Celebrating Two Years in Caledon: Shawn's Garage

Shawn Dwyer recently celebrated two years of owning his own business, we asked Shawn to tell us a little more about Shawn's Garage and why he chose to locate in Caledon.

Tell us about your business.

In 2017 I had decided to open my own Automotive Repair Facility. At the time I was a Shop Foreman in Rexdale at Master Mechanic. I had the highest position that I could attain but found myself wanting more. I found that working in the big city was more of a rotating door policy when it came to customers. Out of the hundreds of customers my boss had I could only name 6 of them. I missed having personal connections with customers and having that trust that can only be gained through good experiences.

I purchased Ed's Automotive who had served this community for over 27 years. Ed Almund taught me to take care people, he showed me that people care about good customer service and to take the time to find out the problem, and to fix it right the first time.

I have one apprentice working for me, and I am teaching him the way I was taught how to work on cars. Anthony works hard and is a very valuable member of my repair facility.               

How did you get into the business?

I started my career working as a co-op student at Orangeville Chrysler in 2004. I worked with a man named Darrel White (still a tech) and we mostly worked on transmission rebuilds. I was hooked and worked at Blackstock Ford until I got my ticket 4 years later.

I worked in various locations and then found a home working at Master Mechanic in Rexdale.                                    

Why did you locate your business in Caledon?

Locating my business in Caledon was a wonderful idea. I lived here for more than half my life. I was born in Brampton but when I was 12, my family moved up here. I currently live in Shelburne but living here in the country is all I ever loved, and I cannot imagine living anywhere else.

Commuting to Rexdale for over 5 years was a little stressful on me and my family. Nothing like working close to home.

How does someone know they are dealing with a good mechanic?

Communication is key. A good mechanic will ask you questions about the concern with the car. Will offer different options (if any) about how we can repair it.

A good mechanic is honest with his/her customers above all else.

I had a customer that owned a vehicle and the repair costs were going to add up to more than the vehicle was worth. I told the customer I thought that it was too much to fix, they apprectiated my honesty and advice and became a repeat customer.            

What is your favourite thing to do in Caledon?

My favorite thing to do in Caledon is to go to the fall fairs, and mixed martial arts which I do in Orangeville. Caledon is a wonderful community with wonderful people. It has been that way for as long as I can remember and will always hold a special place in my heart.

Owning a business here is a true blessing and I hope to be here until I retire! 

Shawns Garage is located at 1521 Charleston Sideroad | 519-927-5446