Autobody Specialists

AUTOBODY SPECIALISTS has been family owned and operated since 1991. Rick and Leslie Youra share a commitment to excellence and provide their customers with outstanding customer service and the finest paint and body repairs possible. They believe in their workmanship and stand by the promise they have made to Chico residents since the business started.

RICK:
I moved to Chico from Southern California when I was nine, graduated from Chico High School in 1984, and then systematically worked every position in a body shop prior to opening Autobody Specialists. I practically grew up in the automotive business in fact; it was my dad who taught me how to rebuild my first engine. It was at age10 that I knew I had a gift.

I have an awesome wife Leslie, three terrific kids; Daniel, Kyle and Kaitlyn and two dogs, a Boxer and a Dauschund. I love spending time with my wife, camping with the family, motocross, travel, construction and being a part of a small community.

Chico is growing, but it is still small; as a business owner I have the unique opportunity to meet my neighbors, connect with other business owners and to give back to my community. Last year I worked with a great group of volunteers to refurbish a Jeep for Big Brothers Big Sisters. The funds raised through our efforts connected youth, ages 6 through 17 countywide with adult mentors thus building relationships and shaping lives.

I am very friendly so, if you see me out and about, don’t hesitate to say “Hi” or come by Autobody Specialists for a shop tour.

LESLIE:
In 1986 I moved to Chico to attend CSU Chico where I received a B.A. in Liberal Studies and later returned for a Masters in Education. I taught English as a Second Language (ESL) and Basic Skills/ GED preparation at Butte and Shasta Community Colleges and coordinated the Youth Employment Services (YES) program while part of the Glenn County Office of Education team.

I love Chico. Chico is a great town and my home for more than twenty years. There is always something fun to do; I like to see the Almond trees bloom and participate in the Wildflower ride in Spring, swim at Bear Hole in the Summer, take an art walk or hike in the cooler months of Fall and during Winter, the downtown holiday events are a great time to meet up with old friends and neighbors.

Recently, Rick and I designed a new office space and shop; after a year of planning and tons of hard work from our amazing team we were able to move across the street to our new facility. It’s big, it’s bright and I now look forward to going to work everyday.

We do everything together. In fact, if you have been to our shop lately you’ve probably seen one, if not all three of our children. Daniel (18) and Kyle (16) have been working after school and on weekends restoring a Toyota pick for Kyle and Kaitlyn (8) our youngest, is at the shop after school and often stuffs envelopes or files, proving that you’re never too young to develop a good work ethic.

I feel that Rick and I are blessed to have a loving family, a strong business and to be part of a truly amazing community. Life is great!

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