Rod Reisdorf is Mr. Best Wrench.
And he is the best because he does it all.

Many years ago, when Rod was a mechanic for Bluebird Coach Lines, he met and became friends with Swede Oun, ATE’s Training Instructor. So it was only natural that when Rod was ready to start his own business, Swede suggested he join the Auto Technology & Energy Group. Rod was a one-man shop and liked the idea of meeting others in his field. The meetings got him thinking about how to make a difference – how to change the public’s attitude that repair shops just want to keep taking your money. Rod believes that if you are honest with your clients about costs, time and service they will respect you. “That attitude has given me not only repeat customers, but now I’m fixing their kids’ cars . . . and it keeps going.” He says, “Be honest and upfront and they’ll be back.”

Mr. Best Wrench started in 1985 as a mobile repair service. Rod would come to your car and fix it right then and there. Then, in 1998, he bought his present, more permanent location on Grand Island. “I work one mile from home, so does my wife. Life is good,” says Rod. That would be his wife of 31 years, Mary, who is a French teacher Grand Island High School. They have three children. Some of you may know Adam, 26, a mechanic at Hettig’s Service. “He’s been there for five or six years,” says Rod, “but maybe someday, he’ll come work for me!” Rod, Jr., 29, promotes online college application software around the country for a company in Buffalo. And Rod cannot say enough about his daughter Jenny, 24, a sous pastry chef at a NY City restaurant owned by Daniel Boulud. How cool is that.

Even more exciting is the racing Rod has done in his life. He restores classic cars, like his ‘71 Camaro, and participates in autocross – a timed competition where drivers navigate through traffic cones, placing more emphasis on car handling and driver skill than on sheer horsepower. He does enjoy Track Days, though, when the track opens up to race cars like his. Rod was part-owner of late-model racecars for eleven years.

Rod Reisdorf joined the ATE Board of Directors about a year after becoming a member. It was Rod and Swede who initially started the ATE Tech Competition at the Trade Shows. As Vice President of the group, he continues to want to make a difference in how the industry is perceived. Businesses like those in our group are locally owned and operated by friends and neighbors: honest, hard-working businessmen offering good value for your money. Rod, Mr. Best Wrench, is a great example of what the Automotive Technology & Energy Group is about – the small shop that grows through hard work, involvement and caring.

Rod Reisdorf
vice president

Mr. Best Wrench
2401 Bedell Road
Grand Island, NY 14072
(716) 773-2989 phone

www.mrbestwrench.com
mrbestwrench@peoplepc.com
Member Since 1988