Chris Hodges has been in automotive business nearly 25 years, and 'I still love what I do'

Chris Hodges, owner; Byron Tire Co., 299 New Dunbar Road, Byron; 956-3551. Hours: 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-noon Saturday.

How long have you been in business?: "I've been with the business since '99 and owned it since 2001."

He worked for Youman's Chevrolet from 1992 to 1999 and then went to work at what was then called Byron BP just off the Interstate 75 exit. It was a gas station with two service bays. In 2000 the name was changed to the current name.

"And we ran service trucks 24 hours a day. It was more of a road service company and a convenience store. When I came there, we kind of changed that and molded it more into an automotive repair facility. ... We built a new store in 2008 and we sold the convenience store the same year."

What do you like best about your job?: "My customers. I love dealing with people. It's what I've always done and it's what I enjoy doing. ... I still love what I do.

What is your specialty?: "We are full service automotive. We do brakes, we do a lot of wheels and tires after market ... air conditioner work, engine repair, coolant leaks. We do everything really. ... We mainly only do tires on 18-wheelers and RVs."

The store also sells wiper blades, floor mats and accessories.

"We try to keep up with the times and try to stay modern with all our equipment."

What are your future plans?: "We would like to add on. I felt like when we built the store, we overbuilt. ... But we've continued to grow the entire time since we've been here. So I guess that would be our goal, ... to continue to provide the service we do now at a larger scale as needed."

-- Linda S. Morris