Our Company History

Our founder and Grandfather, Bud Swanson, started Bud & Tom's Body Shop in 1950 with his friend Tom Peterson. The original location for their business was in the Nash Motors building located at that time, on the corner of Main and Mechanic Streets, Princeton IL.

In 1967 Bud decided it was time to realize his dream of building a new shop. Tom Peterson sold his interest in the business at this time, and Bud Swanson became the sole proprietor. 

Bud was looking forward to retirement in 1978 after spending almost 40 years repairing collision damaged vehicles.  It was this year that his grandson Mark Pierson and his wife Pam, moved to Princeton.  After completing over four years apprenticeship under his grandfather, and working for a year at a Chicago area dealership collision shop, Mark would assume full time operation of Bud & Tom's. Mark's brothers Tim and Al have also worked with him at the shop.  Of the four Pierson brothers, Stephen is the only one not in the collision business....yet.                                                                   

Mark, Alan and Tim have spent their entire lives learning about cars. If it has an engine and wheels, one of us has probably taken it apart and re-assembled it.  We may not know everything there is to know about every make and model vehicle... but if we don't know, we know who does. 

Perhaps the most difficult position at our shop is held by Pam Pierson.  In addition to operating the office, she makes sure we keep a clean shop, maintain the building and most important, if a critical eye is needed, she has final say if a vehicle is ready for delivery.

Over the years we have made many changes to Bud & Tom's Body Shop...including the name. Today we are Princeton Auto Body.