Treating clients like family is a hallmark of Thuway Auto Clinic    

Autosphere went to Corner Brook, Newfoundland/Labrador to visit with Chad Brake who runs Thruway Auto Service. The business was suggested by Newfoundland-based WD Colonial Auto Parts. Chad’s automotive journey begins after college when he went to work for Baker Hughes in Alberta for eight years as a completion specialist. “I was with a crew responsible for preparing oil and gas wells for production during the final stages of drilling operations,” he says. The job involved installing and operating downhole tools, monitoring well performance, troubleshooting any issues that arose on-site.

A change of direction

As a completion specialist, Chad worked on land and offshore. Afterward, he spent 12 years working offshore with Oceaneering which operates in the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) industry (2010-2022). Over that time, Chad was involved in a variety of subsea operations. “My experience included operating and maintaining ROV systems, assisting with underwater inspections, repairs, and installations,” he states. “Working in the oil industry kept me away from my home and family for long periods of time so I took a big risk and purchased an automotive garage!”

Brake has owned Thruway Auto Clinic for four years. While he says, the business has not significantly expanded during that time, “we have made a number of interior and exterior improvements to create a more modern and comfortable environment for our customers.”

Currently, the Thruway has five service bays with the garage measuring approximately 4,000 sq ft. with eight working employees including Chad.

The business is fully computerized, allowing Brake and his team to manage operations efficiently, including scheduling, invoicing, and accessing vehicle information. There’s also been a big focus on diagnostic skills.

“We utilize three Autel diagnostic scanners and many other tools, which allow us to accurately diagnose a wide range of vehicle issues,” he says.

“By maintaining strong communication, quality service, and trust, we build relationships and encourage repeat business, which is important to our ongoing success.”

– Chad Brake, owner Thruway Auto Clinic

Specialized training

Technicians at Thruway take a range of training courses, including programs on specific equipment. “I have an apprentice that is working through his blocks by taking time off work to attend classes and complete them,” Brake explains.

Although a general repair shop capable of addressing a wide range of vehicle issues, Thruway does specialize in exhaust work. “This garage originally started out as a muffler shop,” Chad explains, “so we have developed a particular experience with exhaust work, something we continue to be widely known for in this area.”

While accessing repair data remains a contentious issue in the aftermarket, Brake says his technicians don’t tend to have much trouble getting the information they need to repair vehicles. “However, when additional support is required, we use website subscriptions like Identifix he says. “This platform provides detailed diagnostic information, including wiring diagrams, vehicle specifications, and insights from other technicians, allowing us to diagnose and resolve issues more efficiently.”

Treated as family

A key focus for the business is treating customers with the same level of care and respect that the team would do for themselves and family members. “We make every effort to accommodate our customers by fitting them into our schedule whenever possible,” says Chad.” and we offer added conveniences such as providing rides home or to nearby locations while their vehicle is serviced. There are also many smaller day-to-day efforts that may go unnoticed, but they contribute to a positive experience for our customers.”

Brake says that a key part of success has been taking pride in understanding each customer’s concerns and identifying their vehicle’s specific needs. “We focus on providing honest assessments and reliable solutions, ensuring every customer feels valued and informed. By maintaining strong communication, quality service, and trust,” he says. “We build relationships and encourage repeat business, which is important to our ongoing success.”