Right to Left (Tom, Scott and Brian)
Tom Van Handel
Age: 56
Certifications: ASE Master Certified Technician
Hobbies: Hunting, fishing
Job Title: Owner - Technician
Tom’s desire to start a career in automotive repair began during his high school years in LaGrande Oregon while attempting to keep his MGA on the road. He spent many hours in auto shop class learning theory and basic skills.
After graduating from Denver Automotive and Diesel College in 1973, Tom married Cheryl and has remained happily married to her ever since.
For the next 24 years after college, Tom was employed at Lynch Motor Co. (GM dealer) in LaGrande as a technician and later as a service manager. During this time he raised three children while working through years of technological changes and completed numerous factory training courses as well as management training.
Tom and Cheryl moved to Central Oregon after their kids had grown up. Tom began working at the former Sisters Car Care in 2000 as a technician/manager. In the years following, Tom has become a grandfather to four terrific grandchildren. In March of 2007, Tom and Cheryl purchased the business and renamed it “Van Handel Automotive Inc”. Tom continues to work as a technician/owner and enjoys the challenges of today’s auto repair.
Scott Hampton
Age: 31
Certifications: ASE Master Technician, Toyota Master Technician, Mercedes certified
Hobbies: Hunting, fishing, motorcycling, snowmobiling, and also works as a volunteer firefighter
Job Title: ASE Master Technician
ASE Certified Master Technician, Scott Hampton spent many hours as a young boy with his grandfather helping him repair vehicles. Graduating from Toyota Technical Education Network at the top of his class with an “Outstanding Student” award, Scott was immediately employed by Dave Holt Toyota from the years of 1996 until 2004. His experience was not only in Toyota but he also received extensive training in Mercedes as well.
Brian Chapman
Age: 41
Certifications: ASE Parts Technician
Hobbies: Spending time with his family
Job Title: Service Manager
Brian has been an experienced parts person for more than twenty years. Familiar with the local dealers and parts houses, Brian is able to procure even the most obscure part with ease while limiting down-time that may effect the ability for our customers to receive their vehicle in a timely manner. Working through these facilities, Brian is able to find the best parts at the best prices. Costly repairs can be minimized with routine maintenance and early diagnosis. There is no more appropriate saying than "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure".