For more than three decades, East Cooper Auto Pros has been a trusted name in Mount Pleasant. Founded by Willie Hopkins in 1994, the shop has built a reputation for honesty, quality and treating customers like neighbors. Now, as Hopkins steps into retirement, a new chapter begins with ASE Master Technician Patrick Gerety taking the wheel. Along with longtime service manager Bob McCormack – the familiar face customers have known for 15 years – the shop is poised to carry its tradition of exceptional service into the future.
Willie Hopkins – Founder
What inspired you to start this auto repair shop originally?
“I always wanted to own my own car repair center. We started in a small, leased building with just two bays, and eventually grew into a much larger six-bay shop. Once people learned about the new locally-owned shop and our dedication to customers, the business grew quickly.”
What are you most proud of in your time owning the business?
“I took my dream and made it happen. East Cooper Auto Pros isn’t just a repair shop; it’s like a family. We have customers who stop by just to visit.”
What ultimately led to your decision to sell?
“After more than 30 years in the business, I felt it was time to pass the torch. I found the right person in Patrick to carry things forward, and I know he shares the same values and work ethic that built this shop.”
Patrick Gerety – New Owner
What drew you to this specific auto repair shop?
“Being a business owner has been a dream of mine since I was young. My father was a machinist who ran his own small operation, and seeing his passion at an early age helped me understand my own: helping people and fixing cars. When the opportunity came to take on East Cooper Auto Pros, it felt like the perfect fit. This is the kind of story that’s the backbone of the American dream: working hard, serving others and building something that lasts.”
Do you plan to make any changes or bring a fresh vision?
“The heart of the shop – the people and the values – won’t change. But I do plan to bring in a fresh focus on communication and long-term investment in the team. We’ll stay true to the standards our customers have come to expect, while also evolving to meet modern expectations.”
How do you hope to build on the trust and reputation the shop already has in the community?
“By honoring what Willie built. He spent more than three decades earning this community’s trust, and my goal is to keep that going. I’ll keep the same team, the same culture and the same high standards. I also know how much of this shop’s success comes from the people who keep it running day in and day out, and Bob McCormack has been a cornerstone of that for many years. His dedication to our customers and the business has helped make East Cooper Auto Pros what it is today, and I’m grateful for his continued leadership.”
What excites you most about owning a business in Mount Pleasant?
“Mount Pleasant has a small-town feel with big heart. It’s the kind of place where people look out for each other, and I want this shop to reflect that.”
Bob McCormack – Service Manager
What’s been the biggest transformation in your 15 years here?
“The biggest change I’ve seen has been the progression of new technology, especially in the way we communicate with our customers.”
What do you think makes this shop stand out from others in the area?
“I’ve been the face of East Cooper Auto Pros for the past 15 years, and the biggest thing that sets us apart is the way we treat people. We keep things consistent, we’re honest and we never pressure anyone into work they don’t need.”
How did you feel when you first heard the business was being sold?
“When I first heard Willie was planning to sell, I knew there would be big changes, but I also knew that if Patrick was the one taking over, the shop would be in good hands. I’ve worked alongside him, seen how he treats customers, and I respect his skills and work ethic. It felt less like an ending and more like the next step in the shop’s story.”
For more information or to schedule service, visit East Cooper Auto Pros online.
By Katie Finch
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