The Story of Willands Tech Auto
Built in Ferndale. Trusted Across Whatcom County.
Willand Opens
Moved Across the Street
Addition of a blacksmith shop
An addition to the back of the shop was made for a blacksmith shop as the needs of the community grew for more skilled & professional services.
Expansion into Willand’s Auto Parts
Another addition was made and the front of the shop was remodeled into an auto parts store, named Willand’s Auto Parts.
purchased by Ron Willand
Ron Willand started working for his father in 1963 and bought the business from Olve on March 1st, 1965. He then bought the land behind the parts store and built a new building. On April 1, 1967, Ron re-opened Willand’s Garage for business, where the business resides today. For 55 years, Ron served customers throughout Ferndale, Bellingham, Lynden, and greater Whatcom County, building a reputation for integrity and skilled workmanship.
Transition of the parts store and continued growth of the repair facility
In 1969 Olve sold the parts store to S&H Auto Parts and retired to the farm on Mt. View Road in Ferndale. S&H later moved to Lynden.
renamed to Willands Tech Auto
As business grew, this expansion brought the need for a larger facility, and in 1994 Ron changed the name to Willands Tech Auto and purchased the adjoining building to better accommodate customers with a new waiting room facing Vista Drive, also making extra room for new office staff and employees.
Continuing the Legacy in Ferndale
On June 1st, 2019, Ron retired after 55 years of service.
Ownership transitioned to Lead Technician Chris Atkinson and his brother Marcus Martin — both born and raised in Ferndale. Their mission was clear:
Protect the legacy of trust.
Serve and support our community.
Raise the standard in the automotive industry.
Today, Willands Tech Auto continues to serve drivers from Ferndale, Bellingham, Blaine, Birch Bay, Lynden, and throughout Whatcom County with the same commitment to honesty and quality that defined the shop in 1937.
We are not a corporate chain or large franchise.
We are a locally owned, family-operated auto repair shop deeply rooted in this community.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Willand's Aim, Purpose, Mission & Vision
Our Aim
To earn trust that lasts for generations by putting people first, delivering honest care, and keeping families safe on the road.
Our Purpose
Willands Tech Auto exists to serve people, not just fix cars. We build lasting relationships through trust, integrity, and a family-centered approach that makes every visit feel welcoming and genuine.
Our Mission
Our mission is to be Whatcom County’s most trusted auto service center by combining skilled teamwork with personal care. We hold ourselves to the highest standards, exceed expectations, and strive to support the community that has supported us since 1937.
Our Vision
At Willands Tech Auto, auto repair is about people, not cars. Built on family values and community trust, we deliver customer care that feels like family and will keep Ferndale safely on the road for generations.
transparent & predictable Auto Repair
Our Process
We strive to create a repair process that is transparent and predictable. Here is what you get from Willands every time you visit us:
- We start by listening & really understanding your concerns and what brought you in.
- We perform a thorough digital health & maintenance inspection on your vehicle. This gives us a complete picture of your vehicle’s overall condition.
- We document everything with photos, videos and clear, straightforward explanations, so you can see what we see.
- We provide a detailed estimate before any work begins—so you know exactly where things stand.
- We prioritize what needs attention now and what can wait, helping you plan instead of react.
- You decide what work moves forward. No pressure, no surprises.
- We complete the service and verify everything before it leaves our shop—done right the first time.
- You earn rewards on your Car Care to use towards future services or to donate to local charities & non-profits.
No surprises. No pressure. No guesswork. That way you know what your car is telling you and what to do about it.
We Don’t Just Fix Cars, We Install Peace of Mind
Your vehicle is one of the most important tools in your daily life. It gets you to work, takes your kids to school and extracurricular activities, helps you travel, and keeps you connected to the people and places that matter most to you.
That’s why we do more than repair vehicles. We help you understand their condition, plan for future maintenance, and avoid costly surprises whenever possible. Through clear communication, thorough inspections, and honest recommendations, we give you the information you need to make confident decisions about your vehicle.
When you know what your vehicle needs, why it needs it, and what to expect next, driving becomes a lot less stressful.
That’s the peace of mind we’re here to provide.
The Standard We Live By
We believe owning a vehicle should not feel overwhelming. That’s why we focus on preventative maintenance, education, and helping you plan ahead rather than reacting to emergencies. We want to take the burden of care care off your shoulders and put it on ours.
Our goal is pretty simple:
Help, guide & support our community while providing our customers with safe, dependable & reliable vehicles.
If we do that consistently, you get peace of mind & everything else takes care of itself!
Serving Whatcom County Since
Why Drivers Across Whatcom County Choose Willands
When you search for auto repair in Ferndale or near Bellingham, you will find about 100 options. That’s too many. It’s ok. You found your home.
Here’s why Ferndale and Whatcom County families continue choosing Willands Tech Auto:
- Nearly 90 years serving and supporting our community
- Local ownership and community involvement
- Honest recommendations without pressure
- Advanced diagnostics and high-quality repairs
- Long-term relationships prioritized over short-term sales
- Skilled and certified technicians
- Multiple Financing options available
We focus on safety, reliability, and transparency — not volume or gimmicks.
Looking Ahead
Willands Tech Auto has been part of Ferndale’s history since 1937. We are committed to remaining a trusted automotive partner for families across Whatcom County for decades to come.
The technology will continue to change.
Our standards and values will not.
If you are looking for reliable, professional auto repair in Ferndale or the greater Bellingham area, we invite you to experience the Willands difference. You will not regret it.
Setting the Standard in Automotive Excellence.
Since 1937.
