Don Kennett Delivers a Personal Touch in an Increasingly Corporate World
by Chasidy Rae Sisk
The world of collision repair constantly changes in every imaginable way, and while Don Kennett Inc. has certainly undergone its fair share of shifts in recent years, one thing remains consistent – this family-owned-and-operated automotive paint and body supply company offers a personal touch.
“The New England market has changed drastically over the past four years,” Vice President Bob Levy notes. “Private equity companies have bought out many businesses like ours, and only a handful of jobbers are left in this area. Although much of the industry’s landscape has changed – with changes in repair quality, technicians, consolidation and shops closing – most Northeast shops are still independently run. We want to meet their needs, so we do our best to make decisions within 24 hours when a customer comes to us with a new initiative or concern.”
Don Kennett Inc. has seen some internal changes since the pandemic as well. In business since 1953, the supplier still operates from four locations (in Lawrence, North Chelmsford and Wakefield, as well as in Manchester, NH), but the team has grown to over 40 industry professionals, including two full-time spray technicians who support the seven-person sales team. After Levy’s partner, Dan Takesian, passed away in 2020, Dan’s son Paul took on the title of vice president as well and became Levy’s partner. Levy’s son Michael is now in charge of the sales team and business development and training to teach the shops on how to be more profitable. The office staff consists of Bob’s wife Lisa Levy, Paul’s wife Heather Takesian and Lori Debernado, Paul’s sister. “Both of our families are very involved in the daily operations of the business,” Levy shares.
That hands-on approach goes beyond merely supplying products. “We host in-house training opportunities with manufacturers to help shops get certified to use their products, of course, and with today’s vehicles becoming so sophisticated, it’s vital for shops to attend more technical training, but we also offer training related to shops’ profitability. Shops are suffering because they can’t figure out how to make money, and they aren’t going to survive if they aren’t profitable,” Levy says. “Insurance companies continue getting harder and harder to work with; they don’t want to pay what it takes to repair cars to their pre-accident condition. There are shops that work with them and shops that don’t. More shops are charging customers a co-pay to collect the difference, and some of them are successful, while others are not. Being out in the shops frequently allows us to see exactly what our customers need and pivot to address those needs.”
Another way the Don Kennett team maintains awareness of industry trends in order to better serve their clients’ needs is through its active support of AASP/MA as a Silver level sponsor in the association’s Vendor Affinity Program. “We’ve been involved with the association for at least 15 years – since it was MABA – as a way of demonstrating our support for our clients and our dedication to their success,” Levy reports. “Attending meetings and events allows us to keep a finger on the pulse of what’s going on in these shops so we can share ideas with our customers. It’s really important to be conscious of the industry’s changes and to be open to new perspectives to keep pace with the technological advancements. But it’s also vital for shops to have a forum like AASP/MA where they can learn from one another and collaboratively address the issues they’re all facing. When we work together, we strengthen this industry, and that’s the real value the association offers.”
Want more? Check out the February 2025 issue of New England Automotive Report!