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SAULT STE. MARIE - Visitors to newly expanded Quality Automobile know there has been a change the minute they walk through the new front entrance into the spacious waiting room. Beyond the doors leading to the workshop, another revelation awaits - a total of six bays are now available to handle almost any automobile problem.
In all, the expansion added 64 square-feet to the previous building, said owner Mark Sheppard. The building housed Lake Superior Transmissions when he purchased it eight years ago. At that time, it was a two-bay shop with a "couple of hoists." Within three years of purchasing the site, Sheppard expanded to five bays and now into the six "much roomier ones."
The expansion was made possible with the purchase of next-door All-Phase Electric Supply. After tearing down the building, Sheppard had the space to expand his business and also to provide more parking for customers.
The business continues to provide the same service with the same staff. Besides Sheppard, a master mechanic, there are three other experienced state-licensed mechanics on deck: Del Anderson, who has been with Sheppard since he bought the original business; Kevin Starr, an employee for six years; and Steve Rambo, who came to the business direct from graduating from Nashville Diesel about four years ago. Three office staff rounds out the Quality Automotive team.
Sheppard has been working as a mechanic since 1978, the same year he also learned to scuba dive. He worked at a local car dealership until purchasing his own shop in 1997. Since a very young age, Sheppard has resided in Sault Ste. Marie, passing through the Sault Ste. Marie school system. He began his mechanical training at Sault Area Skill Center. He is married with one daughter, who currently attends a Sault Ste. Marie Kindergarten.
The trained technicians at Quality Automotive repair exhaust systems, brakes, shocks, suspensions, and air conditioning, as well as seeing to wheel balancing and alignment, lube and oil changes, and diagnostic tests on both domestic and foreign vehicles. In addition, the business is affiliated with NAPA Auto Care Center and can provide nation-wide warranties through them. Sheppard said he has seen a steady increase in business, and estimates about 50 to 60 vehicles pass through their doors weekly.
To celebrate their grand opening, Quality Automotive hosted an Open House on Friday, Dec. 2. Visitors to the shop can continue to be a part of the festivities by entering into a special Open House drawing until the end of December. The Grand Prize is two tickets to Daytona 500 for February 2006. Other gifts include $50 gift certificates to Lynn Auto Parts, and free service at Quality Automotive.
Located at 956 East Portage, the business is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. Sheppard and his team invite you to stop by to see the new and improved version of Quality Automotive.
