Here in Bermuda, businesses often come and go.
The market can be fickle sometimes, running to this trend and the next. Business owners are oftentimes vulnerable to the latest global trends and phenomena and are subject to a small client base with very specific needs and wants.
That is why, when we find a business that has lasted for decades, we want to know how it has survived the test of time.
This question landed us at GB’s Auto, located at 15 King’s Street, better known as Gavin Black’s Auto, where we sat down with Gavin to talk about the business that has become a true legacy.
For more than four decades, GB’s Auto has been a trusted name for vehicle repair and service in Bermuda. Yet the story stretches back even further, beginning with Gavin’s father, the late Artie ‘Alpheus’ Black.
Commitment to community
Artie’s original business, built on hard work, honesty and a deep love for trade, became a cornerstone of the community. It is a legacy that still lives on today.
More than 11 years after his passing, Artie’s business continues to operate under the leadership of Gavin’s brother, proudly serving Bermuda with the same spirit that Artie instilled. With more than 70 years of family history behind it, the Black name has become a lasting symbol of perseverance, craftsmanship and commitment to community.
Artie’s vision was never just about repairing vehicles. It was about building trust and relationships. Even as the business grew, Artie never lost his personal touch. He made it a point to know his customers, understand their needs, and treat them like family. His principle was simple and powerful: do not want for your customers what you do not want for yourself. It is a philosophy that shaped not only his work but also his sons’ future paths.
Tradition of excellence
Clearly, the Black family knows how to keep legacy alive in their businesses.
Building on the strong foundation laid by his father, Gavin Black opened GB’s Auto 44 years ago with a vision to serve his community while continuing the family tradition of excellence. From the beginning, Gavin combined the lessons he learned from Artie with his own commitment to staying ahead of the changing needs of Bermuda’s drivers.
Today, GB’s Auto continues to operate proudly from 15 King’s Street with a seasoned team of technicians, many of whom helped lay the original foundation. Reflecting on the early days of GB’s Auto, Gavin recalls that it was not easy to establish a loyal customer base.
“Everybody was vying for their customers,” he said. “You had to work on a customer-to-customer basis.”
Move with the times
In an industry that demands constant evolution, GB’s Auto has stayed ahead of the curve.
“You cannot afford to be old school,” Gavin said. Over the years, the shop has embraced technological advancements, from computerised diagnostics to the increasing presence of electric vehicles on Bermuda’s roads. Today, GB’s Auto is working toward securing high-voltage certifications to meet the demands of the newest automotive technologies and to ensure the team remains at the forefront of the field.
The Covid-19 pandemic tested small businesses everywhere, and GB’s Auto was no exception. With island-wide restrictions in place, Gavin focused on supporting essential workers, particularly medical clients, by servicing their vehicles. With special permission to operate during lockdowns, the business weathered the storm by staying true to its commitment to community.
“In our own way, we survived,” Gavin said.
When asked about his secret to surviving, when so many others have closed their doors, Gavin did not hesitate.
“Not keeping up with technology can kill a business,” he said. The willingness to adapt and meet customers where they are, both mechanically and personally, has been critical to GB’s Auto’s enduring success.
The next generation
A plan is in place to ensure the family legacy continues: Gavin’s nephew has already stepped into the business, learning the ropes and preparing to carry the torch.
Yet Gavin acknowledges that the idea of legacy itself is evolving. It is not just about keeping the business in the family. It is about preserving the values of service, honesty and dedication that have defined the Black family’s name for generations.
Supporting the next generation of mechanics is another priority close to Gavin’s heart. GB’s Auto actively participates in Bermuda’s Department of Education’s work shadow programme, offering students from CedarBridge Academy, Bermuda College and Berkeley Institute valuable hands-on experience.
However, Gavin noted that attracting young talent to the trades remains a challenge.
“Many students do not gravitate to the trades because they are underpaid,” he explained. “It is a balancing act, trying to keep up with current times while providing customers with good prices.”
His advice to young Bermudians interested in the automotive industry is clear.
“Do not get into the profession unless you love it. Because you will encounter challenges, and you will ask yourself, why did you do it. But it is the love of the industry that keeps you going.”
GB’s Auto stands as a shining example of what it means to build a business on integrity, resilience and passion. In an era where many businesses struggle to survive beyond a few years, Gavin Black’s dedication ensures that the spirit of his father’s vision and the love for the work lives on.
Businesses like GB’s Auto are not just companies. They are community institutions. They remind us that true success is not built overnight or won by chasing every trend. It is built steadily, customer after customer, year after year, through trust, service and heart. As Bermuda continues to grow and change, it is places like GB’s Auto that anchor us to the values we cherish most.
And for that, we celebrate Gavin Black, his family, and the legacy that is GB’s Auto.
