Don Kennett Inc. Supports New England Shops and Community

by Katie Agnello

Family-owned and operated, Don Kennett is an automotive and paint supplier that has been serving the New England community since 1953.

“We’ve always prided ourselves on being a premier family-owned and operated distribution and jobber business in the Northeast region,” says Michael Levy, the company’s sales manager.

Don Kennett has five locations around New England. With about 45 employees between locations with a diverse slate of expertise, they are available for their customers in every way and everywhere they can. “A lot of the people that work for us are from the industry with years of experience,” reports Levy. “We try to surround ourselves with a positive workforce that wants to come to work every day and serve with purpose. Everyone here is really passionate about the automotive and collision industry.”

The company has made sure to have people in their shops and on the road to help as many customers as they can. “We have eight people on the road in sales and two full time paint technicians; all around everyone has many years of experience in the industry.” Levy explains that with such experienced employees and various customer needs, everyone must wear many different hats. “Our main focus is our customers. Our customers always come first. We recognize that as a family-owned company, if it weren’t for our customers, we wouldn’t be able to have a family business to pass on.”

Even with full time paint technicians and a sales team with technical expertise to help customers with any problem they need, training is still an important ongoing process for the Don Kennett team. “We work with the manufacturers to keep up our OEM certifications for our shops and keep up with training,” explains Levy. “With all of our manufacturers and suppliers, we make sure to keep up with I-CAR training for our customers. And with our current product lines, we have our full time technical team go out and train people on how to properly use our current and new products. Everyone on our team, from technicians to sales, has hands-on experience and no one is afraid to roll up their sleeves, get their hands dirty and get into the shop to help customers.”

In addition to always being there for their customers, Don Kennett is also always there for their community. In addition to running SkillsUSA for Massachusetts this year, the company works with 10 vocational schools around the state to help train the next generation. “We supply their shops with paint and auto body supplies,” notes Levy. “We work with the schools because they’re the future of the industry.” The company also donates to surrounding schools, car shows and organizations. “We try to stay as involved as possible. It creates good exposure for us, the schools, shop owners and the industry as a whole.”

Outside of the automotive industry, Don Kennett maintains strong ties with the people of New England. “Our main headquarters is in Lawrence, Massachusetts and our family is very involved with the community,” Levy states.

The company supports the Merrimack Valley charity, the Lazarus House, located right behind their Lawrence headquarters. “In addition to regular donations, we also attend and donate to the Lazarus House dinner every year.”

The Levy and Takesian families understand the importance of showing up for all the communities they serve. As a result, Don Kennett has been a longtime MABA supporter, as well as a Silver Vendor Affinity Program (VAP) member. “MABA is a great network of quality shop owners,” boasts Levy. “We’re big advocates for MABA. It’s important for auto companies to be involved and stay involved. You see what’s going on, you learn the trends and align yourself with your network. As a company not on the insurance side nor the shop side, being a part of MABA allows us to show our support to our customers – the shops. It’s a great organization. We really align with their goals.”

Of all of their values, Michael Levy makes one aspect of Don Kennett’s belief system abundantly clear: their gratitude. “I’d just like to say thank you. To our employees for their expertise, talent and support. To our customers. for their patronage and contributions to the business. We are so appreciative of the industry and community and hope we’re doing the best that we can to support them.”

Want more? Check out the June 2026 issue of New England Automotive Report!