The company began in 2020 as Austin Fleet Services with a small shop and one mobile service truck handling commercial fleets. Since then, it has grown into a trusted neighborhood repair shop, with its sights set on serving its families and communities in even bigger ways.
“We wanted our business to cultivate an environment that encourages employees to look forward to coming to work, fostering a space where they can enjoy using their talents and gifts,” founder Kwame Thomas said.
The mobile fleet work remains a backbone, with teams able to perform up to 85% of repairs roadside or at customer yards. This summer, the founders launched retail automotive services, aiming to become a trusted go-to repair stop.
“As a woman, I want to make sure other women feel comfortable in terms of being able to bring in their family car and not feel like they’re going to get a run-around or oversold,” founder Cynthia Thomas said.
Community at the center
From the start, Cynthia and Kwame Thomas made community a priority. They’ve found creative ways to serve neighbors, from sponsoring local school festivals to offering teacher discounts.
“One of the campaigns we had was teacher appreciation,” Kwame Thomas said. “We reached out to local elementary schools to provide discounted oil changes or repairs.”
That spirit of service has carried into moments that have mattered most. Kwame recalled when Pflugerville police called for help with someone in need of assistance.
“This individual had vehicle issues, and without hesitation, Cynthia said, ‘We’ll send a mobile unit out to help her,’” Kwame Thomas said. “That service was special because ... sometimes little things help big issues.”
Looking ahead
The future is about expansion and giving back in bigger ways.
“Our mutual hope is that we’re able to really expand the [retail] side of the business ... to be able to help more people in our communities,” Cynthia Thomas said.
The founders also hope to build charitable programs, such as repairing and donating cars to single mothers. Recognition has already followed: AFS Truck & Auto Repair Center was recently named one of the Best of Pflugerville repair businesses.
“I always say being a champion is not getting the trophy; it’s the things you do, and the trophy is the symbol,” Kwame Thomas said.
The road ahead is clear for Cynthia and Kwame Thomas: keep growing, keep serving and keep proving that trust and community can fuel a business as much as any engine.
Click here to learn more about AFS Truck & Auto Repair Center today.
Locations:
- 1707 Maple Vista Drive, Ste. A, Pflugerville
- 4230 Milling Road, San Antonio
