Built to last, collision repair you can trust
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Carmen Paterniti (left) and his son C.J., along with their team, have formulated an approach to customer service that’s founded on these core values: innovative, trustworthy, passion, first class, integrity, empathy and being consistent.
I n 1977, 19-year-old Carmen Paterniti started his automotive company out of his mother’s garage on Barjode Road in Willowick, driven by a desire to build something of his own.
“I was the first and only employee and poured everything I had into making it work,” he says. “My dad died when I was 15 and my mom raised me. We weren’t a rich family. Everything was self-funded. I just kept investing in the business. I followed my passion and slowly we grew, one customer at a time.”
Today D&S Automotive Collision and Restyling represents a sprawling network of locations and services, 127 employees and sophisticated collision repair technology that would have seemed like science fiction to the Carmen who was fixing cars back in the`70s. With his son C.J. leading the next generation as president and CEO, the family is preparing to celebrate the company’s 50th anniversary in 2027 and is looking ahead toward the next 50 years.
One Step at a Time
Carmen says he never followed a specific blueprint for expansion. The growth happened organically and slowly.
Collision repair grew from his realization that sending body work elsewhere didn’t make sense. Other services followed, allowing D&S to better control quality and turnaround times rather than depending on outside vendors.
C.J., who grew up in the business, coming into work with his dad from a very young age, has set his sights on expansion.
“The acquisitions we’ve made have been intentional,” says C.J. “We’ve purchased other family-owned automotive businesses whose owners had reached retirement age without a succession plan in place. They have been a good fit with our values. We formed solid relationships with customers who had already put their trust in those businesses, while taking great care of the employees.”
Today’s collision-repair industry bears little resemblance to the one Carmen started his business with.
“Cars now incorporate cameras, sensors, advanced driver-assistance systems and structural components,” says C.J. “A seemingly straightforward repair can involve manufacturer specifications, specialized welding, computer diagnostics and precise calibration. You can’t put a car back on the road if issues such as the lane assist or cruise control aren’t properly synched.”
With training more important than ever, over the past few years C.J. has become involved with the curriculum at Auburn Career Center, even helping shape the automotive collision training around what technicians would encounter in a shop.
Founded on Values
In high school, C.J. says he took every business course he could, fascinated by the systems that drive a successful company.
Along with his dad and his team, they formulated an approach to customer service that’s founded on these core values: innovative, trustworthy, passion, first class, integrity, empathy and being consistent. The tagline they support is one that’s part of the company’s inspiring ethos, “Rising Above Ordinary.”
If you ask Carmen and C.J. their secret for longevity, the conversation repeatedly returns to their people.
“It means a lot to us to be able to watch our employees stay with us while building their lives and careers,” says Carmen. “We’ve always worked to expand benefits as the company has grown and encourage employees to think beyond Friday’s paycheck. We’ve promoted 401(k) participation and financial literacy. In short, we treat everyone like family.”
D&S Automotive has locations in Mentor, East Mentor, Chardon, Kirtland, Elyria and North Ridgeville
D&S Automotive Collision Repair & Custom Restyling
7588 Tyler Boulevard, Mentor
Crusing for a Cause
Thirteen years ago, C.J. and Casey Paterniti’s twin daughters, Amelia and Paige, were born prematurely at 33 weeks. Paige spent weeks downtown at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital. The frightening experience affected the family profoundly and they made the choice to give back.
Founding the annual Cruise-In car show, to date the event has raised more than $278,000 for the hospital. It celebrated its 13th year in July. With D&S Automotive matching funds, this year’s event raised more than $50,000.
“After Paige was transported downtown for specialized care, we found ourselves surrounded by critically ill children and families navigating terrible situations,” C.J. says. “The doctors’ and nurses’ relentless dedication was inspiring.”
Each year the event attracts hundreds of people from the community, and includes the car show, raffles, a 50/50 drawing and basket auctions.
“Everyone pitches in, including C.J.’s wife and all three adorable daughters. The twins are now 13 and their younger sister Hayden is 11.
”The girls got in on the act by setting up a lemonade stand. Their efforts have expanded into handmade bracelets and keychains, with the girls circulating through the crowd and donating their proceeds.
Even the trophies are pure D&S—unique, authentic and home-grown. Employees from the different departments fabricate them from automotive parts, engine pieces, custom paint and imagination.
“They are automotive art,” says C.J., laughing. “Everyone wants to win one.”
As a thank you for the family’s generosity, last year the hospital named its nurses station “in grateful recognition of the Paterniti Family Trust Foundation.”
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