The year 2010 marked several changes in the business landscape of Mapleton Township – and Dippel’s Family Garage was no exception.
The garage, located at 24 Wellington Street in Drayton, was taken over that year by new owners Dave and Eliza Dippel, who purchased the former Lambert’s Garage. Having vacationed at Conestogo Lake since he was a child, Dave was familiar with the area and finally fulfilled a lifelong dream of owning his own business and living in a small town.
Originally from Waterloo, Dave graduated top of his class in 2005. From there, he went on to work at a dealership in the city, gaining the valuable business and practical experience necessary to springboard him into his own shop. He immediately recognized the importance of offering complete care to the community, including everything from mechanical repairs and maintenance such as tune ups, brakes, tires and balancing, to oil spraying, exhaust systems and custom pipe bending. The garage also specializes in fuel injection and air conditioning maintenance. Recently Dippel’s added an in-shop inventory to better service their customers’ needs. They now offer oil and oil filters, windshield wiper blades, lawn tractor tubes, car air fresheners and other car care related items available to purchase at competitive pricing.
It’s a steady investment of time and commitment that has made Dippel’s Family Garage a successful business in Mapleton.
“It’s important to us to be able to offer residents of Mapleton Township superior service and quality repairs at fair pricing, without having to leave town,” said Dave. “Just because we are rural doesn’t mean we can’t offer comparable – if not even better – service and pricing than the city.” Dippel’s Family Garage charges just $29.95 (plus taxes) for an oil change.
In the first year, Dave initially worked alone, but with growth and success, Eliza soon joined, taking over the administrative aspects of the business, freeing time for both of them to enjoy more time with their children, Isaac and Luke.
In addition to Dave and Eliza, Dippel’s Family Garage also employs mechanic Douglas Lawrence and apprentice Trevor Vandenberg. Expansion and changes are on the horizon as well. Upgrades to the showroom and building exterior have made Dippel’s Family Garage more aesthetically pleasing in the downtown core.
The Dippels love the warm and welcoming atmosphere of Mapleton and were not hesitant about joining on as members of the Drayton Legion. Eliza also serves as secretary for the Drayton Mapleton Agricultural Society. Community and teamwork are foundational principals for the Dippels, so it is easy to see why they’ve fit so well into the community. It will be exciting to see what lies in store for them as a family and as a business.
Business hours are Monday to Friday, 8am to 5:30pm; and Saturdays 8am to noon. Call 519-638-2950 or visit 24 Wellington St. in Drayton.
