Company History

In 2013, Ben Burns took a leap of faith and purchased Downing Street Garage in Denver, marking the beginning of his journey as a business owner. From day one, his goal was to create a workplace where technicians could build meaningful careers, not just punch a clock. This people-first philosophy extended to the customer experience, focusing on transparency, education, and trust. By empowering customers with knowledge about their vehicles, Downing Street Garage became more than just a repair shop—it became a place where people felt confident in the service they received. Today, it remains a cornerstone of quality auto care in Denver, delivering top-notch repairs with honesty and integrity.

2009

WORKING AT LLOYD’S AUTOMOTIVE IN MINNESOTA

Ben Burns grew up under the hood of a car. As a third Generation automotive technician, you could say the business is in his blood. He worked at his father’s shop on and off his entire life. In 2009 he got serious about honing his craft. Surrounded by a team of skilled professionals and a father who lived and died by the wrench, he gained hands-on experience and developed a customer-first mindset that would become a cornerstone of his career. This chapter laid the foundation for his future endeavors, shaping his commitment to excellence and his belief in building strong relationships with every customer.

2012

MOVED TO COLORADO AND WORKED AS A TECH IN BRECKENRIDGE. I REALIZED I WOULD NOT FEED MY CHILDREN OFF THAT PAY

In 2012, Ben Burns moved to Colorado with his family, taking a position as a technician in Breckenridge. While the role allowed him to continue his work with European vehicles, he quickly realized that the pay wouldn’t be enough to support his growing family. This realization led to a pivotal moment that drove Ben to think bigger; The industry needed to change and automotive technicians needed to be given a path that would allow them to make a livable wage. This led Ben to start searching for a business where he could put his beliefs into play.

2013

ACQUIRED Downing Street Garage

In 2013, Ben Burns took a leap of faith and purchased Downing Street Garage in Denver. This marked the beginning of his journey as a business owner, he was able to create a space where technicians would be given opportunities to grow within a company that would give them not just a job but a career path. This people-centric approach was also applied to the customer experience that focused on educating and empowering people so that they could understand the importance of what repairs had to be made and why. Owning the garage allowed Ben to create a workplace centered on transparency, trust, and top-notch service, setting the stage for the success that would follow.

2016

ACQUIRED Pearl Street Garage THEN LEO’S AUTOMOTIVE

In 2016, Ben Burns expanded his footprint by purchasing Pearl Street Garage then Leo’s Automotive. Leo Huner, who had owned and operated Leo’s Automotive for 25 years alongside his father, entrusted Ben with the business. Recognizing the legacy built by the Huner family, Ben retired the Leo’s Automotive brand in 2018 out of respect for Leo and his father, also named Leo. As a heartfelt gesture, the original Leo’s Automotive sign was gifted to Leo, preserving the family’s rich history while paving the way for Ben’s vision of customer-centered service.

2019

ACQUIRED Autosport Werks

The story of Autosport Werks began in the 1970s in Boulder, where Calvin Parker started repairing BMWs under the name BimmerWorks. In 1996, the shop evolved into Autosport Werks and operated out of its Alter Street location for 28 years. By 2019, the business was owned by Curtis Babb, a longtime employee who had taken the reins from Calvin. That year, Ben Burns purchased Autosport Werks, bringing his passion for European vehicles and commitment to exceptional service to the shop. Building on decades of expertise and a strong local reputation, Ben has continued the legacy of excellence that began nearly half a century ago.

2023

ACQUIRED RANDY’S AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE

In 2023, Ben Burns expanded his network by purchasing Randy’s Auto Service from Randy Kerr. For years, Randy’s had been a family-run staple, proudly serving the greater Broomfield area. Under Ben’s ownership, the shop continues to embody the values that made it a community favorite—personalized service, a welcoming atmosphere, and maintaining generational relationships. Today, the team still knows customers by name, ensuring that Randy’s legacy of trust and care lives on.

2024

Autosport Werks Moves

In 2024, Autosport Werks had grown out of their current location and expanded to a new building at 11604 teller st. Just down the road. With this 20,000 sqft. facility that used to be a machine shop, they had a blank canvas with which to build a custom repair shop with state of the art technology that would allow them to better service the ever evolving vehicles that they work on.