Schulte family returns to auto industry with massive classic, specialty vehicle business

The Schulte family is back in the auto business — this time with a new concept that revolves around classic, specialty and foreign vehicles.

AutoWerks has opened its new location at 1725 Mindy St. in Tea, putting 38,000 square feet under one roof, including sales, service, restoration, upholstery, tires, paintwork, specialty storage and transportation.

 It’s unassuming from the outside — but step inside and a speakeasy-inspired design is intended to leave visitors “just floored,” Sarah Schulte said.

“That’s what we’re hearing for feedback. It’s in the industrial area, but when you get on the inside, it’s like, ‘Whoa, this is totally not what I expected it to be.’”

The Schultes sold their second-generation Subaru dealership late last year to Twin Cities-based Luther Automotive Group.

AutoWerks builds on a side business Terry Schulte has had for more than 30 years offering vehicle restoration.

He, son Mike and daughter-in-law Sarah are partners in the new venture, which will service the many foreign imported cars that now are found in Sioux Falls, including Ferrari, Lamborghini and Porsche, in addition to restoring classics.

“We can do anything, but we have enough work to keep us busy on classics,” Mike Schulte said. “As far as I know, I don’t think there’s anything like it even in the Minneapolis area.”

While other businesses offer segments of what’s provided at AutoWerks, it’s likely to be the only one in the region to offer everything under one roof, he said.

Several vehicles already are being repaired and restored. The business offers an on-site full upholstery shop for automotive and marine interiors as well as convertible tops.

A paintwork area offers paint correction, detailing and ceramic coatings as well as collision repair and paint.

“We’re having people come hearing about it word of mouth,” Mike Schulte said. “The city of Tea was really great to work with. They let us be open while building — we’d get one section done, and they’d let us occupy.”

At an opening event this week, the space already was filled with classic and specialty vehicles from customers in and around Sioux Falls, including those in for service and restoration and some being consigned for sale.

The most recently opened area offers climate-controlled storage, 24-hour surveillance, fire suppression, restrooms and on-site collision, paint repairs and service.

Eventually, vehicles will be stored three or four high.

The business uses a membership model — silver is the basic package while gold offers an extensive menu of benefits including:

• Battery maintainer in every space

• Monthly vehicle startup

• Annual oil changes and tire rotations

• Three free details annually

• Free battery testing and charging

• Free windshield chip repair

• Summer/winter tire exchange

• Interior and exterior cleaning

• Beverage and snack station

• Invite to member-only events

Other perks include access to podium professional racing simulators.

On a mezzanine level, gold members can access an on-site social club with space to host events, game nights or viewing parties.

“If you want to have a birthday party up here and play cards or watch the Vikings game, we have a full kitchen so you get to use the space,” Mike Schulte said.

Gold members also can use AutoWerks fleet vehicles and equipment, including a Bobcat toolkit, passenger van, pickup trucks, a dump trailer and an enclosed trailer.

Vehicle transportation is offered, too, with coast-to-coast options.

“If you have our top storage deal and you’ve got a Porsche or Ferrari under warranty that needs to go to Minneapolis or Denver or Chicago for warranty work, you get 1,500 free miles a year to do that,” Mike Schulte said.

As dedicated car collectors and restorationists themselves — several of their own vehicles are at AutoWerks too — the business represents a rewarding next chapter, the family said.

“This has always been a passion of ours, forever,” Mike Schulte said.

The new venture “is like taking the best part out of the business and making it the business,” Sarah Schulte added. “They’re back with the cars and the customers, and that’s what Mike and Terry like.”

Hours for AutoWerks are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Saturday is open by appointment.