James (Jim) Slagel

I was in charge of cleaning most of the Early Education Center, including the classrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, and gym. I was also responsible for any minor repairs and routine maintenance.

At age 14, I started working for the family business, pumping gas, and learning the mechanic trade. Once I turned 16, I began learning the towing and accident recovery portion of the business. We also had a small car wash that I learned to maintain and repair. We had an amazing customer base that was like family, and they knew they could trust us. Customer service was our top priority. I learned to do minor plumbing, electrical, and carpentry repairs. For the last 10 years, after my father fell ill, it has been my responsibility to do everything from working on the cars, maintaining the building and equipment, answering the phone and taking care of the customers, cleaning, and all the bookkeeping. My mother and I decided it was time to sell after 58 years of business. Taking care of my customers was my life for 45 years.