THE TAYLOR LEGACY

Doug Taylor, a Charlottesville native born in 1945, spent his formative years immersed in the scenic charm of Scottsville. Proudly graduating from Albemarle High, Doug's life took a significant turn in 1966 as he embarked on a journey of service in the military, dedicating several impactful years to the Special Forces. Meanwhile, May, born in Charlottesville, attended Lane High School, and embarked on a career in banking and insurance after completing her education.

Remarkably, the military legacy in the Taylor family doesn't stop with Doug. His son-in-law proudly served in the army in combat arms role, exemplifying the family's commitment to service. Doug's grandson continued this tradition, pursuing education at The Citadel – The Military College of South Carolina, and now serves as an infantry officer. His granddaughter Elizabeth Llera Pavlina forged a unique connection as well by marrying Connor Pavlina an 82nd Airborne officer. Describing the profound military heritage within the Taylor family as anything less than extraordinary would be an understatement.

We can say the Taylors Auto Body story started when fate intervened in 1970 at a mutual friend's gathering in Charlottesville, where Doug and May first met. The sparks flew, and by 1971, they were married. The ensuing five years saw Doug as an insurance adjuster, with May joining him as a licensed property insurance agent in Charlottesville. In 1977, after leaving the insurance industry, Doug, and May, along with a local business partner, took a bold step and opened their first auto body shop. The birth of their children, Chris and Marcie, marked this era. Unfortunately, the partnership eventually dissolved, with the family relocated to Charlotte, where Doug resumed work in the insurance sector, continually thinking his heart was in the auto body repair industry.

As time went on Doug was transferred to Greensboro due to a job promotion, Doug traveled between Charlotte and Greensboro daily. The need to spend time with his family and the continued observation of systemic issues in body shops, one of which was body shops who should be working for the customer but instead prioritizing insurance companies over vehicle owners. Doug and May’s dissatisfaction with the status quo fueled a continuing desire for change, stemming from their belief in placing customers first and ensuring fair compensation for skilled technicians.

In 1984, Doug and May returned to Charlottesville, purchasing property at 495 Brookway drive and, with two employees, physically building the foundation of what would become the leading Body Shop in the region. The story didn't end there, as their son Chris emerged as a motocross prodigy, eventually turning professional at the age of 16. He is also an expert pilot holding several private and commercial certifications.

Chris's racing career led him to join a private road racing team, achieving remarkable success, and concluding his racing journey with Team Suzuki in 1996. Sensing an opportunity to contribute to the family legacy, Chris joined the auto body business in 1996. With the family at the helm, Taylor's Auto Body thrived. Chris spearheaded the modernization of the shop, introducing computers, estimating software, and online banking to enhance efficiency. His innovations transformed the business, setting it on a trajectory toward quality.

In 1998, Marcie, residing in Charlotte, moved with her family and joined her parents and brother in Charlottesville. The business became a true family affair, with Marcie picking up where Chris left off by continuing the modernization efforts. Over the years she expanded the use of technology, with state-of-the-art Wi-Fi networks providing iPads to each employee for access to unlimited repair data. She was also pivotal in securing Several high-level certifications including I-CAR Gold, the leading standard in the Auto Body Industry.

Marcie has been at the forefront of fostering environmentally sustainable practices at Taylors Auto Body Shop. Her initiatives include the implementation of a water-borne paint system and the integration of state-of-the-art automated paint mixing machine that boast a zero-waste output. Demonstrating an unwavering commitment to eco-friendliness, she has also instilled a steadfast policy for recycling all vehicle fluids.

Looking ahead, Marcie's top priority initiative involves the installation of solar energy systems and water reclamation technologies. This visionary move aims to facilitate grid-free charging for electric vehicles, further aligning the business with clean energy solutions. Additionally, the water reclamation system will contribute to sustainability efforts by utilizing reclaimed and recycled water for vehicle washing, emphasizing her dedication to a greener and more environmentally responsible future.

As we set our sights on the future, the Taylor family undergoes a transformation that beautifully aligns with each member's distinct passions. May and Doug, after years of dedicated service, have gracefully transitioned into retirement, savoring the fruits of their labor. Meanwhile, Chris has ventured into the realms of both commercial and private aviation, pursuing his long-held passion. Marcie continues her role of stewarding the Taylor legacy. Marcie stands as a seasoned leader with a wealth of experience in every facet of the business. Her familiarity with running the shop, acquired over the years, positions her as a capable and dedicated guardian of the family's enduring commitment to excellence.