ARCHIVE

Service center opens at industrial park

Staff reporter

Customer confidence is important to Cardie Oil Tire and Service Center of Marion.

After all the "Cardie Oil" name has been prominent in Marion County for years and the new service center manager, Dean Keyes, wants to continue the tradition of providing quality services to Marion residents and the surrounding area.

The new business opened in mid-January at Marion Industrial Park.

Offering Mobil 1 Lube Express services that include oil change, brakes, exhaust work, the business also sells tires and provides alignments.

A brand spanking new building means brand new equipment, particularly the alignment machine which has the latest technology available.

Tire brands are not limited to one or two but what are popular with customers.

"We want to sell what customers want to buy," Keyes said.

The business also sells rims and tire and wheel packages.

A part of Cardie Oil, Inc. and Shawmar Oil & Gas Company, Keyes said the repair shop is dedicated to providing good service at a fair price to the customer's satisfaction and for the customer's safety.

"We want an open line of communication with our customers," he said, regarding maintenance and cost. He and his employees prefer to offer options to their customers and let the customers decide.

Keyes, a former Marion police officer and Marion County sheriff deputy, has been working on vehicles since he was a teen.

In December, Keyes attended training in St. Louis and will receive more training in March.

His employees, Henry Slifer and Jeremiah Johnson, also are trained to service vehicles. Slifer is a former mechanic, returning to the trade, and Johnson recently was trained.

There are four bays available for servicing vehicles. Future plans may include an expansion of the facilities if business increases.

Immediate plans include on-site agriculture equipment repairs and service, and road repairs. Another individual will be hired to provide services out in the field in the Marion and Tampa areas.

Appointments are encouraged for alignment and most repairs, Keyes said, but walk-ins are welcome.

Another service offered to customers is notification when it is time to service a vehicle.

When a customer brings a vehicle to the shop for servicing, Keyes wants the customer to know he will receive the best service possible.

While the vehicles are on the racks for servicing, technicians provide nearly a bumper-to-bumper inspection, looking for worn or loose parts, and checking fluid levels.

"I'm a consumer, too, and want to give customers choices," Keyes said, "but if there is a dangerous situation and I wouldn't let my family drive with it, then I will encourage the customer to have the part repaired or replaced."

Quantcast