Tom Nygaard started his auto repair business in 1988, making this the 35th year of service for Nygaard Auto Repair. Congratulations to Tom and Wade for being an ongoing family business in Kenyon Minnesota!
Wade was just a year old when the shop was founded, so he has literally grown up in the business. He remembers doing oil changes, tire rotations and helping his dad keep the shop clean when he was 11 or 12 years old. There's always something to be done in a family owned business, and Wade found he really enjoyed working with Tom. As he learned from his father, he found he had a knack for automotive work.
Being a young entrepreneur, at age 19 Wade decided to try out a new venture on his own. Pizza Time was his "from the ground up" business, and he owned and operated it until he was 21. But the call of the auto industry called him back to the shop, and he worked hand in hand with his dad as Tom showed him the ropes, and while Tom was away on mission trips serving others. I asked Wade what an auto mechanic does on a mission trip, and he recounted some of the adventures Tom had. Isla Church works with Doctors without Borders, so once Tom fixed a heart monitor machine in Nicaragua. Other duties included fixing existing buildings, building homes, and once an orphanage in Nicaragua wanted a shrimp farm built, and so they did!
Wade worked with his dad for about 12 years before it was time for Tom to retire, so now Wade is the proud owner of the shop. Tom still plays a part in the everyday operations, such as delivering parts to his long time customers, and new ones too!
As I interviewed Wade, I could see the passion he has for his work. He takes great pride in what he does, and treats his customers fairly. I asked him about any specials he runs, and he replied, "I always give my customers a good deal, and they know it. My advertising is word of mouth, and my existing customers tell others, and they return again and again. I have customers from all over Minnesota, and even some from out of state."
Some, but not all of his services include heating and cooling repair and maintenance, oil changes, and tire sales and alignments. Other specialties include working on starters, solenoids and batteries. In other words, if it is a part of a vehicle, Wade is up for the challenge!
As one of two father and son teams in the automotive business in Kenyon, Wade says there is plenty of work to go around, and he stays busy. One of the best parts of owning a repair shop is that you have different jobs to do everyday, and it's never boring. Wade loves to take a "broken" car, and bring it back to life. Once he had a car so bad that he didn't know how the owner drove it to the shop. The only way he could think of to get it off the road was to buy it from the owner! Now THAT is full service!!
When I asked him what is the most important thing to tell a prospective customer to do for their vehicle, he said that he suggests that people change their oil regularly. "If you bring the vehicle in for an oil change, we check and top off all the viable fluids, and can do an inspection of anything else that may need maintenance." He does free estimates, and if your check engine light comes on, he can diagnose the issue. He can put air in your tires, and check your oil, just like they used to do in the good ol' days when a service station was just that.... service!
I found Wade to be honest, and could sense his integrity. He was helping out his neighboring business when I arrived by loaning out some tools needed at the moment. "It's a small town, and we help each other out," he explained.
Wade and his wife Melissa have 4 daughters. When he can get away from work, they enjoy the great outdoors we Minnesotans are blessed with. Camping, boating and fishing are among their favorite activities.
I am a firm believer in shopping locally, not only to decrease our carbon footprint, but also to support your neighbors who support you. If your car is behaving badly, or you just need a tune up, I highly recommend Nygaard Auto!
