Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Marsh.
Hi Michael, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was working as a mechanic at a large auto repair shop and I was disappointed with the way that customers were treated and taken advantage of. I prayed that I could get out of there, because it bothered me so bad. That goes to show that you should be specific with your prayers. After months of praying I slipped on an oil slick at work and tore all of the ligaments out of my left knee and was out of work for almost two years. Not how I would have envisioned my prayers being answered, but God had other plans. During that time it became clear to me that I should start my own business. I started M and W Auto Repair on crutches in a one bay shop with tarps on either end in March of 1989. Since then we have expanded to a 4 bay shop with an alignment bay. Myself, my wife, and our two adult daughters all work here, as well as my wife’s great nephew. We are truly a family business to our core and we really think of our customers as family as well. We have made so many lifelong friends in this business. We still hold to the values that we started the business on, and that is doing what is right and honest for our customers, and I truly believe that is why we have been in business 35 years.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Yes, it has been rough being a small business that starts from nothing. Banks are not very friendly in those types of circumstances. When we first started Wanda, my wife, would drive from Oak Ridge to Beck’s auto parts on Clinton Highway six to seven times a day. This was before the days of parts delivery. One of the more recent struggles we have faced was losing our tech of over 20 years, Tom Langford. He was more than an employee, he was a friend, he was family.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about M & W Auto Repair, Inc?
We are a full service auto repair. We can do anything from brakes, to engine replacement, to electrical issues, to heating and air. Mike, the co-owner, has over 50 years of mechanical experience. We pride ourselves on honest work, and only charging for and recommending what is needed. We treat people the way they should be treated. We are native Oak Ridgers and are proud of the community. Our customers are more than just that, we consider them family. In some cases we have serviced 3 generations of families’ vehicles. We are a family business to our core. My wife, Wanda and I own the business, hence the M & W, both of our adult daughters work here, and my wife’s great nephew is one of our techs. We are also known for our special greeters. We have two shop kitties, Boo, and Madam. Our customers love to see their happy faces.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
God, family, then business. In that order. We have 2 incredible daughters, and 4 amazing grandchildren that we are so proud of. We like to be known for our faith, integrity, and honesty.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mandwautorepair.net
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MandWAutoRepair/
