Writer / Matt Keating
Photographer / Amy Payne
Bryan Ottney with Greenes Auto Service South, located in Greenwood, says the south-side auto shop is truly a family business, and has been that way since the beginning.
My parents, Steve and Melissa Ottney, started Greenes Auto in 1989, Ottney says. My father had been working in the automotive industry for many years prior, but decided he wanted to go into business for himself, and an opportunity was presented.
Bryan says Greenes has always been locally owned and operated.
The entire time we have been in business, my parents have been the owners, Ottney says. My oldest brother Steven worked for the family business through the early 2000s, and in 2010 they handed the daily responsibilities and decision making over to my brother Michael and me. It really is a frightening thing at times to be a completely independent small business, but its also so rewarding to see a community rally around us with support year after year.
Greenes offers great savings to loyal customers.
We typically refer to our savings program as a customer loyalty card, which costs $69.95 in-store, Ottney says. It is filled with many different types of discounted services including alignment, brake repair, a free oil change, suspension coupons, etcetera. It can also be viewed and purchased on our website for a discounted rate of $49.95. This loyalty package includes over $500 of automotive repair coupons at greenesautoservicesouth.com.
Greenes is also highly affordable.
In addition to our coupon program, keep in mind that being a small business allows us to set an hourly labor rate that is much more affordable to our customers, Ottney says.
Greenes also offers a lot of high-quality services.
We really do just about everything repair-related on vehicles when it comes to engine and drivetrain, starting with the most basic services like oil change, tire rotation and brake work, all the way into full diagnostics of engine light, air bag light, cooling system issues, air conditioning and heater issues, Ottney says. The only repair work we send to a trusted outside source is transmission overhaul. We also do not do collision repair work. If you need collision repair, check out the respected body shop near me in Tempe.
Ottney says Greenes has many loyal customers.
We have been able to sustain our family business due to the fact that we have been beyond blessed with a loyal customer base, in the Johnson County area and surrounding area, he says. We love our community. My brothers and I all attended and graduated from Center Grove High School.
Greenes also has loyal employees.
Currently we have four technicians, and we typically run between four and five, Ottney says. We have a 13-bay shop with 12 automotive lifts. Our longest-tenured employee, Mike, a Lincoln Tech graduate, has been with us since 1990. The coolest part is that his two sons, Steven and Joe, also work as technicians for us. It really is a family atmosphere. Steven and Joe have both been with us since they graduated from Lincoln Tech in 2010 and 2012 respectively.
Two of Greene’s long-term technicians were with the business for over 20 years.
They have since retired, Ottney says. The face of our office is a young man named Mitchell, who has been with us since 2014 and handles the majority of our face-to-face customer interactions. Michael and I oversee daily operations, and handle advertising and customer care. We both stepped into the family business in 2010.
Ottneys nephew Zach recently joined the staff as he attends Central Nine Career Center for automotive technology. He helps with small tasks and building upkeep during afternoons and weekends.
Ottney loves Greenwood.
Our biggest thrill is being a part of a community that we are invested in, he says. I remember, as a young boy, my father saying that he wanted to start a business that provides honesty and integrity to our customers, and where we can perform quality work. Whats important is working hard and creating a good living, but only if we can do it with integrity.
Ottney says people often ask him and his brother if they are the owners, or if they plan to buy the business one day.
Personally, I think the coolest thing is working for a business that my parents built, and I am proud to say that they are still the owners, he says. We are truly blessed and grateful to be able to serve our community and the surrounding areas, especially through this pandemic. We cannot thank our community enough for supporting us. Go Center Grove Trojans!
