputation not only as a business owner, but as a mentor and coach in the community. Rosie helped build the structure behind the scenes that kept the operation steady and dependable.
Over the years, Johnson Auto Body became known in Knightdale as a family-run shop that stood behind its work.
That reputation still matters.
As a teenager, Todd admits he was not the best driver. After a few early accidents, he found himself inside body shops more often than he expected. Through a connection, he was offered a job cleaning and untaping cars at a local shop.
It was there that something clicked.
He told them he would work for free for a day. If they liked his work, he could stay. If not, he would walk away.
Todd joined Johnson Auto Body at 19 and spent decades inside the shop. He painted. He learned the systems. He understood the workflow. He saw firsthand how Mike and Rosie built the business.
When they were ready to retire in 2017, their children were not interested in entering the collision repair industry. Todd stepped forward and purchased the business.
As he puts it, it was the closest way to keep it in the family.
When Todd took ownership in 2017, he did not attempt to reinvent Johnson Auto Body overnight. Instead, he focused on strengthening what already worked.
The mission remained steady:
Todd transitioned from painter to manager and owner, but his background still shapes how he leads. He understands production. He understands refinishing. He understands the pressure technicians face. That experience informs how the shop operates today.
Rather than chasing volume, the focus has been on stability and sustainability. Todd often says his goal is simple: make sure his team has steady work and can support their families.
That mindset influences every decision inside the business.
Johnson Auto Body operates out of a 10,000 square foot facility in Knightdale. The shop is designed to support organized production rather than chaos.
We operate with:
Vehicles do not move randomly through the shop. Each one follows a controlled process.
Our team includes approximately 15 professionals, many of whom have been with Johnson Auto Body for over a decade. Long-term team stability supports consistent repair quality and internal accountability.
We are an I-CAR Gold Certified shop, and our technicians hold I-CAR Platinum certifications. We maintain ongoing training because modern vehicles require evolving knowledge.
At the same time, we operate responsibly within our scope. We are not an OEM-certified facility, and we do not position ourselves as one. Instead, we focus on disciplined repair planning and following OEM procedures when required.
Modern collision repair requires proper systems and measurement tools. Our facility includes:
We use CCC estimating software and perform pre-scans and post-scans as part of our process. Some services such as ADAS calibrations, alignments, and certain mechanical repairs are coordinated through trusted partners when needed.
Our approach is practical and structured. We prioritize OEM parts whenever possible. When insurance policies require alternatives, we communicate clearly with customers about their options.
The goal is not shortcuts. It is responsible, consistent repairs.
Johnson Auto Body is proud to serve drivers in:
Community involvement is a meaningful part of our identity. Todd is active in Rotary and participates in local Chamber initiatives. He has supported programs such as Launch Knightdale, which helps local entrepreneurs grow their businesses. The shop regularly supports community events and youth activities.
Johnson Auto Body began with Mike and Rosie’s steady leadership. It continues under Todd McGee’s ownership with the same long-term mindset.
What started as a small, family-operated collision repair shop in 1996 has grown into a structured, high-capacity facility built on discipline and trust.
We are proud of our history.
We are committed to our present.
And we are focused on building a stable future for our team and our community.
If you would like to learn more about Johnson Auto Body or speak with our team about a repair, we welcome you to contact us.
At Johnson Auto Body, trust is not inherited. It is earned, one repair at a time.
You don’t have to navigate this repair alone. Choose the team that prioritizes structure, communication, and your peace of mind. Johnson Auto Body is ready to restore your vehicle with the professionalism you deserve.
