Meet Kristoffer Manton | Owner of Panel Beater’s Paint & Body

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kristoffer Manton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kristoffer, how do you think about risk?
I’ve always been a risk taker, I feel taking risks is important for growth. Just about every major decision I made throughout my life has involved a level of risk. From leaving home young to having children in my early 20s while working fulltime and attending college part-time. Not many would agree with these tactics, but they definatly were right for me. I started my first auto body business in Ontario Canada in 2010 and it failed miserably in 2014. It was a risk and an important lesson for me to learn. In 2017 I moved my family to Texas looking for new opportunity, by far the largest risk I’d ever taken. Moving to a different country with no family, friends or contacts in my field was scary. Not long after moving I had built relationships with some amazing people in my field who helped lead my path to owning my own business. The very first person I worked for in Texas had become a good friend and mentor, and when he became ill and in need of someone to purchase his business, I jumped right in risking my home, savings and mental health. By far this was the greatest risk I’d ever take and I couldn’t be happier with my decision.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I own Panel Beater’s Paint & Body in Haltom City TX. We are a small auto collision repair and restoration shop focused on doing high quality repairs at a fair price. I think what sets us apart from many other shops is our dedication to getting our customers back in their vehicles quickly, we work within their budget to fulfill their desires. We recognise every car owner has a dream and we will do whatever we can to make that a reality regardless of what budget they have. One of our priorities is to build personal relationships with our customers, we keep in close contact with them throughout the repair process and follow up after they have been back the road to see if they have any concerns. We host monthly cookouts for our clients, vendors and friends. Any chance we have to give back to our community is important to us as well. I think I got here by focusing on the needs of others and doing what ever I could to help. Nothing about how I obtained this business was easy. There were many situations that made walking away seem easier. When my friend (Ronnie) became ill with stage 4 cancer, we needed to act quickly in order to save this business. Unfortunately we were not able to get our transaction done before he passed. I really thought this opportunity was gone and everything I had invested in it, Luckily for me Ronnie had an amazing woman by his side. His wife Mary wanted to make it work for me to obtain this business. So we kept at it working together to get the deal done. I’m truly blessed to have a friend like Mary, none of this would have been possible without her.
The number one lesson I learned is never give up, no matter how bleak things look, just keep pushing forward. If you have to work 18 hours a day, do it. If have have to sleep in the office, do it. The sacrifices you make to build your dream are 100% worth it if you truly believe in it.
I would like the world to know that you can accomplish anything. If a tradesman from Ontario Canada can drag his wife, two kids, two dogs and a cat 2000 miles in a small SUV to big Texas with little to no capital at all, and in just a few years become a home owner and business owner. Than anything is possible with ambition and willingness to take a risk.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
When my friends or family come to visit, we take them to all the places I love most about Texas. First stop, BILLY BOB’S TEXAS! The stockyards are in my mind what I think Texas is. Coopers BBQ is hands down the best BBQ in North Texas, I can not have visitors and not take them for the best BBQ they will ever have. Never had a margarita in my life before moving to Texas. The best margaritas are at Don Taco or Bayou Jacks in Roanoke. Because my visitors are usually Canadian, I always make a point to take them to a Texas Rangers game against the Toronto Blue Jays! GO JAYS GO!!! For adventure, River float in New Braunfels Texas. The Guadalupe river one is the best in my opinion, what’s better than a few drinks, floating the river with complete strangers that are friendly as can be. Dealey Plaza, in Dallas is always on the itinerary as I am a bit of a history nerd, U.S. history has always peaked my interest, weird I know considering I’m Canadian. I’m not a football fan but the AT&T center is a stop I always bring my Canadian friends and family too. It’s just so BIG. This one is a weird one, but you can not visit Texas and not see the world’s most elaborate gas station. BUC-EES! When I first saw it I was in awe of how many pumps they had. Then I went inside, I lost my wife for a few hours. I’ve never seen a place where you can get gas, world’s best fudge, home decor, fresh brisket, the list keeps going.
Being a car guy, catching a few races at Texas Motor Speedway is a must. I may have purposely bought my house 7 miles away. LOL. Friday night drag nights in the summer have become a tradition. Started the first summer I moved here, and haven’t missed one yet.
They always say things are bigger in Texas, when it comes to good places to eat, the small hole in the wall places are my favorite. The mom and pop places are always where you find the best food worth bragging about. Maple Leaf diner in Dallas is the only place that has a poutine that is like something I would get back in Canada. I may be from Canada but Texas is home and forever will be. I like to show my friends and family what made me fall in the love with the Lone Star State.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My wife for definitely supporting me and my risks. I could not have done it without her. She gives me the push I sometimes need. Ron (Ronnie) Gales for his mentorship, we didn’t know each other long but he believed I would be the best person to take over the business even when I thought he was wrong. Ron left big shoes to fill that’s for sure. I also want to recognize Mary Gales, her strength is admirable. To my kids, Bryce and Ava, I know I’ve had to sacrifice my time at home to be where I am today. My goal is to give you things I didn’t have growing up.

When it came to get up and running with Panel Beater’s, I could not have done it without my brother in law Colton. He quit his job, moved from another state and took on being my right hand man no questions asked. I am forever grateful for him and the sacrifices he made to help me succeed in owning my own shop!

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Image Credits
Photo Credits to Kyla Manton Our Marketing Director