In the heart of Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, a story of ingenuity, perseverance, and innovation unfolds – the story of Five Star Race Car Bodies. This tale begins in the late 1970s with two visionary entrepreneurs, Carl Schultz and Fran Prestay. Fran, an auto service shop owner, and Carl, a local plumbing and heating business proprietor, combined their expertise to address a pressing need in the stock car racing industry: the production of innovative sheet metal products.
Their journey commenced with a simple request: crafting sheet metal fenders for Fran’s car, a task born out of necessity due to the scarcity of stock parts. This initial endeavor solved a personal challenge and sparked a business idea that would revolutionize the racing industry. The duo’s craftsmanship quickly gained popularity among fellow racers, leading to the production of components for the 1979 Camaro – a decision that marked the beginning of an extraordinary venture.
Five Star’s product line evolved rapidly, embracing tough thermoformed polypropylene, lightweight hand-laid fiberglass, and advanced composite race car body components. This expansion positioned Five Star at the forefront of the industry, showcasing its expertise in manufacturing large, complex composite body panels that demanded structural integrity and aesthetic quality.
A significant milestone in Five Star’s journey was the perfection of formed windows. Their engineers innovated in material composition and coatings, developing a superior line of polycarbonate windows. Today, Five Star’s premium racing windows are the top choice in motorsports, a testament to their relentless pursuit of excellence.
Five Star’s commitment to innovation extends beyond the racetrack. Their expertise in creating durable, weather-resistant polycarbonate products has opened doors to collaborations with major brands across the transportation industry. This expansion underscores their ability to adapt and excel in various market segments.
The Schultz family has been at the helm of Five Star since 2010, steering the company with over 175 employees and a sprawling 300,000 square feet of manufacturing and distribution space. Their facilities, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, underscore their leadership in designing and producing body panels, windows, and accessories for a wide range of racing applications.
Our Philosophy: The Core Values Driving Five-Star
The values instilled by the Schultz family are at the heart of Five Star’s success. These principles – integrity, teamwork, caring, fun, and family – are not mere words but the essence of their business ethos. Each employee, viewed as a family member, contributes to the company’s success, fostering an environment of respect, empathy, and engagement.
State-of-the-Art Facilities: A Testament to Growth and Innovation
Five Star’s expansion is evident in its modern manufacturing and distribution facilities, spread across three locations and totaling 34 acres. These facilities, constantly upgraded and expanded since 1986, reflect their commitment to innovation and quality.
Winning with Quality: The ISO 9001:2015 Certification.
Quality is not just a goal at Five Star; it’s a continuous journey. Their ISO 9001:2015 certification is a testament to their commitment to delivering high-quality products. This achievement ensures that customers receive parts characterized by repeatable fit, flawless finishes, and reliability, contributing to their satisfaction and trust.
On-Site Testing Laboratory: Pioneering Product Innovation
Their on-site testing laboratory demonstrates five Star’s dedication to quality and innovation. Adhering to ASTM International standards, the lab conducts various tests, ensuring that each product meets the highest strength, durability, and aesthetic quality standards.
Five Star Quality Policy: A Commitment to Excellence
The Five Star Quality Policy reflects their dedication to customer satisfaction, continuous improvement, and environmental responsibility. This policy guides their operations, ensuring that every aspect of their business aligns with their high standards.
🏁 I am a track enthusiast & racing journalist 📝. Turning up the heat on and off the track 🔥. Rocking red-soled heels like it’s the finish line 🏎️👠 you can find me tweeting @The_ST_girl