I had a great experience and learned some things about George while waiting for them to replace my tires. I was able to stand close by and watch. As a matter of fact if I moved away George would call me back to see whatever he was doing. Both George and his son were very proud of their work...and George was especially proud of how he reshaped my rims with a hammer. He told me he has been at this location fixing flats since he was 18 years old. During his senior year of high school he had worked for a mainline company fixing flats and doing minor repairs. After graduation George started fixing flats in this very location because, as he says, "back then the money was in tires".
30 years later George is still in the same location...fixing flats and selling used tires. I'm impressed with anyone who does anything for 30 years! I listened as he and his son joked back and forth and I was facinated by their skillful use of the tools...how they handled two customers at the same time and never missed a beat. He told me several jokes while he was working...I liked this one..."Sir, we are as honest as the day is long...have you noticed the days are getting shorter?"
I left Georges Tire Shop inspired. I had met a man who had served his community by fixing flats...changing tires...providing an inexpensive alternative for those who might not be able to purchase new tires today...and is passing on the craft to his son. He does it with a great sense of humor...down to earth conversation....and just plain hard work... my time with them was worth the experience of hitting that curb as well as the quick departure of seventy five dollars.
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