For 64 years, Pat’s Automotive Center in Caribou, Maine, has been a cornerstone of the community, reliably serving vehicle owners with their repair needs. However, like many small businesses in the current economic climate, Pat’s Automotive is facing a challenging decision: how close doors auto repair shop when faced with insurmountable staffing issues? The family-owned business, led by Wayne and Mary Lee Belanger, along with their son Scott, announced they would be closing their doors on October 1st, marking the end of an era for this Main Street staple.
Pat's Automotive Center family deciding to close shop due to lack of employees
The primary reason behind this difficult choice isn’t a lack of customers – in fact, Mary Lee Belanger notes they are “always busy.” Instead, the closure is attributed to a dwindling pool of qualified auto repair technicians. Over the past two to three years, the Belangers have struggled to find skilled mechanics to join their team. They watched their employee count shrink from five, excluding the family, down to just themselves. While Scott Belanger was prepared to continue the legacy, the sheer workload without additional help proved unsustainable.
This situation at Pat’s Automotive reflects a wider trend, particularly in areas like Aroostook County, which are grappling with attracting and retaining younger workers in skilled trades. Mary Lee Belanger poignantly stated, “It’s sad. The younger generation is not getting into the work like they used to.” This sentiment echoes concerns raised at a forum in Presque Isle last year, which focused on the challenges of workforce shortages in the region.
Pat’s Automotive Center’s history in Caribou dates back to 1960 when Patrick Belanger and Alban Thibodeau established Al and Pat’s Sunoco at the very location they occupy today on 669 Main St. Wayne Belanger, Patrick’s son, took the reins in 1985, evolving the business into Pat’s Automotive, with Mary Lee and Scott joining the operation. The family has consistently adapted to the evolving automotive industry, expanding their services by adding three service bays and embracing automotive diagnostics to keep pace with technological advancements.
Ironically, these advancements in automotive technology are contributing to the technician shortage. As Mary Lee explained, “When we started, you used to change the exhaust, oil and tires, but now you also have diagnostics and electronics. Newer vehicles have many gadgets on them.” Modern vehicles demand a higher level of expertise and training from technicians, making it more difficult to find qualified individuals.
The Belangers’ proactive approach to securing the future of their business included listing the shop for sale last fall, hoping to find a buyer who would continue their legacy. The property is currently listed at $289,900. Their hope is to find someone who prioritizes customer care and embodies the values that have defined Pat’s Automotive for decades: honesty and fair treatment. As Mary Lee concluded, “Based on the feedback we’ve received [since announcing the closure], that’s what people liked. They trust us.” The story of Pat’s Automotive Center serves as a poignant example of how close doors auto repair shop not due to lack of demand, but due to the evolving challenges in the auto repair industry and the broader labor market.
