Meineke Car Care Opens on Union Ave. - National Company, Local Ownership

LACONIA — Meineke Car Care may be new to the Lakes Region but the owners are not.

Barry Williams, a resident of Alton and owner of three other New Hampshire based Meineke's (Hudson, Nashua, and Concord), has had his eyes on the Lakes Region for many years. Knowing the region he lives, he has seen that the greater Laconia communities offer the potential for small business owners to provide quality service and build relationships with their customers. Partnering with John Skehan, a long time car care business owner, colleague and friend; also a Lakes Region resident that was returning home to the Lakes Region this year for family purposes, Williams knew this was the year to bring Meineke to the Lakes Region.

Successfully ranking in the top percentage of Meineke franchise ownership, Williams began looking at expansion to Laconia a number of years ago, however the location or timing did not always line up.

Skehan, owned a Billerica, MA car care company that he sold in 2004, earning him the vast knowledge and experience of home town management and customer service. Together, both being Certified Master Automotive Technicians, success business owners, and sharing the same small business management and customer service philosophy, opportunity knocked when the 1022 Union Ave location, of what was once a Midas, appeared available early in the year. Timing, location, and partnership combining the owners more than 60 years' experience presented the right mix to open the doors on Union Avenue on November 12.

Meineke specializes in all kinds of automotive services: brakes, batteries, exhaust systems, tires, and more – even transmission work. Laconia Meineke is offering specials and a willingness to honor the previous Union Avenue Midas warranties.

Williams, a longtime supporter of the WLNH Children's Auction and Patrick's Pub Mania, invites new customers to stop in check out what Meineke has to offer.

Photo:

Meineke's two new technicians stand with owners John Skehan and Barry Williams outside the new Meineke Car Care center on Union Ave. in Laconia. (Courtesy photo)