Jake Reeder is known as a father, husband, brother, son, and friend; but he is widely known as the General Manager (GM) of Reeder's Automotive Service Center in Portage, Ind.
During adolescence Reeder grew up in the Northwest region and graduated from Boone Grove High School (BGHS) in 2000. From the age of six to early adulthood, Reeder avidly played and enjoyed soccer. This avid love of soccer granted Reeder a scholarship at the University of Saint Frances (USF) in Fort Wayne, Ind.
At USF Reeder majored in Business Management and minored in Communications. In 2005 Reeder graduated college and was super ecstatic to begin his life adventure of business management.
“I chose to major in Business Management and minor in Communications because I’ve always been intrigued by business. I’ve always wanted to work my way up from an employee to a manager to running a business. This degree got me into the position that I’ve always wanted to be in,” said Reeder.
Reeder’s Auto was established in 1962 by Reeder’s grandpa Jim Reeder. At the time of establishment, Reeder’s Auto was primarily a gas station that did some automotive work and towing on the side. But by the 1990s there was a heavy demand for automotive repairs and services in the Portage, Ind. area. So in 1993 Reeder’s Auto was established and Reeder’s dad, Jeff Reeder, took over the family business.
For 12 years, Reeder has been the GM of Reeder’s Auto and has been super proud and happy to be working at his family business.
“I’m very proud to be a part of the company. What my dad and grandpa have built is very impressive, I’m so happy to carry on the legacy,” Reeder said.
Reeder is not the only Reeder that works at Reeder’s Auto. Reeder’s brother, Jeremy Reeder, also works at Reeder’s Auto as a technician. As a technician Jeremy checks engine lights, diagnostics, fixes tire pressures, and many more things that involve technician work.
As a GM Reeder takes on many tasks but he finds the multitude of tasks to be super enjoyable. Some of the tasks Reeder partakes in are; working the front desk, doing oil changes and tire rotations, human resources and advertising, covering for employees, and accounting. In Reeder’s opinion working as a GM is a new and exciting adventure everyday.
“I like all the different roles, everyday it’s something new. I always come into work thinking I have a set plan, but it always ends up changing. I really enjoy the variety of each day,” Reeder said.
Currently at Reeder’s Auto construction is underway. This construction is designed to expand the bays where the technicians work and where customers' cars are placed and decrease the amount of time it takes to do an oil change. With Reeder’s Auto new expansion customers will be able sit in their cars while getting an oil change and Reeder’s Auto will have a total of 26 bays.
The construction at Reeder’s Auto is partly due to COVID-19. During the beginning of the pandemic, traffic for Reeder’s Auto was a little slow. But after a month or two business exploded for them. With this expansion, both Reeder’s Auto and their customers will benefit greatly.
Aside from being a GM, Reeder also spends his time with his family, friends, and golfing. Since college Reeder has become passionate about golf and enjoys playing it with friends.
“It’s a good challenge. I like the competition against myself, to always be better than my previous score,” Reeder said.
When taking a look at his life and his family business, Reeder’s emotions are exuberant.
“I’m very fortunate and happy to have a family owned business that's been successful for 60 years,” said Reeder.