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Business of the Month

september 2007

As a young lad, Gene Klem (husband of Carol Klem) was known for his mechanical abilities. Although trained as a tool and die maker, he farmed for his father, Roy Klem, and as a sideline, in the 1950s, worked in the repair business. Area farmers quickly learned that Gene had the ability to diagnose and repair farm machinery problems. Before long, he became a popular fellow when a tractor, corn picker or combine broke down. He also stayed busy keeping his father’s water trucks repaired and on the road.
Little by little, through word of mouth, his business , behind the family home, grew. Soon he was repairing just about everything that had a motor. Klem’s Garage wasn’t planned, it evolved.
Tom Klem, a 1981 graduate of HW Schroeder High School and Denver Automotive and Diesel College in Colorado, (son of Gene and Carol) worked for five years for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. Throughout his years with Goodyear, he also worked part-time for his father. In 1987 Tom became full time at Klem’s Garage.
During the late 1980s the twosome began planning for a new state-of-the-art facility behind the present garage on the Klem Property next to Holy Trinity Church. In 1990, Tom took over the operation and Gene took a back bay. The new facility opened for business and came complete with an outdoor lift and a crackerjack staff. The business continued to grow and in 2006 more square footage was added, including a new reception area.
Michele Klem, Tom’s wife, is the office manager and decorator of the attractive, beautifully maintained, air-conditioned waiting room, complete with fresh coffee for their customers. Customers usually have a huge smile when greeted by “Sadie” - the friendly German short-haired “polka dotted” pointer.
The Klems are committed to our Community in numerous ways. Many Boy Scouts have earned their auto mechanics merit badge after spending evening hours at the garage with Tom as their instructor. The Klems have assisted clients from the nearby House of Hope with their mechanical difficulties and helped organize, and sponsor, the Rick Kinley benefits for Strong Memorial Hospital. They support many local charities especially Holy Trinity Church , the Kiwanis, the Webster Fire Department, the Webster Comfort Care Home, the Community Chest, Youth Hockey, The Shakespeare Festival, and High School events.
Klem’s Garage is staffed by a team of eight talented mechanics, including Gene, technician emeritus. Congratulations!

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