Sen. Dodd: Wrench Works is Solano County Small Business of the Year

SOLANO COUNTY – Vacaville’s Wrench Works, co-owned by Christian Ellingson and Luke Nagai, retained its small staff through most of the pandemic while continuing a decade-long tradition of supporting local groups including first responders, military families and local youth sports. For its commitment to its community, the shop has been named Solano County Small Business of the Year for 2021 by Sen. Bill Dodd.

“Wrench Works embodies the very best qualities of small businesses around the North Bay,” Sen. Dodd said. “They put the community and their employees first. I’m happy to recognize Christian and Luke for their outstanding contribution.”

Wrench Works specializes in Asian import car repair. The 45 Commerce Place shop opened in 2010. Ellingson, a former tech industry worker whose father and grandfather were mechanics, became business partners with Nagai after several years. Ellingson gives discounts to first responders and military families, and free repairs to victims of domestic violence who get referred to his shop by law enforcement.

Like most small businesses, Wrench Works is coming off a year of challenges. For the first few months of the pandemic, the shop was forced to reduce its hours. But after receiving federal assistance, it reopened and rehired its staff of seven employees. The shop closed again briefly in response to the 2020 wildfires. Ellingson says the business has since bounced back. He expects to expand to 10 employees in the coming months.

Ellingson said “none of that would have happened without the support of our loyal customers.”

“We're grateful that the community comes to us and gives us their business,” Ellingson said. "We especially appreciate the people who work in our hospitals, serve in the military and work in law enforcement. It's important to give back to them in any way we can.”

Photo info (from left): Alisha DelosSantos (service writer), Christian Ellingson (co-owner),Edgard Seda (technician), Matt Schlief (technician), Luke Nagai (co-owner), Christian Worton (technician), Brian Bohl (not pictured, technician).

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Senator Bill Dodd represents the 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Yolo, Sonoma, Solano, Sacramento and Contra Costa counties. More information on Senator Bill Dodd can be found at www.senate.ca.gov/dodd.