The name Dogherra has been a name that Richard brought to the Santa Cruz Country. With hard work, honor and integrity he made a place for himself and his family by joining with Lee Miller on Benito Street, Santa Cruz. Opening “Dogherra’s Wheel & Brake” in the late 1940′s, he was an expert in brakes and anything having to do with the suspension of a vehicle.  If you had a handling problem, shake, or shimmy… you knew you could get taken care of at Dogherra’s!

Richard worked hard and supported his wife and five children through tough times.  He children attended school on Santa Cruz’ eastside graduated from Santa Cruz High School.

He always felt that the customer was right and made sure his customers were happy when they claimed their automobile.

The only advertising he did was word of mouth. With his unique attitude, personality, sharp wit and humor beyond recognition his business grew and grew.

Richard passed away in 1979 leaving his successful business in the capable hands of two of his sons: Don & Bill Dogherra who ran the business until 1983 when Don Dogherra decided to expand his own business skills.  He purchased “Aptos Auto Center” which he changed to “Dogherra’s Aptos Auto Center” located at 10105 Soquel Drive, Aptos.He expanded and handled all automotive areas.

Bill Dogherra after some time closed Dogherra’s Wheel and Brake and retired to other activities and adventures.

1943 - 2011

Dogherra’s Towing is what it was shortened to when Don Dogherra sold the automotive business and retained the tow company as a retirement activity.

In 1989 Dan Dogherra, Don’s son returned from active service in the US Army and became partners in another automotive adventure in January 1990: “Dogherra’s Brake Shop”m located at 1962 Soquel Avenue.

After just a short year doing what Richard Dogherra had done years before, using the same tools and knowledge of brakes and suspension.  we expanded to add UHAUL , Trailer Hitches and Trailer Repair with a retail store selling moving boxes and trailer accessories/parts.

In 1999 we moved to our current location: 5940 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz,  We increased the storage yard large enough to add RV/Boat/Trailer Monthly storage.

1967 -

January 2009 we incorporated the business and the new and upgraded name is “Dogherra’s Inc.”

To this day the Dan still holds to what Richard and Don have passed down over the decades:

PERSONAL INTEGRITY & HONESTY