The 7th of December 2025 marks an important milestone for all of us here at automotive repairs and maintenance workshop Auto Stop Gold Coast.

It was on this day 35 years ago that Rodney and Michael, first put their toolboxes on a workbench at 22 Cleveland Street Stones Corner.

Back in the day, Stones Corner wasn't really the “place to be”. In fact, it was far from what you would normally consider an upmarket place then. In the mid 90's, Stones Corner underwent a major revamp, becoming a busy shopping hub, full of seconds outlet stores and quirky coffee shops.

In 2005, Direct Factory Outlet (DFO) opened up near the Brisbane airport, quickly becoming the new shopping destination for seconds fashion outlet customers. With all these new changes taking place, one-by-one the original Stones Corner outlets started hanging up “For Lease” signs in their windows and closing their doors for good. By this stage, Auto Stop had grown from just Rodney, Michael and one hoist to Rodney and Michael plus two more mechanics, an admin staff and a total of four hoists.

In 2007, we had a change of guard when a new landlord took over the premises and gave us his word that we could stay on in the future and never be asked to leave. That offer didn't last, because in 2009 we received our marching orders and spent the next three challenging months searching for a new location for Auto Stop and then shifting our entire business to the new premises. Talk about a “mission” and a stressful time for all of us - but we made it through.

By this stage, Stones Corner and its surrounding areas were being rezoned for high-density development which meant little opportunity for us to stay in the area. With market prices continuing to rise and commercial property dwindling, we had to think about the next steps for Auto Stop.

We finally made the decision to move further out from the city and purchase our own shed, so that Auto Stop could have a more permanent home at 45 Flanders Street in Salisbury, Queensland. We started our new chapter there on the 16th of October 2009 and have been going strong ever since.

Since then, the business expanded with the opening of Auto Stop Gold Coast on the 14th of May 2014.

Looking back over the years, we've come a long way. And right from the start, we've always prided ourselves on our industry-leading service and quality automotive workmanship that sets us apart from our competitors.

We look forward to reaching our next business milestone and many more to come.