Albert’s Automotive Service Inc.: complete car care since 1958

January 06, 2009 02:16 pm

— ASHTABULA — Jeff Albert cannot remember a time when he was not working around a garage.
At 5-years-old, he began sweeping and helping his Dad — Russell Albert — in the automotive garage that the family owned on Main Avenue.
That was 1958, and in 1961 Albert’s Automotive Service moved to its present location at 5810 Main Ave.
“I have been around this business all my life,” Jeff Albert said from the front office at the automotive garage.
After high school, Albert graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business from Lake Erie College in Painesville, and sold insurance for a short time when he realized the insurance business was not for him. He then joined his father at Albert’s Automotive in 1979.
Russell Albert retired in 1991 with Jeff and his wife, Sharon, carrying on the business as owners.
“Dad is now 83 and comes by every once in a while to visit with customers,” Albert said.
Albert says the key to the company’s business success, which spans for more than 50 years, is its ability to fix cars well, which includes employing the most qualified certified mechanics.
“One of our mechanics, Bob Dubach, began with Dad when he was only 21 years old, and he just retired at age 63,” Albert said. “That is what brings our customers back: All of our mechanics are excellent problem-solvers and honest.”
The two certified mechanics at Albert’s Automotive today are Glenn Holden and Chuck Stevenson.
Albert’s strength is his ability to relate to customers. Although he is capable under the hood, he manages the business very well, said Sharon Albert, who is the receptionist and bookkeeper.
“Our service is very personal. We have enjoyed getting to know our customers, and now their children are bringing in their cars,” Sharon Albert said.
Albert’s Automotive garage has four bays and four lifts, and offers full-service automotive repairs and maintenance, including electrical systems, computer diagnosis, brakes, clutches, differential work, engine repair, fuel injections, oil changes, alignments, gas tanks, ignition, tune-ups, shocks, air conditioning, transmissions and tires.
“This is a challenging business because technology keeps changing, but it is fun too because everyday is different,” Albert said.
For further information, call Albert’s Automotive (440 993-7252).

Photos

JEFF ALBERT stands in front of two of four automotive bays in Albert’s Automotive Services at the intersection of Main Avenue and West 58th Street in Ashtabula. WARREN DILLAWAY