That’s 50!
Dave Johnson began his career in the body shop on September 14, 1975. He joined Bob Rowe, Lyle Lidstrom and Fred Johnson at Rowe’s Service and Body Shop in Stanley. Fred left in 1977 to run Motor Service. Bob, Lyle and Dave worked until 1982 in the present location. They then moved to the former Rausch Motor building.
In 1990, Dave ventured out on his own to start Johnson Auto Body. Kevin Johnson, Dave’s brother, owned the building at the time. Dave purchased half the building, and Kevin said, “Go for it!” Dave bought him out two years later.
The building was in tough shape. It needed major repairs, such as running water, a full roof, and all utilities. Dave never took a loan out for anything. He only fixed what he had money for. It is all good now! Dave credits his family and friends for getting the place off the ground.
Dave would like to sincerely thank everyone for their patronage during all these years. He said it best when he said, “I’ve always loved what I do, so it’s pretty easy to go to work every day.”
Dave also wants to thank Dusty Nelson and his son James Nelson for the outstanding job they are doing in the shop and Valerie Stammen for a great job of bookkeeping.
Perhaps the best way to describe this story is a quote from a Nitty Gritty Dirt Band song which says, “It’s great to be a part of something so good that’s lasted so long.”
As Dave celebrates 50 years working in the body shop, he also celebrated Johnson Auto Body’s 35th anniversary on August 26 of this year.