Schmidt Motor Workx: A New Chapter in a Legacy of Harlan Craftsmanship

Brothers Turn Lifelong Passion into Community-Focused Automotive Excellence

For brothers Anthony and Mavrick Schmidt, automotive repair isn't just a trade—it's a family legacy that began in their father's garage and has now found a permanent home at 2603 Southwest Avenue in Harlan. Their new venture, Schmidt Motor Workx, represents more than just another auto shop; it's the culmination of a lifetime spent learning, tinkering, and building relationships through their shared passion for vehicles.

From Backyard Projects to Professional Service

The Schmidt brothers' journey into automotive repair began early, with memories of riding their bikes to the local Firestone where their father worked for 15 years. "We would go in when we were kids," Mavrick recalls. "We would ride our bikes from school down to the Firestone and watch them work there."

This early exposure to the trade quickly evolved into hands-on experience. At just 14, Anthony acquired his first project car—a 1984 Pontiac Fiero that needed extensive rehabilitation. Not to be outdone, Mavrick soon followed with his own restoration project: a 1973 Saab Sonnet III rescued from a fire-damaged garage. These early projects weren't just hobbies; they were the foundation of what would become their life's work.

"We've been raised in the automotive industry for as long as we can remember," explains Mavrick. "We started tinkering with our project cars in our parents' garage, and from there we just kept moving up."

A Business Built on Community Trust

While their technical expertise grew from years of hands-on experience—supplemented by Anthony's formal education at Iowa Western, where he earned two automotive degrees and multiple certifications—it's their approach to customer service that truly sets Schmidt Motor Workx apart.

"We've been on the other side of the counter before," Mavrick emphasizes. "We understand that in this day and age, everything's on a budget. We're very willing to work with people on that." This empathetic approach translates into honest assessments and transparent recommendations, whether a repair is urgent or can safely wait.

Their commitment to community service extends beyond regular business hours. The brothers make themselves available 24/7 for emergency situations, from jump-starts to rescuing vehicles from winter ditches. "I would rather have you as a customer for life than rake you over the coals for $1,200 one time," Anthony notes, highlighting their long-term perspective on customer relationships.

Deep Roots in Harlan's Business Community

The Schmidt family's connection to Harlan runs deep. Their great-grandfather started his contracting business in 1924, building many of the brick buildings that still stand in town today. The property where Schmidt Motor Workx now operates was once owned by their grandfather, adding another layer to their family's business legacy in the community.

This rich history has helped the brothers hit the ground running since opening their doors in November 2023. "The level of support we have received since we opened our doors has been beyond anything we ever could have asked for," Anthony shares. "We've had friends and family coming out of the woodwork, and businesses in town reaching out about doing commercial service for their vehicles."

Services That Span from Practical to Performance

While Schmidt Motor Workx handles everything from routine maintenance to complex repairs, their true passion lies in performance and custom work. Their personal vehicles—Anthony's '88 Trans Am and Mavrick's '95 Firebird—serve as rolling examples of their capabilities, both having been rebuilt from the ground up with custom motors, transmissions, and modifications.

Their service range includes:

• General maintenance and repairs
• Tire services for light and medium-duty vehicles
• Performance upgrades and motor swaps
• Race car preparation and maintenance
• Custom builds and show car preparation
• ATV and UTV servicing
• 24/7 emergency roadside assistance

Looking to the Future

As Schmidt Motor Workx continues to grow, the brothers maintain their focus on building lasting relationships within the community while expanding their services to meet local needs. Their recent addition of ATV and UTV servicing represents their commitment to evolving alongside customer demands.

Visit Schmidt Motor Workx at 2603 Southwest Avenue in Harlan. Currently open Wednesday through Friday 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and Saturday through Sunday 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (hours subject to change). For appointments or emergency assistance, call Anthony (712-579-9694) or Mavrick (712-304-0517). Follow their latest projects on Facebook or email them at schmidtmotorworkx@gmail.com. 24/7 key drop-off available for customer convenience.