June 25, 2014 at 1:13 p.m.
'I Buy Local' spotlight
'I Buy Local' spotlight
Name of business:
D & J Auto, Truck and Equipment Repair
Owner(s):
John and Dolores Wich
Address:
1874 N. Stevens Street
Phone:
(715) 365-7400
Website:
www.dandjautoandtruckrepair.com
Hours:
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Type of business:
Auto, truck and equipment mechanical repairs
When business opened:
October 1978
What makes Rhinelander special?
Rhinelander is special because of its unique mix of business, tourism and recreational opportunities.
What types of products or services do you offer?
We offer a full range of car and truck mechanical repairs and maintenance from oil changes to engine replacement.
We offer an oil change club to customers. After six oil changes, the seventh is free. Each card covers all the vehicles in a family.
What are some of the challenges your business faces?
The challenges to the automotive repair industry are the constant advances in technology. We send our technicians to regular classes to help keep up with the latest technologies. Keeping our diagnostic equipment up to date is a challenge. Updates need to be done regularly and can be expensive.
What aspect of your business makes you most proud?
We are proud to be a family owned business serving the area for almost 36 years. John and Dolores started the business with their sons, Don and Sam. The early days were a struggle, but we got through it and have a business that supports five families in the community. D & J is now serving the grandchildren of original customers. Don Wich now manages the shop, John and Dolores' oldest son, John, is lead technician and their daughter, Debbi, keeps the front office. John and Dolores still work on a part-time basis. We also have two additional technicians, Richard "Tucson" Frechette and Randy Statezny.
What benefits can your business offer for consumers who buy local?
Using local services gives the consumer the ability to know who they are counting on to keep their vehicles in good condition. They can develop an ongoing relationship with the business, and the business can keep good records for repairs and maintenance. It is also more convenient than traveling out of town.
What is your business relationship with the community?
We hope we have a good community relationship. We try to help worthy causes with monetary or raffle donations whenever possible. We make annual donations to United Way and the food pantry.
What makes your business stand out?
We stand out because of our commitment to serving our customers. They can depend on us to do the job right the first time. Any warranty issues are handled quickly, with as little inconvenience as possible. They know we have been and will be here for a long time.
What products or services do you offer that are unique?
We are one of the oldest auto repair facilities in the area. We stand behind our work 100 percent. We offer shuttle service within the city. We pride ourselves on customer service and attention to detail.
Why do you think it is important to buy local?
Buying local keeps our economy strong. Spending our hard-earned dollars in the community helps keep a diversified small business environment strong.
Local business keeps jobs in the community.
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