GMCMH Vendor Profile

A GMC Motorhome Vendor Profile

Many GMCMI members know that KEN FREY is an experienced mechanic who has his own business and specializes in GMC mechanical repairs. Some may also know that he can cook. But what is the story behind this interesting fellow?

Ken grew up in a small southeastern Pennsylvania village strong in Pennsylvania Dutch (German) heritage. That heritage embraced hard work and good food. At age 13, he started working in a body shop. At 16, he was hired by the Oldsmobile dealership in nearby Quakertown, cleaning used cars and then making mechanical repairs. His choice of career became clear as he completed courses at a GM training center in New Jersey.

When Uncle Sam drafted him into the Army, he took the required tests and was sent to cook school! After he finished cook school, he was sent to Korea (1966-1967) where he was in charge of an officer’s mess and also worked in the garrison mess to serve 200 to 300 soldiers. His signature perseverance enabled him to survive and succeed, attaining a rank of SP 5 in just 15 months. He can tell you many stories – probably already has! When he returned to civilian life, he resumed his job at the Olds dealership and continued his education in all things mechanical. He also joined the local volunteer fire company where he served for over 30 years.

Along the way, he met and married Janet and had a daughter Susan. Sue’s premature birth and subsequent vision challenges made him even more determined to provide for his family. His dream of having his own business finally came true in 1978.

But his life changed again when he and Janet purchased a 1976 GMC Palm Beach motorhome in 1987. He studied the vehicle based on an Olds chassis, and learned more about the special quirks of the motorhome. By joining the local and international GMC clubs, he was able to make connections for suppliers and information, and see the need for service providers.

In 1993, Ken and Janet attended their first GMCMI Convention in Goshen, Indiana. He sold and installed his modified dipstick tube which allowed owners to check their trans fluid without removing the “doghouse”. While owners began to recognize Ken, Janet was known as Mrs. Dipstick! (That has since changed.) At subsequent

Making omelets at the GMCMI 2015 Fall Convention in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Making repairs at the GMCMI 2006 Fall Convention in Berrien Springs, Michigan.

Conventions, Ken brought more parts and ideas, and even did some service. But his love of cooking soon was too much to resist, and he began making creamed beef (S.O.S.) for the vendors. Eventually, this morphed into breakfast with omelets to order and lunch with chili for Convention attendees. He volunteered to make a meal for everyone in DuQuoin, Illinois (chicken pot pie), and has helped with meal prep ever since. Now, in 2020, Ken will continue to cook, and share his mechanical knowledge of the GMC Motorhome. The business is slowly winding down, but he will always be willing to help solve problems and offer assistance in the repair and maintenance of the GMC.

Ken and Janet in western garb at the GMCMI 2015 Fall Convention in Rapid City, South Dakota.

By the way, Ken and Janet have been married for 48 years, and daughter Sue is happily married (16 years) and living in San Diego.

For more information go to: freykenautorepair.com