St. Joseph Automotive & Diesel

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

New Beginnings

Matt is a double ASE Master Certified Technician who grew up in Terre Haute, In. He got his start in the automotive industry from his father who used to own his own shop when Matt was a little boy. Matt used to do work for family and friends all through high school to help people out and make a couple of bucks for the weekend. After high school he had to get a "real job" to pay the bills so he went into steel fabrication. Eventhough he worked his way up in several different industries including Union carpentry, steel fabrication, and welding he always did automotive work on the side. After a long time considering his future Matt decided to further his automotive knowledge by attending Universal Technical Institute (UTI) where he received many honors for top student in the class as well as multiple certifications including FORD electrical, engine, transmission, and suspension certification.
After graduating from UTI Matt took a position at Ford Of Champaign. From there he had the right work ethic that was needed to maintain a position with Worden Martin when they bought Ford Of Champaign. He spent a couple of years at Worden Martin before realizing there is something more out there. At this point he set off to open his first business Midwest Automotive & Diesel. He was able to maintain a successful co owner ship with his partner at the time. He and his wife Casey Phillips were expecting a little one at around Midwest's fourth profitable year and decided it was time for a change of pace. He sold his shares of that business and began to focus on the things that really mattered, his wife and new born baby Carly. As a result of all of this he heard through his apprentice that a shop was up for sale in St. Joseph, IL. so he investigated, thinking that there was no way he was going to buy a shop right now.
When Matt first set foot in the shop at 703 N. Fourth St. the wheels started turning. He had several conversations with Mike Tevebaugh who owned the business Mike's Garage and Towing. Everything just sort of came together for Matt as he and Mike started negotiating. It all just made sense.
After changing the name to St. Joseph Automotive & Diesel Matt opened up for business on August 14, 2014. So far Matt and St. Joseph Automotive & Diesel have been met with open arms by Mike's previous customers and clients, as well as some new people that never knew there was a shop there.