Automotive shop owner Jeff Buck (left) discusses diagnostics with foreman Pat Rennie.

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - For one Carmichael family business, the buck does not stop at small growth.

Now a staple of auto repair and community benevolence (and a four-time Best of Carmichael winner), Buck Family Automotive started as a mom-and-pop operation. 

Auto-technician Jeff Buck was 25 years old and a new dad when he rented a Fair Oaks Boulevard backlot space for a garage. 

Through apprenticeships in Reno, Roseville and Folsom, the Carmichael man had master-level certification in Japanese automobile service. His son peddled toy cars in the waiting room as dad repaired big models. Mom Rosie computerized operations and revolutionized the Bucks’ online presence. 

Revving forward seven years, the company now has a staff of nine. 

Tripling staff, doubling workspace and adding American car repair to the ticket have been a leap of faith.

“We love helping people,” said the boss. “It was hard sending people away because of the car they drove. By including domestic brands, we make new friends every day.”

While business gradually accelerated, the Buck family became a household name. Scarcely a Carmichael event takes place without their support. Little League celebrations, concerts, fundraisers, township improvement -- even dog festivals -- have the Buck moniker on sponsor banners.

Indeed, their company seems to donate as much as it makes. 

“We feel fortunate we can do this much for Carmichael,” said Rosie Buck. “We pride ourselves in community involvement. People support us. We want to return that support.”

There’s method in munificence. Big name recognition saves big money on promo. Goodwill is further garnered by Rosie’s vast community involvement. Arriving in Carmichael in 2019, she married, produced a son and set about turning Carmichael on its ear. 

Carmichael's Parks Foundation, Improvement District and Chamber of Commerce benefit from her leadership. Assemblyman Josh Hoover last year named the 37-year-old supermom his “Woman of the Year.”

“Rosie’s volunteer work is crucial for what we do,” said her husband.  “Without her outreach, I’d be toiling in a little garage with a dark waiting room. She’s made our company a shining light.”

Jeff Buck nevertheless rules the shop. “Rosie flits in and out, but she stays clear of grease,” explained her husband. “She's always spot-free for her next meeting.”

At the shop. Rosie and Jeff Buck (fifth and fourth from right) began business as a husband-and-wife team. Their Carmichael auto-shop is now a nine-person operation that recently doubled its floor space.

Car repair will ever be a greasy job. But Buck business is streamlined down to the last paperless receipt. The shop boasts repair systems that allow customers to view what mechanics see, through a computer portal. Diagnostics is Jeff’s baby. “I love solving problems somebody else has already agonized over,” he said. “There’s a great sense of accomplishment in fixing a car others gave up on.”

His career began in Del Campo High School; he now welcomes alma mater interns. The mentor also provides ROP (Regional Occupational Program) curriculum advice to the San Juan School District. “I like supporting the program that gave me my start,” he explained. “I think a technician’s career is founded a classroom.”

“It’s not just about car repairs. Automotive skills can lead to varied opportunities. One apprentice I trained found his way to a great computer job with a big car sale group.”

The Bucks juggle home duties. Jeff makes school runs and supervises their son's bedtime routine. “Archer appreciates everything his dad does,” approved Rosie.  “I do, too. As a family, we have ‘screen-free’ days. We visit parks and walk along the river with phones tuned off." 

Their eight-year-old shows technical promise. “Archer sweeps floors and helps me sort nuts and bolts,” reported his dad. “He never stops talking about trains. Perhaps one day he’ll be a train mechanic.”

“We’re thrilled our family business might provide him a background for a career he can love.”

Buck Family Automotive is located at 7637 Fair Oaks Blvd., Carmichael.