Harrell’s Tire & Auto Service has an established presence in North Carolina. In May, it opened its 11th location in the state. One of the shops is in Southern Pines, on S Bennett Street. Cole Fraser serves as operations manager for Harrell’s.
The store in Southern Pines has been open about four years, with the bulk of the clientele coming from Aberdeen, Pinehurst and Southern Pines.
“It’s been doing very well,” Fraser, a native of Fayetteville, said. “We make tremendous strides to get better every month. We’ve been very pleased with the location and the turnout from the community.”
Fraser has been with Harrell’s for one year after spending 16 years elsewhere.
Having to get a car repaired isn’t something most people look forward to. Fraser understands how the customers feel. That understanding is a basis for the approach Harrell’s takes.
“We get to take the fear out of it,” Fraser said. “We assure them we’ll take care of it.”
Considering the prominent role cars have played in Fraser’s life, any assurance he gives carries far more than a rehearsed promise.
“When I was born, my grandfather owned three (repair) stores,” he said. “I’ve never done anything else.”
With 12 employees, the Harrell’s in Southern Pines has enough hands to address the busiest of times. The team, including Fraser, does what’s necessary to send drivers home pleased.
“I’m not above doing oil changes, tires – whatever we can do to make it happen,” he informed.
To meet objectives, he works about 65 hours per week. Included in the total are tasks required when doors are closed.
“Whatever it entails,” Fraser said.
Harrell’s is open – Monday through Friday – from 7:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. At the present time, the store is closed on weekends.
As far as common issues customers are currently having with vehicles, there’s a wide array to discuss.
“You could say tires,” Fraser informed. “Brakes are a major component that fails. It’s a mix of a lot of different components.”
Having a proactive mindset – just like with anything else in life – can prevent trouble from arising in the future.
“Preventive maintenance is where the market is going,” Fraser, who likes going to baseball games and the beach when not working, said.
Harrell’s Tire & Auto Service first opened more than 80 years ago. All makes of vehicles – including electric and foreign – are serviced and repaired. A digital 27-point inspection system is used for state, DMV and DOT tests. In addition to the afore-mentioned components, certified technicians fix everything from timing belts to drivetrains.
The company prides itself on providing honest and dependable service.
When asked about the best part of his job, Fraser didn’t hesitate.
“Probably helping the customers,” he said.
For more information, please click on the link: https://harrellsauto.com/harrells-tire-auto-southern-pines-910-692-9007/
Feature photo: Cole Fraser. Contributed photo.
~Written by Sandhills Sentinel reporter Dave Lukow. Dave has been honored as both a lyricist and screenwriter. Among other publications he’s contributed to are the Buffalo News, JD Journal, Beckett Hockey, Seminole Player’s Life, Poker Pro, Walmart World, and All In.
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