Our History

The year was 1983 and Kim and I had been married for two years. At the time I was delivering concrete for a company in Rockville, Maryland, but I had an idea. In my early 20’s I had worked and managed several tire shops in Gettysburg, PA, my home town. Now, I wanted to return to that industry. And, I found the perfect location to start on auto repair business. Lawson’s AMC was closing, and the building was for rent. A lease was signed, and Krietz Auto Repair, Inc. was off and running.

Equipment and inventory were needed. But since we just purchased our first house, Kim and I were cash poor. We went to my father-in-law, Eddie Mercer, and he co-signed a loan to get us started. After a couple of lifts and machines was bought, very little money was left to buy hand tools. Off to Sears we went for a Craftsman’s tool set. To carry my new set of tools, my wife Kim gave me her toolbox - the one she used to carry her dental hygiene instruments while at college. I throw a fit and wanted something nicer. But she brought me back down to reality. Work hard save and in time you will have a nice box.

After a year in business, we added, Krietz Auto Sales. We started very small, with 3-7 cars on the lot. We purchased a tow truck, and service vehicle.

After 5 years in New Market Mr. Lawson decided to expand his Wheel Horse operation, and we had to make a move. We londed a 4th and East Street, currently housing Spectra Automotive. This was short lived, due to them purchasing the lot. We had to move again.

580 East Church Street became our location for 5 years. We became a U-Haul Dealer, which built our customer basis. U-haul was very good to our business. We were named in the top 100 dealers in the nation (out of 10,000) 13 straight months in a row.

After a few years of passing a vacant restaurant (China Pearl) on the opposite corner of 4th and East, we decided to make the owner an offer. She accepted. With much blood, sweat, and tears, we did a lot of the demo work ourselves to save money. We worked with Frederick City for our permits to get Krietz Auto Repair moved to 400 North East Street. Our builder worked with us to make our building unique. We had three bays to work out of. In the next 5 years we purchased the next partial of land, tore down the duplex and phase 2 was up and running. We went from 3 bays to 8 bays and added office space, and a new show room. For an independent dealership, we felt we were very unique. After a summer of grand openings, we settled in to growing our business. We closed as a U-Haul dealer, after 14 years of service to the U-Haul name. Kim and I often said that orange blood ran through our veins.

The year is 2008. Krietz Auto is in its 25th year of business.

We have a staff of 14 employees, and feel we are still growing. I am pleased to have my two sons working with me each day. Charles III is my Used Car Manager, and Cory works as an Auto Technician. My nephew, Adam is also working with me daily as a technician. I take great pride in my staff. I would not have the business I have without each of them.

We have just recently completed Phase 3 of our growth, our newly paved parking lot.

I wish to personally thank each of my loyal customers. Without your continued patronage and referrals, there would not be a Krietz Auto. My wish for each customer is to Drive Home Happy.

My next milestone is 40 years. I will be very old, but hope to have some grandchildren helping in some way in the business. I have truly surpassed my vision from 25 years ago. It has been many long hours and some sleepless nights, but whow look at me now!!

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