Abby Treadwell took the skills she developed in the Mount Morris CTE Center Auto Body program and turned them into something bigger than a career. She built a business of her own. A 2024 graduate, she built her foundation on hard work, precision, and pride in every detail. From the start, she understood that this field is not just about fixing vehicles, it is about restoring something important to the people who rely on them.
She developed a strong work ethic early on while growing up on a dairy farm, where there was always something that needed to be fixed or maintained. That environment taught her how to problem solve, stay steady through challenges, and take ownership of her work. When she entered the auto body program, those qualities only grew stronger as she developed the technical skills to match.
In the shop, Abby became known for her focus on quality. She does not rush through jobs or settle for good enough, instead holding herself to a standard where everything needs to be done right. She credits her teacher, Mike Young, along with her mentor Johnny Scaccia, for reinforcing that mindset and teaching her that quality should always come before speed, a lesson that continues to guide her every day.
Shortly after graduating in June 2024, Abby and her sister Amber, a Criminal Justice alumni, stepped into an opportunity that changed everything. What began as a visit to look at tools to purchase from the Scaccia family, quickly turned into something much bigger, as they made the decision to acquire the business instead. By August 2024, they were already in the shop cleaning, preparing, and learning the business, and by October 1, 2024, they officially opened Treadwell Autobody and Detailing as owners.
It was a fast transition from student to business owner, but one she embraced with determination and a willingness to figure things out as she went. Running the business is a true family effort. Their dad plays a major role in supporting daily operations and is always there when needed. The Scaccia family, especially Jerry Scaccia Sr., has been a meaningful part of that support, with his mentorship and lasting impact continuing to guide Abby and Amber as they grow in ownership.
The team they have built reflects both their roots and their experience. Abby works alongside her former classmate, Shaun Brown, in the body shop, bringing their shared connection from the Mount Morris CTE Center into the workplace. She also works with Taylor Scaccia in the body shop, whose experience adds to the strength of the team. Together, they create trust and teamwork, allowing them to work efficiently and produce consistent, high-quality results.
Another key part of their team is Jayden Richardson, another woman in the industry, who works in the mechanic shop alongside Dan Bacon. Together, the shop continues to grow, grounded in a shared commitment to strong work ethic and quality work. Abby has built an environment where people rely on one another, work as a team, and take pride in what they do.
Each day looks a little different depending on the work coming through the shop. Some days are spent repairing damage, others painting or managing parts and insurance calls, which can take up more time than people realize. Despite the challenges, Abby stays focused on doing the job right and being fair and honest with every customer who walks through the door.
One of her favorite parts of the job is taking a heavily damaged vehicle and watching it leave fully repaired. As her teacher Mike Young once told her, it should leave the shop looking great or even better than it did when it arrived. Seeing that transformation reminds her why the work matters and why attention to detail is so important. Whether it is a standard repair or custom paint work, she takes pride in every project that leaves the shop.
As the business continues to grow, Abby has goals of expanding even further, including adding towing services in the future. Much of their growth so far has come from word of mouth and building a reputation for honest, quality work, along with sharing their work through social media. As a women owned business, Treadwell Autobody and Detailing is showing what is possible, building trust in the community and proving that skill, determination, and leadership have no limits.
Abby’s advice to students considering this field is simple and direct. Work hard and make sure everything you do is quality work, because your name is tied to everything that leaves the shop. Her story shows how quickly things can change when someone is prepared, and how her drive, skill, and determination have allowed her to build something meaningful in such a short time.