According to the Alton's Telegraph newspaper, the business was granted the honor of being the River Bend Growth Association's Business of the Month for July. Since its founding, the shop has moved a number of times.
It was founded by Gene and Janet Helmkamp in the town of Bethalto. While the business features what people might expect in an auto shop, Janet also adds her own personal touches.
For example, the customer area at the current location features a number of antiques, including mini John Deere tractors and other keepsakes.
"It is part of the history of our area," Janet Helmkamp told the paper. "It is amazing how many people will just stop and look at it."
Collecting these types of antiques is not new for rural areas as people who live there try and maintain a connection to their agricultural past. In fact, many town fairs may feature older tractor models, including those produced by John Deere.
