We went "under the hood" with Jeremy Walton, the third-generation owner of Walton's Family Auto Service. Jeremy shared what makes his family-run shop more than just a place for car repairs—it's a pillar of honesty, craftsmanship, and community in Garner, North Carolina. Walton's has been built on trust for decades, making it a true hometown institution.
Take a closer look as we dive into a Q&A with Jeremy Walton, exploring his passion for his auto industry work and what it means to "Jump Higher."
Q: Our brand mantra is: "Run faster. Jump higher. Fly free." Which one of those relates to you the most, and why? (as it relates to your personal life or professional life or future dreams)?
A: "Jump Higher." We are always trying to raise the bar. Whether it be our knowledge of vehicles, how we show up for our customers and each other every day, or how we can enrich our community by providing a safe and welcoming place to get your car maintained and repaired.
Q: Tell us (and the world) about you, who you are, and how you're changing the game in your niche/world/domain–or how you want to in the future.
A: I think we changed the game a long time ago with our customer service, and that credit goes to my grandfather and my dad. They saw a world of commission-based shops pushing "sell sell sell" and realized it was putting mechanics' paychecks at odds with taking care of and treating customers well. A recipe for bad vibes all around. We are in a position to make a living by helping people and staying honest, and that's an awesome way to live life.
Q: How would you define your personal style?
A: I have no earthly idea.
Q: What is your favorite P.F. Flyers sneaker (style/color)?
A: Definitely the Center Lo in Sea Salt.
Q: What's one thing people don't know about you?
A: I feel like most of my secrets have made their way to public knowledge because of my kids. Lately, my old odd talents have been revealed from rollerskating on their field trips or skateboarding to yo-yo-ing or jumping rope.
Q: Can you share the story behind the start of Walton's Family Auto?
A: My grandfather saw a need in our community and a way to make a living showing up for people. It was simple. I think he'd be surprised at the legacy he left three generations later.
Q: What is your favorite vehicle that you've ever worked on?
A: It's not as much the vehicle but the story that comes with it. Believe it or not, I get the biggest kick out of turning someone's day around. So, if a minivan comes in and we can change the trajectory of where someone thinks their day is headed, that's my favorite vehicle to work on.
For the Waltons, the true measure of success is not just in the number of cars serviced but in the meaningful relationships built along the way. It's evident that their focus extends beyond merely addressing mechanical needs; it's about seeing and understanding each customer as an individual and ensuring their needs are met with empathy and integrity. This dedication to personal service and community involvement reflects a broader vision of what it means to be part of something greater, creating a ripple effect of positive impact that goes far beyond the shop's walls.
Q: What is your dream car?
A: ‘96 Land Cruiser. Fully restored.
Q: What inspired you to continue with the family business?
A: I love people, and I love solving problems.
Q: What is the core philosophy or ethos behind your auto shop?
A: Everything's gonna be alright. We often catch people on a bad day and get handed some difficult situations. It holds up.
Q: How many people are on your team at Walton's Family Auto?
A: 5
Q: What's one philosophy you have when leading your team?
A: We won't always get it right, but we will always make it right.
Q: Has your auto shop always had the distinctive style and atmosphere it has today, or did it develop over time? How has this change in style affected your business?
A: It has evolved over time. Imagine a pretty typical auto repair shop–parts in piles everywhere, dirty, and not necessarily where you'd want to hang out. I wanted that to change and made an effort to think about what might make our customers surprised and want to stay a while. So now we burn incense, play good music, have the Tennis Channel on, stuff like that. Things we enjoy, we brought with us to the shop–guitar or banjo up for grabs to play around on. Now our customers will linger and have a conversation beyond what needs to be done to their vehicle. I'd say it has made our business a place folks want to be and tell others about.
Q: What are some of the biggest challenges you face in running your shop?
A: Finding that balance…Keeping up with growth without burning out.
Q: What's the most rewarding part of your job?
A: Helping people. Being trusted in our community.
Q: How do you foster a positive work environment and ensure your team stays motivated and engaged?
A: I try to lead by example.
Q: How has the industry changed over the years, and how do you hope it changes?
A: I don't feel like it has changed much over the years. I hope it continues to become more honest and people-centered.
Q: Where can our Flyers follow you and your brand/business?
A: Facebook: Family Auto Service, Instagram: @waltonsfamilyautoservice.
Walton Family Auto embodies core values rooted in reassurance, accountability, and a strong work ethic. Their mantra, "Everything's gonna be alright," isn't just a slogan; it's a promise to every customer who walks through their doors. While perfection in auto repair, like in any craft, may be hard to attain, Jeremy and his team's commitment to "making it right" when things go wrong underscores their dedication to quality and trust. We're proud to partner with a family business whose legacy spans generations and mirrors our own values of craftsmanship and integrity. We're certain that the Walton tradition will continue to thrive for many generations to come.
Just like Walton's Family Auto, our Timeless Workwear Collection is built on the foundation of craftsmanship, durability, and a commitment to quality. The same hard-working spirit that fuels Jeremy and his team inspires this collection—a line that honors the timeless style and resilience of early 20th-century workwear, much like the uniforms in auto shops like Walton's. From twill to denim, these materials have evolved from functional staples into versatile, everyday essentials. At P.F. Flyers, we celebrate the intersection of craftsmanship and style, and our Workwear Collection reflects that enduring legacy.
