Northwest Truck owner has longtime passion for working on vehicles

JR Moore’s love for cars and trucks goes back to when he was just a young boy helping his father rebuild cars in the driveway.

The Flathead Valley native is now only 33, but has already turned his automotive passions into two thriving businesses, with his recent acquisitions of Northwest Truck Repair and Northwest Fleet Service. His dad Mike now manages the truck repair shop.

Between the two shops, which are little more than a mile apart in Evergreen, Moore and his team of 10 diesel mechanics offer everything from routine maintenance to specialized repairs and customization such as lifts and accessories on trucks, vans and RVs.

Moore spent eight years in the Army and then the National Guard before working in the oil fields of North Dakota during last decade’s fracking boom. Even though he was making a good living hauling petroleum products, he would still work part-time at an auto shop to get his hands greasy.

Moore came back to Montana, and started his own automotive business from humble beginnings. In 2018, he purchased a van in Spokane, drove it nearly 300 miles east and slapped a new paint job on it using foam rollers. With that, his mobile mechanic business was born.

He quickly developed his skills and customer base, building himself a reputation as a reliable and clever mechanic.

He was looking to expand into a brick and mortar location, and when the owner of Northwest Truck Repair was looking to sell, Moore snatched his opportunity. Only about a year later, he also purchased the fleet services business.

He needed the space — not only for the servicing of customers’ rigs that are often booked several weeks out — but also for his personal fleet.

He currently owns 43 cars and trucks of his own. His favorites include a 1974 Ford pickup that he built from a bare frame, a lowered 1965 Oldsmobile 98 and a 1957 Buick convertible.

Since buying the shops, Moore said he’s given all 21 of his employees raises. Ten are mechanics, and he said they’re always looking for more experienced workers, especially with diesel expertise.

Moore describes his employees as family, and some actually are. In addition to his dad, Moore works alongside his wife Micheala every day.

“We’re a big family, on Friday nights everybody comes and hangs out,” said Micheala. “We know what it's like to work nine to five and be miserable.”

These days Moore is mostly handling the business side of things but said he’ll lend a hand if they get particularly busy.

“If we get behind I’ll dive in,” he said. “My phone never stops ringing, so it’s hard to get in the shop.”

Going forward, the Moores want to grow the business and increase their impact on the community through fundraising events like car shows and by teaching young people mechanical skills.

One of their employees is a Flathead High School student who comes in after school to learn about engines and get a few hours in the workplace.

They believe in giving back, because they believe their successes have only been possible with the help of their loved ones and community.

“We wouldn’t be able to make it without family, our coworkers and employees,” Micheala said. “We’re here for the long haul.”

Reporter Adrian Knowler can be reached at 758-4407 or aknowler@dailyinterlake.com.