Brothers Brad and Stephen Clair share a lot more than DNA.
Always close, the Bristol natives grew up working for the family company, Simplex Engine & Repair Co., then went on to College of the Holy Cross, where they both studied history. And for the better part of the last four decades, they’ve run the family engine machine shop together as its third-generation co-owners.
Working side by side for sometimes 11-hour days at the Providence machine shop site has not weakened their bond. The pair rarely disagree, and if they do, “it’s resolved within 30 seconds,” said Brad Clair, the younger of the two by four years.
Getting to work together has, in fact, been one of their favorite parts of overseeing the engine repair and refurbishing company, Stephen Clair added.
That, and continuing the legacy started by their great uncle, who founded the company almost 90 years ago.
While some aspects of the business have changed – namely that what was once a half-dozen engine models typical for the auto, commercial and marine clients they service has now grown to hundreds of designs, making each repair or rebuild job unique.
“We used to do the same job over and over,” said Stephen Clair. “Now, we rarely do the same thing twice.”
The process itself, grinding down huge hunks of metal engine parts and reshaping or resurfacing them, either as components or a complete engine, remains much the same though.
And the reputation the family has built for its company keeps many customers coming back, the owners said.
Auto dealers were once a major part of the company’s client base, but the focus has shifted to heavy-duty construction companies whose “extreme” activities create the kind of engine wear and tear that calls for a Simplex repair job.
Even during the pandemic, the company has not wanted for business. Simplex has continued to grow its annual revenue over the last two years despite rising costs and supply chain snafus.
Every part of an engine – from the main cylinder block to the gaskets used to seal the cylinders closed – has gotten more expensive, with vendors now submitting new prices monthly, rather than the typical twice per year, Brad Clair said. The company has, in turn, raised its charges to customers who, so far, have not balked at the bigger bills.
“The first question is not why is it more expensive, but when can I get it,” Brad Clair said.
The bigger challenge, even before the pandemic and especially now, is finding workers. The job is tough, dirty and can’t be done over a Zoom meeting.
Still, the Clairs have made a safe and welcoming work environment a focus, sending employees home to get tested when COVID-19 scares arose, staggering shifts to minimize close contact and, once the vaccine became available, booking the appointments for their workers.
The company’s 100% vaccination rate was achieved without a mandate, accepted by the 12-person staff thanks to a combination of luck and the close bonds between workers and owners, Brad Clair said.
“We’ve had guys with us for 30, 40 years,” he said. “That says something, I think.”
OWNERS: Brad and Stephen Clair
LOCATION: 1011 Westminster St., Providence
EMPLOYEES: 12
TYPE OF BUSINESS: Engine and auto parts repairs
YEAR FOUNDED: 1938
ANNUAL SALES: $2 million
Nancy Lavin is a PBN staff writer. Contact her at Lavin@PBN.com.
