On Friday, December 1, 2017, Morrison-born and raised entrepreneur Marshall Smith opened Morrison Hometown Auto Repair & Quick Lube, at 611 E. Lincolnway, Morrison, IL. It is conveniently located behind Morrison FS Fast Stop, 615 E. Lincolnway. Hours are Monday-through-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. To schedule appointments call Smith at 779-777-3383; walk-ins are welcome.
“I’ve always worked on my dad’s cars, since I was a little kid,” said Smith. “I provide services the town needs that are affordable. I have a direct relationship with the customer, so they know what’s going on [with their vehicle]. Being honest is important to me.”
There are two service bays. “I like having one open, so people can stop in over their lunch hour” for a quick oil change, he stated. He is the Technician and uses Carquest auto parts.
Local services include
- full automotive repair services, except on tires, for diesels and other vehicles
- free estimates, lights inspection, and fluids check
- repair of fuel pumps and batteries
- computer diagnostics for all domestic and foreign makes and models.
Smith brings a wealth of training and experience to his new business. “I went to school to learn computer diagnostics. At Kishwaukee College, I took automotive courses. I was a Chrysler technician for a year at Schuler Motors[, Inc. in Morrison] and trained in Chicago, IL, on Jeep products during my employment.” Next came “two years’ experience at a private shop in Sterling, IL.”
He concluded, “I definitely enjoy working on all types of vehicles. That’s satisfying to me.”
On Tuesday, January 9, 2018, Morrison Chamber of Commerce held a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to showcase Morrison Hometown Auto Repair. In attendance were, left-to-right,Chamber member Stephanie Vavra; Chamber Board member Principal Joe Robbins; Mayor Everett Pannier; owner Marshall Smith; Alderman Mick Welding; Smith’s girlfriend Erin Sanders; Chamber Board member Kevin Schlisler; Chamber President Katie Selburg; Pastor Mike Selburg holding son George; City Administrator Barry Dykhuizen; Chamber Coordinator Meridith Layne. Not visible in this photo was Casey, the “friendly shop dog.”
