04/09/2023
Steinhauer Automotive will be closing its doors on April 14th. While I am sad to write these words, it has been a privilege to serve the community over the past 14 years.
When my dad passed away he left behind a loving family and a great business, with an even greater reputation because of his knowledge and commitment to community, his family, and our technicians. Less than 12 hours after his passing, my mom, brother, grandma, our technicians (Dennis, Jeremy, Sabastian, and Wyatt) and I were at the counter and in the shop willing to help every customer that came through the door. Despite our tremendous loss and pain, we never stopped putting our customers needs first.
What my mom has accomplished in the past year and a half is beyond inspiring. As a grieving widow she was a great mom, a woman running an automotive shop, she never took a day off, never had a moment to herself, broke records every month at the shop, and finished with the best year we’ve ever had.
If you were to ask my mom how we made it the last year and a half, and how she accomplished the things that she has, just as my dad would - she’ll say it’s because the community came together to support her and our family. She’ll say it wasn’t her, it was all of us. She’ll tell you she’s grateful for all of the opportunities, business, and support. However, the success of the last year has come with a price, and lots of sacrifices.
Ultimately, our family made it through the past year and half running on prayer. Praying constantly. We weren’t trying to be successful or inspiring, we were trying to survive the grief.
Thankfully, my dad taught us all everything we needed to know. He taught mom about vehicles and how to run the business, he taught me how to run the counter throughout the last fourteen years of school vacations, and he taught Chad what it means to be a businessman of integrity. Our family and community have kept us going. Our commitment to each other has kept us going.
Dad said if anything ever happened to him, we should close the doors immediately because he knew how stressful this all is when at full capacity, before dealing with loss.
The time has come to take care of ourselves and our family. The stress of closing has been just as great as staying open. We love our customers, many now friends, but we need to do what’s right for us and what dad told us to do. It’s going to be really hard to walk out the door for the very last time but what will be even harder is to walk out the door without our dad and husband. This business and being there for all of you was his dream, and despite the hard work, long hours, and stress; he truly loved being here. I know he would be proud of us for persevering and everything that we have accomplished with integrity at the heart of it.
Again, with heartfelt appreciation, thank you. For 14 years. For supporting our family. Thank you Barncraft, for leasing us your building. Thank you to Dan, for offering to help with the maintenance of the building when we said we’d be closing a few months back.
What an amazing opportunity to be a part of. Sincerely & truly, the Steinhauer family!
Jadine Steinhauer
Samantha Steinhauer (France)
Chad Steinhauer
Here’s to a new beginning and what a perfect day to post.
Easter -✝️
