Photos Provided
Jim Westley, Owner
— Cynthia Mudge —
For the C-C Chamber of Commerce
Kresky Auto Repair & Electrical is one of the region’s longstanding businesses, maintaining a consistent presence in the community for nearly sixty years. Originally established as Chehalis Auto & Electric in the 1950s, the shop was purchased by Leon Bowman in 1968. Bowman operated the business for decades, eventually relocating it to Centralia in the 1980s. With that move came a new name—Kresky’s Auto Repair & Electrical—reflecting a new chapter while preserving its strong foundation.
Following Bowman’s passing in 2023, longtime employee Jim Westley purchased the business, continuing its legacy. Westley’s history with Kresky’s runs deep. He began working there in high school, starting with basic tasks like sweeping floors and cleaning. Although he did not attend trade school, Westley demonstrated a natural aptitude for automotive work. To stay current in an ever-evolving industry, he pursued after-hours training and ultimately earned his ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification.
Over the course of 35 years, Westley grew alongside the business, mentored by Bowman and shaped by decades of change in the automotive field. During that time, the shop transitioned from paper records to digital systems, and from purely mechanical repairs to increasingly complex, computer-driven diagnostics. As vehicles evolved—from traditional gas engines to hybrids and electric models—so did the skills required to service them.
Today, Kresky’s remains a well-established and trusted repair shop, servicing a wide range of vehicles. The team is particularly known for its expertise with older models from the 1980s and beyond. While the fundamentals of how a car operates remain consistent, modern technology has added layers of complexity to repairs. “The computer technology often buries the mechanics,” Westley explained. “We often have to work around components just to reach something as simple as a bolt.”
Vehicle features have also evolved significantly over time. Options that were once considered luxury add-ons—such as cruise control—are now standard in most vehicles. Others, like rearview cameras, were virtually nonexistent prior to the 1990s, aside from early concept designs such as the 1956 Buick Centurion. Today, they are federally mandated safety features, required in all new vehicles since 1968 Modern drivers now expect conveniences like air conditioning, sunroofs, heated seats, and keyless entry as standard.
Kresky’s commitment to quality has earned industry recognition over the years. The shop became the first AAA Approved Auto Repair facility between Longview and Olympia in 1982. More recently, it was named a AAA Top Shop every year the honor was awarded from 2007 through 2018. The program was on hold until 2025, and Kresky Auto Repair learned they are also Receiving the 2025 award. The business employs a team of six.
Kresky Auto Repair & Electrical provides service for most automobiles, light trucks, and motorhomes. Their offerings include major engine and transmission repair, as well as clutch, differential, and exhaust work, Manufactures Recommend Service Intervals.. They also handle a full range of maintenance services, including air conditioning, brakes, heating and cooling systems, electrical work, and general vehicle care.
In addition to its longevity as a business, Kresky’s has been a dedicated member of the Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce since 1968, maintaining a strong connection to the local community for decades
