Built On Family Values. Driven By Trust.
Auto Care Plus began with a simple dream: to build something of our own.
After spending years in engineering and corporate America, John and Karen Manelas were ready for a different path. Engineering contract work was becoming less stable, and they found themselves constantly adapting to changing projects, companies, and environments. They wanted something more meaningful—something local, something lasting, and something that would allow them to become a true part of their community.
They decided the service industry was where they belonged.
Cars had always been part of John’s life. His father operated a gas station and repair business and spent countless hours restoring classic Chevrolets. John shared that passion and always enjoyed working around automobiles.
At the same time, John and Karen were frustrated by their own experiences as customers. Too often, they felt uncomfortable in repair shops and left wondering if they could trust the recommendations they were receiving.
“We thought there had to be a better way.”
They envisioned a shop where customers would be treated like family. A place where people knew your name, explained things honestly, and genuinely cared about helping you make the right decision for your vehicle. Karen’s presence in the business helped create an environment where many customers, especially women, felt welcomed and comfortable asking questions.
The vision was simple: create the kind of auto repair experience they wished existed.
Taking A Leap Of Faith
In 2004, opportunity knocked.
Danny Ryan, owner of Ryan’s Automotive, was ready to step away from the business after years in the industry. When John and Karen first pulled into the parking lot, they immediately felt something special about the shop.
Neither of them had extensive experience running an automotive repair business, but they saw tremendous potential.
Purchasing the shop required faith, determination, and more than a little courage. They secured four separate loans just to make the sale happen.
“It was a huge risk”
Fortunately, Danny agreed to stay on for several months to help them learn the business and guide them through the transition. In fact, Danny remains part of the Auto Care Plus family today.
The early years were challenging. John and Karen were raising three children while simultaneously learning a completely new industry. They were learning management systems, getting to know customers, building relationships with employees, and proving to longtime clients that the new ownership would honor the values that made the business successful.
There were times when payroll came before their own mortgage payment. They borrowed money, lived modestly, and invested everything they could back into the business.
But they never stopped believing in each other.
Building the Right Team
One of the biggest challenges wasn’t fixing cars—it was finding the right people.
John and Karen knew that technical skills alone weren’t enough. They wanted team members who shared their values, cared about customers, and believed in serving others.
For years they searched for the right leaders and staff.
In 2011, they found key team members who helped shape the future of the company, including Rob Clark and Jon Dine, who remain part of the organization today.
As the team grew stronger, momentum began to build.
Around this time, John and Karen joined a shop improvement group where shop owners shared ideas, visited each other’s shops, and learned together. Those relationships opened their eyes to new possibilities and helped them understand how to build a company that could grow while staying true to its values.
Most importantly, they discovered they weren’t alone. Many of the shop owners they met shared the same commitment to family, employees, and community.
The Auto Care Plus culture began to take shape.
The staff became more than coworkers—they became family.
Growing the Auto Care Plus Family
In 2009, John and Karen purchased a transmission shop in Manchester. While the original business model didn’t work as planned. They saw opportunity in the location and In 2011, they officially launched their second location.
A recommendation from an industry vendor led them to Paul Rivard, who became manager of the new store. Paul later helped recruit Eric Schmidt, who became another important member of the growing team.
As the company expanded, the Manelas children became part of the journey as well.
Nicole, John and Karen’s oldest daughter, helped create the company’s first logo. Jared worked as a service writer during summers and contributed to early marketing efforts. Rachel continues to help support company events and employee gatherings.
The business wasn’t built by one person.
It was built by family, loyal employees, trusted mentors, and a shared commitment to serving customers the right way.
Where Trust Is a Tradition
Today, Auto Care Plus continues to grow, but the mission remains the same.
“We’ve grown by taking care of our people and the communities we serve.”
Every location that joins the Auto Care Plus family is built around the same core belief: trust matters.
“Our goal is simple. We want every customer to feel confident in the information they’re receiving, comfortable with the decisions they’re making, and certain that we have their best interests at heart.”
When you visit an Auto Care Plus location, you’re not just another customer.
You’re family.
We believe in treating people with honesty, respect, and kindness. We believe in creating welcoming environments. We believe in serving others.
Those values helped us get started, and they continue to guide every decision we make today.
Looking Ahead
As Auto Care Plus continues to grow, our commitment to our communities grows with it.
We look forward to supporting local youth programs, sponsoring community organizations, and giving back to the neighborhoods that have supported us throughout the years.
To every customer who has trusted us with your vehicle, thank you.
Your support has made this journey possible, and we are honored to serve you for many years to come.
Welcome to the Auto Care Plus family.
Where Trust Is A Tradition!
