*2025 FACADE GRANT RECIPIENT*
The only body shop in the Pittsburgh area that has a Mechanical Engineer as its Owner. Penn Automotive is one of the most advanced fully featured auto-body, collision and mechanical repair shops in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Utilizing all of the modern technologies used to build and rebuild today’s foreign and domestic cars and light truck, we can restore your car to factory or better condition from even a severely damaged state, and we guarantee it in writing, for Life. Our location is also ideal as we located on a major roadway. And for those who may think it’s too far to go, we also loan cars to our customers. Our staff is fully trained on the highly technical equipment now involved in automotive repair. Just like most other industries has gone high-tech, and we intend to keep up with it by ensuring that our equipment can handle whatever comes off the assembly line for now and in the future.
Penn Automotive | 243 W 8th Avenue West Homestead | 412.461.7500
Monday – Friday: 7:30 am – 5:00 pm *By appointment only; please call us
For more than four decades, Penn Automotive has been a steady presence on West 8th Avenue — and its roots run even deeper. In this episode of Roots in the Valley, Joel shares the story of a family business built across generations, from his grandfather working on Model Ts to today’s fully modern shop serving customers from across the region. After the steel mills closed, Joel’s father took a chance on a worn-down former dealership in West Homestead — a decision that helped anchor the business during one of the Steel Valley’s most challenging eras. Through major renovations, long hours, and a deep commitment to family, employees, and customers, Penn Automotive grew into a trusted neighborhood institution. This conversation explores what it means to invest in a place when times are tough, why family-run businesses matter, and how taking care of people — staff, customers, and community — creates longevity. Penn Automotive’s story is a reminder that the Steel Valley’s strength comes from those who stayed, rebuilt, and believed in what this community could become.
“Roots in the Valley” is a short interview series directed & produced by Aaron Kleiber for Steel Valley Accelerator highlighting legacy businesses that have grown, adapted, and thrived in the Steel Valley for decades, and for some of our businesses, across generations. In each episode, we sit down with long-standing business owners in the Eighth Avenue business district, throughout Homestead, Munhall, and West Homestead to hear their stories: how they got started, why they chose to build here, and what it takes to last in a changing community. These businesses are the foundation of the Steel Valley’s economic strength. Their stories are meant to inspire new entrepreneurs, support growing businesses, and show what’s possible when community, commitment, and opportunity come together. Steel Valley Accelerator is THE Steel Valley’s 501(c)(3) economic development nonprofit. Since 1996, we’ve supported local businesses through low-interest loans, façade grants, education, and hands-on guidance. If you’re thinking about starting, expanding, or relocating a business in the Steel Valley, you’re not alone! Help, resources, and real-world examples are right here! Learn more at SteelValleyAccelerator.com
* 2025 FACADE GRANT RECIPIENT * The Steel Valley Accelerator Storefront Façade Grant Program intends to positively impact the Steel Valley business districts’ look and experience by providing funds to commercial building and business owners to improve their building façades. These improved façades will make the neighborhood shopping district more attractive and inviting to visitors. More info Here.
