Why Choose a Family-Owned Auto Shop in Eureka? The Eureka Brake & Automotive Story
In a world of corporate chains and impersonal service, you have a choice about who cares for your vehicle. For many drivers in Humboldt County, the decision to choose a local, family-owned auto repair shop comes down to trust, accountability, and a deep connection to the community.
The story of Eureka Brake & Automotive is a testament to these values. It’s more than a business history; it’s an example of what a family-owned shop can offer that larger chains often cannot.
Built on Generations of Hands-On Experience
Our foundation is not a corporate manual. It is built on three generations of automotive passion and skill. It started with Steve Cunningham’s father and grandfather, who instilled a strong work ethic and a love for the trade. Steve himself began working in his parents' shop as a teenager, learning the craft from the ground up—first by cleaning tools, then becoming a certified technician, and later managing a shop.
This hands-on, multi-generational knowledge is something you cannot replicate in a classroom. It means our technicians have a deep, intuitive feel for auto repair that comes from a lifetime of experience. We have seen it all, from classic cars to the latest European imports, and that wealth of knowledge benefits every car we service.
A Legacy That Started on a Eureka Corner
In 1988, a 23-year-old Steve Cunningham turned his family’s legacy into a local reality by purchasing a modest two-bay shop on the corner of 2nd and U Street in Eureka. That small shop was the seed from which Eureka Brake & Automotive grew. Over three decades, through dedication and a commitment to quality, that humble operation expanded into the 12-bay facility that serves our community today.
Our growth was organic, driven by the support of our neighbors in Eureka, Arcata, and Fortuna. We did not get here by following a corporate expansion plan, but by earning the trust of Humboldt County, one repair at a time.
Family Values Guide Every Interaction
As a family-owned and operated business, we treat our customers and employees like an extension of our own family. Steve and his wife Lacee worked side-by-side for years to build the business, with their daughters often involved in the shop.
That family atmosphere is not just a slogan. It is the core of how we operate. We know that building a strong relationship with you is just as important as fixing your car. You will speak directly with the people who make the decisions, and we will always give you honest, straightforward advice.
Our Commitment to Humboldt County Runs Deep
Our ties to this community go far beyond our shop doors. We believe in investing in the place we call home. Steve served as an advisor to the Eureka High School Automotive Department and on the board for the College of the Redwoods Automotive Department. Lacee contributed to WECARE, a council dedicated to creating career opportunities in our industry.
Today, that tradition of community involvement continues under the leadership of our daughter Mallory and her husband, Shane. We remain dedicated to mentoring the next generation of automotive technicians and supporting the local community that has supported us for so long.
The Difference You Can Feel
When you choose a family-owned shop like Eureka Brake & Automotive, you are choosing a team that has a personal stake in every job we do. Our name is on the building. Our reputation is on the line with every vehicle we repair. We are your neighbors, and we are committed to your safety and satisfaction on the road.
Experience the Eureka Brake & Automotive Difference
We invite you to become part of our story. Feel the difference that comes with decades of local experience, family values, and a genuine commitment to our community.
Ready for honest and expert auto care? Call us at (707) 200-7097 or book your appointment online. Let the Eureka Brake & Automotive family take care of your car.
