Matsu Auto and Fleet Services LLC

Brad Subers is an ASE master certified technician with more than 45 years in the automotive industry. In Arizona, at 17, his first job was at the NAPA parts counter. Brad then transferred to the NAPA machine shop fabricating drivelines where he discovered an enthusiasm for precision work in manufacturing.

Furthering his skills, he advanced as a machinist to FDI (Foreign, Domestic and Industrial Machine Shop) machining, building and assembling engines of all makes including Chevrolet, Chrysler and Ford V-8’s, VW, Subaru, Toyota, Porsche and Fiat. On the industrial equipment side, Brad fabricated and assembled components and engines for Detroit, Perkins, Cummins and John Deere. Occasionally, an experimental aircraft engine was brought to the shop. Brad was the only one they would ask to machine and assemble them. His most thrilling jobs were building custom high performance race engines and starting them to life for the first time.

Before Brad moved to Alaska in 2002 with his wife Margaret, he enjoyed off-roading in the mountains of Southern Arizona with numerous modified VW Bajas he fabricated. One of his preferred engines he built for them was a 165 h.p. 2276cc VW air-cooled engine. Passionate about muscle cars, Brad restored numerous classic vehicles of which his favorites were the ’68 and ‘69 big block Camaro with a 396 CID or 427 CID engine that he machined and assembled.

Brad and his wife “Margie” have been Alaska residents for over 18 years. Before reaching the dream of opening their own shop in the Mat-Su valley in 2012, Brad worked at various dealerships in Alaska for cars and medium duty vehicles. Accepting an opportunity to manage a local utility shop with a fleet of over 250 gave him keen knowledge of the construction issues in Alaska’s short season. He went on to further his experience in repair of equipment and fleet vehicles on the Arctic Slope. This gives Brad an edge in understanding the needs of the Alaskan driver and the harsh conditions in which vehicles and equipment are operated year round. This is why safety and reliability are his priorities.

With an ever-changing automotive industry Brad continues to be motivated in his profession. A customer’s satisfaction of a job well done at a fair value is Brad’s gold standard. He strives to communicate fully with each customer and treat their automobile, fleet or equipment as his own. Brad pursues advanced education regularly in computer diagnostics, electric vehicles and factory training at nationwide seminars. He is intensely driven to remain well-informed with advancements in his career.

The couple built their own super-energy efficient home. A new state of the art shop facility is set to open at their residence in the summer of 2017. The new location will enable some free time for Brad to restore his vintage electronic and speaker collection or design and research a new analog sound system. He likes to unwind next to a crackling campfire with his wife and a sky full of constellations. He enjoys flying, horseback riding, hiking and working on their Wilga aircraft.

Margaret Subers currently holds a contractor license for excavation,landscaping and septic systems. When she is not in the auto shop working with her husband Brad, of 21 years, you might find her aroundthe Valley excavating a site or building a road.

Margaret started work at five years of age in the family business in Arizona. Her father,

Bernie Warnke, designed wooden propellers for experimental aircraft worldwide, including NASA. She learned about the dedication required to keep a small family business going. “Margie” developed a love for flying from her dad during this time. An adventure was always around the corner, like the time when Bernie decided to run his Sonerai II aircraft, with a VW engine (a kit plane he built) inside the large wood shop to test it out. Sawdust went everywhere! Interestingly, her father had brought the engine back from the same machine shop that Brad worked at. Years later, Margie discovered Brad had been the one to machine and assemble her father’s engine.

Margie continued manufacturing propellers in Arizona after her dad passed away in 1998. She went on to make significant advancements in design and performance. Margaret met Brad when he arrived on a mobile service call to fix her work truck. At one point he helped resolve a performance issue with a propeller/engine combination. Brad’s experience with machining engines helped resolve the issue quickly. The couple has been together ever since.

In 2001, Margaret was honored to receive the “Manufacturing Firm of the Year” award by the Arizona Small Business Development Council and was featured on “Arizona Illustrated” TV. Brad assisted to make 1/12” laminated hard-rock maple propeller blanks in 2, 3 or 4 bladed patterns that propelled engines up to 400 H.P. By 2002, the couple followed their dream and moved to Alaska. By 2004, Margie was unable to carry on with the propeller manufacturing due to chemical sensitivity. She trained and worked as an Energy Specialist, Project and Technical Manager for residential and commercial energy efficiency construction projects statewide. She designed the couple’s REMOTE wall home which is one of the most energy efficient in the state. The couple built their home with their own hands. Margie continues to be a consultant for energy efficiency projects. It is with enthusiasm that her goal is to help expand the business as a high-quality auto and fleet service accommodating customers in the best way possible while working with her husband.

Quiet time finds her taking in the scenery of the Mat-Su Valley and especially Pioneer Peak while going on walks with her husband and their animals. Flying, horses, animals, cooking and of course wood-working bring her great joy. Margie is a licensed Private Pilot.

Tim Johnson was born and raised in Anchorage Alaska. He is married with two children and 5 grandchildren. Being the youngest of four siblings and having a father who could and would fix just about anything, Tim got exposure to all types of vehicle and building repairs. Tim followed his father’s lead enjoying the troubleshooting aspect of how things tick, fixing them while building his curiosity further.

 

After completing auto shop class all thru high school,Tim successfully completed a two year auto/diesel college program where he received a certificate in diesel technology. Including the diesel technology certificate,Tim has a total of 36 years of experience in the automotive, diesel and equipment field. Within this time frame he worked for an I/M emissions testing and repair facility along with an automotive and heavy truck dealership followed by various large fleet shops and the North Slope light duty and small equipment shop.

 

Tim continues to feed his lifelong passion for figuring things out by performing vehicle and equipment repairs, up-fitting of new vehicles, welding and fabrication. Tim managed the fleet shop for Matanuska Telephone Association where he met Brad Subers. They worked together there for 7 years before Brad & Margie Subers opened their own automotive and fleet repair facility. Tim and Brad approach troubleshooting with the same enthusiasm, professionalism and sense of humor they shared in those early years while they continue to learn from each other.

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Tim is the type of person that never gives up when working on a difficult job and will keep going until the problem is found. Tim maintains his high level of skill as a master technician and fabricator when presented with the different types of vehicles and equipment that customers are bringing to Matsu Auto and Fleet Services LLC.

 

Tim enjoys time away from the cold to a warmer climate in Utah during part of the winter, trips to the cabin, fishing and spending time with his family.