S-Squared Automotive may be one of Owensboro’s newest auto shops, but owner Steven Staack has been under the hood for more than a decade. After years as a master technician for a Hyundai dealership, Staack decided to trade corporate life for his own venture — a full-service repair and performance shop located at 4006 Vincent Station Drive.
“We’re starting off as a general repair shop, but I’m not really turning away anything right now,” Staack said. “We’ve got two brand-new lifts, tire and AC machines that can handle even the newest systems — a lot of shops don’t have that equipment yet.”
The business opened on July 14 and already offers nearly everything from oil changes and brake jobs to tire replacements and diagnostics.
Staack grew up in Rockport, Indiana, and said his passion for cars began in a high-school automotive class. He later earned an associate degree in automotive and high-performance technology from the University of Northwestern Ohio, a program known for its hands-on training.
That education and dealership experience helped him develop a reputation for tackling complex electrical and diagnostic issues — a skill set that’s guiding the shop’s niche.
“I’m leaning into the import world because Owensboro hasn’t really had a good shop for those,” Staack said. “People have been driving to Louisville, Evansville, or Nashville for work on Mercedes, Audis, or Porsches. With my background and tools, I can handle that stuff right here.”
While he’s confident servicing traditional vehicles, Staack said he’s also certified to work on hybrids and has experience with electric vehicles. Though full EV repairs aren’t yet a major part of his business, he sees that technology as an area of future growth.
S-Squared is currently a three-person operation — Staack, his wife Megan, and technician Michael — but the couple plans to expand gradually. Megan previously worked as a dog groomer for 14 years and now manages the shop’s front desk, scheduling, and parts ordering.
“We wanted to start slow so everyone could get their footing,” Staack said. “One thing that sets us apart is our digital vehicle inspection system. We send customers photos of any issues we find, so nothing’s hidden. They can make an informed decision about what to fix.”
Community connection is another focus. The Staacks sponsor their son’s Owensboro United soccer team and plan to offer a 10-percent discount for hospital employees, police officers, firefighters, and other emergency personnel. The shop also intends to provide a pickup-and-drop-off service for workers at nearby Owensboro Health Regional Hospital.
“We’re literally within walking distance of the hospital,” Staack said. “They can drop off their keys before a shift, and we’ll have their car ready when they’re done.”
S-Squared Automotive offers online appointment booking through ssquaredautomotive.com and maintains active Facebook and Instagram pages for updates and promotions.
The Chamber Member of the Week program is a Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce membership benefit. Founded in 1913, the Chamber has worked to provide valuable benefits and services to member businesses and individuals for over a century.
Today, with nearly 1,000 members, the Chamber is a guiding force in community and business development initiatives and serves as the center of business advocacy for the Greater Owensboro region.
To learn more about becoming the Chamber Member of the Week or inquire about Chamber membership, contact Kitty Jones, director of membership, at 270-926-1860 or kjones@owensboro.com.
By John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times