//Our Story
60 Years. Three Generations. One Standard.
Founded in 1966 by Jim Weitzel. Continued by the second generation for over two decades. Now owned by Karl Linton, with our experienced lead painter still painting every vehicle that comes through the shop. This is the Bodywerks story.
Est. 1966
Meet the Owner
Karl Linton, Owner
Karl Linton acquired Bodywerks in January 2026. He brings two years of experience owning another auto body shop and a deep love for cars and the people behind them. Karl grew up in River Falls, Wisconsin, riding his bike through town, running track, playing soccer, and skiing in the winters.
He went to the University of Minnesota for finance, but decided early that he wanted to work for himself. Cars were a natural fit. He learned the trade fast, but he is still learning from the people in the shop who have been doing this longer than he has. That humility is part of why the Bodywerks transition has been smooth.
What motivates Karl is the people. He takes pride in the number of people he employs and the role the shop plays in the community. That extends to customers too. Karl wants every person who brings a vehicle to Bodywerks to leave knowing they were treated right.
Outside of the shop, Karl skis, hikes, tastes bourbon, and travels. He loves making memories with family, friends, and the people he meets along the way.
Our History
60 Years. Three Generations. One Family Business.
The Bodywerks story spans six decades, three locations, and three owners. Here is the timeline.
- 66 1966
Founded as Burnsville Collision
Jim Weitzel founds Burnsville Collision in Burnsville, Minnesota. The shop becomes a trusted body shop for the southwest metro.
- 74 1974
The Shop Moves to Lakeville
Burnsville Collision relocates to Lakeville, where it becomes a fixture of the community for the next 22 years.
- 96 1996
The Move to Elko New Market
The business moves to its current location at 26106 Newton Circle in Elko New Market, with a larger facility to handle a growing scope of work, including classic restoration.
- 01 2001
Second Generation Takes Over
The second generation, having worked in the shop since their teens, takes over the business. They continue to paint every vehicle that comes through the shop.
- 26 2026
Karl Linton Acquires Bodywerks
Karl Linton acquires the business in January 2026. The previous owner stays on as lead painter. The shop continues with the same standard, the same team, and the same accountability.
Our Guarantee
The Lifetime Workmanship Guarantee
Every repair Bodywerks completes is backed by our Lifetime Workmanship Guarantee. For as long as you own the vehicle, our workmanship is guaranteed against defects. If anything related to our work fails, we fix it.
Exclusions: The guarantee does not cover damage caused by rust, normal wear and tear, or unreasonable use or care of the vehicle. Parts are warrantied by their original manufacturer.
What the guarantee covers
- All body and paint workmanship for the life of your ownership
- Structural and frame repair work
- Custom paint application and finish
- Color matching and panel blending
Awards & Recognition
Recognized by the Community We Serve
5x Lakeville Sun Readers Choice
Named Lakeville Sun Readers Choice winner five separate times (2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026), voted on by community members, not industry panels.
A+ BBB Rating
Bodywerks holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, reflecting decades of consistent service and ethical business practice.
AkzoNobel™ Certified
A certified AkzoNobel™ paint partner, using the same paint system used by major automakers in their factory paint shops.
60 Years in Business
Founded in 1966 and in continuous operation since. Three generations of family ownership across three locations in the south Twin Cities.
Press & Community
Featured in the Community
The Bodywerks story has been covered by local press and recognized by the communities we serve.
Bodywerks continues 60-year legacy under new ownership
"A five-time Sun Thisweek Readers' Choice winner..."Read the Full Article
Proud Chamber Member
Bodywerks is a proud member of the Elko New Market Chamber of Commerce. Our 2026 ribbon cutting under new ownership was hosted by the Chamber as a welcome to the community.
Why We Do This
Nothing Better Than the Moment a Customer Sees Their Vehicle
Karl says nothing is better than seeing the look on a person's face when they see their car restored and ready to drive. That moment is what the entire 60-year history of Bodywerks has been building toward, one repair at a time.
We take every job personally, both the wins and the losses. We make sure every single customer becomes a happy repeat customer. We bend over backwards to fix any mistake, in the rare instance one happens.
That mindset is what carries the shop from one generation to the next, and it is what we bring to every repair, paint job, and restoration that rolls through the doors.
Get Started Today
Want to Trust Your Vehicle to a Real Local Shop?
60 years of family-owned auto body work. Three generations. One standard. Call now to schedule your estimate.
Real humans answer every call. Lifetime workmanship guaranteed.