Brad’s Auto Repair starts strong in Coldstream
Coldstream and area residents now have a new place to bring their vehicles after the previous garage, owned by Larry Foster, changed hands earlier this year.
In its place stands Brad’s Auto Repair, across from the Coldstream Convenience Store, which opened its doors on Oct. 6 and is already turning wrenches and heads.
The new owner, Brad Adams, has carried this dream for years.
“It’s been a lot of hard work,” said the Windsor native, who now calls the Hartland area home.
That work began with the submission of a business plan through the Community Business Development Corporation (CBDC). The plan went through cleanly, though Adams mentioned that “the big bunch of paperwork” and a postal strike delayed things longer than expected.
Now 33, Adams says the early days have been encouraging.
“Yup, she’s busy,” he told the River Valley Sun.
The business owner and father of two, aged nine and seven, says his goals extend beyond the paycheck.
“I’m here, of course, to make a good living for my kids, but I’m also here for the community. I might do some fundraising for minor hockey, and eventually give someone an opportunity like Jake (Jacob Armour of JMA Service) gave me.”
Adams credits much of his know-how to that mentorship.
“I’m very thankful for what Jake did for me,” he said.
The town has noticed.
Hartland’s Director of Communications and Development, Michelle Derrah, said the opening drew a great response.
“Brad’s Auto Repair had garnered positive comments on our post announcing the opening,” she said. “It’s great to see Brad’s new shop taking its place. Having access to these services in our rural communities is so important.”
In the weeks since, Adams has been building a steady rhythm of work and a base of customers. The shop operates Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., providing comprehensive auto repair services. Vehicle inspections are expected to start next month.
For Adams, though, it’s more than a business plan in progress — it’s an opportunity to give back to the community something essential to small-town life.
“I’ve got big plans for this. I knew what this place could be — and what it’s going to be,” he said.
