rev-digital-FINAL-PRESS-2023-PAGES-AHCC-QUARTER-BLEED - Flipbook - Page 83
ALMAGUIN HIGHLANDS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
I
n 1989, Kerry and Dean sold the Shell station and built in their
current location in South River.
No longer distracted by the
food and fuel needs of their clientele, they could focus all their
efforts on the automotive and heavy truck service and repair in
addition to towing. With this move, the business prospered and
grew. After Dean retired, Kerry’s two sons, Andrew and Matthew
came on board joining their dad, keeping up the family tradition
of excellent service, and taking Griffith Bros. Service Centre, Ltd.
to a whole new level. The younger generation of Griffith brothers
worked long days and nights to grow their business. The heavy
truck repair and towing operations flourished with the addition of
multiple heavy tow trucks, equipment floats, and transportation
equipment to handle freight thus serving the changing needs of
the community and the increased traffic running through it.
In March 2019, the business expanded and opened its doors
at a second location in Sundridge to better serve Almaguin’s
increasing needs. The Sundridge location offers both automotive
and light truck repair. To date, Andrew and Matthew employ 25
full-time employees who they call family, and their dad, Kerry, still
participates in the daily operations. The younger generation of
Griffith brothers keep this thriving business running on all four
wheels with Andrew manning the auto service side and Matthew
focusing on the heavy truck and towing operations. Andrew speaks
of his brother admiringly, “Matthew has talent that blows my mind
every day. Whether it is guiding a technician on a repair of a heavy
vehicle or running the scene of a heavy truck accident.” At the end
of each day, the brothers come together with their father “to plan,
problem solve and find time to laugh, as is required.” I think these
brothers must make their dad very proud at the way they have
continued to grow this family business from their grandfather’s
initial investment to today’s prosperous success.
I asked for a towing rescue story to include in this article. Andrew
tactfully avoided giving me one as he claimed so many of these
stories relate to someone’s tragedy. I realized that when I think
of car accidents, my heart always goes out to the first responders
attending these horrible traumatic scenes while I forget about
the tow truck drivers who are also there performing their own
important role. Of this Andrew would only say, “the gratitude and
appreciation shown from those who have required our roadside
service, from those who have suffered a great loss, really keep our
company and team in the game and this appreciation is our reward.”
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