Matt’s Import Haven was established by Matt Hassrick in 1986, not long after Vicky joined him and they began the journey together. In 2020 Matt's added working on Domestic vehicles, and now services most all makes and models. But after running this business in Clinton for 40 years, Matt & Vicky were ready to retire. The perfect people to acquire the business were the shop manager Forrest and his wife Kathy Wendt.
Forrest started working for Matt in 2018. He shares the same attitudes that Matt and Vicky exhibited: a desire to help people. The Hassrick’s are grateful that they found someone to take over their business who have the same values.
Forrest says “I love this community. I wake up everyday and want to go to work and help people" He adds, “There is a strong sense of community here, and I really enjoy being part of it.”
He feels he was a perfect fit for taking on this business. “I always have liked working on cars, and with people. I have worked in auto repair shops since 1996, doing everything from lot porter to managing. Transferring into ownership was a natural switch".
There are currently 10 employees, many of whom have been with Matt’s for several years. Some employees began with no prior experience, and trained up to be the successful automotive technicians and service advisors they are today. There are always things to be learned and the staff participates in regular training and education. One thing they all have is common is the core values of honesty, respect, empathy, fairness, and willingness to help the community. "If an employee has those values they have what it takes to be a rock star in our company" says Forrest.
Forrest notes: "In this community, I bump into people all the time who comment on the business, share stories, and offer their appreciation that we are who we are and do what we do, and that things are unchanged at Matt's after the transfer".
He also encourage people to give him feedback, and is always willing to listen.
If you would like to come by and meet Forrest, the team, and get a sense of Matt’s Import Haven, give Forrest a call and arrange a time to come by and check out the business.
You can request an appointment on line through the website: www.mattsimporthaven.com, in person, by text or phone at 360-215-3775.
Matt’s Import Haven is located at 6446 S. Harding Avenue in Clinton.
