About Mihoren's Quick Lube & Automotive Centre
It's The Big 30 For Mihoren's Quick Lube & Automotive Centre
by Lise Rene-de-Cotret
Any company that runs like a well-oiled machine is bound to be successful. For partners John Girard and Marco Mantovan this statement rings true in every aspect of their business. As owners of Mihoren's Quick Lube & Automotive Centre (www.mihorens.com), the partners know all too well that a seamless system is paramount for their operation.
"We started in 1978 with owner Moe Mihoren," explains the pair. They worked together in procuring the Shell gas station, which used to be at the corner of Ouellette and Erie Streets. "In 1982 we moved to the Petro Canada station at the corner of Tecumseh Road East and Chilver," explains Mantovan.
In the early 1980s the economic climate in Canada was at an alltime low and businesses were feeling the pinch.
"We felt the grip of hard financial times and it was stressful," says Girard. "By the time we finished paying the big oil companies, there was not much left over for us little guys."
With that, Mihoren retired in 1993, prompting Mantovan and Girard to purchase their own property and build a new shop at 1760 Walker Road, their currant location. They also decided to keep the name because it had become synonymous with oil changes and automotive repair.
After buying the property, building the shop, adding all new equipment and investing in continual training and training equipment, the partners' ongoing investment is over $1 million.
"There was no sense in doing half the job," says Girard. "It had to be done right."
The government's requirement of emissions testing on cars added another service to the business and in 1999 "Drive-Clean" was mandatory for vehicles. "We had cars coming in left and right - we were running out of space," claims Mantovan. The ideal solution was to expand the 6,500 square foot business by adding a specialized 1,500 square foot bay for emission testing only.
Mihoren's Quick Lube & Automotive Centre is truly one stop shopping in automotive repair. There is now appointment necessary for their quick lube services and they are an accredited emission test and repair facility. Services include; brake repairs, suspensions, exhaust, tires, air conditioning, complete electrical, tune ups, fuel injection, computer diagnostics and general repairs.
There are 12 full time and part-time employees ready to serve you, but the two owners are not afraid to get their hands dirty as well. "Marco and I still turn our wrenches," says Girard.
The owners feel that one of their advantages over their competition is that, at their shop, you speak directly to the person doing your repairs, avoiding the middle men altogether. No matter what the service, customers are in direct contact with the qualified individual assessing the needs of your vehicle.
"We also carry name brand products that customers trust, such as Quaker State Oil, Raybestos brakes and Moog front end parts," adds Girard. The business is also associated with Windsor Professional Auto Repair Association (WPARA), as well as the Better Business Bureau.
Both men agree that the best part about having their business is the partnership.
"Having a trustworthy and reliable business partner is very important to relieve the stress of the business," claim Girard and Mantovan. While one runs the shop the other has time to take vacations, tend to business matters, meet with suppliers and spend quality time with family. "We are both 50 and we have great families, who believe in our business and always provide support," states Mantovan.
For Mihoren's the future is promising. "While other similar businesses are struggling and some even closing, we maintain a steady stream of clientele," the pair says.
"We work hard and provide high quality service. That's the key to our success," reveals Girard.
Article appeared in Biz X Magazine, July/August 2008
