Evanston Auto Repair Shop's Ownership Returns To Family Roots

EVANSTON, IL — The husband and wife ownership team at Doc Able's Auto Clinic explain their simple philosophy for businesses success: Surround yourself with positive people, treat your employees as business partners, treat customers as guests in your home, don't hesitate to ask for help and the rest will take care of itself. In December 2014, Karen and Pete Rosquete took over the business at 936 Chicago Ave., and they aim to build on family traditions with the motto, “Taking Care Of Our Community, One Car At A Time.”

Pete said his venture into the auto repair business brought him full circle.

"I decided to get into the auto repair business after spending 28 years in corporate life and getting downsized," he said. "I am returning to my roots since this was the only business I knew growing up and enjoyed everything about it."

Rosquete said his dad owned three gas stations in Chicago. One of his earliest jobs was as a manager. Now, he and his wife aim to run the business with the same philosophy of honesty and integrity in customer service that his father imparted upon him.

"You will always find one of us at the business working to make your experience a more pleasant one," he said.

Originally, the business started back in the day as a tow truck company named "Able's Towing" – because it wanted to be first in the phone book. With time, it became an auto repair, tire and towing company, eventually changing its name to Doc Able's. Rosquete said it has been at its current location since 1991.

The married co-owners described the town as "full of life," saying they enjoy everything that Evanston has to offer.

"We love the hustle and the bustle of the city. The neighbors are warm and welcoming," Pete said. "The history that Evanston offers amazes us always."

The company donates its mechanical expertise and supports a variety of organizations in Evanston, including sponsoring sports teams, school programs and nonprofit events. It also offers free oil changes for a year to some local nonprofits – and a service guarantee for customers.

"We’re sure there are other good auto repair shops out there but we will always greet you promptly, we will not sell you anything that you do not require, we will always charge you a fair price and we always stand behind our work," Rosquete told Patch. "In most cases our parts are warranted for two years or 24,000 miles. Some other shops just don't offer these amenities."

Rosquete said biggest challenge over the past three years has been notifying the public that the business is under new ownership, but overall the community has been very welcoming.

"Some people are still not aware of it yet," he said. "Slowly but surely the news is spreading and many new and old customers are coming back."

More information about Doc Able's Auto Clinic