OUR STAFF
world class service from professionals who care
Shadow Lake Collision Center is an independent, family-owned repair shop. Owned by Eric and Roma Dawson, Shadow Lake Collision Center’s staff has the same training and level of expertise as the Dawson’s first location, AA Collision Repair.Our growing staff has the combined experience of over 130 years in the automotive industry. Our office has four full-time employees to serve you, and our shop currently has seven fully-certified technicians.
Shadow Lake Collision Center can repair virtually any make or model of vehicle and restore to its pre-accident condition. We have excellent relationships with all insurance companies, and pride ourselves on the superior quality of work and excellent customer service that we provide.
Our owner, Eric Dawson, has an extensive history in the automotive industry. He has over 30 years in the industry, Eric has set a standard for his company that is acknowledged throughout the metropolitan area. Eric was recently featured in Automotive Body Repair News, the industry’s monthly trade publication serving the collision repair industry.
Born in Maryville. Missouri, his family stressed moral principles and business ethics in his upbringing. Eric worked on his family’s farm, and performed maintenance on his father’s six freight trucks. His first experience in the collision repair business was as a young teenager working in his father’s truck collision shop in Des Moines, Iowa. Eric’s summers were spent helping technicians work on semi-trucks. In high school he continued his collision repair education at Northwest Missouri Vo-Tec School in Maryville, Missouri.
In 1993 Eric moved to Bellevue, Nebraska, and worked as a body technician for three years. He had a tremendous ambition to own his own business but knew he needed management experience first. In 1996 Eric become an estimator and soon moved into management. By working in different collision repair shops, Eric gained the knowledge of what it takes to run a good business.
In 2004 Eric and his wife, Roma, had the opportunity to buy AA Collision Repair, which was acknowledged in the industry as the area’s premiere collision repair shop.
In 2007 Eric and Roma purchased property at Hwy. 370 and 72nd Street in Papillion; in 2008, they opened their second collision repair shop, Shadow Lake Collision Center.
Eric is a member of the Suburban Rotary Club of Omaha, the Omaha Chamber of Commerce, and the Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce. Eric is actively involved in, and helps with many community service projects through his Rotary group. Eric and his wife have two active twin boys that keep the family busy. Eric can be reached at Eric@shadowlakecollision.com.
Our General Manager, Fernando Navarrette, has over 20 years in the automotive repair field. Fernando had been employed at AA Collision Repair since 1999 and now is serving as general manager for Shadow lake Collision Center.
He has served in every capacity within the automotive repair field including maintenance, parts, body/frame and estimating.
He holds certification from I-Car Platinum, ASE, PPG Production Managers Class and is PPG MVP GreenBelt Certified. He has worked closely with all insurance companies and has built great relationships in all aspects of the collision repair industry.
Fernando is an Omaha native and in his spare time he enjoys cooking, camping and spending time with his family, girlfriend and their two children.
Damien Townsend was an automotive refinish technician for 23 years before joining Shadow Lake Collision as an estimator. After two years of writing estimates Damien was promoted to Production Manager. Damien is married with two children and enjoys home projects and motorcycle rides.
Damien can be reached at damien@shadowlakecollision.com
Geoff is the parts manager of Shadow Lake Collision. He was born and raised in the Papillion area. He previously worked at Godfather’s Pizza in La Vista for 12 years, working his way up to assistant manager. He enjoys his free time with family, friends, and watching Kansas City Chiefs and Husker football.
Geoff can be reached at Geoff@shadowlakecollision.com
Kaleigh began her career in the heavy equipment industry selling machinery for Caterpillar Equipment. In 2018, after relocating to Nebraska, she transitioned into a role as a lead service advisor at the local Mack dealership. In May of 2022, Kaleigh won the Service Advisor of the Year award for all Mack and Volvo truck dealers in North America. Later in 2022 she moved into the body shop industry as a service manager. In January of 2025 she joined the Shadow Lake Collision team as an Operations Lead. Outside of work Kaleigh enjoys spending time with her son and husband outdoors. Occasionally you may find her behind the wheel of a dump truck or helping her husband haul equipment.
Kaleigh can be reached at: kaleigh@shadowlakecollision.com
Owen worked at Shadow Lake Collision part time while attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL). During this time, he specialized in detailing and paint preparation. Upon earning his Business Finance degree from UNL, he joined Shadow Lake Collision using his degree as a Bookkeeper. Owen then transitioned into his current position as an Estimator/Disassembly Writer. Outside of work Owen enjoys hunting and fishing along with golfing occasionally.
Owen can be reached at: owen@shadowlakecollision.com
Kale earned his degree in Business Management from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, while working part time for Shadow Lake Collision. After graduating, Kale joined Shadow Lake Collision as a Disassembly Writer. Kale then transitioned into his current role as the Assistant Production Manager. In his current position he oversees production operations and promotes efficiency within the team. With a background rooted in body shops from a young age, Kale has a strong understanding of the industry, which helps him maintain high-quality standards. Outside of work Kale enjoys cooking, hunting, and spending time with his girlfriend and their dog.
Kale can be reached at: kale@shadowlakecollision.com
Lyle, one of our estimators has accumulated 30+ years of hands-on experience in the automotive repair industry, working in various roles that has lead to his extensive knowledge of vehicle repair, refinishing, and estimating. Over the years, Lyle has honed his skills in both technical and customer-facing positions, allowing him to provide accurate assessments and quality service. His background as a technician and estimator gives him a well-rounded understanding of the industry. Lyle earned his Associate of Applied Science from Southeast Community College in Milford, NE. Outside of work Lyle enjoys spending time with family, cars, hunting/fishing, and golfing.
Lyle can be reached at: lyle@shadowlakecollision.com
Cody began his career as a detailer at Shadow Lake Collision Center before pursuing his college education where he earned an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science at Southeast Community College in Milford, NE. After graduating, Cody gained 10 years of hands-on experience as a technician at various local repair shops. For the past three years, Cody has transitioned into a position as an Estimator and has enjoyed the change of pace. Outside of work Cody enjoys spending time with his family, travelling, and playing games with his sons.
Cody can be reached at: cody@shadowlakecollision.com
Jason earned his Associate’s Degree in Applied Science/Collision Repair Technology at Southeast Community College in Milford, NE. He has previous experience in auto collision, body repair, refinishing, estimating, and management. Jason is currently an Estimator at Shadow Lake Collision. Outside of work Jason enjoys playing pool, shooting guns, golfing, and various DIY home projects.
Jason can be reached at: jason@shadowlakecollision.com