About Van Handel Automotive

The employees of Van Handel Automotive have approximately 100 years of combined automotive technician experience. We employ quality ASE certified master technicians equipped with the latest technology and diagnostic tools. In addition, our service manager has 30 years of parts experience. We service all foreign and domestic cars and light trucks. Our staff of professionals is dedicated to create an efficient and pleasant auto repair experience. Van Handel Automotive was established in 2007. Formerly Sisters Car Care, this location has serviced the community of Sisters and the surrounding area for many years. We are always striving to further improve our available services and customer experience. We understand that your vehicle is a major investment. Therefore, we care for each customer’s vehicle as if it was our own. Come by and visit our clean and professional shop in Sisters, Oregon.

Meet the Van Handel Automotive Team

Chad
Certifications: ASE Certified Master Technician
Hobbies: Hunting and fishing
Job Title: Owner, ASE Certified Master Technician
Chad Van Handel was born and raised in La Grande, Oregon. Chad followed in his fathers footsteps and acquired a career in automotive repair. He started in high school where he was involved with 3 years of automotive technology. After high school, Chad attended and graduated from Chemeketa Community College where he obtained a technical degree of Applied Science in Automotive Technology. Chad was then hired by Capital Auto Group in Salem, Oregon where he served as a technician. Chad spent approximately 15 years at Capital and Chad obtained multiple certifications including GM Master Technician. Chad was also promoted to Lead Technician/Team Leader for Cadillac. Chad married Katie in 2007 and they have two boys. Chad moved to Sisters in November of 2016. Chad and Katie purchased Van Handel Automotive in January of 2018 from Tom and Cheryl Van Handel. Chad is ASE certified as a Master Technician and Advanced Level Specialist. Chad was awarded the National Technet Professional ASE Master Automobile Technician of the year in 2023.
Tom
Certifications: ASE Certified Master Technician
Hobbies: Hunting and fishing
Job Title: Lead Technician/Master Technician
Tom’s desire to start a career in automotive repair began during his high school years in La Grande Oregon while attempting to keep his MGA on the road. He spent many hours in auto shop class learning theory and basic skills. After graduating from Denver Automotive and Diesel College in 1973, Tom married Cheryl. For the next 24 years after college, Tom was employed at Lynch Motor Co. (GM dealer) in La Grande as a technician and later as a service manager. During this time he raised three children while working through years of technological changes and completed numerous factory training courses as well as management training. Tom and Cheryl moved to Central Oregon after their kids had grown up. Tom began working at the former Sisters Car Care in 2000 as a Technician/Manager. In March of 2007, Tom and Cheryl purchased the business and renamed it “Van Handel Automotive Inc”. Tom continues to work as a technician and enjoys the challenges of today’s auto repair. Tom is a grandfather to six terrific grandchildren. Tom officially retired April of 2023, but still works part time and helps fill in when needed.
Brian
Certifications: ASE Certified Service Consultant
Hobbies: Spending time with family
Job Title: Service Manager
Brian has an extensive history in automotive parts for more than twenty years. Familiar with the local dealers and parts houses, Brian is able to procure even the most obscure part with ease while limiting down-time that may affect the ability for our customers to receive their vehicle in a timely manner. Working with these resources, Brian is able to find the best parts at the best prices. Brian believes in the saying “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
Nathan
Certifications: ASE certifications in A1 Engine Repair, A2 Automatic Transmission/Transaxle, A3 Manual Transmission, A4 Steering and Suspension, A5 Brakes, A8 Engine Performance
Hobbies: Camping, hunting, road trips, R/C cars, walking his dogs, and spending time with family and friends.
Job Title: Automotive Technician
Nate grew up in Central Oregon and has been employed at Van Handel Automotive since 2017. He graduated from Ridgeview High School in 2017. Central Oregon Community College was then his pathway to an AAS in Automotive Management and an AAS in Automotive Technology and Electrical Design. His COCC career pathway certifications are as follows: automotive hybrid electrical technician 1 and 2, automotive controller technician 1 and 2, undercar technician, clean diesel technician, automotive drivetrain technician, automotive electrical technician basic and advanced, automotive engine performance technician, automotive engine technician, and automotive heating and A/C technician. Nate spends lots of his own time on the weekends working at the shop on his personal vehicles, almost anything with an engine is of interest. Motorsports and boating are his future goals. Getting away by exploring the outdoors and going on road trips is another way he spends his free time. Nate enjoys dogs and is an Oregon State Beavers football fan as well.
Rian
Certifications: Subaru certifications in electrical I and II, hybrid safety, and tech training.
Hobbies: Snowboarding, golfing, camping, swimming, working on own vehicle, and playing video games.
Job Title: Automotive Technician
Rian grew up in Bend and Sisters and graduated from Sisters High School. He went to Lane Community College and gained some experience in Computer Aided Drafting (CAD). His family currently lives in Prineville and Brazil. In his free time, Rian enjoys cheering on the Beavers and Atlanta Falcons, the movie Austin Powers, and watching various TV series and Netflix documentary series.
Peter
Certifications: Bridgestone/Firestone Automotive Excellence
Hobbies: Hunting, fishing, drag racing, weight lifting, riding motorcycles, snowmobiles, wave runners
Job Title: Automotive Technician and Service Writer
Peter grew up in Bend. Peter's education included Chemeketa Community College, National Academy of Sports Medicine, and Bridgestone/Firestone Automotive Excellence program. He is certified in all areas of automotive repair and diagnosis along with store operations manager/service manager through Bridgestone/Firestone. Peter brings a vast knowledge of technical, management, and service capabilities which are well utilized in his role as technician/service advisor.

ASE Certification

Van Handel Automotive is ASE-Certified: ASE is the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. Since 1972, this industry recognized independent non-profit organization has worked to improve the quality of vehicle repair and service by testing and certifying automotive professionals.

What Does ASE Do?

ASE promotes excellence in automotive repair and service. over 300,000 Automotive Technician and Service Professionals hold ASE Certifications. ASE Certified Technicians work in every part of the automotive service industry. ASE certifies the automotive technician and service professionals not the auto shops.

Why Does ASE Exist?

To protect the automotive service consumer, shop owner, and the automotive technician. ASE tests and certify automotive professionals so that shop owners and service customers can better gauge a technicians level of expertise before contracting the technician’s services. ASE certifies the automotive technician professional so they can offer tangible proof of their technical knowledge. ASE Certification testing means peace of mind for auto service managers, customers.

How Does ASE Certification Work?

In addition to passing an ASE Certification test, automotive technicians must have two years of on the job training or one year of on the job training and a two-year degree in automotive repair to qualify for certification. The exams are not easy. Only two out of every three test-takers pass on their first attempt. To remain ASE certified professionals must be retest every five years to keep up with ever advancing automotive technology.

Who Writes The ASE Certification Tests?

ASE Certification tests are written in workshops by a national panel of seasoned automotive industry professionals and executives, including working technicians, automobile manufacturers, aftermarket manufacturers, and educators. Not by any single person at ASE. Exams are segmented by sub-specialty such as automobile, medium/heavy truck, truck equipment, school bus, collision repair, and more. There are 40-plus exams each designed to discern the automotive service technician’s knowledge of job-related skills. See more @ www.ase.com