How We Got Here
Look, starting an auto shop in Whitehorse wasn't exactly the easiest call. But somebody had to understand what -45°C does to a fuel line, and regular shops down south just don't get it.
Started Small
Just me and one bay. Focused on block heaters 'cause everyone needed 'em but nobody wanted to install 'em properly. Word spread pretty quick when trucks actually started in January.
Brought in the Crew
Expanded to three bays and hired Marcus and Jen. Both grew up here, both know what real cold does to vehicles. That local knowledge? Can't teach it from a manual.
Got Serious Equipment
Invested in proper diagnostic gear. Modern vehicles are basically computers on wheels now, and you can't fix what you can't read. Arctic conditions throw weird codes that stump city mechanics.
Fleet Services Launch
Mining companies and tour operators kept asking if we'd handle their fleets. Built a sixth bay specifically for larger rigs. Now we're maintaining everything from tour buses to haul trucks.
Still Going Strong
Six bays, eight techs, and we've seen pretty much every winter vehicle problem imaginable. From frozen diesel to cracked engine blocks, we've fixed it all. And we're not done yet.
Why We're Different
We don't just work on vehicles - we drive 'em through the same brutal conditions you do. When it's -40 outside and your truck won't turn over, you need someone who's been there, not someone reading from a southern manual.
Meet the Team
These folks keep your vehicles alive when Mother Nature's doing her worst. Each one's got stories about rescuing someone stranded at -50. That's just part of working up here.
Dave Henderson
Owner & Lead Technician
Been wrenching in the Yukon for 22 years. Moved here from Edmonton thinking I knew cold - learned real quick I didn't. Now I can diagnose a frozen fuel line just by listening to the crank.
Certifications:
- Red Seal Automotive Service Technician
- Arctic Climate Vehicle Specialist
- Advanced Diagnostics Certification
- Diesel Engine Systems Expert
Marcus Tanner
Senior Technician
Born and raised in Whitehorse. My dad taught me to change winter tires when I was 12. Specializing in electrical systems 'cause that's what fails first when it gets properly cold out there.
Certifications:
- Red Seal Automotive Technician
- Advanced Electrical Systems
- Cold Weather Battery Specialist
- Block Heater Installation Expert
Jennifer Cross
Winter Systems Specialist
Third generation Yukoner. My grandpa ran the old Shell station on 2nd Ave. I handle all the winterization work - if it's got antifreeze or needs rust protection, it's probably coming to my bay.
Certifications:
- Automotive Service Technician
- Brake Systems Specialist
- Rust Protection & Undercoating
- Winter Tire Installation Certified
Ryan Kowalski
Diagnostic Technician
Came up from Vancouver five years back. Thought I'd stay a year - still here. Modern vehicles throw weird codes in extreme cold. I've become pretty good at figuring out what's actually broken versus what's just frozen.
Certifications:
- Automotive Service Technician
- Master Diagnostic Specialist
- Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Certified
- Computer Systems Expert
Thomas Whitehorse
Fleet Maintenance Lead
Grew up in Old Crow - if you think Whitehorse gets cold, try living 800km north of here. Spent years maintaining equipment for hunting and trapping. Now I keep commercial fleets running through winter.
Certifications:
- Heavy Duty Equipment Technician
- Commercial Vehicle Inspector
- Fleet Maintenance Specialist
- Extreme Climate Operations
Sarah Mitchell
Apprentice Technician
Just finished my second year. Learning from the best in the business. Already fixed my first frozen fuel line solo last January - Dave says that's a rite of passage around here. Can't wait to earn my Red Seal.
Training & Progress:
- 2nd Year Apprentice - Red Seal Program
- Winter Tire Specialist Training
- Basic Diagnostics Certification
- Customer Service Excellence
What Actually Drives Us
Honestly? It's that moment when someone comes in with a dead truck at -45, stressed 'cause they gotta get to work or pick up their kids, and we get 'em back on the road in an hour. That's the job.
We're not here to upsell you stuff you don't need. Winter's hard enough without someone trying to pad your bill. We tell you what's actually wrong, what needs fixing now, and what can wait till spring. Straight talk, no nonsense.
Local Sponsors
We sponsor the Whitehorse minor hockey team and help out with the Yukon Quest every year. Gotta support the community that supports us.
Free Winter Checks
Every October we run free winter readiness checks for seniors and single parents. Takes 15 minutes and might save someone from being stranded.