Longtime Auto Shop Owner Closes Business to Become an Educator
Kane County Connects Staff 10/24/2022 5:00AM
After 40 years in business, Rich’s Auto Service in Sugar Grove is closing. But the owner isn’t retiring. He is becoming a teacher.
Rich’s Auto Service posted on Facebook on October 15 that he and his family made the decision to close the business on November 2. According to the website, Russ Wendling opened the auto shop with his parents in 1982.
“I will so miss my days at Rich’s Auto and seeing all of you, but I’m so excited about starting this new season and the opportunity to teach and mentor these high school students,” Wendling wrote on Facebook.
He says he is taking his decades of automotive experience to the Fox Valley Career Center at Kaneland High School as the Auto Tech instructor.
The Sugar Grove Chamber shared Rich’s Auto Service post, writing, “The Sugar Grove Chamber and residents thank you for providing professional services in Sugar Grove and supporting community services, events and programs. Good luck with your new job, Russ!”
