Published: November 07, 2009 02:25 pm      

Auto shop owner moves locations

O’Ryans moves after several months of success.

Several months ago, Will Ryan wanted to work for himself while helping others in the community.

After gaining experience working for other dealerships and auto shops, Ryan opened O’Ryans Auto Care and Service Center, which recently moved from 2400 E. Market St. to 1640 Woodlawn Ave.

Ryan said he wanted to move his new business for two main reasons.

“I was able to keep my costs low for the customer,” he said. “I also had the opportunity to take something in bad shape and make it into something decent.”

The building, which Ryan believed might otherwise have been torn down, was originally built during the early 1920s. Ryan said he is the third owner of the building, which sat vacant for nearly 26 years before he moved his business there.

Before he could move, Ryan put in a lot of time and effort to restore the old building. He had all new windows, doors, lights and dry wall installed. The roof on the building had also collapsed and needed to be repaired.

When starting his first business, Ryan wanted to make sure it was a family business and something he could pass on to his own children one day.

He also wanted to be able to give back.

“I was tired of seeing the big guys take advantage of people,” he said. “That’s what it’s all about, giving back to the community when they need a hand.”

O’Ryans Auto Care and Service Center is a full-line mechanic shop. Work includes car audio and video installation, remote start installation and the basic work, such as struts, brakes, shocks and oil changes. The business also works on motorcycles.

Opening the business has had its share of stresses, but Ryan said it had still been enjoyable, even with today’s economy.

“I get to do what I love to do — work on cars and bikes,” he said. “That’s always been my thing.”

Ryan said even when he goes home with a headache, by the end of the night he is always looking forward to the next day.

Business hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The phone number is 574-732-1000.

• Denise Massie is a staff writer at the Pharos-Tribune. She can be reached at 574-732-5151 or denise.massie@pharostribune.com