As the 2025 yearbook class continues to focus on area businesses, I was offered the opportunity to interview Sherri Smith at Smith Auto, located in Pawnee City, NE. Throughout the interview, I asked Sherri a variety of questions. Here is what I found out:
Smith Auto was founded in 1986 by Bob Smith and initially started as an auto body repair shop and salvage yard. When Bob was a young boy, he helped his father work on cars, which is where the inspiration for “Smith Auto” originated. The current business offers repair services and utilizes recycled/discounted parts, which are more cost-effective than those of the average repair shop.
Bob and Sherri value honesty and integrity in their business. Their core values for the business are to help others fix their cars efficiently and effectively at the best possible price. Strengths that are noticeable within Smith Auto are their employees, who function great as a team and can lean on each other when needed. When hiring individuals, these two look at specific qualities, such as whether the applicant is easily trainable, consistent, and can work well with others.
When asked if there was anything Sherri wanted to change about their business, her response was “Office Space" because the office provided is not as big as she wishes it could be. The only issue they see within their business is the struggle to keep up with new trends and new programs.
To conclude the interview, I asked Sherri for some advice she could give to someone starting their own business. Her response, “Ask for help and to be prepared for the ups and downs.”