Rolf Simons, Founder

Rolf Simons

Founder, Rolf’s Import Auto Service

Rolf Simons is a native of Germany where he spent three and a half years in an extensive tool and die maker apprenticeship program. He came to the United States in 1963 where he practiced his trade in the Puget Sound area and obtained automotive training as well, matching his tool and die experience with his love of automobiles. In 1970, Rolf opened Steilacoom Auto Repair that serviced both European and domestic vehicles and worked the business as a sole proprietor.

As the business grew, Rolf opened the original Rolf’s Import Auto Service on 96th Street in Lakewood in 1975. “We had a good customer base and three employees at that time. As our business expanded in the late 1970s we became German car specialists, as well as servicing other European brands,” he said.

In 2000, Rolf’s son Mark joined the firm after a career in the restaurant field. “Mark had a lot of marketing skills and management experience and our business doubled in the first year. He is very customer friendly and has helped the business grow to two locations, still providing the high-quality service we built over the years,” Rolf said.

In September 2007, Rolf retired to Arizona and sold the repair facility to Mark. Married in 1966, Rolf and his wife raised two children. Today, in retirement, he and his wife enjoy four-wheeling across Arizona in their 4-wheel drive Jeep.

History of Rolf’s Import Auto Service

Beginning in 1970, Rolf M. Simons, founder of Rolf’s Import Auto Service, consistently put into practice quality, honest service and repair for his customers. Rolf always went out of his way to ensure that his customers received the best in auto repair and service. With the addition of his son Mark Simons in 2001, who in turn took over the ownership of the business after Rolf retired in 2008, these practices have continued, as well as incorporating new customer service programs and promotions.

“We specialize in German vehicles as well as other European makes,” said Rolf. “Not only do we offer personalized service, we do so at a fair price.”

When it comes to performing quality service on top-of-the-line automobiles, Rolf knows exactly what he is talking about. Prior to coming to this country in 1963, he successfully completed a four-year apprenticeship with Mercedes Benz. Once here in the States, Rolf worked hard at refining his skills for seven years before opening his first location in Steilacoom in 1970. For over the next 5 years, Rolf built his business until he was able to have the current location built in 1975.

“My emphasis has been and remains on quality,” Rolf said. And if the 40-plus year old, neat and tidy shop in which the work being completed on several BMWs and Mercedes is any sign of Rolf’s commitment to quality, then those customers are being well treated.

Rolf’s customers show their appreciation for the work done on their vehicles in other ways. One of the ways their appreciation comes through is from the gifts customers give him and the technicians.

“You should see the gift baskets and cookies we get around here at Christmas,” Rolf said with a smile.

Another way his customers show their appreciation is through repeat business. Rolf related how one customer who owns a Mercedes that is still under warranty brings it to Rolf’s Import instead of taking it to the dealer.

“That says a great deal about the kind of quality customer and automotive service we offer here,” he said.

Although ownership of the business passed from Rolf to his son Mark in 2008, the same long-standing traditions and principles that have been the cornerstones of Rolf’s Import Auto Service have continued.

“I am incredibly happy to be taking over the family business,” said Mark. “My father has built a terrific company over the years because he cared about our most important assets – our customers and employees.”