Richards Auto Care opens in Lexington
After working for local dealerships and other mechanics for 37 years, Lexington native Rodney Richards has opened his own business. {Vikki Broughton Hodges/Davidson Local}
After 37 years of working as a mechanic for car dealerships and other auto technicians, Rodney Richards has become an entrepreneur with the establishment of Richards Auto Care in Lexington.
Richards opened his own business in May at 105 W. Fifth St., adjacent to David Kinley’s Services, a heating and air conditioning contractor. He’s leasing the one-bay garage from Kinley, an old friend who employs his son, R.J. Richards, and hired him to take care of his business’ fleet of trucks and personal family vehicles for a little less than a year before the space became available. Kinley has done work at Richards’ rental properties for years.
The mechanic offers basic general maintenance services for vehicles such as oil changes as well as work on brakes, timing belts and water pumps. He services most makes and models of Ford, Chevrolet, General Motors, Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Nissan and Mazda but no German autos.
Born and raised in Lexington, Richards is a 1984 graduate of Lexington Senior High and received his diploma in 1985 in auto mechanics from then Davidson County Community College (now Davidson-Davie Community College).
“I’ve always wanted a challenge in my life and I like to work with my hands,” he said of his chosen career.
Richards started out working at Ralph Pitts Old South Ford, which later became Plaza Ford and then Parkway Ford. After a little more than 20 years with the local Ford dealership, he worked nearly 15 years with Kenny Ward at Ward’s Automotive Center in Lexington, until Ward died in August of 2021.
Rodney Richards works out of a one-bay garage on West Fifth Street. {Vikki Broughton Hodges/Davidson Local}
“I’m slowly getting my customers back,” he said. “It’s been a little tough but it’s been a blessing. I’m not as busy as I was but I haven’t missed a paycheck or a meal.”
The garage is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The telephone number is (336) 843-2003.
“You can usually find me at one in four places — work, home, church or hunting.” He shared he is a lifelong member of Union Baptist Church in Lexington, where he currently serves as chairman of the deacon ministry.
In fact, cooking for family get-togethers and numerous church events has led to a hobby and side business. In his office at the garage, Richards keeps an inventory of jars of Sha-Rod’s BBQ and Dip Sauce, available in mild and spicy. The name is a combination of his first name and that of his wife of more than 30 years, Sharon. They have three children and three grandchildren.
“People at church kept asking me to sell it but it took me about three years to get it like I wanted it. You won’t get any better chicken or ribs with that sauce. But it’s just a hobby. I’ve always loved cooking on grills.”
In his spare time, the mechanic enjoys hunting, primarily deer, and he has been known to grill some venison. He has joined Kinley and his employees on wild hog hunting trips.
Richards has always enjoyed being active in his church and hometown groups. “I just try to be the same role model a lot of people were to me growing up.”
