At Kelly's Garage—proudly known as Frank Kelly & Sons Garage Ltd.—we're more than just a repair shop; we're a family woven into the fabric of Southern Ontario's roads for over 65 years. What started as one man's dream has grown into a multi-generational haven of trust, where grease-stained hands and heartfelt conversations keep heavy-duty trucks—and the people behind them—rolling strong. Our family business model isn't just about fixing vehicles; it's about passing down unbreakable bonds, hands-on wisdom, and a genuine care for our neighbors that turns customers into lifelong friends.

It all began back in 1958, when my grandfather, Frank Kelly, rolled up his sleeves and opened his first shop in Stratford. Having mentored previous his good friend Web Johnson Frank poured his lifelong passion for mechanics into every bolt and weld, serving the local community with the kind of honest, no-nonsense work that folks still talk about today. He wasn't in it for the quick buck—he built relationships, one conversation at a time, embodying the family values of integrity and community that define us to this day.

By 1963, with demand booming for specialized truck services, Frank made the bold move to expand, relocating to our current home on Highway #8 in Mitchell. This wasn't just a bigger space; it was a commitment to growth that mirrored our family's expanding dreams. Through the 1960s and 1970s, we added two massive expansions to the facility, creating room for more rigs and more stories shared over coffee and Grandma’s sandwiches. We even said goodbye to the old gas pumps, sharpening our focus on what we do best: expert repairs, meticulous maintenance, and reliable towing that gets you back on the road as fast as we can make it happen safely.

The true heart of our family business kicked into high gear in the early 1970s, when Frank invited his sons—Doug, Bill, and Wayne—to join the fold, officially christening us Frank Kelly & Sons Garage and Kelly’s Towing. Those were the days of pure collaboration: brothers learning side-by-side from Frank, troubleshooting late into the night, and turning challenges into triumphs. This tight-knit dynamic fueled our growth into large-scale hauling and towing across Southern Ontario, making us the go-to partner for commercial fleets and everyday operators who needed someone they could count on—like family. We weren't just servicing trucks; we were building a legacy of dependability, where every job was done with the pride of knowing it carried our name.

That dedication earned us BBB accreditation in 1995, a badge we've worn proudly for 30 years, standing as a testament to our unwavering quality and the trust we've earned from generations of customers. In the late 1990s, Bill stepped away to chase new horizons, leaving Doug and Wayne to steer the ship with the same steady hands. Under their watch, we kept pushing forward, innovating while holding fast to those core family principles.

Then came a heartbreaking chapter in 2014, when Doug—our vibrant, quick-witted brother and co-owner—passed suddenly at just 60. It was a loss that shook us to our core, but in true Kelly fashion, we rallied as a family. Wayne, stepping up as the sole owner, streamlined our operations overnight, all while honoring Doug's spirit of grit and generosity. Those tough days reminded us why the family model works: we lean on each other, share the load, and emerge stronger, with customers who became like extended family, checking in just to see how we're holding up.

Wayne's era was one of quiet revolution. He guided us deeper into servicing every diesel truck and trailer that rolled through our doors, stocking shelves with top-tier OEM parts, and becoming a trusted Western Star distributor for trucks and components. He embraced cutting-edge tech, too, bringing in advanced diagnostics that blend old-school know-how with modern precision—always with that personal touch, like remembering a driver's favorite route or the specs of their prized rig.

Looking ahead, our family story keeps unfolding beautifully. In early 2025, Wayne launched a heartfelt succession plan, grooming one of his sons (me) Wade Kelly, to take the wheel. Come October 2025, Wayne hung up his daily tools in retirement, passing the torch to myself and our rock-solid team. But retirement? For Wayne, it's more like a well-earned pit stop. He's still just a phone call, coffee run, or casual tow-truck joyride away, swapping tales of the "good ol’ days" and lending his encyclopedic expertise whenever we need it. It's the essence of our model: no one ever truly leaves; we all stay connected, ensuring the wisdom flows freely.

With over 65 years of grease, gears, and unbreakable family ties, one truth shines through: Kelly's Garage isn't going anywhere. We're here to deliver top-tier service that feels like home, keeping your heavy-duty vehicles—and the livelihoods they power—humming along for generations. Stop by sometime; we'd love to share a story or two over that coffee. After all, that's what family does.

Call Upon Us and I trust you will be happy with our service,


Wade Kelly - Kelly’s Garage