Gustafson Brothers – Our Story – A Legacy of Trusted Service
19161 Gothard Street – Huntington Beach, CA 92648 || Open Monday-Friday: 7:30am – 6:00pm
From Two Brothers to Thousands of Customers
Gustafson Brothers began in 1971 with two brothers, a handful of tools, and a simple but powerful belief in community, service, and trust. Since opening our doors over 55 years ago, we’ve grown alongside the vehicles, technologies, and community we serve — continually investing in better equipment, deeper expertise, and the next generation of skilled technicians. While the automotive world has changed dramatically, our commitment to our core values has remained constant. This is not just a story about where we’ve been — it’s about where we’re going.
The timeline below traces that journey — from a small garage with hand tools and big dreams, through decades of thoughtful expansion, innovation, and leadership. Each chapter reflects a moment when the Gustafson Brothers chose to adapt, invest, and move forward without losing sight of the values that shaped the business from the start. Together, these milestones tell the story of a family-run shop that continues to evolve while staying true to what matters most.
Gustafson Brothers Legacy Timeline
55 Years of Quality Service, Innovation & Unwavering Trust
1971 — The Beginning in a Small Garage
John & Frank Gustafson open their first humble shop at Garfield & Main in Huntington Beach. Armed with hand tools, a floor jack, and a reputation built from the family garage, they launch the business on a simple promise: “Quality Service Built on Trust.”
1970s — Growing Beyond VW
As demand grows beyond Volkswagen repairs, the brothers expand their space and bring in trusted friends to help. They begin servicing the new surge of imports — Datsun, Toyota, and more — building a loyal customer base.
1977 — A Bold Move to a Dirt Lot
Guided by their father, John Sr., the brothers acquire a full acre of dirt with an old oil-field building. With a bank loan, dedication, and long nights, they retrofit the building and pave the lot — preparing for the next chapter.
1982 — A New Home on Crystal Street
Gustafson Brothers, Inc. officially opens at 19161 Crystal Street (later renamed Gothard Street). With room to grow, they expand into domestic vehicles — Chevy, Ford, Dodge — becoming a true full-service shop.
Mid-1980s — The Body Shop Is Born
Rising demand for body work inspires the creation of an in-house body shop.
Golden West College grad Jack Palmer becomes the one-man body shop, setting the foundation for the collision center that exists today.
1986 — A New Building for Collision Repair
A dedicated building is constructed at the back of the lot to house the growing team of body repair technicians and painters.
Mid-1990s to 2000 — Expanding the Campus
The business acquires another acre and begins its largest expansion yet.
By 2000, a new building is completed over the original oil-field structure — marking a major milestone in the company’s evolution.
2000s — Growth, Leadership & New Locations
Brother Frank Gustafson opens a collision repair center in Lake Havasu, Arizona, where he eventually retires to “the good life on the river.”
As Gothard Street expands across the old Crystal alignment, the brothers purchase an unused triangular lot, transforming it into fenced, landscaped parking for the rental fleet and overflow vehicles.
Early 2000s — Recognized by Insurance Carriers
Insurance companies take notice of Gustafson Brothers’ integrity and exceptional service.
Their “help first” philosophy leads insurers to send increasing numbers of collision-repair customers their way.
2007 — Expanding Through Adversity
During the national economic downturn, Gustafson Brothers uses its saved reserves to make a smart investment:
A new 5,000 sq. ft. addition on the South Lot, creating space for a body shop parts department and — most importantly — a Training Center.
2012 — Ron Catt Auto Care Shop – purchased by Gustafson Brothers
RON CATT AUTO CARE – a satellite Gustafson Brother Car Repair Shop – servicing domestic, European and Japanese automobiles. Located in North Huntington Beach near Edinger and Bolsa Chica . Ron Catt is a national winner of the NAPA/ASE Technician of the Year Award. Ron Catt says, “Since 1978 we’ve earned a reputation for providing unprecedented honest, high quality service at a fair price. Our one-stop-shop will give you peace of mind as we cater to all of you and your vehicle’s needs. We truly value the long-standing relationships we’ve built with our customers and look forward to earning your trust every time you turn the key!” Becoming part of the Gustafson Brothers family story is a perfect fit for Ron Catt Auto Care.
2012–Today — Building the Future Through Training
The Gustafson Brothers Training Center becomes a regional hub for:
- Technology & systems training
- ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) calibration
- Professional smog-check instructor classes
- Youth education & career development
Youth Programs Flourish
The next generation of technicians begins here:
- Huntington Beach High School Auto Shop partnership
- Saturday Auto Shop Club for students 13+
- Summer Automotive Boot Camp, a 5-day immersive experience that sells out every year
These programs reflect the original family tradition: teaching, mentoring, and helping first.
2020s — 55 Years Strong
As Gustafson Brothers celebrates 55 continuous years of growth, a new generation of leaders is being prepared to carry the business forward — built on the same values that started it all in 1971.
Family. Integrity. Innovation.
And always… “Quality Service Built on Trust.”
