Meet Crystal Manriquez | Auto Collision Specialist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Crystal Manriquez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Crystal, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process was I have to think of something quick due to the fact that I just lost my job with an household named insurance carrier, while working with them I obtained my Texas Adjuster’s License and worked along side some vets in the insurance world and had some great mentors. Before then I was in the body shop business for 10 years and 6 years managing at our Family owned body shop where there my brother took me under his wing and had me start writing estimates and learning the office side of the business. If you would have asked me 15 or 20 years ago if I could imagine where I am at currently i would have laughed it off, but I did learn and became very well rounded with anything with the shop. Fast forward until May 25th of 2022 I landed a job at the insurance company one of my goals so I could go off and be an appraiser for big named insurance companies, I got the job but as an Adjuster. I told myself that this is not exactly what I intended for but hey they are offering me to study for the State test and be licensed afterward, might as well. Fast forward I learned all I could while there and then we later parted ways after year exactly, while I was there I observed a great need in independent appraiser’s because post covid everything has moved to virtual estimating and there was a huge gap to fill for in person appraiser’s. I put a plan together in my head and now that I was a certified Texas Adjuster I knew that I could get my foot in the door. and ever since then I have been striving to make my business lift off the ground, I’m still very well on the way up but I know I’ve made it further then I could possibly ever imagined and have been self sufficient. I saw the opportunity and made of plan of action and put every once of me into this and I now have numerous customer’s, and body shop owner’s as clients. I know that the body shop would be my ultimate calling and I think it’s safe to say that I’ve earned my right here in the auto body collision world

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business is Collision repair and specializing in insurance claims and the process of the claim, my goal at the end of every claim is to make sure the consumer is getting what they deserve from the at fault carrier or their own policy and to preserve the value of ones vehicle. I offer a “Red Carpet Approach” for customer’s and give them there 1 on 1 as deserved so they can express their concerns of the repairs and help ease their mind that my expertise will get this claim to the finish line. Impeccable customer service and communication are my keys to success. I’m the most proud of me for not giving up even when I thought people would laugh at me or the fear of failure and then people would really laugh at my failure.
I got here business wise by taking the risk from my 401k and by what I needed and hoped that my money would get to work for me before the bills started to roll in, and no it was not easy still but I get through each day.
My lesson’s I’ve learned along the way is stay positive and don’t pay attention to the nay sayers, and stay clear away from people that bring negative energy.
I want the world to know that don’t let anyone stop or label you, this is why I started my own business to offer my services to every one and all walks of life. I want to offer a judgement free body shop for everyone, my shop is your shop, mostly for women to feel comfortable when they arrive.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would definitely take them to sight see all the beautiful murals around the city in all neighborhoods. The huge farmer’s market on Airline to get a feel off the people there working, selling and consumer’s smiling while they get to pick their items. Galleria is a must to go and shop and grab some food from the food court and might see a celebrity or two. Old town Harrisburg to get a Chicano experience of heritage and culture with plenty of vendors from food to clothing to shoes great Mexican street food. Thirteen is great and a definite night vibe out with a great view of H Town. The Aquarium is great for a night on the Ferris wheel and to also enjoy the great up close views. Natural science museum is a plus to take a stroll and observe all the exhibits. The Graffiti park on 59 is a for sure go to grab some great FB and Instagram photos. Discovery Green for Art Car show or just random events they have through the week and also great restaurants in the vicinity. Galveston or Kemah is always one of my go to’s as long as the weather is right can’t go wrong for some fun in the sun.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My biggest shoutout would be to my brother for showing and teaching me how to write estimates and making me do hands on work taking bumpers down, fenders, diagnose vehicles and everything that I’ve gathered over the years that knowledge is priceless. Next would be my girlfriend for always lift my head of my chest when I was bummed out and feeling hopeless, thank you babe. My momma because she made me to be strong and when a door closes start digging under it, and my siblings Sandra, Michelle, Rudy for always having my back even when I was a pian in the butt when I was younger. I thank all of you for standing by me, much love

Instagram: manriquez_auto_estimating

Facebook: Crystal G Manriquez or Manriquez Auto And Insurance Estimating

Other: Tik Tok @crystalgmanriquez