Tell us a little about your business. – Shadow Lake Collision (shadowlakecollision.com) is a family-owned and operated collision repair center specializing in late model passenger vehicles. I and Roma Dawson bought an existing collision repair center called AA Collision in 2004 and in 2008 decided to open a second location in Papillion, north of the Shadow Lake Town Center. I continued to run both locations until 2012 when I had the opportunity to sell South Omaha’s AA Collision to the neighboring packing house. Roma and I’s twin boys joined the business after graduating with degrees in business from the University of Nebraska Lincoln in 2023, after falling in love with the complex business of repairing complex vehicles, my family decide to open a second location at 84th and F at the old HH Kia location in 2025.

How did you get started in the business? – My father had over the road trucks and grew up doing mechanical and body work on all types of vehicles, at one point, John Dawson was a partner in a Heavy Equipment Body Shop in Des Moines Iowa. I spent the summers helping around the shop.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Becoming a manager and a leader with no real training or education.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Shadow Lake Collision was named a Pinnacle Performer by the Ford Certified Collision Network in 2025. This award was given to the top 70 shops in the United States.

Tell us a little about your family. – I have know Roma since we were kids in Maryville, Missouri, and we have been married 31 years with twin boys Kale and Owen that are 25 years old.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Having children and feeling the obligation to make them assets to society.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I love to golf, boat and hang with friends and family.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I grew up rodeoing, from the age of 14 years old I competed in youth, high school, college and amateur rodeos.

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Honest.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? – Clone myself. I need to be in more than one place at a time or time travel.

Which talent would you most like to have? – I wish I was a better leader.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – Farming or ranching.

What local nonprofi t organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – I have been a member of Suburban Rotary for 15+ years, Rotary does so many wonderful things world wide for the less fortunate.

What is your favorite TV show? – Land Man.

What is your favorite local Omaha restaurant? – J’s Smokehouse.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – Matthew McConaughey.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – Call either location Papillion (402) 763-5200, or Omaha (402) 915-8400.