If you have been a customer of Mike’s AutoCrafts in Montgomery City, you know it is a business that thrives on small town service. But you also know it is a business that uses industry wide knowledge to serve customers in the best possible way. It has been an essential part of this community for over 40 years.

In February 1984, Mike Lichtenberg made the decision to open his own body shop. He was very particular and specific about the way he wanted things done, so Mike knew it was time to open his own business and be his own boss. His philosophy was to always strive to surpass the customer’s expectations.
The first Mike’s AutoCrafts was at the corner of Walsh and Allen streets, where Boone’s Service is currently located. At the time, Mike employed two full-time people and a secretary that worked one day a week. Mike was responsible for the custodial work and for washing and cleaning the cars. Eventually he had some high school students applying for jobs and was able to put them to work taking care of things that would free up his time.

By 1990, Mike knew he needed more space. Vehicle design and components were changing. His equipment and facility needed to change as well. Mike broke ground on his current location in 1990 and opened for business in 1991.
As Mike planned for the new location, he had a vision. It was important to have a clean, welcoming environment for customers to enter. He did not want them to have to walk through the shop area. He also knew technology was changing both for vehicles and businesses. He anticipated more office space would be required for computers.

The shop would also require a larger workspace for repairs. As plans came together, it was important to consider the efficiency of space, and the steps required for those working in a shop that was three times the available workspace as the first shop.

The new location created an easier path to a cleaner shop and a more user friendly environment. The modern finishes and designs and the complexity of vehicle make-up required additional high-tech equipment and training. Therefore, the additional space was necessary.

Continuing education is crucial to advancing the level of service. As the owner, Mike makes sure that each time new equipment is needed, training for the technicians is available and part of the purchase. All employed technicians participate. Sometimes the training is done off site.

Recently, all technicians went to Columbia for ASE certifications (Automotive Service Excellence). But there is also training done in-house with the equipment on site. Mike and those who worked for him also earned the certification provided by I-CAR (Inter Industry Conference on Auto-Collision Repair).

Providing auto repair is not all Mike’s AutoCrafts does for Montgomery City and the surrounding area. Mike is very active in his service to the community. Each year since 1984, he has sponsored local ball teams.

When there were soccer teams here, he sponsored those, too. Many years ago, ball diamonds and practice fields were in short supply for Little League and Khoury League, so Mike built a practice field behind the shop and opened it up to teams needing to practice. The parking lot at Mike’s AutoCrafts has hosted several fund-raising car washes for church and community.

Mike was a charter member of the local Rotary Club, joining in May of 1988. He is an active member and became a “Paul Harris Fellow.” He has also been active in the Chamber of Commerce since 1984, holding the position of vice-president for three years.

Mike’s AutoCrafts is a long-standing part of Montgomery City and has provided a living for many employees over its 40 plus years of existence. Mike has always known that good employees are the absolute backbone to a successful organization. He feels that his employees are outstanding. Mike treats them well and takes care of them to ensure they are happy and proud of where they work. In addition, Mike encourages those employees to be active and give back to the community that has been so good to Mike’s AutoCrafts.
Currently those employed by Mike’s AutoCrafts include Mike, Ruth Ann O’Keefe, Mike Johnson, Tim O’Keefe, David Strube, Jace Beattie, Jesse Maylee, Jacque March and a new technician-in-training, Bryson Nichols.

In addition, Elm Eaklor was a 30-plus-year employee who recently retired. Also retired is part time office help, Mary Deeker.

Mike’s motto “We meet a lot of people by accident” rings true for many reasons. One of his favorite duties during his long career has been dealing with people and being able to help them.

Mike said, “I’ll miss that when I retire someday. That said, I have no doubt whatsoever that the shop will continue to take care of people in a professional and courteous manner.”

Mike and his wife Becky are lifelong residents of Montgomery County, and currently reside in Montgomery City. They have two children, Brittany (Stephen) Derks of King City (Gentry County) and Brady (Kylie) Lichtenberg of Columbia. They also have four grandchildren: Kyndri, Casen, Mia and Crew.
Congratulations to Mike Lichtenberg as he prepares to step back a bit and move toward retirement someday. What an accomplishment to have built such a company and see it thrive for all this time.