Burnside Express Collision is a full-service auto body repair company serving the Greater Indianapolis area with three convenient locations: West Indianapolis, Zionsville, and Greenwood. Our business specializes in collision repair, dent and scratch removal, bumper repair, and advanced paint services.
We also offer fleet services and work directly with insurance companies to make the repair process as smooth as possible for our customers. At Burnside Express, our mission is to deliver high-quality repairs with honesty, transparency, and a focus on customer satisfaction.
About yourself
My name is Brian Burnside, and I am the founder of Burnside Express Collision. I’ve been in the auto body repair industry for more than two decades, starting as a technician before growing into business ownership. Over the years, I’ve built a team of skilled professionals who share my commitment to quality and customer service. One of my proudest achievements is expanding Burnside Express to three locations while still maintaining the personalized service that built our reputation.
Inspiration for starting the business
The inspiration came from seeing how often people felt stressed and uncertain after an accident. Too many customers were left in the dark by repair shops or insurance processes. I wanted to create a collision repair business that not only fixed vehicles but also built trust by guiding customers through the process and standing behind every repair.
Three pieces of advice for budding entrepreneurs
- Invest in people. Your team is the backbone of your business.
- Focus on service, not shortcuts. Long-term reputation beats short-term gain.
- Stay adaptable. Technology, customer expectations, and industries evolve quickly–be willing to learn and adjust.
Top three skills for success
- Leadership and people management.
- Problem-solving under pressure.
- Financial and operational discipline.
Average workday
On average, I put in 10-12 hours a day, though I’ve learned to balance responsibilities by trusting my leadership team.
Key to success
Our success comes from consistency–delivering high-quality work, treating customers with respect, and building a culture where employees take pride in what they do.
Marketing approach
We rely on a combination of local SEO, pay-per-click campaigns, and strong community engagement. Our most successful form of marketing has been word-of-mouth and repeat customers–nothing is stronger than a satisfied customer recommending us.
Funding origins
The company started as a small operation financed through personal savings and reinvested profits. Growth came organically from hard work and building trust rather than outside investors.
Long-term success
The best way to achieve it is by focusing on relationships–customers, employees, and partners. Businesses built on trust last the longest.
Where we see the business in 5-10 years
We aim to expand into additional markets across Indiana, while also leading in advanced auto body repair technology, including ADAS calibrations, electric vehicle repairs, and fleet partnerships.
A business you admire
I admire Service King Collision for the way they’ve grown while still keeping customer service at the center of their brand.
