Anyone who knows Sandra Scarlette well is aware she thoroughly enjoys a good challenge!
So much so that, through the years, those challenges have defined the passionate person she is today – who happens to also be known for two major milestones! Pat’s Body Shop recently celebrated 60 years of serving the Winston-Salem area and is also recognized as the largest single-woman owned body shop in the United States!
While that’s a healthy dose of much-deserved fanfare, it’s the daily interactions with her team and customers that inspire this powerhouse of a business owner to keep growing strong.
“Years ago, in the 70s and 80s, some male customers didn’t even want a woman writing estimates for them,” shares Sandra. “Today, I would have to say towing has been our biggest obstacle, as it was really a ‘good old boy’s game” for so long. Also, getting the paint shop up and running took three years – but I fought hard for both of those!”
Now, you can count on Pat’s for 24/7 towing needs!
Sandra’s brother, Pat, started the business back in 1964 – where he taught her to love and respect the industry – and she bought Pat’s Body Shop from him in 1997. Pat passed away in 2005, but carrying on his legacy and passing his industry expertise down to her staff continues to be Sandra’s mission. While he was greatly missed at last year’s ribbon cutting and 60 year celebration, Sandra feels he would be amazed at how far she has brought his vision. Inspiring other female business owners of all ages, she’s overcoming obstacles with faith, determination and letting her team’s quality work speak for itself.
As the woman in charge, you might think Sandra has developed a trusted management style to keep her team in line, but she’ll laugh and tell you it’s mostly a “fear factor” that keeps them straight on a daily basis! Maybe so, but that loyal team also knows Sandra is already dreaming of the next project, and their support never waivers. There’s never a dull moment around both businesses, and that sense of camaraderie and family closeness can’t help but spread among the 30-ish employees.
Scarlette’s Performance is right next door, and a new paint shop opened last July, all within walking distance. Both Scarlette’s Performance and Pat’s Body Shop oversee a large volume of cars – continuing to grow as customers appreciate their attention to detail and dedication to exceptional service. That includes collision repair, interior work, mechanical work, custom painting and restoration work – plus, Scarlette’s Performance is your resource for all performance parts, while showcasing Sandra’s personal passion for drag racing. She’s also well known in the area for her custom car collection.
In her spare time – and it’s a mystery when that might be – Sandra is also an award-winning bodybuilder, recently coming out of a 20-year retirement from the sport to compete again. That competitive streak trickles down to her team as well, and you might find a few weights being lifted around the shop. There’s also more than enough time in the schedule to give back.
“I’m proud of the obstacles I’ve overcome – and even more proud to support the community that supported me,” she adds.
Feeling blessed with their own incredible team, Scarlette’s Performance sponsored the 2022, 2023 and 2024 versions of the Shriners Drag Racing & Hot Rod Expo, benefitting Shriners Hospitals for Children. The business is also an avid supporter of a variety of kids’ sports leagues in the area, as well as offering sponsorships for racers at both Farmington Dragway and Piedmont Dragway.
As a woman in management and ownership in a previously male-dominated arena, the road has been filled with challenges. But, Sandra will tell you that’s what she loves most!
Pat’s Body Shop & Towing is a full service collision repair facility located in Winston-Salem and is a direct repair facility for most insurance companies – always with free estimates. For all your collision repairs, interior or mechanical needs, call them at 336.945.3767, or stop by 5720 Country Club Road. For 24/7 towing, please call 336.999.3000, and learn more about their services online at pats-bodyshop.com. For all your automotive performance parts needs, call Scarlette’s Performance at 336.946.9007, learn more at Scarlettesperformance.com and stop by to visit the showroom at 5730 Country Club Road. Follow Sandra and her team on Facebook and Instagram @pats_bodyshop and @scarlettes_performance. Both shops are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.
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