(215) 624-9309
Definis State Auto Body shop exterior on Torresdale Avenue in Holmesburg, Northeast Philadelphia
Est. 1964

A Family Legacy of
Quality Craftsmanship

For over 60 years, the Definis family has been Northeast Philadelphia's most trusted name in collision repair. From our founder Gus to his son Paul, we have built our reputation one honest repair at a time.

60+ Years of Service
Lifetime Guarantee
Family Owned & Operated
Our History

The Definis Story

From a one-man shop in 1964 to the most trusted collision repair center in NE Philadelphia — this is how we got here.

1964

A Dream Takes Shape

Gus Definis opens his auto body shop on Torresdale Avenue in the Holmesburg neighborhood of Northeast Philadelphia. With nothing but raw talent, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to doing things right, Gus begins building a reputation one repair at a time.

Gus Definis, founder of Definis State Auto Body, in the early years of the shop
1970s

The Go-To Shop in NE Philly

Word spreads through Holmesburg, Mayfair, and Torresdale — if you need collision work done right, you go to Definis. The shop becomes the trusted name for quality auto body repair across Northeast Philadelphia, earning loyalty that spans generations of families.

The original Definis State Auto Body shop front on Torresdale Avenue
1980s

The Next Generation Learns the Trade

Paul Definis, Gus's son, grows up in the shop alongside his father. From sweeping floors to learning the art of metalwork and paint matching, Paul absorbs decades of hands-on knowledge that no classroom could teach. The family trade becomes his calling.

Inside the Definis auto body shop where Paul learned the craft from his father
1990s

Education Meets Experience

Paul earns his business degree from Penn State University, combining formal education with the real-world expertise he gained in his father's shop. He brings modern business practices to the family operation while preserving the craftsmanship and personal touch that made it successful.

Certified technicians at Definis State Auto Body performing precision repair work
2000s

A Certified Advocate for Customers

Paul becomes a certified public adjuster — a license that empowers him to fight insurance companies on behalf of his customers. No longer do customers have to accept lowball estimates or pressured settlements. Paul knows the system, and he uses that knowledge to protect the people who trust him.

Quality collision repair work backed by a lifetime guarantee at Definis State Auto Body
Today

Two Generations of Definis Craftsmanship

Over 60 years later, Definis State Auto Body remains the oldest family-owned auto body shop in Northeast Philadelphia. Under Paul's leadership, the shop continues its legacy of quality craftsmanship, honest service, and treating every customer like family. The tools may have changed, but the values never will.

The current Definis State Auto Body shop exterior at 8305 Torresdale Avenue
Paul M. Definis, owner of Definis State Auto Body, second-generation collision repair expert and certified public adjuster
60+
Years of
Service
Second Generation

Meet Paul Definis

Paul M. Definis did not just inherit a business — he grew up in one. As the son of founder Gus Definis, Paul spent his childhood in the shop, learning the art and science of collision repair from the ground up. By the time he was old enough to pick up a wrench, he already knew what quality workmanship looked like.

After earning his business degree from Penn State University, Paul returned to the family shop with a vision: combine the old-school craftsmanship his father taught him with modern business practices and an unwavering commitment to customer advocacy.

Paul became a certified public adjuster — a credential that sets Definis State Auto Body apart from every other shop in the area. This means Paul has the legal expertise and authority to negotiate directly with insurance companies on your behalf, ensuring you receive a fair settlement and that your vehicle is repaired properly, not just cheaply.

“We treat every customer like family and every car like it's our own.”

— Paul M. Definis, Owner & Certified Public Adjuster
Education
Penn State University
Licensed
Public Adjuster
Generation
2nd Generation Owner
What We Stand For

Our Core Values

These are not just words on a wall. These are the principles that have guided two generations of the Definis family.

Family Values

We treat every customer like family

From the moment you walk through our door, you are not just a number. You are a neighbor, a friend, a member of the Definis family.

Quality Craftsmanship

Lifetime guarantee on all work

Every repair carries our name and our reputation. We stand behind our work with a lifetime guarantee because we know it is done right.

Customer Advocacy

We fight insurance companies for you

As a certified public adjuster, Paul knows how to navigate insurance claims and ensure you get the settlement you deserve.

Honest Service

Transparent estimates, no hidden costs

We tell you exactly what your car needs, what it will cost, and how long it will take. No surprises, no upselling, no games.

Community Roots

Proudly serving Holmesburg since 1964

Three generations of NE Philadelphia families have trusted us with their vehicles. Our roots run deep in this community.

Emergency Ready

24-hour towing and emergency service

Accidents do not wait for business hours. Call us any time, day or night, and we will make sure you and your vehicle are taken care of.

Aerial view of the Holmesburg neighborhood in Northeast Philadelphia, home to Definis State Auto Body
Rooted in the Neighborhood

Deep Ties to
Northeast Philadelphia

When Gus Definis chose Torresdale Avenue for his shop in 1964, he was not just picking a location — he was choosing a community. More than six decades later, this neighborhood is still home. We know the streets, we know the families, and they know us.

NE Philadelphia Neighborhoods

Holmesburg, Mayfair, Torresdale, Tacony, Frankford, Fox Chase, Somerton, Bustleton, Rhawnhurst, and Pennypack

Surrounding Counties

Bucks County, Montgomery County, and Delaware County — we serve customers throughout the Greater Philadelphia region

Convenient Location

Located just minutes from I-95 at 8305 Torresdale Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19136 — easy access from anywhere in the Delaware Valley

Visit Our Shop
Holmesburg, NE Philadelphia
8305 Torresdale Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19136
Areas We Serve
HolmesburgMayfairTorresdaleTaconyBucks Co.Montgomery Co.Delaware Co.
Get Started Today

Ready to Experience the
Definis Difference?

Whether you need a free estimate, have questions about an insurance claim, or just want to talk to someone who cares about getting it right — we are here for you. Call us or stop by the shop.

8305 Torresdale Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19136 • Mon–Fri 8AM–5PM • 24/7 Emergency Towing