History

In 1997, Adam and Nancy Wrage made the decision to relocate to Gwinner, North Dakota from the Sioux Falls area, bringing with them their two young children, Jackie (3) and Walter (1), along with the anticipation of their soon-to-be third child, Kami, who was expected to arrive in August of that year. Determined to create a successful business and contribute to their new community, they established A W Diesel Service Inc., a trusted medium-heavy duty truck and equipment repair business renowned for its exceptional service. The business was strategically located in Gwinner, ND, chosen for its accessibility and proximity to the highway, which allowed for easy reach by local truck operators and businesses. To initiate their venture, they entered into a lease agreement for the building with Gwinner Oil Co., a partnership that not only provided them with a solid foundation for their operations but also fostered a supportive relationship with other local businesses in the area.

The operation opened its doors on July 18th, 1997, to the public, marking the beginning of a journey filled with hard work and dedication. It officially became a corporation on August 1, 1997. In those early days, there were no other employees; Nancy handled all the bookkeeping with meticulous attention to detail, while Adam focused on repairing trucks, showcasing his technical skills and enthusiasm for the work. This small team faced numerous challenges as they navigated the complexities of running a business, but their passion for what they did kept them motivated. As the months passed, the demand for their services grew, leading them to expand their workforce in November when they brought on another mechanic.

The lease came due two years later, and after thorough consideration, it was decided to purchase the Decker Body Shop land and building located at 15 Hwy 13 East. An addition was put on to the original shop, effectively expanding the workspace to accommodate the growing needs of the business.

In 2006, it was decided to extend the East end of the building to meet the business’s growing needs, adding two shop bays and a larger parts room at the back of the west side, which improved workflow and service delivery, ultimately enhancing customer experience and productivity.

In 2017, three shop bays were added to the East end of the building, enhancing our operational capacity. Two bays were designed for mechanics, equipped for efficient vehicle repairs and maintenance, while the additional bay established a full-service truck wash to meet growing demand for vehicle cleaning. The installation of the Taylor Chassis Dynamometer allowed for precise diagnostics and performance evaluations, reflecting our commitment to high-quality service and customer satisfaction.

Now here we are in 2025, busier than ever, 28 years later! We are so grateful to be a part of such an amazing and supportive community who have helped us grow into what we are today. As we reflect on our journey, we recognize the countless individuals who have invested their time, energy, and resources into our mission. Through shared experiences, collaborative efforts, and unwavering encouragement, our community has not only shaped our identity but also driven us to strive for excellence in all that we do. Each interaction has enriched our understanding and broadened our horizons, allowing us to innovate and adapt in an ever-changing landscape. Our commitment to serving you, our valued community members, remains steadfast as we look forward to many more years of growth, connection, and mutual support.