ABOUT US
About Us

Providing Winston-Salem with Auto Repair Services Since 2000

Our Story: Early Beginnings 

Old Town Auto Works is owned by Mike Poole and Brett Ross. They first established the business in 2000, though it was not their first business venture together. The two first met as teens while in auto mechanics school back in the early ‘80s. After graduation, they joined a major auto repair chain and homed in their craft. During this time, they were sent to several training programs that helped them to learn how to run their own business and what not to do as owners and operators. 

The chain that Mike and Brett worked for had a selling-focused business model, and the two saw instances of customers being forced into purchasing services that they didn’t require. This led the men to leave the company for a local service station. However, they were still unhappy with the business approach at this institution, as it was similar to that of their former employer. 

Mike and Brett went different directions over the next few years, but they always kept in touch and discussed opening up their own business run on their terms and done the right way. Much of this drive was fueled by frustrations at their current jobs, as each would work sometimes 80 hours a week but saw no career growth. 

In 1989, opportunity struck. The pair were approached by the owner of a dying Shell station who was ready to sell the business. Mike and Brett purchased the business aware that it had several major issues. The past owner wasn’t very involved in the business, and it turned out that the employees were stealing equipment and supplies, resulting in very few customers. 

Despite the challenges, Mike and Brett knew this was their chance to run the operation that they had always wanted. They began fresh with a completely new staff and instituted their hands-on approach. They also ended commissions, as they felt that working on commission would encourage the team to seek out high-cost services that weren’t always necessary. Instead, everyone worked on a salary. Most importantly, the two made sure to provide a fun work environment. 

While there were virtually no customers in the early days, they slowly started to accumulate loyal clients thanks to their honest practices and high level of service. Clients began recommending the business, and over the next 11 years, the Shell operation was one of the largest on the East Coast.

Our Story: Coming into Our Own

Despite the success at Shell, Mike and Brett became frustrated with the increasing cost of rent. The two realized that they were paying more for rent than they would be if they owned their own operation. So, the search began for a local location that their current customers would follow them to. 

A parts distributor then spoke with Brett, as he had a customer who was looking to sell his garage. The garage had eight bays in the front and three in the back. After a year of negotiations, Mike and Brett finally convinced the owner to sell the establishment. Finally, Old Town Auto Works was opened in 2000!
Today, Old Town Auto Works has six full-time auto mechanics that are salaried and work Monday through Friday. Mike and Brett are both family men, and while the business is important, nothing is more important than their families. Weekends are reserved for quality family time. 

Our auto repair shop currently supports a booming, loyal customer base. We take exceptional care of our clients and do whatever we can for them. From looking for better parts to calling upon other local mechanics for assistance if need be, Old Town Auto Works goes above and beyond to provide the absolute best in service.  Give us a call today for all of your car service needs and new car tires, we look forward to working with you!
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