Do you remember the first time you flew with West Jet? I do: it was such a different experience than other airlines! The staff were casual, fun and they even told jokes; the captain would make some sarcastic and funny statements over the intercom. And yet, somehow, I still felt like I was in a safe and professional environment. I often dreaded traveling by air, but once I started flying West Jet, I (almost) looked forward to flying. I remember thinking ‘this is how it should be!’

That is the feeling we want you to have when you meet us at Kroffat Brake & Wheel. We like to think we are the perfect amount of casual and fun, and we put a lot of effort into being approachable, understandable and empathetic. It really sucks when you car breaks down and paying for maintenance does not feel any better; but it is the reality of owning a vehicle. We all know it is expensive to keep our cars moving, so we like to focus on keeping you comfortable and informed when your vehicle is at our shop. Not everybody has the same budget or expectation for their vehicle. You can count on the mechanics at Kroffat to listen and look after you and your vehicle just the way you expect.

We truly feel we are like no other shop in the valley: Our customers are our friends and our friends are our customers. 

Dwight Milford - Dwight has been working in shops for over 30 years.  He finished his apprenticeship under his father, Moe Milford - fixing things is in the blood.  Ironically, Dwight isn’t actually a ‘car guy’. He would rather ride his bicycle to work and spends his recreation time paddling the Cowichan River with the VCKC, playing Ultimate Frisbee with the Cowichan Ultimate League, bike touring and van tripping with Kristi, or running and hiking in the woods. So, although cars and trucks are not his hobby, Dwight takes his profession very seriously and is really proud of his trade and skills. 

Trista Vlaanderen manages the front-end and supports the automotive technicians in our shop. Trista provides excellent service for our customers and helps our shop run at maximum efficiency. She has finished her 1st year Mechanics and has had experience in both the service and parts industries around the Cowichan Valley. We are super appreciative of her good work, superb organization and friendly demeanour!

Linden Schultz is an amazing addition to our Kroffat team! He is a certified Red Seal mechanic who got his start at Dickson & Fraser Auto Repair, just down the street. Linden is keen to do most any repair work and always has the right tool for the job! We are really happy to have Linden at our shop and are super impressed by his skills - both in the shop and with a video-game console.

Chris Hounsell is our new apprentice. Chris has worked at a variety of shops in the Valley and spends his free time exploring the trails on his dirtbike. He likes anything with an engine and has been learning the tricks of the trade since he was young - we are so happy to have Chris in the shop and are looking forward to supporting him towards becoming a great tech!

Kristi Koons (co-owner and helper extraordinaire) is an educator with the Cowichan Valley School District 79, Board Director at Cowichan Women Against Violence and founder/director of the social movement REVOLVE Cowichan. She is essential for all our behind-the-scenes needs as puts a lot of effort into our office as well as our on-line presence and our charitable works within the community.

Our daughter Georgia Young helps out where she can when she isn’t busy at Genoa Bay Cafe, the Craig Street Brew Pub or studying at Vancouver Island University.

Our son Dalin Koons also attends VIU, works weekends with Paladin Security and loves playing D&D!

Goodbyes and Well Wishes…

Clayton Novak is transitioning careers, we wish him well with his future endeavours!

Bryan Hayhurst has diversitfied his career and taken over the Mill Bay Towing Company. While Bryan’s departure leaves a big toolbox to fill - we sure wish him well on his new adventure!

Sandy MacInnes is officially retired! After working for Kroffat for over 14 years Sandy will be spending more time with his family, racing his car, tending to his yard and dirt biking with his grand kids. We appreciated the years Sandy dedicated to our shop and wish him the best in his retirement!