Local to open full service auto shop in Huntingdon
Between Dewittville resident Jon Van Horne and his wife Chantal Leblanc, the town of Huntingdon has experienced quite a facelift over the past decade. “Chantal and I are quite proud of our small town—we see things only getting better with small, local businesses opening up annually.” Set to open on March 23rd, Van Horne is eager to present his latest venture to the town—an auto shop dedicated to repairs, service and vehicle sales.
Originally from Howick, Van Horne is a long time local, having worked in Huntingdon throughout both high school and college. Van Horne isn’t new to the auto industry—as a teenager, he worked for Huntingdon Motors Inc. for five years until a car accident limited his mobility for a notable amount of time. While he went on to work in sales, and later, cabinetry, he still missed working with automotives, which brings him to today.
Van Horne’s visions have done much to improve the town. His efforts began with the exterior facelift of Leblanc Patates, owned by his wife Chantal Leblanc and her brother Jean Denis. Following that, he revamped the old Huntingdon Motors garage, turning it into a cabinetry shop and showroom, which was later sold to Carol Cote, who still owns the business today. The Huntingdon Motors lot was then transformed into an ice cream shoppe—a perfect location due to the incredible view of the old mill that the town of Huntingdon plays host to. Out of respect for his fellow business owner, Van Horne waited for the Frederick Dairy Bar to close before opening his own ice cream stand, which still honours the dairy bar’s original owner, Isabelle, by sporting the same name (Cremerie Frederick).
Van Horne didn’t stop there—he later renovated the old Bambou Bar, where Huntington’s Brasserie now takes up residence, run by Wayne McDowell. All of these projects were subject to aesthetic facelifts, and often, a complete overhaul of both the inside and outside of the buildings—including Van Horne’s most recent project— AutoFit.
When Van Horne heard that local Howard Welburn was retiring and that his garage was up for sale, he jumped at the opportunity. The building, which was opened as a garage in the forties, offered Van Horne the opportunity to return to a field that he loved—something that he had been interested in doing for some time.
The new venture, AutoFit, will present a one-stop shop for all automotive needs, in a beautiful environment—as Van Horne puts it, “The era of dirty old garages with peanut machines are a thing of the past.” The garage, which was designed and built entirely by locals, will provide the latest in technology, addressing the needs that newer cars require today. And Van Horne has an advantage—“Having dealt with many major tire manufacturers and distributors during my sales career, AutoFit is going to have a great price and selection on tires for both cars and trucks.” The garage has also partnered with Uniselect and the Huntingdon auto parts supplier, ensuring that AutoFit will be able to provide part warranties, as well as no charge for roadside assistance for clientele.
Van Horne’s latest project will also house a frame straightening machine and a complete downdraft paint booth, with a new water-based automotive paint system, allowing the garage to address accident repair. The garage will also be qualified for all insurance work. In the near future, Van Horne also hopes to offer pre-owned cars ands trucks for sale, purchased via leasing auction.
Officially open for the spring season, Van Horne will be offering fresh coffee and a shuttle service to visitors—as well as a few opening specials.