Customers count to these businesses

How many times have you said or heard, "there just aren't people in the business world who care about the customer anymore?" After experiencing a summer full of unforeseen catastrophes, my trust in the small business owner has been renewed.

My car would not start in a parking garage in Elmhurst. Even though it was almost closing time for Charley's Auto Service in Villa Park, they came to my rescue. Upon getting the car to start, George, the tow truck operator, insisted that he follow me home to make sure I got there safely without the car stalling out again.

Several days later, there was sewage back up in my laundry room at 9:30 at night. I searched frantically for a laundromat and found one in Villa Park. It was closing time for the owner of Foxy's Laundromat, but when she saw the panic on my face and desperation in my voice she very kindly kept the laundromat open so that I could wash my clothes.

I then began my search for a reliable plumber. After interviewing two and being told by one that he couldn't start for two weeks and the other that he would get back to me and never did, I contacted George, the Villa Park plumbing and sewer inspector, who was very helpful, and advised me to call Trusty Plumbing. The work was completed in three days. The employees working for this company are honest, hard-working people. They reflect the exceptional character of the owner, Andrius.

And so I continue on with my summer hoping that this will be the end of all emergency situations. Thank you again George at Charley's Auto Service, Foxy at the Villa Park Laundromat, and Andrius at Trusty Plumbing for helping me through some stressful moments with such sincere acts of unexpected kindness.

Pamela Hoehl

Villa Park