Stephen Richardson and Heather Richardson

By Ethan Walton

Throughout the small town of Vinton, and all across the country, it is a custom to be thankful for those who protect freedoms and communities.  First responders, law enforcement, the military, and of course the nation’s veterans are always deserving of appreciation for the jobs they do and for keeping everyone safe.

However, there are other people who are also doing important jobs for the people of their communities.  Though they are equally crucial to everyday life, they often go unnoticed.  They are the electricians who keep the lights and power on.  They are the plumbers and city workers who keep fresh running water flowing to every household.   They are also the mechanics who keep everyone’s car in safe working order for the road.  In today’s world, with Americans relying so heavily on their cars for getting to work, bringing food to the home, getting to and from medical offices, and dozens of other needs, mechanics are most definitely among the unsung heroes of daily life.  It’s frightening to imagine driving to work in heavy traffic when the check engine light comes on.  Or, when the vehicle overheats, leaving the driver stranded.

Located at 855 Industry Circle in Vinton, Richardson Mechanical opened in August of 2020 and is owned and operated by Stephen Richardson.  However, Mr. Richardson’s experience in mechanics dates back many years from when he was a young boy learning the ins and outs of cars in his father’s garage.

While growing up in Vinton, Stephen discovered his love for working on cars at a very young age.  His father, also named Stephen, was always working on racing cars in his garage and fixing vehicles for his family and friends.  Dad had Stephen turning wrenches very early in his life.

Even during those childhood years, Stephen knew he wanted to be a mechanic when he grew up.  While attending William Byrd High School as a teenager, he also became a student at Arnold R. Burton Technical School where he completed a course in auto mechanics.  Also during high school, Stephen met Heather Ayres through family friends.  After only four months of dating, however, life would take them their separate ways.

After graduating in 2009, Stephen worked for various mechanic shops around the Roanoke Valley, but he always knew that he would eventually open his own shop.  For eleven years, he kept his eye on that goal, saving and putting away every nickel and dime to one day fulfill his dream.

Between all his jobs, as well as working on vehicles in his garage at home, Stephen had saved enough money by 2020 to finally take the first steps toward opening his own business.  And once he was ready, it didn’t take long for all the pieces to fall into place.  He knew the owner of the building at 855 Industry Circle, and within two weeks of signing the papers, he’d cleaned the place up and repainted.  In August of 2020, Richardson Mechanical opened for business!

“Through my years of working in various shops,” says Stephen with conviction, “I saw how people and their property were treated unjustly, and I never wanted to be a part of that.  I wanted my own place where I could treat people with the respect, and honesty that they deserve.”

Stephen tells us that starting the business wasn’t as hard as he’d anticipated.  After all, he had never opened or operated a business on his own before.  He thought there would have been ‘a little more to it’, but it was as simple as the building owner giving him a chance and letting him occupy the space.

However, the workload and the demand can be challenging at times. “The hardest part is just finding help.  It’s a lot for one person to do; working in the back, running and getting parts, and everything in between.”  At the end of the day, however, Stephen says that seeing the smiles on people’s faces, and that ‘ah ha!’ moment when he finds the root cause of a problem makes it all 100% worth it.  Not to worry, though.  Stephen isn’t completely alone in his business venture.  As fate would have it, Stephen Richardson had not seen the last of Heather Ayres!

After graduating high school, Heather worked in various customer service jobs, including Food Lion, Kroger, and a few years working at Famous Anthonys.  Eventually, she decided to enroll in the nursing program at Virginia Western Community College where she would complete four years of studies, graduating in 2018 with a certification in Phlebotomy.

It had been ten years since dating Stephen for those few brief months in high school, but one day during her college years, Heather sent a simple wish that would change the course of her life.  “I was scrolling through Facebook one day after class,” says Heather with a smile, “and it happened to be his birthday.  So, I wished him a happy birthday, and the rest is history.”

The old flame was rekindled.  Now, not only is Heather part of Stephen’s life, but she is also part of his business.  After graduating, Heather worked for two years at Carilion Family Medicine.  Once Stephen opened the shop, however, she left the clinic.  Stephen needed help with scheduling and running the front desk, so Heather became the full time, becoming the excited and lively voice that greets customers over the phone.  At the front counter, her wonderful smile and unwavering bright attitude makes a pleasant experience out of having repairs done.

The future is bright for Richardson Mechanical.  The constant flow of their many loyal customers, and the happiness Stephen and Heather share together can make anyone appreciate the American dream.  Stephen would like to sell some of the vehicles he works on someday.  “Maybe not have a used car lot, but if someone needs help, and is in a bind, I’d like to think I could sell them a solid vehicle I know will be reliable to get them from A to B”.

With plans for the shop looking so bright, so does the future of the young couple.  After many years of dating and growing a business together, Heather happily accepted Stephen’s marriage proposal in the winter of 2022.  “Being close to him and helping him in any way I can has been so rewarding,” said Heather through happy tears.  “It’s not a job but a life I never thought I would be so happy to live.”

When he opened Richardson Mechanical, Stephen Richardson joined the ranks of those unsung heroes that our modern society turns to in times of trouble and need.  Whether it’s a simple safety inspection, a transmission repair, or even an engine rebuild, Richardson Mechanical is there to get the job done with honesty and integrity.

Richardson Mechanical is open Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm, offering oil changes, brake work, tune-ups, diagnostics, engine and transmission repairs, and A/C services, as well as tire sales and service.

Richardson Mechanical • 540-655-4670
Heather & Stephen Richardson
www.Richardson-Mechanical.com
855 Industry Circle, Vinton, VA