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Start your engines. If you can’t, call Arnie’s Auto Service.
Owner Alicia Vancooten has several years of experience as an automotive service adviser and specializes in customer service and finance, while her fiancé, Arnold Ramrattan — for whom the business is named — has been a mechanic for more than 20 years.
“You bring it, and Arnie can work on it,” Vancooten said.
Residents of Alliston, Vancooten and Ramrattan operated Allstar Auto Service for about a year prior to relocating and opening Arnie’s Auto Service at 5479 Yonge St. in Gilford in July.
“Our new location has been wonderful, and we have been getting new customers from the area and through referrals. Honestly, I'm really happy with the new spot because it's cleaner, brighter, more open and right next to a wicked food truck,” Vancooten said. “Our new landlord has been an absolute gem, so we were very fortunate to obtain this location.”
Before the pair became a couple, they worked together at a dealership in Brampton.
“Arnold was the highest-performing mechanic with the lowest number of comebacks in the dealership. I knew how good he was a long time ago and I was able to get us started years later. There is no ego between us. We both know what we are good at and give space for each of us to do our own thing,” Vancooten said.
“I just enjoy people. One of my favourite things to hear from a customer is that they were referred to us by a friend or family member … It just makes our day and we're so appreciative.”
She told InnisfilToday founding Arnie’s Auto Service was a mix of “fate and timing.”
“Sometimes, you've just got to take a leap of faith. Also, I think it's every mechanic's dream to own their own shop one day, and I wanted this for Arnold,” she said.
“I am really trying to change the stigma there is about mechanic shops. I figure maybe if a female owns it and runs it, maybe more women will feel comfortable taking their vehicles in on their own.”
She referred to the business as “a no-nonsense shop.”
“We bring customers into the shop to show them exactly what the issue is, even more so if they don't understand what part does what or what's broken, et cetera. Arnold will take his time, bring you in and show you exactly what is going on with your vehicle and even explain it visually. It's how we build trust.”
Arnie’s Auto Service offers an array of services, including engine and transmission replacements, basic vehicle maintenance — such as oil and tire changes — suspension, tune-ups, A/C service, and brakes.
“For those who have used our shop before, thanks for all your support and trust in us. Thanks for giving the new guys in town a chance and allowing us to prove how much we take pride in our work,” Vancooten said. “And for those who have not used our shop, come on down. You won't regret it. We stand behind our word and our work.”
Arnie’s Auto Service plans to offer a promotion on brakes this fall in addition to a discount for South Simcoe Police Service members. It also offers student discounts.
More information can be found on its Facebook page.
