About Uncle Mike

I come from a large, vibrant family—eight boys and two sisters at the time this story began. I believed I was seventh in line, sandwiched between my younger brothers, Kirk and Brian. From youngest to oldest, we were a dynamic bunch: Kirk, Brian, me, Russell, Cookie (our sister, affectionately known as Bobbi), Leo, Yvonne, Jimmy, and the eldest, Joe, who proudly carried our father’s name. A younger sister, Shannon, would join us later, and in the 2000s, we discovered another brother, Joshua—a long-lost piece of the family puzzle.

Back then, 1321 South Main Street in Royal Oak, Michigan sat in the heart of a tight-knit neighborhood just north of 10 Mile Road. It was a simpler time—two-lane blacktop roads, barbed-wire fences, and homes full of stories. At the center of it all was Tony Lanni’s auto shop. Tony was the kind of guy everyone knew, and his shop was more than a place to fix cars—it was a cornerstone of the community.

My own journey into auto repair began in 1975, when I was just 11 years old. I'd tag along with my dad, mesmerized by the energy of the shop floor. I started small—handing him sockets, sandpaper, and mixing bondo. By the time I was 15, my brother Russell and I were each working on two cars side by side. My dad, Body Man Joe, didn’t tolerate laziness. If you were slow with the bondo or slack sanding a panel, he let you know! But those tough lessons forged my work ethic and my dedication to doing things right.

When Tony passed away, it shook the neighborhood. Developers eyed the land for condos in preparation for the upcoming I-696 freeway, which was to be laid over what used to be 10 Mile Road. The pressure was too much to resist. Leo held on as long as he could, trying to keep Tony’s legacy alive, but eventually had to relocate to a different area. We’d grab coffee from the hut across the street, S&K Muffler stood next door, and Hollywood Market was just a hop and a skip away—those memories are etched into my mind.

Nothing can compare to those simpler times—before cell phones and the internet. Just cars, family, and learning the trade one tool at a time.

Over the years, I gained experience in dealerships and body shops and earned certifications that reflect my dedication: I-CAR Platinum Certified, ASE Certified, State License for Unitized Structural Repair, and a State Mechanic’s License.

Today, my work continues on the road, bringing professional auto repair directly to your driveway. With Uncle Mike, it's about trust, tradition, and treating your vehicle like it's one of our own.