Lake business will begin new year with new owner

(Above) (L-R) Flo and Don Hauge, and Linda Ott will be retiring at the end of the year. The business has been purchased by longtime employee Scott Aydelotte and his wife, Michele.-Reporter photo by Marianne Gasaway.

by Marianne Gasaway

The new year will begin with new ownership at Don’s Auto Body in Clear Lake.

After 45 years, Don and Flo Hauge have sold their business to Scott and Michele Aydelotte.

“We’re keeping the name and the tradition,” said Scott, who has been part of the Don’s Auto Body team since the fall of 1988.

Aside from adding some new equipment, Scott said he intends to follow the business model the Hauges have established in Clear Lake.

“Be honest with people, do a good job and treat your customers right.  They’re friends,” said Don when asked what the secret to his success has been.

The Hauges moved to Clear Lake in 1961 following Don’s graduation from body school in Austin, Minn. in 1961.  He painted Army planes for Jerry Dwyer at the Mason City Airport for six years before joining Nichols Body Shop in Clear Lake from 1969-74.  He opened his own business that year in a building he rented near the present shop he built in 1978 at 304 S. 20th St.

In addition to being a business man, Don and Flo have also teamed to support

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many local organizations, doing everything from storing equipment to sponsoring shows and providing manpower for Clear Lake’s many special activities.  Don has chaired the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Fourth of July Committee, as well as always helping to be sure the fireworks are ready to go.   C.L.A.S.S. Car Club members have also given the Hauges a lifetime membership in honor of their contributions to the organization.  Don is also a member of the Noon Lions Club and each year helps that group to cook thousands of chicken halves for their big fundraiser of the summer season.  In fact, the famous grills which the group uses to cook the chickens was built by Don and other volunteers at Don’s business.  His long list of community service also includes two terms on the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission, as well as service at his church, Zion Lutheran.  And those who attend the Winter Dance Party at the Surf Ballroom will recognize Don.  He and Flo have donated their time to work in the gift shop for two decades.

The couple say they will remain in Clear Lake and look forward to enjoying even more time in the community, as well as at home.

The staff at Don’s will remain the same, with the exception of Linda Ott, who is retiring from the front office.  She has shared record keeping duties with Flo for 32 years.  Like the Hauges, Ott said she will miss the people she has met through the local business.  Scott’s wife, Michele, has resigned her position at Quality Medical to join her husband in the business.  She will be taking over book keeping operations.

Don and Flo invite the public to join them at a retirement party from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 10, in the Cypress Room at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake.

“It is our way to thank the community and customers for a great 45 years in business,” they said.

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