Brian Wood Automotive has been a steady presence in Glendora for over 22 years, and Brian Wood shares his journey, what started as working at an instant tune and lube, to owning an auto shop.
His first job in Glendora was working at the Chevron on the corner of Barranca and Alosta in 1986. He worked there for 10 or 11 years. But Wood grew up in Arcadia, and had previously worked at Chevron’s in his hometown, where he met his wife Abby, a teacher.
Wood was a student at Citrus studying criminal justice, then attended Long Beach State, while he worked part time at the Glendora Chevron. He wanted to be in law enforcement, but as he took more classes in the automotive field, Wood realized he wanted to pursue something in automotive repairs.
“Although that wasn’t my first choice, I think that was the best choice.” Wood admitted.
Brian Wood’s flagship location on Foothill Blvd in Glendora
Wood was skilled in diagnosing issues and basic repairs, and felt that he could truly make a difference wherever he worked, or even if he owned his own shop. Ten years later in 1995, he was confronted with an opportunity on Vermont Street just north of Route 66, and he opened the first Brian Wood Automotive.
Starting his own shop came with its own difficulties. Fortunately for Wood, it was more of a blessing in disguise.
“The hardship was that I was a little bit too busy,” Wood said, chuckling. “I was a one-man shop.”
His philosophy of treating customers right and the kind consideration he has for his customer’s safety has kept his business strong over the years.
“We’re there to fix what their complaint is,” Wood stated. “And if we see something that they might need down the road, we’ll let them know.”
Eight years after opening the first Brian Wood Automotive, Wood opened a transmissions house in Covina. While he had the transmissions house, Wood was approached by Bob Odell, the owner of the property where the current Brian Wood Automotive resides, on Foothill Boulevard.
Wood took on the property, and owned three shops at once, the two in Glendora, as well as the transmissions house in Covina. After eight years, Wood decided to sell the transmissions house because he was too busy, as he constantly moved between three locations.
Retro sign that lines Foothill Blvd
Wood enjoys the different challenges that comes with his line of work.
“I’ve got a variety of things going on a day to day basis, that it’s just not repetitive.” Wood explained. “There is always something new going on, new challenges to meet and overcome.”
For now, Wood has no solid plans for the future, besides keeping the two locations in Glendora and maintaining their appearances.
Brian Wood Automotive has been awarded with ‘Business of the Year’ by the Glendora Chamber of Commerce in 2009. His shop is also a part of AAA, and has had multiple 100% customer satisfaction surveys over the years.
Brian Wood Automotive doesn’t specialize in a particular service, and services all cars, foreign and domestic. The technicians pride themselves on their work, from routine maintenances and extensive auto repair, while offering the best service at the lowest price.
Wood’s dedication is reflected in his children as well. His son Wyatt is in his last year at APU studying physical education and playing baseball, and hopes to get drafted in the next professional baseball league draft. In high school, Wyatt was awarded All Team CIF and First Team All League in baseball.
His daughter Whitney is a senior at Glendora High School, and part of Journalism as well as participates in tennis. She finished 3rd place in the doubles team in league finals with Karlee Fink, as well as First Team All League and an All League Academic.
Wood was a coach in both soccer and baseball, and had coached both his children at one point. He has donated to local soccer and baseball leagues, as well as the baseball field at Glendora High School, Bandorama, and the music programs. He also served on the Glendora Chamber of Commerce for two years.
Visit Brian Wood Automotive for all your needs, Monday-Friday from 8 am to 6 pm, and Saturdays from 8 am to 4 pm. They are located at 200 W Foothill Blvd, Glendora, CA 91741 or can be reached by phone at 626-852-3700
