Burns Auto Celebrates 30 Years in Bay

Rick Burns greets 45-plus year family customer Charlene Vasarhely at Burns Auto.

Now celebrating 30 years in Bay, Rick Burns started working at Burns 76 in 1986. Today he is celebrating his 30th year at the corner of Wolf and Dover Center Roads.

“In 1986, gas was 79 cents a gallon. We offered full service at the pumps. We would fill your tank with gas, wash your windows and check under the hood,” recalls Rick. “If you were down a quart of oil we would put it in for you. After your tank was full we would also check the air in your tires.”

Today, you can still get that same old fashioned service at Burns. Just pull-up to the air hose and they will be happy to check your tire pressure and oil level, rain or shine!

Back in 1986, Rick’s dad was owner and Master Mechanic. “It was great to work and learn how to fix cars from my Dad. Not many people get to work with their father. It was an honor,” said Rick. “He taught me to show up every day and work hard. I try to pass down that tradition to our employees and new mechanics: Give everyone the best service possible.”

Here is a list of the Burns Top 10 Customers since 1986: 1. Frank Vasarhely – 44 Years; 2. The Ballentine Family – 30 Years; 3. The Borcherts– 30 Years; 4. Larry & Lynn Orrach – 30 Years; 5. Jim & Pam Barrett – 30 Years; 6. The Hoke Family – 20+ Years; 7. Stu Schroff – 15+ Years; 8. Colleen & Michael Harding – 15+ Years; 9. Sharon & Jim DePaul 17+ Years; 10. George McNulty – Many Years

“I love my job at Burns Auto. A lot of my customers are like family. I’ve worked on the parents cars and now the children’s cars (some I remember when they first came in car seats). Today, they are driving their own cars. Thank you to all our customers over the years and best wishes for 2016,” says Rick. “Health & Prosperity to all.”

Editor’s Note – Burns Auto first opened in 1971 in Parma Heights (Pearl & 130th) under the ownership of Rich Burns. The family added 3 more stations – 2 in Middleburg Heights and one in Cleveland and pumped gas for Mobil. In 1986 Burns, downsized to one single location at Wolf and Dover in Bay Village. Charlene’s dad, Frank, was a longtime customer and still stopped in to visit with Rich  and Rick after 45-plus years of friendship.