Our Story
A veteran-owned, family-run shop built on doing things the right way.
How It Started
Mike Hayes spent years in the U.S. Army before he ever picked up a wrench professionally. But even during his service, he was the guy everyone came to when something wasn't running right.
After the military, Mike spent over 20 years working in automotive repair — learning every system, earning every certification, and building a reputation for doing honest work. But something always bothered him: too many shops were more interested in selling services than solving problems.
In 2020, right in the middle of a pandemic, Mike and his wife Jen decided to do something about it. They opened Veteran Vehicle Repair on Madaus Street in Lake Geneva — a shop where you get a straight answer, a fair price, and work done right the first time.
"I didn't open this shop to get rich. I opened it because I knew we could do better for the people in this community."
The One Who Made It Run
About a year after Mike opened VVR, Jen made a decision that scared her more than she'll probably admit. She left a stable career in law enforcement administration — a reliable government job with benefits — to go all in on her husband's shop.
It wasn't an easy call. Walking away from a reliable government job with benefits to bet on a small auto repair shop in the middle of a pandemic? That's not the safe play. But when she saw Mike trying to diagnose engines and answer phones, manage invoices, handle vendor accounts, and keep the books straight — all at the same time — she knew the shop needed her more than the county did.
Jen brought the systems. The same discipline she used managing records and workflows in law enforcement, she brought to VVR — scheduling, vendor management, insurance claims, customer communications. She built the operational backbone that let Mike focus on what he does best: fixing vehicles.
She's also the one who goes to bat for customers when insurance companies try to cut corners — pushing back on aftermarket parts when OEM is what's needed, fighting denied claims, and making sure nobody gets shortchanged on the repairs they're entitled to. If your insurance company is giving you a hard time, Jen's already handled it.
"I didn't just join the business. I joined the mission. Mike fixes the cars. I fight for the people."
What Drives Us
Integrity
We tell you what's wrong, what it costs, and what can wait. No scare tactics. No made-up problems.
Quality
Every repair meets the standard we'd set for our own vehicles. ASE-certified work, every time.
Community
From American Legion partnerships to breast cancer fundraisers — this shop belongs to Lake Geneva.
The People Behind the Lifts
Mike Hayes
Founder & Lead Mechanic
Army veteran. 20+ years automotive experience. The reason this shop exists.
Jen Hayes
Administration
Keeps everything running behind the scenes — from scheduling to warranty claims, Jen's got it handled.
Lauryn Princivalli
Service Writer
Your first point of contact. Lauryn makes sure you understand exactly what's happening with your vehicle.
Jesse
Master ASE Technician
The technical backbone of the shop. Master ASE certified — there's not much Jesse hasn't seen.
Ryan
Diesel Technician
Specialized in diesel repair and maintenance. If it runs on diesel, Ryan's your guy.
JoJo
Shop Mascot
The real boss.
Awards & Recognition
Giving Back
We believe a good shop should be a good neighbor. That's why we partner with organizations like the American Legion Post 327, run fundraisers like our Brakes on Cancer campaign, and send care packages to deployed troops through our Wear & Care program.
Being part of Lake Geneva means showing up — not just when there's business to be done, but when there's good to be done.