Meet Melissa Pape, owner of Midtown Body & Paint.
Tell us a little about your business. – Midtown (www.midtownbodyandpaint.com) opened in the 1950s by the Schwindt family and was originally located on 13th St. between K and L Streets. It was then purchased and moved to our current location by the Lococo family in the mid 80s. In 2015, my husband Dan and I purchased the business and have been repairing all makes and models since! We offer talented techs and a small-town feel. Every car is repaired according to proper procedure and safety standards. We are also ICar Gold certified and PPG Certified
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Some would think working with my husband—but seriously that was the easy part! Learning the industry was the most challenging.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Learning how to successfully run a small business. It takes dedication, professionalism, and a great team to back you up. I run the financial side of the business—invoicing, accounts payable, taxes, etc. I was new to the industry so it definitely was a learning curve…but I did it!
Tell us a little about your family. – Dan and I have been married for 18 years and have a 15-year-old son and an 11-year-old daughter. We also have two young dogs and an 18-year-old cat.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Purchasing our own business—hard work pays off!
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Float in a pool or snuggle with my family and watch a good movie.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – Dan and I were high school sweethearts. We started dating at 16 and got married at 21.
Who inspires you? – My husband. He is the hardest worker I know. Also my dad. He knows everything!
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – “Consider the source and move on,” – My mom. Also Matthew18:21-22 from The Bible which my dad constantly quotes.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Devoted.
If you had a theme song, what would it be? – The Indiana Jones theme song.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – Veterinarian. I used to work for a local vet and still miss working with animals.
What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – Anything with my church or faith-based, also local shelters and the Lincoln Zoo.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – My favorite book has always been the Velveteen Rabbit.
What is your favorite movie? – I probably have a favorite in every category, but I can tell you that my favorite actor is Harrison Ford.
What is your favorite TV show? – Yellowstone or Last Man Standing.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – I would give anything to have dinner with my mom.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – (402) 474-4818; Melissa@midtownbodyandpiant.com; www.midtownbodyandpaint.com.