Everybody knows it’s hard to find a good auto mechanic ? someone who’s qualified, experienced and honest.
Unfortunately, Oxford lost one of the best shops in the auto repair game as Jeff’s Tire & Auto Service (72 S. Washington St.) closed its doors Friday, February 3.
Owned and operated by Hadley Township residents Jeff and Marsha Quandt for 16 years, the shop serviced more than 20,000 area residents in its history and spanned generations of customers.
‘It’s a very strange feeling knowing we won’t be here anymore,? Marsha said.
‘Bittersweet? was how Jeff described their last day of business.
The Quandts sold their building and property to developer Fred Hadid, who plans to turn it and his adjacent property into a two-story, 19,644-square-foot retail/office building called the ‘Broadway Plaza.?
Married for 40 years and partners in business for 35 years, the Quandts, who opened their Oxford shop after running one in Troy for 19 years, earned a sterling reputation for quality service and honest dealings with customers.
‘We’ve seen a lot of customers and tried to take care of them like they were friends,? Jeff said. ‘We wanted to treat people the way they needed to be treated. That’s just the way I’ve done business. That’s not a slogan, that just the way I did it.?
Marsha credited her husband with being the ‘backbone? of the business.
‘He watches every job,? she said. ‘He runs a tight ship and is conscientious and honest. I think it’s paid off.?
That’s why generations of families have trusted Jeff’s Tire & Auto Service with their vehicles.
‘They came in and pretty soon their kids were coming in. Before long, their (kids?) kids were coming in. Then you know you’re getting old,? Jeff said.
When asked what they will miss the most about their business, the Quandts agreed it’s the customers.
‘They’re good people to know,? Marsha said. ‘You get to know their families. They’re more like friends really.?
‘It’s been a great experience here. Jeff and I have enjoyed it tremendously. There’s a lot of good people, fun people , people who bring a gift at Christmas or make cookies for you. It’s a good town.?
‘I want to thank’em for their patronage and loyalty,? Jeff said. ‘We’ve had very good clientele, a lot of nice people.?
Although the Oxford shop is now closed, there is good news for diehard Jeff’s customers.
In a couple of months, the Quandts will be opening a 1,500-square-foot auto repair shop on their 13-acre homestead in Hadley Township.
From his new shop on Hurd Road between Brocker and Pratt roads, Jeff will continue to work on vehicles, albeit on a smaller scale and by appointment only.
‘I’m not going to leave everybody high and dry,? Jeff said. ‘We’ll do things on a more limited basis, but we’ll stay in touch.?
Because their new shop will no longer be right in the middle of town, Marsha said they will offer a pickup and delivery service for vehicles, if necessary.
A form letter with all the details about the Quandts? new shop will be mailed out to their loyal, longtime customers. ‘I don’t want to just disappear,? Jeff said.