09/02/2026
To my Customers that i have has friends, thank you for 37yrs of memories. I think its now time to spend and be around the people who supported me the most but seen me the least my Family... Fred
Well its been a minute since i have been on our FB site . For the last 3 yrs i have watched a Young man build his crew and reajust to my stepping down after 37yrs working the floor with my Techs. The truth this body is wore out and put away wet.
I have tried to write this so many times but here we go . Starting in September Ryan has purchased the business from myself and Cindy he will continue to operate under Pickering Automotive has I feel he has done more to improve the shop than perhaps I did my last years. His Crew has skilled Veteran techs working. Ryan has been a part of our family since 2012 I have watched him grow threw so many situations to only and always come out on top. I needed Ryan back on Lyons when I was running the shop, wreckers and Commerial snow plowing I might have at least had one Vaction in 30yrs. Unlike most business owners they basicly look out for themselfs, I knew when I saw Ryan's skill set that the thought of the business continuing after I could no longer, he had some pretty bad Bosses /Owners and it was my goal over the 4 yrs I worked side by side with him is that I was not driven by money but my hopes for him was to see success and he has done that plus some. One proud Pops here. To his former Bosses you were not very smart for not seeing this mans abilty..
The thank you's are long but working this long of course there so imortant. First is my Mom and Dad who encourged me from a very young age "13" I think they knew sports were just not my bag, by 15 having a profitable small engine business allowed for gas and insurance in my car. My whole family has supported me . Next my High School Autoshop, Machine Shop and Welding teachers more so Mr Varga would help me excell even further. Next the US Army where I would work as a mechanic for 4 years, not college trust me, I received my education in the cities and the nation. A big thank you to EDS , GMI , Delta and Ferris State for providing me with the necessary school and training for the ever changing Automotive industry..
To all of our Customers in many cases second and third generation familys the first generation coming to the orginal shop... I have seen so much caring with so many of our customers I am greatful to have been able to serve you. More familys than I can count all starting in 1987 from the old shop it would continue to grow year after year. To me customers were family , during the time working with Ryan he fully understands what it took for the old man to get the business where it is now. Ryan possesses the same business sense I carried and he will continue. I will always be avaiable for him as he takes Pickering Automotive to a Second generation... I love everyone of you and thank you for 37yrs of memories... Last and the most important thank you's are to my Wife of 39 years Cindy and Kryssi our daughter both have endured more short vactions, missed softball games, etc, both were the greatest support.
In closing its very important to me that Customers understand, I have a Mother who kept us in Church and gave us a moral compass that pointed north. To me the business was never soley owned by me, God owned it i just did my best to manage it..... Fred Pickering
