On the Road Again
Hepton Road Auto Offers Full Service
Writer / Matt Keating
Photography Provided
When Phil Hostetter saw an opportunity to start his own business, he jumped at the chance.
It was something he had longed to do for several years, and he says he prepared for the moment he could make his dream a reality. 
Hostetter, co-owner of Hepton Road Auto, 8556 W. Hepton Road, Nappanee, Indiana, says he started out part-time and gradually built the business into a full-time job.
I co-own the business with my dad, Dave Hostetter, and we have really built it into something that people in the community can rely on, Hostetter says. We started things slowly in 2012, and gradually accumulated the things we needed. My dad loves working on cars, too. We took our time to make sure we could build the business into what it is today. We always have our great customers in mind. We make sure they are satisfied with the work we do on their vehicles.
Hostetter credits his loyal customer base for helping him build the business.
I have had several customers tell me that they have been very impressed with the work that we do here, Hostetter says. It gives us a great feeling to hear that from so many satisfied customers. That makes it all worthwhile. It also keeps people coming back, and that makes us happy.
While Hostetter was building up Hepton Road Auto, he continued to work at Newcomer Service & 24 Hour Towing, 853 S. Main Street, Nappanee, as a mechanic.
I started working at Newcomer Service when I was just 15 years old, he says. I worked there for 24 years. I had my last day there on Dec. 31, 2021. The people I worked there with really felt like family. They were very supportive of me starting my own business. They are great people.
Hostetter notes that he has loved co-owning his own business.
When my dad and I started this business, we wanted to live out our version of American Dream, Hostetter says. Our goal has always been to be a service leader. We strive to do the very best work we can. We want people to be happy with the work we do on their cars and tell their family and friends all about us.
Years of Experience
Hostetter is proud of the fact that his business is ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certified, and that mechanics at Hepton Road Auto have over 20 years of experience.
We really do a complete automotive repair, Hostetter says. We are full-service, and we do brake work, engine work, and we also offer a towing service. People have come to rely on us.
Hepton Road Auto also does tire changes and battery charges. Hostetter says they also have used car sales.
We can also do work on new cars and older cars, he says. We can work on any make or model. vehicle. We love working on cars and getting them to run the best they can.
The mechanics at Hepton Road Auto can also work on a cars suspension.
We can work on the heating and air conditioners, Hostetter says. We can really do just about anything, except paint a car. We have experts that are dedicated to delivering the best performance solutions to keep cars running at their best. We also have great prices.
Hepton Auto also has an excellent tire selection.
If you need new tires for the winter , come in and and see us, Hostetter says. We will get you taken care of. Dont hesitate to get your tires taken ready for the winter.
Nappanee Fan
Hostetter says he loves living in Nappannee and is proud to call it home.
Nappannee has a great small-town feel, he says. Everyone here looks out for each other. Its such a nice place to live.
Hostetter added that knowing so many people in the community has helped him build the business.
A lot of people around here know I love cars, and they know we will do an excellent job, he says.
To get your car taken care of, visit Hepton Road Auto, 8556 W. Hepton Road, Nappannee, Indiana, Indiana, or give them a call at (574) 221-1270, or check out their website at heptonroadauto.com.
