History and Background

About the Owner

Brian Wannarka was born in Colorado Springs, CO in 1965. In 1967, Brian’s father was released from the Army and Brian’s parents, Darrell and Bonnie Wannarka made the decision to move back to their hometown area of Fairmont, MN. While Brian was attending Fairmont High School, he had bought his first dream vehicle, a Mustang in 1982. Brian started working for Blachowske Truckline as a mechanic to pay for the mustang in 1982. Brian graduated from Fairmont High School in 1984 and through Blachowske was able to attend trade school for diesel mechanics. Working for Blachowske Truckline is where his passion for semi repair and being a mechanic grew. Brian moved to the farm in 2000 which was originally his grandparents, shortly after his second daughter was born. In 2001, Brian started Brian Wannarka Repair and Welding.

History of the Business

Brian Wannarka Repair and Welding was started in 2001 by Brian Wannarka and his then wife, Sophia on his home farm. Brian started off with himself, later adding his coworker from Blachowske Truckline, Martin Serna in 2003. In 2008, Brian hired his nephew Michael Wannarka who now runs the shop. In 2013, Brian started another business on the home farm called Wannarka Excavating. Also in 2015, Brian added his youngest daughter, Cassidy Wannarka to the business to be the secretary. In 2022, 21 years after the beginning of the business the biggest decision that Brian had worked so hard for was made, a BIGGER, BETTER, DREAM SHOP! In 2023, Brian added his niece, Amber Maday to the company for doing auto detailing.