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Long time business Bear Auto now under new ownership
July 15, 2015
by McKenzie MacDonald

Located just at the top of the North Hill, Bear Auto has been in operation locally for the last thirty years. However, as of January 1, 2015, the business is under new ownership. After the previous owners Fred and Alice Hendrickson decided to retire, Keith and Jessica Fairchild took over the business.

Mr. Fairchild is ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certified in all areas and has a lot of mechanical experience. He worked at Bear for ten years under the previous owners, but then took a job as a mechanic for the City of Bonners Ferry in 2000 where he stayed until 2014. He is very excited to finally have the opportunity to work in his own business. “Having worked for Fred prior and then given the opportunity to take over the business later in my life was a privilege” he said. “I couldn't pass up the opportunity to be in business for myself.” The fact that Bear Auto was a local business made this opportunity even better. “We wanted to be able to keep a locally established business open.”

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When asked what services are offered at Bear Auto, he listed off a multitude. “We offer everything from oil changes, tune ups, recharging and repair of a/c, brakes, suspension, transmission and engine replacements, solving wiring issues.”

With all of these different services to take into account, no day is exactly the same. For Mr. Fairchild, the best part of working in his new capacity is “being able to take on projects that include anything from hotrods to tune-ups. Every day is different.”

While changes in management can often be difficult, Bear Auto has had no problem keeping its customer base. “Customers have been receptive to the change of ownership,” he said, “and business has been steady.”

Mr. Fairchild indicates he is enjoying his line of work. “Mechanic'ing is a specialty!” he said, and that specialty will help many in the community keep their cars running for years to come.
 
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