By: Ryan Russell

Early in 2024, I began researching business gaps in Stafford County; specifically, industries where local demand was high, but services were either absent or located miles away. One need rose to the top quickly: diesel repair.

Despite the county having a large number of diesel vehicles; county fleets, farm equipment, trucking operations, and heavy machinery. There wasn’t a single diesel mechanic shop within county lines. Every year, hundreds of thousands of dollars were leaving Stafford County as residents and businesses were forced to travel elsewhere for repairs and maintenance.

As I started asking around to understand the landscape, one name kept coming up: Addison Willinger, a talented local diesel mechanic who had been commuting to Great Bend for work. Around that same time, Addison’s father, Troy Willinger, walked into my office to talk about his plans to build a diesel mechanic shop right here in St. John. The timing for grant support or donor outreach didn’t quite align. Business grants are rare and often require long lead times. Troy was committed to moving forward anyway without our support.

His determination paid off. By late summer of 2025, the Willinger family had completed construction and officially opened their new shop in August. Since then, they’ve been busy nonstop.

The facility is impressive:

• Four bays for smaller vehicles
• Four bays for larger diesel trucks and equipment
• 4 full time employees, 3 Addison, Devin, and Troy Willinger all owners of the business, 2 part time mechanics, and participating in the Work Release Program with USD #350.
• An oil-burner heating system, allowing the shop to recycle oil and significantly reduce heating costs
• Plans to add a retail parts store, providing even more convenience to local customers

The Willinger’s also have long-term plans for expansion once the business is firmly established, a promising sign for the local economy.

The opening of this diesel mechanic shop fills a major gap in services for Stafford County. It keeps money in our local economy, supports local employment, and provides farmers, truckers, and residents with essential services right at home. It’s a great example of what happens when local initiative meets community need, and one more step forward in strengthening Stafford County’s business landscape.

For more information about the shop visit our website at wtaauto.com.