J & R Collision Centers Receives City's Business Appreciation Award

(FROM LEFT: EFFINGHAM MAYOR JEFF BLOEMKER AND J & R COLLISION CENTERS CO-OWNERS JAKE AND ROGER BUHNERKEMPE)

The City of Effingham has named J & R Collision Centers as a recipient of the City of Effingham’s Business Appreciation Award.

“J&R Collision has been a welcome addition to the city’s south side,” stated Mayor Jeff Bloemker. “The Buhnerkempes are a proven player in the automotive repair world with consistent delivery of a quality product. We are glad they continue to choose Effingham.”

Father and son team, Roger and Jake Buhnerkempe, own J & R Collision Centers. The multi-generational duo has quite a bit of history. In 1980 Roger started “Roger’s Body Shop” in an old two bay gas station on North Third Street. This business quickly grew and eventually he built a 25,000 square foot “mega shop” in Effingham’s Industrial Park in 1993. Roger sold his body shop in 2002. Jake, Roger’s son, worked in the body shop until then. After the sale, he moved to St. Louis to become a firefighter and opened his own body shop, Jake’s Collision Center, on the side. Jake’s business also grew quickly. His success led him back home to Effingham to partner with his dad to create a first class facility, J & R Collision Centers. Since opening their shop in Effingham, J & R Collision Centers has expanded by adding a location in Shelbyville, Illinois. They see more growth in their future and plan to make Effingham their official headquarters office.

J & R Collision Centers is community minded. Their nominator stated, “They are involved with the CEO Program, the Relay for Life of Effingham County, countless things for the schools in our area, and much more. Their love for the community shows by their generosity and time they put in for great causes.” J & R Collision Centers invests in the Effingham and Shelby County CEO classes and Jake has been a mentor for the Effingham CEO class. They also contribute to Relay for Life, Ballard Nature Center, local school events, and local 4H organizations.

J & R Collision Centers attributes their success in Effingham to their customers. Co-owner Jake Buhnerkempe stated, “We know that 100% of our success is because of the incredible people that live in the communities we serve. A big part of our business is giving back to each of the communities that have made it possible for us. We sincerely appreciate the amazing support we have had.”