Lakeland
The Lakeland store was purchased in 2007, formerly named C.A.R.S. But the recent purchase has little to do with their local reputation - this location has actually been open since 1960! Throw in the service reputation of Ben's Paint Supply and Lakeland is "armed" like never before. Their 8-person sales team stands ready to serve. Franklin Leggett serves as account manager and has been in the PBE supply business since 2004. Carla Skidmore serves as store manager and is supported by 5 team members, 3 of whom are route salespersons as well as delivery specialists.
Becoming a Ben's store has opened a new world of opportunity for them and their customers, as they now have access to many other paint systems beyond just automotive. Industrial, marine, aircraft and scenic paint systems are now added to the already extensive line of PPG automotive paints. Not all of these are mixed at this location, but all are readily available through the Ben's delivery network in north and central Florida, most of the time the next day! In addition, they can now take advantage of the services of Dave Simons, our industrial account specialist (not pictured below). Dave now serves Lakeland, as he does all of our stores. Give them a call - they are always glad to help.
|
1025 E. Oleander Street |
 |
Paint lines mixed |
 Carla Skidmore cskidmore@bensps.com |
Carla came into the paint business in a rather unusual way. In 1992 Tim and Marla Welch, owners of C.A.R.S. at the time, needed a nanny for their children. Carla fit the bill and was their nanny for about 5 years until the kids were old enough to not need one. She was unemployed by attrition, but knowing her work ethic, the Welchs offered her a job as a delivery driver at the former Winter Haven location. She did that for 5 more years and then moved to inside sales at the counter where she served for 7 years, transferring to Lakeland after the Winter Haven closing in 2008. In 2009, after the Ben's acquisition and in view of her experience, she was promoted to store manager and later that year received the Ben's Leadership Award. |
 Franklin Leggett fleggett@bensps.com 863-370-6145 |
Although Franklin has been in the paint business since 2005, he has served the Lakeland area much longer, having been born there and graduated from Lakeland High School. He worked in his family's carpet business for 15 years after that and then sold flooring for another firm before going to C.A.R.S. He's married, has three sons, one daughter and three grandchildren. Franklin serves as an outside salesman for us and is always ready and willing to help his customers. In 2009, he received the Ben's Pursuit of Excellence Award. |
 Sally Crabtree |
You've heard of army brats? Well, Sally could be called a "body shop brat", having grown up in the shadow of her dad and his shop. He purchased all his materials from C.A.R.S. and so it seemed only natural that she would be offered a job there. She began as a paint mixer in 1983, then moved to driver and then counter sales. After that she served an incredible 24 years as an outside sales rep until the Winter Haven and Lakeland stores merged. She now serves as a route salesperson/driver. |
 Donna Coler |
In 1984, Donna began her career with C.A.R.S. by multi-tasking between sales and delivery. She worked inside for awhile as well and then went into sales only. The Lakeland store was in need of a store manager and so seeing her experience, Tim Welch offered her that position which she started in 1997. In 1999, the C.A.R.S. organization decided not to have specific store managers so she became Assistant Operations Manager there. After the acquisiton by Ben's and merger of the Winter Haven and Lakeland stores, Donna continues her career as a part of the very experienced inside sales team in Lakeland. |
 Claire Craig |
Claire began her career in the automotive paint supply business in 1994 as a delivery driver. In 1995, she turned to counter sales and learned color matching. She survived several ownership changes of her original employer before moving on to another in 1998. Then in 2000 she joined the C.A.R.S. team. She worked the delivery department there for 3 years and then returned to the counter and paint mixing. Claire is certified in PPG Global and CPC training. |
 Flint Christiansen |
Flint serves as a route driver/salesman for Lakeland. He has been in the paint business since 2001. He is dedicated to his career and loves the work. As well he is always looking for ways to improve and provide the best possible service to his customers. |
 Chris Limback |
Chris started with C.A.R.S in 2007, just prior to the Ben's acquisition. He serves as a route salesman for the area and in 2009 received the award for Distribution Specialist of the Year. Originally from Miami, he is fan of Miami sports. Chris is the proud father of 3 children, two girls and one boy. |