Grease, Grit, and Growth: A Journey into Auto Repair Entrepreneurship
Tucked along the scenic Peggy’s Cove Road in Seabright, Nova Scotia, Seabreeze Garage Ltd. is quickly becoming a local mainstay for reliable auto repair and community-first service. Opened in August 2023, the garage may be relatively new, but its story is rooted in experience, passion, and a strong sense of place.
Founded and operated by Andrew Turner, a seasoned technician with over a decade in the automotive industry, Seabreeze Garage was born out of a desire for something more personal and meaningful. After years working in varied roles for major dealerships in the Halifax region – and starting a family – Andrew began to envision a new path.
“There comes a point where you hit the ceiling, and you start thinking, ‘Am I going to be proud of this story when I’m 65?’” he says. “I was building someone else’s wealth, commuting an hour each way, and I just thought, there has to be another way.”
That “other way” turned out to be a small but storied building in Seabright, which had been operating as a garage since 1968. When the previous owners decided to move on, Andrew saw a rare opportunity – not only to start a business of his own, but also to continue the legacy of a community institution. “A lot of people were happy to see the garage stay open,” he explains. “We’ve had a ton of positive feedback from longtime residents who appreciated that it didn’t just disappear.”
A Business Built on Trust
Seabreeze Garage provides a full suite of auto repair services, with seasonal work such as tire changes, motor vehicle inspections, and summer car prep being particularly popular. While the shop services a wide range of vehicles, Andrew’s years of experience with Toyota brands have earned him a loyal following of Toyota owners from across the province – even as far afield as Digby.
“We’ve had customers drive almost three hours to bring their cars here,” he says. “That kind of loyalty – it really humbles you.”
In an era where customer trust is everything, Andrew emphasizes the importance of honest, transparent service. “Everybody makes mistakes once in a while,” he admits. “But we own them, and people really appreciate that. One thing I’ve learned is that there’s a big difference between being good at fixing cars and being a good businessperson; we really try to be both.”
His philosophy has paid off. Many customers bring in not just one car, but several—from the family minivan to a vintage Chevy or a new diesel truck. As Andrew puts it, “One car can turn into 10 really easy if you treat people right.”
From Humble Beginnings to Future Expansion
The early days of Seabreeze Garage weren’t without challenges. Renovating the customer office space—a formerly neglected area—was a major undertaking, done on a shoestring budget with personal savings. But it’s now a point of pride. “It doesn’t help us fix cars, but it helps people feel welcome and helps us present ourselves professionally. I get a compliment on it almost every week.”
Staffing has been another hurdle, but one met with care. Andrew now employs a service advisor with deep roots in hard, honest work, and an apprentice technician who has impressed everyone with her skill and reliability.
Looking ahead, Andrew hopes to expand the garage to accommodate more service bays and perhaps hire an additional Red Seal technician. “We need to grow,” he says. “We’re already at capacity with just two people. But I want to do it the right way – sustainably.”
CBDC Support and Community Connection
Andrew credits much of his successful start to the help he received from CBDC Blue Water, which provided financing and guidance during the business’s early stages. “Annie was extremely approachable and helpful. For someone who doesn’t come from a family of entrepreneurs, that made a huge difference.”
Andrew put his CBDC loan to work very quickly, using it as a down payment on the garage building. At the same time, he invested personal savings in other equipment that allowed him get the shop up and running in short order.
Seabreeze Garage isn’t just a business – it’s a community asset. As Andrew sees it, “People appreciate having options close to home. We’re not just fixing cars. We’re giving people a sense of trust, comfort, and reliability.”
With deep roots in experience, a strong community ethic, and eyes on the future, Seabreeze Garage is proving that small-town values and top-tier service make a winning combination.