Do you remember the first time you flew with West Jet? I do: it was such a different experience than other airlines! The staff were casual, fun and they even told jokes; the captain would make some sarcastic and funny statements over the intercom. And yet, somehow, I still felt like I was in a safe and professional environment. I often dreaded traveling by air, but once I started flying West Jet, I (almost) looked forward to flying. I remember thinking ‘this is how it should be!’

That is the feeling we want you to have when you meet us at Kroffat Brake & Wheel. We like to think we are the perfect amount of casual and fun, and we put a lot of effort into being approachable, understandable and empathetic. It really sucks when you car breaks down and paying for maintenance does not feel any better; but it is the reality of owning a vehicle. We all know it is expensive to keep our cars moving, so we like to focus on keeping you comfortable and informed when your vehicle is at our shop. Not everybody has the same budget or expectation for their vehicle. You can count on the mechanics at Kroffat to listen and look after you and your vehicle just the way you expect.

We truly feel we are like no other shop in the valley: Our customers are our friends and our friends are our customers. 

Dwight Milford - I have been working in shops for over 30 years.  I finished my apprenticeship under my father and fixing things is in my blood.  Ironically, I am not actually a ‘car guy’. I ride my bicycle to work as much as possible and spend my recreation time paddling the Cowichan River with the VCKC, playing Ultimate Frisbee with the Cowichan Carrots, bike touring with Kristi, or running and hiking in the woods. So, although cars and trucks are not my hobby, I take my profession very seriously and I am really proud of my trade and my skills. 

Linden Schultz is an amazing addition to our Kroffat team! He is a certified Red Seal mechanic who got his start at Dickson & Fraser Auto Repair, just down the street. Linden is keen to do most any repair work and always has the right tool for the job! We are really happy to have Linden at our shop and are super impressed by his skills - both in the shop and with a video-game console.

Clayton Novak is the newest member of our Kroffat team! He has 25 years experience under the hood and has worked in shops all over Vancouver Island. When not in the shop Clayton is off adventuring with his family - hiking, biking, skiing and fishing. We are pleased to welcome Clayton to the team!

Trista Vlaanderen manages the front-end and supports the automotive technicians in our shop. Trista provides excellent service for our customers and helps our shop run at maximum efficiency. She has finished her 1st year Mechanics and has had experience in both the service and parts industries around the Cowichan Valley. We are super appreciative of her good work, superb organization and friendly demeanour!

Kristi Koons (co-owner and helper extraordinaire) is an educator with the Cowichan Valley School District 79 and CoChair of the Cowichan Women Against Violence Board of Directors. She is essential for all our behind-the-scenes needs as puts a lot of effort into our office as well as our on-line presence and our charitable works within the community. Our daughter Georgia Young helps out where she can when she isn’t busy at Genoa Bay Cafe. Our son Dalin Koons is living in Duncan, playing D&D and working at Footprints Security.

Goodbyes and Well Wishes…

Bryan Hayhurst has diversitfied his career and taken over the Mill Bay Towing Company. While Bryan’s departure leaves a big toolbox to fill - we sure wish him well on his new adventure!

Sandy MacInnes is officially retired! After working for Kroffat for over 14 years Sandy will be spending more time with his family, racing his car, tending to his yard and dirt biking with his grand kids. We appreciated the years Sandy dedicated to our shop and wish him the best in his retirement!

Read Dwight's Blog here