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After nearly five decades as a trusted mechanic, Mike Borthwick is stepping back to enjoy a simpler life.

From his early days as an apprentice to his decades owning Borthwick Enterprises, Borthwick’s lifelong journey was built on hard work, great customer service and a commitment to always doing the right thing.

Borthwick’s career with cars began in 1977 when he started as an apprentice at a Volvo dealership in Sarnia. As a third-year apprentice, he successfully repaired a complex Volvo engine problem that stumped even experienced mechanics. He continued to hone his skills and, by 1982, became a mechanic. 

He grew to be a master technician and service manager in 1987 and led a team known for its exceptional service. It was at this time that he participated in Volvo’s mechanics competitions in Toronto and New York, winning both.

In 2000, when the Fenwick Volvo dealership changed ownership, Borthwick saw an opportunity to forge his own path. What started as a favour quickly grew into his own business, Borthwick Automotive.

For the next 23 years, Borthwick’s shop became the place to go when cars needed work done right, and many of his customers remained loyal over the decades. Borthwick says, “We’ve even had jobs come in from other places that they couldn’t fix…We saved a lot of people a lot of money diagnosing properly.

“I never even planned to open my own business,” Borthwick adds. “Some of our customers, I’ve been working on their care since the 80s… Then I worked on their kids’ cars, and now we’re into grandkids. We’ve been doing this a long time.”

Although Borthwick has been passionate about cars, his career was built on building relationships. He knew his customers, their families, and even their struggles, treating everyone like family.

“People come in, and I know them, I know their families. They trust me,” says Borthwick. “That’s been the most rewarding part. Building those relationships.”

Now, as Borthwick steps into retirement on Aug. 30, 2024, he’s both proud of what he’s accomplished and grateful for the support of Sarnia.

“I love the trade and the people,” Borthwick says. “It has been a fabulous experience.”

And although he will miss his customers, Borthwick looks forward to spending more time with family and getting back to biking.

For those who’ve relied on his expertise and kindness, Borthwick will always be the mechanic who put people first, so the impact of his work and his kindness will certainly be felt for years to come.

When asked if he has any words of wisdom to pass on, Borthwick says that as a born-again Christian, he lives by the Golden Rule, “Treat others like you’d like to be treated.” Certainly, these are great words that should guide every life and career.