Our Team in Plainfield, IL
More Than Wrenches: The 59 Auto Repair Family
At 59 Auto Repair, we're not just fixing cars, we're building a team that feels like family. We believe in fostering a culture of:
- Expertise: We're a bunch of gearheads who are passionate about cars and staying ahead of the curve. Continuous learning and ASE certifications are encouraged!
- Collaboration: We work together, not just side-by-side. From technicians to advisors, we tackle challenges and celebrate successes as a team.
- Respect: We value open communication and appreciate everyone's unique skills and perspectives.
- Community: We're proud to be part of Plainfield and give back whenever we can. We support local causes and believe in treating our customers like neighbors.
- Growth: We invest in our team's development, both professionally and personally. You're not just a cog in the machine here; you have room to grow and succeed.
- Honest Communication, Every Time: We believe in treating customers with respect. That means clear explanations of repairs, fair pricing, and open communication throughout the process.
- A Family You Choose: We work hard, but we also know how to have fun. At 59 Auto Repair, you'll find a supportive and collaborative work environment where everyone feels valued.
Ashley Brauer
Accountant
Meet Ashley Brauer, the brilliant mind keeping everything perfectly balanced behind the scenes as our Accountant at 59 Auto Repair! Ashley ensures that all the numbers add up, playing a crucial role in the smooth and efficient operation of our business. She brings precision and expertise to her work, making sure everything is in tip-top financial shape. When Ashley closes the books for the day, her life is anything but mundane! She's a huge fan of traveling, always eager to explore new places and create lasting memories. Her absolute favorite destination? The dazzling lights and endless excitement of Las Vegas! At home, Ashley is a true animal lover, sharing her space and her heart with her lively crew of three cats and two dogs. And for a touch of classic cool, Ashley proudly owns a stunning 1965 Mustang, a true testament to her appreciation for timeless automotive beauty. Ashley's meticulous nature, adventurous spirit, and classic taste make her an invaluable and fascinating part of the 59 Auto Repair team!
Jim Rath
Service Advisor
Say hello to Jim Rath, one of our awesome Service Advisors at 59 Auto Repair! Jim's your go-to guy for making sure your car's in tip-top shape, always ready with a friendly smile and clear advice that cuts through the confusing car talk. He’s all about making your visit smooth, easy, and even a little enjoyable. When he's not helping customers navigate the world of car care, Jim's got a seriously cool lineup of hobbies! He's a true music lover who enjoys playing guitar and soaking in good tunes – maybe he's even got a repair playlist! His heart for animals shines through in his dedication to training his rescue dogs, giving them a happy, loving home (and probably teaching them some pretty neat tricks!). And if you're looking for him on a sunny day, chances are you'll find Jim unwinding in his lush backyard. He's got a green thumb, meticulously tending to his vibrant vegetable and flower gardens, and finding peace by his serene koi pond. Jim brings that same meticulous care and calm energy to every customer interaction at 59 Auto Repair, making him a truly unique and valued member of our team!
Marisa Brauer
Service Advisor
Meet Marisa Brauer, one of our fantastic Service Advisors here at 59 Auto Repair! Marisa's not just great at explaining why your car's making that funny noise; she's got a knack for making sure you leave with a smile, feeling totally clued in and confident about your ride. Her friendly vibe and straight-talk make getting your car serviced actually, dare we say it, enjoyable! When Marisa clocks out, her adventurous side kicks into high gear. She's a total globetrotter, always dreaming up her next big travel adventure. And at home, it's a full house – she's a proud parent to three purr-fect cats and two playful pups, proving her huge heart for animals. If you can't find her at the shop or planning a trip, chances are she's soaking up the excitement at a live sporting event, belting it out at a concert, or getting swept away by a story at a play. Marisa brings that same zest for life right here to 59 Auto Repair, making her an awesome part of our team!
Jeff Kowalski
Technician
Meet Jeff Kowalski, one of the expert hands bringing vehicles back to life here at 59 Auto Repair! As an Automotive Technician, Jeff's got the skills to tackle everything from tricky noises to precision repairs, ensuring your ride is running safely and smoothly. He's passionate about getting to the root of a problem and making sure every fix is done right. But when Jeff isn't under the hood, he's definitely out enjoying the good life! You might find him cooling off and catching some rays while tubing down the river – talk about relaxing! His love for all things automotive extends beyond the shop; he's a big fan of car shows, especially those laid-back cruise nights where he can soak in the classic chrome and cool rides. And no matter what he's up to, you can bet Jeff loves hanging out with good friends, sharing laughs and making memories. Jeff brings that same dedication, detail, and easygoing spirit to every job at 59 Auto Repair, making him a truly valued member of our team!
Linda Brauer
Owner
Meet Linda Brauer, the incredible owner who steers the ship here at 59 Auto Repair! Linda is the heart and soul behind our commitment to exceptional service and a truly welcoming environment. She brings dedication and passion to every aspect of the business, ensuring that 59 Auto Repair feels like family to both our team and our customers. When Linda steps away from the garage, her world is just as vibrant! Her greatest joys come from her family, as she absolutely loves being a mother and grandmother, cherishing every moment with her loved ones. You'll often find her outside, indulging in her green thumb, as she adores tending to her beautiful flowers and productive vegetable gardens. And for true relaxation and fun, Linda embraces the serenity and excitement of lake life – whether it's enjoying the calm waters or soaking up the sun. Linda's warmth, dedication, and love for life truly shine through, making her the wonderful leader and spirit of 59 Auto Repair!
Ian Kasner
Technician
Meet Ian Kasner, one of the skilled Automotive Technicians at 59 Auto Repair who's got a knack for getting your vehicle purring like new! Ian is all about making sure every repair is done right, ensuring your ride is safe and reliable for the long haul. He's a craftsman under the hood, committed to excellent service. When Ian's not busy expertly maintaining and repairing vehicles, his life is full of fun and family! He's a huge fan of the outdoors and competition, often found out on the course enjoying a round of disc golf. But his biggest joy is being a proud dad to his daughter, Chloe – she's definitely his favorite co-pilot! And for anyone who loves a good riff, you'll want to chat with Ian about his serious passion for music. He's a huge Iron Maiden fan, so don't be surprised if you hear a classic metal anthem floating from his workspace! Ian brings that same dedication, focus, and passion to every job at 59 Auto Repair, making him a truly rockin' member of our team!
Mike Fukar
Technician
Alright, gather 'round for Mike Fukar's bio... though if Mike were writing this, it'd probably just say, "I fix cars. The end." Because let's be honest, our amazing Diagnostic Technician dislikes bios! But we insist, because Mike is the wizard behind the curtain at 59 Auto Repair, the guy who can sniff out that mysterious rattle or "check engine" light no one else can figure out. He’s got a superpower for pinpointing precisely what's ailing your ride, getting you back on the road with confidence. When he's not busy decoding automotive mysteries, Mike knows how to kick back. You'll find him trading wrench time for laughs at comedy shows or soaking in the good vibes at concerts. And for a more chill evening, he's probably unwinding with a great movie. So, while Mike might prefer the quiet hum of a perfectly running engine to talking about himself, we think his sharp mind, diagnostic prowess, and fun-loving spirit make him an indispensable (and secretly very cool) part of the 59 Auto Repair family!
Rich Brauer
Owner and ASE World Class Technician
Meet Rich Brauer, the highly esteemed ASE World Class Technician at 59 Auto Repair! Rich isn't just an automotive expert; he's achieved one of the highest levels of certification in the industry, meaning he's got the unparalleled knowledge and skill to tackle virtually any challenge your vehicle throws his way. He's the go-to guru for complex issues, ensuring top-tier diagnostics and repairs every single time. But beyond the impressive credentials, Rich is a man of many passions! His greatest joy comes from his family, as he absolutely loves being a father and grandfather, cherishing those precious moments. When he's not busy mastering automotive systems, Rich channels his creativity into hands-on projects. He has a fascinating talent for pottery, shaping clay into beautiful creations. And it's not just pottery; Rich has a general love for building or making things, constantly putting his ingenious mind and skilled hands to work on various projects. Rich's blend of world-class technical prowess and his warm, creative spirit make him an extraordinary and truly valued member of the 59 Auto Repair family!
Dave Matel
Service Manager
Meet Dave Matel, the legendary Service Manager here at 59 Auto Repair! If there's a trick to keeping things running smoothly and customers happy, Dave's mastered it. He’s the maestro orchestrating our top-notch service bay, making sure your car gets the VIP treatment it deserves. But here's where it gets really fun: Beyond the wrenches and diagnostic tools, Dave's life is packed with awesome stories. For starters, he's a true romantic, celebrating 46 years of marriage to the same amazing woman – now that's dedication! When he's not leading our team, you'll find him knee-deep in his passion for two wheels. Dave doesn't just ride custom motorcycles; he builds them from scratch, proudly shows them off, and even judges them! Talk about an expert eye for detail, both on and off the road. And if you're looking for vacation tips, Dave's your guy. He's a seasoned traveler, having escaped to the paradise of Maui a whopping six times! Clearly, he knows a thing or two about finding the good life. Dave brings that same blend of wisdom, precision, and passion to every vehicle that comes through 59 Auto Repair, making him an invaluable and incredibly cool part of our family.
Kneco Gray
Technician
Meet Kneco Gray, one of the incredibly talented Automotive Technicians here at 59 Auto Repair! Kneco is all about making sure your car is in top-notch condition, focusing on precise repairs and maintenance that keep you safely on the road. He brings a sharp eye for detail and a steady hand to every task under the hood. When Kneco's not expertly wrenching on vehicles, his interests take a fascinating turn! He's a true outdoorsman at heart, with a deep love for fishing – patiently waiting for that perfect catch. Back at home, things get a little more... scaly! Kneco has a unique passion for exotic reptiles, and is a proud owner of four snakes, showing a calm and patient nature that probably helps with tricky car repairs too! And if you really want to get him talking, ask him about his dream ride: he's a huge fan of classic cars and would absolutely love to own a vintage 50's Chevy Truck, especially a stepside model. Kneco's diverse passions and calm demeanor make him a truly unique and valued part of the 59 Auto Repair team!
James Horvath
Service Advisor
Meet James Horvath, one of the awesome Service Advisors who keeps things rolling smoothly here at 59 Auto Repair! James is your go-to for straightforward answers and a refreshingly clear approach to car care. He's got a knack for making sure you understand exactly what your vehicle needs, without any confusing jargon, so you can make confident decisions. When he's not busy making your auto service experience a breeze, James is all about staying active and soaking up good vibes. You can bet he's either putting in work at the gym, hitting the road for an invigorating bike ride, or lost in the moment at a live concert. James brings that same focused energy and appreciation for rhythm to every customer interaction, making him a super approachable and vital part of the 59 Auto Repair crew!
Monte Chambers
Monte brings a strong sense of family, an adventurous spirit, and a love for good companionship to everything he does. As the oldest of five siblings, Monte naturally leads the pack, bringing a reliable and steady energy to his busy family circle. That same energy drives his love for travel, as he’s always looking for the next destination to explore, new cultures to experience, and fresh perspectives to bring back home. Whether he’s planning his next big trip or enjoying time closer to home, Monte is rarely far from his favorite companion—his dog, Mac. Together, the pair are always ready for the next adventure, big or small.
Archie Prado
Archie is an adventure-seeker with a sharp sense of humor and a deep love for live entertainment, sports, and great food. When it comes to a good time, Archie thrives on the energy of the crowd. He’s a big fan of live performance, frequently catching concert tours and comedy shows to keep life entertaining. A dedicated sports fan, he also enjoys putting a little skin in the game with a sports bet, adding an extra layer of excitement to every match. One of Archie’s favorite ongoing traditions is taking his love for baseball on the road: he is currently on a mission to visit every professional baseball stadium in the country to watch his beloved Chicago Cubs play, creating unforgettable memories alongside his son. To round it all out, Archie is a true foodie who never misses an opportunity to seek out local flavors, iconic eateries, and hidden culinary gems wherever his travels take him.
Bryan Mathre
Bryan brings a passion for classic style, the great outdoors, and sports history to everything he does. When he isn't busy, you can usually find him pursuing one of his favorite pastimes. A true classic car enthusiast, Bryan has a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship, design, and timeless power of vintage automobiles. Beyond the garage, he is an avid outdoorsman who finds his stride in nature, whether that means rising early for a hunting trip or spending a quiet day fishing on the water. Bryan is also a dedicated sports collector with a keen eye for detail. His collection of sports cards and memorabilia spans iconic moments and legendary athletes, reflecting his lifelong love of the game and its history. Whether he’s working on a classic ride, tracking wildlife, or hunting down the next rare card for his collection, Bryan brings dedication, curiosity, and genuine enthusiasm to all of his passions.