Mickey & Monta Fortner "The Past & Present"	Ashley & Heath Fowler "The Present & Future"	What started as a hobby turned into a thriving family business for Mickey & Monta Fortner of Mickey’s Collision Center. Mickey was selling auto parts at H & H Auto Parts in Conway in 1983 when he decided to take his hobby of fixing cars full time. He worked on cars in the back yard of his home on Hwy. 365 south.  He had learned to paint right out of high school at his first job, painting horse trailers.  He realized he needed more education to form his business the right way. There were no procedures on “How to do Framing", there wasn’t anything like that when I was in school.  So I had to hunt for (classes),” he said.
His search for classes in mechanical, painting, refinishing, collision repair and suspension took him  out of state. When he finished, he had a handful of certificates.  “I wanted to do it right,” he said. We built a large shop behind our home that served the needs of his business for several years.  Mickey had the foresight to realize direct repair facilities were coming to Arkansas and indeed the trend came to Arkansas about 2000, and Mickey was able to operate on it.  Direct repair facilities are those that insurance companies suggest drivers go to for repairs after an accident, he said. In 2005, they expanded the business, tore down their former residence, built an office and another large shop. There is now over 12,500 sq.ft. of shop and office area which faces Hwy. 365. One of the most surprising things about the many years in this business is the repeat customers. “I never thought in this business you’d have repeat cutomers,” he said.  However, he not only has repeat customers but also gets business from his customers’ children and grandchildren. "If we can really help them out…I’ve got their business the next time,” he said. He prides himself on the fact that he and his staff are helpful to people who do not know what to do after an accident. “If they come in here lost, we can help direct them. Some people come, it’s their second or third place to get an estimate…we answer their questions, walk them through the procedures of what they need to do next.  The family is very involved in the business. His wife and daughter, Ashley Fowler are the bookkeepers. Ashley’s husband Heath is the body shop manager.  Mickey and Monta’s other daughter Cassidy, did work in the business, but now is a stay-at-home Mom. Mickey & Monta are looking forward to someday retiring to their home in Guy and wants the business set up where the next generation of the family can take it over.