After over 50 years in the auto repair industry, Dave Severson retires and hands over the business to his grandson, Derek Severson
After over 50 years of diagnosing and fixing issues on vehicles of all types, Dave Severson, owner of Dave’s Service and Repair handed over the reins to grandson, Derek Severson on January 2.
Closing the doors for the last time on January 1, Dave reflected on a career in the repair industry.
“I went to school and graduated with an Auto Technician degree, and I got a job right after with Leonard Motors in 1973. Following that, I started Dave’s Service in 2004 on Main Street,” Dave said.
It’s hard to miss Dave’s Service and Repair on Main Street as they’ve worked to make a good name for themselves in the community.
“We offer a reliable place to get your car serviced and get quality maintenance done on your vehicles,” Dave said.
Knowing it’s time to add some modern flare to the business, Dave brought on grandson, Derek, to help run the show.
“I taught Derek everything he knows, he will keep the same trusted service to our customers that I have always offered while bringing everything into the 21st Century,” Dave said.
Unlocking the doors on January 2 gave grandson, Derek, a whole new perspective on the shop.
“I was 12 years old when I went on my first tow with my grandpa and I have always messed around working on cars before deciding to get my degree in Automotive Technology, and now I carry on the Severson name and we have built a good reputation with the business,” Derek said.
Learning the benefits of running an honest business, Derek plans to keep many of the same practices as his grandfather.
“The business is successful, and I have made a name for myself working as a mechanic here. We are going to be honest with what we tell you and we take pride in that,” Derek said.
Dave has taught Derek that the customers are the heart of the company and hopes they continue to trust in his grandson.
“I would like to thank my customers who has supported me and my business, I have met many great people over my 51 years of being a mechanic in Lennox,” Dave said.
Not many changes will occur, but modernizing is one plan Derek has for the company.
“We offer most every service that mechanic shops in the area offer, but we want to make things easier on our customers and we would like to start offering paperless billing to them soon,” he said.
Keeping the shop the same is what makes it feel like home to Derek.
“We plan to run everything the same for a smooth transition for us and the customers, but we will make some gradual changes as we need to,” he added.
Working with the customers is the one thing Dave will miss most.
“Getting to know your customers on a personal level was my favorite part of my job, workwise, it was doing the actual towing,” Dave said.
While in the early days of retirement, one thing is on his mind.
“I’m going fishing, and I want to thank all of my customers for the money to buy bait,” Dave joked.
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