LYNDHURST - If you need something fixed, chances are great Robert Taillon of Rob's Shop can help you.

The retired veteran with 34 years in the military calls himself an "old school" machinist and welder who looks for solutions for his many customers to keep things working and running like new. His slogan is "If Man Made it, Man Can Fix It."

"There is a lot of metal coming through my door - aluminum boats, farm equipment - from hay-bines to combines, trailers and just about everything else. It's great to be able to provide the service," says Robert.

Rob's Shop customers are from throughout the Leeds Grenville area as well as from the Ottawa and Kingston regions. COVID-19 has affected business but it seems more people are seeking repairs rather than buying new replacements, which is good for Robert's business. He also feels people are attracted to small operations in rural areas.

"We're reverting back from the throw-away mentality," he says, adding he recycles all of his scrap metal. He loves his work because he can create and repair things and resolve problems for people on a daily basis.

"Sometimes you have to fix stuff to make stuff," the father and grandfather says. His shop is a bit of a community hub and sometimes confessional booth, jokes Robert, adding his work in the military, including multiple overseas tours, made him a people person.

"The farmers love him," says friend and fellow Leeds and the Thousand Islands Township business owner John Sideris. "He's the Mr. Gadget of metal."

An example of Robert's unique work can be found at Brockville's Centeen Park. He created the hand rails on the stairs to the water.

Robert originally started his business in 1994 in Winnipeg while still in the military. He opened Rob's Shop about 20 years ago at his Sweet's Corners Road location when he retired and moved his family to this area. They wanted to be close to the Rideau Canal and family.

Robert is a member of a Machinist Guild and the Lyndhurst & Seeley's Bay & District Chamber of Commerce. He is also a scuba dive master and IPSC competitive shooter.

"I'm repairing our County one job at a time," he says. Learn more about Robert and his business by visiting his very active Facebook page. Call him at 613-888-8174 or send him an email. Rob's Shop is located at 387 Sweets Corners Road, Lyndhurst, just off County Road 3.