Established in 1946, this garage is one of the oldest repair shops in Houston. The original owners, Adolf and his wife Lillie, built the shop themselves using self-poured cement blocks and pine trees from the property. Their son, Eugene, and his wife, Virginia, took over the family business in 1985. This next generation expanded the shop, adding additional bays to the rear of the building and installing a dynamometer to perform state inspections. When Eugene decided it was time to sell to another mom and pop, he chose Sybren and Kathryn van der Pol. This husband-wife duo worked diligently on infrastructure improvements - repairing the antique neon sign out front, adding new lifts and a transmission room, and remodeling the office. Passionate about community engagement, the van der Pols were involved in the “Oldie but Goodie” classic car show, the North Shepherd Community Alliance, and local schools and organizations. The Clutch team is honored to have purchased the North Shepherd shop from Sybren and Kathryn and to be the newest piece of the garage’s history. Most of all, we’re excited to continue a relationship with our Garden Oaks neighbors + the surrounding areas of Shepherd Park Plaza, Shepherd Park Terrace, Garden Oaks, The Heights, Oak Forest, and Candlelight Plaza. Now in THREE locations across the Houston area, Clutch Automotive is growing and ready to take care of your family’s vehicles.
Monday–Friday : 7:30am - 6:00pm
Saturday–Sunday: Closed
Austin Stephenson has worked at Clutch since nearly Day One! While most Clutch employees are hired through an application and interview process, Austin’s start at Clutch was anything but traditional. He was hired after the Clutch team heard a podcast interview Austin was featured in where he discussed cars. Austin’s favorite thing about his job is talking to people about their cars and educating them on the vehicles they use everyday. He values people - and even says his biggest pet peeve is when people don’t care about others. Austin takes time to help his co-workers and is intentional in getting to know every member of his team. Austin is a born and raised Houstonian whose love for Texas runs deep. He grew up in Jersey Village and in high school, moved to Cypress where his parents still live today. Austin has been married to his wife, Natalie, for two years and describes her as “his biggest encouragement”. His goals include completing his Bachelor’s degree, competing in automotive racing and raising children who know and follow the Lord. Interesting Facts: Austin is known by friends and family as the resident “movie critic”. When he orders at Houston fave, MOD pizza, he tells them he wants “everything”. Sports Hero: Growing up, Austin loved and still loves JJ Watt. He remembers being a kid in 2011 during Watt's rookie season when he got a scoop and score during the wildcard game against the Bengals. Austin promptly went to his newly created Facebook and posted "JJ What? JJ Watt!" Favorite Houston Restaurants: Izakaya-Wa for sushi or Molina's Cantina for Tex-Mex
