Q & A With Ledyard Auto's Rob Derda

For most people, recieving a late night call from the Ledyard Police Department is a reason to worry but for Rob Derda of Ledyard Auto, it's just a regular part of the job. Ledyard Auto and Towing provides 24-hour towing service and for 25 years Derda has been towing cars out of jams and helping owners repair what appears to be a total wreck.

What services does Ledyard Auto provide?

"God, what don't we do?" said Derda. He said the auto body shop has expereince doing all sorts of repairs and is an emissions test station and also sells cars but Derda said the shop specializes in "complete collision and framework repair."

How many people work here?

Derda said that six people work at the shop, including his wife, Chris, who works in the office.

Do you still work on cars or do you let your staff take care of that?

"I'm involved in every aspect of this business," he said. Derda said that he meets with clients, works in the shop and handles all the paper work. Derda said the business works will all insurance companies.

How did you learn to do what you do?

Derda grew up in Colchester and attended auto body school in Denver, Colorado and overall, he has been working on cars since 1977.

Why Ledyard?

"I like Ledyard," said Derda. He said when he was looking for a place to begin his business he found a good deal in Ledyard on Long Cove Road and commuted from Colchester for two years. Eventually, he moved to Ledyard.

Two years ago, in the middle of a recession, Ledyard Auto Body & Towing had to expand. The business reloacated not more than a couple miles from where it started – on Route 12 near the intersection with Long Cove Road.

What changes have you seen since the economy went south?

"There's a lot more paperwork," he said as he shifted through papers on his desk. "It's a lot more technical than it used to be, you have to stay on top of things." Derda said that there are always new classes to take and new technoligies to learn about.

What do you like about collision repair/auto body work?

"Everything, I just always liked it, I'm hooked on it," he said. And, after 25 years and lots of changes he said, "I still like it."

What are your favorite cars?

To fix, Derda said he likes fixing Hondas but to drive, he perfers an offroad Jeep.