06/26/2026
Everyone is doing fine!! Jerry and Bob are enjoying. Faith and I are also. We really tried to sell the shop as a whole operating business but not one offer. The automotive repair industry is changing, and it is not for the better. Vehicles are getting harder to work on, the electronics, special tools needed and then deal with what some engineer thought was a good idea. The huge issue is no help. The automotive technician field is in need very badly. Manufacturers are making it difficult for the aftermarket industry to get information, and many parts are "dealer only". 80k positions are available right now.
Retirement so far has been enjoyable. Getting caught up on stuff around the house. Making some plans to travel a bit. See some sights. Will be doing more stuff with the Jack Russell Terrier Club of America (JRTCA) and doing some more farm hunts. It took a little time for Pierre, Olive and Jesse to adapt to the new routine. All they have known is get up at 6:30am, go to the shop. Now, we sleep in till 7 and sit on the back deck with coffee. I did manage to get my minibike going. Set it up to use it at dog trials to pull the crate. Easier than a golf cart. Pierre loves it!!
We want to thank everyone again for the past 22 years, being a small business owner taught us much. The one thing that was always there, the community. We gave back as much as we could. We never advertised it unless it was a real feel good like the Nissan Versa, we fixed and took to Lake Norman NC and gave to a family that lost everything in those September floods. When we had our house fire in '10, many customers reached out with gift cards and even an offer to stay in a house one had rent free till ours was rebuilt. That is community!!
Please make sure to keep an eye on your oil levels, quite a few of y'all need a smack upside the head to remember so consider this it!! I will be checking this page from time to time so if anyone has any issues or questions about what another shop may be trying to sell.
Enjoy the upcoming Fourth and remember, light fuse, do not hold in hand and get away!