Dairyland Peach Sections Business Profile 2019

Dairyland Peach Business Profile 2019, Page 23 Perseverance plus passion equals three successful stores What is it like owning not one, not two, but three full- service automotive repair stores? Be prepared to be inspired. Chad Niezgocki, owner of Plaza Tire & Auto, and Granite City Tire & Auto discusses all-things business, and who knew this involves nights out at the movies! Chad earned an Automotive Service Technician degree from St. Cloud Technical & Community College. Post-grad- uation, his first role was a technician, and soon transitioned into sales, sales management and general management. Chad mastered each function, and 15 years later he became an of- ficial business owner. Plaza Tire & Auto is located in Alexandria, Minnesota, a city known for its abundant lakes and miraculous views. Granite City Tire & Auto is located in St. Cloud, Minne- sota, a college-town known for its unique shopping; and, in Sartell, Minnesota, known for its abundant parks and trails. Each location offers a full line of automotive repair services, including, but not limited to: basic maintenance, tire rota- tions, batteries, brakes, suspension, wheel bearings and cus- tom rims. Individually, each store has developed a strong rapport with its communities, and has its own unique market, driv- ing business in various ways. For instance, during the winter months, the Alexandria store is cozy and neighborly. Dur- ing the summer the months, it’s lively with new faces. In St. Cloud and Sartell, the clientele is relatively the same, but they’re busier, so they like to drop off their vehicle instead of waiting in-store. “They’re all amazing communities, all great places to do business, but each is different in their own way,” Chad said. Indeed, leisure time in the community is important to Chad and his team. “Most of my employees have kids rang- ing from the ages of 1 to 12, so they’re tied to the commu- nities through school events and extracurricular activities. When my managers or I are out at events with our families, we’re almost always recognized. Demonstrably, their custom- ers are a priority both onsite and offsite. What’s more, each store collaborates with its local schools in assisting with nu- merous fundraiser events. Needless to say, Chad takes pride in his team. “Each of my store managers has been with the business for 10 years. They’re in charge of sales, employees, inventory, customer re- tention, recruiting — they’re truly business managers,” Chad said. Correspondingly, his team members have been with the business long- term, their tenure totaling 50 years. Each store is proud to offer quick, honest and accurate service, often- times for same-day or next-day service. His team stays com- Grainte City Tire & Auto petitive by taking part in various onsite and online seminars. Additionally, his stores have national affiliations, meaning, they offer nation-wide warranties. For instance, if a customer experiences an issue with their vehicle in any city or state, Chad backs them in getting their vehicle serviced. Undeni- ably, Chad’s main concern is his customers and delivering on that. After five years in business, what recurrently inspires Chad? “It’s all about the people — whether that’s my customers or employees. If I can help someone, that’s what makes me tick,” Chad said. He enjoys being in the stores, witnessing his em- ployees make a customer’s day, and watching them become an expert their field. “Nevertheless, I love being hands-on myself. When I enter my stores, I want it to be in better shape than when I got there, whether that’s assisting in the day-to- day operations, administrative tasks or inventory, I want to make a positive change before I go home,” Chad said. With three stores, there’s never a lack of things to do. Re- cently, Chad’s revamped the operational side of things by switching from an old system to a state-of the-art system. Additionally, he’s featuring Kenda Tires. Although he’s of- fered Kenda for a while, they have a resurgence of the tire — a more economical tire. However, Chad’s desire for constant improvement isn’t stopping anytime soon. “Looking at work orders, I want to know how we can make that better — a smoother transition in the communication in the orders,” Chad said. Without a doubt, Plaza Tire & Auto and Granite City Tire & Auto raise the bar in the automotive repair industry. Swing by any one of the stores during their new business hours, which are Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Need directions, or have a quick question? Check them out online at granitecitytire. com. They hope to see you soon! 2520 2nd St. S., St. Cloud granitecitytire.com 320-252-6626 Grainte City Tire & Auto 136 Twin River Ct., Sartell 320-253-8473 JD Service Manager DAN Store Manager BRENT ASE Certified Technician JESSICA Service Advisor DAN ASE Certified Technician JOE Service Technician Plaza Tire & Auto 501 30th Ave. W, Alexandria 320-763-5155 granitecitytire.com

Dairyland Peach Sections Business Profile 2019 | Page 23