Providing a higher level of service and some much-needed peace of mind to customers facing unplanned inconvenience and expense – that’s what drives the team at Don & Ron’s CARSTAR Collision Center, the Chamber’s first Small Business of the Month for 2018.

“We help people through some of the tougher times in their life. We want them to know we’re here to help, easing the pain of an auto accident by walking them through every step of the collision repair process,” says Mark Krzemien.

Mark’s father, Don, and uncle, Ron, founded their shop in 1965. Don has since passed. Ron, 78, still comes in but is taking things a little easier. The second generation is helping to power the business now. Mark and his cousins (Ron’s daughters), Christi Krajeski and Andrea Heig, are all involved in the full-service operation, which is now based near 72nd & Q St.

“Collision repair is a family tradition at Don & Ron’s,” Mark says.

Winning Insights from Our October Winner:

  • Providing an Excellent Customer Experience

“As winners of the BBB Integrity award, we know our customers are the most important aspect of our business. Providing the kind of service that leads to strong ‘word of mouth’ and being involved in the community are just two things we work on daily to get the results we demand.”

  • Empowering Employees and Creating a Culture in which They Can Grow and Succeed

“We are big on helping employees with sponsorships of their hobbies. We sponsor stock car racing for an employee so he can chase his dream. We sponsor three employees in various BBQ contests. We help with sponsorships of local baseball and softball teams. It’s one way of showing our employees they are part of our family.”

  • Best Practice Tip

“Integrity. It’s easy to have integrity when people are watching. But when you are alone or you can ‘get away with things,’ that’s when your true colors show. Always practice honesty and integrity with your customers and you can’t go wrong.”

  • Value of Chamber Involvement

“The Chamber makes it easy to surround yourself with true professionals and a positive business environment, and it drives you to excel in all aspects of the business community. We take advantage of the educational opportunities to be the best community partner we can be.”

In addition to being named the Chamber’s January Small Business of the Month, Don & Ron’s is a Best of Omaha Winner for 2016 and 2017, the Ralston Chamber of Commerce’s 2015 Business of the Year, and a 2013 BBB Integrity Award winner.

Want to learn more about Don & Ron’s CARSTAR Collision Center? Check out the company’s website.

United Republic Bank is the sponsor of the Small Business of the Month award. View more information or nominate a small business online.