All Seasons’ owners excited to be part of community

     As of mid-February, All Seasons Auto Body in Monticello is under new ownership. Bryan and Kris Barnhart from Cedar Rapids took over the local business after Joe Oswald decided to sell. (Barnharts have actually been the acting owners since the beginning of January.)

     “We’re hoping for a smooth transition,” said Bryan.

     The business name will remain, as will the four employees.

     All of the services offered through All Seasons will also be offered: collision repair and insurance-related repairs. Bryan said a bulk of their business stems from deer (animal) accidents and general vehicle accidents.

     “We do not do mechanical work,” he said, giving a nod to other maintenance shops in Monticello.

     Bryan said he knew Oswald previously when he would stop at All Seasons to sell paint.

     “I would visit with him and we talked back and forth,” he said of the car repair industry.

     Bryan said he just has a passion for this particular industry and wanted to be his own boss. Working for himself, as well as owning a well-established business, were what attracted Bryan and Kris to the area.

     “Joe saw and knew that,” commented Kris.

     Bryan said when Oswald operated All Seasons, he knew everyone and knew what they drove.

     “We also want to be part of this community,” he said.

     The Barnharts, who reside on the southwest side of Cedar Rapids now, plan to move to Monticello before the school year starts next fall. They have two older children, 25 and 26 years of age, and an 11 year old who will attend school in Monticello.

     “We’re excited to move here and joing the community,” said Kris, “and excited to keep running a successful business.”

     With their youngest quite active in athletics, the Barnharts are looking forward to getting involved in the school district and community.

     Bryan has been in the repair industry for over 30 years. He’s worked his way up the corporate ladder from technician in a shop to painter and estimator. He was in the paint-sale business for five years, and managed an auto body shop for five years as well. Now, he can add auto body shop owner to his list of accomplishments.

     “There’s nothing he hasn’t done,” complimented Kris.

     The Barnharts wish to extend a thanks to Joe, Denise and Gretchen Oswald for their help during the ownership transition.

     “They’ve all been here on and off,” said Bryan.

     All Seasons is located at 1007 N. Cedar St.