History

In the 1930's Lee Hatfield and his son Dean started Dean's Gulf Service at 16th Street and Sheridan. When Dean Hatfield came back from the service he purchased the current location at 32nd Street and Oak, and under his management changed the name to Dean's Auto Repair. During the course of the next 30 years Dean's Auto Repair sold gas under the flags of Gulf, Texaco, Exxon, and Esso. Dean also ran a U-Haul renting facility on the property. During this time Dean's Auto Repair earned the reputation of being one of the finest repair shops in the Phoenix Metro Area.

Dean's Auto Repair was the first shop west of the Mississippi to have a dynamometer in 1964. It was highlighted by several trade journals of the time, setting the standard for automotive service in the valley for many years to come.

At the age of 7, Dean Hatfield's son Kirk came to work at the shop. Dean and his son were extremely active in the community, sponsoring Little League softball and football. When Kirk returned from the service, he and Dean were very active in the Rotary Club. Dean has received his 50 year perfect attendance award and Kirk received his 40 year perfect attendance award.

In the mid-1980's, Dean passed the family business onto his son Kirk. Dean's Auto Repair quit selling gas and had the tanks removed from the ground to maintain an ecological environment in 1986. Kirk successfully ran the auto repair business and maintained the reputation of honesty and integrity that had become the Dean's Auto Repair legacy.

In 2004 Grant and Tricia McMaster took over Dean's Auto Repair from Kirk Hatfield. Kirk was 66 years old at the time and wanted to retire, however he had no family members who wanted to continue the legacy of Dean's Auto Repair. The relationship between the McMaster's and the Hatfield's has developed into one big happy family.

Grant McMaster managed a number of very successful auto repair shops, most recently as general manager of Tire World for 18+ years. During this period of time Grant created a reputation equal to Dean's Auto Repair. When Grant took over Dean's Auto Repair, he brought a following of first and second generation clients along to join the family of clients at Dean’s Auto Repair. We are thrilled to say that we are currently maintaining vehicles for several third generation clients.

 

This history page is dedicated to the memory of Dean Hatfield, who passed away on Easter Sunday, 2007.