Nestled in the heart of Saint-Leonard’s industrial park, Giovanni and Tony Rosato’s workshop blends into the landscape of Lafrenaie Street. Its understated façade, marked by an outdated sign, could easily go unnoticed. Yet behind this single garage door lies a vibrant world filled with anecdotes, passion, and authenticity. Here, you won’t find the latest gadgets or sterile showrooms. A moped hides in the back shop while an ATV waits patiently under a lift, silent witnesses to a place where every corner has a story to tell.

Inside, the walls are adorned with posters celebrating Italy. Visitors are welcomed with an espresso, often enjoyed in the company of a customer, friend, or family member dropping by. Some days, the aroma of home-cooked meals fills the air. An impromptu meal sometimes materializes, extending the experience beyond automotive repairs.

It’s been nearly 30 years since Giovanni began clearing out this space. After completing his mechanic’s training, he apprenticed at a garage specializing in Italian models. He later worked at a shop in Montreal North where he also gained experience in sales before offering his services to racing teams. He started his business modestly, buying, repairing, and reselling used vehicles. Shortly after, his brother Tony came to lend a hand.

With patience and determination, every dollar earned was reinvested in equipment, gradually transforming the bare space into a place pulsing with the rhythm of engines and human connections. “Everything was empty. There was nothing. I set up a workbench and bought a few cases of motor oil,” Giovanni recalls. “Then I installed one lift, then another.” Little by little, mechanical repairs would overtake vehicle sales.

Charting their own course

Standing apart from the crowd, the Rosato brothers have managed to adapt while maintaining their independence. Refusing to join a large network, the duo preferred to build a business that reflected their values. This freedom allows them to diversify their activities and, most importantly, remain masters of their destiny. “I managed to make a good living without being under a banner or even being a specialist,” Giovanni proudly points out.

But his interest in cars isn’t confined to the workshop walls. As a mechanic for a Formula 1600 team for several years, he dreamed of climbing the ranks to IndyCar. While waiting for an offer to join the Atlantic series, he started a project that would help pass the time while replenishing the coffers. A few months after starting his business, he finally received the long-awaited phone call. Unfortunately, the call came just as his commercial venture was beginning to bear fruit.

His love for racing never died, though. He now channels this passion by supporting a “stable” composed of an eclectic selection of vintage cars. During his free time, he accompanies his “thoroughbreds” to the tracks where he fine-tunes their racing machines. However, “in Quebec,” he notes with a smile, “you don’t get rich with vintage racing. You do it for the love of it!”

Despite their roots in the past, Rosato Bros. closely follows the evolution of the automotive industry and is preparing for the transition to hybrid and electric vehicles. “Many of our customers already drive electric, so we have to adjust,” explains Giovanni. Driven by a constant desire to learn, he’s preparing to undergo training to meet the evolving needs of this clientele.

Modern day challenges

This ability to adapt is crucial in a sector where independent shops face an uncertain future. The challenges are numerous: lack of succession, increasing complexity of modern vehicles, and high costs of upgrading to keep pace with new technologies. Giovanni acknowledges these obstacles but remains pragmatic: you either stay current or focus on a specialty.

Looking ahead five to ten years, Giovanni doesn’t dream of traditional expansion, but rather a gentle transition. He envisions a larger space dedicated to maintenance and storage. A haven to house his performance-driven clients’ vehicles. A place where he could pamper them to ensure they’re ready to tackle the track when spring arrives.

More than just an auto repair shop, Rosato Bros. embodies resilience and authenticity. Driven by the passion and expertise of those who run it, this small independent business continues to succeed. Here, every car tells a story, just like this workshop which, far from imposed standards, continues to chart its own course. Through their regular general repair work that pays the bills, the two brothers find time to pursue performance mechanics, the work that truly makes them come alive.