From left: Ken Pace, Howard Winters, Jon Bukowski, Jim Shirley, Rob Soler, Cory Pace, Tom Newmann, Bob Pace
Pace’s Tire & Service Center is the oldest family-owned business on South Robert Street in West St. Paul
Third generation Bob & Ken Pace are the present owners of the gas station and automotive business started in 1960 by their father and grandfather, Dave and Chuck Pace.
Brothers Bob & Ken, who bought the business 7 years ago, know the business from top to bottom having grown up assisting with everything from sweeping floors and pumping gas, to learning all about “what’s under the hood.”
Both brothers graduated from technical college after high school to become ASE certified auto mechanics and have been working at the shop as full time mechanics since the mid-1980’s.
From Pace’s humble beginnings, they are now proud to offer a myriad of services including tire sales and electronic diagnostics.
They offer full service at the pumps, window washing and tire pressure checks, as well as excellent bumper-to-bumper auto work on foreign and domestic vehicles. Ken says, “We do it all except paint the car.”
According to Bob, “The customer can come in and get everything done.”
The shop has state-of-the-art equipment to take care of repairs of computer technology such as anti-lock brakes or doors and windows. “Pace’s spends thousands of dollars a year on equipment and training. Our goal
is for our customers to be comfortable in knowing we can handle everything, even the high-tech maintenance.”
Because of their superior work and family orientation, the business continues to grow. Bob says, “Our eight employees deal with the third and fourth generation of those helped in the beginning by our father and grandfather.”
Jim Shirley, new service writer/manager, is a welcome addition to the staff at Pace’s. Jim has been in the automotive industry for 30 years, is ASE master certified, and is well versed in all aspects of vehicle repair and maintenance. A West St. Paul resident for over 30 years, he can help assure Pace’s customers continuing excellence in customer service.
This outstanding service commitment is the reason Pace’s stays so busy. That credit goes to the entire staff for their dedication to customer service and their efforts to take care of people. Their commitment is the reason Pace’s Tire & Service Center remains separate from all the big name auto shops.
“Pace’s owners are there all day, every day and if there are any problems we stand behind everything we do.” says Ken. “We enjoy working with our customers. They are our business and we want to keep our family tradition of doing only our best to serve them.”