Posts from — July 2009

Do you remember when you got your first car? I do- I had just turned 16 and I spent a ton of time just driving around because I could. I’d gladly go on any errand my mom wanted me to run, I’d drive people home that were out of my way just so I could spend some time driving.

Even though I’ve been driving now for more years than I was a non-driver, I still experience a thrill when I’m driving quite often. My favorite thing is driving fast on a cool summer night, windows down, wind blowing through my hair. The sound of the car changes through they years- from my current nearly-silent, wraith-like Honda to the roar of the 289 engine I had in my ‘66 Mustang. But I love it no matter what I’m driving.

I love the freedom that comes from having a car. I like knowing I can pick up and go somewhere on a moment’s notice, money and time constraints notwithstanding. You’ll find the guys at the shop love cars as well. Ask them about their favorite car they ever owned, and every one of them will regale you with tales of cars they’ve had, cars they’ve known.

Tell me, what do you love about cars?

We’re open today for your convenience, but we are closed tomorrow for the July 4th holiday so our staff can spend time with their families. Have a very safe and happy 4th of July!

Here’s a fireworks display on Youtube that I really enjoyed. It’s Japanese, but wow- it’s beautiful! Enjoy the show!

Awhile back, Michael was interviewed by the Murfreesboro Post for their business profiles. I thought it would be great to have most of that interview here since it really explains a lot about how Michael is and why Master Tech Automotive is such a reliable and honest auto repair shop. Here it is:

What is your basic business philosophy? My auto repair business will be known as “Your Neighborhood Garage” by being centered in God, assured by faith and prospered by divine love.

Give us a sales pitch in 25 words or less: We are a locally family owned and operated auto repair facility since 1996. We are God centered. We offer customers the most cost effective auto repair service based on the principles of faith, honesty, integrity, and quality.

What is your proudest business achievement? For three years in a row we were recognized by the Better Business Bureau for “Market Place Ethics.” We were a founding member of the BBB and a member of the Rutherford Chamber of Commerce since opening in 1996. The Murfreesboro Magazine and Murfreesboro Sun publications named us “Best Auto Repair” and “Best Oil Change.”

What led you to Murfreesboro? I retired from the nuclear business in 1995 and began a search for a job that would be in alignment with God’s will for me. Helping people by fixing their car with trust and integrity was a perfect fit.

What is your educational background? I attended Seminole Junior College, University of Tennessee and Louisiana State University. I was a certified senior quality engineer and completed the Senior Reactor Operator Program at Gulf States Utilities. I am a certified auto technician and have completed several auto management courses.

Where are you originally from? I came from Sanford, Fla. in 1970 to work for the Tennessee Valley Authority as a quality engineer in their nuclear program. So I call Tennessee home. I have lived in Murfreesboro longer than anywhere in my life.

What do you do for fun? I love to scuba dive and ride my Harley. This year my wife and I rode our Harley into Canada and made the complete circle around Lake Superior. The total distance was about 1,500 miles. I usually scuba dive four or five times a year in the Florida Keys, Panama City or the Caribbean.

Tell us about your family: My wife, Felicia, was a teacher for 20 years prior to becoming the minister of Unity Church of Life eight years ago. I have two daughters, Michelle Searcy and Mellissa Boles. Both are graduates of Tennessee Technology. Michelle is an information technology manager for Accenture in Fairfax, Va. Mellissa is a third-grade teacher at Capshaw School in Cookeville. She is the mother of our two wonderful grandchildren, Hayden, a 7-year-old, second-grader and Allie a 5-year-old, kindergartener both at Capshaw Elementary School in Cookeville.

Who was your mentor? I have three: Ed Monroe, my first supervisor at TVA, who taught me to do the job right the first time because that’s what people remember the most; Henry “Tap” Richardson, engineering supervisor at TVA, who taught me to look at all possibilities and be prepared for the unexpected; President Jimmy Carter, who taught me that being a good person was more important than being right.

What is the most important thing going on now at your operation? We have changed from a maintenance service facility to a true overall auto repair facility. We do everything from oil changes to engine and transmission replacement. We also do exhaust and welding. To sum it up, if it is broke we fix it.