Business Spotlight: Dings N Things Specialty Bodyworks Inc.

Greg Mertz has a way of knowing just what to say to put his customers at ease. Mertz, who owns Dings n Things Specialty Bodyworks Inc., a full-service collision repair shop, has heard more than his fair share of boom-and-crash stories over the years.

"People come in here, and they're in a bad mood," he said. "I'll start looking at their car, and they'll tell me all about their accident. It's a stressful time, so I try to make things as easy for them as I can."

Mertz's interest in auto body and collision repair began as a child. He grew up in the business, and his father, Carl Mertz, owned several auto body repair shops throughout the United States.

In 1977, Mertz decided to follow in his father's footsteps, and he opened Mertz and Sons, which was located on the corner of Grant and Walnut streets in Springfield. Mertz, whose nickname is T.C., later drew off the initials in his nickname and renamed his business Top Craft Bodyworks.

Before long, business was booming, and Mertz expanded. He moved out of his small shop and into a spacious 5,000-square-foot facility. He also added a second shift and hired several more employees. Then the bottom fell out.

"I went broke," he said. "It isn't a pretty story. I got too big, too quick, and I didn't know what I was doing."

In 1983, he decided to move to Kansas City, and Top Craft Bodyworks, which is still in business, was sold to a new owner, said Mertz. Six years later, he returned to Springfield and started over.

With the help of a business partner, Charlie Yocum, he set up shop at the corner of St. Louis Street and Glenstone Avenue. The two named their new business Dings n Things. In 1990, Dings n Things moved to its current location at 1912 S. Stewart, just behind the Plaza Shopping Center.

"This is a great location," said Mertz. "Nobody has trouble finding us."

Although Mertz's customers don't seem to have any problems finding his shop, he does admit that the business' name, Dings n Things, has led people to believe that he only does paintless dent repair work.

"We do a lot more than (paintless dent repair)," he said. "We are a full-service collision repair shop, and we'll work with any insurance company."

About the only thing Dings n Things doesn't do, according to Mertz, is restoration work.

"I want to be all things to all people, but I just can't seem to go there," he said. "My shop stays too busy."

Dings n Things currently does collision damage and repair work on a wide variety of cars, which accounts for most of the shop's business. The shop also does work for many high-end car dealers in the Springfield area.

"I work on top-of-the-line cars," he said. "Is it fun working on those cars? Sure it is, but it's more of an advertising tool than anything. What really makes me stand out is the personal service I give my customers. I know everybody probably says that, but it's true. A car doesn't leave here until I've personally inspected it first."

Although he advertises, Mertz said the majority of his customers are referred through word-of-mouth. Over the years, he's also built up some name recognition, particularly among high-end car owners.

"When you work on one of these exotic cars, your work has to be absolutely flawless because it affects the car's value," said Mertz.

Color-matching paint is crucial to this process. Mertz said he uses a computerized paint-matching system when matching paint. He also paints a test panel for comparison purposes.

"What's available on the refinishing side is not the same as what comes out of the factory," he said. "Nobody likes to hear that, but it's true. Even if you did get the exact paint, it's not just about matching color. A lot of it has to do with techniques you use to apply it."

Mertz uses water-based paints that are both durable and environmentally friendly. Dings n Things was one of the first shops in the Ozarks to adopt a water-based paint system, he said.

Earlier this year, Mertz bought out his business partner and is now the company's sole owner. Although business is brisk at Dings n Things, Mertz said he has no plans to expand operations.

"I've learned my lesson," he said. "That lesson is stay small."

Dings n Things employs a part-time secretary and four full-time workers, including Mertz's son Derek. Mertz said he hopes Derek or one of his other young sons, who are still in school, will continue the family tradition and take over Dings n Things one day. In the meantime, it's business as usual.

"People don't like handing their car over to just anybody," he said. "They want to meet you and talk with you. That's one of the advantages to staying small. If a customer wants to talk to me, I'm here."