Star City 6: Dan Pape
Midtown Body & Paint is a collision repair center with a tradition of excellence, serving clients in the Lincoln area since 1950. Remaining family owned and operated, Dan Pape has been the owner of Midtown Body & Paint since August of 2015.
Tell us a little about your business. – We provide quality auto body repair for all makes and models of vehicles, including frame work and painting services.
How did you get started in the business? – I got started in the business because of my father. I’ve been working on cars almost my entire life. While it has always been a hobby of mine, it eventually turned into a business venture.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Becoming the owner of my own shop.
Tell us a little about your family. – My wife, Melissa, and I were high school sweethearts. We’ve been married for 13 years and have known each other for 18 years. I have a son who is 9 years old and a daughter who is 6 years old.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Purchasing Midtown Body & Paint and realizing the potential I have to run a successful business.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I love spending time with my family and enjoy fishing. I also race in the SCCA, Sports Car Club of America, once a month.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I do woodworking and framing in addition to working on cars.
What are you the most proud of? – I am most proud of being a good husband and father. I’m actively involved in events with my family; I teach Sunday school along with being the Cubmaster for Pack 43 and Cub Scout Den leader for my son. Every other Sunday I will be doing father-daughter dancing soon, which will definitely be interesting! I am currently starting to teach my son how to race, which is something we enjoy together.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – If you are going to do something, do it right and do it with honesty.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Hardworking.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – I have 3 years of woodworking training; my grandfather did it as a hobby.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – A teacher in early childhood development.
What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – Along with volunteering in my church and for numerous activities with our Cub Scout pack, I also help coach YMCA baseball over the summer months. Volunteering is a great way to get involved with your kids while also allowing you to give back to your community.
What is your favorite movie? – It’s a tie between Gone in 60 Seconds, Fast & Furious, and Die Hard.
What is your favorite TV show? – A tie again; NCIS and Last Man Standing.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Merle’s Tavern, their prime rib is amazing.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – My grandpa.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – Give me a call at (402) 474-4818, find us on Facebook, or stop by the shop at 332 S. Antelope Valley Pkwy in Lincoln.