Each of our three children has worked at Arie Nol Auto Center at some point, progressing from clean-up crew or stock person to learning how to do oil changes, tire rotations, etc. Although the older two are now in non-automotive careers that they love, Cameron has become an ASE Certified Technician and a service writer in our business. Cameron continues to follow the path that Jeff took in 1976 when he began working for his Dad at the shop.
When Arie started this business in 1976, he did it because he loved fixing cars, just as Jeff does. Cameron has been around the shop his whole life and also loves cars. I wish that Arie was around to see the third generation of his family continue in his footsteps.
The legacy of a family-owned business strives when you take what you learned from the previous generation, carry on the drive to succeed, and learn as much as you can to continue growing the business and supporting your community. Passing along the legacy of hard work, passion and commitment is a gift the previous generation gives the next one. Knowing that you’re continuing someone else’s dream and creating your own is a big responsibility but one that is well worth it.
If you’re ever in our shop, we have a great photo of Arie on the wall – one of the few pictures we could find of him at work. It’s amazing how many people say, “Arie taught me how to check my own oil” or “Arie told me when I was a teenager to take better care of my car.” He was known for being outspoken and for loving this business he started.
We are thankful that we’ve had the opportunity to continue what Arie started in 1976.