At Kroffat Brake & Wheel, we want you to feel the perfect amount of confidence, ease 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 are truly like no other shop in the valley: We are thoroughly engaged in our community - our customers are our friends and our friends are our customers. 

Dwight Milford - Dwight has been working in shops for over 35 years.  He finished his apprenticeship under his father, Moe Milford - fixing things is in the blood.  Ironically, Dwight isn’t actually a ‘car guy’. He would rather ride his bicycle to work and spends his recreation time paddling the Cowichan River with the VCKC, playing Ultimate Frisbee with the Cowichan Ultimate League, disc golfing at The Hub Disc Golf Course, bike touring and van tripping with Kristi, or running and hiking in the woods. So, although cars and trucks are not his hobby, Dwight takes his profession very seriously and is really proud of his trade and skills. 

Trista Vlaanderen expertly manages the front-end and supports the automotive technicians in our shop. Trista provides excellent service for our customers and ensures our shop run at maximum efficiency. She has her 1st year in 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!

We have recently shared our love of disc golf with Trista and she and her family have really taken to the sport. If you are looking for some disc golf disc advice come see Trista and she will help you peruse our new disc golf disc selection!

Linden Schultz is an integral part of our Kroffat team. He is a certified Red Seal mechanic who got his start at Dickson & Fraser Auto Repair, just down the street. Linden always has the right tool for the job - we are so happy to have him at our shop and are super impressed by how capable, competent and efficient he is under the hood!

Cole Unger is BACK!! Cole completed his apprenticeship and returns to us as a certified Red Seal mechanic. Cole brings his skills from the field into the shop, along with his easy disposition and his willingness to get the job done right! We are overjoyed to welcome Cole back onto the Kroffat team!

Kristi Koons (co-owner, community outreach) is an educator with the Cowichan Valley School District 79, volunteer with Literacy Now Cowichan, past Board Director at Cowichan Women Against Violence and founder/director of the social movement REVOLVE Cowichan. Kristi is also working on a PhD at the University of Victoria! 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, or studying biology at Vancouver Island University.

Our son Dalin Koons also attends VIU, works weekends with Paladin Security and loves playing D&D!

Goodbyes and Well Wishes…

David Sheldon has spread his wings and is finding other opportunities in the Valley. We wish him the best of luck with his apprenticeship!

Chris Hounsell still comes in to help out but he is also busy finishing up his schooling and waiting for his call to the Navy.

Bryan Hayhurst While Bryan’s departure leaves a big toolbox to fill - we sure wish him well on his new adventure at Hi-Point Automotive!

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!