To help our Highland businesses during this challenging time, the Highland District Council is starting a new “Business of the Month” program. Every few months, we’ll profile a different business.
The Business of the Month for April 2021 is VanGo Auto and VanGo Rental. Keep reading for an interview with co-owner Crystal Frank-Shannon.
Tell us about your business:
VanGo Auto is located at the end of West 7th by the five bridge – the shop with the large colorful awning out front. VanGo’s expertise is repairing and maintaining German and import cars; however, we also take care of other makes in the community, too. VanGo Rental is located in the same location. VanGo Rental rents out a fleet of vintage Volkswagen Vanagon camper vans outfitted with sleep, kitchen and camp gear half the year. New to the fleet is a popular fiberglass Scamp towable trailer.
Tell us about yourself:
When VanGo was established in 2017 by husband-wife duo Jordan and Crystal Frank-Shannon, Jordan’s dream had been fulfilled. The couple wanted to utilize their years of experience and knowledge in the automotive and helping industries to make life easier for the community and fill it with more smiles. Jordan has over 25-years of experience in the auto industry and is a wizard with German and import cars, but is truly meticulous with any car that rolls into the shop. Crystal transitioned from leading a shelter and housing organization in Minneapolis to VanGo – transferring her customer care skills and business development to VanGo. There is a culture built at VanGo that is centered around goodness to all. The Frank-Shannons are grateful to have quality and skilled staff who successfully commit to the VanGo promise.
What was the inspiration for VanGo?
They wanted to push back on the stereotypical viewpoint of the auto repair industry and install confidence and trust in a repair shop – putting relationships and customers’ needs first. Typically, one would not think a company repairing vehicles and renting out classic campers would be classified as a platform for connection but this is where VanGo challenges the standard viewpoint. VanGo Auto provides customers with auto expertise, transparency, and genuine care through auto repair. VanGo Rental provides a unique way to connect with the outdoors, with others on a trip, and with a deeper peace within.
How has your business changed because of COVID-19?
VanGo has altered the way in which we do business due to Covid. VanGo Auto uses plastic mats, seat, and steering wheel covers. We use masks inside cars. We utilize a cozy fiberglass Scamp trailer for customers desiring to wait for their cars during repairs. After use, we have an Ozone gas treatment inside the Scamp to disinfect the cabin. VanGo Rental uses the Ozone gas treatment after each rental use to ensure all viruses and germs are killed before the next user’s experience. Staff all wear masks and attempt mostly all conversations on the phone or outside on nice days with distance.
VanGo Auto
Monday-Friday, 8am – 5:30pm
2599 7th St West, St Paul 55116
651.699.1845
www.VanGoAutomotive.com
VanGo Rental
mid-May to mid-October
2599 7th St West, St Paul 55116
651.699.1845
www.VanGoRentalMN.com
April Promotion: $20 off for the first 10 people in April who mention Highland District Council or the Business of the Month program.
