Submitted by Haddam Economic Development Commission
(June 20, 2026) — For more than two decades, Mikes’ Auto Service has been more than just a repair shop in Tylerville. It has become a trusted community hub where neighbors stop in for advice, familiar faces greet customers by name, and quality service still comes with a hometown touch.
Founded in 2004 by Mike and his father, also named Mike, the family-run business grew from a lifelong passion for automobiles and deep roots in the Haddam community. Mike’s father previously owned a repair shop in Higganum during the 1980s, and the tradition of honest, hands-on automotive care continues today. “We’ve both been into cars our whole lives,” Mike explained. “We built the building and went for it.”
That family partnership even inspired the shop’s name, “Mikes,’” which is intentionally plural possessive and something many customers never notice at first glance.
While Mikes’ Auto is known for working on classic cars (most notably regularly refurbishing cars for the Meriden State Police Museum), the shop prides itself on being a true one-stop automotive service center. From domestic and European vehicles to hybrids and Teslas needing brakes or suspension work, the team focuses on serving the broad needs of the community rather than specializing in a single niche.
“Everybody needs automotive service,” Mike said. “We work on almost anything.” That flexibility has become increasingly important as Haddam and Tylerville continue to grow. The shop’s owners, Mike and Jenn (photo below), believe businesses like theirs are essential to maintaining a thriving local community, especially as new residential development brings more drivers into town.
Mikes’ Auto currently operates with a small but close-knit team that includes technicians Mike (owner), Chris and Hunter, business manager and service advisor Jenn, customer service and office assistant Ryan, and inventory manager Mike. The shop also employs a dedicated driver to help customers get home or back to work while their vehicles are being repaired which is a service many larger dealerships no longer provide.
The owners say creating a welcoming atmosphere is one of their highest priorities. “We want customers to feel comfortable and confident,” they said. “We don’t upsell people on things they don’t need.”
That approach has earned the business strong loyalty from longtime customers, many of whom stop by simply for reassurance or a quick question. The team shared stories of helping elderly residents, squeezing in emergency flat tire repairs after closing time, and even driving a customer to a medical appointment after discovering he had unknowingly driven to the shop on a bare wheel rim. “That’s kind of the whole point,” Mike said. “You have the opportunity to really make somebody’s day better.”
The shop also embraces both traditional mechanical expertise and modern automotive technology while offering a courtesy inspection on every vehicle that comes in for an oil change. Mikes’ Auto uses advanced diagnostic tools, cloud-based management software, and manufacturer repair information systems to stay current with today’s increasingly computerized vehicles. Both Mike and technician Chris are highly trained in accordance with ASE standards, and the shop handles everything from routine maintenance to major engine and transmission replacements.
Beyond automotive work, Mikes’ Auto remains deeply involved in the community. The business regularly sponsors HK youth sports teams, Youth and Family Services programs, the Haddam Neck Fair, the Pumpkin Run, and other local events and fundraisers.
“We try to support anything involving the kids and the community,” the owners said. As Haddam continues to evolve, Mikes’ Auto represents the kind of locally-owned business that helps preserve the town’s character by blending old-school customer service with modern expertise, all while remaining committed to the people who call the community home.
