Relay Hill Auto has completed the acquisition of Applewood Auto Service, a long-standing repair shop serving the Wheat Ridge community for more than five decades. The move reinforces Relay Hill Auto's commitment to preserving trusted neighborhood shops while modernizing the customer experience through innovation and employee development.
Founded in 1971 by the Osborn family, Applewood Auto Service has been a fixture in the Wheat Ridge community for more than five decades. Built and sustained across three generations, the shop earned a loyal customer base by emphasizing honesty, craftsmanship, and long-term relationships. The Osborn family's decision to partner with Relay Hill Auto reflects a shared commitment to preserving that legacy while ensuring the business has the people, tools, and training needed to thrive for the next generation.
"Our family has been part of this community for over 50 years, and protecting what Applewood Auto Service stands for mattered deeply to us," said Heather Osborn. "Relay Hill understands that this business is about people, not just cars. Partnering with them allows us to carry our values forward while giving our team and customers the support they deserve for the future."
Relay Hill Auto CEO Shiju Thomas said, "This acquisition is about honoring a legacy built over generations. Applewood Auto Service's integrity and deep community ties align perfectly with our mission of people before profit." He added, "We are focused on growing thoughtfully by investing in our teams, our facilities, and the customers who rely on us."
Applewood Auto Service will continue operating at its familiar location at 4895 Ward Rd, Wheat Ridge, CO, retaining its customer-first approach. Under Relay Hill Auto, the shop will gain access to shared training programs, advanced diagnostic technology, and group-wide operational support to expand its capabilities. Relay Hill team members completed their first EV vehicle servicing training.
Relay Hill proudly supports local muralist and sign artist Amy Jones of Art Signs & Murals (https://www.ArtSignsMurals.com), known for vibrant hand-painted signs and window art that bring color, character, and visual impact to neighborhood businesses. Her custom signs for Applewood Auto Service combine freehand painting, custom lettering, and design.
Relay Hill Auto operates multiple shops across the Denver metro area, including Hotchkiss Auto Repair, Arvada Square Auto, Applewood Auto Care, Applewood Auto Service, and Advanced Transmission Center. Each business remains locally managed and united by a shared goal: to elevate automotive repair through integrity, education, and hospitality.
This acquisition represents a significant trend in the automotive service industry where consolidation is occurring while maintaining local identity. For customers, this means continued access to trusted neighborhood mechanics while benefiting from the resources of a larger organization. The emphasis on EV training indicates how traditional repair shops are adapting to changing automotive technology, ensuring they can service both conventional and electric vehicles.
For the broader automotive repair industry, this model demonstrates how multi-generational family businesses can transition ownership while preserving their core values and community relationships. The approach of maintaining local management while providing centralized support for training and technology could serve as a template for other service businesses facing similar generational transitions.
The partnership also highlights the importance of supporting local artists and maintaining neighborhood character, as evidenced by the continued collaboration with Art Signs & Murals. This attention to aesthetic details alongside operational improvements shows a comprehensive approach to business that values both function and community integration.
