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BY KAREN GERHARDINGER | MIRROR REPORTER — A family with a history of providing excellent service in automotive repair is taking the reins of B&L Auto Care in Whitehouse.
The Pontious family, owners of Toledo Auto Care, recently took over the shop at 10829 Logan St. Founded in 1948 by Bucher and Ludwig, the garage was run by Mike and Jeanne Pollock, who retired after 35 years in business.
“We’re excited to be here in Whitehouse,” said Gary Pontious Sr. “We like the community a lot. We want to connect to people here – I think we can offer a lot.”
B&L Whitehouse Auto Care will follow the philosophy of customer service that has guided Toledo Auto Care’s two other locations – on Heatherdowns Boulevard and on Monroe Street – since the family purchased the business in 1985.
“It’s as simple as building relationships and trust with our customers by being transparent in everything we do,” said Gary Pontious Jr.
A Springfield High School graduate, Gary Jr. worked for the family business while in high school and returned to it after attending Southeastern University in Florida. He graduated from the Automotive Management Institute and took over day-to-day operations in 2006. Now, his daughter McKinley works in administration and his son Trey works at the Monroe Street store.
Regulars to B&L will find familiar faces in the service bay, as technicians Joe Biddle, Jason Portentoso and Glenn Wright are remaining at the shop.
“Our technicians have been here a long time. Mike (Pollock) thought a lot of them and they’re a good fit for us,” said Gary Sr.
B&L Whitehouse Auto Care will enhance the customer experience by adding a feature that’s been a part of Toledo Auto Care for five years: a digital vehicle inspection, including photos, with every vehicle.
For example, if a customer feels a vibration in the front of the car, a technician might find the cause is a loose ball joint. He will fill out an inspection report on a tablet and take video of the ball joint wiggling. This is also beneficial for showing causes such as a dirty air filter, mouse nests in the engine compartment or burnt wiring, said Gary Jr.
“It’s pretty unique. Customers love it. It makes them part of the process,” Gary Jr. said. “It reduces questions and concerns.”
“It enhances communication – and communication is key,” added his father.
B&L Whitehouse Auto Care services all makes and models, including fleets. The technicians keep up through a minimum of 40 hours of continuing education a year.
“This allows us to figure out the issues accurately and repair them right the first time,” Gary Jr. said.
For more information about the company, visit www.toledoautocare.com or see B&L Whitehouse Auto Care on Facebook or Instagram; or call (419) 877-5330. A new website, bandlautoservice.com, is coming soon.
