Larry Wieland opened the doors of Ace Body and Motor on January 1, 1982, with a clear vision to provide honest, reliable auto repair and bodywork in a rapidly changing industry. His passion for cars started in the late 1970s while working at a Standard Service station, where he learned not only the ins and outs of automotive care but also the importance of treating every customer with respect. As the gasoline shortage hit and gas prices skyrocketed, the station’s business began to suffer. When the owner decided to sell, Larry found himself at a crossroads that would eventually lead to his lifelong dream.
While finishing autobody school at DMACC, Larry secured a job at a local body shop while still working at the Standard station. However, he soon discovered that not all businesses shared his values. After leaving two shops due to dishonest practices involving customers and insurance companies, Larry realized he wanted more than just a job. He wanted to build something he could be proud of. Saving money, collecting tools, and gathering the experience he needed, Larry set out to create an auto repair and body shop where integrity and quality would never be compromised.
"I would rather pay my people to clean the shop than to lie to a customer just to make money."
Building a Business Rooted in Honesty
From day one, Larry was committed to running Ace Body and Motor differently. His goal was to create a shop where customers could trust that the advice they received was honest and the work performed was necessary, not driven by profit at the customer’s expense. Over the years, Ace built a reputation for doing just that. Time and again, customers would come in after being told by other shops or dealerships that their vehicles needed thousands of dollars in repairs. Larry and his team would carefully assess the issues, often discovering that only a fraction of the work was actually required.
That dedication to doing right by people gave Larry and his team a sense of purpose that still drives the business today. For Larry, the idea of making money by misleading customers was never an option. He would rather pay his employees to clean the shop than fabricate unnecessary repairs just to boost the bottom line. This honest approach not only earned Ace Body and Motor loyal customers but also helped build a lasting reputation for fairness and integrity within the community.
Overcoming Industry Challenges and Staying True to Values
Running a business for over four decades has come with its fair share of challenges. Early on, one of the biggest obstacles was navigating the complexities of working with insurance companies while still offering bodywork services. For 32 years, Larry battled against a system that often treated honest shops like criminals for simply trying to make a fair profit while covering business expenses. Eventually, the constant struggle with insurance companies led Ace Body and Motor to discontinue its bodywork services, allowing Larry to focus on what mattered most which was repairing vehicles correctly and treating customers with fairness.
Another ongoing challenge has been keeping up with the ever-changing automotive industry. New technologies and evolving vehicle systems require constant training to stay ahead. Larry and his team embrace these changes, dedicating time and resources to continuous education so that they can provide the best possible service to their customers. This commitment to growth, even after decades in business, is what keeps Ace Body and Motor consistent in its high-quality repairs while maintaining the close-knit environment Larry values.
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A Business Built on Community and Giving Back
For Larry, running a business goes beyond repairing cars. It is about being part of something bigger. Everyone at Ace Body and Motor lives locally, and the business makes it a priority to source the majority of its parts from local suppliers. That local-first mindset extends into their charitable giving as well. Ace supports a wide range of causes, including local churches and national organizations such as Tunnels to Towers, Wounded Warriors, Disabled American Veterans, The Family Leader, KLOVE, The Pulse Christian Radio, Charity Water, The Pinky Swear Foundation, Feed Israel, Our Rescue, Hillsdale College, and Prager University.
Giving back to the community that has supported him for so many years is one of Larry’s greatest joys. Whether it is making sure a family can safely get back on the road or donating to organizations that uplift others, Larry’s commitment to service remains unwavering. His belief that success comes from doing right by others is evident not just in his business practices, but in the relationships he has built with customers who have become more like family over the years.
Staying Small and Staying Strong
While many businesses chase growth for the sake of expansion, Larry has always prioritized quality over size. With six employees, he feels Ace Body and Motor is exactly the right size to maintain the personal touch that has kept customers returning year after year. Staying small allows Larry to stay connected to every aspect of the business, ensuring repairs are completed quickly, correctly, and with the same attention to detail that has defined the shop since day one.
For Larry, watching longtime customers evolve from young couples to families with children, and now even grandchildren, brings a unique sense of fulfillment. It is proof that trust built over decades continues to pass from one generation to the next. Larry’s son, Jason, has also been working alongside him full-time for the past 28 years, turning the business into a true family legacy. It is a dream come true for any father.
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Advice for the Next Generation
Looking back on his journey, Larry believes in building a business slowly, sustainably, and without unnecessary debt. He encourages others to save during busy seasons, reinvest in their business, and avoid falling into the trap of overspending to impress others. To Larry, success is not about flashy trucks or rapid growth. It is about sleeping well at night knowing your bills are paid, your employees are taken care of, and your customers are treated with the respect they deserve.
After more than 40 years in business, Larry’s love for his work has never wavered. He still enjoys getting under the hood, repairing equipment around the shop, and connecting with customers who have become lifelong friends. For Larry and the team at Ace Body and Motor, doing what you love means it never truly feels like work, and that is a legacy worth building.
