STATE COLLEGE — They say big things come in small packages. That’s definitely the case with Karch Auto in State College.
At first glance, the shop, located at 827 S. Atherton St., looks like a relatively small operation. But Karch Auto has 37 employees and offers a wide variety of services.
First and foremost, Karch Auto is full-service garage, offering everything from oil changes to transmission, engine repair and body work. It also offers towing, roadside assistance and detailing services — just to name a few.
The location originally housed Walk’s Service Center. Roy and Angie Walk owned what many people simply referred to as Walk’s. Brad Karch purchased the business nearly four years ago. The name Karch Auto debuted in fall of last year.
“We’re a full-service garage,” Karch said. “We do it all. We just swapped an engine for someone. We do everything from oil changes all the way up to transmission work. You name it, we do it.”
The latest offering from Karch Auto is the detailing. There are several different packages car owners can choose from.
“We just started doing that. We brought in two professional detailers. I think we’re very competitive with our detailing prices,” Karch said.
According to Karch, the garage is an alternative to the dealership garage.
“Our goal is always to meet or exceed the customer’s expectations when they come in the door. We try to do our scheduling so that the people are not waiting weeks to get in.”
Of course, customers want their cars back quickly.
“We have guys who are willing to work overtime and weekends to get the job done,” Karch said.
According to general manager Shawn Packer, Karch Auto has that small-town garage feel. Drivers can feel good about taking their car there, he said.
“At this stage of the game, a lot are turning into corporate garages. We still believe in the family values and the family atmosphere of good old service,” said Packer. “The customer comes first. We try not to inconvenience them. And we try to treat them as if they were a member of our family”
Because some services take longer than others, Karch Auto offers shuttle rides for its customers.
With fall right around the corner, Karch knows it will be extremely busy soon.
“With the kids coming back into town and football starting … it’s definitely our busiest time of the year. Then you get into winter and the deer running and the body shop gets very busy in the winter.”
No matter what service a customer needs, Karch said that his staff can help.
“We want to be a one-stop shop,” he said. “That’s what we strive to be.”
The garage also offers Pennsylvania state inspections and will soon be doing title work.
“You’ll be able to get cars transferred here. You’ll be able to stop here for anything that has to do with your automotive needs.”
Karch Auto is open for business from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.
For more information, visit www.karchauto.com or call (814) 238-2886.
