IBS Collision Center History

Meet the Owner, Joe

Born in 1947 in Calabria Italy, Joe Lumbaca grew up with an intense love of cars. His family later moved to Genoa, Italy and he began working in the auto repair industry at the age of 14. It is during this time, that he perfected his skills in bodywork and auto paint by hand. In 1969, at the age of 22, Joe moved to the United States and settled in Columbus, Ohio. Upon settling, he met his wife Joanna, an immigrant from Italy as well.

They soon married and had 3 children; Maria Rosa, Rocco, and Alessandro.

Over the years, Joe's work flourished at 2 established auto body repair shops and his work ethic and skills spoke for themselves. Joe worked long hours doing what he loved to support his family. During this time, he also perfected his English and made many life-long friendships. 

IBS Collision Center Expands Its Footprint

Joe eventually had a desire to control his surroundings and work, so in 1981, he decided to open his own auto body repair shop. His children suggested naming the shop "The Italian Body Shop". Thus, his one-man operation and eventual legacy were born! He hired and trained his first employee and gave his business home in a 2,000-square-foot facility near downtown Columbus.

Shortly after in 1982, his hard work and healthy reputation paid off and allowed Joe to move to a 4,000-square-foot facility in the Northern Lights area. IBS Collision Center soon felt the need to expand, yet again. Joe purchased the adjacent building of 4,000 square feet and the IBS Collision Center grew into an 8,000 square foot facility. Joe had a team of 6 technicians at his shop, including his 13-year-old son, Rocco. It was during this time, that Rocco's love of all things cars, like his father, was nurtured and cultivated. Rocco spent many summers in the shop doing various jobs such as cleaning up and observing the technicians and his father at work. Many professionals and supply company representatives can recall watching Rocco grow up in the shop. In 1994, Rocco decided to help his father grow his dream and make this his career. Rocco soon began to work at the shop full time.

Committed to Quality Auto Work

IBS Collision Center continued to care for its customers' vehicles while perfecting their craftsmanship and talent. The shop had a wealth of new and repeat customers which caused Joe the need to expand, yet again, to fit his growing clientele. In the mid-1990s, Joe and Rocco decided to design and build a facility that would last them through the years. With this move, both Joe and Rocco decided to streamline their production and their name. In November of 2000, the Italian Body Shop became IBS Collision Center.

IBS Collision Center prides itself on being a productive and vital part of the Westerville, Ohio community. The new, state-of-the-art 12,000 square foot facility currently employs 12 technicians, and two front offices administrative staff, including Rocco's wife Marissa, who are all dedicated to the production and preservation of quality auto body repairs. Joe has handed his legacy over to his son Rocco and has cut his role in the day-to-day operations of the shop. Rocco continues to excel in managing and supervising the daily activities of IBS Collision Center, continuing a family tradition for over 36 years. Oftentimes, Rocco's children, Rocco and Mia can be found visiting their Papa` at work.

IBS Collision Center and all its employees are committed to quality, hard work, and completion of every job to the customer's satisfaction. We pride ourselves on our technicians, who are not only employees but considered family as well. We Thank You, our customers, for your patronage and loyalty. If this is your first time here, we welcome you! Feel free to have an espresso or coffee and experience the excellence that is our family's work! Grazie e` Buona Fortuna!