11/13/2025
Congrats to our Small Business Persons of the Year! 🙌🤩🌀
In 1973, Sandberg’s started as a gas station backed by Standard Oil with a couple of employees and John Sandberg at the helm. Today, Ryan and Chris Sandberg are leading the towing and auto repair service center with 10 workers and family members as key components of the company’s team.
“Sandberg's was created by my dad, John, with humble beginnings as a gas station. I started working for my dad when I was 14 years old, and currently co-own Sandberg's with my brother, Chris,” Ryan said.
As the business evolved over the years, the first tow truck was added in 1975, and the gas station was dropped when the business was moved to its current Lincolnway location in 1998. Ryan and Chris took the lead when they bought out their father in 2017.
“Anyone can be an entrepreneur, but I believe to be successful and create longevity in a business, there are several key factors. A business plan and model are crucial to create a structured basis of which to grow from. An entrepreneur needs to believe in his or her vision, and embrace the journey which will most certainly have highs and lows. It's important to learn from each situation in order to make adaptive changes that will influence the business in a positive manner. Lastly, people will no doubt want to offer advice, so be willing to accept the bits and pieces which may fit your current business model, and don't be afraid to ask for help when warranted.” - Ryan Sandberg
