Conversations with Joey Kostenbader

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joey Kostenbader.

Hi Joey, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
“We Got Your Six”: My Story — Joey Kostenbader

I don’t just see Patriot Veteran Auto as a business — I see it as a mission. Everything I’ve built comes from a simple belief: take care of people, show up when it matters, and stand behind your work no matter what.

My path into entrepreneurship wasn’t perfect or predictable. Like many veterans and working-class Americans, I’ve faced challenges that forced me to adapt, learn quickly, and keep moving forward even when quitting might have seemed easier. Those experiences shaped how I approach leadership today — with accountability, discipline, and a commitment to service.

When I started Patriot Veteran Auto, I wanted to create something different from the typical auto shop. Vehicles are more than machines; they’re how people get to work, support their families, and live their daily lives. When someone’s car breaks down, it creates stress and uncertainty. I built this company to remove that fear by focusing on transparency, education, and real solutions — not pressure or confusion.

Our motto, “We Got Your Six,” isn’t just a slogan. It reflects how I believe business should be done. We offer trusted repairs, major-brand tires, Fleet companies , financing options for customers who need flexibility, and honest conversations so people understand exactly what’s happening with their vehicles.

As we’ve grown, I’ve stayed hands-on because leadership means being present. I believe in building a team that shares the same values — integrity, hard work, and respect for the customer. Many of the people we work with are veterans, families, and local businesses who rely on us, and that responsibility is something I never take lightly.

Community has always been at the center of everything I do. Supporting local events, helping customers during tough times, and giving back whenever possible isn’t extra — it’s part of who we are. Success isn’t just about expansion or numbers; it’s about creating something that makes a real difference where you live.

Looking ahead, my focus is on growing Patriot Veteran Auto the right way — strengthening partnerships, expanding services, and continuing to build a company that never loses its purpose. At the end of the day, this isn’t just about fixing cars. It’s about service, trust, and making sure people know someone has their back.

Because for me, this has always been more than business — it’s a mission.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been a smooth road — not even close. There were moments when the weight of responsibility felt heavier than the progress being made. Building Patriot Veteran Auto meant long days that turned into longer nights, balancing financial risk with the need to keep moving forward, and learning lessons the hard way when things didn’t go as planned.

Starting and growing a business from the ground up isn’t just about fixing vehicles — it’s about carrying the pressure of payroll, customer expectations, and the unknown future all at the same time. There were moments when I questioned whether I was pushing too hard or taking too big of a risk. But every challenge forced me to become more resilient, more disciplined, and more focused on why I started in the first place.

One of the biggest obstacles was redefining what an auto shop could be. I wanted to build something rooted in service and trust, not just transactions. That meant earning confidence from customers who had been disappointed before, building a culture that reflected real integrity, and refusing to compromise on values even when shortcuts might have made things easier.

There were setbacks, tough decisions, and times when success felt just out of reach. But those struggles became the foundation of who we are today. They taught me that leadership isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about showing up anyway, staying committed to the mission, and continuing forward even when the path isn’t clear.

Looking back, I don’t see obstacles as barriers anymore. I see them as proof of growth — reminders that nothing meaningful is built without perseverance, and that every challenge strengthens the purpose behind “We Got Your Six.”

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
What I Do, What I’m Known For, and What Sets Me Apart

At the core of my work is service — both to the customer and to the community. I own and operate Patriot Veteran Auto, where we specialize in full-service automotive repair, major-brand tires, fleet maintenance, diagnostics, and solutions that help people stay safely on the road. We work with everyday drivers, families, commercial accounts, and fleet companies, and I’ve built our operations around reliability, transparency, and real-world problem solving.

What I’m most proud of isn’t just the growth of the business — it’s the reputation we’ve earned. Customers come to us because they know they’ll be treated with respect, given honest answers, and supported even when the situation is difficult. Many people walk into auto shop feeling uncertain or overwhelmed, and I’ve made it a priority to change that experience by focusing on education, clear communication, and standing behind our work.

I’m known for being hands-on and mission-driven. I believe leadership means being present — whether that’s helping a customer after hours, building relationships with fleet partners, or working alongside my team when things get busy. I don’t see Patriot Veteran Auto as just a repair shop; I see it as a support system for people who depend on their vehicles every day.

What sets us apart is our mindset. “We Got Your Six” isn’t just a slogan — it’s how we operate. We focus on long-term relationships instead of short-term transactions, and we work hard to create solutions that fit real-life situations, including financing options for customers who need flexibility. Being a veteran-owned business shapes how we approach everything: discipline, accountability, and a strong sense of responsibility to the people we serve.

At the end of the day, I’m proud of building something rooted in trust — a company where customers feel supported, employees feel valued, and the community knows we’re here to help when it matters most.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
The Role of Luck in My Life and Business

I’ve learned that what people often call “luck” is usually preparation meeting opportunity — and sometimes survival through tough moments that you didn’t expect. There have been times in my life and business where things fell into place at exactly the right time, whether it was meeting the right people, gaining a new opportunity, or finding support when I needed it most. Those moments felt like good luck, but they also came from being willing to take risks and stay ready when opportunities showed up.

At the same time, I’ve faced situations that could easily be called bad luck — unexpected setbacks, financial pressures, challenges that tested my resilience, and moments where the path forward wasn’t clear. Those experiences taught me more than any success ever could. They forced me to grow stronger, think differently, and stay focused on the mission even when things felt uncertain.

I don’t rely on luck to build something meaningful. Instead, I believe in consistency, discipline, and showing up every day ready to work. If luck plays a role, it’s in the people you meet and the chances you’re given — but what you do with those moments is what truly defines your journey.

Looking back, I see luck less as chance and more as perspective. The challenges that once felt like setbacks became turning points, and the opportunities that seemed small at the time often led to the biggest growth. For me, success has never been about waiting for luck — it’s about creating momentum and being prepared when opportunity arrives.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.patriotveteranauto.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patriot_veteran_auto/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patriotveteranauto
• Twitter: https://x.com/Patriot1776Vet
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@joeyKostenbader-uw7be