Racine County Eye
Local News for Racine and Kenosha counties
RACINE, WI – For co-owners Christian R. Figueroa and Rae McWhorter, Front Row Auto Repair isn’t just a business—it’s a story of resilience, community, and a dream turned reality.
Located at 2525 Douglas Ave., the full-service shop has quickly become a go-to destination for Racine residents seeking reliable and affordable car care.
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Figueroa’s journey began before the shop opened its doors in October 2024. After leaving Puerto Rico 13 years ago, he started working in the automotive industry in the U.S. and eventually set up a garage-based shop at his home in Racine. But what started as a side hustle quickly snowballed.
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“I didn’t have a break … 30 cars a day that I had to do,” Figueroa said. “I had to tell my wife, ‘I need some help.’”
Working nonstop strained his personal life, and something had to give. That’s when Front Row Auto Repair was born.
“I started my career working for other shops, but I always wanted to create something I could call my own,” he said. “I’ve been building this dream in my garage for the past 12 years. When I saw the space at Bhol Auto was available, I knew it was time.”
Opening a shop came with its challenges, but with support from family and friends, Figueroa said the dream came together.
“It was a lot of work getting the place ready, but everyone stepped up. I’m so thankful for that. Without them, we wouldn’t be here.”
McWhorter came into the picture after her husband’s BMW broke down and needed an alternator replacement. Figueroa fixed the car, and the two connected over their shared values and drive to help others.
“She came on to help with business operations, promotion, and social media,” Figueroa explained. “We make every decision together. It’s not just a business—it’s a partnership built on trust. That same trust extends to our customers.”
At the heart of Front Row Auto Repair is a simple motto: do it the right and fair way.
“One day, Chris came in here and said, ‘I just want to do something nice for somebody today,’” McWhorter said.
That same day, a new customer pulled in—she had cancer and her air conditioning had gone out in the middle of a hot day.
“She had a lot of medical bills so I didn’t feel like I had to charge her,” Figueroa said. “It was something simple as fixing and refilling the AC so she can get back home. From the bottom of my heart, I think I did the right thing.”
Figueroa and McWhorter have worked to make the shop more than a place for repairs. They’ve built it into a hub of community support.
“We have some people from a nearby car club,” McWhorter said. “And someone dropped off a whole car load of bread over here and we just passed it out to the community.”
“Another customer brought a lot of mac and cheese from his work,” added Figueroa. That, too, was shared with local families.
“Growing up, I didn’t have nothing,” Figueroa said. “We barely ate. My mom worked full-time and part-time. My stepdad, the same thing. We used to be sometimes home alone, the neighbors sometimes fed us.”
That spirit of giving back now shapes how he runs his business.
Figueroa’s love for cars runs deep.
“I’ve always been attracted to cars,” he said. “Always. It’s actually in my blood. My dad was a diesel and car mechanic, and my grandfather was construction, but he did also do some mechanics.”
He started learning the trade when he was just eight or nine, working alongside a neighbor. Over the years, he developed an ability to understand cars from the inside out.
“You got to understand the cars,” Figueroa said.
At Front Row Auto, that passion translates into quality work, competitive prices, and a commitment to treating every vehicle like their own.
“Every car we work on, we treat like it’s our own,” Figueroa said. “The relationship we have with our customers is family-like. Trust is everything in this business.”
Testimonials from customers reflect that commitment.
One wrote, “Front Row Auto is honest, professional, and truly cares about their work. Christian and his team went above and beyond to get my car running perfectly. I wouldn’t trust anyone else in Racine.”
Another added, “Friendly, affordable, and fast. I felt like part of the family the moment I walked in.”
The shop is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Holiday hours may vary, so customers are encouraged to call ahead.
For appointments or inquiries, contact them at (262) 800-1130 or Frontrowautorepair@gmail.com, or stop by in person at 2525 Douglas Ave., Racine.
“I love what I do, and I take pride in it,” Figueroa said. “Helping people and fixing cars is more than a job—it’s a passion. That’s what keeps us moving forward.”
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