About The Founder
Sam Shaffer was born and raised in Ames, Iowa. He graduated from Ames High School in 1978 and followed his interest in auto repair to Iowa Lakes Community College. After graduating Summa Cum Laude (with highest honors) from the Auto Collision Repair Program, he returned to Ames.
Shaffer’s Auto Body’s humble beginnings trace back to a small building on South Duff which opened its doors in September of 1979 with only two employees. Through hard work, expert repairs and excellent customer service, Sam’s business outgrew its South Duff facility in only two years.
By 1981, Sam relocated to his current location on East Lincoln Way. Over the years he has expanded his building six times and his current facility is over 57,000 square feet. Shaffer’s Auto Body has been voted “Best Body Shop” by Ames Tribune readers every year since 2000 and has become the largest independent collision repair center in the state of Iowa.
Sam loves operating his business and takes pride in providing quality service to his customers. For 13 years, he competed in professional drag boat racing at speeds over 200 mph. He volunteers in the community and his church and enjoys camping, kayaking, snowboarding, rollerblading and biking.