It's Larry's turn on the 800 CHAB - DiscoverMooseJaw Partner Profile.
Larry Sentes has been on the job at Andy's Transmission & Automotive since 1988 and running the shop for 21 years now, having taken over from his dad, Andy.
If you check out the website, you'll find their slogan, "Yeah, we do that."
Andy's offers just about every automotive service you need, including transmission work.
Andy's Transmission was established in 1964 by Larry's dad, Andy, and back then, the transmission was the total focus at the shop.
"A guy couldn't ask for a better father. When he started the business, he picked one part of the trade to specialize in, transmissions, and that was a great choice on his part. That's all they did back then. At one time there were only three transmissions you had to know about but now there are hundreds of transmissions to worry about. We've expanded now and things are running smoothly," Larry said with a smile.
And Larry says his dad still drops into the shop from time to time to make sure everything's running smoothly!
"He's doing well. He'll turn 85 this fall, in November. He's active every day which we're happy for and he's enjoying life being a great-grandpa. He's down to the shop three or four times every month. There's only one way and that was Andy's way at one time," Larry said with a laugh.
Larry went to work with his dad back in 1988 and took over 12 years later.
"My dad never really forced anything on me. He let me find my own way in life and that way found me back here and I'm happy that it did," Larry said.
Andy's Transmission and Automotive is a busy shop with three full-time employees in the garage and Larry running the show up front.
"We're very thankful and fortunate to have the staff we do. Chris Senchuk has been with us since 1996. Tony's been with us for 12 years and Robert just started here a little over a year ago. I know your business is only as good as your staff and we're very happy with ours."
Expanding services at Andy's was a necessary move several years ago in order to remain competitive and viable and Larry's pleased with the transitions he and his staff have made.
"It is a competitive market here in Moose Jaw. We just try to give fair pricing and fair value for what you pay and try to keep the customers happy. You're not always going to keep everybody happy and satisfy everybody, but we try our best and, if there is a problem, we just ask that you come back and we'll look after you," Larry said.
Larry also pointed out that he has a lot of long-time, loyal customers.
"Yes, some of them have been with us since I started here in 1988 and then it just keeps getting passed down - now their sons and daughters are coming in and we're happy for that. I don't think my dad ever dreamt that we'd be around for this long, since 1964, but we're very happy that we are. It just goes to show how good support has been from the community of Moose Jaw and surrounding area," Larry said.
And while the customer base at Andy's is solid, Larry says he always welcomes new customers.
"We offer everything from general maintenance like an oil change to shocks, struts, brakes and any front-end work - anything that needs to be done on your vehicle. The only thing we don't touch is the diesels underneath the hood."
Larry says keeping up with constantly changing technology has been challenging but it's a challenge he and his staff have to take on to remain competitive.
"You know, since 1988, it's been really good. You know, we have scan tools now that can diagnose issues...and who would ever have thought that we'd be taking appointments while you're sitting on the couch at night? All of a sudden, the e-mail goes off on my phone or I get a text message, booking appointments for the next day. It makes life challenging at times but it makes it so you have to stay up on things. But the new technology has made life simpler in a lot of ways too, not only for us but for the customer," Larry said.
"Yes, we added tire service two years ago and it's been really good. If you need a set of tires...give us a chance to give you a quote at least. That's all we're asking is to quote on jobs and look after you as a customer."
You'll also find a line of vehicle accessories at Andy's.
"We started doing that about four years ago...whether you need a cap for your truck or a tonneau cover or just floor mats. We can get it all in here and help you install it or install it for you."
Larry grew up in Moose Jaw and made his mark as a youngster on the local baseball diamonds and in the hockey rinks. In fact, he cracked the Moose Jaw Canucks' line-up as a 15-year-old during the 1978-79 season and went on to play five seasons of junior, four with the Canucks in the SJHL and one season in the AJHL with the Fort McMurray Oil Barons.
"It was really good - growing up here in Moose Jaw. You know a lot of people say there's not a lot to do here but I wouldn't have it any other way. I love Moose Jaw. My heart's here and I wear my heart on my sleeve. I'm always talking about Moose Jaw. I'm proud to be from Moose Jaw and I hope that sports in our city keeps thriving and what helps with that is the community itself supporting it all," Larry said.
When Larry's not busy at the shop, he most enjoys spending time with his family. He and his wife, Vicki, have raised three boys and they now have grandchildren to keep them hopping.
"Our oldest boy, Aaron, is living in Toronto. He's married to Glendi with twin girls, Ella and Emma. Our middle boy, Brett and his partner Taylor have a little girl, Zoey, who is four and a little boy named Asher who is 18 months. And our youngest, Lane, just got married to Courtney and they live up in Saskatoon. And, you know, a guy can never be as good as he is without the support from home, and I've had that support all my life from Vicki."
Again, to see everything Andy's Transmission & Automotive has to offer, check out the website https://www.andystransmissionservice.ca
You can also drop in during regular business hours, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, at 429 High Street West or call: 306 692 4255
"If you need anything in Moose Jaw as far as your automotive needs, don't be afraid to give us a shout," Larry said.
Andy's Transmission & Automotive, "Yeah, we do that!"
Mon, Apr 29, 8:00 AM
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