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MERGE MADE IN HEAVEN
From left: Mike, Cindy and Jordan Beshears; Deb Hoernis Kruep and Russ Hoernis. Photo by Gary Luttrell Photography.
Steve’s And Hoernis Auto Body Shops Merge Their Similar Businesses
Steve’s Auto Body of O’Fallon is a long-time, family-owned collision repair center that has earned an impeccable reputation for great service and excellent work. Recently, the family announced that they have acquired Hoernis Auto Body, Inc. of Belleville, which also has been family-owned since the 1960’s with the same attention to quality and detail.
"This merger was an excellent opportunity for us to grow our brand while being able to carry on the great legacy of Hoernis Auto Body. We are excited to see both locations, and employees, continue to thrive,” said Jordan Beshears, vice president, Steve’s Auto Body. “The acquisition enhances our position as the premier, family-owned and operated collision repair centers in Southern Illinois.”
The Hoernis family is equally as pleased and said, “We are also very happy about the acquisition of our company by Steve’s Auto Body and know that the customer experience at the Belleville facility will be enhanced while implementing the latest innovations in repair processing."
About Steve’s Auto Body
Steve’s Auto Body, founded in 1975, has been prominent in the O’Fallon landscape for decades. Owned and operated by the Beshears Family, Steve’s has emerged as the leader in collision repair in the Metro East. Steve’s longstanding commitment to superior quality, exceptional customer service and emphasis on training and innovative processes has set it apart from the competition.
Faster repair times, top-tier customer service scores and competitive pricing allows Steve’s to provide its customers, insurance partners and dealership partners an experience that places it at the top of the industry. Steve’s acquisition of Hoernis will allow it to continue this mission.
“There is such a positive vibe with this merger,” said Mike Beshears, president of Steve’s Auto Body. “The ‘bones’ of our two businesses are the same; our core values are similar. We will always be able to offer that 'hometown' experience.”
About Hoernis Auto Body, Inc.
Hoernis Auto Body was founded in 1964 by James L. Hoernis. Long known for high-quality work and outstanding customer service, Hoernis has grown to become the oldest and most respected collision repair center in Belleville.
The business has always kept up with current technology in automotive design and repair methodologies. In fact, it was one of the first collision repair centers in the area to have the ability to repair the “Unibody” type vehicles introduced to the market in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. More recently, the shop was the first in the area to adopt environmentally friendly water-based painting systems. Since 1982, the company has been led by James' son, Russ Hoernis, who has worked with his siblings, Deb Kruep and Steve Hoernis, to carry on the family tradition.
