In 1997 Doug and Karen had a dream to open their own Automotive Repair Shop.  With the assistance of a lot of friends and loyal customers of Doug's we opened Smith Nielsen Automotive!  For 4 years we worked hard to build the business. In 2001 we moved to our present location because of the larger building and great visibility for our customers.   In 2012 we changed the name to Apple Valley Car Clinic to get out of a franchise agreement that had been holding us back for many years.  This was the best decision we have ever made!!!

Doug has always been the face of the business.  His 35 + years in the Automotive Repair business has been our greatest asset over the years. 

Karen has worked for the business behind the scenes off and on over the years, but has become a more permanent fixture since the name change in 2012. 

Justin at the age of 10 started doing odd jobs to earn so extra play money!  He learned at an early age to sweep and empty garbage.  Today after recently graduating from Mankato State University he is a Full-Time Employee.  He has learned the business from the ground up and continues to learn on a daily basis with plans to take over some day when Mom and Dad retire. 

In our spare time we all love to travel especially in the winter when we can escape the lovely Minnesota winters.  Doug and Justin enjoy their father son time together 4-wheeling and golfing.