Willands Tech Auto has been part of the Ferndale experience on the very same street corner where it all started in 1937. That’s when Olve Willand opened the only auto repair shop in Ferndale.
Rent was $15.00 per month, car batteries $3.00 and gas just 10 cents a gallon. It grew out of the Willand family run gas station across the street, eventually adding an auto parts store and of course Willands Garage, all sharing the intersection of 3rd and Vista. Then in 1963, young Ron Willand joined the family business and started working at Willands Garage for his Dad. Within two years he purchased the auto-repair business and gradually updated and expanded over the decades into the state of the art facility you see today.
As one of the longest running family owned businesses in Whatcom County, our Willand family has seen many changes and incredible growth over the last 80 years. The same has been true of the generations of families and tens of thousands of cars we’ve had the privilege of caring for. From the simple basic early model engines to high performance muscle cars of the 60s and 70s, then to more fuel and safety conscious cars, on to today’s complex gas, electric and hybrid computerized engines.
Keeping up with technology and the times is what has kept customers loyal for eight decades. It includes building one of the best and most versatile pit crews in the business. We have Lead Technician Christopher Atkinson, an ASE certified technician graduating with honors from UTI, specializing in Japanese and European imports and factory trained by Volvo and Nissan. He also specializes in high end luxury vehicles as well as metal fabrication. Technician Spike Anderson is also ASE certified and brings 30 years of experience specializing in a/c diagnostics and repair, engine, transmission and preventative maintenance. Service Writer Trent Mast helps provide superior customer service and a caring attention to you and your vehicle. Of course, Ron Willand can still be found turning wrenches as well, with over 60 years of vast experience on nearly every major make and model ever made. Then there’s Ron’s daughter (keeping the garage testosterone in balance) our one and only office queen – Eileen answering your calls, greeting you with a smile and representing the 3rd generation of our family here at Willands.
We’d like to thank this community for such amazing support and trust for these past 80 years and we look forward to serving you and your cars for generations to come!
