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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.
Return to the Hall of Fame page