Meet Eide Ford Body Shop Manager: Mark Schmidt

As the face of the body shop at Eide Ford Lincoln, Mark Schmidt enjoys seeing the satisfied look on customers' faces as they leave the dealership with a newly-repaired car or truck that looks like it's brand new.

This month, we recognize Mark's 25 years of service. He is the longest-tenured employee at Eide Ford. 

Schmidt: 25 Years at Eide Ford and Counting

Schmidt oversees the customer side of things at the body shop, taking estimates, handling work with insurance companies and more. 

As his 25 years at the company prove, Schmidt enjoys his job. "It's a good place to work," he said. "I enjoy the atmosphere and especially the people. I like it when a customer walks out happy with our repairs after bringing in a vehicle that had been wrecked." 

Fixing Cars at an Early Age

Like many others in the auto repair industry, Schmidt became interested in fixing cars at an early age. "I was always doing body work on my dad's car and stuff like that and decided to go into auto repair," he said. 

He went to school for auto repair at Bismarck State College in 1983. Schmidt is an Elgin native but grew up in Wisconsin before returning to his home state.  

So why is Eide Ford Lincoln a great place for customers who are looking for car dealerships in Bismarck ND that excel at auto repair? Experience is key.  

Schmidt's 25 years may top the other employees at the body shop, but his co-workers are also veterans. Most members of his crew have been with Eide Ford Lincoln for at least eight years. Others have spent 14-20 years at the collision center. 

In addition to making repair customers happy, Schmidt enjoys deer hunting and spending time with his family. 

Schmidt, who drives a 2008 Lincoln Navigator, said the key to his team's success is workmanship. 

"We stand behind our work," he said.