Borths come home to expand Flash’s Auto Body & Paint

The father and son duo of Brian and Ryan Borth have officially began expanding their business from Spokane to the Ritzville community. The Borths purchased the previous Herb’s Auto Body Shop at the beginning of the year and work is currently underway to have the shop fully operational this year.

Together, Ryan and Brian currently operate Flash’s Auto Body Shop & Paint in Spokane, but they have always had an interest to expand the business to Ritzville to support their hometown. The Borths said they have been fortunate to have many local residents already send vehicles to their Spokane shop, but they hope the local business is more convenient for residents and meets the local need.

The Borths explained they have not made an official decision on the name of the local business, but it will be a part of Borth’s Restoration, which owns Flash’s. Brian said they have considered keeping the shop under Herb’s name because of the great reputation of the shop, and also because it was Herb who taught Brian to work on cars.

While the local shop, located on North Jefferson Street, is in need of massive repairs and improvements, the Borths are planning a soft opening event on Memorial Day weekend to welcome residents to their shop. The soft opening will serve as an opportunity for community members to view restoration and painting projects the shop employees have completed, as well as a chance for the Borths to thank locals for the support they have received already.

Brian explained they are involved with car clubs in Spokane, as well as the Ritzville Classic Car Club. With the local car show being downtown on May 25, Brian thought a soft opening in coordination with the show would be a great way for car enthusiasts and locals alike to see the work they are passionate about.

When the shop becomes fully operational, the Borths intend to hire two or three full time employees to work for the business. While the painting room is currently functional, the Borths hope to also add a detail shop in the Ritzville building.

During the completion of improvements at the shop, Ryan explained Ritzville customers are still able to coordinate repairs with Flash’s Auto Body. The business has free pick up and delivery, Ryan said, and the vehicle can be taken to the Spokane shop for any needed repairs.

The shop works on anything from collision work, restoration projects, light suspension work or painting, and Ryan said estimates are available. While they specialize in vehicle repairs, Brian said no project is turned away, as the duo enjoys repairing and restoring antiques. The company also hopes to bring in a local glass company to complete repairs on vehicles in the future.

While the shop doors in Ritzville have not opened yet, the Borths both stress the importance of community and supporting local events. Through Flash’s Auto Body, the Borths have donated to auctions, and they are continuing to donate to local events and have also sponsored a Little League softball team.

Brian said they made the decision to purchase the auto shop building in an effort to support Ritzville and bring more business to the downtown area. The Borths said the purchase of the building and transition of the business to Ritzville has been an extremely good experience because of local support and individuals helping make the experience as easy as possible.

The small town mentality of treating everybody like family is something Brian and Ryan strive to uphold. They hope to add an office onto the shop in an effort to make the shop experience more enjoyable for the customer, and they hope everyone who comes through the door has a positive experience with the business.

“We work for the customer,” Brian stated. “Without you, we wouldn’t have a job.”

“We’ve got to set ourselves apart,” Ryan added. “We want to keep that ‘small town feel’ in the shop.”

Any individual needing an estimate on a project is asked to contact the Spokane shop at 509-483-6843 for an appointment. Ryan explained the shop does also have a referral system, and customers receive gift certificates or cash for referrals.