Sipe’s Car Care Center in Robbinsdale Celebrates 100 Years
Even on the edge of a big city, Robbinsdale has small-town character. A walk through downtown will tell you that– or a visit to one of its auto shops, Sipe’s Car Care Center– a downtown staple for 100 years.
You can ask Tom Sipe, a lifelong resident and former business owner.
“You can take Robbinsdale and move it out 25o miles, and it would be the same community,” Sipe said.
It’s perfect for Tom’s business, which holds family right at the center. Tom’s father, Walter Sipe, founded the business 100 years ago in 1924.
“He was a character!” Tom laughed, reminiscing on Walter’s tenure as the boss.
Sipe said he learned from the rapport his father created with his customers, many of whom were local farmers back then. When other shops tried to take the farmers’ business, he said the customers stood their ground.
“And those people said, ‘No. I deal with Walt Sipe. Because I know he’s honest, and he’ll take care of me,'” Sipe reflected. “I’ve always tried to follow that. And I hope my kids do, which I know they do.”
Greg and Tom Sipe are two generations of Sipe’s owners in Robbinsdale.
That model is found throughout the small corner shop. Lead cashier Michelle Graham said the feeling is pretty clear: they care. About both repairs and connections.
“Sometimes, people come in with just something they need to talk about,” Graham said. “There’s always a listening ear here.”
And in the spirit of family, Sipe’s is on its next generation of leadership. Tom passed it on to his son, Greg, a few years back.
“He’s, to me, still the owner. Until he leaves here– which will never happen,” said Greg Sipe, the now-owner of Sipe’s.
Celebrating 100 Years
Together, they celebrated 100 years of family business in Robbinsdale. They held a party last Sunday, Aug. 11– and the city responded by declaring it “Sipe’s Car Care Center Day.”
Greg Sipe said he wanted the day to be special for his dad.
“So much of the time spent here is all catering toward the customer. And that’s what business is about; But he’s a giver in that sense. He’s never a taker,” Greg said. “So I wanted the day to be all about him.”
Greg said he surprised his dad with a special chair so community members could greet him. The celebration had classic cars on display in downtown Robbinsdale and plenty of community time.
The Sipe family gathers around Tom on his director’s chair at the 100th anniversary party.
“This, the people, my customers. The people that work here. They’re my family,” Tom Sipe said.
Tom said it’s been a good ride– so far.
“It’s not so much what you accomplish monetarily. And I’ve done okay, I can afford things. But it’s how you feel inside– it’s how you live,” Tom said.
And no, Tom’s not retired. He’s not planning on it any time soon, either. After all, it’s family.
You can visit the Sipe family at the auto care center in Robbinsdale. The address is 4200 W Broadway.
Greg Sipe helps a customer outside the shop.
