River City Six – Michael Shaneyfelt
Meet Michael Shaneyfelt, repair process manager at Dingman’s Collision Center (www.dingmans.com).
Tell us a little about your business.
Dingman’s Collision Center is a family owned business that has been in Omaha for 22 years. We have four collision centers and a mechanical repair center. We are dedicated to delivering the best customer experience and the best repair possible for each and every customer. I have been with Dingman’s Collision Center for nine years and enjoy working with our customers to achieve the common goal of making a safe, high quality collision repair.
How did you get started in the business?
I went to college after high school for auto body repair and started working for a local new car dealer. As my career started, I found the customer service and management direction gave me the most satisfaction. I moved through several departments at the dealership. I spent 15 years in the service department as a service advisor and then moved back into the body shop as the body shop manager. I have been in collision center management for about 18 years.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
Keeping up with the technology automakers are putting into their products. I have been in the automotive industry over 30 years and in the collision repair industry over half of that. With the changes automakers have made, from the metals used to produce the cars to the electronics that have been added to the cars, I’m learning something new every day. That’s one aspect that makes this business fun and exciting.
Tell us a little about your family.
I’ve been married to my high school sweetheart Cheryl for 29 years and counting. I have two daughters, Katie and Megan.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
I enjoy fishing and canoeing. I spend every waking moment I can at a lake. Some say I am obsessed with fishing, but I consider it a healthy hobby.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?
I spent about 15 years as a volunteer firefighter/EMT with two local fire departments.
Who inspires you?
My dad. He has inspired me to be the best I can be. He taught me through his actions that patience and kindness go a long way.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“We would rather be the best than apologize for anything less.”
What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?
Inter-Industry on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) is an international non-profit organization dedicated to providing the information, knowledge, and skills required to perform complete, safe, and quality repairs. I have been with I-CAR as an instructor for about two years. I enjoy sharing my knowledge and experiences with others in my industry so that everyone has access to the information and skills necessary to provide a safe and a good quality repair.
What is your favorite TV show?
Game of Thrones.
What is your favorite local restaurant?
Most recently, I’ve enjoyed Ika Ramen and Izakaya and The Blackstone Meatball.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
Phone: (402) 502-8757; Email: mikes@dingmans.com; Website: www.dingmans.com.