Walt’s Garage marks expansion, adds new Punta Gorda site

Walt Fortney and his wife, Kari, celebrated the latest expansion of Walt’s Garage on Feb. 2, marking another milestone for the Punta Gorda auto repair business that began with a single shop purchase in 2018. 

That year, Fortney, a U.S. Army combat veteran, bought Bennett’s Automotive on Ann Street. Since then, growing demand for both domestic and foreign vehicle repairs has led him to acquire three buildings along the street, transforming the operation into a multigarage business serving customers across Charlotte County and beyond. 

The expansion was commemorated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by employees, family members and representatives from the Punta Gorda and Charlotte County chambers of commerce. Refreshments were served as guests toured the updated facilities and reflected on the company’s growth. 

Roger Pratt, service adviser for Walt’s Garage, said the business built its reputation through a commitment to honesty that resonated with customers. In some cases, Fortney and his technicians advised repeat customers with aging vehicles to stop spending money on costly repairs and consider purchasing another car instead. 

Staff members told customers they would be better off saving their money rather than paying for ongoing repairs, Pratt said. Word of that approach spread, and clients began traveling from other parts of the state to seek out the shop. 

As a NAPA AutoCare Center, Walt’s Garage offers a 24-month, 24,000-mile warranty on most repairs. One garage focuses on Asian and domestic vehicles, while a second facility across the street specializes in European makes. 

The business also is an AAA-approved repair facility and a TechNet Professional shop. It partners with Worldpac to source parts for European and other foreign vehicles. The newest building serves as a customer drop-off and pick-up center and includes a larger parking lot. 

Walt’s Garage employs about 20 people, not including the Fortneys. Pratt said the team’s collective experience exceeds 500 years. He previously spent 33 years working for NAPA Auto Parts, while another employee worked more than 30 years at Tire Kingdom. Other technicians bring experience from manufacturers, such as Ford. 

“We bring decades of hands-on experience to the table,” Fortney said in a social media post. 

“Walt built an incredible team,” Pratt said. 

The atmosphere inside the office and garages is one of camaraderie, Pratt said, adding that the shop’s philosophy is to treat customers like family. 

Following two enlistments in the Army, Fortney worked 12 years at a Volkswagen dealership and another six years at what he described as a highly regarded Volkswagen and Audi specialty shop. Today, Walt’s Garage is known for diagnosing complex issues, including electrical problems. 

The shop also is frequently used by buyers seeking pre-purchase inspections of used vehicles. In addition, technicians handle customized builds, with golf carts and specialty vehicles often visible in the service bays. 

Appointments can be booked online at waltsgaragepg.com, by phone at 941-263-1289, or in person at 130 E. Ann St., just off U.S. 41. The shop is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, with a 24-hour service drop-off available on weekends.