D&S Automotive President Recognized in Lake County

CJ Paterniti honored as a 2019 4 Under 40 winner

10/25/2019 – The Lake County 4 Under 40 awards seek to recognize Lake County’s best and brightest young professionals in the areas of leadership, community involvement, entrepreneurship, and professional accomplishment. Hosted by Eastern Lake County Chamber of Commerce, Mentor Area Chamber of Commerce, Willoughby Western Lake County Chamber of Commerce and the United Way of Lake County Emerging Leaders, the 2019 Awards Ceremony took place last night at Pastina in Mentor, Ohio.

Our very own, CJ Paterniti, was recognized as one of the 4 young professionals honored at the event, in addition to Sara Spence from Spence Technologies, Adam Sanden from Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home and Cremation Center, and Tony Brzytwa from Lubrizol. From D&S, we would like to congratulate all of the 4 Under 40 Award recipients!

CJ’s recognition does not come unearned. Leading both Defender Auto Glass and D&S Automotive, CJ has accomplished a lot before even turning 40. Aside from the professional accomplishments of both businesses, CJ has a passion for his community and a commitment to his staff. When it comes to the community, CJ values chamber involvement, prioritizes philanthropic initiatives, lends his expertise to the Collision Repair Program at Auburn Career Center, and hosts an annual car show to benefit UH Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital. To date, the Cruise-In has raised almost $50,000 for the Hospital, a cause that is close to CJ’s heart.

2019 was a big year for D&S Automotive and Defender Auto Glass. Under CJ’s direction, the sister companies established an internal Culture Committee dedicated to maintaining a company culture that feels like family. As a result, the companies host quarterly leadership training series for its management as well as an Employee Volunteer Program to encourage its staff to give back to the community.

When looking at the 4 qualifications for this award: Leadership, Community Involvement, Entrepreneurship and Professional Accomplishment; CJ is someone who is truly putting those values into action.

We want to thank the 4 Under 40 committee for recognizing CJ’s hard work and dedication to helping the customers we serve, as well as the entire community we are a part of.