After nearly 30 years of working together at Volz Bros. automotive repair shop in Grass Valley, Bill Greenman and John Volz practically read each other's minds.

“Did you … ?” “Yeah, I checked it out.” “Did you try … ?” “Just about to.” They're quick to tell you — with a smile — that great minds think alike.

The pair's cumulative experience in the auto repair business shows. It's a rare day when all lifts don't have cars on them, with more lined up in the parking lot. When they don't have their heads under a hood, they're asking customers about their pets, grandchildren or a newly arrived baby. That personal touch is just one of the reasons longtime customers keep coming back, as well as the children and grandchildren of original customers. The shop employs eight people, most of whom have worked there more than 10 years.

Volz's son, John “Don't call me Junior” Volz, is now the shop's service manager and plans to eventually take over from his dad to become owner or part owner. Now 28, the younger Volz started sweeping floors and cleaning bathrooms at the shop when he was 14 and has now returned with a master's degree in marketing (consequently Volz Bros. is now on Facebook). But the elder Volz insists he will continue to work until he “doesn't enjoy it anymore.” By the look of things, that's a long way off.

The elder Volz was 26 when he moved his wife and three kids to Grass Valley from Los Angeles in 1982. He had $3,000 in his pocket. With 10 years of auto repair experience under his belt, he decided to rent a small space off Loma Rica Drive and open up his own shop. Word spread, and pretty soon the elder Volz was forced to expand and hire more employees.

In 1984, Bill Greenman — a 25-year-old kid who grew up tearing his parents' cars apart — came in for an interview. He was barely out the door when the elder Volz shouted, “Hey, can you start tomorrow?”

That was the beginning of a productive working relationship that has spanned decades. In 2000, Greenman became an owner and now partners with the elder Volz.

Over the years, the elder Volz and Greenman say they have worked hard to establish a reputation for being at the forefront of environmentally conscious auto repair. Prior to starting the business, while working as a technician in car dealerships, the elder Volz saw how poorly the industry dealt with waste and how repairing automobiles promoted the use of harsh chemicals. Long before it was popular, Volz Bros. was the first in Nevada County to get green station certification.

Along with the younger Volz, the trio insist they enjoy even their busiest days.

“As far as the workload goes, we thrive on challenges,” said the younger Volz. “When it's busy, we like it, when there is a mechanical issue that's hard to figure out, we like it. The only frustrations are when the wrong parts get shipped and there are delays. You might be able to find it cheaper, but you're not going to find it done better. We make an effort to get it done right the first time.”

Beyond a job well done, the elder Volz says the most rewarding aspect of their business has been community involvement.

“We feel an obligation to support the community that has supported us all these years,” he said. “It's my biggest passion.”

Recently, Volz Bros. mechanics put a new engine in a used van and donated it to the Neighborhood Center of the Arts, which gives people with developmental disabilities a place to develop their art skills, as well as show and sell their work.

As part of their “What Goes Around Comes Around” program, Volz Bros. donates $500 a month to a local charity. In addition, the program has branched out to include a new fundraiser where customers can purchase a $20 T-shirt, with 100 percent of proceeds going to the charity of the month. Past recipients include the Nevada County Food Bank, Hospitality House, Women of Worth, Hospice of the Foothills and many others. By the year's end, the elder Volz said more than $15,000 will have gone to local charities.

“To us, giving is a responsibility, whether it's time or money,” he added. “Giving from the heart is important.”

To contact Staff Writer Cory Fisher, e-mail cfisher@theunion.com or call 530-477-4203.