A family affair

Brothers Stephen and Matt Embrey were tired of working for somebody else. After discussing their options, they decided to bet on themselves.

The duo opened SK Repair+ late last fall. The business is located in the former D's Auto Repair building on Eighth Avenue Southeast in Hartley and bills itself as a full-service automotive shop.

"We were tired of having the big thumb on our backs all the time working for someone else," said Matt. "You can't beat being your own boss, but you've still gotta show up and go to work every day."

The Embreys have 25 years of combined experience working in the field. SK Repair+ offers a variety of services to customers, from oil changes and alignments to brakes and A/C repair.

Small engine work, trailer repair and service, and Iowa DOT inspections are also offered at the shop.

"We try to do it all," said Stephen.

The brothers aren't new to Hartley. Both men live in town, serve on the fire department and graduated from Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn High School – Stephen in 2007 and Matt in 2011.

The pair admits to being gearheads. They enjoy racing in Primghar, boating and riding motorcycles.

"All the expensive stuff," Matt said with a laugh.

SK Repair+ is truly a family affair. Stephen's wife, Kelly, helps out with bookkeeping and secretary work at the shop. The brothers' dad, Kenny, is also a regular face at the business.

Stephen said he and Matt are hoping to grow SK Repair+ by making it a go-to shop for vehicle owners in the area. The business hosted its open house last Saturday and cut the ceremonial ribbon with members of the Hartley Chamber of Commerce.

"The first few months we were pretty busy, but with the holidays and all the weather we've been having this winter, it kind of slowed down," Stephen said. "We're looking for it to pick back up here with spring coming up."