Auto Repair Backed by Integrity Since 2009

Owner

A proud Houston native, Pat DePugh has been a trusted name in the automotive repair industry for more than 30 years. His career began humbly in The Woodlands, where he started repairing car air conditioners out of his own garage. What began as a small side hustle quickly grew into a lifelong passion, culminating in the launch of his first shop, Absolutely Cool Automotive Air Conditioning, in 1995. Over the following twelve years, Pat and his team rebuilt and restored an astonishing 18,000–20,000 car air conditioning systems, earning a reputation for quality, expertise, and integrity. 

With Rusty’s Garage, Pat expanded his vision, building a full-service repair shop rooted in honesty, craftsmanship, and customer care. From intricate diagnostics to diesel engines and advanced air conditioning systems, Pat approaches every challenge with enthusiasm and precision. Yet, beyond the technical side of the work, his greatest commitment has always been to people. He believes that genuine relationships—built on trust and respect—are the foundation of a successful business. 

While Pat may not turn wrenches as often as he once did, his leadership and involvement remain central to Rusty’s Garage. His sharp eye for detail, dedication to high standards, and hands-on guidance ensure that every customer receives the exceptional service the shop is known for. Under Pat’s direction, Rusty’s Garage continues to thrive as a place where expertise meets care, and where customers feel like family. 

General Manager

As General Manager of Rusty’s Garage since December 2021, Paul Hartley is dedicated to making every customer feel cared for and confident about the service they receive. With more than 16 years of automotive experience and graduation from the Elite Automotive Masters program in 2018, Paul brings both expertise and passion to his role. He values transparency, education, and lasting relationships, and is proud of the strong team he and Pat have built together. His long-term goal is to one day own Rusty’s Garage, ensuring its continued growth and the happiness of its customers.  

Paul grew up in Huntsville, Texas, and now lives in Friendswood with his wife, Ashley, and their two boys. Married since 2011, Ashley works as a travel agent, and together they share a love of exploring new places. At home, Paul’s greatest joy is family life. His oldest son is on the autism spectrum, which has given him a deep sense of patience, empathy, and perspective. Weekends are often spent coaching baseball, traveling, and staying active together as a family 

Service Advisor

Keith Heflin is an enthusiastic Service Advisor at Rusty’s Garage, bringing nearly 23 years of experience in the automotive industry. His career began in 2003 at his family’s repair shop, where he learned early on the importance of treating every customer like family. Since then, Keith has dedicated himself to creating smooth, reliable service experiences that turn first-time visitors into loyal customers. 

A lifelong Montgomery County resident and proud Texan, Keith shares life with his wife and their energetic two-year-old daughter, who keep him motivated and grounded. Outside the shop, he enjoys an active lifestyle—snowboarding in Colorado, competing on the disc golf course, and spending time on Lake Conroe enjoying water sports. 

Keith’s daily commute is powered by comedy and thought-provoking podcasts, fueling both his sense of humor and his curiosity. At Rusty’s Garage, his expertise and approachable personality ensure every customer leaves with confidence, trust, and a reason to return. 

Service Advisor

Tanner Thomas brings six years of combined experience as both a technician and service advisor, making him a valuable addition to the Rusty’s Garage team. A Montgomery native and graduate of Montgomery High School, Tanner’s early involvement in Marching Band, Jazz Band, and the Bowling Team showcased the work ethic and team spirit that continue to define him today. 

His passion for the automotive industry began right after high school and quickly developed into a career rooted in continuous learning and excellence. Specializing in advanced areas such as Vehicle ADAS Systems and programming, Tanner pairs his technical expertise with a deep understanding of customer care. He is also a graduate of the Elite Masters Service Advisor Course, further demonstrating his commitment to professional growth and top-tier service. 

In June 2024, Tanner married his loving wife, beginning an exciting new chapter in life together. Away from the shop, he enjoys time with her and their five pets, reflecting his warm and compassionate nature. His journey from the garage floor to the service counter is a testament to both his drive and the supportive culture at Rusty’s Garage. Today, Tanner blends technical knowledge with genuine care, ensuring every visit feels less like a transaction and more like a trusted experience. 

Master Technician

Scott FitzGerald is an accomplished Automotive Specialist, Precision Technician, and Customer-First Leader with a career spanning over 15 years. He began his journey in 2008 at Shelby Automotive in Las Vegas, gaining hands-on experience with high-performance vehicles before joining Firestone Automotive during their expansion into the Las Vegas market. There, he played a key role in launching multiple locations, including the Nellis Air Force Base site, while building his expertise in team training, operations, and leadership. 

Known for his skill in complex and custom alignment work, Scott earned a reputation as the local go-to for precision setups. This reputation led him to Exotics Racing, where he maintained and aligned an elite fleet of Lamborghinis, Ferraris, Aston Martins, Porsches, and Mercedes-Benz vehicles. The experience deepened his appreciation for precision, patience, and engineering excellence. 

In 2020, Scott was recruited by a mobile automotive repair startup, quickly becoming the company’s Brand Ambassador and top technician. His role extended beyond the shop floor, as he represented the team in a televised campaign while mentoring technicians across the region. Later, as Houston Regional Manager, he oversaw technician development, operations, and customer service. 

Ultimately, Scott sought a workplace where customer care outweighed profit margins—leading him to Rusty’s Garage. There, he found a team whose transparency, honesty, and customer-first philosophy align perfectly with his own values. 

In loving memory of Rocky, our 15-year-old shop dog who was with Rusty's Garage since day one. His spirit as the joyous greeter and playful guide touched everyone. With a tail always wagging and a penchant for treats, he spread happiness effortlessly. Rocky's presence, filled with loyalty and cheer from the very beginning, remains a cherished part of our story.

Milo, our newest pup addition, fills our hearts with joy. Committed to working alongside Pat, he aspires to become our Co-ambassador. Guided by his Big Brother, Milo explores his surroundings freely, chasing tennis balls and playfully destroying squeaky toys. During weekends, Milo's favorite activity involves chasing anything that moves at the ranch and jumping into the lake to try to stay cool, even when it's 40 degrees outside. Wherever he goes, you'll never find him without Pat by his side, their bond unbreakable. On his way to work, Milo's ears perk up to the wind blowing in his hair. Milo's infectious enthusiasm and unwavering loyalty inspire us at Rusty's Garage.