About

We’ve grown to exceed your expectations.

Distinctive Auto Works first opened in Calgary in 1975 in response to the growing need for an auto body repair facility with the skills, experience and product knowledge to service luxury cars, and in particular, Mercedes-Benz. In 2008, it became part of an organization with a long and respected pedigree of autobody repair: North Vancouver-based Craftsman Group of Companies, which owns and operates an additional 42 multi award-winning auto body repair facilities in Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and California including other well known brands like MB Autoworks and Craftsman Collision.

The Craftsman Group is a family affair headed by Bill Hatswell, Owner and CEO along with his children Rick Hatswell, President, Melanie Allan, Vice President USA and Greg Hatswell, President, Real Estate. It is the largest privately owned and operated collision repair chain in Canada.

In 2014, Distinctive Auto Works in Calgary, Alberta became MB Autoworks a leading Mercedes-Benz bodyshop, with a full staff of painters, body technicians and equipment approved by the legendary German marque. As the sole autobody facility in Calgary certified by Mercedes-Benz, we handle all of Mercedes’ autobody-related warranty claims. Many of our non-warranty-related customers come from direct referral by Mercedes-Benz dealerships as well, or from private insurance companies including Intact Insurance.

In 2013, we expanded to a second location in Victoria, BC, in response to the need for a factory-authorized repair facility for that other famous German marques. Distinctive Auto Works in Victoria is factory certified for all levels of body repair and painting by the BMW Group (including MINI)- and it is the only BMW and MINI Certified Collision Repair Centre on Vancouver Island.

In 2016, we have continued our growth to include a Distinctive Auto Works in Edmonton. This state of the art, 24,000 square foot facility is the newest Certified Collision Repair Centre in Edmonton for Audi, the BMW Group, Jaguar and Land Rover. In 2020, factory certifications have been expanded to include Volkswagen, Nissan, Ram, Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler and Fiat. As luxury car collision experts, you can be assured your vehicle will be repaired using the highest standards.

In 2021, the Distinctive Auto Works brand continues to grow and the location opened at the same location as our sister brand MB Autoworks. It is great news for Calgary drivers who can now have their fine automobile, regardless of make and model, repaired at the same luxury collision centre.

In 2024, the Distinctive Auto Works brand grew with the newest location opened at the same location as our sister brand Craftsman Collision in North Vancouver West facility. Distinctive Auto Works in North Vancouver is factory certified for all levels of body repair and painting by the BMW Group.

Leading by example

Bill Hatswell Owner
Bill Hatswell Owner and CEO

Since he founded the Craftsman Group of Companies  Bill Hatswell has been a man on a mission.

First, it was to modernize and clean up the autobody repair industry, bringing in professional standards and innovative practices to the company that now boasts more than 40 locations across North America, making it the largest independently owned collision repair organization in Canada.

Rick Hatswell MBA
Rick Hatswell, MBA President

The CEO’s son, Rick, progressed from detailer to auto body technician, shop manager then to the Craftsman Groups head office as general manager while completing his MBA. As President, he is responsible for overall operations and sales development. He also chairs the collision repair division of the Automotive Retailers Association.  In his spare time Rick can be found mountain biking with his wife and two kids preparing for the Ironman Triathlon or his next international motorcycle rally.

Greg Hatswell BCOM
Greg Hatswell, Bcom President, Real Estate

After graduating from Sauder, he chose to learn the development business from the ground up, taking time to learn real estate and land development, while taking the time to learn his craft as a general contractor and managing a number of projects. He leads with a personal, people-focused approach to business. Greg’s love of the outdoors started at an early age and when he’s not working you will find him in the mountains backcountry skiing, camping, hiking or rock climbing. The wilderness is where he goes to find inspiration.

Holger Laakmann, BSc CPA/CGA
Holger Laakmann, BSc, CPA/CGA CFO

Holger has worked in the automotive industry most of his life and has been with The Craftsman Group since 2001. He’s responsible for the planning, implementation and managing of all the financial activities of the company, including business planning, budgeting, forecasting and administrative functions. When not crunching numbers you will find him ripping up the slopes in search of fresh powder.

Mike O’Callaghan, COO
Mike O’Callaghan COO

Mike’s skills on the technical and people side have not gone unnoticed. Starting as a Craftsman Collision body technician in 1987, he was promoted to Estimator, Production Coordinator and then Manager in 1988. In 2011, he joined the Craftsman Groups head office as Operations Manager, was promoted to GM of Operations and is now COO. When not in the office building a successful team, you’ll find Mike pursuing his love of sports supporting youth and his sons as a coach for both hockey and box lacrosse.

Mark Greenberg, MBA Vice President of Business Development
Mark Greenberg is the Vice President of Business Development at the Craftsman Group of Companies, where he leverages his technical, sales, and business expertise. He began his journey with Craftsman in 1988 as a body technician, took a decade-long detour into real estate in West Vancouver, and returned in 1999. After managing two locations, he spearheaded the launch of Craftsman’s first site in Mainland China, eventually rising to General Manager of Business Development and now Vice President of Business development. Outside of work, Mark enjoys building motorcycles and spending time with his family and dog, Charlie.
Harinder Sindhar, Director of IT
Harinder Sindhar, B. Tech, MCP, MCSE, MCDBA Director of IT

Armed with an education from BCIT, several Microsoft certifications and more than 25 years of experience, our IT Director helps us maintain our legendary customer service by making sure all our shops and systems are tightly connected and running smoothly. Away from Craftsman HQ he’s still got cars on his mind, evidenced by a Ferrari replica he built out of Lego with his son. Other family activities he enjoys include board games, cards, travel (especially to Hawaii’s Big Island), and older (pre-2010) movies.

Cheryl Fontana, CHSC
Cheryl Fontana, CHSC Health, Safety & Environment Manager

Over 20 years of Health, Safety and Environmental experience in Oil & Gas, Mining & Exploration and now craftsman Collision. She oversees workplace HSE strategies, training, program development and policy compliance. Cheryl loves spending quality time with family and friends. and has an insatiable need for speed; especially when it comes to chuckwagon racing. Loves travel, quality time with family and friends.

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