The shop started in 1958 by Norman Zimmerman, the oldest of seven children. It originally consisted of one bay and two gas pumps, before seeing multiple expansions, including three in the mid-80s.
The business continued to expand as it was handed down to current owners Judy Walter, Jay Zimmerman and Paul Zimmerman in the late ‘90s. In 2000, the company moved to a larger, 20,000-square-foot facility, which added a 35-car auto sales lot and a quick-lube oil change center.
Throughout all of this growth, managing owner Judy Zimmerman-Walter says the shop’s connection with the surrounding area has been a major factor.
“We’ve been in this area since the beginning, all our family members live here,” Zimmerman-Walter says. “One of the biggest things is, I believe in being involved in community,”
Zimmerman-Walter and her staff have heavy involvement with a local social service center, New Hope Ministries, and the shop sponsors a variety of local sports teams.
Zimmerman’s Automotive will spend the first weekend in August celebrating its history, its 60-year anniversary, and its future. On Friday of that weekend, the shop will have a reception for extended family, local dignitaries and special guests. On Saturday, the shop will hold a classic car show, with free hot dogs, a food collection for New Hope Ministries, a Pennzoil display, a bounce house and a variety of other activities.
