WORKING FOR THE CUSTOMER
Ethics Play Strong Role in Body Repair Shop

With a second location opening soon, it is obvious that July Small Business of the Month Dingman's Collision Center is doing something right.

Company President Boyd Dingman attributes this success to the way he operates his business. "I grew up in my father's body shop," he said. "At a young age, I learned to do it [repair cars] and how to do it right." After positive experiences in both his father's shop in Garner, Iowa, and other shops in small Iowa towns, Dingman began his own operation 20 years ago in Waverly, Iowa, with his wife Diana.

Business was going well for the couple, but when the highway was widened after a decade they were faced with choosing a new location. They had always wanted to live in a small town, but Boyd's strong involvement and reputation in the auto repair industry presented many new opportunities.

"We chose Omaha because of the school systems," Dingman said. "We had heard really good things about them. Our children ended up at Westside, and it was great, but there are a lot of good schools here."

Though the Dingmans sold their business, they kept all of its equipment. After less than two years, they opened a new location at 50th Street and Saddlecreek Road. Since 1996, Dingman's Collision Center has become known for going out of its way to repair automobiles properly.

"Success is knowing who our customers are," Dingman said. "Our customers are the vehicle owners. We work on their behalf to do what is in their best interest. If we are asked to cut corners, we stick to our guns and do the right thing. I think it's paid off."

In addition to serving his customers, Dingman educates them. The company's Web site, www.dingmans.net, provides resources on what an individual should do when he or she is involved in a collision. "I think it's important for consumers to know what to do in an accident, before it happens."

Dingman joined the Chamber his first year in business in Omaha. "There wasn't even a second thought. It was an automatic thing," he said.

His membership has connected him with numerous fellow Chamber members, including those who assisted with the Habitat for Humanity project he organized/The House That Small Business Built" brought together the community's business people to construct a house for a family in need, in just seven days.

Many customers have also come to him simply because he is a Chamber member. "I think others work with those they know are working with and helping the community," he said.

Today, Dingman plays a supervisory role in the company, while his son Andy has assumed the general manager position. Andy will direct operations for both the current store and the second location, which will offer services on the southwest corner of 120th and Maple streets. The expansion adds one dozen workers to the business's current staff of 15.

Dingman carries his beliefs beyond doing business. He hopes to form a conference that brings together "anyone that touches the life of someone else," providing an environment for people of all denominations to discuss ethics. "We just need more of doing the right thing," he said. "It's so important that we show people that different religions can come together for a common cause."