R & G Auto Center

Since opening in the mid-‘80s, R&G Auto Centre has become one of Pickering’s largest auto shops. But like many local and small businesses, it had humble beginnings. “R&G started out as a one-bay store across the street, actually,” explains office manager Leanne Paty. “It was small, but also took customer service seriously, like small businesses should. It helped the business grow and we eventually moved across the street to a much bigger location.”

The move may have been just across the street, but R&G has come a long way from the original small shop to its current large operation. The business now employs a team of four technicians and an apprentice; together, they can handle the needs of private and commercial customers alike, from the family sedan to the company truck. “I think we’re different from other auto shops because of our size and technology,” Leanne says. “When my husband Kirk started here after university, he helped expand and computerize the shop, so we have the resources to handle most problems, and the connections to outsource everything else,” she explains. “We even have a great software that can track when people will need to come in for regular maintenance. They don’t have to worry about it because we remember for them.”