Our Team

John Neil
Owner

Founder of LVR 1980. Originally a painter and owner estimator janitor and jack of all trades, I enjoy dealing with customers and mentoring younger colleagues into the trade.

Shop Nickname: Johnny/Bondo/Red

Most Know For: Custom paint, stories and jokes

All-Time Favourite Car/Vehicle: All cars and trucks

Travis Neil
Production Manager

I have worked for LV for 18 years, so that’s pretty much my background. I’m a red-sealed painter. I enjoy hanging out with my kids and being outdoors. My favourite thing about my job is doing cool paint jobs on Harleys and hot rods.

I-CAR platinum estimator and refinisher. Red seal refinisher.

Shop Nickname: Jr. Bondo

Most Known For: Dad Jokes

All-Time Favourite Car/Vehicle: My 1954 Belair

Sheena Abma
Accounts Manager

I have been at Little Valley my whole life, but have worked in the office for the past 16 years. I did not see myself ever working with my father! But, I am so happy he asked me to join him in the office all those years ago.  When I am not in the office you will find me in my gardens, or on Hornby with my hubby and 3 beautiful girls.

Shop Nickname: Dragon Lady

Most Know For: Getting scared easily

All-Time Favourite Car/Vehicle: Dad’s Apache

Andrew Graham
Estimator

I’ve been at Little Valley my entire career (since 1982?). Auto body tech that slowly moved into working with the employees and customers. Married to my wife, Deb, and we have one son, Eddie.

Red seal body technician.

Most Known For: Lifer at LV, President VIDRA Vancouver Island dirt riders puts on Hare Scramble Races.

All-Time Favourite Car/Vehicle: C2 Corvettes, sprint cars, whatever motorcycle I own.

Scott Thompson
Estimator

Started working while in school at Hub City Shell Nanaimo in 1979. Went to work at VAP/NAPA in shipping and receiving, then moved up to counter selling parts and ended up working there for 14 years. Went to VW Service Dept after that, then Bakers Auto Supply, then Lordco selling Paint & Body on the road for 11 years. After that I went to Wheaton GM as body shop estimator, then joined Little Valley in 2017.

Shop Nickname: Scotty

Most Known For: Great customer service

All-Time Favourite Car/Vehicle: Current project G5 Mercury Comet Caliente

Jessica Stephens
Receptionist

John calls me the CEO of First Impressions!

I have been with Little Valley for over a year. It’s like working with family here. I have always been in customer service (it’s kind of my thing). I really enjoy getting to know people and chatting. I am a wife of 16 years to my high-school sweetheart and a mom of two amazing boys that keep me busy with hockey and always on my toes. On my free time I enjoy being with my family riding dirt bikes and quads, and cheering my boys on while they play hockey. I also cherish my time with my friends who are my chosen family, they are the best.

Shop Nickname: Sunshine (Travis calls me this and it makes me happy)

Most Known For: Talking, being loud and making people laugh

All-Time Favourite Car/Vehicle: John’s Apache

Sean Edmondson
Automotive Painter

I have been in the trade for about 7 years now. I have always worked in the refinishing side of the auto-body trade.

I-CAR platinum refinisher. Red seal refinisher.

All-Time Favourite Car/Vehicle: My 89 VW Jetta GTX VR6

Royce Varro
Automotive Collision Repair Tech

I am 25 years old. Started at LVR detailing when I turned 19. I am now a red seal Technician. With ongoing training and doing challenging repairs at work, I still love my job and what I do. Big thanks to John for guiding me on the path of success. Cheers.

Red seal body technician, apprentice glass technician.

Shop Nickname: Rolls Royce

Most Known For: “nobody cares, work harder”

All-Time Favourite Car/Vehicle: ’66 Acadian

Roy Sommerfeld
Prep-Tech

After 23 years working at Volkswagen in Germany I was looking for new challenges and moved to SK, Canada. Became a Truck and Transport Mechanic and certified Commercial Vehicle Safety Inspector. Moved to Vancouver Island in 2018, worked as certified Vehicle Sales Person.

Went back to Auto Body in March 2019, started at Little Valley.

(Happy Preppie since Day one)

My myself, I love the great outdoors and traveling.

Shop Nickname: No Nick in my name

Most Known For: Healthy Food

All-Time Favourite Car/Vehicle: 1949 Cadillac Series 62 2-Door

Don Nethercott
Collision Technician

My wife, Samantha, and I moved from Ontario (London). We have four adult children and five grandkids. Recently bought a house in Lake Cowichan. I have 38 years experience in the trade and have worked at Little Valley for 3.5 years. I also was a volunteer fireman for 14 years and now I just want to go fishing!

I-CAR platinum non-structural technician, platinum structural technician. Red seal body technician.

Shop Nickname: Handsome Don

Most Known For: Wisdom and infinite Knowledge

All-Time Favourite Car/Vehicle: 1964 Chev Pickup

Matthew Catigay
Prepper

Born and raised on the island, mostly around Shawnigan Lake. I have worked with and around cars most of my adult life with a lot of hobby hours included. I’ve been with LV for just under a year and an half, couldn’t see myself fitting into a better group of people and am very thankful for the opportunities LV has shared with me.

Apprentice prep technician.

Shop Nickname: Mattchoo, Choo, Tahiti, Polynesian Prince

Most Known For: Horrible dad jokes, using the facilities at inconvenient times and I guess hard work.

All-Time Favourite Car/Vehicle: Too many to list!