Holtkamps are thankful for nomination

MT. PLEASANT — Brad Holtkamp Automotive opened their doors to celebrate their small business nomination with congratulatory community and chamber members.

Mary and Brad Holtkamp have been taking care of the community’s automotive needs for the last 26 years.

“We wouldn’t have made it 26 years without this community,” Mary Holtkamp said.

Brad Holtkamp is a prime example of the entrepreneurial spirit Mike Heaton spoke of Wednesday at Traction Steam’s Alive After 5.

Brad Holtkamp comes from a background of living on a farm where he first discovered his interest in fixing things.

“I’ve always torn things apart just to see how they work,” Brad Holtkamp said.

With a curious mind like Brad Holtkamp’s it is no surprise that with every service he and his team give each vehicle a complimentary inspection.

“We want our customers to be safe and informed,” Mary Holtkamp said.

The inspections include photos and videos of any potential problems, including ones that may only be in the beginning stages of becoming a problem.

“You know how people say their car is nickel and diming them to death?” Brad Holtkamp asked. “Well, would they have chose different if they had known all of the nickels and dimes ahead of time?”

The hope is that Holtkamp Automotive can provide their customers with enough notice of potential issues down the road that they can make well-informed decisions about what is best for their families and budgets.

In order to always provide their best service the Holtkamps place a large emphasis on continuing education in a continually changing field.

“The last time I ran a basic scan the vehicle had 37 computers in it,” Brad Holtkamp said.

The Holtkamps think people would be surprised just how much computer work goes into even simple fixes like changing a battery.

The importance of educating themselves is further enforced by Brad Holtkamp Automotive’ commitment to shutting down the shop for four days every March to take their four employees, plus themselves, to Kansas City, Missouri for training.

It has been difficult for many to fill vacant spots in their businesses and the Holtkamps are also experiencing that difficulty.

The small business is currently looking to add another automotive tech in their shop, but have found that fewer people are going into the skilled trades and that makes their search more difficult.

The Holtkamps are excited to attend the Small Business Luncheon Friday, May 6 where the Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber will announce the Small Business of the Year winner.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com