Cooper Truck and Auto Repair opens in Fontanelle

Ryan Cooper has been turning a wrench for a living for the better part of 20 years. He’s exciting that through a new business that he and his wife Katie opened over the weekend, he’ll be able to do so right here in Fontanelle.

The Coopers opened Cooper Truck and Auto Repair with a grand opening event Saturday, March 18 at 211 W Maple Street, in the shadows of the middle school.

“My wife and I are ecstatic about this new venture. The drive back and forth to Ankeny — when you spend three hours of your day commuting — and we also saw a need in this area. There’s no mechanic here in Fontanelle,” Cooper said. “The mobile [on location] services for trucks and trailers was also a need.”

Cooper grew up in a repair shop. His father, Greg, ran Greg’s Conoco and Southside Auto Clinic, both in Creston, during his childhood.

Working with his hands and the mental challenges that come with general diagnostics and problem solving are right up Cooper’s alley, making him a good fit to be a mechanic. Computer, electrical and driveability issues are Cooper’s biggest specialties, he said.

“What brings joy to me is when someone brings a car in, it’s not running right, and I get it fixed and it’s running right,” Cooper said. “That brings me so much joy, makes me so happy. Making the customer happy is also very good. I love what I do.”

Cooper is able to fit four vehicles at a time in his shop, which is next to his home. He has one side that he’ll use for engine overhauls or other long-range fixes. The other side will be for oil changes and tuneups.

While he won’t do tires at his shop, Cooper said he’ll be glad to work with other shops in the area to refer customers to for those and other needs so that all area shops benefit.

“In the automotive industry we’re kind of a brotherhood,” Cooper said. “We’ve all gotta work together.”

As a member of a Jeep club, Cooper hopes to work a lot on Jeeps, installing winches, lifts and other after market accessories. A large turnout of Jeeps came to his shop’s open house.

“We’re excited to provide our services to the community,” Cooper said.