For more than two decades, Chattanooga drivers have trusted Blackwell Automotive not simply for repairing cars, but for the family behind the business that has built a reputation rooted in honesty, hard work, and community.
Founded in 2004 by father-and-son duo Richard and Richmond Blackwell, the Eastgate-area automotive shop has grown from a small local operation into one of Chattanooga’s largest independent repair facilities.
One of the best parts? They’ve done it all while maintaining the family-centered values that shaped it from the beginning.
In an industry where trust means everything, Blackwell Automotive has spent years proving that quality service and genuine relationships still matter. The business specializes in Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Acura, Nissan, Infiniti, and Subaru vehicles, offering everything from diagnostics and maintenance to major repairs. But customers quickly discover the shop is about far more than engines and oil changes.
The Blackwell story is one deeply connected to experience and family legacy. Richard Blackwell brought decades of automotive knowledge to the company after owning an automobile parts store and working for years in the service department at Lexus of Chattanooga. The Blackwell’s started the business together after Richmond received his MBA, after 5 years of preparations.
Today, that blend of old-school integrity and forward-thinking service remains at the heart of the business. Customers are greeted with transparency, straightforward communication, and a team that values relationships as much as repairs. The company’s motto, “If you want it to run well, take it to Blackwell”, reflects the confidence they have built through years of dependable work and word-of-mouth recommendations throughout the area.
According to Richmond, “Honesty and transparency is the key to long relationships and long time customers. Over the last 20 plus years we have grown from a small 3-lift shop into where we are today. It's all because we do our best to take care of our customers and the word has spread. Now we have over 1,000 5-star Google reviews and this is all because of the level of trust our customers have in us. In a few months, we will have surpassed over 100,000 repair and service jobs and counting.”
That reputation has helped the business grow significantly over the years. What began with only a handful of service bays has expanded into a large operation with dozens of bays and a growing staff, allowing the shop to serve hundreds of customers each week. Even with that growth, Blackwell Automotive continues to operate with the feel of a family business where customers are known by name and employees genuinely care about the people walking through the door.
Richmond says the company’s philosophy has always centered on treating customers the way family should be treated.
“We do our best to treat our customers the way we would want our daughter treated if she was having her car worked on. Our guiding principles are the teachings of Christ and we strive to honor him with the work that we do,” says Richmond.
That commitment to customer care is evident in the shop’s loyal following and consistent reviews from Chattanooga drivers.
Perhaps the most meaningful part of the Blackwell Automotive story is how deeply the business invests in the Chattanooga community. Beyond repairing vehicles, the Blackwell family has made giving back a cornerstone of the company culture. The business supports a variety of charitable organizations and local causes, including veterans groups, schools, children’s organizations, disaster relief efforts, and first responders. You can even find Richmond’s wife Lindsay working to keep the company connected to the community.
The company’s outreach includes partnerships with organizations such as Friends of Special Children, Chattanooga Firefighters, Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy, Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief and others. Their involvement reflects a belief that local businesses should play an active role in strengthening the communities they serve.
According to Richmond, “After the 2011 tornado, I began responding to natural disasters to minister to those hit by storms. About 4 to 6 times a year we go in after a flood or tornado and help clean up and share the love of Christ. We believe when God gives you the resources and/or the talent, you should use those to help others and share about his grace.”
Inside the shop, that same spirit of care extends to employees and customers alike. Comfortable waiting areas, complimentary refreshments, and a welcoming environment help create a customer experience that feels different from the typical repair shop. It’s part of the reason so many Chattanooga families continue returning year after year, often recommending Blackwell Automotive to friends and neighbors.
“Our next goal is to grow into our new building. In 2024 we added another facility to our operation and now we just need to start utilizing it. On the other side of Eastgate we acquired the old Goodyear building. We have been working out of it a little, but over the next few years we hope to have it going full time. It will not have a store front but will just give us extra work-space when we need it,” says Richmond.
For the Blackwell family, success has never been measured solely by the number of cars serviced. Instead, it’s about relationships built over time, trust earned through consistency, and a commitment to serving Chattanooga with excellence.
When they are away from the business, you can catch the Blackwell family spending quality time together. Richard loves his time at church and with family. Richmond, his wife and children enjoy their time with each other, participating in activities and projects within the community.
Contact Blackwell Automotive at (423) 648-8001 or online at: blackwellautoinc.com.
We believe when God gives you the resources and/or the talent, you should use those to help others and share about his grace.