Village Autoworks was founded by Rich Fearing, who started his career as a technician and opened his first shop in Roseville in 1983. With a strong foundation in hands-on experience, Rich built Village Autoworks on a commitment to expert auto care and exceptional customer service, earning a reputation as a trusted name in the community.
Shift Gears Toward a Rewarding Auto Repair Position
As part of the Straightaway family of brands, Village Autoworks stands out by doing things differently. While many auto repair shops focus solely on fixing cars, we prioritize people—both our customers and our team. We’ve built a reputation for treating customers with care and respect, earning their loyalty in an industry where trust is hard to come by.
Our bays are always full, thanks to the strong relationships we’ve built over the years, and our shops are clean, modern, well-lit, and stocked with the latest tools and technology to help you succeed. Unlike many shops where employees hop from one place to another, our teams stay because we’ve developed a strategy that supports and values our employees, resulting in higher retention rates than most shops. If you’re looking for a place where you can grow, make a real impact, and work alongside a team that truly cares, Village Autoworks is the place for you.
Join one of our trusted brands and experience the best of both worlds: the close-knit feel of a local family business and the career growth opportunities of a larger-scale company. See how our production, customer service, and support teams work together to create a seamless experience for you and your future.
Our Commitment to You: Employee Benefits
Working in the auto repair industry with Straightaway means more than just a paycheck—it’s about building a career with a company that values you. In addition to health, dental, and vision benefits, all Straightaway family of brand employees receive a 401(k) with company match and the following:
Meet the Village Autoworks Team
Rich Fearing serves as the Brand President of Village Autoworks, founded in 1983. In his role, he ensures seamless operations, mentors staff to cultivate a strong customer-first culture, and plans for sustainable growth while addressing industry challenges.
Rich grew up in Oakdale, Minnesota, and now lives on a horse farm in Stillwater. Rich and his wife, Donna, have been married since 1976. Together, they have three children: Briana (45), Calvin (37), and Nicholas (35). They are also proud grandparents to Olivia (16), Ava (14), and Eden (9 months). Their family is rounded out by Milah, a lively 3-year-old golden retriever who keeps everyone entertained.
In his free time, Rich enjoys tinkering on his farm and working on the hot rods he has built. The garage is his sanctuary, where time slips away, and he finds peace in the work.
For Rich, the most rewarding part of his career has been witnessing the growth of Village Autoworks into a business that not only repairs vehicles but transforms lives. Seeing customers place their trust in the company across generations and watching employees evolve into leaders fuels his passion for the business.
The Perks Don’t Stop There
We go the extra mile to support our team both inside and outside of the shop. We believe in investing in our people, which is why we provide access to top-tier training and guidance. You’ll even get one-on-one time with the best service advisor trainer in the country! He’s part of our team full-time, ready to help you perfect your skills in selling the work and moving the parts with confidence.
On top of that, you’ll have access to expert investment advisors who can help you maximize your 401(k) and stock investments, guaranteeing you’re making the best financial decision for you and your family.
As if that weren’t enough, we offer a 24/7 employee assistance program that provides confidential counseling, advice, and resources on everything from legal and financial matters to health and wellness, work-life balance, and emotional support. Think of it as a go-to source for just about anything you need to feel supported and valued.
Current Available Positions
We understand that skills can be taught and experience comes with time. What we truly value is attitude. We’re looking for individuals who bring professionalism, confidence, and a friendly, positive approach to everything they do. If you can speak to your past experiences, show us your willingness to learn, and demonstrate a great attitude, you’re the kind of person we want on our team. We’d love for you to come in, take a tour of our shop, and see for yourself if it’s the right fit for you.