Northerner Auto Repair services vehicles, trailers, small engines

By Chad Koenen

Publisher

Fred and Heather Taylor traded the rolling hills and ocean views of Maine for Otter Tail County approximately 10 years ago and are now gearing up for the next chapter of their life—small business owners in the city of Ottertail. 

The couple, who moved across the country from Maine to Ottertail after Heather’s family made a similar move, opened Northerner Auto Repair near their new home in Ottertail. Fred helped to construct the shop, which allows him to work and be just a few steps away from his wife and children. 

While moving across the country may seem like a daunting task, Fred said the family wanted to move closer to Heather’s family who made the trek to Ottertail when they quickly fell in love with the area. With a number of quality jobs in the region, Fred said they moved to Ottertail and never looked back. 

“I heard there was decent work out here and we had a place to go so we decided to make the move,” he said. 

Over the years Fred has worked as a mechanic for car dealerships, small engine and trailer repairs, and most recently has worked for Minnesota Valley Irritation in Wadena. All of his past work experience has provided him a diverse ability to work on everything from large vehicles to small trailers and small engine items. 

“I have been in the mechanic business for 16 years and have worked at a couple of dealerships,” said Taylor. “Through the years I’ve always tried to keep it pretty vast and not get stuck on one thing.”

In addition to repairs and maintenance, Northerner Auto Repair can complete DOT inspections to get larger vehicles ready for the road. 

A Maine native who now lives in the North Star State, Fred said the name Northerner Auto Repair just came naturally to the new business owner.

“It probably has to do with being from northern Maine and we are in the northern part of Minnesota as well,’ said Fred. 

Northerner Auto Repair is located 44711 Cozy Oak Dr in Ottertail. The shop is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. five days a week, but Fred said he is still working a few odd jobs from time-to-time and people can either drop off their vehicle at the shop or call ahead for an appointment. 

For more information contact (207) 592-4321 or email northernerauto@gmail.com.