JJH Auto Body and Paint provides collision repairs and auto body work. They started their business in 2009 and have been growing steadily ever since, more recently expanding into a larger facility. Johnny Hernandez took the time to talk to us about one aspect of his business that helped him land a new, steady source of customers – contract opportunities through the SLC Airport. Read on to find out how you can win these contracts for your business too.
Salt Lake City’s JJH Auto Body and Paint is a story of hustle, superior workmanship, and a roster of happy customers earned through the years.
Customer trust and loyalty are essential for building a successful business. And while this may sound obvious, it’s hard to overstate the value of establishing a solid base of repeat long-term customers.
Johnny Hernandez explained that rental car companies, business fleet vehicles, and similar contracts are a major source long-term customers for JJH Auto Body and Paint. So he pursued many of these opportunities – winning relationships with familiar brands like Avis, Fox, Budget, Hertz, and NU Car Rentals.

But he had trouble getting in at Enterprise.
He tried for five years until, one day, he ran into Raymond Christy who runs the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program at the Salt Lake City International Airport.
DBEs are for-profit small business concerns where socially and economically disadvantaged individuals own at least a 51% interest and also control management and daily business operations. It’s a federal program through the Department of Transportation (DOT) and utilized today at the airport.
Potential contractors and concessionaires are motivated to seek small businesses certified into the DBE Program because Liaison Officers, similar to Raymond Christy, motivate contractors and concessionaires to seek out the goods and services provided by DBE firms. DBE Liaison Officers review specific federally funded contracts for business opportunities and place DBE contract goals for contractors and concessionaires to seek out certified DBE firms to provide goods and services to meet the contract goal.
Raymond reached out to Enterprise, then connected them with JJH Autobody and Paint.
Today, Enterprise is one of JJH Auto Body and Paint’s largest clients. They were so impressed with the organization that they asked to be a preferred client giving them a greater volume and increased compensation.
Federal and local government contracts may seem complicated on the surface but once you get introduced and find local help, they are actually a great way to add a new steady stream of customers for your business.
This month, Raymond Christy will be hosting a free seminar to show you just how easy it is to start.
You are invited Thursday, August 26, 2021 to “Airport Outreach 21”. You can learn more about the program here or contact Raymond Christy with any questions at raymond.christy@slcgov.com or 801-575-2945
Rental car companies are just one category of opportunities at the airport. There is a demand for services in a variety of areas – from concessions to printing, electrical, HVAC and more (see a list below).
We asked Hernandez, what he would say to another business about joining this program. He agrees it is totally worth the time investment.

“Yes, there is some work getting those applications done. But you would do this for a house or second mortgage. Why not do it for your business? Plus there are people out there willing to help you do it.” – Johnny Hernandez, JJH Auto Body and Paint
Hernandez knows a thing or two about government contracts. By way of introduction of Utah’s Procurement Technical Assistance Center he has also won fleet business through Salt Lake City and is learning the ropes of pursuing military contract opportunities.
PLUS… we must add another amazing accomplishment — JJH Auto Body and Paint is also saving money through Salt Lake City’s Green e2 Business, running their business in a more environmentally and economically sustainable manner. Rock star status!

Bottom line? Government contracts and programs are an excellent way to help grow your business and we’re here to help connect you. Here is more information about the upcoming DBE event:

Registration is required. To reserve your seat, go to www.eventbrite.com/e/outreach-2021-acdbe-dbe-and-small-businesses-opportunities-tickets-161806217753
Here is a list of goods and services the rental car concessionaires are looking for;
Description NACIS
Asset Recovery 561491
Auto Body Repair 811121
Auto Parts 423120
Auto Repair 811111
Backflow Testing 238220
Car Wash Maintenance 423850
Cleaning Supplies 423850
Concrete Maintenance 238110
Consulting 541611
Delivery Svc 492110
Device Repair & Maintenance* 811211
Door Maintenance/Repair 236220
Electrical 238210
Fire Safety 423990
Fire Suppression 423990
First Aid 424210
Fuel Maintenance 333911
HVAC Maintenance 238220
Insurance 524210
Janitorial Services 561720
Keys/Locks 561622
Legal Services 541110
Office Expense 424120
Plumbing 238220
Printing 323111
Roadside Assistance 488410
Security 561621
Signage 323111
Tires 423130
Towing 488410
Auto Transport 484230
Uniform Cleaning 812331
Uniforms 812331
Windshield Repair 811122