Lester Cassels (Dad, at right) came to Brevard in 1950 by the request of Hollis Ferguson & Carl Schmidt. Hollis was Service Manager & Carl was General Manager of Fordyce Chevrolet in Melbourne. Fordyce Chevrolet was just south of Crane Creek on US1. Later the building became Mac’s Friendly Tavern. Dad worked at Fordyce Chevy for a couple of years before being drafted into the Army. Dad served his country until about 1954 when he came back to town. Upon arriving, went to work for Hollis Ferguson at his new store in West Melbourne.
Dad ran the service department & Hollis ran the parts department. Lester Cassels met & married my Mother in 1964 (see picture below). I was 6, had a younger brother 6 months & three older sisters 8, 10 & 12. Marring Mom & raising 5 children was, I think, by far Dad’s greatest accomplishment. Dad & Mom built and opened Cassels Garage in 1966. I swept floors, cleaned bathrooms, cleaned parts, and learned all about cars starting the summer before I entered 5th grade.
I am very proud of where we came from & how we got to where we are. The business has survived many milestones, from wars to Hurricanes, from LBJ to George W.
I, my wife Bobbie, and my children Jessica and Katie are carrying on the family business proudly – you’ll notice even the phone number is the same 40-plus years later! We anticipate serving the community honestly & fairly for many years to come.
ASE Master Technician
Service Manager
ASE Master Technician
From general checks, routine maintenance, detailing, and solid advice to major overhauls and complex electrical work, we’ll save you time and money and reduce the stress of auto service. If you’re looking for quality auto repair near Melbourne and Palm Bay at affordable rates, you’ll find it at Cassels Garage.
