The Story of Willands Tech Auto
Built in Ferndale. Trusted Across Whatcom County.
Willand Opens
Move to Ferndale
Addition of a blacksmith shop
Expansion into Willand’s Auto Parts
purchased by Ron Willand
Transition of the parts store and continued growth of the repair facility
renamed to Willands Tech Auto
In 1994, the business was renamed Willands Tech Auto, reflecting the evolution of modern automotive technology. A new waiting room and facility improvements were added to better serve customers traveling from across the county.
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
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 simple:
Keep you safe. Keep your vehicle reliable. Help you make informed decisions. Give you peace of mind.
If we do that consistently, everything else takes care of itself.
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.
