Our Team
Meet the Experts Behind Your Vehicle Care
Experienced. Certified. Dedicated to Your Drive.
The People Who Keep Rochester Rolling
At Independence Car Care Center, our success starts with the talented, experienced technicians and staff who care for your vehicle every day. With decades of combined experience in dealerships, major automotive chains, and specialty repair shops, our team brings the knowledge, skill, and attention to detail your car, truck, or SUV deserves.
Jeff Klipfel
Jeff started in the automotive industry in 1987. He worked at dealerships, major automotive chains, and tire stores. He opened Independence Car Care Center in 2014. Jeff has a wife who also works at the shop, a son and a dog. He enjoys camping, golf and snowmobiling.
Jeff Klipfel
Jeff started in the automotive industry in 1987. He worked at dealerships, major automotive chains, and tire stores. He opened Independence Car Care Center in 2014. Jeff has a son and 2 dogs. He enjoys camping, golf, and snowmobiling.
Pam Klipfel
Pam also works at the shop as an office manager and bookkeeper. She has also been in the automotive business working at dealerships throughout her career. Her and Jeff have been married since 1992. She has a son and a dog. She enjoys camping, being with family and snowmobiling.
Cody Bates
Cody started in the automotive industry as a technician in 1996. He has been at Independence since its inception in 2014. Cody has worked his way from Lead Technician to Store Manager. Cody has 2 children, a boy and a girl. In his free time, Cody enjoys boating, being a dad, and outdoor activities.
Scott Bollinger
Scott has been in the automotive industry in 1990. Some say he was born with a wrench in his hand. He is an ASE Master Certified Technician and worked with Jeff for several years at another shop and joined the Independence team in 2017. Scott is married and has 3 children, a boy and 2 girls. He also has 5 grandchildren. He enjoys camping and off-road sports in his spare time.
Cody Bates
Cody started in the automotive industry as a technician in 1996. He has been at Independence since its inception in 2014. Cody has worked his way from Lead Technician to Store Manager. Cody has 2 children, a boy and a girl. In his free time, Cody enjoys boating, being a dad, and outdoor activities.
Richart Smith-Fernandez
Richart has been in the auto industry since 2020. He has been with us since 2023. He is married with 6 children and emigrated from Cuba in 2012. Richart enjoys fixing up his house and spending time with his children.
Scott Bollinger
Scott has been in the automotive industry in 1990. Some say he was born with a wrench in his hand. His is an ASE Master Certified Technician and worked with Jeff for several years at another shop and joined the Independence team in 2017. Scott is married and has 3 children, a boy and 2 girls. He also has 2 grandsons. He enjoys camping and off-road sports in his spare time.
Alex Wizotske
Alex has been a technician since 2013 and has been with us since 2024. He was born and raised in Rochester. He is married with a son. He enjoys fixing cars and boats.
Jonathan Robbins
Jonathan was born and raised in Ft. Meyers, Fla. He has been a technician since 2022. He joined the team this year and is doing a great job learning his trade. He moved to Rochester this year following love.
