60 Years of Bodywerks. 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.
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 he 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 in the business is the people. He takes pride in the number of people he employs at Bodywerks and the role the shop plays in the community. He looks for ways to add positions, support the team, and make sure no one is overburdened. 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.
60 Years. Three Generations. One Family Business.
The Bodywerks story spans six decades, three locations, and three owners. Here is the timeline.
Founded as Burnsville Collision
Jim Weitzel founds Burnsville Collision in Burnsville, Minnesota. The shop becomes a trusted body shop for the southwest metro.
The Shop Moves to Lakeville
Burnsville Collision relocates to Lakeville, where it becomes a fixture of the Lakeville community for the next 22 years.
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.
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.
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 to the community.
The People Behind the Work
Bodywerks is more than its owner. It is the team of craftsmen and customer-facing professionals who keep the shop running.
Karl Linton
Owner
Owner since January 2026. Brings finance background, two years of prior auto body shop ownership, and a deep commitment to the people of Bodywerks and the community.
Lead Painter
Second-Generation Owner
Has been painting at Bodywerks since his teens. Owned the business from 2001 to 2026. Continues as lead painter. Every clear coat that gets sanded at Bodywerks passes through his hands.
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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.
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
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.
Recognized by the Community We Serve
5x Lakeville Sun Readers Choice Winner
Bodywerks has been named Lakeville Sun Readers Choice winner five separate times (2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026) by the residents of Lakeville. The award is 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, customer satisfaction, and ethical business practice.
AkzoNobel™ Certified
Bodywerks is 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. In continuous operation since. Three generations of family ownership. Three locations across the south Twin Cities.
Featured in the Community
The Bodywerks story has been covered by local press and recognized by the communities we serve. A few highlights below.
Bodywerks continues 60-year legacy under new ownership
"[Selected pull quote from the article TBD]"Read the Full Article
Elko New Market Chamber of Commerce 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.
View Chamber ProfileRibbon Cutting and Community Welcome
Watch the 2026 ribbon cutting hosted by the Elko New Market Chamber celebrating Karl's new ownership of Bodywerks.
Watch the VideoCommunity Recognition Post
The Elko New Market Chamber publicly recognized Bodywerks in 2026 for the ownership transition and continued community service.
Read the PostNothing 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. We take pride in being able to add positions and support the people who make Bodywerks what it is.
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.
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.