By Elizabeth Sargeant
Toronto, Ontario – July 16, 2019 – Opened in 1920, Nepper’s Body Shop began business in Norway, just seven years after the Ford Model T hit the roads. After one continent change, two World Wars, and a long lineage of owners later, Nepper’s is now closing its doors.
John Sr. Nepper, the original owner of Nepper’s Autobody, was a multi-faceted man. According to his grandson’s, Nepper wasn’t only a skilled repairer, but an electrician, plumber, and coach repairmen. Taking a big risk and moving to America, Nepper settled his shop and family into Iron Mountain Michigan. After his passing in ’63, his son, John Jr. Nepper, moved the business into the small town of Quinnesec where the business has been proudly running since and has been eventually passed on to his sons, Steve and Ron Nepper.
“That’s three generations that have been banging on fenders,” 67-year-old Steve Nepper proudly reported. “John Sr. was a talented man.”
Although the shop is closing after nearly 100 years, the garage doors won’t stay shut. The Nepper brothers decided to sell the body shop to AutoMoxie, a business that focuses less on collision repair and more on vehicle maintenance.
New owner, Chris Summerfield is excited to be opening shop in such a historic location and is ambitious for the future of his own company.
“Moxie is a force of character and determination,” Summerfield told Iron Mountain News. “It’s just who I am. Too stubborn to quit.”
The Nepper brothers have reported they have plans to retire and aren’t disappointed that their children chose to not enter the family business, and pursue their own interests instead.
“We’re the past,” reported Ron Nepper. “They’re the future.”
Nepper Bodyshop was officially sold to AutoMoxie on June 28. For more information on the new business taking over the shop visit, automoxie.com
