A remarkable transformation has taken place over the past 15 years, driven by the passion and dedication of Mark Hutchinson, the owner of Hutchinson Automotive and Glass.
Located at 21 Perini Road, Hutchinson’s journey from a one-man operation in his garage to a thriving 5,000-square-foot facility is a testament to his love for cars and commitment to the community.
At 46, Hutchinson’s story began in a different realm. Before venturing into the automotive industry, he worked as a property manager for Elliot Lake Retirement Living. However, his lifelong passion for tinkering with cars led him to take a leap of faith in 2009. “I was always someone who tinkered on cars, so it just seemed like a natural progression to open my own shop,” Hutchinson recalls.
Starting out in his garage, he quickly found himself inundated with work, prompting him to rent a bay to accommodate the growing number of clients.
By 2019, Hutchinson was balancing a full-time job and the responsibilities of being a husband and father to two daughters. The demands of family life and business were significant, yet his determination never wavered.
The turning point came in 2020 when the owner of the commercial space retired and offered Hutchinson the opportunity to purchase the building. Seizing the moment, he took the plunge, marking a new chapter in his entrepreneurial journey.
In 2022, Hutchinson expanded his business further by acquiring Reinhart Auto Glass, solidifying his position in the automotive repair and glass industry. Today, Hutchinson Automotive and Glass offers a comprehensive range of services, including detailing, ceramic coating, auto glass and stone chip repair, spray-in bed liners, tires, chroming services, and parts and accessories.
Notably, Hutchinson is the exclusive nationwide distributor for Nanopro ceramic coating, which provides the ultimate protection for vehicles, and an authorized dealer and installer of Scorpion bed liners.
One of the standout features of Hutchinson’s shop is the restoration area, where classic cars are lovingly brought back to life. This aspect of the business not only showcases Hutchinson’s skills but also his appreciation for automotive history. “Restoring classic cars is a labour of love,” he says. “It’s rewarding to see these vehicles transformed and to know that we’re preserving a piece of history.”
Hutchinson’s commitment to the community extends beyond his business. He actively gives back by providing gift certificates and sponsoring local sports teams and events. “I carefully select which charity to support, and it changes from year to year,” he explains. This dedication to community involvement reflects Hutchinson’s belief in the importance of supporting local initiatives.
Looking ahead, Hutchinson has ambitious plans for the future. He envisions expanding his business with a storefront and developing his own line of detailing supplies. “I am also planning on hiring more staff as we grow,” he shares. “This will enable me to spend more time with my family and provide more time to research the industry so I can stay on top of the latest trends.”
Hutchinson is also eager to revive the Elliot Lake Car and Motorcycle event on hold since the COVID-19 pandemic. “I want to bring back that sense of community and celebration of automotive culture,” he says. This event not only showcases local talent but also fosters connections among car enthusiasts in the area.
As Hutchinson Automotive and Glass continues to thrive, Mark Hutchinson remains grounded in his values of hard work, community support, and a passion for the automotive industry.
His journey from a garage to a bustling automotive hub is an inspiring story of perseverance and dedication. With plans for expansion and a commitment to excellence, Hutchinson is poised to make an even greater impact in Elliot Lake and beyond.
For those in need of automotive services or looking to restore a classic car, the business stands ready to serve, embodying the spirit of local entrepreneurship and community engagement. As Hutchinson himself puts it, “I’m just getting started.”