Cochrane's own Erol's Automotive was recently recognized as one of Canada's top automotive repair shops.

Owner, Erol Yersel, had no idea he had even been nominated for 'Shop of the Year' let alone selected as a top finalist. While this is the second time, Erol's Automotive has been nominated in the past three years he never expected to be named publicly in Cars Magazine.

Since Yersel is extremely humble when it comes to self-praise, we tracked down Erol's nominator, Greg Alfred with Castrol Oil.

When Alfred noticed that Cars Magazine was looking for recommendations for Canada's, Shop of the Year, Erol's was top of mind. "They always stock good parts, they don't overdo it, they are still cautious about their business but they don't sacrifice when it comes to picking out a part for price. They always strive to make a proper, ethical decision."

Alfred, who has been in the automotive industry for a long time, states Erol's Automotive is hands down the best of the best. "I have visited hundreds of different automotive shops and I truly believe that Erol has the best ethical business out there to guide you straight with your vehicle concerns. I have been in the auto industry for quite a while now and I see a unique perspective of shops, and that is the back shop. I get to speak with mechanics at a different level than a customer, and I hear a lot. I get to see what is going on around a shop including the products they pull in, the quality of the products, and the environment the staff is in, and Erol's, bar none, is the best."

Although you may think Erol's journey has been easy, it couldn't be further from the truth. Setting up shop twenty-one years ago, it didn't take long for Erol to realize that instant success was a pipe dream.

Keeping his nose to the grindstone year after year, most people, including Erol himself, would say his success comes down to his unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction and community support. "Our customers are number one; nothing is more important than happy car owners. We also feel that being involved in the community and supportive of local charities is a big part of our success. People see how we help out and recognize that by supporting our business."

The support of Erol's business is evident; recently, reinvesting 600,000 thousand dollars in upgrades to the already successful shop, Yersel hates to see a dissatisfied customer. "We have been steadily growing; we started with two bays, then progressed to five, and then after eight years, we purchased a building and expanded to eight bays. Last year, when we were booked three weeks ahead and struggled to complete the work in a timely matter, we felt that it was time to grow again."

Expanding the business footprint, adding more employees, and creating a welcoming reception area, Yersel believes the renovations go far beyond just keeping customers happy. A lot can be said about a business when employee turnover is extremely low, and that is something Yersel strives for. "Investing in our futures with a bigger, more progressive shop also ensures the viability of my staff's jobs for the future. When we can handle more vehicles and more customers daily, it ensures their job stability."

Although Erol wasn't looking for any sort of public recognition, he can't help but be proud of being named a top Canadian shop.

Looking back over his past twenty-one years has been an incredible learning experience; whether it was riding out economic waves, balancing the books, or being viewed as 'An All-Around Great Guy,' Yersel hopes his integrity is what stands out. "I hope when I am done with this business that people remember that above all else, I truly cared about my customers and employees. All I can hope is that my influence in their lives left a positive impression."