The Beiler family’s presence in Fruitville, Florida, is deeply rooted, dating back to the mid-1960s when John Z Beiler acquired an Esso gas station at the corner of Cattlemen Road and Palmer Boulevard. This marked the beginning of Beiler’s journey in automotive service in the Fruitville community.
John juggled the responsibilities of managing the auto shop with the demanding schedule of a long-haul trucker, partnering to transport goods along the eastern coast. His early specialization in repairing Corvairs, vehicles often criticized at the time, showcased his dedication to tackling all types of automotive challenges. Ultimately, the decision to focus solely on the Esso station came after a memorable incident involving an 18-wheeler and a load of potatoes in Canada. John bought out his business partner and dedicated himself fully to the Fruitville auto repair shop.
John’s three sons, Danny, Steve, and John(S), grew up immersed in the Fruitville community and the family business. Their childhood in Pinecraft and education at Sarasota Christian School, a short bike ride from the station, meant their after-school hours and summer breaks were often spent at the gas station. They learned the ropes of customer service early on, pumping gas, cleaning windshields (a particularly challenging task during love-bug season in Florida!), checking tire pressure, and inspecting engine oil levels for customers. Danny humorously claims credit for inventing the gas cap tether, a result of frequently forgetting to replace gas caps after fill-ups.
In the late 1970s, the family temporarily relocated to South Carolina, leasing out the Fruitville gas station for five years. During this period, the station was rebranded as “Poor Ole’ LB’s” and, surprisingly, shifted its focus away from auto repair to selling fishing bait. However, the Beiler family’s connection to Fruitville and auto repair was strong. After five years, they returned to Sarasota, reclaimed the now Exxon-branded gas station, and resumed the auto repair services alongside adding self-service gas pumps.
Danny, Steve, and John formed a partnership, leasing the Exxon station from their father for the next five years. In 1986, a significant step forward was taken with the construction of a new, dedicated auto repair facility just a block west on Palmer Boulevard. This new venture was officially named Beiler’s Auto Repair, solidifying their commitment to comprehensive car care in Fruitville. Meanwhile, John(Z) renovated the original gas station, adding a deli and convenience store items, including beer, a decision that raised eyebrows within his church community. A few years later, John sold the gas station to Weeks Oil Company, his Exxon fuel distributor.
The new Beiler’s Auto Repair focused intently on providing a to z car repair services and tire sales, primarily Cooper tires sourced from Lanning Tire Sales. While all three brothers initially participated in repairs, Danny eventually transitioned to managing the office, while Steve and John concentrated on the hands-on repair work, alongside a growing team of employees.
Over the next 35 years, Danny became the sole owner of Beiler’s Auto Repair, buying out Steve and John. Today, Danny continues to manage the thriving a to z car repair shop in Fruitville, supported by two service advisors, an operations manager, and five skilled technicians. Beiler’s Auto Repair stands as a testament to family values, community commitment, and decades of expertise in providing reliable and comprehensive automotive services to the Fruitville, FL area. For all your car care needs, from routine maintenance to complex repairs, Beiler’s Auto Repair is your trusted local partner.
