Our Team

Phil Peterson: Owner and Technician

Born & raised in Manitoba, at age 16 became a horseback guide in Manitoba National Parks licenced to have up to 40 horses & clients in my care at any time. Moved to Courtenay in 1970, got class 1 license and drove truck & operated construction equipment for a time. Owned and operated KEAN Auto Services since 1974.

Red Seal qualification, and additional licences include LPG Inspector, B.C. Commercial vehicle inspector & air brake endorsement.

How long have you been a mechanic?
43 years

Work history:
I’ve been doing vehicle repairs for most of my life, having grown up on a farm. I started doing repairs in the Comox Valley in 1971, and I started Phil’s Auto Service in 1974. It expanded and I changed the name to KEAN Auto Services in 1984. The rest is history.

What do you love most about your job?
I love the diagnostics. I look forward to the challenge.

What do you drive?
Chevy truck, 4×4.

What do you wish you drove?
A new Chevy 4×4, but I’d probably want a Judge too.

If you weren’t a mechanic, you would be a…
conservation officer.

What is your most memorable experience as a mechanic?
Oddly enough, it’s a story that involves the shooting of a transmission but not the one Heather talks about.

Words of wisdom to pass on:
Maintain your vehicle so it doesn’t leave you stranded on the side of the road when it’s dark and raining.

Andy Peterson: Technician

Red Seal technician for more than 20 years. Apprenticed at KEAN Auto & attended Camosun College in Victoria for apprenticeship training, graduated in 1999. Later he went on to GM dealership and received years of manufacturers training. Returned to KEAN Auto where he is lead technician and shop foreman.

Growing up Andy loved playing hockey, whether it was ice, street or rollerblading.

Andy and his wife of 20 years (Meredith) have 5 children together. When Andy is not spending time with his family he will probably be reading.

Andy was born in the Comox Valley and has never moved away. Andy says “Vancouver Island is great, best place in Canada.”

How long have you been a mechanic?
20 years

What do you love most about your job?
I enjoy doing the electrical diagnosis.

What do you drive?
GMC Sierra 4×4

What do you wish you drove?
Mercedes 6×6

If you weren’t a mechanic, you would be a…
an NFL football scout

Do you have any words of wisdom to pass on?
Take your vehicle to someone you trust.

Payton: Apprentice Technician

Payton recently joined the team and he is currently pursuing his apprenticeship in automotive mechanics.

Away from work Payton enjoys hiking, fishing and camping. Payton also excels in his study of piano.

Andrew: Journeyman Technician

Andrew has been a Red Seal Technician since 2004.

Originally from England, Andrew moved to Newfoundland and then to Calgary. Andrew was a professional musician for 10 years.

Andrew has training on Mazda, Toyota, Kia, Nissan and Mercedes vehicles and joined the team at KEAN Auto in June 2019.

Andrews’s hobbies include music & woodworking