New owner at Herrick Auto Rebuilders

CRYSTAL LAKE - Herrick Auto Rebuilders, founded by Walt Herrick, has a new owner after being in the same family for 73 years.

When Herrick retired in 1987, his son, Skip Herrick, and son-in-law, Gary Riegler, continued the business. Chuck Gamalski recently purchased the shop after working side-by-side with the Herrick team for many months.

Gamalski, now president of Herrick Auto Rebuilders, said he plans to continue offering the top-notch level of customer service and auto body repair with the same staff.

The Palatine native started his career in auto body repair on the high school work program there. He has most recently worked many years in Florida, managing a large body shop. He and his wife, Julie, now reside in Lake in the Hills.

"My whole life has been auto body work," Gamalski said. "I really care about the customer and their satisfaction. That's why Herrick's was a great fit for me."

Skip Herrick and Riegler will be stepping down to pursue their retirement goals. Herrick Auto Rebuilders is at 634 W. Terra Cotta Ave. in Crystal Lake.