Opening a business during a pandemic is not an easy task. Just ask Carl Balaszek.
Balaszek opened The Pit Stop Auto Care when many businesses were shutting their doors in 2020. It was a scary prospect at first, but his plan paid off in the long run. 
Balaszek has gone out of his way to make the business a success by ensuring that his customers are completely satisfied with the work done on their automobiles. He says he also enjoys owning his own business, and wants people to be happy so they will tell their family and friends.
He adds that it has been that way since he opened his doors.
“I am the sole owner of The Pit Stop Auto Care,” Balaszek says. “With the help of my wife, Tiffany, we run the day-to-day activities. I started the business in November 2020.”
Balaszek is thrilled he made the decision.
“I was a local 150 operator when COVID-19 hit the economy,” he says. “Like most Americans, I had to find a way to make do, so I opened a small shop right in Knox, Indiana, and I started doing things on the side. It grew and became the business it is today with the help of our community and our awesome customers.”
Balaszek notes that all of his loyal and dedicated customers enjoy the products he sells. “We offer automotive sales, service and towing,” he says. “We also purchase junk vehicles. We offer a variety of services including regular maintenance oil changes, diagnostic services, brake line repair, exhaust and muffler work, leaks, tire repairs, tire/wheel sales, all the way up to transmission and engine installation. We can service your car bumper to bumper.”
The Pit Stop Auto Care also offers specials that loyal customers take advantage of.
“We offer senior discounts, and specials to veterans and service workers such as EMTs and firefighters,” Balaszek says. “We offer nurses a discount. We also offer seasonal specials.”
Balaszek treasures his repeat customers. He appreciates every single person that refers a customer to them or leaves a positive review on their Facebook page. He truly values their loyalty and uplifting, positive feedback.
“We build great relationships with our customers,” Balaszek says. “We pride ourselves on the repeat customers we have. It usually begins with a regularly scheduled oil change. A customer wants to get a feel for the type of business that will be servicing their vehicle. We enjoy conversing and building relationships with our customers. That relationship goes farther than any service we could provide for them.”
Balaszek would like to make The Pit Stop Auto Care a bigger business.
“We are always looking to expand and grow our business, and we are looking for talented, motivated employees that want to help grow with us as a team member,” he says.
Balaszek loves Knox and is continually inspired by what a positive and neighborly community it is. He says people go out of their way to help one another.
“I’ve never seen another community come together to help support someone in their time of need more than this one,” he says. “After moving away for several years and returning, I’m proud to call Knox my home. It’s a place I can call my own and raise my family. My wife, Tiffany, states that she loves the way Knox, Indiana, feels like a Hallmark TV movie.”
Balaszek adds that he and Tiffany have met a lot of great friends in Knox.
“You walk into the coffee shop or the local post office and everyone knows you by name,” he says. “Main Street is beautiful no matter what the season, and the people here make all the difference. We’re lucky to have so much support from this small town.”
For more information on The Pit Stop Auto Care, located at 201 North Heaton Street in Knox, call 574-971-2886.
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