Rebuilding and restoring is what Cameron Johnson, owner of Payson Autobody and Glass does best.
It was in 1997 when Johnson, who was in high school at the time began, learning the trade of auto body and mechanics.
“I took an auto shop class in high school and learned it so fast that my teacher would often turn the class over to me,” he said.
“I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands and figuring out how to fix things.”
Johnson spent years as a collision repair technician, even earning awards as the top collision tech for Larry H. Miller Group as an employee. In 2014, he opened his own collision repair shop and windshield replacement in Payson.
Life took a tragic turn, however in the summer of 2018 when Johnson found himself in the intensive care unit at Utah Valley Hospital after an accident while driving a bullet bike.
“I was driving a bullet bike that I took in on trade from a friend who was struggling to pay medical bills,” he said. “I was going to meet my mom and kids at the pool, and something happened that sent me rolling on the ground.”
Johnson ended up with a broken clavicle, shoulders, and ribs. There was road rash and a punctured lung. Even with a helmet, Johnson’s skull was broken, and he suffered a traumatic brain injury.
Johnson would require several surgeries, months of rehabilitation and continued after care. For years, he was charged with rebuilding and restoring machines, but would now be faced with doing the same with his battered body and mind.
“The accident really took me out for a while, and I still have issues with my shoulder, and I have a little trouble hearing and tuning out noises, but I’m not one to stay down,” he said. “I love doing what I do and sharing my knowledge with others. I also have three kids who I need to be there for.”
Johnson said the accident that nearly took his life put things in perspective and he realized that he wanted to continue to provide a service to the community.
“My role as a business owner in the community is to provide a fair quality service,” he said. “I believe in helping as many people as I can get what they want. As an employer, I love giving people that are anxious, hungry, and eager to learn an opportunity to develop their talents and grow.”
Payson Autobody and Glass is located at 438 S. 100 W. in Payson, and can be found at paysonautobodyglassllc.business.site. (Brown is a Serve Daily contributor.)
