Company History
A Family Legacy Built on Four Generations
Our family business has a long history with auto repair. All the way back in 1919, Otto Kusch, Mike and Mark’s grandfather, and his two brothers worked at a shop in Milwaukee fixing cars and shoeing horses. We started our own business in 1945 when Otto opened Kusch’s Garage on 58th and North Avenue in Milwaukee. Jack Kusch, our dad, bought the shop from Otto and continued to operate it into the early 90’s. Three generations worked in that building for over 45 years taking care of neighborhood cars.
In Memory of Jeff Kusch
Jeff, Mike and Debbie’s son, proudly joined the family business, representing the fourth generation of Kuschs dedicated to auto repair. His passion and commitment left a lasting mark on Hartland Service and our family. Although Jeff is no longer with us, his spirit and contributions remain a part of everything we do.
Planting Roots in Hartland
Hartland Service opened in April of 1992. The original shop had 6 bays and a very small office and waiting room. Business grew quickly, and by 1997 we doubled down, adding 6 more service bays, a lunch and meeting room for technicians, staff offices, and a large waiting area for our customers. Just five years later, we expanded our services to offer our first car washing system, the Vector Touch-less car wash.
Always Growing, Always Improving
We kept the momentum going thanks to our loyal patrons and expanded throughout the early 2000s to include hydraulic hose and tank testing, a complete detailing division, and emissions testing. By 2014, we knew it was time for something bigger.
In 2015, we planned our most ambitious addition yet, growing from 13 to 20 service bays and nearly 20,000 square feet! We added truck racks and vehicle hoists, a state-of-the-art detailing center, and an IT-equipped training room for our team.
Growing the car wash business was also part of the plan! We converted our old detail and hose fabrication building into a brand-new two-bay car wash facility featuring premium soft cloth and touchless bays, plus four free vacuum stalls on the east side of the building.
Recognized by Our Community
In 2018, we were honored to be nominated for Wisconsin Family Business of the Year and we won the Golden Hammer Award from the Hartland Chamber of Commerce. We couldn’t have done any of this without our incredible customers, the hard work of our team, and the unwavering support of our community.
The Story Continues
Our experienced staff will greet you and take care of all your automotive needs. Scroll through our timeline and images below to see what we’ve been up to over the last three decades, and make sure to stop by and say “hi!”
Cool Timeline
In 1919, Otto Kusch and his 2 brothers, Clem and John work at Hawley Service on 58th and Vliet in Milwaukee. Fixing cars and shoeing horses.
Hawley Service company truck pictured outside of the shop.
Picture taken in the mid-1920’s in front of the shop on Vliet Street
In 1945, Otto Kusch purchased a Shell gas station in Milwaukee on the corner of 58th and North Ave. Kusch’s Garage started repairing neighborhood vehicles.
By 1974, Jack Kusch took over for Otto. Jack is pictured here with his ’35 Ford during restoration at Kusch’s Garage. This car is still in the family today!
Mike, Debbie, and Otto Kusch pictured with Otto’s friend and shop helper, Ray, at a Christmas party.
Early Ford V8 Club training at Kusch’s Garage with Paul Orwal and Jack Kusch.
Mike and Debbie Kusch in front of their new shop.
The old front counter and waiting room, now used as a tool room.
By 1997, improving business demanded Hartland Service build an addition to accommodate all customers – the shop virtually doubled in size.
Adding 7 more service bays to a total of 13.
In 2002, we installed a new Vector Touch-less car wash.
Our 1st generation touchless wash!
During 2006, we added a hose fabrication center and tank testing division. This building is now our two-lane car wash.
To help inform clients, Hartland Service creates an educational display of automotive hoses.
By 2011, we opened a complete detailing division for cars and trucks.
In 2013, Hartland Service began offering emissions testing
By 2014, Hartland Service began planning another major addition to meet the needs of our growing list of customers
Hartland Service continues to build out space to accommodate all client needs.
In 2016, the second addition was completed and our operation expanded to nearly 20,000 sq. feet and 20 service bays.
In 2016, we also added two state-of-the-art automatic car wash bays with free vacuums offered 24/7
The new addition allowed room for a HOT ROD and COLLECTOR CAR repair division known as K4.
In 2018, we also won the coveted Golden Hammer Award by the Hartland Chamber of Commerce
Hartland Service hosted the first annual Safety Shake Down on September 23rd, 2018. The Safety Shake Down included a car show, a safety inspection for vehicles, and the National Street Rod Association’s “appreciation day”.
Hartland Service donated 2 used vehicles to the Auto Class at Arrowhead High School.
Our emission lane customers grew to near 100 per day, so we added another OPUS TEST STATION to service the growing need. We also added A/C in the shop for our technicians.
