Forty years ago, Belleville native Jim Hoernis founded Hoernis Auto Body. After all these years, Hoernis' philosophy of high quality repairs, fair treatment to employees and vendors, and exceptional customer service is still in place today. His business has grown into one of the largest and most respected collision repair centers in Southern Illinois.

On May 10, 1964, Hoernis Auto Body opened its doors to the public. It was then housed in the former Richard Mills Company carriage and horse stable. "I started out with virtually no money," Hoernis said. "I borrowed $2,000 from my father-in-law, and opened the shop with $500 in my account. I did all the work myself at that time. Who knew the business would grow into what it is today." It didn't take long before Hoernis gained a reputation for quality work at a fair price. As demand for his services grew, so did his need for additional employees. In May 1966, he hired his brother, Wayne Hoernis, and cousin, Al Schaefer, who both still work in the body shop today.

In 1975, Jim's oldest son, Russell Hoernis, he began his education in the family business the old-fashioned way. "I was in eighth grade and Dad already had me doing my part—emptying trash cans, sweeping floors and cleaning up after the employees," Russell said. "In 1976, after I graduated from high school, I decided I wanted to learn radiator work. so Dad sent me to Omaha for training." After Russell completed automotive schooling, he worked in his new specialization and also become more and more involved in the management of the company. By 1983, the 23-year-old repair technician assumed the responsibilities of general manager. Russ earned the respect of the older employees who watched him grow up as he faced a tough business environment and economy of the 1980's.

By 1992, the computer age was in full swing in the collision repair industry, so Russ hired someone he could trust to help him re-engineer the company—his younger brother, Steve. Steve had also swept the business' floors when he was younger, but ended up joining the United States Navy, and then returning to Illinois to gain a bachelor's degree in business at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. "I remember having business conversations with Russ while I attended classes at SIUE," Steve said. "I'm sure a lot of my ideas sounded impractical, but enough of them made sense for Russ to risk hiring me. Since then we have been a great team. We've able to grow the business each year yet maintained Dad's original sound business principles of honesty and quality. "Some days are difficult, like any family run business, but most are very satisfying. Personally delivering a quality repair back to our customers and knowing that they got what they expected, and maybe a little more, makes my day."

In 1995, the boy's older sister, Debbie Kruep was hired as a receptionist and bookkeeper. She is now the office manager at the business. "Debbie is the 'oil' that keeps us running smoothly," Russ said. "Steve and I are constantly throwing things on her desk and dictating requests, while she does the books, answers phones, greets customers and commutes back and forth to our Red Bud location. "With Debbie, it's a done deal, done right," Steve said. Debbie enjoys working at the business. "We meet a lot of people who are going through some tough and stressful moments," she said. "It's very rewarding to be able to remove some of the burden by educating them about our industry, contacting insurance companies, keeping their down time to a minimum, and getting them back on the road. When a customer comes in and says, 'You fixed my Dad's car 15 years ago and I remember it was such a good job, I trust you to do mine.' I am proud to be part of that tradition," Debbie said.

Jim and his children say the business' growth and longevity would not have been possible without the support of their customers, employees and vendors through the years. And for this, they are truly grateful. "We appreciate everyone's support in the past 40 years," Steve said. "They are the reason we are here, and we are always here for them. We promise to always offer our customers the most current technology with old-fashioned, one-on-one customer service." Hoernis Auto Body employees 18 persons at its Belleville location, and four at the Red Bud shop.