By Jillian Chandler
While brothers Eric and Cory Donenfeld were growing up, they witnessed their dad, Mel Donenfeld, treating his Northwest Autobody employees, as well as his customers, like family. Opened in 1976, Mel strived to continuously attract repeat customers while winning over new residents – paired with exceeding their expectations.
Since first opening nearly five decades ago, the original shop on Michigan Street in Sandpoint has been expanded five times, with the company opening its second shop in Ponderay in 2012. Eric and Cory purchased the business from their father in 2015, continuing the legacy he proudly built.
In 2023, Eric and Cory purchased Accurate Collision in Bonners Ferry from Vern and Kay Burdick. Also established in 1976, the couple built it up to be the best shop in the Bonners Ferry market. After Vern's passing, Kay did an “exceptional job” running the business with great employees and loyal customers.
“We had a personal and professional relationship with the Burdicks and admired what Kay had done,” Eric reflects. “We also let her know that if / when she wanted to retire, we wanted to talk. We purchased the business late last year.”
Upon taking ownership, Eric and Cory merged the name of Northwest Autobody with Accurate Collision to create Accurate Northwest. “We wanted to make the transition to new ownership easier on the public but also wanted to share that there was a change made. It has been great! Kay's loyal customers keep coming back, and we keep attracting more customers all the time. Things couldn't be better!” smiles Cory. “We have an experienced manager, Casey Gannon, who had been driving from Bonners Ferry to Sandpoint for quite a while, so he was happy to have a new shop four blocks from his home.”
At Northwest Autobody and Accurate Northwest, they specialize in collision repair, employ some of the best painters in the business, and provide free estimates and advice! When an accident occurs, they know that people want to be treated in a friendly, professional manner – and that’s what their customers can expect when working with Eric, Cory and their team. They keep their customers informed on the progress of their vehicle throughout the week and encourage them to drop in at any time. “Every employee is empowered to do whatever it takes to make the entire repair experience go as smoothly as possible,” Eric adds. In addition, they work with every insurance company and also people who prefer to pay out of pocket.
The shops have established themselves as leaders in their markets not only because they hire and retain the best, most skilled employees who continue ongoing training, but each location is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment. In addition, Eric and Cory believe in treating their employees and customers like family – just as their father did before them.
Word of mouth and the company's reputation for doing the job right have led Northwest Autobody to being voted Best of Bonner County for 23 years running, and the brothers truly appreciate it when customers go out of their way to compliment them on a repair and / or experience with their shop. “Nothing feels better than when a customer raves about their experience with us,” says Eric. “It feels great knowing that we have repaired a vehicle and gained a friend. It is also fun to see the vehicle we started out with and the fully repaired version coming out of our shop.”
The Donenfelds feel blessed to live in North Idaho, where they can raise their families, provide a needed service, and find enjoyment and entertainment just steps away. “Montana and North Idaho residents are just awesome, and it is a pleasure to work with people who have chosen to embrace quality of life here,” states advisor and manager David Keyes. All employees are heavily involved in their community as well. “We are huge supporters of our community and try to help where we can. We have lived here our whole lives, and with that comes an appreciation for local nonprofits, education and anything to do with youth,” notes Cory.
If you’re looking for an auto repair center here at home that’s locally owned and operated, then look no further than Northwest Autobody in Sandpoint and Ponderay and Accurate Northwest in Bonners Ferry. And … be ready to make some new friends.
Accurate Northwest
Bonners Ferry - 6818 Denver Street
208.267.2432
Northwest Autobody
Sandpoint - 1305 Michigan Street
208.263.6931
Ponderay - 1202 Triangle Drive
208.265.9999
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