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Our Story

Family, community, and craftsmanship — the values behind Johnson's since 1975.

Johnson's Auto Body & Repair storefront in Ashland, Ohio
Since 1975

A Legacy of Quality in Ashland, Ohio

Johnson's Auto Body & Repair has been a cornerstone of the Ashland community since 1975. Founder Gary Johnson got his start fiddling around on his own cars as a teenager in the early '60s — and that passion for the craft never left him.

Gary opened his body shop at East Main and Arthur streets before moving into a renovated building at Arthur and East Fourth streets, more than doubling his floor space to keep up with the growing demand for full-service bodywork.

Built on a simple belief — treat every customer fairly, do the work right, and the rest takes care of itself — Johnson's has grown from a two-employee operation into one of Ashland's most trusted names in auto body and repair. Today, Gary's children Mike Johnson and Kathy Kruty carry that legacy forward.

Call (419) 281-6966
As Seen In

Featured in the
Times-Gazette

Johnson's Auto Body & Repair has long been recognized by the Ashland community — and by local press. The Ashland Times-Gazette featured Gary Johnson and the shop, highlighting what sets Johnson's apart: a commitment to staying current with technology, expanding to meet demand, and above all, a deep passion for the craft.

"I started fiddling around, working on my own cars and helping friends of mine with their cars and doing odd jobs on cars till I realized I enjoyed bodywork."

— Gary Johnson, Founder
Ashland Times-Gazette feature on Johnson's Body & Repair

Feature article by Irv Oslin, Times-Gazette Staff Writer

Recognition

Voted Best Auto Body/
Collision — 3 Years Running

The Ashland community has spoken — three consecutive years in a row, they chose Johnson's Auto Body & Repair as the Best Auto Body/Collision Center in the Times-Gazette's Best of the Best awards.

Winning in 2018, 2019, and 2020 isn't luck — it's the result of nearly 50 years of doing things right, treating customers with respect, and never cutting corners on quality.

2018
1st Place
2019
1st Place
2020
1st Place
Johnson's Auto Body Best of the Best Awards 2018, 2019, 2020

Times-Gazette Best of the Best — Best Auto Body/Collision, First Place

The Johnson Family

Three Generations of Pride

Gary Johnson didn't just build a business — he built something to pass on. His children Mike Johnson and Kathy Kruty grew up around the shop and share the same dedication to quality and community that Gary poured into Johnson's from day one.

When you walk through our doors, you're met by people who genuinely care about getting your vehicle right — and getting you back on the road safely. That's not a slogan. It's a standard the Johnson family has held for nearly 50 years.

Gary Johnson Founder
Mike Johnson Co-Owner
Kathy Kruty Co-Owner
Gary Johnson, Mike Johnson, and Kathy Kruty at Johnson's Auto Body

Left to right: Mike Johnson, Gary Johnson (Founder), Kathy Kruty

Our History

Nearly 50 Years in the Making

1975

Gary Johnson opens his body shop at East Main & Arthur streets in Ashland with just two employees and a lifelong passion for bodywork.

1990s

Johnson's expands into a renovated building at Arthur and East Fourth streets, more than doubling floor space and growing to 15 employees.

2018–20

Johnson's wins First Place in the Times-Gazette Best of the Best awards for Best Auto Body/Collision Center three years in a row.

Today

Mike Johnson and Kathy Kruty carry on their father's legacy — still family-owned, still community-driven, still the best in Ashland.

Come See Us in Ashland

204 E 4th Street, Ashland, OH 44805 — Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM.

Call (419) 281-6966