MORRO BAY, CA — October 12, 2025 — Copeland Wimmer, a 3rd-grade student at Del Mar Elementary School, raced his way onto the podium in his very first go-kart competition at the Santa Maria Karting Association event held at the Santa Maria Airport Kart Track. Not only did he finish on the podium, but he […]

Morro Bay, CA – 8/29/25 – Advanced Automotive Technology students at Morro Bay High School demonstrated quick thinking and real-world application of their training this morning when they spotted smoke and flames in the brush behind the auto shop during their 3rd period class. The students, who receive regular instruction on fire safety by their […]

The ShopOwner Mentorship Award presented by NAPA recognizes those who mentor and foster young talent through partnerships. The entries continue to pour in, and we’re excited to showcase two more amazing mentors as part of the ongoing The ShopOwner Mentorship Award – Sponsored by NAPA.  In partnership with NAPA, ShopOwner, the Babcox Media brand serving professional independent automotive shop […]

By Doug Kaufman For Ritchie Wimmer, owner of Wimmer’s Automotive, a NAPA Auto Care Center in Morro Bay, CA, shop success isn’t simply found in the shop. While it’s true that Wimmer juggles multiple successful automotive-related ventures, he says that getting out from underneath the car has literally saved his life – and changed the […]

It was the fall of 2002, and my long and lonely summer was finally coming to an end. I had no friends or family near me, and I was living alone in my grandparents’ old house, 70 miles away from my real home in the mountains. For several weeks, I spent each afternoon watching TV […]

Business Spotlight: Welcome to the FAM! We’re excited to have two local, family-run businesses join our recurring giving program, FAM (Financial Assistance Monthly). FAM allows you to give on an ongoing, monthly basis at any amount you wish. And every monthly contribution supports the most urgent and ongoing needs of those in our care like […]

Ritchie Wimmer’s career is a compelling blend of oil-stained hands, personal growth, and a powerful sense of purpose. Known as the owner of Wimmer’s Automotive in Morro Bay, CA, Wimmer is also a standout auto tech teacher and mentor at Morro Bay High School. But his path to the classroom wasn’t a straight line—it was […]

Top-Rated Service Award Based on Verified Customer Ratings Wimmer’s Automotive & Hybrid Repair & Smog has earned the distinction of being named a 2024 CARFAX Top-Rated Service Center. This is the fifth year that CARFAX is celebrating service centers around the country for their exceptional customer service, based on verified customer reviews. The 2024 CARFAX […]

Dear Valued Customer, We are thrilled to share some exciting news about Wimmer’s Automotive, formerly Jim’s Automotive. Our shop has a fresh look & a new name, inspired by our journey as a family & our deep ties to this bayside community. Established in 1964, we are proud to hold the distinction of being the […]

By Doug Kaufman “Ritchie Wimmer’s story is more than just a resume — it’s a testament to perseverance, adaptability and the importance of paying it forward.On this episode of Talking Shop with ShopOwner, host Doug Kaufman dives into the incredible journey of Ritchie Wimmer, a man whose passion for cars transformed his life and the […]