In looking for an ASP to highlight for this issue, we came across John’s Quality Auto Service located in Lindsay, Ontario.

We wanted to know a little about the business—when was it first started and why?

John’s Quality Auto Service was founded in 1978 by John Johnson Sr., who built a two-bay shop on the family’s rural property, which also served as their home. This small business venture required immense dedication, time, and effort from the entire Johnson family.

Over the next 14 years, the business flourished through a steadfast commitment to building strong customer relationships and providing honest, reliable service. As a result of this success, the decision was made to relocate the business to Lindsay, along with the family’s new home, in the early 1990s.

Further growth
This move allowed the business to expand into a four-bay garage, and in 2002, further growth led to the relocation to its current location with six bays. After more than 35 years of ownership and operation, John Johnson Sr. made the difficult decision to retire and pass the torch to his children, John Jr. and Jenn. In 2015, they took on the responsibility of managing and operating John’s Quality Auto Service, continuing the legacy of excellence their father built.

We asked them about the reasons they decided to take over the business. John says that “in 2015, Jenn and I were both fully immersed in our respective careers—I was serving with the Durham Regional Police Service, and Jenn was working for the City of Kawartha Lakes. However, I made the decision to shift careers and devote myself full-time to John’s Quality Auto Service (JQAS), which led to my retirement from policing.”

Naturally immersed
But why this particular profession? John explains: “There were several reasons we chose to pursue a career in the automotive service repair industry. Growing up in a family-owned business, we were naturally immersed in the world of auto service from a young age,” John says. “We learned the ins and outs of the industry through hands-on experience. This early exposure fostered a strong work ethic and a deep understanding of the dedication and attention to detail needed to run a successful business.

“Additionally, the values instilled by our father—commitment to customer relationships, honesty, and reliable service—resonated with us and shaped our desire to continue his legacy. By transitioning into the family business, we were able to blend our passion for the automotive industry with a commitment to serving our community, something that is truly meaningful to both of us,” John told us.

In terms of how the business has evolved, John notes that over the past 47 years, since his father originally founded John’s Quality Auto Service, the auto repair industry has seen significant changes, including advancements in computerized diagnostics, the rise of hybrid and electric vehicles, and a greater focus on eco-friendly practices. Customer expectations have also shifted, with a stronger emphasis on convenience and transparency. Mobile and on-demand services have emerged, and technicians now require more specialized training due to the increasing complexity of vehicles.

Importance of customer service
“However, one thing that hasn’t changed is the importance of reliability and excellent customer service,” says John. “These core values continue to be key factors in the success of JQAS. Building trust through honest, dependable service has always been, and remains, essential to fostering long-term customer relationships and ensuring business growth. Additionally, the ability to learn and adapt to new technologies and customer needs has been crucial in maintaining our successful shop,” he says.

In terms of the range of services on offer, the business covers all aspects related to mechanical auto repair. We were part of the Drive Clean program and now the Drive On program (Safety Inspections). We service several fleets in the City of Kawartha Lakes area as well as a vast variety of vehicle types and makes that our customer base drives. We service all makes and models of passenger vehicles and trucks with both gas and diesel engines.” 

On the staffing side, John mentioned that the JQAS team currently consists of 11 full-time team members. These include four technicians and two apprentices, three front office staff, and two administrative staff. The business also supports local high school Co-op programs and if required, hires students during the summer season.

Related to shop size and equipment, JQAS is a six-bay facility equipped with one ramp hoist and five 12,000lbs hoists. There is a reception and waiting area along with an administration office,” explains John.

Like many service repair facilities, John’s Quality Auto Service continues to make major investments in equipment.

“In the past five years we have added and updated our Wheel Balancers and Tire Machines. Our Alignment Rack is less than two years old as is our A/C Machine. The main reason is to keep up with the new technologies and systems, and an industry that changes from year to year. Also,” says John, “the wear and tear on the equipment is inevitable due to the demand of the services we provide. We are a very busy shop, and our equipment gets put to the test every day we are open. 

Alongside equipment, ensuring staff and technicians remain current with the latest technology and procedures is essential. “We prioritize ongoing education and training,” John explains. “We invest in specialized courses and certifications to keep our team up-to-date on the latest repair techniques and advanced diagnostic tools. This helps ensure we’re able to handle the increasing complexity of modern vehicles.”

Additionally, John explains that fostering a culture of continuous learning, “by providing our technicians with access to the latest industry resources and tools,” is essential. “By staying updated with new technologies and trends, we can deliver the highest level of service to our customers and meet the evolving needs of our clients and the industry.” He notes that a combination of reliability, top-notch customer service, and technical expertise has proved to be a winning formula in building long-term relationships and a loyal customer base at John’s Quality Auto Service