From Skateboard Legend to Automotive Expert: Alan “Ollie” Gelfand’s Journey from the Skate Park to the Garage

Hollywood, FL – Alan “Ollie” Gelfand, a name that once echoed through the skate parks of America, is now synonymous with excellence in automotive repair. Known globally as the inventor of the “Ollie,” a trick that revolutionized skateboarding, Alan Gelfand has successfully transitioned from a pioneer in one industry to a respected expert in another. Today, he leads German Car Depot in Hollywood, Florida, a premier auto repair shop specializing in high-end German vehicles like Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche.

From the Skate Park to the Race Track

Gelfand’s journey from skateboard legend to automotive expert is a tale of relentless passion and adaptability. After making his mark in the 1970s and 1980s as a professional skateboarder, Gelfand turned his attention to another arena where precision and control are paramount: auto racing. By the late 1980s, he had shifted gears, quite literally, immersing himself in the world of motorsports. Competing primarily in Volkswagen vehicles, Gelfand quickly made a name for himself on the racing circuit.

His racing career reached its zenith in the early 1990s, particularly at the Longest Day of Nelson 24 Hour Endurance Race, where he secured first place for four consecutive years (1990-1993). Gelfand’s ability to maintain focus and precision over grueling, day-long races mirrored the skills that made him a skateboarding icon. His achievements didn’t stop there; he also competed in the Grand-Am Cup Street Stock Series and other notable endurance races, often piloting his self-built cars.

The Birth of German Car Depot

Gelfand’s transition from racing to running a successful business seemed almost natural. The same dedication and attention to detail that fueled his skateboarding and racing careers now drive his business endeavors. In 1997, he founded German Car Depot, originally known as VW Depot, before a trademark dispute led to its rebranding. Located in Hollywood, Florida, the shop quickly gained a reputation for providing expert repairs and maintenance services for German vehicles.

The foundation of German Car Depot lies in Gelfand’s deep-rooted understanding of German automotive engineering, honed over years of racing and hands-on mechanical work. The shop specializes in the repair of luxury brands such as Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche, offering services that range from routine maintenance to complex engine diagnostics. Gelfand’s commitment to quality is reflected in the shop’s use of factory-trained, Bosch, and ASE-certified technicians​.

A Customer-First Philosophy

What sets German Car Depot apart from other auto repair shops is Gelfand’s unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction. Drawing parallels from his competitive days, where every detail mattered, Gelfand ensures that each vehicle that enters his shop receives meticulous attention. His philosophy is simple: treat every car as if it were your own.

Customers frequently praise the shop for its honesty and transparency—values that Gelfand believes are crucial in building lasting relationships. Whether it’s a routine oil change or a major repair, the team at German Car Depot takes the time to explain every procedure, ensuring that customers are fully informed before any work begins. This customer-first approach has earned the shop over 3,000 positive reviews online, cementing its status as a trusted alternative to dealership services in South Florida​.

Gelfand’s journey from a skateboarding pioneer to a leading figure in the automotive repair industry is a testament to his versatility and passion. Through German Car Depot, he continues to influence lives—this time, by keeping the wheels of German engineering running smoothly on the roads of South Florida.