Built on Trust

Scottsbluff, Nebraska –

When Shawn Eitzen talks about opening his own auto repair shop, he doesn't begin with profits or business plans.

He starts with trust.

For nearly 15 years, Eitzen spent his days diagnosing electrical problems, rebuilding engines, repairing suspensions, and tackling the kinds of automotive issues that require patience as much as technical skill. As the years passed, customers began requesting him by name. Friends recommended him to others. Eventually, he realized he had built something more valuable than experience.

He had earned a reputation.

"When you believe in yourself and the quality of work you can do, there comes a point where you have to take that leap," Eitzen said.

In February of 2025, Shawn and his wife, Suzy, opened Eitzen's Auto in Scottsbluff. The decision came with plenty of uncertainty. Running a business meant much more than repairing vehicles; it meant managing customers, finances, employees, marketing, and every other responsibility that comes with entrepreneurship.

But for Shawn, the biggest motivation wasn't simply becoming his own boss.

"I wanted more time with my family," he said. "I didn't want to have to justify why I was gone all the time. I wanted to build something that would last."

That "something" has quickly become one of Scottsbluff's trusted neighborhood repair shops.

Building More Than a Shop

Like many first-time business owners, Shawn knew his craft inside and out. Running a business, however, requires a different set of skills.

That's where the Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC) came in.

Working with NBDC consultant Alex Coon, Shawn developed his business plan, organized financial projections, and learned how to present his ideas professionally.

"I've spent most of my life focused on cars," Shawn said. "There were definitely areas where I needed guidance. Alex helped answer the questions I didn't know how to answer and made sure everything was organized. It made the whole process feel much more professional."

That preparation helped give the Eitzen’s confidence as they launched their business.

“Shawn has a true entrepreneurial spirit. He came in with his experience and passion for what he does and turned it into his own business. I was happy to work with him and help him through the process,” said Alexander Coon, Scottsbluff Center Director, America's SBDC-Nebraska.

The first year was a whirlwind. As the shop's only technician, Shawn repaired every vehicle while also running the business. Susie, whose background includes working for the State of Nebraska and in the mortgage industry, stepped into the front office, managing customers, parts, scheduling, and day-to-day operations.

Together, they found their rhythm.

"If you asked me today if I'd trade it for anything, I wouldn't even think about it," Shawn said. "It's one of the best decisions I've ever made."

Reputation Travels

In a business where one negative experience can spread quickly, Shawn believes consistency matters.

Every customer is treated as an individual. Every repair starts by listening.

"I want to make sure every customer's concerns are actually being addressed, not just what I think the problem might be," he said.

That philosophy has paid off.

Customers from across western Nebraska—and even travelers passing through town—have found their way to Eitzen's Auto. When someone breaks down on a weekend, or while traveling, Shawn often stays late or opens the shop outside normal business hours to get them back on the road.

"I always think about what I'd want if I were the one stranded somewhere," he said. "Sometimes people don't have the money to stay in a hotel for two or three extra days while they wait for their vehicle. If I can help them get going again, I will."

Those acts of service have earned glowing online reviews and countless word-of-mouth recommendations.

For Shawn, those recommendations mean more than any advertisement.

"I feel really good when people say positive things about me," he said. "There are people who know about me that I don't even know. That reassures me that what I'm doing is positive and that it's what I should be doing."

Suzy has watched that reputation grow firsthand.

"People come in and say, 'I'm so glad Shawn finally opened his own place,'" she said. "I've always known how hard he works, but now I get to see how much that means to other people. I'm just so proud."

Building Something that Lasts

During the shop's first year, Shawn focused on building for the future. Nearly every dollar the business earned went back into improvements.

The shop received new concrete, new lifts, an alignment rack, new windows, drywall, and ongoing renovations. By the end of its first 11 months, Eitzen's Auto had serviced more than 500 vehicles.

Just over a year into business, the shop reached another important milestone by hiring a second technician.

"It's a huge blessing," Shawn said. "Quality is everything to me, so finding someone I trust enough to help is a big step."

Even as the business continues to grow, the Eitzens remain committed to giving back through local sponsorships, donations, and customer appreciation events. Looking ahead, they hope to finish the remaining renovations while continuing to grow the business.

For Shawn, building a successful business has never been just about fixing cars. It's about taking care of people and earning their trust.

"I feel really good when people say positive things about me," he said. "There are people who know about me that I don't even know. That reassures me that what I'm doing is positive and that it's what I should be doing."

To learn more or request a quote, go to https://eitzensauto.com/