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Steve Valkema is no stranger to
this community. His family owned and operated the tire
business for the past three generations -- a span of
more than 75 years.
Steve’s grandfather, William Valkema, first started the
business back in the ‘30’s. “Bill’s Tire Shop”, as it
was then called, did business from its location on 7th
street in Holland. The Tire Shop moved to Fennville in
1965 to its original location at Main and Maple streets where our post office now stands. In 1987 the
business was renamed Fennville Tire Center and moved
down the street to its present location on Main street.
Steve
started working for his father, Alan Valkema, right
after graduating from High School in 1988. Ownership of
the business evolved over to Steve as he acquired the
knowledge and experience necessary to run the business
himself.
Steve
is married and has three children: Kevin, 16; Mathew,
13 and William 2 ˝. According to Steve, William, his
youngest son, is showing the most interest in someday
taking over and letting dad re-tire. (Pun intended!)
In
case you haven’t looked under your hood lately, the
modern automobile has completely outstripped the skills
of what were once called “shade tree mechanics.” Today’s
automotive service technicians require extensive
training and experience. In addition, to be employed by
a reputable shop, they must demonstrate their competence
by obtaining official certification. Steve has three
employees on staff. Mitch Brown, Mathew Zawila and Greg
Crippin III. All are either State and ASE certified or
working toward their certification. |
Here's how ASE certification
works: Prospective candidates register for and take one
or more of ASE's 40-plus exams. The tests are grouped
into areas of specialization. Upon passing at least one
exam and providing proof of two years of relevant work
experience, the test taker becomes ASE certified.
Certification, however, is not forever. To remain
certified, those with ASE credentials must be retested
every five years. Steve’s certified team can handle just
about any repair job short of an engine or transmission
overhaul.
Interestingly, Steve’s
garage is heated entirely using waste engine oil as
fuel. Besides the oil he drains from customer’s
vehicles, he accepts oil from do-it-yourselfers as well.
His garage heating system passes the waste oil through a
filter, then on to a specially designed burner that is
environmentally certified. The waste oil is burned at
such a high temperature that complete combustion takes
place and no pollutants are exhausted into the
atmosphere. Talk about a win-win! That’s recycling at
its finest. (How’d you like to completely eliminate your
home heating bills?)
There’s something about a multi-generational family
owned business that inspires confidence. Customers can
be assured that they’re in it for the long haul. The
reputation they want to protect belongs to generations
past, present and future.
Steve
used the phrases “I’m proud of” or “ we take pride in”
numerous times during our relatively brief conversation.
(I use a recording device for my interviews so I was
able to count them.) I had a clear sense that his
expression of pride in his business and the service he
provides our community was genuine. We in the Fennville
Chamber use these terms too – particularly when we talk
about our local businesses such as the Fennville Tire
Center. |
