 | The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome Tuffy – Central Ave., a family- and veteran-run business led by Janeen and Brian Holdwick. Opening its doors in the Toledo Region on November 1, the Central Avenue location brings trusted automotive repair and a people-first approach to customers across the community. With a team of five employees, Tuffy – Central Ave. is focused on building something more than an auto repair shop—it’s building relationships rooted in trust, transparency, and exceptional service. Let's learn more about them! |
About Tuffy – Central Ave.
The Holdwicks opened their first Tuffy location in Northville, Michigan, in January 2023, with a clear goal from day one: to create an automotive repair shop the community could truly trust. Since then, their commitment to honest service and customer care has fueled rapid growth, expanding to four locations, including their newest store on Central Avenue in Toledo.
Though the Tuffy name is nationally recognized, the Central Avenue location is proudly locally owned and operated, with every customer treated like family.
What They Do: Your Dealer Alternative
Tuffy – Central Ave. positions itself as a dealer alternative and one-stop shop for all automotive repair needs. Their experienced technicians diagnose and repair vehicles correctly the first time—helping customers keep their cars running safely and reliably for the long haul.
Beyond repairs, their focus is on trust and clarity. Customers can expect honest recommendations, clear explanations, and a positive experience every time they visit.
Services include:
- Full-service automotive diagnostics and repairs
- Preventative maintenance
- Fleet services with discounts and perks designed to get trucks and company vehicles back on the road quickly
Inside the Tuffy Culture
For the Holdwicks, company culture is everything.
Tuffy – Central Ave. is built on a family-style environment where customers are treated like part of the family and employees feel supported, respected, and heard. The team believes that how they treat their employees directly impacts how customers are treated—and they take that responsibility seriously.
Their culture is rooted in:
- Respect and communication
- Exceptional customer service
- Promptly addressing concerns and challenges
- Giving back to the community they serve
This foundation allows their team to deliver consistent, high-quality service that customers can rely on.
An Interesting Fact: Growth Driven by Trust
Since opening their first location in January 2023, the Holdwicks have expanded to four stores in under three years, with the Central Avenue location opening in November 2025.
Their growth has been driven by a simple reality: there is a strong demand for honest, transparent, and trustworthy auto repair. By consistently showing up for customers and doing the right thing, they’ve built momentum one relationship at a time.
What Keeps Them Up at Night
One of the biggest challenges the team faces is ensuring the community understands who they really are.
“Even though we carry the Tuffy name, we are a small, family-run business, and every customer genuinely matters to us,” Brian shared. Changing the perception that they’re “just another corporate shop” takes time, visibility, and consistent effort.
By being present, telling their story, and staying actively involved in the community, they’re working to show that they are truly a family serving families.
Big-Picture Advice & Values
Customer service is the foundation of any successful business. While marketing, numbers, and equipment matter, the basics matter most—making people feel seen, heard, and cared for.
Consistency, clear communication, follow-through, and respect build trust. When business owners focus on serving people rather than simply selling to them, they create lasting relationships and loyal guests—not just one-time customers.
Organizations They’re Passionate About
The Holdwick family is deeply committed to giving back:
- Animal Welfare: Through programs like Detroit Animal Care and Control’s DogVenture program—where shelter dogs get a day out, increasing their chances of adoption. A similar program is available locally through Lucas County Canine Care and Control.
- Veterans Support: As an Army veteran, Janeen is passionate about supporting the VA. She and Brian assist with transporting veterans and delivering supplies to help ease the burden on overworked VA hospitals.
The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome Tuffy – Central Ave. to our membership and looks forward to supporting their continued growth as they bring honest service, strong values, and community-first care to the Toledo Region.
RSS Feed
