Mechanic opens shop in Plains

Getting a vehicle quickly repaired in Plains is sometimes a tough thing to do, but Ron Berry hopes to change that.

Now there are five auto shops in Plains with the newest – Berry's Repair – open for business three weeks ago near the east end of Railroad Avenue in an old gas station. With less than a month under his belt with his new place, Berry said he works on an average of two to three vehicles every day, five days a week.

"I think the customer displacement after the Plains Service Center closed shows we need this," said Berry, who had been manager at the service center and worked there for three and a half years. The 49-year-old Berry said he's already seeing some of his old customers coming to his new shop.

Berry opened the business on Jan. 15, but he had to do a lot of work to the place prior to opening.

"There was nothing in here; I had to redo the whole thing," said Berry, who had to put in a new concrete floor. The old floor was wavy and had a hole full of old used oil. He installed a car lift, refinished the office and refurbished the restroom. He also purchased some $27,000 worth of equipment. He even bought the counter he worked on at the Plains Service Center.

Berry has been working on vehicles since he was a teenager. He said he likes working with his hands and is naturally mechanically inclined. The 24-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force does all the work himself and feels he can handle just about any problem people can bring to him.

He has two stalls and is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but he can take appointments for Saturdays by calling 826-3744. Berry's service includes everything from a simple oil change to engine replacement.

"I like the idea of providing honest good service to people and I can pretty much figure out any problem," Berry said. "And if I can't, I'll find someone who can."

Berry said most of his customers are Plains residents, but he also has customers from Trout Creek, Thompson Falls, Hot Springs, Dixon, and even St. Regis. "I like to do quality work. I just want to make sure I take care of the customer," he said.

Berry is leasing the building and property at 300 East Railroad Avenue, but he has an option to buy, which he said will depend on the number of customers he gets. Presently, he said business is good. He also noted that he's one of the few people who sell Cooper Tires and he can refill propane tanks.