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Veterans buys vehicle repair business

Sun Journal - 12/4/2021

Dec. 4—Craven Tire & Automotive Repair's new owner Blake Frames said he prides himself on making sure his customers are completely satisfied.

Frames, a Marine Corps veteran who worked for the shop since 2017, purchased the 31-year-old business on Nov. 1. Craven Tire and Automotive Repair first opened in 1991 in James City, but like many businesses forced to move due to highway construction along U.S. 70, the shop relocated to its New Bern location at 318 First St. in March.

"The former owner was ready to retire," Frames said. "Initially, he was going to sell it to someone else, but when that fell through, he offered it to me."

Frames said he has a staff of experienced and professional mechanics who strive to make sure their customers are completely satisfied with their work.

"My mechanics do not work on commission," Frames said. "We do not try to upsell our customers or make suggestions for services that are not necessary."

Customer Cathy Melton said she came in because the location is convenient for her.

"It's local and its veteran owned," Melton said. "The customer service is excellent as well."

Frames said the location in James City closed on at 5 p.m. on a Friday and they were able to reopen for business at the new location the following Monday.

"I actually flew my dad out from Ohio to help with the move," he said. "We also added 70 feet of workspace to better accommodate our customers."

The shop offers services such as state inspections, new and used tires, oil changes which start at about $20, engine swaps, diagnostic testing.

Frames said they also carry an array of specialty tools which allows them to work on higher-end vehicles such as Range Rovers and Mercedes Benz.

"Some dealerships outsource their vehicles to us because they may not have everything they need to repair a vehicle," Frames said. "My mechanics are able to work on mostly any type of vehicle. There is and no job is too big or too small."

Frames is also co-owner of A2B Enterprises, a towing and recovery service he operated while still an employee at Craven Tire. He took on a partner for the towing service to focus on his newest endeavor.

A2B Enterprises offers 24-hour lockout services, battery assistance, gas delivery and purchase of junk vehicles. For more information about this business, visit a2btowingnc.com.

Craven Tire & Automotive Repair is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Saturday hours are generally 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Frames said they may remain open longer depending on the needs of customers. Appointments can be scheduled. Walk-ins are also accepted.

For more information, call 252-633-0200 or 252-665-5550 or visit them on Facebook.

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