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Don Peers   Don Peers was born in Omaha, Nebraska on November 15th 1945.  Don's love for cars began at the age of 10 when he started building model cars in his parent's basement.  Dons next step was building a Soap Box Derby car.  To this day, Don claims building that car was what got him started in the autobody field. In 1969 after spending 3 years in the U.S. Army, Don started to look for a job at an autobody repair shop.  Having no experience other than welding, it was a difficult task.  Don was lucky enough to find a shop owner willing to teach him the trade.  Joe Blank of Joe Blanks Body Shop, a true master craftsman within the industry, hired Don and taught him the autobody trade. In 1975 Don with help of his wife Jeanne and a $1000 in their checkbook started AAA Automotive Collision Repair.  Don's reputation for quality painting and customizing soon led to a prospering collision repair business.  Frustrated with the need for more education in the Autobody field, Don looked for a source in Nebraska to make him a better owner and manager.  Don contacted the newly formed Nebraska Autobody Association.  After attending a N.A.B.A. Convention, Don thought it was worth his time and effort to start an Omaha chapter.  Taking a week off work, Don personally called on over 50 shops.  In 1978 Don called the first N.A.B.A. Omaha area meeting to order.  Don went on to serve as President and Vice President as well as many other positions within the N.A.B.A.  In 2001 Don, with the help of his best friend Ivan Gilbert, created the N.A.B.A. Hall of Fame.  Don was also involved with the following national organizations, A.S.A., S.C.R.S., N.A.C.E., and I-CAR. Some of Don’s notable accomplishments include being the first A.S.A. Accredited Automotive Manager in the state of Nebraska, an I-Car Hall of Fame inductee, and the recipient of the National Autobody Council “PRIDE” award. On January 2nd 2004, Don sold his shop to Eric and Roma Dawson.  Don plans on remaining involved with the industry in some capacity, but not until he enjoys some much needed time off.  Don and Jeanne have two children Dan And Katie.  They currently reside in Elkhorn, Nebraska. Inducted May 1, 2004   Nebraska Autobody Association PO Box 145 Clay Center, NE 68933 nz41254@windstream.net   Fast Answers 24 Hours A Day http://www.nebraskaautobody.com  Disclaimer: This web site features a variety of information from various sources. Information changes rapidly and cannot be guaranteed. Reader is advised to consult with an appropriate business and/or legal professional before acting on any information contained herein. Web Site Design by Norbert Zaenglein