Trust isn’t something that can be claimed; it has to be earned. For A/C Plus Automotive Repairs, that trust has been built one customer at a time over more than four decades. Now, the Orillia-area repair shop has another reason to celebrate after being awarded Gold in the Best Overall Business – Automotive category in the Best of Barrie Readers’ Choice Awards.
What makes this award mean so much to the staff is exactly who handed it to them. It wasn’t a corporate committee; it was voted on entirely by local residents across the region who actually bring their vehicles to the shop.
For owner Mitch Bull and his crew, the recognition hits close to home. It reflects the exact same values they’ve stuck to since first opening the doors way back in 1984. As a family-owned operation, A/C Plus built its reputation on a pretty simple foundation: give honest advice, do solid work, and treat people with respect.
While they’re rooted near Orillia, drivers regularly travel down from Muskoka, Midland, Barrie, and Severn to leave their keys on the counter. It has become a reliable spot for people who want to avoid the typical anxiety and guesswork that usually comes with a mechanic visit. Whether a customer is just dropping by for a routine oil change or dealing with an unexpected breakdown, the goal is always identical: fix the problem properly, explain things clearly, and completely skip the high-pressure upselling.
That straightforward way of doing business is why generations of local families keep returning. It’s pretty common to see parents recommend the garage to their kids, knowing they will get a straight answer and reliable workmanship every single time.
Obviously, the auto industry has changed completely over the last 40 years. Today’s vehicles are basically computers on wheels, requiring advanced diagnostic setups and specialized knowledge. To keep pace, the team constantly updates their shop technology and undergoes regular training so they can work on almost any make or model with total confidence.
They handle pretty much everything under one roof. Customers use A/C Plus for major mechanical fixes, engine diagnostics, brake work, suspension setups, electrical issues, and climate control, right alongside standard maintenance like tune-ups and fluid flushes.
At the end of the day, passenger safety is the top priority. Whether a tech is checking a brake caliper or tracking down a tricky electrical glitch, they pay attention to the small details. The crew knows a reliable vehicle is crucial for getting to work and keeping a family moving, so they take that responsibility seriously.
Beyond the technical side of fixing cars, the customer experience is what really sets them apart. When you walk in, the conversation is simple and transparent. The team explains estimates upfront, discusses options before picking up a wrench, and keeps you updated throughout the day. No hidden surprises, just practical advice to help you make an informed decision for your budget.
Winning Gold is a nice nod to the crew’s hard work, but it isn’t changing their daily focus. For the staff, the objective is still exactly what it was in 1984: looking after every vehicle like it’s their own and treating every customer like family.
Looking ahead, those founding principles aren’t going anywhere. By blending 40 years of hands-on experience with modern diagnostic capabilities, A/C Plus Automotive Repairs is set to keep regional drivers safe on the road for the long haul.
To check out its full range of services or request an estimate for your vehicle, visit its website at acplusauto.com/.
