Kate Stockford learned how to change a tire on her 16th birthday, the same day she got her driver’s license.
“My dad said if you’re going to drive you’d better know how to change a tire and check your oil,” says Stockford, who also knows how to replace some gaskets, tune-up most cars and a whole lot more. She’s a mechanic and co-owner with Brad Minchin at Your Neighbourhood Automotive Repair Shop located at 2596 Pandora St.
Stockford met Minchin when he worked at an auto wrecker business in Nelson. She worked in reception at a spa and rented equipment at the ski hill. When her mother was diagnosed with cancer they moved to Vancouver, took over the repair shop and soon built a solid reputation in the Hastings-Sunrise neighbourhood. (This writer is a loyal customer.)
“I was so worried that it wouldn’t be a success, but Brad was confident that we were making the right decision,” Stockford says. “I wasn’t concerned though about how people would react — being a female in a male-dominated industry can be difficult.”
Before moving to Vancouver, Stockford wanted to get into some kind of trade she could depend upon, that came with a decent salary. She enrolled in a Women in Trades program at Selkirk College in Nelson, which offered a basic overview of careers, from carpentry to mechanics.
“I had a ’94 Toyota Forerunner that I brought into the shop as part of the course,” Stockford says. “My teacher said the valve cover was leaking so I took it apart, changed the gasket and put it back together. That’s when I knew that I was going to be a mechanic — I felt empowered.”
These days Stockford drives a 1965 Chevelle and a 1966 Ford F100 truck with the company logo. Weekends with friends she takes her Yamaha TTR 4-stroke dirt bike trail riding on logging roads around B.C.
After Stockford completed the program, Minchin taught her pretty much all she needed to know. She doesn’t get into electrical diagnostics or internal engine issues — tune-ups and oil changes, handling finances and customer service keeps her busy.
“Sometimes a male customer dropping off his car for the first time looks at me and asks where the boss is, ‘You’re looking at her,’ I’ll reply and I usually get a laugh from them. I’m just as qualified as Brad to give a quote.”
As for female reactions, Stockford says they love that there’s a woman here, it makes them comfortable and they trust her quote.
“I’ve been on the other side, where some mechanics figure you don’t know much about your engine so why bother explaining. I’ve felt intimidated and maybe taken advantage of, I’ve gone into some auto shops with Brad and got the brush-off.”
Stockford’s mother was really proud of her daughter when she started the business and her dad often drops by to make sure they’re busy.
“He pokes around and gives me advice — that I have to stop buying trucks and dirt bikes and save for a house,” she says, laughing.
Stockford advises women to learn more about their vehicles.
“Start with an oil change. Ask your dad or watch a video on YouTube. Know where your spare tire is and check your oil at the gas pump, if you run out of oil, your engine is toast. If you’re going on a road trip, you’ll feel secure knowing how to change a flat. And you, too, will feel empowered.”
And if you are passionate about cars and motorcycles, Stockford suggests you check out an automotive technician career. “You just need confidence and don’t let anyone push you around. Be strong and assertive, and don’t worry about getting your hands dirty.”
A customer chimes in and suggests we get a photo of Stockford’s hands.
“She gets her fingernails dirty,” says Donny.
She also gets regular manicures and pedicures.
Your Neighbourhood Automotive Repair Shop has been serving customers in Hastings-Sunrise and beyond since the 1940s and Stockford intends to keep it going for a few more decades.
“This is an awesome business and I feel fortunate to be in this neighbourhood,” she says.
