A St. Louis-based auto repair business with ties to Jefferson County has opened a shop in Hillsboro.
Eric’s Master Auto Repair opened at 10510 Business 21, the former site of Franken Auto Repair.
To celebrate the opening, the Greater Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting Jan. 12.
Eric Mead, owner of Eric’s Master Auto Repair, said the first week of business has been consistent.
“We’re pretty steady, we’ve got a really good turnout, so far everything’s working out pretty good,” he said.
Mead said he wanted to open a location in Hillsboro for two reasons.
“Largely because I live here and not only that it’s because I don’t feel there’s many automotive shops out here that provide the customer service we do,” he said. “We really like to get our clients’ cars taken care of the right way and get them out in a timely manner. I felt like the community needed it.”
Mead, who is a 2005 Hillsboro High School graduate, said he got into the automotive repair business thanks to his father.
“My father had an auto repair shop, and I started there when I was 14 years old,” Mead said. “Right out of high school, I was 17, and I started working there full-time.”
Mead said his father bought the first Master Auto Repair location at 7027 Hampton Ave. in 2015.
“In 2023, I bought that location off my father, and then a year later, I bought my other location on Watson and Fyler,” he said. “About three months ago, I bought this location (in Hillsboro).”
While he isn’t currently looking for any new employees, Mead said he is planning to start a program with his alma mater to have students come over and learn mechanical skills.
Mead said the business has two full-time mechanics, two full-time service advisers and one part-time employee.
Operating hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
For information, call 636-789-9803 or visit ericsmasterautorepair.com.