Member of the month: Ken Breshears
Spotlight date: February, 2014
Ken Breshears, Keith’s Auto Repair, Redding, CA
In his own words:
"At 10 years of age my first job was detailing cars and working the pump island at my father’s Chevron service station during the summer. Later, when he became the AAA towing contractor for Shasta County, I would help the drivers on snow days and help the technicians during the summer. In high school I found employment in a restaurant and became a sous chef by age 18. By age 20 for many reasons I returned to the family business, a high volume Chevron station with a busy back room repair business. I became the manager by the end of that first summer, in 1983. The automotive repair business was changing and I was excited to learn all aspects of the industry, such as customer service, business management, new technologies and much more.In 1992 my father expanded and opened a general repair and smog check facility, Keith’s Auto Repair. I was still running the service station with lube bays and food mart. In 1995 I was sent to run the shop and increase sales. The shop was relocated in 1997 and on May 1, 1999 my wife and I bought Keith’s Auto Repair from my father.In 2001 during a membership drive I was approached to join ASCCA. I had learned it was important to support associations that would look out for my interests and be my VOICE. Chapter 99 did a very good job of providing informational general meetings covering important topics including hazardous waste, Bureau of Auto Repair, workers comp, CC processing, business management, labor laws and much more. I found friendships that have been very beneficial. Those who are not a business owner can never truly relate to the issues that we deal with daily; it has been a great comfort to have a group of businessmen and women who can relate to this ever-changing industry.In 2011 I was asked to become a board member, and reluctantly I agreed. Toward the end of that year our long-time chapter leader Steve Lustig became ill and I was asked to step in for a few months and organize a meeting or two. Steve was the one that made sure this chapter stayed together, and he is missed. I am presently in my third year as chapter president. I have a strong, stable board and continue to provide informative general meetings for our members.
The advice I would give to new members would be to take full advantage of our resources and members. Spending a little time once a month can help your personal and business life prosper."