10/15/2026
Business Spotlights
This week we have the honor of spotlighting ProAutoIllinois, a women-owned business, owned by Julie & Lee Hardegree, founded in 2019.
At ProAuto, they provide concierge-level auto repair and maintenance for all makes and models — domestic, foreign, hybrid, and yes, even Tesla maintenance. Every recommendation is based solely on what your vehicle truly needs, nothing more, nothing less. No upsells, no guesswork — just honest service you can trust.
As a woman-owned business, Julie built ProAuto around the experience she always wanted as a customer. Your time matters. Your budget matters. And you deserve to feel confident — not talked down to — every time you walk through their doors.
They've made it easy with loaner vehicles, shuttle service, fresh coffee, and WiFi, so your day doesn't stop just because your car does.
After seeing firsthand how commission-based repair shops can put sales ahead of service, Lee and Julie decided to do things differently. They built ProAuto from the ground up on integrity, respect, and a genuine commitment to their community.
The families who trust them with their cars are their neighbors and friends — people they see at school events, chamber meetings, and local gatherings. Taking care of your vehicle is one small but meaningful way they help take care of what matters most to you and your family. That's always been the heart of why they do what they do.
And yes, Julie is a woman in a male-dominated industry — and she wouldn't have it any other way. Turns out, being the person in the room who actually listens, follows through, and shows up for people is a pretty powerful business strategy. She may not always remember your name, but she'll never forget your face — or how she made you feel.
If you are interested in learning more, you can find her at www.proautoillinois.com, on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/proautoillinois/, or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/proautoillinois/posts/