About Schwarze trailer repair

After working on semi trailers in St. Louis, Mo., for five years, Lenny Schwarze started Schwarze Trailer Repair in 1991. At first, Lenny operated out of a service truck that his friends often said resembled a Bunny Bread truck.

Lenny eventually rented a shop in Red Bud, Ill., for a few years before he moved all repairs on semi trailers to a shop outside Fults, Ill., in the Mississippi River bottoms.

As the company grew, he needed additional space so he bought the current location at 5925 Illinois Route 3 outside Waterloo, Ill.

With the extra space, Lenny and his team were able to add new services, which now include hitch installation, tire service, diesel repairs, state inspections, custom fabrication, and service on ¾-1 ton pickup trucks. 

Lenny works alongside his wife, Karen Schwarze, who manages the office. Their daughter-in-law also works at Schwarze Trailer Repair, and their son pitches in when they need help. 

Schwarze Trailer Repair supports the community in a variety of ways, including sponsoring local athletic programs and donating to the Waterloo Santa Float.