Name of business: Mark’s Place

Name of owner: Mark Kromer

Address of business: 2726 1/2 M-60, Niles

Date business opened: August 1995

How and why did you get into this line of work? High school auto shop and my dad

Describe your business: Auto, snowmobile, dirt bikes, ATVs — repairs, parts and services

What sets your business apart from similar ventures? My overhead is much lower than other shops, so I can charge whatever it takes to get the job. I am a one-man shop, so my customers are also my friends.

Who are your customers? People who want to be treated the old-fashioned way of doing business. They talk to me on the phone; I work on their cars; they deal with one person — the owner.

How does the future look? The auto repair business is tough. Look how many repair shops are in Niles. I’ve been here 18 years. I work with my customers on payment plans or even trade for work. No on does that anymore. I will beat any estimate, period.

Telephone number: (269) 683-7740

Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday by appointment