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Gary graduated from Milford Trade School in 1962 and went to work for Joe's
Body Shop in Lincoln, NE. In 1963 Gary and Larry Hermann had the opportunity to
buy out Joe's. Gary bought his partner's share of the business in 1982 and
became sole owner of Joe's Body Shop. He retired in 1999, after 36 years in the
collision repair industry.
Gary has always been active in one of the industry's associations. He started
out with Independent Garage Owners (IGO) where he was inspired and influenced by
some of the national leaders in the industry. He also began life-long
friendships with some of his "competitors". He always said he learned more
sitting around a table with these men than at all the seminars he attended. IGO
turned into Automotive Service Council (ASC) and Gary actively participated in
this association. In 1977, he attended a meeting in Columbus, NE where the NABA
was born. He has been active ever since, serving as president in 1985 and 1989.
A yery special honor was in 1986 when he was awarded the Man of the Year award
by the NABA. One of his special interests has been putting together cruises and
trips for his association.
Gary gives a lot of credit to his friends and associates in the collision
repair industry for his successful and fulfilling, although sometimes
frustrating, career in this business. If he had any advice for the next
generation of collision repair shop owners it would be to get to know each
other, become friends rather than competitors so you can work together to
improve the industry.
Gary and his wife, Carlene, have two sons, Rodney and Barry, a daughter, Brianna, and two grandsons, Luke and Ashton.
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