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Mechanics open new shop in Rose Creek

ROSE CREEK — When Louis Dion and Nate Nelson worked at Firestone in Austin, they were happy to help customers but wanted to strike out on their own. Dion, who worked at Firestone for eight years, always wanted to be his own boss but never found the right time to open his own auto repair shop until recently.

“We were waiting to see if things were turned around in the economy,” he said. “We thought now would be a good time.”

Dion and Nelson opened up 56 Auto Repair in Rose Creek about three weeks ago, the culmination of months of planning and a desire to offer a little hometown service.

“We thought there were somethings that could be done a little bit differently, to give a home town feel instead of a big corporation,” Dion said.

Nelson is a certified master technician and Dion has worked in the auto business for more than 10 years. 56 Auto Repair is a full-service shop with three repair bays. Dion said he and his partner can do everything from coolant and transmission flushes to full diagnostics.

Dion said the shop offers lower prices than area competitors, specifically through lower labor and slightly lower than list-price parts costs. That means even Austin residents can save money by driving to Rose Creek, according to him.

“It’d be worth their time and money with the amount of savings that they can make,” Dion said.

Though the shop has only opened for three weeks, Dion said the community has responded well to the new business. Dion and Nelson are the only employees for now, but that may change if their business and their reputation for respectful service grows.

“We thought we could offer a good competitive price, not get rich but still make a living,” Dion said.

56 Auto Repair is located at 110 Third Street N. in Rose Creek. Contact the shop at 507-438-9602 or at 56autorepair@gmail.com