Andy’s Autocare LLC opens in Merrill

After years of dreaming about owning his own auto repair shop, Andy Vollert opened Andy’s Autocare LLC at 424 E. First St. in Merrill on Jan. 1, 2025. The Stevens Point resident makes the daily commute in his Prius, which he purchased specifically for the drive, after learning the location was available for lease through a connection with the building’s owner, Al Reinke.
Vollert said he knew Reinke from doing work on his vehicles.
“He knew that I’ve always wanted a shop,” Vollert said. “For probably 20 some years or more, I’ve been wanting a shop about this size.”
Vollert brings considerable experience to his new business, having studied automotive repair at Mid-State Technical College right out of high school. “I went in for advanced auto along with a whole bunch of other things. At the time I was in advanced woodworking and welding and machining small engines,” he said.
Before opening Andy’s Autocare, Vollert ran his own fabrication business, VPT Fabrication, from his home shop. He also grew up in a family-owned live bait business, which he still occasionally helps with on weekends. He has always been self-employed, he said.

The new shop offers comprehensive automotive services including diagnostics, transmissions, engine work, maintenance, brakes, oil changes, tires, and most vehicle repairs. While they service most vehicle makes and models, Vollert mentioned they can provide routine maintenance and tires on electric vehicles but not electronics work due to dealer-specific computer programming requirements. They also carry used tires for anyone needing a spare or two. And they recently started offering gift certificates for services.
In addition to Andy, Andy’s Autocare employs three people. Vollert’s 19-year-old son Ben helps with oil changes and other maintenance, while his girlfriend Amanda Huff handles the bookkeeping, and a local resident Ryan also assists in the shop.
Looking to accommodate working customers, Vollert currently has a key drop-off. “People that work, as long as they have a spare vehicle or a way to get to work, a friend or something like that, they can drop their vehicle off whenever they want—in the middle of the night, midnight, whatever they want,” Vollert said. But he is soon planning to implement a system with a secure box where customers could also retrieve their keys after hours once their vehicle is repaired. Customers would receive their invoice electronically, make payment online, and receive a combination to access their keys.
Andy’s Autocare is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Vollert is considering adjusting the schedule in the future, possibly opening Saturdays and closing a weekday to better accommodate working customers.
Vollert emphasizes that many people still don’t realize the shop is open, despite being on a main road. “It’s surprising how many people come in and say, ‘Oh, we didn’t realize you’re open,’” he said. Vollert is excited to get the word out and looks forward to meeting more Merrill-area residents and servicing their vehicles.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Andy’s Autocare LLC at 715.350.1696.