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Life & Work with Brian Snyder of West Chester

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian Snyder.

Hi Brian, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Snyder’s Car Care began with a simple but powerful dream. In 1988, Brian Snyder Sr. took a bold step of faith, leaving behind the security of working for someone else to build something of his own. Driven by a deep love for cars and an even deeper commitment to providing for his family, Brian rolled up his sleeves and poured everything he had into opening his own shop.

Brian’s vision quickly became a family affair. His wife, Debbie, stood by his side through the long hours and late nights, helping to keep things running behind the scenes with the same grit and grace that built the foundation of their home. Their son, Brian Snyder Jr., practically grew up in the shop — learning the trade, watching the values of integrity and hard work in action, and eventually joining the business himself.

What started in a modest garage on Cincinnati-Columbus Rd., known as A-1 Brake and Alignment, quickly became a trusted name across the Cincinnati area. Later, the team moved their establishment to Muhlhauser Rd. on nothing but a handshake. Taking over a well-established shop with lifts and all, the team was able to get right to work. Their new location was named Performance A-1 Auto & Truck Repair.

Just as things came together for the growing business, the 2008 market crash occurred. With growing concerns for all small businesses, the family did all they could to keep the business afloat. Debbie will tell you outright that it was God alone who carried this business through that season. With heartfelt prayer, she sent out an ad that soon changed the game for the business again, helping to restore the faith and keep the business intact.

Through the ups and downs, the slow seasons, and the surges, the Snyder family stuck together, keeping the business alive, grounded, and growing. Snyder’s Car Care isn’t just a shop — it’s a family legacy built on faith, fueled by passion, and driven by a deep love for the community we serve.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like many in the automotive world, Snyder’s Car Care has weathered more than its fair share of challenges over the years. One of the biggest ongoing battles has been finding and retaining skilled, dependable technicians — the kind who not only know their way around an engine but also share our commitment to integrity and customer care. As cars have become more complex and fewer young people enter the trade, the search for trustworthy help has become more challenging than ever.

We’ve also stood firm through economic downturns, supply chain disruptions, rising costs, and shifting market demands — each one testing our resolve. During the hardest seasons, it was not uncommon to see myself (Brian Jr.), Brian Sr., or Ryan working late into the night to make sure every vehicle was done right and every customer was taken care of. Through prayer, persistence, and plenty of sweat equity, we’ve managed to adapt, evolve, and continue serving our community with excellence — even when the odds were stacked against us.

Then came 2020 — a year that turned the whole industry upside down. The global supply chain crisis hit hard, making it incredibly difficult to source parts that used to show up the next day. Suddenly, a simple repair could drag on for days, even weeks, while we waited for backordered components to arrive from halfway around the world. Customers were frustrated. We were frustrated. But we stuck to our values — communicating honestly, working with what we had, and doing everything we could to keep people safely on the road.

It wasn’t easy, but we leaned on our faith, our grit, and each other. Every challenge reminded us why we do what we do — not just to fix cars but to stand by our community when they need us most.

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?
As a shop Foreman/Lead Technician at Snyder’s Car Care, I specialize in diagnosing and repairing the most complex issues that come through our bays. With advanced expertise in engine and transmission systems, electrical diagnostics, hybrid technology, and drivability concerns, I handle the jobs that require a deep understanding of today’s ever-evolving vehicle systems. Backed by years of hands-on experience and multiple ASE certifications, I’m trusted not only to solve challenging problems but also to mentor and support our junior techs.

What truly sets me apart, though, is my deep-rooted commitment to carrying on my family’s legacy. I’m actively working toward taking over the business my father built from the ground up — not just to continue what he started but to build on it with the same integrity, grit, and faith that got us here. For me, this is more than a job — it’s about honoring the past, serving our community, and keeping Snyder’s Car Care thriving for the next generation.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
As a father, success means being present — not just at the dinner table but in the small moments that build trust, values, and love. It’s raising your kids to know they’re safe, supported, and seen. It’s about teaching by example, not just advice — showing them what hard work, respect, and faith look like in real life.

As a technician, success is owning your craft — not just turning wrenches, but solving problems, growing your skill set, and taking pride in every vehicle that leaves the shop safer than when it arrived. It’s being someone your team can count on when the job gets tough and someone your customers trust without hesitation.

As a family man, success means prioritizing your loved ones. It’s working hard, yes — but not losing sight of why you’re working. It’s showing up for your spouse, backing up your parents, and building a legacy that honors the sacrifices made before you. It’s balancing hustle with heart and never letting one outshine the other.

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