Zimmerman’s Automotive Service Inc.

Zimmerman’s Automotive Service, also known as Zimmerman’s Automotive Tire Pros, offers automotive service and repair, quick lube service and used auto sales. The Mechanicsburg company employs 22 people.

Norman Zimmerman, who served in a volunteer position as an ordained Mennonite minister at Slate Hill Mennonite Church, founded the company 67 years ago to provide an income for his family. He also saw a need for mechanics to work on automobiles, since American families were becoming increasingly dependent on their cars to get to work and other places. His father, Paul Zimmerman Sr., joined the business shortly after it started. In later years his younger brothers, Paul Jr. and Jay, joined Norman.

The biggest changes Zimmerman’s Automotive has faced are from the ever-changing and improving automotive industry. Those changes include: the American family’s shift from a one-car family to a multiple-car family; computers being installed in vehicles; the addition of quick lube—while you wait oil changes and fluid exchanges; and the shift from full-service gas pump attendants to self-pump “gas and go”. “The mechanic of today is no longer the ‘dumb’ kid who could do nothing else. Being a mechanic today is accompanied by education and skill,” said second-generation owner and CEO Judith A. Walter.

She said the company’s core values—being ethical, integrity, teamwork, innovation and being a hard worker–and vision/mission are “everything”. Zimmerman’s mission/vision statement is “Serving our community by understanding needs and providing solutions”, which ties into its slogan, “Keeping you and your family safe on our roads.

Walter said the business has come a long way since 1958. “We started business as a gas station and a shop that worked from a creeper or a ‘pit’, which are now illegal. Today’s vehicles are very technical. We have a state-of-the-art shop with scanners, analyzers and DVRs to communicate the repair needs of the vehicle to the customer and to make those repairs. Norman was a visionary. I know he knew things were going to change but, I am sure if he was alive today, he would be just amazed at the technology,” she said.

Walter said Zimmerman’s has a family-friendly culture. The company treats its entire team as family and its customers, too. Community engagement is very important, and Zimmerman’s has planned and held a National Night Out event for several years. The company also participates in fund raisers for community organizations such as New Hope Ministries, Speranza and Pink Hands of Hope. It’s hosted numerous open house events, Anniversary parties and Customer Nights for customers as well as car shows. “I want to support my community; it’s where my customers come from,” Walter said.

She said honesty and fair pricing are key factors in the company’s longevity. “I know we’re not the cheapest in town. I charge a fair price that allows me to support my employees as well as provide a guaranteed service,” Walter said.