Wheels & Wrenches
The team at Wheel & Wrenches smiling for a group photo in the shop's front office area.

[ Our Story ]

Built From
Experience

Wheels & Wrenches didn't start in 2024. It started decades earlier, in every shop, every build, and every late night that brought Joel and CJ to where they are today.

[ The Team ]

Meet the Owners

Joel Staab

Joel Staab

Co-founder (The "Wheels")

Starting at a local tire chain in the early 90s, Joel quickly moved up in the industry to managing his own store before starting at Carnutz. Through every iteration, Joel has continued to lead and empower teams. His industry connections are a great asset to helping you with your modifications.

CJ Bicknell

CJ Bicknell

Co-found (The "Wrenches")

After finishing high school, CJ continued his passion for fixing cars at technical college, receiving the equivalent of BMW and Ford factory training. CJ has worked in multiple facets of the automotive industry. This includes: dealerships, independents, mobile work, and second-tier diagnostic support. Today, he oversees the day to day throughput of our multiple locations.

[ The History ]

30 Years
in the Making

1971

Where It Begins

Joel is born, the co-founder who would spend decades building expertise in automotive repair and custom work.

Two Starts, One Story

Many years later... CJ is born! That same year, Carnutz opens its doors in Bellevue, WA. These are the earliest roots of what would become Wheels & Wrenches.

1995
2012

CNC Auto Design

CNC Auto Design opens in Bellevue, WA, expanding the shop's footprint and reputation for precision custom work and performance builds.

A Partnership Forged

Joel and CJ meet and begin working side by side. This became a collaboration built on shared standards and a relentless drive for quality that would define everything ahead.

2016
2023

Taking the Wheel

Joel and CJ co-run a full-service general repair and alignment shop in Bellevue, WA, cementing their partnership and sharpening every corner of the operation.

Wheels & Wrenches

Auburn, WA becomes the new home. Wheels & Wrenches opens. Finally bringing together decades of expertise, custom builds, performance work, and full-service repair under one roof.

2024
1971

Where It Begins

Joel is born, the co-founder who would spend decades building expertise in automotive repair and custom work.

1995

Two Starts, One Story

Many years later... CJ is born! That same year, Carnutz opens its doors in Bellevue, WA. These are the earliest roots of what would become Wheels & Wrenches.

2012

CNC Auto Design

CNC Auto Design opens in Bellevue, WA, expanding the shop's footprint and reputation for precision custom work and performance builds.

2016

A Partnership Forged

Joel and CJ meet and begin working side by side. This became a collaboration built on shared standards and a relentless drive for quality that would define everything ahead.

2023

Taking the Wheel

Joel and CJ co-run a full-service general repair and alignment shop in Bellevue, WA, cementing their partnership and sharpening every corner of the operation.

2024

Wheels & Wrenches

Auburn, WA becomes the new home. Wheels & Wrenches opens. Finally bringing together decades of expertise, custom builds, performance work, and full-service repair under one roof.

Co-founders Joel Staab and CJ Bicknell standing outside the front door of Wheels & Wrenches.

[ The Next Chapter is Here ]

Become a Part Of Our Story

Whether you know exactly what you want or need a place to start, our doors are open! Give us a call, text, stop by the shop, or book your appointment online.

Wheels & Wrenches

© 2026 Wheels & Wrenches. All rights reserved.

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