Advanced Auto Body part of South Kingstown Parade TODAY

Advanced Auto Body, Inc., serving Southern Rhode Island for decades.

Advanced Auto Body will be in the South Kingstown 300th Anniversary Parade TODAY, on Saturday, June 17, at 10:00 AM, in Downtown Wakefield. They are also sponsoring the Picnic at the Saugatucket Park, 101 High Street following this town-wide event.

A family business can be a challenging endeavor to say the least! A long-time family business currently being run by two women is making a mark in Peace Dale as a successful example locally.

Advanced Auto Body, Inc., services all vehicles—big and small—for everyday automobile drivers and fleets alike. They offer various services from complete collision repairs to oil changes, wheel alignments, engine rebuilds and virtually everything in between. The Pucino family has built a legacy of helping southern Rhode Island stay on the road safely for nearly nine decades.

Michael Pucino shared his feelings on the longevity of Advanced: “With over 80 years’ experience in auto repairs and four generations later, our family is committed to providing quality car care that you can count on. Our expertise in auto repairs combined with advanced technologies make us proud to deliver the best value to the motoring public. We are dedicated to supporting you and thank you for choosing us in your pursuit of trouble-free repairs”.

What started out as a family-operated business in the 1930s has transformed into a women-run company led by Wendy and Julie Pucino. They thrive because of their commitment to customer service and changing with the times.

Wendy Pucino elaborated that she was strongly influenced by her parents, who were amazing role models throughout not only their childhood, but also to this very day: “As children, we were taught the value of hard work, knowledge, gratitude and kindness. We were born into the world of vehicles and were raised with a respect and understanding of all aspects of the automotive industry. We were instilled with a strong work ethic and taught that, ‘I don’t know,’ was never an acceptable response. We went to college to, ‘learn how to learn’. Our drive and commitment throughout the years has had a direct correlation with Advanced Body’s continued success,” she said.

Together with our amazing team, they continue their family’s legacy and are dedicated to serving the community for generations to come. They take great pride in their workmanship while valuing the relationships that they have built over the years with our customers and always welcome a new face.

The foundation of Advanced Auto Body is based on family and community. They strive to continue to serve the community in the same manner that generations before have. Their parent’s hard work and sacrifices to open Advanced when the children were young is something they are eternally grateful for.

“We were given this opportunity and through hard work and determination we intend to continue moving forward with the same ideals that our parent’s ingrained in us. We want to honor them and to keep the memory of our brother Ronny alive for years to come,” Wendy said.

Joyce Pucino said her daughter’s success comes from continuing the family traditions: “Michael and I started Advanced in Peace Dale in 1981, and our children have grown up with the business and have been involved with the daily operations for over 20 years,” said Joyce, whose daughters Wendy and Julie graduated from Rhode Island College and the University of Rhode Island and, respectively. “More customers who are coming in to see us are women. So, seeing a woman at the desk gives them a sense of openness and relief knowing they will be treated equally.”

They are a business that aids in their customer’s vehicle needs. When someone comes into their shop because of an accident, for example, the Pucino family will take care of everything—from securing a rental car, assisting with starting an insurance claim, and working with the insurance company to repair the vehicle to the manufacture’s specifications. Their body shop will return your vehicle to pre-accident condition, even better to be honest!

For minor issues, anyone can schedule time to have their vehicles looked at for problems. The shop has an array of services to suit every customer’s needs. Their staff is well versed in all vehicle makes and models and will ensure that any issues will be resolved quickly and efficiently.

Joyce believes their commitment to their customers makes them stand out. “We increased our staff and expanded our bays to hold 32 vehicles at once,” said Joyce. “We are also looking for additional mechanics and technicians to help with our workload. Anyone who is interested in learning more can call us for more information,” said Joyce.

They also thrive because of their ability to adjust. During the pandemic, many businesses closed because people were told to stay home. That wasn’t the case with Advanced Auto Body, who picked up many clients after being designated an “essential” business and remained open. This designation enabled them to service people throughout the area and beyond. As the pandemic waned, the shop was then well positioned to take on additional work. Their father, Michael Pucino, continues to play an intricate role in the ever- changing technology of the industry assisting in the continued success of Advanced.

One devastating note for the Pucino family occurred during this time. Their beloved son, brother, uncle and friend, Ronny Pucino, passed away unexpectedly. Joyce Pucino said her son was a beacon of light who seemed to know everybody and was well liked by those who interacted with him.

“Ronny was the type of person that could liven up a room,” she said. “He was quite knowledgeable about the business and was a fierce advocate for us. He is always with us and is remembered for his dedication and support.”

Julie Pucino Murray feels that it is of utmost importance to keep her family, especially her brother Ronny’s spirit a strong part of Advanced.

“What drives me to succeed is being able to carry on our family legacy. Grandfather, father, brother. I know that’s what Ronny wanted and now that he is not here to do it, I feel it is important for me to try my hardest to succeed. Wendy and I know the ins and outs of all aspects of the business and Jessica is a very important addition to the daily office orchestration as well”.

Advanced Auto Body is often seen as a community partner. They will be participating in the upcoming South Kingstown 300th Anniversary Parade on Saturday, June 17, at 10:00 AM, in Downtown Wakefield. Advanced Auto Body is also sponsoring the Picnic at the Saugatucket Park, 101 High Street following this town-wide event.

To celebrate the occasion, the shop dusted off the original 1937 Ford tow truck used by their grandfather, Michael Pucino, Sr., who opened his shop in the 1930s. The family and the team at Advanced Auto Body did a major restoration on the truck and gave it a fresh coat of paint as well as it’s beautifully hand-painted logo courtesy of uncle Rob Blais. It was an ode to a time where they took an opportunity and made the most of their situation, gathered family, friends and the community to celebrate how far they have all come throughout the years. 

Another reason to visit their shop is that they are certified by the State of Rhode Island to do vehicle inspections in-house and they look forward to servicing more people in the community.

Joyce Pucino said there is always more work to be done, but they are moving in the right direction.

“We are indebted to the community for accepting us and to our family and for their continued support,” she said. “The shop continues to find ways to better serve our customers and we look forward to meeting new customers, who need our help.

From routine oil changes, tire replacement and brake jobs to engine repair, and complete detailing their team is ready to service all of your vehicle’s needs. Keeping your car in excellent running condition is what Advanced Auto Service is all about. Their technicians will evaluate and diagnose engine troubles, problems with cooling and exhaust systems, and check for worn or broken belts and hoses to make sure your vehicle will be reliable and get you where you need to be. They have the experience, equipment and the technicians to properly repair and maintain your vehicle.

Advanced Auto Body, Inc., is located off Route 108 between Wakefield and URI, at 116 Kersey Road, across the street from the Peace Dale Elementary School.

To schedule an appointment, please contact them at (401) 783-0015.