“I saw an opportunity to move my wife, Amy, and our daughters, Elizabeth and Abby, back up north. My family is still in Cheboygan and we wanted to be closer to them,” he said.

After graduating from Cheboygan High School, Mousseau received his degree in applied science and automotive technology from Ferris State University and then spent five years working as the diesel mechanic for Galesburg Ford, near Kalamazoo, before joining the Auto-Lab team.

K&M Automotive had serviced the Gaylord area for nearly six years, until the owner, Keith Hough, decided to move to the Detroit area, also to be closer to his family. He opened a shop there.

The Gaylord shop stood vacant for several months, until Mousseau bought it.

“This shop already had a great client base. I’ve been open a month and it’s been busy,” Mousseau said. “What I want people to know is that while no one is perfect, I strive to do my very best every single day. We work on gas and diesel engines, brakes, transmissions, engine replacement — we can do it all.”

Gaylord Auto-Lab also will honor any and all warranties from K&M Automotive and gives its own warranty of 12 months or 12,000 miles on all work done.

“Just as Keith did, we will provide one of the most trusted, nicest and cleanest facilities around,” Mousseau said.

Mousseau believes in straight communication with his customers and performs a free courtesy inspection on every vehicle that comes to Auto-Lab.

“We want to assure your safety and the reliability of your vehicle,” he said.

Auto-Lab has been gaining Michigan’s trust for nearly 25 years. For six years, K&M Automotive gained Gaylord’s trust.

Mousseau’s mission is to combine that trust with his experience and ASE Certification to provide Gaylord with complete, honest and excellent auto repair now and into the future.

Auto-Lab is located at 569 McCoy Road, just west of Otsego Avenue. The shop is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

Call for an appointment, 705-1566 or 248-875-3437, or drop in.