Celebrating 55 Years of Tradition, Service and Teamwork
L-R Steve Bertrand, Kurt Hathaway, Dana Lawrence, Darcy Way, Jordhan Varin, Faye Lawrence, Adam Schneider & Sam Marcotte
By John T. Ryan
Peru – The staff at Bill’s Body Shop is #42 in the Peru Gazette photo series featuring people who make Peru a wonderful place to live. Located at 390 Military Turnpike, Bill’s Body Shop has served generations of local families for the past 55 years. The late Bill Lawrence and his wife Faye opened the shop’s doors in March 1963.
During those early years Bill and Faye worked side by side in the shop and relied on a few friends for extra help. In the 1970s they began hiring a staff. Today their son Dana and daughter Darcy have vital roles in the business. Darcy is office manager and estimator; Dana estimates jobs, orders parts and works with adjusters. Faye handles payroll, taxes and advertising and assists Dana and Darcy whenever she’s needed.
Bill Lawrence passed away a year ago on July 15, 2017; however, his influence is very much a part of the family business. When the Peru Gazette remarked about the very neat buildings and grounds Darcy responded, “That’s something Dad always insisted on.” Faye said the business is grounded on Bill’s principles. She commented, “People said you didn’t need a contract with Bill. His handshake was all you needed.”
When sixteen-year shop foreman Steve Bertrand and the shop’s four technicians arrived for the photo accompanying this story each man smiled, shook hands and extended a cordial greeting. That was a visible sign of the friendly atmosphere and teamwork that Bill’s Body Shop has provided to its customers for 55 years.
Bill’s Body Shop specializes in major late model collision repair utilizing high technology including a digitally controlled paint and bake booth and a computerized paint mixing system. Call 518-643-8591 for information.
Posted: July 17th, 2018 under Business News, Peru News, Peru resident news/accomplishments.