About Us

STRONG ROOTS &  COMMITMENT TO SERVICE

J&J’s Creative Colors was founded in 1980 by Jim and JoAnn Foster, built not from convenience—but from determination. Like many entrepreneurs, their journey began out of necessity. Both Jim and JoAnn were hardworking individuals who learned early in their careers what it felt like to be undervalued. That experience shaped the foundation of their business and the culture that still defines it today.

From the very beginning, they believed that if you treat people well, pay them fairly, and respect their work-life balance, everyone succeeds. They also made customer service their number one priority, knowing that strong relationships and trust would be the foundation of long-term success. That philosophy has stood the test of time. Many of our technicians have built their own service routes and remained part of the J&J family for decades—some for more than 40 years.

Jim and JoAnn started the business by servicing car dealerships, repairing damaged interiors on used vehicles. Through hard work, consistency, and strong relationships, they steadily grew their customer base and reputation.

In 1988, their daughters, Kelli and Terri, joined the business, followed by their son Gary in 1992. Each of them carried forward the same work ethic and commitment, building their own weekly routes and client relationships—many of which are still proudly served today.

 

 

A NEW GENERATION TAKES THE REINS

In 2009, Jim and JoAnn passed the business on to their three children, keeping the company family-owned and operated. Today, J&J’s Creative Colors continues to grow while staying true to its roots. With a fleet of 15 service vans, we proudly serve the south suburbs of Chicago, providing trusted service to car dealerships, restaurants, hospitals, and more.

What started as a leap of faith has become a lasting legacy—one built on hard work, respect, and taking care of people.

Jim remained deeply proud of what his children built and the continued growth of the business before his passing in 2016. His work ethic and values remain a guiding force behind everything we do today.

JoAnn continues to stay involved, always looking for new and better ways to approach repairs as the industry evolves. Her passion, insight, and commitment to quality are still felt throughout the company every day.

 

 

Locally Owned. Expertly Driven.

At Creative Colors International of Southland Chicago, we aren’t just technicians; we are restoration artists. As a family-owned and operated business spanning three generations, we’ve built our reputation on the belief that "they don't make 'em like they used to"—but we can make them look like they did.

Our team represents over a century of combined experience in automotive, commercial, and residential restoration. From reviving the interior of a vintage 1965 Mustang to saving a local restaurant’s seating, we take pride in the "wow" factor. When you trust us with your repair, you’re getting more than a service; you’re getting a team of local experts who treat every project like it’s for their own family.

 

Rhonda Gunther

Certified Technician

Since 2001. A true veteran who once "saved a marriage" by fixing a husband’s secret cigarette burn in record time!

Nicholas Bozich

Service Technician

Since 2016. A massive Blackhawks fan who views his 10 years of automotive restoration as a "hobby he gets paid for."

Jennifer Spreadbury

Certified Technician

Since 2009. An athlete on the field and in the shop; she once specialized in prepping armored Suburbans for security details.

Shelby Bozich

Certified Technician

Since 2021. Loves that no two days are the same—her favorite win was restoring a classic 1965 Shelby Mustang.

Mark Kaminski

Certified Auto & Furniture Tech

Since 2014. Live music enthusiast who specializes in the "art of change," like color-shifting 1970s Road Runner door panels.

TC Mackey

King of the Commercial Division

Since 2023. Our commercial expert who can remodel an entire restaurant—and play the Star-Spangled Banner on a kazoo.

Alec Robert Foster

Technician

Since 2023. A 3rd-generation family member who enjoys doing things "the hard way" (from scratch) and learning from every customer.

Jenny

Interior Repair & Detail Tech

Veteran Team Member. A former franchise owner with a magic touch for upholstery; she once reconstructed a sunroof-sized hole in a headliner.

Kathy Green-Alessi

Tech & Team Supervisor

Veteran Team Member Since 1986. One of our longest-tenured leaders. She loves the freedom of the job and is a dedicated pickleball player.

Our Legacy Team

With decades of combined experience, these team members are the backbone of our service excellence:

Marlene – Expert Service since 1996

Lynnette – Expert Service since 1997

Nadine – Expert Service since 1998

Kathy Mc – Expert Service since 1986

Sandy – Expert Service since 2012

 

What Others Have to Say

  • “I just had a high quality Stress-less chair reupholstered at your Mokena location. Patrick was especially helpful on helping me decide what to do so that the high quality of the chair was maintained and I can say, he and his staff did a wonderful job. I would not hesitating ...

  • Dear Mr. Foster, On behalf of the men and women of the Mokena Police Department, I would like to say a very special "thank you" for your service of cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing all of our squads. The unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed the way that we all carry ...

  • Creative Colors did a great job with our couch. They were very responsive and the they provided good service for the cost

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