It doesn’t matter what kind of car you drive.
Patrick Schueler can help you if your engine is misfiring, your brakes are squeaking or your transmission is slipping.
For 18 years, Schueler has been fixing cars, whether it’s a Jaguar, BMW, Corvette or Chevy truck. Whether it’s big, fast or sporty, Schueler will fix your car.
At Schueler Automotive, which is near the airport in Tumwater, the motto is “if it’s broke we can fix it.”
“We work on all imports and all domestics,” Schueler said. “We do them all. From Chevy to Volvo.”
Thirteen years ago, Schueler first opened his own car repair shop near Offut Lake and has been at the Tumwater site for the past seven years. Back then when he first opened he worked nights and took care of his newborn daughter while his wife was at work. From the start, Schueler built his business on one principle – honesty.
“We have a no drama policy,” Schueler said. “I believe in an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay. The customers deserve that.”
Schueler knows what it’s like to be mistreated as a customer. When he was still in high school, he got stuck with a $300 bill to repair his taillights. That was all labor, no parts.
“We like to make sure we do every job like it’s our own car,” Schueler said.
With each customer, Schueler keeps them updated on what repairs are done. He doesn’t want any “surprises” in the final bill. He’ll also show customers the old parts that were replaced.
“We want them to be informed throughout the job,” Schueler said. “I feel that every customer should have the right to know what’s going on. They should decide.”
Schueler has been in business long enough to know that a satisfied customer is a repeat customer. He also knows he’s not going to get any drive-by customers. That’s because his shop isn’t on a main street. It’s just off old Highway 99 and 88th Avenue at the end of the airport.
“It’s all word of mouth,” Schueler said.
He has nearly a thousand customers that keep coming back because they know they’ll get a fair deal.
“I believe people should be treated with respect and integrity,” Schueler said. “Do unto others what you’d want them to do to you. That’s what I base my whole business on.”
Schueler employs two full-time mechanics, an office worker and a part-time mechanic.
For customers who can’t drive their car to the shop because it’s broken down, Schueler has a towing service that will get them there. It’s all part of his commitment to customer service.
The type of cars he’s working on changes every week.
“Last week, we had five BMWs in the shop,” Schueler said. “This week we have all domestic. It changes from week to week. We never know what’s going to come through the door. It’s a challenge for the technicians. But it makes them well rounded. Ultimately we’ll never turn down a job.”
Schueler grew up in Tacoma and moved with his family to Graham when he got to high school and attended Bethel. He didn’t play sports because he was always working. He started off working as a mechanic at Tacoma Dodge and then at Hanson Motors before opening his own shop in 1998.
“It’s definitely been fulfilling,” Schueler said. “It’s a busy atmosphere here. But whoever walks through the door we want to treat with respect. They deserve that.”
Schueler’s shop has changed locations over the years. But his objective remains the same. He continues to provide an honest service, resulting in a satisfied customer.
“Making customers happy is our number one priority,” Schueler said. “We pride ourselves in doing quality work at affordable prices.”
Schueler Automotive
Address: 1009 85th Street, Tumwater (take a right at the light at 88th Ave. and a quick right again at 85th)
Phone: 956-1034
Hours: 8 a .m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday
