OUR STORY
Gearhead Automotive Services Ltd was founded in the summer of 2005. Using my grandparent's house as collateral, a business plan, and a bank that finally said yes, the dream of owning my own shop would be realized. All we needed was a location. I found an empty undeveloped bay in a newly constructed building in North Red Deer. At the time, there were not many choices for bays to rent, unlike today. The original 3300 square foot shop was in Bay 3 7597 Edgar Industrial Drive. With the help of family and friends, the office and shop were built. There were 2 of us then, with two hoists, some equipment, and a goal to build trust and loyalty through excellent customer service and provide exceptional value. I wanted to do it better than anyone I worked for and be one of the best shops in Red Deer. The hard work paid off, and with the help of our awesome clientele and staff, we had the opportunity to expand.
In 2011 we expanded to 6270 square ft in the same building. Again, with the help of staff, family, and friends, we renovated the office and shop. We have eight bays and can comfortably fit up to 12 vehicles at a time. We have invested heavily in training, diagnostic information and equipment to provide our clients with dealership-level capabilities while providing that small-town shop feel for clients. Great service, Great people, Great value.
In the constant pursuit to provide clients with great value, we joined the Napa Autopro network in July 2019. We are still the independent shop you know and love, except now with an added bonus. We offer a 2-year, 40,000-kilometre parts and labour warranty backed by a network of over 600 Canadian Autopros and over 17,000 Napa Autocares in the USA. So, no matter where you are in North America, we’ve got you covered.
We are always looking for great new clients. If you hear anyone having problems with their vehicle, or feel they need a second opinion we are here to help. Is there an owner or fleet manager you know looking for a dealership alternative? Is there a friend or relative looking for a shop that can do it all? Light on in the dash? Weird noises or smells? Tough problems that have been to other shops? Send them to us, we are happy to help.
Mission Statement
To Reduce Stress, Costly Breakdowns & Deliver More Value to Our Customer, We Will:
Every Napa AutoPro is devoted to this mission and will continue to provide Automotive Service Excellence with the highest level of Customer Satisfaction while providing a stress-free experience!
OUR TEAM
Robert Brockhoff is the owner and a licensed Red Seal Journeyman Automotive Service Technician at Gearhead Automotive Services. While attending high school in Lacombe, Rob worked part-time at a local parts store. “There was something about fixing vehicles that appealed to me,” says Rob. “A stressed-out customer brings you their vehicle – you put in the work, test components, make adjustments, replace defective parts – and take away the stress.”
Rob began his apprenticeship in Red Deer in 1993 and became a Red Seal Journeyman in 2003. Drawn to smaller independent shops where customers are people, not numbers, Rob focused on the dream of one day opening his own shop. A business that would service all makes and models of vehicles while providing customers with exceptional service. In 2005, Gearhead Automotive Services was born.
Rob is married to Amanda, and together, they have three children – Ronin, Cole, and Bree. Rob enjoys the art of low and slow barbeque – always looking to cook the perfect brisket, pork shoulder and ribs. A hockey family, the Brockhoffs spend most of the winter and spring at the rink. They also love to camp out West and enjoy quadding.
Ed is a licenced Red Seal Journeyman Automotive Service Technician at Gearhead Automotive. He was born in Kazakhstan. He is a Middle child having an older sister and younger sister. His family moved to Germany when he was 16. He started working as a Technician after high school, then immigrated to Canada in 2008 (Manitoba) and arrived in the Red Deer area in 2009. He has his Red Seal Journeyman Automotive Technician in Germany and Canada with 24 years experience. He has 2 kids and enjoys the outdoors, camping, quadding and fishing.
Boo, the unofficial shop mascot, is a Frenchton pup from Oak Ridge Frenchtons in Saskatchewan. Boo joined the Brockhoffs in June of 2022, and loves her family. She has the stubborn nature of a French Bulldog with the goofy exuberance of a Boston Terrier, making her a joy to be around. She will follow Rob almost anywhere and looks for him when he’s out of sight. Boo enjoys playing hockey with Rob’s children but prefers to chase the sticks and try to bite them instead of chasing the ball or puck.