



Our Story
Welcome to Northside Garage, where community and craftsmanship come together.
For more than 30 years, I’ve been under the hood of just about everything, from family cars to farm trucks to Sunday cruisers. My journey started young. At 12 years old, my school principal started pulling me out of class to help work on his cars. That moment sparked a lifelong passion for fixing engines, solving problems, and helping people get back on the road safely.
Over the years, I’ve worked at trusted shops around Wichita like Woody’s Automotive, North End Auto, Collins Motors, and Derby Motors, building relationships and earning a reputation for honest, dependable work. The kind of work where a handshake still means something.
In 2024, I opened Northside Garage to bring that same integrity and neighbor-first service to the community I call home. Here, we don’t upsell. We don’t play games. We diagnose the problem, give you straight answers, and fix it right (the first time).
At Northside Garage, you’re not just a repair order. You’re a neighbor. You’re family. And your vehicle is treated like it’s our own.
Thanks for trusting us to keep Wichita driving.
- Bobby Rudd, Founder
Phone: 316-358-9383
Meet The Team

EL JEFE, FOUNDER & SHOP OWNER
BOBBY RUDD
Bobby is the owner, head mechanic, and the beating (albeit grumpy) heart of our shop. With decades of experience under the hood and a passion for fixing what others can’t, Bobby runs the place with grit, precision, and a no-nonsense attitude that keeps the team (and your car) on track.
Known for his sharp wit and gruff demeanor, Bobby might be the grumpiest man you’ll ever meet, but don’t let that fool you. Once he gets going, he’s a regular Chatty Kathy. Whether he’s giving you the full breakdown of your car repair or launching into a good-natured rant, Bobby’s chatter is as much a part of the shop as the tools on the wall.
Beneath the grumbles and grease is a heart of gold. Bobby cares deeply about every car that rolls into the shop and every customer who trusts us with their ride. If your car needs fixing, Bobby won’t just get it done, he’ll get it done right.
When he’s not elbow-deep in an engine or chatting up a storm, Bobby can be found sipping his Dr. Pepper or sneaking a treat to the shop dog. Grumpy or not, Bobby’s dedication, skill, and heart make this shop what it is: honest, dependable, and one of a kind.

CHIEF SECURITY OFFICER, HEAD OF HR & SHOP MASCOT
FRED RUDD
Fred isn’t just the shop dog, he’s the self-appointed head of security, always on high alert to make sure the shop and lot are running smoothly. Whether he’s patrolling the perimeter, inspecting every visitor with a wag and a sniff, or keeping a watchful eye on the team, Fred takes his job seriously.
When he’s not performing routine security sweeps at the shop, you can find Fred belly up in the sun, catching some z's, sneaking treats from Bobby, or making new friends with customers who can’t resist his charm. Loyal, hardworking, and always ready for action, Fred is an essential member of the team, and the goodest boy around.

SERVICE WRITER
KARLA POHLMAN
Known as "Bones" back in her teenage years, Karla has been with us since... well, the first time. And also the second time. The details are fuzzy, but the loyalty is real.
Before mastering the art of the service write-up, she sharpened her people skills behind the counter at Kwik Shop, which explains why she can handle a Mountain Dew rush and a pushy customer with equal grace. Officially, her job is writing up service orders. Unofficially, her duties also include cleaning, catching up on her shows, and the occasional parking lot workout, because where else are you going to fit in cardio between oil changes?
What customers love most about Karla is that she actually answers the phone and actually listens, which in this industry makes her something of a unicorn. Just don't be a pushy customer, or you'll get the famous "oh lord" sigh that says everything her words won't.
Self-proclaimed shop prankster, weekend kayaker, and the only person here who treats the parking lot like a CrossFit gym. Karla keeps things running and keeps everyone on their toes.

TECHNICIAN
ZACH BERGMAN
They call him "Silent Bob," and the nickname fits, though don't let the quiet fool you. Zach runs heavy line all day and has been turning wrenches on cars for about a decade, after cutting his teeth on heavy equipment. If it's big, broken, or bolted down, it's his.
He's our alignment guy, and he'll have you know he has never, not once... lost a 10mm socket. A claim that borders on the supernatural in this trade. He also talks to the cars, which we assume is the secret to his success, and lets out a hearty "son of a baked bean" when things don't go his way.
Now, ask Bobby about the time a truck got pushed out with the mirrors folded in and met a pole in the parking lot. No real damage, the hitch took the hit, but the story has taken on a life of its own. Zach would like the record to show it was the truck's fault.
First one in every morning, fueled by two cups of coffee on weekdays and a frankly concerning three pots on weekend days, Zach brings the skills, the attitude customers love, and an unwavering commitment to people putting their stuff back where it belongs. Off the clock, he's racing RC cars and driving a TSX Sport Wagon that is, for the record, not ironic.